Women covet designer purses, but the stratospheric prices can be a problem.
Vintage versions of “label” handbags are so chic and often more affordable. Before you test your luck hitting up e-Bay, check out our favorite websites and places to snag legitimate vintage designer bags.
Online Sources
Although Portero sells new purses and jewelry, the vintage handbag selection at this online dealer will have you drooling. Recently praised by The Wall Street Journal, Portero’s products are all guaranteed authentic and priced quite fairly. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, Portero has a great return policy, too.
North Shore natives Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal created the Luxury Garage Sale website as a one-stop shop for authentic designer-vintage clothing and accessories. The impressive wall of vintage handbags features designers such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and Hermès. If you’re looking to consign your own designer pieces, Luxury Garage Sale takes the lowest commission of any consigner in the city. 1658 N. Wells St., Chicago, 312-291-9126
If you’re on the hunt for a rare color or style of designer bag, this is the place to look. Malleries has a constantly updated inventory of vintage purses and they often go quickly. The customer service is stellar.
Vintage handbags priced as low as $65 are sure to catch your eye at this online retailer. Francine Davis Ballard, a former fashion editor forInStyle, created Designer Social to sell gently used vintage accessories, both designer and unknown labels. This is a great website to visit if you’re looking for a unique purse to complete your look for a special occasion.
If you can’t get to Houston, you can shop The Vintage Contessa online. Although the amount of listings isn’t as substantial as other designer websites, the handbags for sale include styles you haven’t seen everywhere else. Donae and Rob Chramosta have a passion for vintage fashion, which is evident by the selection of luxury handbags they house.
Shop Vintage Locally
Vintage handbags can also be found for reasonable prices at these local gems:
Designer Consigner
940 Harlem Ave., Glenview
847-724-7900
On a recent stop-in, we spotted a ‘70s-style Gucci tote in good shape at a fair price. Designer Consigner is constantly updating their inventory, so you’ll want to check in frequently.
Heritage Trail Mall
410 Ridge Rd., Wilmette
847-256-6208
Items come and go quickly at this large antique and vintage mall, so if you see something, snag it! We scored a Judith Lieber evening bag on our last visit.
My Best Friend’s Closet
1780 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park
847-681-0002
Although this upscale consignment shop carries current styles, you will also find vintage designer handbags.