Let your purse-onality be your guide

Elly Brown

Sunday, June 11, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Who hasn’t stared in admiration at a photo of a carefree-looking blogger and her new Chloe Faye handbag, romping around in stylish flats like she owns the internet? The bag would look good whether she wore distressed jeans or a boho onesie, or a burlap sack for that matter.

That kind of fashion win comes at a cost. In a world of Housewives and Kardashians flaunting the latest Hermès, #HandBagEnvy is real. But there are plenty of ways to up your purse game without killing your bankroll. And if you thoughtfully track down a bag that will pass the test of time, you are officially winning.

You may be aware that “fast fashion” is horrible for the environment, but that skinny price tag often represents dangerous working conditions as well. Try to buy the best-quality product you can afford — a bag you love and are excited about — and take great care of it, as opposed to crowding your closet with junk that falls apart quickly. The world thanks you.

What best describes what you’re looking for?

• 

  Chanel glossy caviar cross-body from Closet Couture, $1,950

  LUXURY BRANDS. HOW CAN I SNAG A REASONABLE PRADA?

  

  Carlos Falchi python hobo from The RealReal, $345

  How much time do you have to search for the perfect purse?

  

  Gucci GG Supreme Blooms Dionysus mini shoulder bag from Bag Borrow or Steal, $125 per month

  Not much. Make it easy for me.

  ONLINE CONSIGNMENT: You can spend as much or as little time as you like plugging in search words and tracking down your idea of perfection. Sites such as therealreal.com will feed the need, and often carry fancy designer duds. Check back every few days, as inventory turns over frequently.

  I’ve got time. Let’s do this.

  LOCAL CONSIGNMENT: If you have a few hours to go on a treasure hunt, you could find gold at places like ReFinery Celebrity Resale Boutique (3460 E. Sunset Road), or Closet Couture (3650 S. Jones Blvd.) for higher-end handbags. You’ll have to consider the construction and the condition when investing in anything secondhand, but you might just end up with your dream brand.

  BAG BORROW OR STEAL: Can’t decide? Why not rent? Just like leasing a car, you can have the latest and the hottest without making a permanent decision. Or audition as many as you like before taking the plunge on an investment piece.

• 

  Furla Metropolis Bag, $298

  DEPENDABILITY. UNIQUE AND WELL-MADE.

  Are you a 1-click internet shopper, or do you like to visit stores in person?

  In person. I have to see and feel it for myself.

  FURLA: This trustworthy Italian brand offers a classic and compact silhouette in its Metropolis Bag, which comes in playful patterns and solid colors from electric red to khaki. The My PlayFurla option has interchangeable flaps to allow many eye-catching purses in one. Transitioning from day to night was never easier. Dillard’s inside Fashion Show mall carries the Metropolis, and if you're looking for steals on last season's styles, check out the Furla outpost at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.

  Internet all the way!

  MON PURSE: Be prepared to spend some money, but you’ll end up with a piece that fits your exact specifications. If you want something one-of-a-kind, it’s nice to let this website do the heavy lifting.

• 

  Leather Couture by Jessica Galindo camel fringe dagger clutch, $249

  ONE OF A KIND. I DON'T WANT TO CARRY THE SAME BAG AS SOMEONE ELSE.

  Are you a crafty cat?

  Yes. I have an entire button collection.

  

  Vintage-style Gladstone handbag from Etsy shop MadeOfCarpet, $134

  DIY EMBELLISHMENTS: Grab your pliers and a cute bag with a sturdy frame. There are tutorials online for adding just about anything — fabric, feathers, jewels, chains, scarves, lace, buttons, patches, tassels, coin purses, key fobs, guitar straps and permanent stickers. Locally, the Ribbon Store is a great place to go for lace, vintage buttons and inspiration.

  No. I don’t even own scissors.

  ETSY: The selection on Etsy is incredible, with a slew of designers working in every medium under the sun. Plug in your specs and away you go: vegan leather, handmade crochet items, or a stunning art creation made from a vintage bag — whatever your heart desires.

  SHOP LOCALLY FOR A CUSTOM BAG: Designer Jessica Galindo exemplifies handcrafted local fashion with her edgy, unique pieces. Visit her Instagram or boutique (Suite 180 at Downtown Summerlin) to set up an appointment — dagger-detailed accessories are totally modern and fun.