Who Cut the Cheese?: Designer Bags

I love purses! Forget diamonds... bags are a girl's best friend! Bags, bags, bags - baggity bags. It's music to my ears. Coach, Chanel, Dooney & Bourke, Louis Vuitton ... I love them all! Designer bags, "DBs" as I adoringly call them, more specifically are my passion. There's just one, not so small problem; I'm broke.

Oh DBs, why must you taunt me? With your perfect mixes of shiny leather and conservative flare... how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I have to say it's completely torturous. I want them, but they cost so darn much! It STINKS! I know I am not alone on this... all my friends have discussed our shared dilemma.

So, what's a skint girl to do? Well, I am here to tell you that there are a few pretty attractive options to lack of DB blues.

Numero uno: Ebay

Visit the site and you'll find navigation bars on the left, one labeled "Fashion". Within that label is a category for "Women's Handbags". You never know what's for sale here! New, barely used or decent, you can find a schmorgesboard of designer possibilities. Once you've found your perfect mommy bag, you might find the perfect daughter wallet to match...but beware.

Ebay can be a fickle friend and a messy sport. If bidding isn't your game and you can't camp out by your computer within the last hour of bidding, this option isn't for you. My advice is to wait until the last possible minute to bid, to keep the price as low as possible and lure your competition into a false sense of security. Ebay is a dirty business and designer bags are a serious trade. You got to fight for the rights to your dream purse; be prepared.

Numero dos: Bag, Borrow or Steal

I thank the first Sex and the City movie for this one. Bag, Borrow or Steal is a website where you can rent or buy designer products, particularly - you guessed it - handbags! Now, this option might be a little more expensive than the former. Unlike Ebay, where you pay once and the bag is yours, this option is more for all you DB addicts in need of a quick fix. Have a fancy engagement coming up and need to look your best? Hop on the computer and rent a bag for 1 week, or even a month. It's all up to you! It won't be yours and you might have to pay around $100, but your bag will arrive quickly and in mint condition. Plus, the over 3,000 styles are up to date, so you can always keep track of the latest trends. Join the website with a small monthly fee, and get credits towards your rentals!

Numero tres: Garage sales

This is without a doubt the cheapest option. Although, truth be told, it's the biggest pain of the three. Garage sales are usually full of useless crap, but if you look hard enough, you can always find diamonds in the rough. The key is to hit the sales early. Look for signs on street corners during weekdays, because the garage sales are usually on weekends. If it starts at 8 a.m., arrive at 7:30 a.m.! The last thing you want is to arrive at the peak of the sale and get into a verbal fight with someone who wants the same bag as you do. "I saw it first"! "No, I did"! Before you know it, a bidding war will ensue, and you might as well have saved the trip and gone to Ebay. Be stealthy and keep a watchful eye. Like my Gram always says, "When it comes to garage sales, you must be a warrior. Be on the prowl and stake your claim to what's yours". Words straight from the wise.

You might be able to walk away with a once $400 bag for an eighth of the price! Just one more tip, however. Bring a friend with an eye for spotting fakes. The last thing you want is to come home paying $50 for a counterfeit purse. Don't get tricked!

If I've learned anything, it's that DBs are expensive for a reason. They look and feel so much better than the rest... and that will co$t you. However, if you are savvy enough, you can work your way around the system.

I'll end this with my very own wish list item. If anyone spots the purse below on Ebay or another sale, let this DB addict know.