3 Luxury Bags Under $750 That Are Better Than a Birkin
Quiet luxury, real craftsmanship, and bags that just make sense.
Some people collect perfumes or shoes.
For me, it’s handbags.
Having grown up thoroughly middle-class with minimal exposure to luxury goods, I didn’t plan to fall in love with them.
In fact, for most of my life, I walked around constantly carrying this unconscious heavy burden of insecurity, largely because I never knew how to properly dress myself.
With a 12 inch difference between my waist and hips, a breast reduction a few years ago, wild long crazy hair that can’t decide whether it’s wavy or curly or something in between, a smile so crooked that a doctor once just assumed I was in the hospital for a stroke, and a fairly muscular physique, my personal style has always as conflicted as I’ve felt about myself.
And that insecurity reverberated throughout my whole life. It affected how I showed up for myself across every facet of life.
Until last fall, when I finally decided a new chapter must begin: one where I invest time and resources into learning how to dress myself properly and designing my home.
And ultimately, after I bought my first designer bag, the Celine Medium Nino, last December, I was hooked.
That first purchase made me realize how much thought and care go into something as simple as what you carry every day.
And now I see handbags as more than accessories. Substitute handbags with watches or shoes or anything else, it doesn’t matter.
They’re small pieces of craftsmanship that can completely change how you feel when you walk out the door.
They’ll always carry the memories of who you were when you invested in the piece and what was happening at the time.
I dream of the day I get to pass these down to my daughters.
And since it’s that time of year when everyone’s looking for the perfect gift, I wanted to share a few that would make anyone’s wishlist or a treat for yourself.
How It Started
I got bullied a lot growing up and always struggled with low self-esteem.
I was an awkward, late-blooming “ugly duckling” who never felt comfortable in her own skin.
Clothes didn’t fit right, and I didn’t know how to dress myself in a way that made me feel good.
A few years ago, I had a breast reduction, and that changed everything.
For the first time, clothes actually fit, but I didn’t know how to style myself yet.
That experience ended up pushing me into skincare, which became a big part of rebuilding my confidence.
Back then I didn’t have much money, so I started small.
Amlactin was my go-to for exfoliating, microneedling (Banish is a great option) helped fade my scars, and retinoids became part of my nightly routine.
Those simple steps made a real difference.
They also made me curious about the science behind beauty, which is how I started blogging about cosmetic chemistry and skincare.
About a year ago, I looked in my closet and realized most of my clothes were over a decade old. My mom had bought them for me back then, and while she has great style, they didn’t feel like me.
That’s when I decided to start learning how to dress myself again.
It’s been a slow process, but I’ve fallen in love with design and all the small details that make something feel thoughtful.
When I visited Venice last year, I stayed on Murano Island because I wanted to see the glassmakers at work. I’ve always been drawn to craftsmanship, whether it’s in glass, skincare, or fashion.
That’s what led me to luxury handbags.
I think luxury makes sense when you’re paying for skill and materials, not just for a logo.
You won’t catch me carrying a Goyard tote or Gucci bag.
I like beautiful, well-made pieces that feel quiet but intentional.
So here are three handbags I’ve bought in the last year that I absolutely adore, wear constantly, and all cost under $1,000:
1. Verafied Cherry Red Shoulder Bag
This bag feels like something straight out of a vintage movie scene.
It’s structured, minimal, and a little mysterious.
The sleek baguette shape gives it that polished, old-money look, while the glossy finish and slim strap make it feel modern.
You can tell the design was inspired by vintage silhouettes, but it’s been updated in all the right ways with clean lines, a small gold buckle detail, and that deep cherry-red color that catches light without being too loud.
I bought this bag in patent red leather, and she’s stunning.
The color matches my Vince Camuto Sangetti boots in Mahogany, which pull more burgundy than brown in person, and she’s perfect for fall.
The only thing that bothers me a little is that the leather shoulder strap feels a touch flimsy, but since the bag costs under $250, I can’t complain too much.
The patent leather and gold hardware look way more expensive in person, and I like that the strap can be removed so it also works as a clutch. That’s how I typically wear it.
It’s practical and still feels polished enough for dinner or events.
It fits my phone, keys with wallet, lipstick, and even a pack of mints, but it doesn’t fit my Kindle.
Now, I’m a big bag girl. Not a big “bag girl,” but a “big bag” girl.
I like huge bags that carry everything, but those don’t work for nighttime (so I’ve learned!).
This one finally gives me a clutch option that still feels like me.
I also love that the patent leather doesn’t pick up fingerprints or oil from my hands too badly, which I was worried about at first.
It’s a small bag that makes a big statement, and I’ve been reaching for it all season.
2. The Demellier New York Tote
The Demellier New York Tote is one of those bags that quietly looks expensive.
The structure is clean and timeless, with the brand’s signature belted detail and soft pebbled leather that keeps its shape without feeling stiff.
The gold hardware adds a polished touch, and the roomy, cotton-lined interior makes it just as functional as it is beautiful.
The Demellier New York Tote I own is the large version, not the midi.
I don’t like the midi’s proportions, especially with the long strap. Sue me for crimes against fashion, I’ve always been a tote bag girl.
And I don’t do suede, so I went with the pebbled burgundy leather.
It’s not as sleek as smooth leather, but it’s more practical and holds up better. I use this bag every day, and it still looks amazing.
It fits everything: my laptop, Kindle, sweatshirt, notebooks, keys, phone, headphones, all of it. The only time it feels heavy is when I toss in my filled-to-the-brim knockoff 40-ounce Stanley cup from Amazon.
That’s not the bag’s fault, though. I just live in fear of dehydration.
It even fits under the seat on a plane, which makes it perfect for travel, though I still prefer my Away Bigger Carry-On and backpack combination for travel.
Though I’ve been eyeing the Coach Empire 48 as my next personal item.
Do I have a problem? Maybe.
The New York Tote is gorgeous, functional, and easy to carry.
The only thing some people might not love is the lack of pockets inside, but that doesn’t bother me.
After all, I’m a tote bag girl. It’s a lifestyle.
3. Coach Juliet 38
The Coach Juliet 38 is one of my most-used bags.
I’ve actually written about it before, but it deserves another mention.
I’ve stuffed it in my backpack, shoved it under the seat on planes, spilled things on it, and nearly scratched it a hundred times. Somehow, it still looks amazing.
It’s slouchy in the best way, with that upscale tote look I love. The black leather with gold hardware goes with everything. I can’t recommend this bag enough.
Like the Demellier, it doesn’t have much organization inside, just one small pocket, but that’s never bothered me.
I chose the Juliet over the Brooklyn 39 because the Brooklyn doesn’t have a zipper or hardware, which makes it more casual than I wanted.
The Juliet can be dressed up or down, which makes it more versatile.
I’ve taken it everywhere from errands to work meetings to conferences, and it’s perfect for all of it.
The only reason I bought the Demelier too is because sometimes I need something bigger and more structured.
The Juliet doesn’t fit my laptop as easily as I’d like.
My 13-inch MacBook technically fits, but it’s a tight squeeze.
Even with all that, the Juliet still feels timeless. It’s the kind of bag that makes you look polished without even trying.
Final Thoughts
The deep burgundy tones of the Verafied and Demellier have become my fall color palette, especially paired with those matching boots.
The black and gold from the Coach Juliet grounds everything and gives it that classic, timeless feel.
Each of these bags represents a small part of my journey with style and confidence.
From figuring out skincare on a budget to learning how to dress my body, to finally choosing pieces that feel like me.
If you are still looking for a Christmas gift, any of these would be a beautiful choice.
You can give one to someone special or treat yourself instead.
They are timeless, well made, and built to last.
Cheers,