The Best Designer Bags Under $2,000
While $2,000 is definitely a lot of money to spend on a bag, in the luxury market that’s actually, not considered that much. Especially, when considering all the luxury price increases that happened this year. I’ve honestly, lost my count on how many there were! The harsh truth is that as bag prices go up, it becomes more and more difficult to find great bags under a certain price point.
I’ve decided to do some research and here I am with the list of the best designer bags under $2,000. Whether you are looking into buying your first ever designer bag or want to expand your existing handbag collection, in this blog post there is a bag for everyone!
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1. Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis ($1,980)
Originally released in 2012, over the years, the Pochette Metis has gained an undisputed status as one of the most sought-after bags ever created by Louis Vuitton. This bag is loved for its design, practicality and versatility. The satchel-like silhouette is absolutely timeless! The Pochette Metis features a flap opening with an S Lock closure. In addition to an attached top handle, the bag comes with an adjustable and fully detachable crossbody strap that lets you carry the bag multiple ways. On the inside, there are three inner compartments that allow for neat organization of your belongings. In addition, the bag features a back pocket that is large enough to accommodate an iPhone. Indeed, for its compact dimensions (the bag measures approx. 9.8 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches) the Pochette Metis is surprisingly spacious!
At the moment, the bag comes in three different materials: the classic LV Monogram Canvas, Reverse Monogram Canvas and Monogram Empreinte Leather. The Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis in classic Monogram canvas currently retails at just under $2,000. However, due to the bag’s immerse popularity, it’s quite difficult to find it in LV boutiques. So, if you really want to buy it, it might be a good idea to check out pre-loved sites like Fashionphile and theRealReal.
2. Saint Laurent Small Loulou Bag ($1,990)
Next in the list of the best designer bags under $2,000 comes the Saint Laurent Loulou. Named after Loulou de la Falaise, the long-time muse and friend of Yves Saint Laurent, the Loulou is one of the most popular bags from Saint Laurent. The style that became a classic ever since first released in 2017, the Loulou is loved for its soft, but at the same boxy silhouette. Like other classic YSL styles, the Loulou features a Y-quilted design completed with the iconic YSL Monogram logo which makes it unmistakably Saint Laurent.
Did you know that the Saint Laurent Loulou in Small is often getting compared to the Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap? Both bags are actually, quite similar in terms of capacity, but differ immensely in pricing. The Loulou is often being brought up as a less pricey alternative to the Classic Flap. Indeed, the Saint Laurent Small Loulou is a fantastic bag for its price ($1,990 as of Dec.2020). The Loulou Bag finds in four sizes: toy, small, medium and large. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the size of the Medium Loulou Bag. A lot of people find it too bulky and end up exchanging it for the smaller size – the Small Loulou.
According to multiple reviews, the Saint Laurent Small Loulou Bag is compact yet spacious enough to fit all the essentials. On the interior, a center zip pocket splits the bag into two separate compartments. The Small Loulou comes with a leather and chain strap which can be worn doubled or as is. The bag sits comfortably on the shoulder and crossbody. Moreover, bag’s compact frame makes it very easy to style. It looks good with pretty much everything from casual daytime looks to classy evening outfits. Looking for a go-to designer bag? Check out the Saint Laurent Small Loulou Bag!
3. Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Mini Bag ($1,890)
If I must choose just one bag from the Gucci that I believe is worth the investment, it would be the Dionysus. First introduced in Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2015 Collection, the Dionysus today is one of Gucci’s most popular handbags. The idea with the Dionysus bag was to combine the old and new Gucci, using brand’s rich heritage and modern ideas.
The Dionysus bag was named after the Greek God of agriculture, wine and pleasure – Dionysus. Today, the bag comes in an array of different styles. The Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Mini Bag is a structured bag made of the iconic Gucci GG Supreme Canvas. Without a doubt, the most standout feature of this bag is its buckle. The buckle features two tiger heads that symbolize Dionysus crossing the Tigris river on a tiger; a beautiful reference to Greek Mythology. The Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Mini Bag opens up to suede and canvas-lined interior. There is one main compartment. According to multiple reviews that I’ve seen online, it is pretty spacious. You can effortlessly fit in all of your essentials and even an LV Multi Pochette! How cool is that!? In addition, the bag features a pocket under the flap. This pocket isn’t that roomy, but you could definitely use it to store some slim items, like cards or cash.
The Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Mini Bag is often praised for its versatility. It comes with a sliding chain strap that allows you to wear the bag multiple ways. The bag translates perfectly from day to evening and looks equally amazing with casual and dressy outfits. Gucci GG Supreme Canvas are also extremely hard-wearing. So, be assured that this bag will stand the test of time. The Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Mini Bag currently retails for $1,890.
4. Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag ($1,900)
A luxury brand that has been all over the social media lately is Bottega Veneta. We must admit that over the last several seasons, the brand has spoilt us with some really amazing designs. Actually, Bottega Veneta’s recent creations have made me somewhat rediscover the brand. I’ve been obsessed with the Cassette Bag ever since it first came out. The Cassette Bag features an exaggerated iteration of the house signature Intrecciato weave. Constructed with strips of double-face nappa leather, the rectangular silhouette opens up to one main interior compartment with a zip pocket at the side. The bag features a magnetic closure and comes with a slim, adjustable shoulder strap. What’s so special about the Cassette Bag is that its shoulder strap folds into the bag, converting it into a chic clutch.
Ever since the Cassette Bag came out it became an immediate hit with fashion bloggers and celebrities. Initially, the bag was available in just one size. However, today the Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag exists in multiple styles and color variations. Recently, the bag has been released in padded leather, which is currently one of the biggest trends in fashion. While I really love the padded version of the Cassette bag, I also understand that it is very likely a trend piece. So, my personal choice falls on the “original” Cassette Bag, which is less trendy and more classic. The bag currently retails for $1,900 and you have an array of colors to choose from.
5. Balenciaga Hourglass Small Bag ($1,890)
When I think Balenciaga, the first bag that comes to my mind is their iconic City Bag. Stylish and bold, the Balenciaga City Bag is often spotted on street style lovers and influencers. However, everyone has put their beloved City bags back in the closets, when for Fall 2019, Balenciaga introduced their brand new style, the Hourglass Bag. The bag got its name from its unique curved shape which gives it an ultra-modern appeal. The Balenciaga Hourglass Bag is adorned with the brand’s signature B monogram logo. It comes with a top handle, as well as a detachable strap for a convenient shoulder or crossbody carry.
The bag is available in many different sizes and materials incl. the embossed croc leather. The Balenciaga Hourglass Bag in the Small size currently retails from $1,890. Big enough to fit your day-to-day essentials, the Hourglass Bag in Small is a perfect choice for everyday. The bag also comes available in even smaller version, the Balenciaga Hourglass XS. If you are a fan of mini bags, make sure to check it out. In my opinion, the Balenciaga Hourglass Bag has all the potential to stick around and become the new classic for the brand.
6. Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag ($1,950)
Is the Puzzle bag the Loewe’s version of the Chanel’s 2.55? Since its release in 2015, the Puzzle Bag became the iconic style for Loewe. When it comes to handbags, with every season it becomes harder and harder for brands to create something unique, a style that wouldn’t look like something that already exists. The Loewe Puzzle Bag stands out from the crowd! The shape of the bag is very different from your usual designer bag. The Loewe Puzzle bag features an innovative cuboid shape. What’s so special about the shape of the Puzzle bag is that is it both geometric and functional. Currently, the bag finds in four sizes: Mini, Small, Medium and Large. However, even the smallest iteration of the Loewe Puzzle Bag fits surprisingly a lot. Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag has enough room for all of your essentials and more. Furthermore, you can wear this bag many different ways. Remove the shoulder strap and carry it by the top handle. If you want your hands to be free, attach the strap back, and wear the bag over the shoulder or crossbody. The Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag currently retails at just under $2,000. Very few bags out there score high in both design and functionality. The Loewe Puzzle Bag is one of them. So, make sure to check it out!
7. Givenchy Antigona Mini Bag ($1,790)
First released in 2011, the Antigona is, without a doubt, the most iconic bag from Givenchy. The bag’s unique trapezoid shape is what makes it stand out. We love the Antigona for it’s clean lines and sleek aesthetic. This is why, for years, the bag has been considered one of the top choices when it comes to investment bags. You know I had to include the Givenchy Antigona Mini in the list of the best designer bags under $2,000!
Despite its compact appearance, this bag really holds a lot of stuff. In the Mini Antigona, you can securely carry all of your essentials incl. larger objects like an umbrella or a bottle of water. The bag features a zip closure, one main interior zip pocket and two patch pockets. Furthermore, the bag has a detachable strap which gives you an option to wear it multiple ways. While I do believe Givenchy Antigona Mini looks absolutely stunning when worn by its top handle, the bag also looks incredible when carried over the shoulder or crossbody.
The Antigona comes in a variety of materials, with the smooth leather (calfskin) and grained leather (goatskin) being the two most popular choices. The Givenchy Antigona Mini retails for $1,790. However, you might be able to get a deal on this bag. Retailers like SSENSE and Saks Fifth Avenue occasionally include the Givenchy Antigona in their sales! Moreover, Givenchy has just recently released a new iteration of the Antigona, the Givenchy Antigona Soft Bag, which is a more casual interpretation of the style.
8. Goyard Artois PM Tote ($1,725)
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know how I feel about the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. In short: I think it’s a great starter designer bag, but there are many better alternatives out there. I think one of the best alternatives to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the Goyard Artois Tote. Over decades, Goyard has earned a leading reputation when it comes to quality. Goyard bags have simple designs and are made to last. The Goyard Artois Tote is one of the brand’s most popular designs. The bag comes in two sizes: PM and MM. The Artois is a lightweight tote made from Goyard’s iconic Goyardine canvas. The bag has a structured silhouette with overstitched leather corners. Unlike the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, the Goyard Artois Tote features a zip top closure that provides extra security to your belongings. Long ogive-shaped handles allow for comfortable shoulder wear. Actually, the best thing about the Artois tote is that it comes in 11 colors! So, you have what to choose from! The Artois Tote in PM size retails for $1,725 (latest known price for classic colors).
However, getting your hands on a Goyard Artois or any other Goyard bag isn’t as easy as you might think. There aren’t that many Goyard boutiques. Also, the brand doesn’t advertise in any form and doesn’t post much information on their website. Usually, the easiest way to get your hands on a Goyard bag is through the pre-loved sites. If you are interested in purchasing the Artois Tote, or any other item from Goyard, I’d recommend you to check out Fashionphile and TheRealReal.
Would you add any of these bags to your collection? Let me know in the comments below!
