The Under-$1,000 Bags I’m Actually Buying Right Now

Shopping for preloved designer bags is my favorite sport.

Erika Veurink vintage bag
(Image credit: Erika Veurink)

Hi Marie Claire readers! I’m Erika Veurink, an author and founder of EV Salon who also writes the fashion Substack, Long Live. Welcome to my column, where we’ll be chatting about monthly fashion favorites.

There’s nothing like settling into my sofa, a cup of tea by my side, with nothing to do but browse a secondhand fashion site for a new handbag. I love how serendipitous the whole process feels. At its best, it’s a high of discovery and delight unmatched by any cold glass of champagne handed over by a sales associate in Soho. At its worst, it’s heartbreak and constantly refreshing the same eBay listing. The process feels magical, and in my mind, it’s way more fun than spending 3-4 times the price on something brand new.

I’ve been building my vintage purse collection since my 18th birthday, when I received a Louis Vuitton reporter bag—preloved, of course. So, claiming I’m a pro is hardly an overstatement. Here are 8 secondhand designer bags under $1000, perfect whether you’re shopping for your first big girl bag or just want to add to your collection without spending half your rent on a purse that doesn't even fit your iPhone.

Erika Veurink on her pre-loved handbags under $1000

“Vintage bag hunting is my favorite kind of magic—equal parts heartbreak, high, and pure serendipity.”

(Image credit: Erika Veurink)

Erika Veurink on her pre-loved handbags under $1000

"The process feels magical—and in my mind, way more fun than spending 3-4 times the price on something brand new."

(Image credit: Erika Veurink)

Erika Veurink on her pre-loved handbags under $1000

"At its best, it’s a high of discovery and delight unmatched by any cold glass of champagne handed over by a sales associate in Soho."

(Image credit: Erika Veurink)

Erika Veurink on her pre-loved handbags under $1000

"I’ve been building my vintage purse collection since my 18th birthday, when I received a Louis Vuitton reporter bag—preloved, of course."

(Image credit: Erika Veurink)
Erika Veurink
Writer and Brand Consultant

Erika Veurink is a writer and brand consultant. Based in Brooklyn by way of Iowa, Veurink holds an MFA from Bennington College and is a contributor to Vogue, New York Magazine, WSJ, GQ, and more. Veurink writes the popular Substack Long Live; she also founded EV Salon, an exclusive networking platform for women, and authored the novella Exit Lane.