Do designer bags have to come with mega-attitude?

I love designer accessories as much as the next girl, but the prices invariably make me queasy, and the shops where they’re sold scare the bejesus out of me.

You know the kind – like a long marble hallway with three handbags in glass cases at the very end. There’s always a terrifying lady watching as you approach and you’re never sure if she’s a salesperson or very well-dressed security.

‘Can I help you?’ she asks loftily, and you know she’s trying to suppress either a giggle or a sneer. Not that it matters. I can’t afford the bags in the glass boxes. She knows it, I know it. Clearly I have no business even looking.

I do own a designer bag. It’s a hot pink Marc Jacobs satchel. It is delicious. I use it for important meetings (ie those not followed up with a whip round the supermarket) and whenever I’m seeing my sisters.

It’s important to note that it’s a MARC Jacobs bag, not a MARK Jacobs bags as seen by my friend Laura at a market in Bali.

I have no idea how much my pink satchel cost. It was a gift from my husband, bought when he was on a business trip to New York and feeling guilty about leaving me with three kids, all with hand foot and mouth disease. Fair enough too. Whatever it cost, I deserved it. No doubt it cost more than I would have paid, but I love the bag and I know it’s a bit special. I’ve got no interest in carrying a fake, even if the designer’s name was spelled correctly.

So it was interesting to hear about Reebonz.com. It’s a website that offers members access to genuine designer accessories at up to 70% off.

Not knowing much about such things, I showed Reebonz.com to my sister Janey (five years living in Las Vegas has left her with HDSP – Highly Developed Shoppers’ Perception) – she knows a bargain Burberry when she sees one.

‘That’s gooood!’ she said, pointing to a Balenciaga tote, ‘If you’re in the market for a Balenciaga tote, that is. Plus, there’s free shipping and no customs.’ Since her return to Australia, Janey’s become as adept at shopping online as she was in a Vegas outlet.

Because the products at Reebonz.com are the real deal, they are still not what anyone would call ‘cheap’ but that’s just the point of designer accessories, I guess.

But the best part is – you can spend hours exploring Reebonz.com without even one raised eyebrow from a scary salesperson.

Reebonz is welcoming Mamamia readers with 50 credits on their first purchase (about AUD $38). Just click on this link and be careful not to drool on your keyboard.

Flick through the gallery below to check out just some of the bags available on the Reebonz website:

What’s the most special accessory you’ve ever bought? Do you feel guilty or happy you bought it?

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