Handbags: Online Authorized Retailers

Balenciaga - Authorized Retailers 

Balenciaga NY

This is the official website for Balenciaga. While you are not able to purchase the bags online, you can view styles and colors for the current season. You can also contact Bal-NY directly via their contact information. The store does not accept returns (except for damaged merchandise), but offers store credit within 14 days of shipment arrival.

List of Authorized International Retailers

Traveling to another country, or just unsure where to buy Balenciaga bags in your own country? Here's a list of international Balenciaga retailers with their phone numbers.

Aloha Rag

This high end boutique located in HI stocks Balenciaga moto bags, and also maintains a waiting list for the next season's colors. While you cannot buy the bags online (must fax in your order), free shipping, ability to make a return (with a restocking fee) and no sales tax makes this an excellent retailer. And Jumpei is one of the best SA's around.

Bluefly

Recently, Bluefly has had several confirmed FAKE Balenciaga handbags in classique, city classique, and possibly other styles available for sale. When confronted with evidence, Bluefly refused to accept responsibility for the matter, refused to issue a FULL REFUND (i.e., shipping charges were not refunded) and insisted that the bags were authentic.

Shame on you, Bluefly. So Bluefly is definitely NOT an authorized retailer, and I strongly recommend against shopping with them.

Browns UK

Located in the UK, Browns is a high end department store that also sells Balenciaga moto bags. You cannot buy the bags online through traditional point and click methods (Balenciaga does not allow this for any online shops), there are pictures available of new colors for the season.

Cricket DesignerWear

This brick and mortar store in Liverpool UK, a favorite among footballer wives/girlfriends, also has Balenciaga bags for sale.

Cult Status Australia

Located in Australia, this high end boutique carries Balenciaga bags with pictures available of the bags online.

Gretta Luxe

Although this high end boutique's website does not offer any Balenciaga bags, the brick and mortar store in Wellesley, MA has some stock. So it is a good alternative when the other shops are sold out.

Jeffrey's

This family run high end shoe boutique (formerly known as Bob Ellis Shoes) located in Atlanta, GA also stocks Balenciaga bags (among other high end designer bags). However, you must complete the purchase offline in accordance with Balenciaga's policies.

Luisa via Roma

This high end boutique located in the EU offers a great select of high end designer handbags, including Balenciaga bags. Although pictures of the bags are not readily available on the website, their CS will gladly email you a PDF of all the available bags.

Shirise

Located in the suburbs of Chicago, Shirise offers Balenciaga moto bags for sale offline. Recently, Balenciaga SS 06 handbags went for 30% and then 50% sale, so it's good to sign up for their email newsletter, and keep their number on your speed dial.

Chloe - Authorized Retailers 

Chloe

This is the link to the official Chloe website. Although you cannot purchase the bags directly online, this site has pictures of all the bags available for a given season, making it an indispensable resource.

Aloha Rag

This high end boutique located in Hawaii carries Chloe handbags online. If you don't see a bag on the site, or would like to waitlist for a bag, you can always email the wonderful SA Jumpei.

Bergdorf Goodman

This department store giant offers Chloe handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags). It sometimes has different selection than Neiman Marcus, so check both when searching for a bag.

Bluefly

Recently, Bluefly has had several confirmed FAKE Chloe handbags in paddington satchel, hobo, and possibly other styles available for sale. When confronted with evidence, Bluefly refused to accept responsibility for the matter, refused to issue a FULL REFUND (i.e., shipping charges were not refunded) and insisted that the bags were authentic.

Shame on you, Bluefly. So Bluefly is definitely NOT an authorized retailer, and I strongly recommend against shopping with them.

Cricket DesignerWear

This brick and mortar store in Liverpool UK, a favorite among footballer wives/girlfriends, also has Chloe Paddington and Silverado bags for sale.

Helen Yi

This high end boutique in Chicago carries an extensive amount of Chloe handbags and clothes. Last time I checked, they had the Paddington, Silverado, Betty, and Edith (though the Edith sold out quickly) all available. While you cannot order online yet, the SA's are very helpful.

Luisa via Roma

For shoppers located in the US, LVR may be the cheapest source as far as authorized retailers of Chloe go. Not only do you receive a 17.5% VAT refund, but you also don't pay as much in customs fees as you do with Net-a-Porter. Along with a great selection of handbags, there is also the option to pre-order, guaranteeing that "IT" bag you've been eyeing. The only drawback to pre-ordering is that your credit card is charged once the bag comes in or after 20 days, whichever comes first. So you may end up with a credit card charge a month or two before you receive the bag.

Neiman Marcus

This department store giant offers Chloe handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags).

Net-a-Porter

One of the few authorized online retailers of Chloe handbags and based in the UK, net-a-porter.com also maintains waiting lists for the bags, and offers prices with built in duty (no more guess work on how much the bag is actually going to cost you when it goes through customs).

Fendi - Authorized Retailers 

Fendi

Fendi has finally updated their official website. It only has pics from their F/W 06 advertising campaign, and links for US buyers to go to eluxury.com, the only authorized LVHM online shopping site.

Amazon

Among the first e-commerce sites for books, Amazon has expanded its wares to include a vast selection for the home consumer (even handbags and wallets). Although Amazon used to sell authentic Fendi wallets, the latest batch of "Fendi spies" are such obvious, bad fakes that you can smell the stink coming off of them from a mile away. So now Amazon is on the do-not-buy from list.

Bluefly

This online store was among the first e-commerce sites dedicated to clothing and accessories. Most of the older Fendi styles are available, including the vanity bags, and occassionally a Spy will pop up.

Even those these bags have checked out as authentic, I would be wary about doing business with Bluefly given their lack of culpability with the recent fake Balenciaga and Chloe fiasco (full refunds were not issued and responsibility not taken by Bluefly reps).

Barney's NY

Barney's NY now offers Fendi handbags online. So get the coveted Spy, B. Fendi, Bis Bag, and Bag du Jour before they sell-out.

Bergdorf Goodman

This department store giant offers Fendi handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags). It sometimes has different selection than Neiman Marcus, so check both when searching for a bag.

Browns UK

Located in the UK, Browns is a high end department store that sells Fendi bags online. Check frequently because they tend to sell out quickly.

Eluxury

This website operated by the LVHM group also sells Fendi handbags: Spy, Selleria, and IT bags.

Neiman Marcus

This department store giant offers Fendi handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags).

Saks Fifth Avenue

This famous department store allows purchase of Fendi bags online. Although there is a smaller selection online than the NM or BG websites, frequent 10% coupons make it worth your while. Plus there is frequently an option to pre-order "IT" handbags such as the Spy.

Styledrops

Located in Italy, the Fendi handbags have been confirmed to be authentic by several of my friends and reliable sources. Although returns are accepted, beware of the 10% restocking fee that is charged for each return.

Marc Jacobs - Authorized Retailers 

Barney's NY

Purchase MJ handbags online at the famous high end luxury department store website.

Bergdorf Goodman

This department store giant offers MJ handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags). It sometimes has different selection than Neiman Marcus, so check both when searching for a bag.

Bloomingdales

One of the only high end designer lines that Bloomingdales.com carries is Marc Jacobs.

Blue Bee Online

The brick and mortar store is in Santa Barbara, CA, but a great online website gives shoppers worldwide the option to purchase MJ handbags.

Browns UK

Located in the UK, Browns is a high end department store that sells MJ handbags.

Eluxury

This website operated by the LVHM group sells MJ handbags.

Jefferys/Bob Ellis Shoes

This family run high end shoe boutique (formerly known as Bob Ellis Shoes) located in Atlanta, GA also stocks MJ bags (among other high end designer bags).

Luisa via Roma

For US readers, LVR may be a cheap source for MJ (make sure to do some calculations to check). Not only do you receive a 17.5% VAT refund, but you also don't pay as much in customs fees as you do with Net-a-Porter. Along with a great selection of handbags, there is also the option to pre-order, guaranteeing that "IT" bag you've been eyeing. The only drawback to pre-ordering is that your credit card is charged once the bag comes in or after 20 days, whichever comes first. So you may end up with a credit card charge a month or two before you receive the bag.

Neiman Marcus

This department store giant offers Chloe handbags to purchase online (and frequently with the pre-order option for elusive "IT" bags). It also has great sales twice a year.

Net-a-porter

For our international readers, Net-a-porter sells MJ handbags with little fuss (you pre-pay all your duty fees). If you are interested in pre-ordering, simply email Lucie at specialorders@net-a-porter.com.

Nordstrom

Known for their impeccable customer service and great sales, Nordstrom carries MJ handbags.

The Purse Store

With two locations in the Baltimore and Bethesda, MD area, the Purse Store is doing excellent business. Use the code FREESHIP to get free shipping with orders over $200.

Ron Herman

The famous brick and mortar store that the starlets shop at is located in CA, but now the website makes open for business nationwide. MJ handbags available for purchase online.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Purchase MJ bags online. Smaller selection online than the NM or BG websites, but frequent 10% coupons make it worth your while.

Scoop NYC

Another good option for MJ handbags, this boutique has several brick and mortar locations (one recently opened up in Chicago).

Shirise

Located in the Chicago suburbs, this high end boutique specializes in designer women's shoes, but also sells a great selection of designer handbags, including MJ.

Shop Twigs

Located in Madison, WI, Shop Twigs offers free shipping on orders over $150! So it's a great place to look for MJ handbags.

Zoe

Located in Princeton, NJ and Brooklyn, NYC, this fabulous online shopping site sells both Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags. Accepts full price returns if request is made within 7 days of receiving of goods (however, check the website for the most up-to-date return policy).

Department Stores 

Authorized Retailers of Authentic Designer Handbags

Barney's NY

Purchase Lanvin, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Devi Kroell, Sissi Rossi, and Henry Cuir handbags online. Limited supplies of Balenciaga bags at select Barney's: call around for more information.

Bergdorf Goodman

Owned by the same company as Neiman Marcus, you can purchase a similar selection as on the www.neimanmarcus.com site, but Fendi handbags are not available through BG.com for some reason.

Bloomingdales

Purchase Marc Jacobs handbags online. Limited supplies of Balenciaga bags at select Bloomies stores: call around for more information.

Eluxury

Eluxury is owned by the LVHM group, and is the only authorized online retailer of Louis Vuitton handbags. Purchase Fendi spy, Dior saddle, Dior Detective, and Celine boogie bags online.

Macy's

Very limited selection of premier designer handbags online; mostly lower end designer handbags catering to a younger crowd such as BCBG girls, Calvin Klein, Dooney & Burke, Frye, MICHAEL Michael Kors.

Neiman Marcus

Purchase Chloe silverado, Chloe paddington, Fendi Spy, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and YSL bags online. Limited supplies of Balenciaga bags at select NM stores: call around for more information.

Nordstrom

Purchase authentic Marc Jacobs handbags online.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Purchase Fendi spy bags online. Smaller selection online than the NM or BG websites, but frequent 10% coupons make it worth your while. Limited supplies of Balenciaga bags at select Saks stores: call around for more information.

Designer Website Directory 

Some of these websites only display photos, while others allow online shopping.

Aaneta

A new designer line. The gray Cleopatra bag is a particular favorite of mine.

Alexandra Knight

Beautiful bespoke crocodile and other exotic leather handbags in the most luscious of colors.

Ananas

Fabulous, metallic leather bags (metallic leathers will still be hot for S/S 2006), and non-leather bags made of the natural fiber abaca (vegan alternative).

Anya Hindmarch

Known for the exclusive Ebury bespoke bag (personalized inscription on the inside of the bag) and photo-graphic bags.

Balenciaga

Nicholas G is the designer of the famous Motorcycle handbag line favored by celebrities (many of whom collect them in various styles and colors). Releases new colors each season, while retiring the previous seasons colors, making them highly collectible and covetable.

BE & D

A new designer line which is a favorite among celebrities.

Bells and Whistles

Gorgeous, affordable leather clutch and hobo bags.

Billy Bag

UK based designer of whimsical, affordable bags in leather and canvas.

bocUe

Chicago based designer of leather handbags in vibrant colors and unique designs.

Botkier

A relatively new designer line which is a favorite among celebrities. Online shopping (with bags that go on sale) available.

Bottega Veneta

Tomas Maier's re-envisioning of the this designer line has produced beautiful leather and exotic leather bags of the highest quality. The leather texture is like butter, and the woven handbags are all handmade, displaying high craftsmanship. Select handbags available in their online shop.

Bulga

A new designer line which is a favorite among celebrities.

Burberry

Website for the Burberry and Burberry Prorsum handbag lines. Online shopping options available.

Chanel

Not one of the most user-friendly websites, but one of the few places to see new Chanel handbags.

Chloe

Phoebe Philo is the designer of the famous Silverado and Paddington handbag lines favored by celebrities. Some consider the Paddington to be the "IT" bag of 2005.

Dulce

Leather handbags with unique designs.

Dylan & Dillion

Adorable, original silk-screened designs by a two sister team.

Freitag

Interesting concept: highly customizable messanger style bags made from the recycled advertisement tarps on semi-trucks. Vegan and environmentally friendly.

Grace Glorieux

Hand-tailored fabric frame bags with many color and size choices.

Gucci

The line that Tom Ford revived in the late 90's allows you to browse their classic and seasonal handbags, and purchase online.

Hermes

The Birkin (named after Jane Birkin) and Kelly (named after Grace Kelly) are the holy grails for some handbag enthusiasts. While the waiting lists are literally years long, you can pick up some small personal accessories and scarves on their site.

Isabella Fiore

Either you love or hate her over-the-top handbag designs.

Katie Beane

Cute and affordable handmade fabric bags.

Kissy Cake

Cute and affordable handmade fabric totes with adorable animal appliques on the outside.

Lorelei

Stylish and affordable handbags of various designs. I especially like her clutch bags.

Lulu Guinness

The whimsical designs are not suitable for all occasions, but are memorable eyecandy in more casual environments.

Margaret Nicole

The most adorable knitted and cable knitted clutches and bags. Very affordable and vegan friendly.

Matt & Nat

Designers of stylish vegan handbags.

Miyo Designs

Looking for cute, affordable, fabric (vegan friendly) handbags, clutches, and other accessories? This site has them all with really fresh and clean designs.

Mulberry

UK designer known for craftsmanship and classic designs. The Roxanne and Phoebe bags have been huge hits recently. While these leather bags are known to be heavy, they are designed to last a lifetime.

Ryan Green

Indie designer of affordable, stylish bags.

Sarah Marr - Equestrian inspired bags

Colorful silks in high equestrian fashion, these handbags are cute, perfect for a horse lover or Derby time, and a great vegan option.

Sojourn

Design your own handbags, or choose among many ready-made designs.

Stori Sac

Korean designer of very unique and beautiful silk handbags.

Tart Industries

Indie designer of affordable, stylish bags. I especially like the top frame bags with vintage handles. Be sure to check out the limited edition bags.

Toast

Designer of one of the newest handbag styles in the past two years, the Side Car, these bags are gorgeous and unique.

Tano Handbags

Not very well-known, but unique and beautiful designs in high quality leather.

Tylie Malibu

Youthful, affordable leather handbags in a variety of colors.

Yomo NY

Beautiful knit handbags and scarves made of silk or Yomo's signature Kemuri wool/silk waterproof blend.

Jimmy Choo

Even if you live in fashion Siberia, you can now get your hands on the fabulous Ramona, Maddy, and Clare handbags directly from the Jimmy Choo online boutique (along with a pair of to-die-for shoes, of course).

Online Boutique Directory 

Active Endeavors

There's a great brick and mortar store in Chicago, IL that carries some of the hippest, cult handbags. It's Active Endeavors, and the store also maintains a great website. Check reesycakes.com for the latest online promotional codes because there's almost always some.

JC Madison

Finally, a sponsor of Squidoo that sells authentic handbags. If you're looking for handbags from up-and-coming designers such as Andrea Bruckner, Be & D, Botkier, Bulga, Kooba (the list goes on and on), then this is the site for you. To get 10% off, at checkout, use the code: toutie.