Today I wanted to share a good one with you: all the best dupes for the Bottega Veneta the Pouch Bag!
Why don’t I just buy the real deal?
Okay, quick note: I love my designer bags. My bank account, however? Not as thrilled. But as a mere mortal, I fall for the newest trendy IT bag like anyone else. Currently the hottest kid on the block is Bottega Veneta, with their striking lack of logos yet instantly recognizable designs. Where the brand used to feel a bit more “mature”, the intricate woven bags and slouchy perfection now feels like the most fresh new take on understated luxury.
But, and of course there is a but, however much I love the brand, my budget for designer goods is rather on the conservative side. Side note: is that even a reasonable term for talking about buying any such pricey non-essential items? When I spend that much on a bag, it has to have longevity beyond the trend, in the sense that it has to be a style, shape and color I will keep using way after the trend has passed. These new styles being nothing like I have ever owned (or seen) before, I am not shopping that price tag on impulse.
The Solution for the Savvy
Luckily for us with a more modest budget or just a taste for careful shopping, there are plenty of dupes going around! With so many fabulous alternatives popping up, you can find a dupe at any price point to test drive the trend. I have rounded up some of my favorites here!
All images are clickable!
I got this in a recent H&M haul (click here if you want to watch that). It is faux leather, but very inexpensive and reasonably roomy. If the straps annoy you (I found it a bit cheap feeling), just cut them off! It comes in black as well.
A big more expensive (but still fairly affordable) is this chain pouch bag from Mango. I love the detail of the chain, it makes the bag look so luxe! And this one looks to be a bit bigger as well. Faux leather, and you can get it in black too!
I love this cute clutch bag from ASOS. It has a zipper closure at the top and comes in a lot of different colors. It is faux leather, but stands at a nice price of £22. Click here for other colors: white, olive, black, brown.
Despite the reference to food, this bag is a serious dupe! You can also get this in two sizes and several colors; black, cream, brown, deep red and olice. Score! This larger size is on my wishlist now, it looks absolutely lush, judging by the glowing reviews left on the page.
This one is a bit on the pricier side, at $129, but it is real leather. And, confession, this is on the way home to me right now. I will let you know how I like it once I get it. But I love that it is so clearly inspired by the designer, yet it has still managed to look like its own thing, rather than the straight copy. Go Zara!
Have you been missing a leather strap in this mix? This one’s for you. This leather bag has the ruched detail, a short handle and a crossbody strap, making it the most versatile out of the bunch! I love this as a high quality dupe that is very much it’s own thing.
I had to include the real deal at the end – it certainly is beautiful and looks so lush. But if the $2700 price tag makes you cry, I hope you enjoy some of the fab dupes I have posted above! I definitely am.
What do you think about this style of bag, and would you buy a dupe for this?
