The Fashionista Next Door: Handbags Galore at TJ Maxx!!!

O-M-G I went to TJ Maxx today in search of a reasonably priced black satchel. I have been on the hunt for a good black satchel for the! longest. I really want a "Dr's Bag" style satchel but I can't seem to find one that I can afford. The less expensive versions I've found all have unwanted embellishments... studs, buckles, chains, blah! I want a simple structured black satchel... sheesh! I will say that I think I have fallen in love with the Sami Quilted Satchel on Handbag Heaven even with the chain strap and gold zippers. It's quite cute! Anyway, TJ Maxx was OVERFLOWING with fabulous designer bags.. Cynthia Rowley, Elliot Lucca, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, . I don't know their shipment schedule, but I don't think I've ever seen so many all at once. There's always a handful of super steals on designer bags in the $100 range, but there were bunches today. I snapped a picture of a couple super trendy animal print and faux fur bags. I walked around with this first one the whole time I shopped before I finally convinced myself that I couldn't afford it! LOL.

$99.99 - Umm, forgot who makes it, but it's FAB, leopard + pony hair + red accents + tassle + satchel = Made For Eboni

I need a red bag, but at $89.99 this one is not in the budget either!

Buttery leather Elliot Lucca bucket bag...FAB! $119.99

This one is not really my cup of tea but it's right on trend with the fur trim and stud detail. It as $99.99, I think??

Faux fur anything is all the rage, and this trend does not exclude handbags. This one was actually affordable at $34.99, but I kept my eyes on the prize and left it behind. There were a couple. If it's still there in a couple weeks I might snag it.

Another leopard bag, although it pales in comparison to the first one... I believe it was $79.99

At the end of the day I left with the two bags below, which I am actually very pleased with and combined they cost about $50. Most importantly, I got a new black bag which is what I was there for. It is not uncommon for me to get distracted by fun trendy stuff but I was determined to stick to my "list." (Grrrrr)

I didn't find a satchel, but I did find this really cute Nine West messenger style shoulder bag for $34.99. It is very, very cute, and I can detach the long strap and get a sorta kinda satchel vibe making it dual purpose. Win-win!

I also picked up this cute over-over-the-shoulder leopard print bag for $12. I was torn, but I through it over my shoulder and looked in the mirror...I couldn't leave it behind. It is actually very cute and has successfully appeased my appetite for a leopard bag for fall. I love leopard print...clearly! BUT it is a trendy piece, and as you all know, it's always best to buy inexpensive trendy pieces that you won't mind donating later. Anyway, I think I might be able to take a page from Budget Chic's book and change the strap on this lovely bag to take it to the next level. A gold chain strap might be cute? I have never done that type of DIY (or any DIY for that matter), but I might consider it. The strap is fine as-is, but who knows...