Mid-Level Designer Handbags Ranked

After working in the handbag department at Nordstrom, I’ve gained some useful knowledge about different designers and products. Today, I’m writing about mid-level designer handbags. By “mid level designer” I mean bags that were made by designers, but not high level designers, like Prada, Gucci, Fendi, etc. They are more of an entry level designer.

I’m ranking these mid-level designer bags by quality, style, and practicality. If you’re on the hunt, or just new to the world of handbags, I hope this helps!

AllSaints - 4.7/5

Picture sources from left to right: AllSaints, Pinterest, Pinterest

Quality: 5/5 - I have a couple AllSaints bags and I can’t get enough! I’ve had their fetch crossbody bags for a few years now and it still looks brand new. All of their products are real leather.

Style: 5/5 - Their vibe is edgy and chic and I am here. for. it.

Practicality: 4/ 5 - my phone is too big to fit in their crossbody bag. Granted, they made the bag before the iPhone 11 came out, but still. Other than that, their bags have plenty of space, pockets, and good closures.

Kate Spade - 3.7/5

Picture sources from left to right: Cosmopolitan, Makenzey Mae, Purse Blog

Quality: 4.5/5 - Kate Spade makes their bags with real leather, and they’re good quality. I’ve had very few customers return a Kate Spade bag because of quality.

Style: 2.5/5 - Personally, I just think Kate Spade is pretty basic (and a little dated). Some of the new designs are pretty good, but I really don’t want to be carrying a lobster bag. However, I do own a Kate Spade bag I found at Nordstrom Rack - it was square and burnt orange so I couldn’t pass it up!

Practicality: ⅘ - Kate Spade bags usually have pockets, slots, and great closures.

Longchamp - 4.2/5

Picture sources from left to right: Vogue, Pinterest, Vogue

Quality: 5/5 - Longchamp uses amazing materials and leathers. The le pliage bag is really great quality and will last forever. As for their leather bags, they’re so supple and buttery.

Style: 3.5/5 - The classic le pliage bag is a fine style for everyday. It’s not my favorite (again, it’s not my leather). However, they have some great styles in leather.

Practicality: 4/5 - Their bags are very practical and durable. However, they lack pockets. It’s usually just a big chasm once you open it up.

Madewell - 3/5

Picture sources from left to right: The Golden Girl Blog, Pinterest, Pinterest

Quality: 2.5/5 - Madewell uses real leather, however it is either scratched, or easily scratched. They say that their leather is supposed to be scratched - it leaves a unique design and journey for each person.

Style: ⅗ - If you’re looking for a minimal tote or crossbody, this is a great option. They aren’t leading the handbag world in innovation or design, though.

Practicality: 3.5/5 - Madewell bags don’t usually have top zippers or pockets, but they are usually big enough to hold all of your stuff.

Marc Jacobs - 4.3/5

Picture sources from left to right: Flaunt & Center Fashion Blog, Pinterest, Blog Lovin’

Quality: 5/5 - Only once have I ever had a customer who complained about the quality of a Marc Jacobs bag. I let her return it, and she had overstuffed it and even pulled a banana peel out of it. Needless to say, the bag falling apart was definitely her own fault.

Style: 5/5 - I love Marc Jacobs handbags! The style, the hardware, the colors - definitely a little out there and looks very high fashion.

Practicality: ⅗ - As beautiful as their bags are, they’re sometimes more for look than for function. Their crossbody bags are pretty tight, so it can be hard to fit even a phone in them. However, their bigger bags have plenty of room.

Rebecca Minkoff - 3.3/5

Picture sources from left to right: Pinterest, Stylista Esquire, Pinterest

Quality: ⅗ - Although Rebecca Minkoff uses real leather, her products look a little cheap to me.

Style: ⅗ - Minkoff’s styles are not too bad, however they seem to be knock offs of high designer bags.

Practicality: ⅘ - Her bag are pretty practical and good for everyday use.

Rag & Bone - 4.3/5

Picture sources from left to right: Pinterest, Elle, Pinterest

Quality: 5/5 - Rag & Bone uses great leathers and suedes for their bags, and if treated right, last a long time.

Style: 4.5/5 - I think most of their bags have great innovative styles.

Practicality: 3.5/5 - Most of their bags are pretty practical, but they always have a few bags that either don’t stay on your shoulder, are way too deep with no pockets, or can’t fit a phone.

Senreve - 4.3/5

Picture sources from left to right: Pinterest, Pinterest, The Primpy Sheep

Quality: ⅗ - Senreve uses great italian leather for their products (and sometimes even crocodile skin). All of their leather is scratch resistant, water resistant, and stain resistant. Um, score! However, the front latch of their bag is glued poorly and has a problem of detaching. Maybe they’ve fixed this since I’ve worked there, but for the price of the bag, that should not be happening.

Style: 5/5 - I love the style of Senreve bags. They’re cute, and come in different types of leathers and colors.

Practicality: 5/5 - Senreve is a great bag if you’re looking for something practical and stylish. You can wear their bags multiple different ways and there is plenty of room and pockets inside.