I noticed that several labels were mentioned lately for purchasing handbags made in France. I would love to have a Brighton handbag (or Coach); would they also be less expensive in Paris than in the USA? Where is the best area to check out these name brands?

Generally, the country where they're made is the cheapest place to buy them; I don't know about Brighton, but think that Coach is made here in US? I may be mistaken, but can't imagine that they are less expensive in France. As to where you might find them, perhaps Galeries Lafayette or duty free shops. I'd make sure I knew the price in US (or wherever you're from) before I'd buy them in another country. If you live in US, the big outlet malls often have Coach stores where the prices are somewhat lower than dept. stores.<BR><BR>The 2 labels that have been mentioned recently are Longchamps and Herve Chapelier; they are made in France and are less expensive there than in US. <BR>

What does a Herve Chapelier handbag look like? I've seen the name mentioned a few times. Are they mostly leathers, colors,fabric, unique shapes? <BR>I was in a store in my city last week & saw a few bags from France. The owner of the store told me they were 'the latest'. It was a bag that you could turn inside out & then have a new color & fabric/material. You could also then change the shape of it. It was wonderful but the price was US $100. She said they would be marked down to $80 soon. Does this bag sound familiar to anyone?<BR>What does the Harve Chapelier cost in US & in France? Could I find either one of these handbags in NY Chinatown?

http://www.herve-chapelier.com/

One Herve Chapelier bag that I bought in Paris last week cost 55 euro; since I spent over 175 euro in the store, I will get back 13% for detaxe, making that bag cost about 48 euro--around $45-46. The exact bag in Pgh. goes for $75, plus 7% tax, or ~$80, total.

Buying American-made handbags (like coach) in France is not a good idea because you'll pay way more than you would if you bought it in the USA. Herve bags are ugly and they remind me of le Sport Sac bags. The light colors get filthy in no time. Who cares if something is "in style" if the item is ugly? Check Paris department stores for your best options. If you carry a purse in France, make sure the strap is long enough so you can wear it over your head and across your chest so your arms are free. It should also close with fastener. The open top bags are too tempting to thieves.

If you want to buy a coach bag inexpensively, stick with a coach outlet, at literally every outlet mall in the states.

bags: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.