How did purses become so popular? Before the 14th century, they really didn’t exist. It all began as a tiny pouch that was made out of leather. Its main purpose was to enable the wearer to carry his or her coins conveniently and safely.

This original bag was constructed quite simply. Usually, it was just a round piece of fabric folded in half and sewn together. A thin leather strap was attached which could wrap around the purse to hold it closed.

There were some improvements in purses during the next few hundred years or so, but it was in the 1950s that a real shakeup occurred. During this time, designer purses emerged on the scene. High end accessories started appearing from well known designers such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

Nowadays, there are even more popular designers lending their names to these fashion accessories. Kate Spade, Prada, and Coach are among the most well known manufacturers of high quality designer purses.

It’s not difficult to understand their popularity, when every celebrity and star has one slung over her shoulder. Not only are they highly fashionable, they tend to make women feel more self confident knowing she’s carrying a designer purse.

Only the highest quality materials and best workmanship are used when creating designer purses. Since there is so much that goes into making a designer handbag, it’s hardly surprising to learn that they cost so much that an average person couldn’t hope to afford one.

If you decide that a designer handbag can fit in your budget, use caution when you’re shopping. There are a lot of unscrupulous vendors out there who will try and pass off a knock off as the real thing. Before you put down a thousand dollars or more on a purse, you need to know for sure that it’s authentic. Your best insurance is to shop only at a well known store or the designer outlet itself.

If your paycheck won’t stretch far enough to buy an original, then your best bet would be to look for a replica designer handbag. These are more affordable accessories that look very much like the original. However, you won’t enjoy the same fine craftsmanship and elegant details of the original. However, it’s really difficult to tell them apart unless you have a trained eye.

One thing hasn’t changed much in the history of women’s purses. Their main purpose is still to carry your money and other essentials in a convenient manner. Today, however, it’s not what’s in the purse, it’s what’s on the purse (the logo, that is). And that’s what makes the designer purse a must-have item on many women’s lists.