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HANDBAGS

USED CARS HISTORY > SHOPPING MALL > HANDBAGS

Handbags Stores in San Francisco Bay Area

BORSA FINE LEATHERS

Great Mall of the Bay Area/ Milpitas.

(408) 263-9867. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

Borsa was created by an Italian manufacturer as a store name because the manufacturer was reluctant to draw too much attention to the label on its leather goods, which are well known in Europe and Japan. In the United States much of what it makes is sold under private label by other well-known companies or designers. The label Castello may not be a household word, but that takes nothing away from the very fine quality of all of its leather handbags, wallets, and professional cases. Made to the company's specifications in China from Italian top-grain leathers, the line is very European in style and definitely classy. Prices on its handbags generally range from $100 to $200 at discount; small leather goods and wallets from $9 to $50; and document cases/totes from $200 to $300. Other better quality and fine handbag lines are also carried: Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne,
Perlina, Valentine, Romeo (from Italy), and others are discounted at least 20% off-and usually more.
Look for designated weekly specials of another 20% off. Returns and refunds up to five days, returns up to fourteen days. Close to the Airplane Court entrance at the mall.

THE COACH STORE

St. Helena Premium Outlets, St. Helena.

(707) 963-7272. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: street. (Other store: Carmel.)

At Coach stores, everything is "value priced," 20-50 % off retail. The leathers may have surface flaws, but usually the merchandise is simply discontinued. Travelers might consider its leather duffels, carry-ons, and totes. Men should stop in for an executive case, belt, wallet, or travel kit, and examine its handsome line of ties. Ladies will naturally zero in on the handbags that constitute about 75% of the store's overall selection. Anything made by Coach might be available, including pocket diaries or organizers. Prices average 26 % off original retail; 50% discounts can be found on the special sale tables. All merchandise bears a discreet mark inside noting that the item was purchased from a Coach value-priced store. This should not deter you from buying any item as a gift.

GLASER DESIGNS

2 Oil's Street (at S. Van Ness and Mission), San Francisco.

(415) 552-3188. M-F 9:30-5:30, Sat Noon-5. MC, VISA. Parking: street/pay lot off Brady Alley.

The emphasis here is on high-end, long-lasting handmade travel gear that costs a lot, but less than comparable lines sold in status stores. Glaser's handsome travel and custom-finished leather/fabric garment and stadium bags cost $500 to $700; packing cases are in the $400 to $500 range. Customers have inspired innovations like the "insiders"—stretch-proof nylon mesh containers to organize travel goods. Business travelers also appreciate its Traveler's briefcases, which double as computer bags ($700 to $800). Garment bags are designed to "stand" when folded so that they won't collapse on your garments. You'll find a few seconds year-round, but most customers are willing to pay premium prices for the regular merchandise and feel the quality/price/value ratio is reasonable.

HANDBAG FACTORY OUTLET

2100 Fifth Street, Berkeley.

(510) 843-6022. M-F 8:30-5, Sat 10-4:30. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

You'll bag some great buys here, even though the prices are not cheap. This anonymous outfit manufactures a moderate- to high-priced line (retail $36 to $200). The handbags have casual inclinations, but they're classy enough for executive dressing. You'll find discontinued items, samples, and seconds with minor flaws for 30-60 % off retail. All its bags are made from superior-grade leathers. You'll have your choice of style with compartments and pockets. Expect to spend about $80 for a midsized bag. The color range is very good, with all the basics and some fashion hues. Fanny packs, backpacks, and wallets are also popular here; the wallets and belts at discount are from other manufacturers.

HCL HANDBAG AND LEATHER GOODS OUTLET

1111 East Francisco Boulevard, Suite B, San Rafael.

(415) 458-8228. M-F 10-4. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

If you have no qualms about spending over $100, $200, or $400 for a memorable status handbag, at 40-60 off original retails, you'll have a field day here. HCL, a European-based company, makes a status, high-end, and expensive line of handbags, small leather goods, and luggage. Handbags most often sell "under the glass" at status stores. Discontinued styles and colors, seconds, samples, and returned goods are available at the com-pany's small clearance outlet. All HCL items are made of the finest topgrain cowhide with a pig-suede lining. Hardware is goldplated. The lines are available in two different collections: Signature (its well-known logo print) and Vintage (nonprinted leather). Choose from classic neutrals or fashion colors. Latch onto some small leather goods that include wallets, credit card holders, eyeglass cases, pill boxes, key chains, sewing kits, etc. They make classy little gifts. Just to keep everything on the up and up, each handbag or luggage piece bears an interior mark denoting the item was purchased at the outlet; however, gift buyers won't find the marks a deterrent.

LEATHER LOFT

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 446-7262. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot. (Other outlets: Folsom, Gilroy, Milpitas, Pacific Grove, Petaluma centers.)

Leather Loft stocks its 200-plus factory stores with handbags, belts, wallets, briefcases, travel and desk accessories, gifts, designer accessories, and a small array of leather jackets. The selection includes timeless classic styles as well as the latest color or design. You'll find first-quality merchan-dise and closeouts. Discounts are 25-60 % off retail. Handbags for every budget from $25 to $225. The leather jackets deserve a close look!

SVEN DESIGN

2301 Fourth Street, Berkeley. (510) 848-7836. M-F 10-5, Sat 1-5. MC, VISA. Parking: street.

Sven's outlet showcases its line, which it sells primarily through craft shows and boutiques, although selected styles show up in status depart-ment stores. About 75 of the selection here is current season offered at 20 % discount. Handbag prices are $22 to $100; you'll find deeper discounts (40-50% off retail) only on closeouts and discontinued styles. Its drum-dyed leather requires skilled artisanship (which means higher prices). Fine-quality construction features suit the most exacting requirements. Handbags come in neutrals and fashion colors, plus a few styles in exotic leathers or tapestry fabrics, serving traditional and contemporary tastes. You'll also find totes, book bags, fanny packs, and minibags/wallets with detachable straps. The handbags here are not inexpensive, but if quality is your concern and you feel that a little saving is better than none, you'll be very pleased.

THE WALLET WORKS

Pacific West Outlet Center, Gilroy.

(408) 842-7488. Daily. MC, VISA, DIS. Parking: street/pay lots. (Other outlets: Napa, Pacific Grove, Petaluma centers.)

The Wallet Works is perhaps known best for its wallets, available in department stores around the country. Think of a leather item in any con-figuration made to hold money, credit cards, or passports, and it'll be here, plus portfolios, soft luggage, fanny packs, daily organizers, tote bags, and portable coolers. The handbag selection is tempting, too. The few seconds are clearly marked, with extra discounts as the tradeoff. Discounts range from a modest 20 to 60 % off retail.

HANDBAGS

USED CARS HISTORY > SHOPPING MALL > HANDBAGS