Designer handbags 101

More people are buying high-end handbags again as economic uncertainty wanes and consumer confidence grows. But that doesn't mean everyone's buying a new one each season; consumers are still shopping conservatively and trying to make their handbags last. Here's how to get a designer bag for less -- and take proper care of it. Right to the source: If you're hard on your belongings, or you measure longevity in decades instead of years, it may make the most sense for you to go right to the source and spend a little more up front. From Louis Vuitton to Coach Inc., specialty retailers always carry a variety of their own latest bags. Even better, some makers will repair their wares at little or no charge. But if you want to save up front, there are lots of options. Start online: Whichever bag you covet, start with a web search. At sites like Overstock, eBags and Bluefly, you'll find discounts starting at roughly 10 percent. Also try auction sites like eBay.com or propertyroom.com, which sells police property. Just be on the lookout for counterfeits, which are usually made from cheaper materials and with less sturdy hardware. Outlet stores are another option. Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke and Coach all have them. Off-price stores like T.J. Maxx are another good bet. That chain's website recently showed a Dooney & Bourke medium-sized jacquard fabric tote bag selling for $69, down from $195. But you may have to hit multiple locations or be ready to pounce on new stock if you have a specific item in mind. And there are always knockoffs from street sellers, and chains like Target offer bags "inspired by" popular styles, including satchel and hobo handbags for less than $20. Proper care: The best way to make your new bag last is to treat it well. Each week, empty it and shake it out upside down, then clean the lining with a lint roller, suggests George. Periodically clean the outside with a specialized solution, whether your bag is made of leather, suede or cloth. Check with the manufacturer for cleaning products it makes or recommends. For minor marks, a baby wipe might even work, while the largest stains demand a trip to a professional cleaner, says accessory and style expert Pamela Pekerman. Don't overload: Don't overstuff your bag because that stresses the straps. Keeping your bag clutter-free bag also helps prevent small items and the lining from getting stuck in a zipper. Try not to carry scissors or pens, and keep makeup in a separate pouch inside your purse. Never put your bag on the floor of a public bathroom or restaurant. Use bathroom stall hooks and chair backs. Or use a purse hook, typically $15 or less, to hang your bag from a restaurant table.