The Bags We’ve All Been Waiting For

When it comes to fashion, you can find pretty much anything you want at a low, middle and high price point, depending on what you want to spend and the quality of the product. But the one item that is the most difficult to find in that middle category? Bags. Why? I can’t answer that, but it is a constant frustration when not everyone wants to spend a thousand dollars (or more) on an accessory. I’ve already dedicated an entire post to this, appropriately titled The Bag Gap, but that was before I found out about Kara (which is actually designed by a Sarah…)

Last week I went to this great event at the W Lakeshore that featured the latest collections from four designers that are part of the CFDA Fashion Incubator (not to be confused with the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund). Previous to that evening, I was only familiar with one of the designers, Kaelen, as I attended her presentation at fashion week a few years back. You know I love to discover new designers, so this was the perfect opportunity to do so. And the first thing I saw when I walked in? Kara handbags. And I was hooked (but not like this).

The designer, Sarah Law, knows exactly what she’s doing in this space (which is not only why I love the designs but I also really appreciate where she’s placed herself in the market). Her signature piece is the backpack (which is the perfect size…almost a bagpack, really). But what I was most impressed with is this guy.

This is actually one-in-the-same…it just zips open to expand. Perfect for travel. Genius for life.

So clearly the bags are great. There’s no doubt about it. Cool styles, with a bit of edge and nothing too over the top…just bags you can wear in your everyday life. But to make things even better, just about everything is under $500. Like I mentioned, it’s not easy to find quality bags, in unique yet still relatable styles, in this price range. But thankfully Sarah [Law] made Kara…and all of our bag troubles can just melt away.

Early Christmas gift to myself? Most likely, yes.

So if you’re in the market for a new bag (one that is super awesome, might I add) and don’t want to see a four digit purchase on that credit card bill, Kara has got your back (literally…because those backpacks are badass).

Images via Kara