Woke up this morning thinking ’bout that Bonnie Cashin bag I found at the thrift last week – total steal at $45, but now I gotta figure what these really cost in the wild. Grabbed my laptop, fired up Google like “Bonnie Cashin purse prices”.
The Search Slog
Started digging through resale sites, typing bag names like Coach Bonnie Bucket Bag or Bonnie Cashin Sling Purse. Results were all over the damn place – saw one beat-up shoulder bag for $75 while a funky kiss-lock clutch sat at $495. Couldn’t make sense of it. Refilled my coffee twice, scrolling till my thumb hurt.
Got sidetracked when Whole Foods delivery showed up with soggy lettuce – fought for a refund while comparing wool barrel bags on my phone.
Moment of Clarity at Dumpster
Took trash out later, literally smelling garbage when it hit me: condition rules everything. Rushed back in checking sold listings properly:
- Faded fabric with scratches? $50-120 tops
- Clean leather + working buckles? $200-350 easy
- Those rare color block totes? Insane collectors bidding up to $700
Started scribbling notes on an envelope while dinner burned. Sorry kids, pizza night!
The Real Test
Visited three local vintage shops next day pretending I might sell my bag:
- First guy offered $60 cash smelling like cigarettes
- Second shop tagged similar bag at $195 with “AS IS” sticker on peeling strap
- Third spot had mint butter-soft leather bucket bag – lady said “$325 firm” while polishing her glasses
Truth bombs:
- Strap and buckle condition means EVERYTHING – replacement parts are nightmares
- PurseForum threads confirmed this – read during serious stomach problems after that sketchy taco truck lunch
Final Takeaways
Basically: If you find Bonnie Cashin under $100 and it holds your wallet without crumbling? Buy it. Repair costs will murder your profit if reselling. Sold my personal bag same night for $280 after this reality check. Off to find antacids now.
