Savvy shopper reveals how to choose TJ Maxx handbags that look pricey

A professional business coach has revealed how you can elevate your look and choose expensive-looking, luxury-inspired handbags while shopping at TJ Maxx — all without that hefty price tag, of course.

Nia Lewis, who is a podcast host, content creator and cosmetology instructor based in Charleston, South Carolina, often shares various lifestyle tips on her TikTok page, which includes both beauty and fashion pointers.  

In the video, which has already reached more than 108,000 views since it was posted last month, the author of Earn More, Work Less shared what to reach for and what to avoid when on the hunt for an expensive-looking handbag.

The first tip Lewis offered was to skip over the handbags that were covered in logos.

‘I try to avoid handbags that have excessive logos on them, they’re just not that versatile,’ she explained. 

‘One thing that’s important to remember is that luxury is usually very quiet.’ 

‘So instead, go for a bag that looks more timeless, like this,’ Lewis said, as she showed off a plain, quilted black leather pocketbook with gold hardware on it.

Lewis also claimed that if the bag had a tag that said ‘Made in Italy,’ those were typically of a nicer quality. 

Of course, a huge trend recently has been ‘quiet luxury,’ with everyone from Kylie Jenner to Sofia Richie sporting the look, which features an overall minimalist style and subdued elegance. 

Next, Lewis showed off a black leather tote bag with some stitched detailing.

‘Simple handbags like this with clean lines I think always look more expensive than bags that have a lot going on like this,’ the cosmetology instructor suggested, panning the camera to a black leather bag adorned with zippers and loud stitching.

‘Go for bags that have simple, classic designs like this, they just look more expensive in comparison to something like this, which just has a lot going on,’ she continued, comparing a simple, round-top black leather bag with one that featured studs and a ridged texture. 

According to the business coach, another important feature of an expensive-looking handbag to look out for is its texture.

‘This pebbled leather texture always looks expensive to me, even if it’s faux leather, or, as we say, pleather, it still looks expensive,’ she said.

And, last but not least, making sure the bag has an appropriate hardware is key.

‘You want to avoid handbags that have logo hardware, those just always look cheap,’ Lewis asserted. 

‘What looks more expensive is a classic piece of hardware on a handbag, like this,’ the content creator continued, holding a maroon-colored purse adorned with a horse-bit hardware detailing.

‘This hardware looks more timeless,’ Lewis said about the bag. ‘It’s elegant. If you look at luxury handbags, the hardware is usually very simple.’

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Lewis explained that it all came down to ‘simplicity’ when trying to look expensive while still on a budget. 

‘I’ve noticed that handbags with over-the-top embellishments or busy patterns compete with my outfits, while timeless, simple handbags complement my outfits,’ she said.

‘Before you purchase a handbag, ask yourself this question: Do you want your handbag to be in competition with the rest of your look? Or do you want your handbag to complement your style?’

In the comments section of her video, many users seemed to agree with the tips, even echoing her sentiments.

‘So true,’ one user typed. ‘You ever go to a rich neighborhood, the only logos you see are in the cars.’

Another agreed, ‘I’m really happy that I have already gone through the phase of everything having a logo on it!!! I 10000% prefer non-logos now a days!’

‘Hardware is everything!’ someone else wrote. ‘I can’t stand the faded gold on cheap purses.’

‘Yes! Also avoid the super shiny gold hardware on bag,’ one user seconded. ‘A more subtle finish looks more high end. Or as little visible hardware possible.’