Earlier this year, one of the most desirable items in fashion was the Kate Spade Essex Satchel.  Most of the colors, especially the bright neon hues that were so hot last Spring, sold out quickly.  But at $395 per bag, the price was too rich for my blood.

So when I read an article this weekend about the controversy between Kate Spade and UK retailer Cambridge Satchel Company, I wasn’t so much interested in intellectual property as I was in scoring a cute, nearly-identical satchel in a lower price point.

Hey, we all have our priorities.

The Cambridge Classic Satchel, at left, comes in nine colors and four sizes (11″ to 15″).  It also comes in a range of neon colors, if you’re still craving a bright bag.  And at 74-98 British Pounds for the smaller size–roughly $117 to $136 US–they are in a much better price point.

And for the full preppy effect, you can pay a little extra to have your initials embossed onto the flap. 

Also, since so many of you are (or were) in sororities, which basically issue monogrammed Vera Bradley bags to pledge classes (oh, the humanity), why not consider giving these bags instead? I bet for a big enough order the company would consider working in some Greek letters.  Just a thought.

Personally, I think the small satchel is a great, casual bag. However, I’m not willing to shell out almost four bill for an auxiliary handbag.  So these Cambridge bags are the perfect compromise.  Now, the only question is, which color do I buy…