The tough economic climate over the last few years has meant a lot of people have had to tighten their purse strings and start cutting back. But, the desire to retain a bit of luxury in one’s life has opened up a whole new section of the market—the affordable luxury sector is booming, with mid-list brands tempting consumers with the promise of quality products that don’t cost the earth.

Occupying the ideal spot between inexpensive, generic brands and luxury, high-end labels, these purveyors of accessible luxury are becoming increasingly popular. They give consumers the chance to indulge without feeling guilty, offering products that are still high quality but at a price point that’s far less prohibitive. Often, the materials used and the attention to detail will be just as marked as with more expensive brands which makes these products highly desirable and ideal for those climbing the economic ladder, with accessories brands being particularly coveted in this sector of the market.

Designer leather handbags, for example, are always desirable and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of having a beautifully crafted handbag on your arm. Consumers want this type of symbol without spending a fortune, and luckily the market has catered to it—there are a lot of designers that focus on creating stunning pieces without the high-level price tag, and this mid-list, affordable yet luxury handbags are becoming just as in demand (if not more so) as their more expensive counterparts. Affordable luxury is well and truly in the spotlight and is set to be so for the foreseeable future, and given the quality, it isn’t hard to see the appeal.