Jewelry and other accessories...

So lately, I've been trying to focus on getting accessories for my wardrobe be it bags, jewelry to even shoes. However, I've been finding that it's rather hard to find jewelry and bags that I like outside of what the Japanese brands have to offer. While I like the designs of brand jewelry and bags, at the same time I can't bring myself to purchase them as usually from what I've noticed in item descriptions that most brand jewelry is made from alloys. Not only that, but paying up 100~150 dollars on a pleather purse also bothers me.

I think some day I will get over this anyways, but it made me wonder how other people feel about the topic. How do you all feel about brand jewelry and bags? Do you go to taobao for your accessories, or do you go all the way and shoot for brand? Or perhaps really lucky with vintage and other various off brand finds IRL? Any shops in particular you like especially?

Do share links too; I'm still hunting around for accessories so I'd love to see what everyone likes and maybe even pick up a few things.