LV quality:
Stitching is tight and straight (machine stitched and it better be), folded over leather is done well but the fusing done with glue really leaves much to be desired. The lined card compartments are splitting too. All...
Hermes craftsmanship is supreme, and you are paying them to keep the artisans in business (also to attract new artisans into the trade). You will cry when you pay for it, but 10 years down the road, you will smile when the same wallet...
I would think a 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel would work (although it might be $200 over your budget). When you are faced with brand logos plastered over all the fashion brands (LV, burberry, Chanel etc), a well designed bag of would...
I think your best bet would be some veg tanned belt blanks off eBay and some basic vintage tools (an awl would suffice). If you live in the States, you could try tandy stores, zack white and the likes for some tools and...