BagBible

IIIBeca Murray Street Crossbody

Yes, it’s only spring. But, I’m already thinking ahead for summer trips. I like to plan my outfit long before I have to travel. This way, I will be able to pack up my stuff immediately. Since I have 3 little ones that I need to pack for as well, I don’t have the luxury of staring in my closet for hours when packing.

For a traveling outfit, I usually pick my outfit after I decide on the bags and shoes. Fist, I will decide on the comfortable walking shoes or sandal (preferably something neutral that goes with everything because I like to travel light).

My criteria for picking my traveling bags are:

1. Light:  No chunky clunky hardware because chances are we will be doing a lot of walking and the last thing I want is to drag heavy hardware during the whole trip.
2. Not too small: It has to be able to fit at least a pair of sunglasses, small make up bag, wallet, and cell phone with a little more room to spare.
3. Crossbody strap: This is a definite must. I’m already short one hand since I have 3 little kids. Naturally, I can’t spare another hand to hold a bag.
4. Pop of color: I tend to gravitate toward neutral color clothes and just play with textures.  Therefore, adding a pop of color will add interest to my otherwise boring outfit.

I usually go shopping before a trip (during the trip, after the trip, who’s counting right?), that’s probably why my closet is full to the brim. This year, I decided not to do that and just use things that I already have. So, I decided that my IIIbeca Murray Street Crosbody fits the bill.

I like the fact that it has a simple and modern design that won’t clash with any outfit. It is also easy to open and close, which I can do it without looking. (some bags require your undivided attention just to open and close it; yeah it’s supposed to be fancy like that! I have several bags like that but they’re not coming with me on the trip)

Since I’m not planning on buying new things, I’m probably going to bring my Sam Edelman Trina from last year for footwear. (I brought them to a 3 week europe trip and these babies are super comfortable)

Buy this at www.JoyGryson.com

I have been looking for a perfect white hobo bag for this coming spring and summer.  I prefer something that has minimal hardware, will fall nicely, and looks youthful and casual.  This Coccinelle bag exhibits all these qualities and more.  I would already love the bag even if it does not have any texture, but the snakeskin texture on the nubuck leather definitely adds sophistication to the bag. Additionally, the color combination on the strap makes the bag more appealing.

This bag measures 18″ W x 13″ H x 6″ D, which is pretty roomy for an everyday bag.  If you need more space, this bag also comes in bigger size that has a body strap, but unless you are a tall girl I would not recommend the bigger size.

Here is the view of the inside

Buy from The Red Box for $425

First, I just wanted to say that this bag is amazing. I love the details, the texture and color combination, and even the lack of hardware.  Combining three different materials (leather, canvas and python) really makes this bag stand out.  Moreover, the intricate design shows that the designer really put a lot of thought and creativity into this bag.  This one is definitely not just another standard looking boxy satchel.

This structured bag has somewhat of a preppy look. Even so, the color combination and the non existent hardware add to the bag softer appeal.  In my opinion, the color combination is just perfect for the spring and the python front pocket adds substantial elegance to the bag.  Just so you know, this bag doesn’t only look good from the front. It also look like a piece of art from the side.

Images from Reed Krakoff

You can purchase this from RK online store for $1,890

If Hermes Birkin and Mulberry Bayswater were to get married and have a child together, it would probably look like this bag.  The first time I saw this bag, I was drawn by the looks of its smooshy leather. I was right, when I touched it, all I could feel is just smoothness all over.  Although the leather is somewhat thick, it is also supple.  The thickness of the leather gives the bag a little bit of a tough look.

The Mia satchel is easier to open and close compared to the cumbersome Hermes Birkin.  You can tuck the flap underneath the belt like strap or just leave it hanging over the belt.  Judging by the look of it, this bag can be pretty versatile.  You can easily wear it to work or on casual outings.

I checked the Liebeskind official website, I must admit that they have impressive collections.  Unfortunately, I can’t find many department stores or online stores that carry their bags (Amazon Germany carries several models). I wish they would make their bag more widely available especially since they have reasonable prices.

You can buy Mia satchel from Nordstrom for $354

Image from Smythson

Isn’t it gorgeous? Don’t you just love the soft quilted look? Quilted bags are definitely nothing new but this hand-riveted quilt is something that we don’t see everyday.  The usual quilted bags tend to look rigid and stuffy but this Nancy bag looks just the opposite. You can see that the leather is so buttery and pliable, which makes the bag looks slouchy.

I also find the choice of minimal hardware very attractive, as it won’t detract the main show of the bag, which is the soft quilt.

The Nancy bag comes in different sizes and styles, but this one is one of my favorites for now and definitely going to be on my wish list.

From Smythson for $1,140

Image from Rebecca Minkoff Facebook fan page

If you are obsessed with bags like I do, you will look at bags in a whole different way.  You will start noticing even the smallest details.  Right now I’m in love with this Rebecca Minkoff Delight Satchel.  The shape is nothing revolutionary, but I love the details: From the two buckled straps that lay vertically around the bag, the way the pocket is stitched to the small tiny round hardware that she put near the tip of the buckled straps. Everything just fall beautifully into place.

Besides the details, I also pay attention to the functionality. This roomy bag (15.5″w x 12.5″h x 6.5″d) has 3 exterior zippered pockets and a detachable shoulder strap, which is good enough for me. I can’t find any picture of the inside of the bag but I’m pretty sure it should have a zippered pocket inside too (just like the Morning After Bag).  I’m hoping that she uses metal interior zippers instead of plastic ones, because plastic zippers makes the bag look cheap (yes, even if it’s only on the inside).  This plastic zipper thing might be one of my weird bag pet peeves.  I have passed on buying bags that I really like just because they have plastic zippers on the inside.

You can pre-order this bag from lunaboston for $495.  Currently, they only have the color black.  I would wait around for the other colors, as I’m sure they will be pretty.  I love the blue one in the picture.

I have always admired Bottega Veneta’s designs. Most of them are very classy, simple and chic.  When you combine all those with impeccable quality, you’ve got one state of the art bag.  However, I cannot help but chuckle when I see this Frayed Woven Veneta Hobo.  Maybe my taste is not “haute couture” enough, but this bag is just not my cup of tea.  Hey, if I’m spending over $2000 for a bag instead of my mortgage, I definitely want to look “un-frayed”. Don’t you feel like taking out your sweater shaver and shave all the frays? Oh wait, they already have that style seasons ago. Never mind!

If you think you can rock this style, you can pre-order it from Neiman Marcus for $2,480

Last weekend I went to Nordstrom and browsed in the handbag department.  I saw this Michael Kors Hamilton bag but in the smaller size.  I tried it on both ways: using the shoulder strap and the handles.  Both ways looked great.  When I wear it on the shoulder, it looked a little bit more casual ( as casual as this kind of bag can be) and when I held it by the handles it looked more dressy.   This bag has a lot of attributes that does not make it casual, such as the combination of: the rigid rectangular shape, the lock, the handles and the quilted patent leather.  Even so, the addition of the combination chain leather shoulder strap makes the overall looks of the bag “easier”.

I would like it even better if the shoulder strap is detachable, so that we can have more “looks” out of the bag, but leaving the shoulder strap hanging there is nice too.

There was one thing that bothered me when I was trying on some of these bags.  When I tried on the regular non patent quilted version, the handles were kind of hard to move, they were stuck in the upright position.  However, when I tried on the quilted patent version the handles were more flexible, they can naturally go down when I put the shoulder strap on.  I’m not sure whether I just happened to find an irregular bag or that is the way they make the non quilted version.

This bag comes in different sizes, the one that I was trying on was the smallest size (13″W x 9″H x 5″D).  In my opinion, petites are better off with this size, especially with such a structured bag like this.  Anything bigger will not be flattering for your figure, let the taller girls wear the bigger size.

You can buy it from Nordstrom for $318 (smaller size) $348 (bigger size)

The name “Fortune Cookie” definitely suit this bag, because it really looks like one.  Despite of it’s food-like appearance I think this bag looks pretty feminine.  I love the ties on the sides and the ruffle flap (the one thing that makes the bag looks like a fortune cookie).  This bag comes in many different colors.  Since this season is all about the turquoise, I chose to put up this picture.  This color will look great against a pair of clean white denim.

At first, I was skeptical about this bag.  Since it was priced under $200, I assumed that it would have a hideous interior.  By hideous interior I mean a crappy plastic zipper that is dreadfully attached to the lining.  However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the interior view.  It has a nice metal zipper with leather trim attach to the lining.

As for functionality, this bag has two kinds of straps; one shorter shoulder strap and one long removable strap that you can use to wear the bag cross body.  I personally think this bag is such a great deal. You can wait around for the sale but you might not get the color you want.

Buy it from Nordstrom for $198

It’s weird how I have been telling my girlfriends that I need a nice satchel and I ended up drooling over a hobo.  Right now I’m actually in a quest for a satchel, but I find this Kooba Dakota irresistible.  Every season there is always at least one bag from Kooba that I really like. In my opinion, their design is always stylish but not overly trendy.

When I’m shopping for clothes I’m always drawn to V necks because they are more flattering for a non super model body like mine. Therefore, I’m guessing that the V piping on the Kooba Dakota is what drew me to it. Not only that, I also love the buckles on the ends of the strap.  They give an interesting yet unusual accent to the bag.

This bag comes in four different colors, but I like this one the best (blue).  Even though it is described as blue, it has a lot of gray tone on it that makes this color very natural looking.

Buy from Kooba or Nordstrom for $ 595

Last year was all about the studs.  I guess this year is all about zippers.  Some designers were already coming out with zippered designs last year but I noticed that this year literally everything has zippers design on it; dresses, bags, and shoes.  In my opinion, zippers give the impression of a “tough girl” look and if not done right it can look tacky.

This Leola bag has the perfect amount of zippers and the placement of the diagonal zipper makes the bag look more interesting.  I also noticed there was no big label stuck on the bag, which is always a plus for me. This would be a great casual bag for spring.  The combination of cream leather and gold tone hardware will look great against bright colored tops.

From Neiman Marcus for $498

I consider myself a girly girl. I like lace, ruffles, and sparkles.  This bag is nothing like that but I still love it. The one thing that caught my eyes is the asymmetrical flap pocket. I’m not sure how practical it is but it definitely sets apart this bag from any other hobo bag out there.  I also love how the tassel complement the bag, it makes all the edges on the bag look somewhat softer.

This bag gives out an edgy vibe and would look great with a great pair of knee high boots.  From Saks Fifth Avenue for $ 1,250.  Check out Derek Lam’s website for more colors and selections!

I just purchased this bag recently. My excuse was I needed a non leather bag for a ski trip. My friends say that I can always come up with so many excuses to justify my unnecessary purchases. However, I believe that this one purchase was absolutely necessary

I was looking for a bag which would be able to withstand water. Obviously, I was looking for a non-leather bag.  Since I don’t like anything that is not leather, it was a little bit challenging to find something that I liked.

At first, I was considering the Longchamp Le Pliage. Unfortunately, the lack of luster and the plastic zipper turned me off.  Then I found the JPK Paris bag on sale at Nordstrom.com.  I remembered that I wrote about JPK Paris bag a while ago and that it was pretty pricey for a nylon bag. Luckily, this particular color and size (seafoam maxi) is 50% off at Nordstrom.  I would not have bought it if it were full price.

The things that I love about this bag are: I can just throw it on the snow and it doesn’t get wet. The color is bright and has some sheen to it. It has lots of pockets inside: 2 zippered and 2 snap closures, where the zippers are metal with gold tone. Last but not least, the chunky hardware adds glam to the bag.

If you are looking for a non-leather bag and you don’t want to look like you are carrying a grocery bag, this bag is definitely for you.  Buy from Nordstrom for $96.90

Just when I thought that I already have too many bags, Mulberry is coming out with Alexa bag. The Alexa bag is obviously inspired by the Bayswater but it also looks a little bit like a briefcase.  I’d say the Alexa bag is the more masculine version of the Bayswater. I love everything about it except for one little thing; the inside zipper.  I know I’m probably just being picky, but when I’m buying a bag that is over a thousand dollar I expect luxury and a plastic zipper does not scream luxury. 

I don’t understand why Mulberry choose to have plastic zipper inside their bag.  It can’t be because their cutting cost because I’ve seen bags that are half the price with nice metal zipper inside the bags.  I’m sure some people don’t even pay attention to this little thing, but it is a little disappointing for someone who inspect every little details on her bags (like me).

Coming soon, from Mulberry ($1,150)

A friend of mine just asked my opinion about this Francesco Biasia Emy Tote.  She told me that her heart was originally set on Bottega Veneta Intrecciato but then she found this similar woven design for a lot less.  When I saw the bag, I fell in love with the color combination.  I think the contrasting color combination makes the bag stand out so much more compare to a solid color bag.  It also shows off the texture of the bag nicely. She’s definitely made a wise purchase.

Unfortunately, this bag is not widely available anymore. Probably because it was an older model.  The only place that still sells it is Rue La La and the sale will end on Monday morning.  They are selling it at a really great price of $299 (down from $795 retail price).