BagBible

When it comes to bags, I don’t limit myself to certain designers.  I love to check out new designers.  I like to have a bag that is unique and not easily recognizable from miles away. I prefer it when people don’t know how much I spent for my bag, just because everybody and their mothers have it.

Recently I was invited by a new designer, Tara Sauvage, to check out her handbag line. The brand is Rocco e Dante. Though I have never heard about this brand, I was very excited to review something new.

The bag that I like the most from the collection is this Olivia bag. I love the deep rich blue color and if you look closely, the color is gradient blue not just flat blue.  The pleating on the upper half of the bag is also very interesting, it adds texture to the bag.  I haven’t physically held the bag yet, so I cannot tell you anything about the quality.  However, I like what I see on-line.  You can see more pictures and buy it on Angel Handbags for $408 or visit Rocco e Dante official site for the complete collection.

I just love those private sale sites. Their prices are very competitive, they have great selections, and the merchandise come to your doorstep. The only gripe I have is just their shipping is super slow. I purchased this Bill Blass Harrison Hobo from Gilt on April 10th and have not received it yet.  I know it is supposed to take 2-3 weeks, but if you are a bagaholic like me you would know how it feels to wait for so long.

Retails for $795, Gilt price: $238

A dear friend of mine uploaded this Chanel birthday cake picture on Facebook and tagged me in it.  She probably knew that I would flip over it.  She was sooo right. I’m flipping over it right now.

That delicious looking cake is actually her mother in law’s birthday cake. I’m so jealous of her mother in law. I wish I would get THAT cake for my birthday plus the real bag wrapped in the gift box. That would be my dream birthday

I could not stop giggling when I saw this bag.  It looks so scary.  You can call me unfashionable but it really creeps me out. Don’t get me wrong, I like exotic bags as much as the next girl, but carrying this one is like carrying a reptile.

You probably think this bag is made of snake skin right?  After all, it looks very snake-like. Wrong! This “snake looking” bag is in fact made of deer skin.  I like my exotic bags subtle, since I’m not sure I can pull off something like this. However, if you love this bag you can get it from Bluefly for $1,800.

Prada Tote

# Color: Natural / Grey
# Snake print deerskin with luxe sheen and goldtone hardware
# Raised logo ornament at front
# Top snap closure
# 14½” double handles with 4½” drop; 35” removable shoulder strap
# Leather lining with two interior zip pockets
# Measures 17” at widest x 14” tall at center x 4½” deep; weighs 3 lbs.

I can’t believe that I almost miss a sale.  I really should start waking up early and check my emails.  Today, after I came back from taking my daughter to her dance class, I checked my email and found an email from Joi Wheatley of Ideeli.  She told me about Rebecca Minkoff sale that is going on RIGHT NOW, and the prices are cheaper than ever! Believe me, I know it when I see a good deal. Hurry!

Kooba Harlow

When I saw this bag, I just had to have it. I know that I already have a handful of brown bags but the bagaholic inside me doesn’t care about that.  Usually, when I try to justify a bag purchase I would tell myself that the bag is functional and I can visualize myself using it everyday (does that sound familiar to you?) One day when I was chatting with my friend, Linda.  She told me that her sister (an uber bagaholic) also uses the same reasoning before buying a bag. Now, I’m wondering, do we really need a reason to buy a bag?

I like how the straps are connected to the bag, I also like the hardware detail.  Not too much hardware but still enough to get the bag noticed. Kooba Harlow comes in three colors, black, “luggage” (shown) and “grapefruit”.  In my opinion, the “luggage” color is the best of all.   It measures  9″ Hx 17″W x 5″ D- 8″ Drop.  Retails for $595.00

Image from Kooba

Judith Leiber, the American luxury brand is synonymous with elegance, style, and sophistication. Each product is executed with meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Judith Leiber has re-defined the accessories category with products that are on the cutting edge of high fashion, while always remaining timeless classics.

BOUTIQUE OPENS APRIL 30, 2009, 11:00 AM EDT

Click HERE for the invitation to Rue La La sale.

I used to think that Mulberry bags look boring.  However, I changed my mind as soon as I saw this one.  I love everything about this bag: The vibrant teal color, the adjustable chain strap, the tiny turn lock closure, and also the belt buckles on the sides.  In my opinion, the buckles add interesting details and give the bag a more casual look.

Description:

9″H x 12″L x 3″D.
10″ strap drop.
Made in England.
Retail Price: $1,150.00 from Shopbop

Get 25% discount with ARMCANDY coupon code, offer ends on April 29, @ 11:59 p.m

Kooba Talia

I love the color of this Kooba Talia.  It is the right kind of pink for me. Not too bright and not too pastel. I’m also enamoured by the triangle rings that connect the straps to the bag.  These triangles are unique and brings a fresh look to a regularly shaped bag.  The pleats give the bag a softer overall look.

I also noticed a hidden side slit pocket with zipper, which adds functionality to the bag but at the same time keeps the bag from looking too busy.

Kooba’s bags are always on my radar. In my opinion, they are well designed.  Their design is always edgy and unique while priced right.

Kooba Talia

* Fully lined with two interior cell phone pockets and zip pocket.
* Dimensions approximately 11.5″H X 4″W X 17″L – 7″ Drop

Retails for $625

The sale starts on 4/29/2009 NOON EDT. Mark your calendars! Gilt Groupe is a “member only” private sale. If you are not a member yet, click Here for the invitation to the private sale.

YouTube Link

Here is a preview of Rebecca Minkoff Summer 09 Collection. I love the little pouches with labels on it (gas money, benjamins, mine,etc).  They’re so cute and fun looking.  I am also surprised to see the Mini Mini Morning After. Before I see the video I thought the Mini Mini Morning After would be way too small. However, It turned out to be so adorable, and I think it will definitely looks good on petites.

Valentino Bow Clutch $895 from Saks available in Brown Metallic and Grey Metallic.

Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch $725 from Saks available in Black and Pink

These two clutches look similar, however I would choose the Valentino Bow Clutch over the Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch anytime.  There is nothing wrong with the Christian Louboutin Clutch.   What sets the Valentino Clutch apart is that it is made of nappa leather while the Louboutin clutch is made of satin. Leather is more durable than satin, plus Louboutin is a fairly new name in the handbag industry (even though his shoes are fabolous). My point is: If you are willing to spend that kind of money for a clutch you should definitely go with the Valentino, which I think is a better deal.  It would be a different story if the Louboutin clutch has a much much lower price.

For Rebecca Minkoff fans in NYC, LA and SF, mark your calender!  Rebecca Minkoff is having Sample Sales Tour, get your Minkoff fix for less.

Christian Louboutin Scoolita Framed Bag $1,495 at Saks
Exquisitely soft calf, shaped and pleated into a graceful shape with a metal-framed top. Double top handles; 7½” drop
– Magnetic closure
– Protective metal feet
– Inside zip and cell phone pockets
– Bright cotton lining
– Signature charm detail
– About 15″W X 12″H X 5½”D
– Made in Italy

B. Makowsky Florence Shopper $238.40 at eBags

Crafted from soft, supple leather

– Double handles with 6-3/4″ drop
– Magnetic snap closure
– Chunky satin gold tone hardware details; B. Makowsky logo; pleat details
– Interior features signature lining; center zip compartment; zip pocket; 2 slip pockets
– 15-1/4″ W x 10″ H x 3″ D
– Made in China

Here are two bags that I think look very similar. I have to admit that I like the Christian Louboutin Schoolita a little bit better. I like the slightly curvier silhouette, the wider bottom, the softer pleat and the subtle gold tone hardware. However, for $1256.60 less you can get something that is almost as stylish with good quality.

Usually when I’m “window” shopping for designer goods online, I always find an online store for United States, even though it is not an American company. Thinking that online shopping has become very common in the US lead me to believe that most big company will have an online store at least for the US.

One time I was looking for Prada bags and I thought I’ll just visit their website. I click the “shop” tab as soon as I get there and this screen came up:

Image source

I was looking for the United States link for the longest time and finally realized that it is not there.  I was dissapointed but I know I can find Prada bags on other websites.  I can’t help but wonder why they don’t have online store for the US.

I love Rebecca Minkoff handbags, especially the Morning After Mini. I’ve been lusting over it for a while and finally I got it. I found a good deal on eBay combined with the Microsoft Live Cashback. When the bag arrived I could not wait to open it. I was inspecting it inside and outside. It was all perfect until I found a small “made in China” tag attached to the lining. I am ok with products that are made in China, it’s just I was not expecting my Morning After Mini is made in China. I always thought that Rebecca Minkoff bags are made in NYC.

I did some research and it turns out that the newer Rebecca Minkoff bags are made in China, the older version are still made in NYC. I went to Rebecca Minkoff official website and I did not see any “made in China” in the product description anywhere. I was kind of bummed about that, but I still like the bag very much. I would feel better if it is stated on the website that the bags are made in China.

Looking at the Lanvin Amalia reminds me of the classic Chanel 2.55. The quilted leather, the rectangular shape and the chain shoulder straps. However, the Lanvin Amalia has a more youthful appearance, thanks to the ribbon weaved chain. I would definitely wear this before graduating to the Chanel 2.55.  It comes in two sizes.

I personally like the smaller one better since I’m a petite. However, the bigger one has more compartments than the smaller one.  I love bags with lots of compartments.  It makes organizing my bag so much easier. I know I can just use one of those purse organizer and be done with it, but for some reason I always find my bag does not look as good with the purse organizer inside.  It makes my bags looks stiff.

Lanvin Amalia small shoulder bag $2,035, Lanvin Amalia quilted shoulder bag $3,110 from Net-A-Porter