BagBible

Kooba did it again:  They came up with an edgy design!  I admire Kooba for being able to design a bag that has so much going on but still manages not looking tacky or overwhelming.

I’m usually more into simple classic looking bags, yet I find this Kooba bag strangely attractive.  I love the belt and the knot, I think they are the punch line of the design.  This bag comes in black and sand (shown) and it measures only 9″H x 11.5″L x 3″D, a little too smallish for my taste.

There is a bigger version that has similar design, Kooba Jacinda, which measures 15″W x 10″H x 4″D. However, the bigger version has longer handles that are meant for shoulders. Hence, it lacks a detachable shoulder strap.  I’m not sure which one I like better, I need to see them in person. I do know that like the detachable shoulder strap a lot though. Buy from Neiman Marcus for $485

I know that this is not the wackiest design that Juicy Couture has ever come up with.  In fact, this design is not wacky at all.  The only thing that is amusing is the ginormous engagement ring.

If this were the Juicy Couture signature design (the overwhelmingly girly design with lots of bows, pinks and charms) I can understand why they feel the need to put the engagement ring on the bag.  However, this bag looks “normal” from the other angle (except from the angle where you can see the ring, obviously).

In my opinion, this bag doesn’t really hit the Juicy Couture target audience.  The women (or should I say girls) that want to have a huge engagement ring on their bags expect more from the bag and the women who actually like the plainer overall look of the bag might not appreciate the engagement ring.  They probably already have one on their finger anyway.  Buy from Neiman Marcus for $350

If I have to choose one brand that doesn’t make weird bags, it is definitely Tod’s.  Their design is mostly classics, clean and understated.

For example, this Natty Sacca Piccola,  will certainly last for many years to come and will be one of the staples in your wardrobe. That’s one of the benefits of classic bags compared to trendy bags.  You will get more mileage out of them.

The Natty Sacca Piccola has a fairly simple shape but manages not to look boring.  The buckles detail on the sides, the piping and the contrast stitching surely contribute to the chicness of the bag. The adjustable shoulder strap is always good for the days when you want to wear your bag in a different way.

This bag is available in two colors: Black and Kenia (shown).  I personally like the Kenia better.

Buy from Bergdorf Goodman for $1325.

Lately, I’ve noticed that Dolce & Gabbana has some bags that are more subtly designed (for their standard). This leather hobo is definitely one of them.  The design is not complicated at all, unlike the usual Dolce.  The main interest here are just the pleats and the metallic leather. That’s it, no weird handles, no multiple rainbow color zippers, and no surface that you can use to check your make up on.  I guess they are applying the “less is more” principle for this bag.

Another thing that I like about this bag is that, instead of smacking the rectangle Dolce & Gabbana plaque right in the middle of the bag (yeah, it happened before), they made it detachable.  This way, people like me have the option to remove it, while other people that love having labels on their bags can just keep it.  It pleases everybody.  Don’t you just love options?

Buy this from Bergdorf Goodman for $1895

I have been frantically looking for a really slouchy and roomy hobo.  So far, my only candidate is the Marc by Marc Jacobs classic gathered hobo.  This bag measures 13 1/2″H x 23″W x 4″ D, and you can choose from chamois or pebble leather.

I like the soft leather and the way it drapes. I also like the detachable shoulder strap, I think it’s a must for women with kids. The zip top is also a plus for me, not that I like to shake my bags upside down, but having a zipper just makes me feel safer.  I don’t have to worry that my things will fall out accidentally.

As much as I like this bag, I still feel that it is lacking something. It lacks interesting details.  I get it that it is a simple and classic hobo, but it doesn’t have to be too blah. A braided strap or a little bit of shiny hardware would definitely add some interesting details.  To sum up, if I can’t find anything better, I think I’m going to get this one.

Buy it from Neiman Marcus for $438

There is also the Steve Madden hobo.  I don’t usually go for Steve Madden since a lot of their bags are made of pleather (remember my leather infatuation?). However, this one is leather.  The design is somewhat similar to the Marc Jacobs hobo, but the leather does not look as smooth and smooshy, wouldn’t you agree?

One thing that I like about the Steve Madden hobo is that it has a little bit of hardware that I think dresses up this otherwise plain hobo, although, I’m not sure about the shoulder strap hardware.  I’m afraid that the shoulder strap won’t be comfortable if you are carrying a heavy bag. I’m also not too crazy about the magnetic snap closure. But I know I’m probably just being paranoid, since I haven’t lost anything because of the magnetic closure.

You can buy this from Nordstrom for $258

My personal choice between these two hobos would be the Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo, because of the better quality leather and the zip top.

This texture rich clutch got my attention.  The color and texture combination really works well together.  I’m guessing that the python texture is probably not real python, regardless the clutch is still beautiful.  I like the slanted closure, as it accentuates the simple silhouette.

The generous size of 13″ by 9″ makes it a highly functional clutch and great for day or night. There is a zipper closure and two interior pockets for organizing your stuff.  This Sarah Clutch is made of Italian leather with ultra suede washable lining, just in case you accidentally smear your lipstick.  Very thoughtful!

Image from Danielle Nicole.  Send your order to: info@danielle-nicole.com Retail price: $300

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2) Load your favorite style shot to Twitpic. Make sure you start your tweet with “@ ideeli” so they can find your pictures.

Event ends, June 30th. They will start posting their favorite images ASAP. If you have questions you can email them: blog@ideeli.com

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This Gucci bag is definitely praiseworthy.  When I fist saw this bag, I did not expect that this was in fact a Gucci bag.  Without the monograms, the fringes, and the red and green stripes, I just didn’t recognize it. This is good: I like it when designers do something out of the ordinary. It keeps the collection fresh and interesting.

I like the rich texture of the python.  The horsebit detail adds interest to the simple and elegant  shape of the bag.  This looks like a chic casual bag. The 18¼”W X 14½”H X 4½”D measurements, certainly make it functional. Because of the slouchy shape and leather, petites will also look good wearing this.

Don’t worry about blending with the wall wearing this simple shaped black bag, the python reminds us that it is a special bag.  This bag is all about the python and it will definitely stand out.

I think Gucci reminds us once again why it is an icon label.  Buy this from Saks for $3,295.

I looked at this bag for a while before I decided to write about it.  I was trying to look for a beautiful feature that will justify the $ 4,100 price tag.  I looked at the front view and could not find it. I looked at the back and could not find it and I looked at the modeled picture and still could not find it.

At first I thought maybe it is an exotic bag, but the name of the bag says otherwise. It is clearly says “stamped”, so I’m officially “stumped”.

The color of the bag is blah. It has mostly pastel colors mixed with a lot of grey.  The overall color combination just make the bag looks “dirty” and the wide stitching on the front flap makes the bag looks like a rag, especially the red stitching.

This bag is a perfect example of a classic bag that is stretched too far. Sometimes designers try to come up with something new using the already successful design.  Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they do not.  I like the classic Fendi baguette, but not when it is done like this.

Image from Net-A-Porter

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Young at Heart

Before each designer and her mother decided to introduce a “younger, hipper” spin-off line, there was Miu Miu. When the academic-turned-fashion designer Miuccia Prada launched her collection in 1992, it was the subject of some head-scratching. How could the Milan-based fashionista top the winning formula of Prada, her Italian megabrand which has launched countless trends and even more look-alike designs?

Easy. She did it by creating a collection that is equal parts serious fashion and serious fun: from sixties-style swing coats to colorful frocks to artful accessories. Perhaps that’s why it’s a favorite among the cool girls in Hollywood like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Selma Blair and Kirsten Dunst, who’ve all starred in Miu Miu’s advertising campaigns. Now that’s what we call a celebrity endorsement.

Win a Fendi Baguette from Ideeli! This event will start on Sunday, May 24th.  No purchase needed, just log in and enter. If you are not a member yet, click HERE for the invitation!

Fashion’s First Family

In the 1920s, when Adele and Edoardo Fendi ran a small shop in Rome, peddling fine leather and fur goods, they had no idea that one day it would become a global fashion powerhouse. By 2008, thanks to their five savvy and extremely stylish daughters: Paola, Carla, Anna, Franca and Alda, the Italian brand is coveted from here to Dubai.

During their worldwide expansion, the Fendi sisters were clever enough to hire the legendary design guru Karl Lagerfeld, who helped create everything from housewares to handbags, including the famous baguette that launched a thousand look-alikes and a few sample sale frenzies during its time. Fendi’s signature double F logo stamped on all of their premium products, has lured celebrities from Mischa Barton to Sarah Jessica Parker to Kanye West, who once shaved the symbol into his head. Talk about brand loyalty.

Kooba Sale on Billion Dollar Babes starting today.  Billion Dollar Babes is an invite only sale, click HERE if you need invitation.

I have been looking for a bag to travel in the summer.  The bag of my choice would need to meet these criteria:

• A light neutral color so it would match most of my outfits.  I like to travel light, so having too much luggage is just too much of a hassle. Therefore, one bag that matches most of my outfits is a must.
• Generous size.  Since I’m usually traveling with my kids, a bigger bag would be helpful.  At least, it should be able to fit:  Travel documents, some snacks, some form of entertainment, camera, sleep mask for the plane ride and other necessities that I usually carry in my bag.
• Slouchy. Since I need the bigger bag, it has to be slouchy, to make it look not as big.  Too big of a bag will not look pretty on a petite like me.
• Convertible.  The bag has to be able to convert from shoulder to cross body, for practicality purpose.

This Sofi satchel in caramel seems to have all my required characteristics, plus it has these buckles that are placed strategically, making the big bag ruched beautifully. It measures a generous 19″L X 17″H X 14″D.

As much as I like to give this bag a glowing review, I was a little bit disappointed when I noticed the plastic zipper. Other than that, I think it is a beautiful and functional bag.  One that will get used very often.  I was told that this bag was launched in Saks this spring and it is the designer’s best selling bag.  I’m hoping to see more great designs from Helena de Natalio.

You can buy this bag from ebags for $484 or Ideeli, they are having a red sale on the Chocolate and Purple colors for only $160.  Click HERE for the Ideeli invitation if you are not a member yet.

This Peggy clutch really speaks to me. I like everything about it.  I like the simple style, the python texture, and the gold hardware against the dark red color.  The gold hardware can be pulled up and you can carry it like a tote.  This means you are getting two looks in one price.

After reading the description of the clutch, I learned that the python is not real. It is actually embossed. I’m fine with embossed python as long as it is done nicely.  I remember looking at brand new python bags in Michael Kors boutique with the scales flaking off and it was not a good sight. I guess embossed python is not so bad after all.  At least we know it won’t flake off.

The one thing that bothers me the most about this clutch is that it is not made of leather.  The description said it is made of faux-patent leather.  So, I’m guessing that it is made of PVC.  I wish that they had made this in leather. I have this odd infatuation with handbags and leather. I get really disapointed when I find a bag that I like but is not made of leather.  But if you are nothing like me, you can buy this from Shopbop for $132. This clutch measures 7″H x 11″L.

Save up to: 65%
Event Starts: Friday, May 22nd

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I’m always happy when I see a Louis Vuitton bag that is not full of monograms all over the place.  This is one of them. It’s classy, it’s simple and quite functional with the removable shoulder strap.  The suede looks very fine and smooth.  I think Sofia Coppola did a very good job on this one.  Unlike most Louis Vuitton bags, this one really illustrates the meaning of subtle luxury.

You won’t find everybody at the mall wearing this bag, even though it is a Louis Vuitton. That is probably because it costs $3,870 and this bag might be too plain for some people who love monogrammed bags.

Image from Louis Vuitton

I know that many ladies like this bag and think it is cute.  However, I’m not liking it at all. It looks like it has a tongue sticking out.  I’m also not a fan of the haircalf panther print.  This bag is just not my idea of cute.  Maybe I’m the oddball here, but I think that’s what makes life interesting.

If you like this bag, you can buy it from Neiman Marcus for $2,400.  As for me, I probably wouldn’t spend that much money for something looking like that.  I expect a lot of bang for my buck and this bag is just not it.

For those of you who are still wondering about Susan Mayer’s bag in the Desperate Housewives season finale, here is the YouTube video for your convenience. You can clearly see the Michael Kors newbury bag on the video.

Related post: Michael Kors Newbury Featured on Desperate Housewives Finale

I just created an account on the Gustto website and received $50 credit.  On top of that, right now they are offering an extra 10% off on top of the sale price.  One of the bags that they have on sale right now is the Gustto Brescia.  This bag was seen on Eva Longoria.

Gustto Brescia descriptions:

Ultra-soft suede tote with bottom horizontal zigzag pattern, open top, handles with gold hardware, and detachable shoulder strap.

Inside zip pocket, open pocket, cell phone pocket.

Size: 18″ x 13″ x 2″

FYI, the sale price is $423.50 and it will only appear if you already registered and logged in the Gustto website.  If you are not registered, the price will show as $605.

Now, if you sign up and use the $50 credit plus the 10% off discount, your final price would be $331.15 and on top of that they are also having free shipping.  That’s what I call a good deal!

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