BagBible

This simple but intricate tote is a perfect choice for career women. The rectangular shape makes carrying documents a breeze; there won’t be folds and wrinkles on your papers since the bag is shaped like a stack of papers.

I’m pleasantly surprised with this tote. I always thought that exotics are best to be presented as it is: meaning no weaving and no complicated pleating.  I thought doing all those would hide the beauty of the exotic skin. Obviously, I was wrong.

The intricate work on the snake skin does not hide the beauty of the leather at all.  You can still recognize that the tote is made of snake skin.  The weaving technique gives the bag a faceted look which makes it like a piece of art. And do you notice the zipper pull? It totally reflects the shape of the bag. Genius!

You can buy this from Vivre for $2,800, they also have the eel version of this bag. I know it is an expensive bag, but if the recession doesn’t stop you from buying luxury goods, go ahead and buy this bag and help the economy. By the way, that’s how Paris Hilton justifies her shopping habit.

Jimmy Choo has proven that his bags are as hot as his shoes. This Lohla bag is one of them.  This is definitely not your regular boring black bag.  First of all, it has detachable handles that are connected through eyelets on the top of the bag.  I think this feature is strictly for creative design purpose. There is nothing functional about it, since it does not come with any other straps or handles.  I guess you can criss cross the handles if you want but it’s just make the bag look odd and hard to use.

Second of all, the leather is very glitzy and glamorous looking. It is not only shiny like regular patent leather bags but it has the overall paillette detail that makes the bag sparkle.

From the modeled picture on Net-A-Porter, I can see that this bag is somewhat on the bigger size.  So, if you are tall and slim, this bag will definitely look great on you. However, I would suggest petites and full figured ladies to avoid this bag. Since it will be disproportional for the petites and add width to the full figures. Buy from Net-A-Porter for $1,995

I have been noticing Elie Tahari bags lately.  I’m already a fan of her clothing line, because of  her timeless, sophisticated and understated style.  Fortunately, Elie Tahari has also applied those principles for her handbag line.  This Estelle Tote has a timeless and classic shape. I love the V shape pleats on the body and the ruched flaps on the pockets. They make this simple bag look more elegant and attractive.

This bag has a zippered closure, which I like a lot better than magnetic closure.  I just don’t feel safe with magnetic closures, because I once lost my favorite lip gloss in a bag that uses a magnetic closure.  I know it’s not expensive but I just don’t like to loose my things.

I also think the braided handles add a nice touch to the bag compared to the boring plain rolled handles. It is like comparing french braid to a pony tail, both keep your hair away from your face but the french braid does it with more style. The hardware on the handles bothers me a little.  I don’t think putting metal on your shoulder is going to be comfortable. I would prefer the braided handles without the hardware. Other than that I absolutely love this bag, especially the bright teal color. This color is a happy color for me as it somehow always makes me smile and it is perfect for the summer.  They also have one in black if you need a more classic and versatile color.

This bag measures 15.5″W x 9.5″H x 7″D, you can buy it from Bloomingdale’s for $798

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Image from Popsugar

Eva Longoria has been spotted with her Hermes Canvas Tote on her vacation St. Tropez. The bag has a smooth canvas exterior with leather trim and a top zip closure. It has a leather and fabric lining with interior patch pocket.
The bag measures 12½” at widest x 10” tall at center x 2” deep.

Buy from Bluefly for $791.24 (They are having a sale today!)

If there is one shape of bag that will make you look slimmer, this is the one.  I noticed that long bags like this one are very flattering.  Forget about starving yourself to look slimmer: Just wear the right shape of bag.

Even though the overall look of the bag is fairly simple, it is definitely worth buying just because of it’s slimming effect.  This bag measures a generous 16.5″ x 5.5″ x 17.  I like the fact that it is roomy but does not look bulky.

There is only one minor gripe that I have towards long bags.  It is harder to reach for your things inside the bag compared to the shorter bags. But hey, if a bag can make me look slimmer without pinching my feet, making me stand on my tippy toes, or holding my breath.  I’m all for it.

You can buy this from Tobi for $486 (sale price)

More tips on choosing bags that will flatter your figure.

Image from Popsugar

Katie Holmes was recently spotted with her Valextra Slim Shopper, which is made of grained leather with open pockets and rolled leather handles. The bag measures 14″ x 15″ x 4″, available in 4 colors: white, green, red and blue.

I like how simple this bag is. It does not scream “look at me” while at the same time displaying luxury.  Only a secure woman that does not need to prove anything would carry something without any logo or monogram.

Buy it from Barneys for $2,500

The first thing that drew me to this bag is the color.  Although I’m not much of a purple girl, this color just looks so pretty to me. The purple is so soft and the pleats just make everything look softer.  I must say that I like the look of the back of the bag better than the front.  The front does not have as many pleats and it has the metal logo.  This bag also comes with a wide adjustable shoulder strap, which means it would be comfortable on your shoulder.

I don’t own any Kenneth Cole bag at the moment but if I there’s one bag that I would like from them, it is this bag in this color.  This bag comes in 6 colors and measures 13″ W x 9″ H x 5″ D. Buy from Macy’s for $275.99

This whole concept about high-end designers providing a cheaper line of their product and lower-end designers offering a better quality line is really giving me mixed brand perceptions.

I can’t see the beauty of tie dyed bags. To me they are like those 3D random dot stereogram pictures.  I just can’t see it.  On the left is a Bulga bag that is made of leather.  I did not know that you can do “that” to leather.  Most tie dyes I’ve seen are applied to fabric.  All I can say is that it is such a cruel thing to do to beautiful leather.  I know Bulga always uses beautiful leather for their bags.  What a waste, don’t you think? The bag on the right is a canvas tie-dyed Rebecca Minkoff bag.

To me, tie dyed bags look like hand me down bags that have been used a lot. Now, why would you spend money for something like that? The only suitable use that I can think of for the Bulga tie dyed bag is camouflage: In case you want to do some nature photography.  For the Morning After Mini tie dye I can’t think of any good use. The bright colors makes it impossible to camouflage.  Now, don’t get me wrong here, I love my Bulga and Rebecca Minkoff bags, it’s just the tie dye that I don’t get.

If you love tie dye you can buy the Bulga Mini Marquis bag and the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini from Bloomingdale’s, where they are on sale right now.

This Mary Norton clutch is very dainty and feminine looking.  It is perfect for spring and summer parties.  The chiffon makes this clutch looks so delicate. You can buy this from Saks for $995.  I’m sure that not everyone is willing to pay that much money for something as small as 7″W X 6″H X 2″D which will only come out of the closet a handful of times in a year.

For my budget conscious readers, I have an alternative that will give you a similar look but cost less than $30. I found this Rose Clutch on eBay. This cheaper clutch is a little bit bigger than the Mary Norton clutch, it measures 9″x 5.8″x 3.0″ and it comes in many different colors.

I have never bought anything from this seller, so I can not share my experience with you.  However, the seller is a power seller and has a good rating.  Regardless, you always have to be cautious when shopping on eBay.  I find that the safest payment method on eBay is PayPal. If there is something wrong with your transaction you have a better chance of getting your money back if you are paying with PayPal.  I’m planning to get this clutch for my next summer party, however I still haven’t found the dress yet so I can’t decide which color Rose Clutch I will get.  Don’t you just love shopping? I know I do.

Image from Red Carpet

This Alexander McQueen “Squeeze It” clutch has been seen on Audrina Patridge arm so many times, all over the place. Now, it is finally on sale for 50% off on Net-A-Porter.  It was originally priced at $1,180 and now it is down to $590.  Get Audrina’s look for half the price!

For more ideas visit Smythson

Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

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Starting June 1, ideeli members have thirty days to enter this marquee giveaway and claim their chance to capture an original Oscar de la Renta creation and a piece of history. This giveaway is so unique, in fact, that it has been highlighted in the leading fashion industry publication, Women’s Wear Daily.

While only one ideeli member can win, everyone can enjoy insider tips and explore the world of de la Renta by signing up for Oscar de la Renta emails. Packed with details about everything from new product launches to the latest sales to exclusive Oscar de la Renta giveaways (one ideeli member who signed up will attend de la Renta’s Resort show in NYC on June 1st), the updates keep fashionistas in step with one of the world’s greatest fashion houses, and is a must-have for any de la Renta fan. So get on Oscar’s list to bring more of his inspired style into your life. After all, aren’t the best dreams the ones that come true?

There are fifteen bags from the new Chanel Paris-Moscou 08/09 collection, and this is the one bag that I like the most from the entire collection.  I like the pyramid effect quilt, as it is more appealing compared to the regular Chanel quilt.

To me, this whole bag just look like a comfy pillow, I’m sure that if you have this bag you would want to cuddle with it all the time, especially with the ultra soft Chanel lambskin. Everything about this bag is full of the Chanel signature: The quilts, the chain shoulder strap and just in case you are still not aware of it, there is always the Chanel charm.

This is the bag that I like the least from the Chanel Paris-Moscou 08/09 collection.  I’m not a world class designer, but I think that without the red wool, the bag will look less hideous.  I’m sure this is more of a collectors’ item, since I can’t imagine why anyone would want to buy this bag, except maybe for  descendants of the Russian elite. It happens that this bag is full of Russian historical symbols.

Image from Chanel

To me, this bag looks like a bag that can work hard, meaning it will be able to fit a lot of stuff, it will match most of your outfit, it will draw people’s eyes to itself because of its beauty and it will lasts for a long time just because Tod’s made it.  It sounds a lot like the perfect bag.

I think I don’t need to elaborate on the quality of the bag because we all know that Tod’s always make great quality bags.

You can buy this bag from Bluefly for $1,196. There is another version of this bag made of nylon and it is priced $950.  For only $246 price difference I will definitely choose the leather one.  It is obviously a better deal compared to the nylon version.

I just love bright colored bags, they totally pop against your neutral outfit. This bag is pretty simple; it’s just a rectangular bag with double braided shoulder straps and some simple hardware. This bag has a modern and clean look.  It is very suitable for ladies who do not want to look too girly but still like to play with colors.

I often find my self attracted to shiny hardware on bags. I think they make bags look more luxurious.  However, I always complain when bags are heavy.  In the perfect world, handbags with luxurious hardware are light. I don’t think this particular bag is super heavy, nothing will be as heavy as the Chloe Paddington (3 lbs) with the giant lock.

I am now still at the age where I sometimes willing to sacrifice comfort for looks.  I’m wondering at what age will I stop doing that?

Buy from Zappos for $350

I’m a little embarrassed for admitting this but honestly I’ve never looked twice at Steve Madden bags. I’m trying not to sound like one of those pretentious ladies who only wear certain brands within a certain price range, but I had the impression that they don’t have nice bags.  I guess they proved me wrong because this one is a beautiful looking bag.

I like how the quilts look so puffy and soft.  The distressed leather compliments the otherwise boring quilts. The weaved handle adds a more finished look and the minimal hardware provides just the right amount of shine and the fold over top gives the bag a softer look.

I was so curious about the quality of this bag, I went to my local Macy’s over the weekend just to check out this bag. Unfortunately, they did not have it.  I was so disappointed that I could not give you information about the quality of this bag.  If this bag is of similar quality as B.Makowsky’s bags (since they are in similar price range) then this proves that looking stylish is not about how much money you spend but about making smart choices.

Buy from Macy’s for $170.99

Please click the links for sale invitation!