BagBible

Photos Credit: Christine Kim

I was so bummed that I could not make it to the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale in San Francisco on May 16th.  However, a dear friend of mine, who is also crazy about bags, went and took some pictures for me.  I did not think that she would have had a chance to take pictures because this kind of sale is usually very hectic.  I was so happy when she emailed me the pictures she took.  I felt like I did not totally miss out on the sale.

Although the prices were not incredibly cheap, a lot of the shoppers were pretty feisty and snagged a lot of the bags.  After the jump you can see that shoppers were holding many bags at the same time.  Within the first five minutes of the sale most of the bags were snagged, just so that they could decide which one to get.  In my opinion, that kind of shopping is very exciting as it gets your adrenaline pumping.  In the end, when you finally score something nice and cheap, you will experience victory.  Where is the fun of shopping retail, where everything is priced at the full price, comes in a complete selection, and no one is trying to snatch your finds.  Perhaps, I’m just not mature enough to appreciate the “uneventfulness” of retail shopping. More »

Last night, when I was watching the Desperate Housewives season finale, I spotted this bag on Susan Mayer, played by Teri Hatcher.  I recognized this bag instantly because of the unique woven leather combination.  This bag is woven with two kinds of leather, matte and patent.  (It reminds me of the Bottega Venetta Hobo, however, the Bottega Hobo has three kinds of leather woven together, matte, patent and suede and it is fabulous).  The woven leather combination is pretty much the main show of the bag because the rest of it is very ordinary.

I had seen this bag around for a while, but never had the urge to blog about it, until I saw it on Desperate Housewives.  Since it showed up on that show, I figured that bag-loving viewers would like to know what that bag was.

I’ve searched for this bag online however I couldn’t find any online retailer that still carried it, since it had been around for sometime.  I did find other colors, such as tan, mocha,white and orange.  However, they’re not nearly as beautiful as black and they are not made of combination leather.

Image from Polyvore.

Please click the links for sale invitation!

In additon to the Sample Sale sites, Net-a-porter is also having an End of Season Sale.  Up to 50% discount on bags!

DKNY is the more affordable line of Donna Karan. Even though this bag is supposed to be second rate, I like it a lot better than the Donna Karan “Flap Disaster” Messenger Bag and it cost less than a third of the Flap bag. This bag looks like a functional and practical bag, providing easy access. The gold tone hardware complements the beautiful neutral color.  The knotted straps add interest to the otherwise plain handbag.   If you are just starting to build your wardrobe and are still figuring out your style or if you just want a no-fuss everyday bag, this is a good bag for you. The price is reasonable and the style is sweet and simple. This bag measures 16″W x 11.5″H x 4.75″D. You can buy this from Bloomingdale’s for $425.

I like the look of this Gustto bag: The color and the hardware are beautiful. However, I’m not so sure about the embossed paisley.  Whenever I see paisley, I’m always thinking of the word “old” and “grandma”.  Maybe my style is too minimalistic, since I rarely like anything with a pattern, unless it is absolutely fabulous. I know Gustto has a plainer version (without the embossed paisley) of this model.

This bag measures 17″W x 10.5″H x 4″D, big enough for carrying your essentials plus some more.  The shoulder strap is always a nice option when you need both of your hands. For the quality, Gustto bags are really well made, just like the other contemporary designers.

You can buy Gustto Fiore from Bloomingdale’s for $645.

Now, as for the similarity with Gucci Hysteria, I wouldn’t say that they are identical twins, but they are definitely fraternal twins, don’t you think?  The shillouete, the hardware, the handles, and the detachable shoulder straps are very similar.  The Gucci Hysteria is a little bit smaller than the Gustto Fiore.  It measures only 15″L x 11.4″H.

I prefer the Gustto hardware over the Gucci because t looks cleaner without the logo.  However, I like the pleats on the Hysteria better.

The Gucci Hysteria retails for $1,695, it is $1,050 more than the Gussto.  I would definitely choose the Gussto since I’m not brand obsessed.  I will gladly wear the lesser brand as long as it has good quality, but I would avoid Target look alikes.  Which one would you choose?

Gucci Hysteria image from Nordstrom

I love Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag, regardless where it is made.  The style is very classic, the leather is beautiful and it comes in so many different colors.  It’s like the cheaper version of Balenciaga bags.

I always thought that the more options I have the better.  However, I’m finding it hard to choose with so many colors available.  It doesn’t help that most of the colors are beautiful.  It just makes it even harder for me to choose.

After thinking about it for some time, I narrowed down my choice to  Peacock (shown) and Pool (antother beautiful shade of blue). I already have one neutral color, so a fun color of Morning After Mini would be a nice addition to my collection.

You can buy this from Revolve Clothing for $550

The lowdown:

• Launched in December of 2007 by CEO Adam Bernhard, Brett Markinson, and Konstantin Glasmacher.

• Bernhard says, “I always keep in mind that we’ve got two customers: the brands and the shopper.  For the brands, we serve as not only a way to just clear their inventory, but as a marketing tool to engage new customers” adding that, “We allow the brand to control their own destiny.”

• Offers off-market pricing on some of the most coveted clothing labels, accessories brands and beauty brands (a recent addition to the lineup) at discounts between 40% and 75% off.

• To become a member, you must be invited by a friend (via email–your friend will get a $10 credit to the site if you sign up), get on the wait list by simply signing up, or find a VIP email referral to use, occasionally given out by Hautelook.

• Each brand’s as sample sale lasts on the site for 24 to 48 hours, which in turn causes some of its members to obsessively check the site each morning so they’re abreast on what the day’s offerings are.

• Items sell out quickly, and there’s only so much stock to go around.  If an item says “On Hold” that means that the last piece of inventory for that item is in someone’s shopping cart.  It will be released if the item has been in a member’s shopping cart for 10 minutes with no activity.

• On any given day, there could be seven, sometimes even eight sales in motion to peruse, depending on how long each sale is and how many new sales commenced that day.

• Think a current season (as opposed to last season’s leftovers) $230 Lauren Conrad maxi dress for $68, $198 Citizen jeans for $110, coveted $89 Go Smile whitening systems for just $30 and a $495 Robert Rodriguez trench for $149.

• Basically, If it were a brick-and-mortar establishment, lines would form outside in the early morning hours (even in a snow storm or pouring rain) and wrap around the building, with a subsequent mass of clothes flying in every direction, possibly a little hair pulling and bow throwing.  After all, sample sale shopping is practically a contact sport.

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Enter the Prada giveaway at Ideeli, right now!  Please click HERE if you are not a member of Ideeli yet. The drawing of the winner will be on Fri, May 15 2009 at 09:04PM EDT

The first word that I thought about when I look at this bag is rugged.  It is a beautiful bag, but it is definitely not a girly girl bag.  This is the bag that you can use everyday and throw around without having to worry about scratches.  I think scratches will just add to the beauty of this bag.

The straps’ rings are connected diagonally, which makes this bag looks different and interesting. The small studs add to the ruggedness of the bag without being too overwhelming.

I’m usually not very fond of contrast stitching. But this bag surprises me, because I totally think it’s very suitable.  I wish I could find a store that carries this bag so that I can see this bag in person.

You can see more pictures and take a closer look at Forzieri, retails for $319

The leather on this bag is super soft and the bag is very light. The heaviest thing on this bag is just the big ring on the flap. When I went to Nordstrom, the helpful and friendly SA showed me a bag that she got from the storage room.  It was a beautiful purplish blue, which I think is the most beautiful color out of all the Simones.  I could not find the picture online so I just put the red one.

This bag has a soft look thanks to the soft leather and the slouchy shape.  The knotted straps also add softness to it. One little thing that I don’t like about this bag is the wide stitching.  I think the wide stitching is taking away some of the softness of the bag.

You can buy this from Jimmy Choo for $2,450.

Image from Coolspotters

Eva Longoria spotted in her Be & D Kan Kan tote May 11 and 12^th in Los Angeles, which she was first seen rocking back in December 2007! It is nice to see that celebs aren’t always wearing their standard Birkins and Chanels! Lucky for us Be & D is continuing this style for AW 09, as well as introducing some new Kan Kan silhouettes!

The Kan-Kan tote is a true statement bag. Large and roomy enough to hold files or a laptop, the Kan-Kan has delicate ruffle panels on both sides, and suede and signature hardware accents. Can be handheld, or worn with a detachable shoulder strap. Made from Italian leather, with a magnetic closure, an interior zipper pocket, PDA and cell phone pocket, and keyleash.
Available in Cream, Black, and Gunmetal.
Dimensions are 14.5″ L x 3″ W x 14″ H.

From Be & D $1,390

I got so excited when I saw this bag, I have never seen exotics done like this before. The python colors are really rich, it adds a lot of depth and dimension to the bag and the pearl effect just makes the bag pop even more.

There is nothing new with the shape and the drawstring.  It’s pretty much a nice basic shaped bag, which I think is very wise because you don’t want a busy design with this kind of material.  You don’t even want to wear busy looking clothing with this bag. a plain, simple, and sleek outfit will definitely showcase the bag. This bag will definitely be the first thing that people notice if you were to wear it.

The only thing that bothers me about this bag is the size.  It only measures 7″H x 10″W x 6″D. I think it’s kind of smallish and you won’t be able to put a whole lot in it.

Pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $2,675

It puzzles me that someone who designs something like the elegant Pearlized Python Bag is also the one who designs this flowery thing that they call a bag.  I admire a lot of Carlos Falchi designs, but obviously not this one.

I know that is spring now, and I also know that flowers bloom in spring.  But do you have to take it so literally?

If you must do a flower bag, at least do it tastefully like Valentino’s flower bags. This bag look like some art project that my daughter would make, except this one is made of leather and the flowers probably would not fall off when you tug it.

To make things worse, this bag will set you back more than a thousand dollars. What do you think about that?

You can buy this from Neiman Marcus for $1,050.

I am pretty impressed with B.Makowsky bags.  First of all, they have good quality.  Neat stitching, fine leather, and some great designs.   Second, their prices are reasonable unlike some high end designers who ask for thousands of dollars in exchange for their canvas bag.

I like this pleated satchel, it doesn’t have too much going on, but still manages to look interesting.  I also like the hardware. In my opinion, gold toned hardware looks better on white bags compared to silver toned hardware. The bottom corners’ hardware is a combination of good design and functionality.  When we throw our bags around, the corners tend to suffer the greatest wear and tear.  However, with hardware protecting the corners, the bag will stay nice longer.

There is another variant of this same model on which the hardware does not cover the bottom corners,  but instead covers the top corners.  I prefer the one with the hardware on the bottom (pictured). From Nordstrom $298

This is one funny bag.  It looks like a regular bag in the picture, but when I was trying it on at Nordstrom, I found out otherwise…  I pretended that was actually wearing this bag and using it. Oh boy, those zippered flaps were a nightmare. Imagine being in a hurry and trying to get something out from the bag.  First, you have to lift the flap and hold the flap so you can unzip it, and then finally you can reach deep deep down for whatever you are looking for.  As if you can’t get enough of the flap, instead of one they give you two. Isn’t it funny?

I can understand if something so pretty sometimes can be unpractical. However, this bag is not pretty AND not practical.

The funniest thing about this bag is actually the price.  For a “mere” $1,595 you can get this non-pretty and non-practical bag.  I used to think that if something is expensive it must be really good. Now, I know that is not always the case.  So, before you spent your hard-earned money on a bag, make sure that the bag is really worth your money.

If you must, you can buy this from Nordstrom for $1,595

Please click the links for sale invitation!

At first sight, I thought this bag was made of fabric because of the way the pleats looked.  I was pretty impressed when I found out that it was actually made of leather.  This means that the leather must be very supple to be able to do that “dress-like” design.

Zooming into the bag, it does look like the leather is as soft as butter! The lizard skin trim and buckle add a bit more interest and texture to the bag without making it look too “animally” like a full blown exotic bag.

On top of that, I’m also loving the fact that it has minimal hardware, which means that it must be light. Enough already with the heavy bags!  I just want to look stylish and not break my back.  We are already wearing heels, why do we have to carry a heavy bag as well?

The Large Nancy Bag retails for $1,805 from Smythson

At Rue La La, please click HERE if you are not a member yet!

Buy from Forzieri for $574

Buti Charm Drop Dark Brown Pebble Italian Leather Hobo Bag reminds me of Celine Bittersweet. Mainly because of it’s charm drop.  I like the Buti bag better compared to the Celine Bittersweet, because it has more interesting hardware and strap. Do you notice how the knots attach the strap to the rings? They add the much needed interest to a simple bag without sacrificing its elegance. However, I’m not a big fan of contrast stitching.  In my opinion, contrast stitching can cheapen the look of a bag if not done right.

The Buti bag ends just above the waist, which is really flattering for curvy women, while the Celine Bittersweet is more suitable for women with larger hips since the strap is shorter so it can easily be tucked under the arm.

Celine Bittersweet

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $980

This Elephant cosmetic bag is adorable.  The elephant design is unexpected, and makes this cosmetic bag look different than any other cosmetic bags.  Although, I love the leather elephant, I’m not so sure about the white canvas.  It looks beautiful with the brown leather, but cosmetic bags tend to get dirty easily from cosmetics smudges. I’m sure you can’t put this in the washing machine, because of the leather part. I guess this is perfect for a non clumsy person:  Someone who does not spill, drop or knock things down constantly.

You can buy this from Forzieri for $142