BagBible

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

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

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!

The cool thing about this bag is the wicker part, when you look at it closely you can see that the wicker has 3 colors; ivory, gold and silver. The gold and silver are very subtle yet they still give the bag some shimmer. As you might already know, I love anything shiny and shimmery.

The wicker design definitely gives this bag a casual look and the generous 15″W x 14.5″H x 5.9″D size made sure that you can fit your everyday essentials.  However, I don’t normally wear light colored bag as my everyday bag, since I don’t want them to get dirty. That’s just my personal preference.  For the past month, I’ve been using a Tod’s bucket bag that has an open top, and I find it very convenient. I used to stay away from an open top bag like this one because I’m afraid that I might loose my stuff, but so far so good and I just love how easy it is to get my stuff in and out of the bag.

From Bloomingdale’s for $995

I always love simple and understated bags.  In my opinion, they will never be out of style and they go with everything.  Like this Kenneth Cole No Slouch Hobo, you just can’t go wrong.  There is a little bit of trendy element on this bag, which is the studded handle.  However, the studs are so few and small that it would not look outdated a year or two from now.  I couldn’t say the same about bags that have studs all over the place.

I consider this bag a great buy, since it is not as expensive as “breaking the bank”, yet you still get good design and quality.  It’s great for those who want to start collecting bags or someone like me who buys bags every now and then without any apparent reasons.

From Kenneth Cole $358

Click for more pictures More »

I never thought that I would be interested in nylon bags. I’ve seen this bag around for a while now. every time I see it I ended up touching it and trying it on. I didn’t write a review right away because…well…it’s made of nylon. Nevertheless, the more I see it, the more I like it. Everything about this bag is very well made. If I have to choose the best part of the bag, it would be the hardware.  The hardware is so shiny and smooth that it literally lights up the whole bag and makes the nylon bag look somewhat expensive. Unfortunately, this particular nylon bag is expensive indeed (for a nylon bag).  It is priced at $245.  I’m not sure if I’m willing to spend over $200 for a nylon bag, but if it is on sale I might want to get one. This one is definitely great for a rainy day.

From Nordstrom $245

Probably you can guess what my current obsession is:  Classic elongated hobos.  I love the way they look, the way they fall on my shoulder, and the fact that it is the most flattering bag style out there.  You can never look like you’re trying too hard with these kind of bags.  They’re great for casual dates, lunches, shopping trips, or just running errands.

From left to right:

1. Burberry Glossy Hobo $850

2. Chloe Heloise Braided Hobo $1,595

3. Jimmy Choo Watersnake Ring Hobo $1,495

4. Nancy Gonzales Soft Patent Pleated Hobo $2,950

5. Salvatore Ferragamo Equestre Napa Yoko Hobo $2,490

6. YSL Roady Hobo $1,195

Images from Neiman Marcus

I know that there is not much going on with this bag.  However, I think this is a very cool looking bag. The chain detailing makes the bag look tough and the slouchy shape gives it a more casual look.  Judging by the price of this bag ($1,145), I would expect it to be made of genuine leather.  Unfortunately, it is made of faux-leather which is a major turn off for me, especially at a price point of over $1000.

Buy from Net-A-Porter

Gossip Girl’s newest star fits right in with the fashionable cast, toting the Mulberry “Mitzy” hobo while smooching costar Penn Badgley on-camera.

Buy from Mulberry for $1,395

It’s funny that I have been obsessing about slouchy bags but whenever I’m buying a new bag I end up buying a structured bag.  I think I have to buckle up and find the perfect slouchy bag.  This Via Repubblica Suede Shopper looks very chic and youthful.  I love the soft look of the suede. However, I tend to avoid suede bags because I’m afraid I will ruin it in no time.

This bag will be perfect for my suede trial, since it is not very expensive so I won’t cry when I accidentally ruin it.  This bag comes in 4 colors: Camel, Moro (dark brown), Cenere (dusk blue), and Vino (shown). I honestly like them all, but I would probably choose the darker color for practical reasons.  It also comes in a larger size that I’m sure would look great on taller girls.

Overall, I think this is a very stylish bag. Even so, I would like it even more if the zipper pull was made of a fine chain instead of studded leather.  They would definitely fall nicer than than the suede zipper pull and would add a little bit of rock n roll flavor to the bag, would you agree?

Available at Nordstrom for $298

As the name clearly implies, this Dautore bag has a linking strap.  The unique design of the strap is the main feature that attracts me to this bag. The description of the bag says “intricately linked straps — reminiscent of block-stitched lanyards”. When you look closer, you can see that the linked straps are made of two different colors of leather, which I think add a little more dimension to the strap.

I always love it when designers come up with something different but still manage not to make the bag look too “out there”,  like this bag for example.  This bag will get you noticed in a good way, but not in a “fashion victim” kind of way.

The slouchy shape and the roomy size also won me over.  I’m just not too crazy about the colors.  I love bags that are richer in color.

This bag comes in two colors: Amazon and Argila (which is the color of the other link on the strap).  Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $580

I was so excited when I saw this bag.  I loved the older version of this bag which I reviewed before, but the plastic zipper was a major turn off for me.  Now, the new and improved version has a metal zipper and the leather is noticeably softer. In my previous review, I already mentioned why I loved this bag; the new and improved version just makes me love it even more.

It is available in two colors on the Saks Fifth Avenue website: Black and brown.  However, the color samples are black and grey.  I’m not sure which one is the right one.  There might be a typo.  Regardless the color, I still love the bag. Mainly, because of it’s slouchiness, functionality and the improved features.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced everyday bag, this is the perfect bag for you.  Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue for $440