BagBible

Buy from Endless for $182.31

There are always times when we need our man to hold on to our bags.  Men usually look very uncomfortable holding their woman’s girly bag.  Sometimes we also observe celebrities also carry their ladies’ bags.

This Andrew Marc Architect Tessa Hobo displays a utilitarian style with its two front pockets.  The bag feels somewhat masculine because of it’s style. Therefore, your man would probably not mind holding it for you. Obviously, that reasoning should not be your only consideration to buy a bag.

Aside from the casual and easy look, this Andrew Marc bag is also hip and young looking. You can surely use this for work or just for running errands.  It can be your all purpose bag.

I am a fan of Andrew Marc leather jackets and I’m sure the leather quality of this bag is also as good as their jackets.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $450

This Bottega Veneta Sculptured Tote is literally a woven bag with a twist.  Instead of doing their regular weave the designers decided to twist some part of the leather to achieve a more 3 dimensional look. This definitely adds more substantial texture to the simple woven bag. However, I still prefer the original woven version without the gimmicks. Sometimes, less is more.

Pre-order from Bergdorf Goodman for $2,480

I prefer to write positive bag reviews compared to negative ones because I would like to be a positive person.  However, I strongly feel that I have to say something about this Jimmy Choo Sky bag.  This is an example where “two rights can make a wrong”.  Studs are good; zebra patterns are good (up to a certain point) but when you combine them together they look like a total disaster.

When I look at this bag, I don’t know where to focus.  Do I focus on the studs or do I focus on the zebra print?  The top part of the bag looks so messy, that it makes bottom part look so unflustered. I never thought that I could consider zebra prints unflustered.

In my opinion, zebra prints and studs don’t go together. However, if you must have them both. You can perhaps put the studs only on the black part of the print.  That way it won’t look like you just slathered glue on the top, sprinkle some studs, and hope that they all stick.

I’m sure it will require more detailed craftmanship to put the studs on small sections, but if you are charging $3,795 for a bag, superior intricate craftmanship is expected.

There is another version of this bag that won’t make people cringe when you wear it.  It is just plain black with studs. Buy from Jimmy Choo for $2,995

Yesterday, I went to P.C Hooftstraat in Amsterdam, which is supposedly the most expensive shopping street in the Netherlands. Naturally, I went to look for bags. Since stores in the Netherlands close very early (6pm), I could only go to some stores,  of which one  was Bally.

In that store, I found a gorgeous deep green suede python hobo. I love the suede finish python; in my opinion, it looks more subtle and luxurious than the regular shiny finish python.  I observe that more and more designers are producing bags with suede python.

The bag was so light and fell so beautifully on the shoulder. Two sets of double gold-tone rings connect the strap to the bag. Knots that end with metal tips decorate the sides of the bag. You can’t see them from the picture but they’re there and they played up the sides of the bag really nicely. The side of the bag is the one that you see first when you see someone wearing a hobo bag on her shoulder. That’s why I think it is important that the sides show something attractive.
This bag is from the Fall 2009 collection.  It is priced €1500 Euros.

I like the Gucci Charlotte asymmetrical adjustable shoulder straps, they certainly add appeal to the otherwise simple and regular looking bag.  If I were to buy the bag, these shoulder straps would be the main reason for me to buy the bag, since I don’t care much for canvas nor monogram designs.  However, for Gucci monogram fans, this will be a great bag.  It has a classic shape which means it will lasts for many years to come, and the neutral color matches easily with your wardrobe.  The shoulder straps look comfortable and would fit well on the shoulder without slipping. The 16 1/2″W x 11″H x 7″D measurement assures it’s functionality.  All in all, this is a good and functional bag. It’s just not an exciting bag for me.

Buy from Neiman Marcus for $995

This is by far the most understated and minimalist bag that I have ever seen.  There is no hardware, there is no pocket, there are no bells and whistles, nothing.  This bag only has the absolutely necessary to be called a bag.  I’m sure this bag will look like a lump of suede when empty.  I absolutely love this.  You might think I’m crazy, but sometimes I need to take a break from all the crazy designs and colors and just be subtle. You really can not go anymore subtle than this.  Even the color of this bag is very subdued: light grey. When I look at this bag, I think about the word “zen”. Don’t you agree?

You can buy this from Shopbop for $795.  Now, as much as I like this bag, I probably won’t spend that much for this minimalistic looking bag.  However, I would definitely consider it if it ever goes on sale.  This bag measures a generous 20″H x 19″L x 7″D, with 9″ strap drop.

Below you can see Kate Bosworth wearing this bag.  I think the bag looks pretty huge against her small frame.

Source

Rocker Chic on Crosby Street

“Leather. Zippers. Studs… the Botkier Fall 09 collection flaunts all the details we love about Botkier. Taking it back to street chic NYC cool. Inspired by the seductive pulse of New York City streets and my favorite pair of worn in, black leather motorcycle pants. Handbags and shoes in a palette of moody darks and sexy neutrals that get better with age. Slouchy silhouettes that live with us. This is quintessential Botkier”.- Monica Botkier

Sydney

Logan

Uma

Angie

Taylor

Since super slouchy bags are my current obsession, I clicked on bags that I would not normally pay any attention to; like this Christian Louboutin Saba Water Snake bag here.  If you look at the first picture, there is nothing really attractive about it. I thought the shape is kind of odd. Luckily, being the curious person that I am, I clicked more.  I actually have faith that Louboutin is very capable of making drool worthy bags.

This is a very casual and easy looking bag.  The one that you can wear and instantly have that effortless chic look, even though in reality it takes you an hour to get ready.  The color of the bag is very neutral, even though it is not eye popping, it is still very suitable for summer.  You can always tone it up by pairing it with bright outfit or tone it down with neutral outfit like the model is wearing.  You can pretty much wear this bag all year long.

One concern that I have is the stiff looking shoulder strap.  I think it is taking away some of the slouchiness effect of the bag.  I would prefer a flatter and supple shoulder strap.

Did you see how Louboutin is applying his signature on his bags? Notice the shoe charm and the red lining; I believe that the red lining is representing the red sole from his shoe line. I must say it is a smart marketing strategy. Given that Louboutin already has one sucessful shoe empire why not remind people of how good he is and how he also is committed to deliver the same level of satisfaction to his loyal customers.

Buy from Net-A-Porter for $2,097

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.

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

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 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.