BagBible

If you love the look of Chanel bags but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and refuse to buy hideous knock-offs, Kate Spade Gold Coast is the solution for you.  It won’t break the bank since it’s only $445 (you can get it for even less if you wait for the sale). Also, Kate Spade bags are made of quality leather with great workmanship.  The only thing that you’ll miss (or not) are the big interlocking Cs.  There are a lot of look-a-like bags out there, from the Target look-a-likes to the designers’ look-a-likes.  I can’t stand the cheap look-a-likes, probably because of the poor quality and the fact that they are made of pleather.  However, I don’t mind the higher-end designers look-a-likes.  I guess it’s just a quality issue for me. So, what do you think of wearing a look-a-like bag?

Buy from Nordstrom

Image from Chanel

On the left is the Versace Patent Chain shoulder bag and on the right is Chanel Veau Ver Large Tote. Aren’t they a little bit too similar?  Of course, the designers at Versace can use the quilted design, or the chain straps, or the tote shape. They can, but if they are combining them all together like Chanel did in one bag,  it would look just like a Chanel rip off.  It is very common when lower-end designers do such a thing, but I would not expect this from Versace.  When lower-end designers do this, their work may be not as impressive, but at least they are not charging a four digit price.

In my opinion, Versace (a world class design house) should have enough resources to create something that is not a copy cat.

Buy from Bergdorf Goodman for $1,800

I almost jumped out of my chair when I saw this Chanel bag. Not because I like it so much or because I have to have it.  I was so surprised because it looks A LOT like my old Desmo bag that I’ve been trying to sell.  I wanted to sell it for a while but I am too lazy to post it on eBay. Now that I’ve seen this Chanel I might not sell my old bag at all.

Usually when I see two similar bags I always assume that the cheaper one copies the more expensive one. However, after considering the timeline when these bags hit the market,  this assumption was false.  Now, I’m not saying that Chanel is copying Desmo (gosh, I hope not! cause that will be sad), but isn’t it a strange coincidence?

Here is my old Desmo (I think I had it for 3 years already). Don’t you think they have an uncanny resemblance? The obvious differences would be the Chanel logo, the amount of grommets, and the comfort leather slips on the Desmo chain (but they are very easy to remove). I’m sure the Chanel lambskin would be so much softer than the Desmo bag, since it is probably priced 10 times more than the Desmo.  That’s the least we can expect, right? After all, the ingenious design factor is already out of the door.

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.

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.

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

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

NEW YORK, May 6 (Reuters) – Italian fashion house Gucci sued rival fashion and leather goods label Guess Inc. on Wednesday, claiming it copied a dress design and several trademarked logos.

Gucci accused Guess Inc (GES.N) of imitating trademarked designs, including a green and red stripe, a repeated interlocking GG mark and stylized G mark it emblazoned on accessories like handbags, belts, gloves, watches and glasses.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court and seeks unspecified monetary damages, also accused Guess of copying a dress featuring an interlocking GG diamond motif.

“Rather than going through the effort and expense of developing and creating their own unique designs, defendants have chosen to target Gucci by knowingly and slavishly replicating Gucci’s world famous design elements and designations,” the lawsuit said.

Article from Reuters

After reading that news article I immediately thought about Target. I’ve seen so many copycat designer handbags sold on Target. They are not counterfeits, since they use their own brand. However, the designs of the Target bags are almost identical to the high end designer bags. I am aware that Target has been collaborating with many designers in producing affordable designer goods, but this is not it.

Here are some examples:

Louis Vuitton Mahina Copycat from Target	Louis Vuitton Mahina
Image from Target	Image from Momist
Chloe Paraty Python Copycat from Target	Chloe Paraty Phyton Tote
Image from my camera	Image from Net-A-Porter

I can’t help but wonder: Is it ok for Target to sell these bags? Where do you draw the line between counterfeits and copycat?

Louis Vuitton Kalahari GM retails for $3,390

As soon as I saw Madonna’s Louis Vuitton Ad campaign, I associated the Kalahari bag that she was wearing with the Carlos Falchi bag.  I’ve seen the Carlos Falchi bag around for sometime.  I even saw it on the sale at Neiman Marcus a while ago.

Carlos Falchi Deerskin on sale right now for $605 on Zappos

The Kalahari Bag from Louis Vuitton is one of their Spring 2009 collection.  Is it possible that the Kalahari design was inspired by the Carlos Falchi bag? In my opinion, the Carlos Falchi bag is the better deal, since it is made of durable deerskin compared to the coated canvas of Louis Vuitton Kalahari.  In addition, the deer skin flap drapes better compared to the coated canvas flap.

Valentino Bow Clutch $895 from Saks available in Brown Metallic and Grey Metallic.

Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch $725 from Saks available in Black and Pink

These two clutches look similar, however I would choose the Valentino Bow Clutch over the Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch anytime.  There is nothing wrong with the Christian Louboutin Clutch.   What sets the Valentino Clutch apart is that it is made of nappa leather while the Louboutin clutch is made of satin. Leather is more durable than satin, plus Louboutin is a fairly new name in the handbag industry (even though his shoes are fabolous). My point is: If you are willing to spend that kind of money for a clutch you should definitely go with the Valentino, which I think is a better deal.  It would be a different story if the Louboutin clutch has a much much lower price.

Christian Louboutin Scoolita Framed Bag $1,495 at Saks
Exquisitely soft calf, shaped and pleated into a graceful shape with a metal-framed top. Double top handles; 7½” drop
– Magnetic closure
– Protective metal feet
– Inside zip and cell phone pockets
– Bright cotton lining
– Signature charm detail
– About 15″W X 12″H X 5½”D
– Made in Italy

B. Makowsky Florence Shopper $238.40 at eBags

Crafted from soft, supple leather

– Double handles with 6-3/4″ drop
– Magnetic snap closure
– Chunky satin gold tone hardware details; B. Makowsky logo; pleat details
– Interior features signature lining; center zip compartment; zip pocket; 2 slip pockets
– 15-1/4″ W x 10″ H x 3″ D
– Made in China

Here are two bags that I think look very similar. I have to admit that I like the Christian Louboutin Schoolita a little bit better. I like the slightly curvier silhouette, the wider bottom, the softer pleat and the subtle gold tone hardware. However, for $1256.60 less you can get something that is almost as stylish with good quality.