BagBible

Image from Rebecca Minkoff Facebook fan page

If you are obsessed with bags like I do, you will look at bags in a whole different way.  You will start noticing even the smallest details.  Right now I’m in love with this Rebecca Minkoff Delight Satchel.  The shape is nothing revolutionary, but I love the details: From the two buckled straps that lay vertically around the bag, the way the pocket is stitched to the small tiny round hardware that she put near the tip of the buckled straps. Everything just fall beautifully into place.

Besides the details, I also pay attention to the functionality. This roomy bag (15.5″w x 12.5″h x 6.5″d) has 3 exterior zippered pockets and a detachable shoulder strap, which is good enough for me. I can’t find any picture of the inside of the bag but I’m pretty sure it should have a zippered pocket inside too (just like the Morning After Bag).  I’m hoping that she uses metal interior zippers instead of plastic ones, because plastic zippers makes the bag look cheap (yes, even if it’s only on the inside).  This plastic zipper thing might be one of my weird bag pet peeves.  I have passed on buying bags that I really like just because they have plastic zippers on the inside.

You can pre-order this bag from lunaboston for $495.  Currently, they only have the color black.  I would wait around for the other colors, as I’m sure they will be pretty.  I love the blue one in the picture.

Just when I thought that I already have too many bags, Mulberry is coming out with Alexa bag. The Alexa bag is obviously inspired by the Bayswater but it also looks a little bit like a briefcase.  I’d say the Alexa bag is the more masculine version of the Bayswater. I love everything about it except for one little thing; the inside zipper.  I know I’m probably just being picky, but when I’m buying a bag that is over a thousand dollar I expect luxury and a plastic zipper does not scream luxury. 

I don’t understand why Mulberry choose to have plastic zipper inside their bag.  It can’t be because their cutting cost because I’ve seen bags that are half the price with nice metal zipper inside the bags.  I’m sure some people don’t even pay attention to this little thing, but it is a little disappointing for someone who inspect every little details on her bags (like me).

Coming soon, from Mulberry ($1,150)

I always stop to admire an orange handbag whenever I see one.  The color is just very attractive to me.  It is just very warm and vibrant.  When combined with luxurious leather, orange bag can be an attention magnet and also can be the only thing that you need to add a punch to your outfit.

This Marc Jacobs Elise bag has a simple classic shapes, but the buckles on the sides, the zippered pocket and the push lock flap pocket dressed it up nicely. This one is definitely not a boring bag.  Pre-Order from Nordstrom for $895.

In last night’s episode, Nate’s rumored new love interest Bree (Joanna Garcia) is carrying Be & D’s Cosette Satchel in Navy, $895 available at www.beandd.com; select Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue. Jump to see more pictures! More »

I’m a big fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag.  If my girl friends had not stopped me, I would’ve gotten one in every color.  I love the classic shape and style of the Morning After Mini, and the size is just right for me.  For the 2009 Fall line, Rebecca updated the Morning After bag with additional zippers.  I love how the additional zippers add some edginess and a tough look to the bag without changing its classic “Morning After” look.  The long tassels are also very appropriate for the zippered look.

Since studs, zippers and chains are hot this season, many designers have gone overboard with them. I’ve seen bags that are literally covered in zippers so that it’s not even funny anymore. Just because zippers are in, it doesn’t mean that you can just cover your bags with them and call it fashionable.  Take a clue from Rebecca Minkoff for incorporating the trend tastefully.

Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue for $550

I have never paid attention to Tory Burch’s bags until now.  This particular Tory Burch bag caught my eye.  First, I like the rich brown color on this Tory Burch Stitched T Zip Satchel.  Second, I like how the gold color complements the rich brown leather. Third, this satchel can also be worn as cross body using the detachable shoulder strap which makes it very versatile,  especially when I’m going shopping and I need both hands to carry shopping bags and look at merchandise. Yes, I take my shopping seriously. I even think about my shoes and outfit to wear on a shopping trip.  I always make sure the shoes are comfortable for a lot of walking and the outfit is easy to put on and off for trying on clothes.

Even though I don’t like logos on my bags, the T shape hardware doesn’t bother me. In fact, I think it’s a clever and subtle way to add signature to the simple bag without being overwhelmingly tacky.  The Ts certainly accent the bag nicely.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $495

Being a sucker for anything shiny I could not help but to click on this Marc Jacobs Sequined New York Rocker Stam bag.  I’m used to seeing very shiny small miniaudiere, clutch or evening bags.  However, a bag this size that is very shiny is new to me.  I’m not sure where and when one would carry this bag.  In my opinion, this bag is too big for a formal event, too shiny for casual everyday use and still too shiny for everything in between.   If you can think of how to wear this bag you can buy it from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995

There was a time when I preferred silver tone hardware on bags regardless the color of the bag. Now, I’m slowly warming up to gold tone hardware.  I’m finding that gold tone hardware adds a little bit more luxury to a bag compared to silver tone hardware. For example, this cream Jack Rabbit Stinger would not have as much contrast if the hardware were silver tone.

Even though this Jack Rabbit Stinger display a classic lady like shape, it is certainly not a boring bag.  It has a lot of interesting details, such as the V side pockets, the vertical zipper, and some strategically placed studs.  The most interesting feature is the vertical zipper, which used to expand the bag. However, I’m not sure how it would enhance the look of the bag when it is unzipped.  I would probably keep the zipper closed at all times.

Buy from Shopbop for $369.60

If you look at many bags every day, you’d think that after a while you’ll be able to recognize which design belongs to which designer, right? However, when I saw this Versace Patent Shopper, I did not think that it was a Versace.  First of all, it is not outrageous enough. Second of all, there is no huge name plate or the famous Medusa head stuck anywhere prominently. I love it!

There are a lot of elements that I like about this Versace Patent Shopper.  I like the gold hardware and red leather combination; it adds a little more of a luxury feel compared to silver hardware.  The elongated shape will definitely flatter shorter and rounder body types.  I adore the look of long bags, however it’s harder to find things in a long bag compared to a wide bag.  With this Versace bag, you will get the advantage of the long bag look without sacrificing its practicality. This is surely a smart and thoughtful design.  I also love how the designer did not forget the sides of the bag just like many other designers.  More often than not, we see bags with plain sides.

One thing that I don’t like about this bag is the price.  It is $3,705.  I don’t understand how they price their bags but I honestly don’t think it is worth that much. It is not even made of exotic skin. If you must have it, I strongly suggest to wait for the sale.  Buy from Nordstrom.

This bag reminds me a lot of the 70s, particularly of a Disco ball.  Even though I was not born until the late 70s I remember watching movies from that era.

This bag has so many colors depending from which angle you look at it, just like a disco ball.  I for one am not someone who would wear a bag this shiny and colorful, but Beyonce might, since her style is often exuberant.

They have this bag in four different finishes: Suede, leather, patent leather and guccissima leather. I must say that the patent leather version screams “look at me” the loudest.

You can pre-order this bag from Gucci for $1,790

Here is a disco ball picture for comparison.

I’ve always had a soft spot for girly bags, maybe because I didn’t have a lot of girly stuff growing up.  My mother’s style was quite minimalistic, which influenced my style to be quite simple and clean. Since I’m her only daughter, we always shop together.  Now that we live far away from each other, I shop by myself and I have started to unleash my girlie fixation.

I love this YSL Y-Bow; it has just the perfect amount of girlie and at the same time looking very luxurious.  I’ve seen Dita Von Teese with the leather version, which was also gorgeous.  But I think this version is even more feminine thanks to the soft suede.  The suede leather makes the overal look of the bag much softer and lush while the embossed lizzard pattern gives it the luxury look without the hefty price tag (a real lizzard bag this size would cost a lot more).

This YSL Bowler is a bag that still manages to steal the show without a hint of shine from a single piece of hardware. Pre-Order from Neiman Marcus for $1,695

Most of the time I find bags with lots of zippers tacky.  However, I find this Gotham satchel quite appealing. The only hardware you can find on this bag is just zippers and one big zipper pull on the main compartment that has Donna Karan engraving. I think it is very wise to limit the amount of hardware.  The design clearly states that this bag is all about the zippers.  Additional hardware will just turn this bag to hardware overload.

One thing that I appreciate about this Gotham satchel is that it has just the right amount of rock and roll flavor to it.  This means you don’t have to dress like a rock star to be able to carry this bag.  As to the zippers, I must say that I prefer the bag with all the zippers open.  I think it gives the bag a fuller shape and more texture.  Pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $1,495

Many Botkier fans have asked me about the Botkier Taylor from the Fall 2009 collection.  As you might already know, the Botkier Fall 2009 collection is very rocker chic.  The Taylor bags bring the rocker chic flavor through their one-of-a-kind tassels design. I finally have the following information about the bags that I would love to share with all of you.

Taylor Satchel
Will be available at Shopbop on September 2009
Size: 15.25″ x 4.5″ x 8.75″
Price: $545
Material/Colors: Black cowhide, brown lambskin, or sand pearl lambskin with antique brass hardware.

Taylor Crossbody
Will be available at NeimanMarcus on September 2009
Size: 15″ x 3.75″ x 10.5″
Price: $525
Material/Colors: Black cowhide, brown lambskin, or sand pearl lambskin with antique brass hardware.

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

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.