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

Image from Smythson

Isn’t it gorgeous? Don’t you just love the soft quilted look? Quilted bags are definitely nothing new but this hand-riveted quilt is something that we don’t see everyday.  The usual quilted bags tend to look rigid and stuffy but this Nancy bag looks just the opposite. You can see that the leather is so buttery and pliable, which makes the bag looks slouchy.

I also find the choice of minimal hardware very attractive, as it won’t detract the main show of the bag, which is the soft quilt.

The Nancy bag comes in different sizes and styles, but this one is one of my favorites for now and definitely going to be on my wish list.

From Smythson for $1,140

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.

Last weekend I went to Nordstrom and browsed in the handbag department.  I saw this Michael Kors Hamilton bag but in the smaller size.  I tried it on both ways: using the shoulder strap and the handles.  Both ways looked great.  When I wear it on the shoulder, it looked a little bit more casual ( as casual as this kind of bag can be) and when I held it by the handles it looked more dressy.   This bag has a lot of attributes that does not make it casual, such as the combination of: the rigid rectangular shape, the lock, the handles and the quilted patent leather.  Even so, the addition of the combination chain leather shoulder strap makes the overall looks of the bag “easier”.

I would like it even better if the shoulder strap is detachable, so that we can have more “looks” out of the bag, but leaving the shoulder strap hanging there is nice too.

There was one thing that bothered me when I was trying on some of these bags.  When I tried on the regular non patent quilted version, the handles were kind of hard to move, they were stuck in the upright position.  However, when I tried on the quilted patent version the handles were more flexible, they can naturally go down when I put the shoulder strap on.  I’m not sure whether I just happened to find an irregular bag or that is the way they make the non quilted version.

This bag comes in different sizes, the one that I was trying on was the smallest size (13″W x 9″H x 5″D).  In my opinion, petites are better off with this size, especially with such a structured bag like this.  Anything bigger will not be flattering for your figure, let the taller girls wear the bigger size.

You can buy it from Nordstrom for $318 (smaller size) $348 (bigger size)

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

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)

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 »

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

My last Fendi bag review was somewhat harsh.  However, today I will give this Fendi Two-Tone Baguette a glowing review because it totally deserves one.  I love how this bag looks.  The contrasting color, the chain-strap combination and the vertical stitching work beautifullytogether. When I’m thinking of a small rectangular bag with a chain, I immediately think of Chanel 2.55.  However, this bag has a whole different twist. Somehow, I think this bag is more chic and youthful than the Chanel 2.55. Fendi did a great job this time around.

From Net-A-Porter $1,350

Obviously, I jumped on the “studded bag” wagon, since it is all the rage right now.  I don’t normally wear studded stuff, not even jeans.  However, when I look at this Tylie Malibu Rose bag, I’m pretty sure that I can pull this look off.

I love how the lines of studs are concentrated on the flap.  It gives the bag the right amount of edginess without overcrowding the bag.  The three dimensional studs also add a little bit more texture compared to the regular two dimensional studs.

Surprisingly, in a world where everything affordable is made in China, this bag is actually made in the USA.  There are not many bags at this price range that are made in the USA.  If you like this bag you better get it now before the brand  becomes too popular and starts making its bags in China.  Not that I have anything against things that are made in China.  I believe that China can make good quality products if they want to.  The problem is only when they don’t want to.

In conclusion, I’m giving this bag two thumbs up for its design and price.

Buy from Neiman Marcus for $495

Gustto Malia

Gustto Gola

Just when I thought I ran out of cute bags to write about, I came across this Gustto Tribal collection.  I can’t decide which bag I like more so I just put both pictures up.  I just love the rich camel and deep brown color combination; they make the bag so much more interesting while the croco print adds texture and lushness.

These bags also come in another color combination: Black and brown.  However, black and brown is not much of a contrast and those colors tend to hide the details of the bag, such as the cute shoe lace looking ties that add a touch of youth and playfullness to the bag.

I love how these bags still manage to look good while having all the practicality that good bags require: Front pockets, handles,  shoulder straps, zip tops, and generous sizes. These bags prove that you don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality.

Pre-order from Gustto. Malia is priced at $695 and Gola is priced at $545

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

Buy from Endless for $182.31

I don’t understand why I can’t find much information on this CC Skye Ashley Python bag.  Even the website that sells this bag does not provide detailed description about the bag.   In my opinion, a bag this beautiful should be talked about, stumbled upon, digged or tweeted all over the internet.   Am I wrong? Do I have such an unusual taste in bags?  I don’t think so.

I love how the hardware and leather shoulder straps work together.  The grommets on the sides also add glam to the simple shaped bag. However,  I’m not so sure about the rectangular gold tone name plate in the middle since I’m not a big fan of bags that display their brand too prominently.  Seeing that it is such a beautiful bag and the size of the name plate is not huge, I can let this one slide.  Besides, it is not a brand that mall rats typically carry on their arms.

Now, on to the python.  I honestly could not tell if this bag is made of real python or embossed leather.  Judging by the price it could easily be embossed python. However, it might also be a reasonably priced real python.  Regardless of its material, I still think this is a beautiful bag.

Buy from Singer22 for $625