BagBible

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

Studded bags are certainly hot right now and I’m trying to cater to the studs frenzy.  I found this gorgeus Francesco Biasia Lea.  I’m guessing this bag has been around for sometime, because they are now on sale and hard to find.  I wish I had found this bag sooner.

Never in my wildest dream had I considered studded bags feminine, until I saw this bag. The one thing that makes this bag look somewhat feminine is the swirly placement of the studs.  Most studded bags place their studs in rows or some other orderly manner.  The variety of studs shapes and sizes also contributes in making this bag unpredictable.  Everyone likes a nice surprise, right?

Another great thing about this bag is the price.  They are on sale right now on Zappos priced it at $302

For the recessionistas who love studded bags but can’t afford the fabulous YSL Easy Y Studded bag, this Lea bag is definitely a great alternative.  It is nearly 10 times cheaper than the YSL Easy Y Studded.

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

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

After all those bright and colorful bags that I saw in spring, now I’m ready for more neutral shades and blacks like these Valentino Premier Bow Shoulder Bags.  I usually choose the better color to put on my post but after seeing these two colors I can’t decide which color is better because both of them are equally beautiful.

I love how lush and feminine these bags look thanks to the soft knotted bows that drape over the body.  The absence of hardware does not take away the beauty of the bag.   Though I can’t help but wonder what will the bag look like when it is filled.  Will the soft leather slouch? Will the bag look as beautiful if it slouches?

Buy from Bergdord Goodman for $1,895