BagBible

I just love, love, love this bag.  As you probably already know, I’m obsessed with slouchy bags right now.  I know for a fact that not all slouchy bags are created equal.  Some will fall nicely from your shoulder and some will just sit like ugly shapeless lumps.  I noticed that what sets the great slouchy bags apart from the bad slouchy bags is the bottom part of the bags.

A great slouchy bag has a proportionally wider bottom than the top, like this one. Furthermore, it has to have supple leather that will conform to the content of your bag.  The leather on this Tano bag looks supple from the zoomed in view. The side drawstring pulls reassure the suppleness by creating beautiful ruch instead of rigid and spiky folds.

Now, let’s talk about the color.  It only comes in one color: bronze (in Neiman Marcus).  I think bronze is a great color, because it goes with everything and it is more interesting than just a plain old tan color.  If you look at it closely, the bronze color of this bag is not just a flat bronze, it is more like a distressed bronze, which I think adds character and richness to the bag.

Another great thing about this bag is the price, which is only $225. You don’t even need to wait for it to go on sale. Buy from Neiman Marcus.

Jimmy Choo has proven that his bags are as hot as his shoes. This Lohla bag is one of them.  This is definitely not your regular boring black bag.  First of all, it has detachable handles that are connected through eyelets on the top of the bag.  I think this feature is strictly for creative design purpose. There is nothing functional about it, since it does not come with any other straps or handles.  I guess you can criss cross the handles if you want but it’s just make the bag look odd and hard to use.

Second of all, the leather is very glitzy and glamorous looking. It is not only shiny like regular patent leather bags but it has the overall paillette detail that makes the bag sparkle.

From the modeled picture on Net-A-Porter, I can see that this bag is somewhat on the bigger size.  So, if you are tall and slim, this bag will definitely look great on you. However, I would suggest petites and full figured ladies to avoid this bag. Since it will be disproportional for the petites and add width to the full figures. Buy from Net-A-Porter for $1,995

I have been noticing Elie Tahari bags lately.  I’m already a fan of her clothing line, because of  her timeless, sophisticated and understated style.  Fortunately, Elie Tahari has also applied those principles for her handbag line.  This Estelle Tote has a timeless and classic shape. I love the V shape pleats on the body and the ruched flaps on the pockets. They make this simple bag look more elegant and attractive.

This bag has a zippered closure, which I like a lot better than magnetic closure.  I just don’t feel safe with magnetic closures, because I once lost my favorite lip gloss in a bag that uses a magnetic closure.  I know it’s not expensive but I just don’t like to loose my things.

I also think the braided handles add a nice touch to the bag compared to the boring plain rolled handles. It is like comparing french braid to a pony tail, both keep your hair away from your face but the french braid does it with more style. The hardware on the handles bothers me a little.  I don’t think putting metal on your shoulder is going to be comfortable. I would prefer the braided handles without the hardware. Other than that I absolutely love this bag, especially the bright teal color. This color is a happy color for me as it somehow always makes me smile and it is perfect for the summer.  They also have one in black if you need a more classic and versatile color.

This bag measures 15.5″W x 9.5″H x 7″D, you can buy it from Bloomingdale’s for $798

There are fifteen bags from the new Chanel Paris-Moscou 08/09 collection, and this is the one bag that I like the most from the entire collection.  I like the pyramid effect quilt, as it is more appealing compared to the regular Chanel quilt.

To me, this whole bag just look like a comfy pillow, I’m sure that if you have this bag you would want to cuddle with it all the time, especially with the ultra soft Chanel lambskin. Everything about this bag is full of the Chanel signature: The quilts, the chain shoulder strap and just in case you are still not aware of it, there is always the Chanel charm.

This is the bag that I like the least from the Chanel Paris-Moscou 08/09 collection.  I’m not a world class designer, but I think that without the red wool, the bag will look less hideous.  I’m sure this is more of a collectors’ item, since I can’t imagine why anyone would want to buy this bag, except maybe for  descendants of the Russian elite. It happens that this bag is full of Russian historical symbols.

Image from Chanel

To me, this bag looks like a bag that can work hard, meaning it will be able to fit a lot of stuff, it will match most of your outfit, it will draw people’s eyes to itself because of its beauty and it will lasts for a long time just because Tod’s made it.  It sounds a lot like the perfect bag.

I think I don’t need to elaborate on the quality of the bag because we all know that Tod’s always make great quality bags.

You can buy this bag from Bluefly for $1,196. There is another version of this bag made of nylon and it is priced $950.  For only $246 price difference I will definitely choose the leather one.  It is obviously a better deal compared to the nylon version.

I just love bright colored bags, they totally pop against your neutral outfit. This bag is pretty simple; it’s just a rectangular bag with double braided shoulder straps and some simple hardware. This bag has a modern and clean look.  It is very suitable for ladies who do not want to look too girly but still like to play with colors.

I often find my self attracted to shiny hardware on bags. I think they make bags look more luxurious.  However, I always complain when bags are heavy.  In the perfect world, handbags with luxurious hardware are light. I don’t think this particular bag is super heavy, nothing will be as heavy as the Chloe Paddington (3 lbs) with the giant lock.

I am now still at the age where I sometimes willing to sacrifice comfort for looks.  I’m wondering at what age will I stop doing that?

Buy from Zappos for $350

I know that this is not the wackiest design that Juicy Couture has ever come up with.  In fact, this design is not wacky at all.  The only thing that is amusing is the ginormous engagement ring.

If this were the Juicy Couture signature design (the overwhelmingly girly design with lots of bows, pinks and charms) I can understand why they feel the need to put the engagement ring on the bag.  However, this bag looks “normal” from the other angle (except from the angle where you can see the ring, obviously).

In my opinion, this bag doesn’t really hit the Juicy Couture target audience.  The women (or should I say girls) that want to have a huge engagement ring on their bags expect more from the bag and the women who actually like the plainer overall look of the bag might not appreciate the engagement ring.  They probably already have one on their finger anyway.  Buy from Neiman Marcus for $350

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 looked at this bag for a while before I decided to write about it.  I was trying to look for a beautiful feature that will justify the $ 4,100 price tag.  I looked at the front view and could not find it. I looked at the back and could not find it and I looked at the modeled picture and still could not find it.

At first I thought maybe it is an exotic bag, but the name of the bag says otherwise. It is clearly says “stamped”, so I’m officially “stumped”.

The color of the bag is blah. It has mostly pastel colors mixed with a lot of grey.  The overall color combination just make the bag looks “dirty” and the wide stitching on the front flap makes the bag looks like a rag, especially the red stitching.

This bag is a perfect example of a classic bag that is stretched too far. Sometimes designers try to come up with something new using the already successful design.  Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they do not.  I like the classic Fendi baguette, but not when it is done like this.

Image from Net-A-Porter

I have been looking for a bag to travel in the summer.  The bag of my choice would need to meet these criteria:

• A light neutral color so it would match most of my outfits.  I like to travel light, so having too much luggage is just too much of a hassle. Therefore, one bag that matches most of my outfits is a must.
• Generous size.  Since I’m usually traveling with my kids, a bigger bag would be helpful.  At least, it should be able to fit:  Travel documents, some snacks, some form of entertainment, camera, sleep mask for the plane ride and other necessities that I usually carry in my bag.
• Slouchy. Since I need the bigger bag, it has to be slouchy, to make it look not as big.  Too big of a bag will not look pretty on a petite like me.
• Convertible.  The bag has to be able to convert from shoulder to cross body, for practicality purpose.

This Sofi satchel in caramel seems to have all my required characteristics, plus it has these buckles that are placed strategically, making the big bag ruched beautifully. It measures a generous 19″L X 17″H X 14″D.

As much as I like to give this bag a glowing review, I was a little bit disappointed when I noticed the plastic zipper. Other than that, I think it is a beautiful and functional bag.  One that will get used very often.  I was told that this bag was launched in Saks this spring and it is the designer’s best selling bag.  I’m hoping to see more great designs from Helena de Natalio.

You can buy this bag from ebags for $484 or Ideeli, they are having a red sale on the Chocolate and Purple colors for only $160.  Click HERE for the Ideeli invitation if you are not a member yet.

I’m always happy when I see a Louis Vuitton bag that is not full of monograms all over the place.  This is one of them. It’s classy, it’s simple and quite functional with the removable shoulder strap.  The suede looks very fine and smooth.  I think Sofia Coppola did a very good job on this one.  Unlike most Louis Vuitton bags, this one really illustrates the meaning of subtle luxury.

You won’t find everybody at the mall wearing this bag, even though it is a Louis Vuitton. That is probably because it costs $3,870 and this bag might be too plain for some people who love monogrammed bags.

Image from Louis Vuitton

I know that many ladies like this bag and think it is cute.  However, I’m not liking it at all. It looks like it has a tongue sticking out.  I’m also not a fan of the haircalf panther print.  This bag is just not my idea of cute.  Maybe I’m the oddball here, but I think that’s what makes life interesting.

If you like this bag, you can buy it from Neiman Marcus for $2,400.  As for me, I probably wouldn’t spend that much money for something looking like that.  I expect a lot of bang for my buck and this bag is just not it.

For those of you who are still wondering about Susan Mayer’s bag in the Desperate Housewives season finale, here is the YouTube video for your convenience. You can clearly see the Michael Kors newbury bag on the video.

Related post: Michael Kors Newbury Featured on Desperate Housewives Finale

Last night, when I was watching the Desperate Housewives season finale, I spotted this bag on Susan Mayer, played by Teri Hatcher.  I recognized this bag instantly because of the unique woven leather combination.  This bag is woven with two kinds of leather, matte and patent.  (It reminds me of the Bottega Venetta Hobo, however, the Bottega Hobo has three kinds of leather woven together, matte, patent and suede and it is fabulous).  The woven leather combination is pretty much the main show of the bag because the rest of it is very ordinary.

I had seen this bag around for a while, but never had the urge to blog about it, until I saw it on Desperate Housewives.  Since it showed up on that show, I figured that bag-loving viewers would like to know what that bag was.

I’ve searched for this bag online however I couldn’t find any online retailer that still carried it, since it had been around for sometime.  I did find other colors, such as tan, mocha,white and orange.  However, they’re not nearly as beautiful as black and they are not made of combination leather.

Image from Polyvore.