BagBible

DKNY is the more affordable line of Donna Karan. Even though this bag is supposed to be second rate, I like it a lot better than the Donna Karan “Flap Disaster” Messenger Bag and it cost less than a third of the Flap bag. This bag looks like a functional and practical bag, providing easy access. The gold tone hardware complements the beautiful neutral color.  The knotted straps add interest to the otherwise plain handbag.   If you are just starting to build your wardrobe and are still figuring out your style or if you just want a no-fuss everyday bag, this is a good bag for you. The price is reasonable and the style is sweet and simple. This bag measures 16″W x 11.5″H x 4.75″D. You can buy this from Bloomingdale’s for $425.

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

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The leather on this bag is super soft and the bag is very light. The heaviest thing on this bag is just the big ring on the flap. When I went to Nordstrom, the helpful and friendly SA showed me a bag that she got from the storage room.  It was a beautiful purplish blue, which I think is the most beautiful color out of all the Simones.  I could not find the picture online so I just put the red one.

This bag has a soft look thanks to the soft leather and the slouchy shape.  The knotted straps also add softness to it. One little thing that I don’t like about this bag is the wide stitching.  I think the wide stitching is taking away some of the softness of the bag.

You can buy this from Jimmy Choo for $2,450.

I got so excited when I saw this bag, I have never seen exotics done like this before. The python colors are really rich, it adds a lot of depth and dimension to the bag and the pearl effect just makes the bag pop even more.

There is nothing new with the shape and the drawstring.  It’s pretty much a nice basic shaped bag, which I think is very wise because you don’t want a busy design with this kind of material.  You don’t even want to wear busy looking clothing with this bag. a plain, simple, and sleek outfit will definitely showcase the bag. This bag will definitely be the first thing that people notice if you were to wear it.

The only thing that bothers me about this bag is the size.  It only measures 7″H x 10″W x 6″D. I think it’s kind of smallish and you won’t be able to put a whole lot in it.

Pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $2,675

It puzzles me that someone who designs something like the elegant Pearlized Python Bag is also the one who designs this flowery thing that they call a bag.  I admire a lot of Carlos Falchi designs, but obviously not this one.

I know that is spring now, and I also know that flowers bloom in spring.  But do you have to take it so literally?

If you must do a flower bag, at least do it tastefully like Valentino’s flower bags. This bag look like some art project that my daughter would make, except this one is made of leather and the flowers probably would not fall off when you tug it.

To make things worse, this bag will set you back more than a thousand dollars. What do you think about that?

You can buy this from Neiman Marcus for $1,050.

I am pretty impressed with B.Makowsky bags.  First of all, they have good quality.  Neat stitching, fine leather, and some great designs.   Second, their prices are reasonable unlike some high end designers who ask for thousands of dollars in exchange for their canvas bag.

I like this pleated satchel, it doesn’t have too much going on, but still manages to look interesting.  I also like the hardware. In my opinion, gold toned hardware looks better on white bags compared to silver toned hardware. The bottom corners’ hardware is a combination of good design and functionality.  When we throw our bags around, the corners tend to suffer the greatest wear and tear.  However, with hardware protecting the corners, the bag will stay nice longer.

There is another variant of this same model on which the hardware does not cover the bottom corners,  but instead covers the top corners.  I prefer the one with the hardware on the bottom (pictured). From Nordstrom $298

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

Likes:

The Size
It has a generous size for your necessities and more (17” x 13” x 7” deep)

Lots of Compartments
There are three compartments on the front and three on the back (four smaller pockets and two bigger pockets). One interior zippered pocket and patch pockets.

Adjustable Shoulder Strap
This can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a messenger bag. There are only two length settings.

The Leather
Supple grained Italian leather. Very good quality leather.

Dislikes:

The Weight
This bag is super heavy even when it is empty. I tried downsizing the content of my bag to just cell phone, camera, wallet, and keys. The bag is still super heavy.

The Same Design for Front and Back
At first I really liked it, but when I start putting different stuff in different pockets, I got confused of what is where.

You might want to know:

All the buckles are non functional, they are only for decoration purposes. The pockets close with magnetic snap buttons.  The adjustable strap is somewhat hard to maneuver.

You can buy this from 80’s Purple for $765

Deal Tips:

I bought this from my local Saks outlet, when they were having buy one get one free deal. I kept one, and sold one on eBay (with profit). I paid $212

Recommended: No

I don’t usually like studded bags, especially if they are heavily studded. I always think that bag with too many studs looks tacky and too rock n roll for me. However, I’m loving this Marc Jacobs Cecilia.

I especially like the color combination.  Gold studs with cream leather make the studs shine in a very subtle way. Although, I’m not too crazy about the blue trim.

The tiny stud size makes the bag look less rock n roll and their scattered placement makes the bag sparkle all over.

The ruching on the top reminded me of the Nancy Gonzalez Gathered Croc Shoulder Bag

Marc Jacobs Cecilia is from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Collection.  It measures 17.5″ x 10.5″ x 5.5″

Image from Marc Jacobs

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.

When it comes to bags, I don’t limit myself to certain designers.  I love to check out new designers.  I like to have a bag that is unique and not easily recognizable from miles away. I prefer it when people don’t know how much I spent for my bag, just because everybody and their mothers have it.

Recently I was invited by a new designer, Tara Sauvage, to check out her handbag line. The brand is Rocco e Dante. Though I have never heard about this brand, I was very excited to review something new.

The bag that I like the most from the collection is this Olivia bag. I love the deep rich blue color and if you look closely, the color is gradient blue not just flat blue.  The pleating on the upper half of the bag is also very interesting, it adds texture to the bag.  I haven’t physically held the bag yet, so I cannot tell you anything about the quality.  However, I like what I see on-line.  You can see more pictures and buy it on Angel Handbags for $408 or visit Rocco e Dante official site for the complete collection.

I used to think that Mulberry bags look boring.  However, I changed my mind as soon as I saw this one.  I love everything about this bag: The vibrant teal color, the adjustable chain strap, the tiny turn lock closure, and also the belt buckles on the sides.  In my opinion, the buckles add interesting details and give the bag a more casual look.

Description:

9″H x 12″L x 3″D.
10″ strap drop.
Made in England.
Retail Price: $1,150.00 from Shopbop

Get 25% discount with ARMCANDY coupon code, offer ends on April 29, @ 11:59 p.m

Kooba Talia

I love the color of this Kooba Talia.  It is the right kind of pink for me. Not too bright and not too pastel. I’m also enamoured by the triangle rings that connect the straps to the bag.  These triangles are unique and brings a fresh look to a regularly shaped bag.  The pleats give the bag a softer overall look.

I also noticed a hidden side slit pocket with zipper, which adds functionality to the bag but at the same time keeps the bag from looking too busy.

Kooba’s bags are always on my radar. In my opinion, they are well designed.  Their design is always edgy and unique while priced right.

Kooba Talia

* Fully lined with two interior cell phone pockets and zip pocket.
* Dimensions approximately 11.5″H X 4″W X 17″L – 7″ Drop

Retails for $625

Looking at the Lanvin Amalia reminds me of the classic Chanel 2.55. The quilted leather, the rectangular shape and the chain shoulder straps. However, the Lanvin Amalia has a more youthful appearance, thanks to the ribbon weaved chain. I would definitely wear this before graduating to the Chanel 2.55.  It comes in two sizes.

I personally like the smaller one better since I’m a petite. However, the bigger one has more compartments than the smaller one.  I love bags with lots of compartments.  It makes organizing my bag so much easier. I know I can just use one of those purse organizer and be done with it, but for some reason I always find my bag does not look as good with the purse organizer inside.  It makes my bags looks stiff.

Lanvin Amalia small shoulder bag $2,035, Lanvin Amalia quilted shoulder bag $3,110 from Net-A-Porter