BagBible

A friend of mine just asked my opinion about this Francesco Biasia Emy Tote.  She told me that her heart was originally set on Bottega Veneta Intrecciato but then she found this similar woven design for a lot less.  When I saw the bag, I fell in love with the color combination.  I think the contrasting color combination makes the bag stand out so much more compare to a solid color bag.  It also shows off the texture of the bag nicely. She’s definitely made a wise purchase.

Unfortunately, this bag is not widely available anymore. Probably because it was an older model.  The only place that still sells it is Rue La La and the sale will end on Monday morning.  They are selling it at a really great price of $299 (down from $795 retail price).

After taking a little break to deal with home improvement nightmares, it feels so good to be looking at bags again.  Now I see a lot of great bags out there. How exciting! One of the bags that caught my eyes is the Michael Kors “Skorpio” ring tote from the Resort 2010 collection.

I’ve seen the rectangular version before, they are pretty nice. I love the leather, the woven handles and the shiny hardware. However, it was kind of too plain Jane.  I find this “Skorpio” ring tote far more interesting, even though they have similar name.  First of all, I love the balloon like shape.  It makes the bag look softer and more feminine compared to the usual squarish looking tote.

Second, I love how the handles are looped through the body of the bag and the grommets make it look more polished in a subtle way.

This not a very big bag, it measures only 13″W x 9″H x 7″D therefore very suitable for petites. Pre-Order from Nordstrom for $895.

YSL is on a roll nowadays.  They have been making great bags one after another.  This perforated zipped tote is definitely one of them.  One thing that caught my attention is the rather unusual design.  I mean it in a unique kind of way. This bag is like cross between a tote and a hobo. The style is not too casual yet not too dressy; it is right in the middle.  Although I’m not a fan of perforated leather I think it is very suitable for this bag. The bag would be too boring, if not for the perforated leather.

From Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,495

If you love the look of Chanel bags but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and refuse to buy hideous knock-offs, Kate Spade Gold Coast is the solution for you.  It won’t break the bank since it’s only $445 (you can get it for even less if you wait for the sale). Also, Kate Spade bags are made of quality leather with great workmanship.  The only thing that you’ll miss (or not) are the big interlocking Cs.  There are a lot of look-a-like bags out there, from the Target look-a-likes to the designers’ look-a-likes.  I can’t stand the cheap look-a-likes, probably because of the poor quality and the fact that they are made of pleather.  However, I don’t mind the higher-end designers look-a-likes.  I guess it’s just a quality issue for me. So, what do you think of wearing a look-a-like bag?

Buy from Nordstrom

Image from Chanel

As the cold weather approaches, I’m more and more drawn to suede bags.  For some reason, suede bags seem to look warmer.   I also love the soft texture of it. This Coccinelle Vivian bag is a great example of a suede bag.  Although it has simple shape, it has enough details that make the bag interesting.  The pleats and the braided handles make a stylish combination.  I’m not a fan of tassels but for this bag I don’t mind it that much.  It seems like the tassel is detachable so you can always use it as a key chain.  This bag also comes with shoulder strap for added convenience.

Buy from Forzieri for $570

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

When I see designers make cheaper lines of their brands, I always assume that they are not as good as the more expensive line.  However, this is not the case with Donna Karan bags.  Lately, I’ve noticed that DKNY bags are a lot better than the Donna Karan bags and they are a lot cheaper too.

I like this DKNY Satin Medium Shopper. Even though it is not made of leather, it still manages to look sumptuous and rich thanks to the satin sheen.  The interesting hardware also adds some glam to the simple bag. The only thing I wish were different is the shoulder strap.  Since the handles are made of leather, it would be nice if the shoulder strap were also made of leather.

All in all, I think it is a great bag with great value.  Buy from Bloomingdale’s for S195

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

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

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.

We all know that studs are hot this season (and likely the next season).   All bag designers are racing to create bags with studs. Some did an ok job, but a lot of them fail miserably.  Studded bags normally don’t attract me.  I’m just not a rocker type.  I don’t even understand the big hype over the Alexander Wang Coco Duffel.  However, when I saw this YSL Easy Y Studded bag, I fell in love without a doubt;  I forgot why I hate studs. If this bag can win the heart of the girl who doesn’t like studs, this is truly an exceptional design.  The only other studded bag that is worth a look is the Marc Jacobs Cecilia bag. The other bags are just for  rocker chicks in rock bands.

Buy YSL Easy Y Studded from Diabro.net for $2,152.17

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

If you are short and round, this is the bag for you. This bag is long and structured, the opposite of your body shape. Therefore, it will flatter you.

This bag would be perfect if you need a roomy bag but still want to look sharp and tailored.  This bag measures a generous 15” wide x 14” tall x 3” deep.  As with most of Hype designs, this Heloise bag looks trendy and chic.

Hype is one of the brands that has great values.  Their quality is also very good considering that they don’t charge you for an arm and a leg.

Buy from Bluefly for $195

I never thought that I would be writing about this bag.  Seriously, this colorful woven Balenciaga work looks somewhat on the eccentric side.  It’s definitely nothing like the Bottega woven bags.  Especially with all the bright colors.  Recently, I saw a woman wearing this exact bag.  I was so surprised that it actually look pretty decent and very appropriate for summer.

I think what makes this bag tolerable is the soft and slouchy Balenciaga leather. However, for $2,825 I don’t want to get something that is only tolerable.  I always like to get the biggest bang for my buck.  For that kind of money I expect something astoningishly beautiful.

Here you can see how the bag looks in real life.  I like how the bag owner paired her bag with a neutral outfit. I think it’s the only way not to make the bag look overwhelming.

I can’t decide whether to like this bag or not.  It is definitely not ugly, but if I were asked to point out it’s beauty, I’m stumped.  I like the interesting shoulder strap, but I think the opening is too small for us to be able to wear it on our shoulder.  I know it’s not a shoulder bag, it is a tote, which means you should carry it in your hand.  However, this bag is shaped so much like a shoulder bag that my first instinct would be to wear it on my shoulder.

I’m also not so sure about the protruding twisted seams; it looks like they are trying to make wavy lines with them.  However, they do not turn out as nice waves, they are more like crooked lines. Luckily, the flat twisted seams came out nicely, but they are not as noticeable next to the protruding seams.  Oh well, at least the belted tassels were done well;  they add nice accents to the bag and make the bag look like it has a cinched waist.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $398