BagBible

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

This simple but intricate tote is a perfect choice for career women. The rectangular shape makes carrying documents a breeze; there won’t be folds and wrinkles on your papers since the bag is shaped like a stack of papers.

I’m pleasantly surprised with this tote. I always thought that exotics are best to be presented as it is: meaning no weaving and no complicated pleating.  I thought doing all those would hide the beauty of the exotic skin. Obviously, I was wrong.

The intricate work on the snake skin does not hide the beauty of the leather at all.  You can still recognize that the tote is made of snake skin.  The weaving technique gives the bag a faceted look which makes it like a piece of art. And do you notice the zipper pull? It totally reflects the shape of the bag. Genius!

You can buy this from Vivre for $2,800, they also have the eel version of this bag. I know it is an expensive bag, but if the recession doesn’t stop you from buying luxury goods, go ahead and buy this bag and help the economy. By the way, that’s how Paris Hilton justifies her shopping habit.

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

Image from Popsugar

Eva Longoria has been spotted with her Hermes Canvas Tote on her vacation St. Tropez. The bag has a smooth canvas exterior with leather trim and a top zip closure. It has a leather and fabric lining with interior patch pocket.
The bag measures 12½” at widest x 10” tall at center x 2” deep.

Buy from Bluefly for $791.24 (They are having a sale today!)

Image from Popsugar

Katie Holmes was recently spotted with her Valextra Slim Shopper, which is made of grained leather with open pockets and rolled leather handles. The bag measures 14″ x 15″ x 4″, available in 4 colors: white, green, red and blue.

I like how simple this bag is. It does not scream “look at me” while at the same time displaying luxury.  Only a secure woman that does not need to prove anything would carry something without any logo or monogram.

Buy it from Barneys for $2,500

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

Kooba did it again:  They came up with an edgy design!  I admire Kooba for being able to design a bag that has so much going on but still manages not looking tacky or overwhelming.

I’m usually more into simple classic looking bags, yet I find this Kooba bag strangely attractive.  I love the belt and the knot, I think they are the punch line of the design.  This bag comes in black and sand (shown) and it measures only 9″H x 11.5″L x 3″D, a little too smallish for my taste.

There is a bigger version that has similar design, Kooba Jacinda, which measures 15″W x 10″H x 4″D. However, the bigger version has longer handles that are meant for shoulders. Hence, it lacks a detachable shoulder strap.  I’m not sure which one I like better, I need to see them in person. I do know that like the detachable shoulder strap a lot though. Buy from Neiman Marcus for $485

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

Image from Coolspotters

Eva Longoria spotted in her Be & D Kan Kan tote May 11 and 12^th in Los Angeles, which she was first seen rocking back in December 2007! It is nice to see that celebs aren’t always wearing their standard Birkins and Chanels! Lucky for us Be & D is continuing this style for AW 09, as well as introducing some new Kan Kan silhouettes!

The Kan-Kan tote is a true statement bag. Large and roomy enough to hold files or a laptop, the Kan-Kan has delicate ruffle panels on both sides, and suede and signature hardware accents. Can be handheld, or worn with a detachable shoulder strap. Made from Italian leather, with a magnetic closure, an interior zipper pocket, PDA and cell phone pocket, and keyleash.
Available in Cream, Black, and Gunmetal.
Dimensions are 14.5″ L x 3″ W x 14″ H.

From Be & D $1,390

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

Likes:

The Weight
This bag is feather light, even when I put a lot of stuff in it, it is still reasonably light.

The Leather
Balenciaga is known for its gorgeous leather, it is thin and soft, and comes in lots of different colors.

The Removable Shoulder Strap
I like the shoulder strap because I sometimes need both of my hands when I’m out with my kids.

The Size
The bag is not too big nor too small, it is just the right size for petites (15” x 9.8” x 3.9”). For non petites, you might want to try the Part Time version, which is slightly bigger.

The Mirror
The mirror is very handy for checking your makeup on the go.

Dislikes:

None

You might want to know:

It comes with extra tassels for the zippers. After some time the tassels will split in two, however, it won’t effect the beauty of the bag.

You can buy this from Balenciaga for $1,395

Deal Tips:

Check out the Balenciaga sample sale at Rue La La. For more info about the upcoming sale, click HERE

Recommended: Yes