BagBible

It’s weird how I have been telling my girlfriends that I need a nice satchel and I ended up drooling over a hobo.  Right now I’m actually in a quest for a satchel, but I find this Kooba Dakota irresistible.  Every season there is always at least one bag from Kooba that I really like. In my opinion, their design is always stylish but not overly trendy.

When I’m shopping for clothes I’m always drawn to V necks because they are more flattering for a non super model body like mine. Therefore, I’m guessing that the V piping on the Kooba Dakota is what drew me to it. Not only that, I also love the buckles on the ends of the strap.  They give an interesting yet unusual accent to the bag.

This bag comes in four different colors, but I like this one the best (blue).  Even though it is described as blue, it has a lot of gray tone on it that makes this color very natural looking.

Buy from Kooba or Nordstrom for $ 595

The cool thing about this bag is the wicker part, when you look at it closely you can see that the wicker has 3 colors; ivory, gold and silver. The gold and silver are very subtle yet they still give the bag some shimmer. As you might already know, I love anything shiny and shimmery.

The wicker design definitely gives this bag a casual look and the generous 15″W x 14.5″H x 5.9″D size made sure that you can fit your everyday essentials.  However, I don’t normally wear light colored bag as my everyday bag, since I don’t want them to get dirty. That’s just my personal preference.  For the past month, I’ve been using a Tod’s bucket bag that has an open top, and I find it very convenient. I used to stay away from an open top bag like this one because I’m afraid that I might loose my stuff, but so far so good and I just love how easy it is to get my stuff in and out of the bag.

From Bloomingdale’s for $995

I always stop to admire an orange handbag whenever I see one.  The color is just very attractive to me.  It is just very warm and vibrant.  When combined with luxurious leather, orange bag can be an attention magnet and also can be the only thing that you need to add a punch to your outfit.

This Marc Jacobs Elise bag has a simple classic shapes, but the buckles on the sides, the zippered pocket and the push lock flap pocket dressed it up nicely. This one is definitely not a boring bag.  Pre-Order from Nordstrom for $895.

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.

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 »

I’m a big fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag.  If my girl friends had not stopped me, I would’ve gotten one in every color.  I love the classic shape and style of the Morning After Mini, and the size is just right for me.  For the 2009 Fall line, Rebecca updated the Morning After bag with additional zippers.  I love how the additional zippers add some edginess and a tough look to the bag without changing its classic “Morning After” look.  The long tassels are also very appropriate for the zippered look.

Since studs, zippers and chains are hot this season, many designers have gone overboard with them. I’ve seen bags that are literally covered in zippers so that it’s not even funny anymore. Just because zippers are in, it doesn’t mean that you can just cover your bags with them and call it fashionable.  Take a clue from Rebecca Minkoff for incorporating the trend tastefully.

Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue for $550

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

As the name clearly implies, this Dautore bag has a linking strap.  The unique design of the strap is the main feature that attracts me to this bag. The description of the bag says “intricately linked straps — reminiscent of block-stitched lanyards”. When you look closer, you can see that the linked straps are made of two different colors of leather, which I think add a little more dimension to the strap.

I always love it when designers come up with something different but still manage not to make the bag look too “out there”,  like this bag for example.  This bag will get you noticed in a good way, but not in a “fashion victim” kind of way.

The slouchy shape and the roomy size also won me over.  I’m just not too crazy about the colors.  I love bags that are richer in color.

This bag comes in two colors: Amazon and Argila (which is the color of the other link on the strap).  Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $580

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 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

I have been a fan of Stuart Weitman shoes: From flats to heels, I love them all! However, I haven’t seen any Stuart Weitzman bag that I liked until now.  What attracts me to this bag are definitely the pleats; they kind of remind me of an accordion.  Nevertheless, they are what make this bag so appealing. This bag can easily be an all-year-round bag, since it is not too dark for summer and not too bright for fall.

This 17.5″ x 4.5″ x 9.5″ bag is made of soft calf leather. It also comes in a beautiful Moro Day (dark brown) satin for $650. However, considering my leather infatuation I probably would choose the leather version. Buy from Zappos for $798

I like the Gucci Charlotte asymmetrical adjustable shoulder straps, they certainly add appeal to the otherwise simple and regular looking bag.  If I were to buy the bag, these shoulder straps would be the main reason for me to buy the bag, since I don’t care much for canvas nor monogram designs.  However, for Gucci monogram fans, this will be a great bag.  It has a classic shape which means it will lasts for many years to come, and the neutral color matches easily with your wardrobe.  The shoulder straps look comfortable and would fit well on the shoulder without slipping. The 16 1/2″W x 11″H x 7″D measurement assures it’s functionality.  All in all, this is a good and functional bag. It’s just not an exciting bag for me.

Buy from Neiman Marcus for $995

This is by far the most understated and minimalist bag that I have ever seen.  There is no hardware, there is no pocket, there are no bells and whistles, nothing.  This bag only has the absolutely necessary to be called a bag.  I’m sure this bag will look like a lump of suede when empty.  I absolutely love this.  You might think I’m crazy, but sometimes I need to take a break from all the crazy designs and colors and just be subtle. You really can not go anymore subtle than this.  Even the color of this bag is very subdued: light grey. When I look at this bag, I think about the word “zen”. Don’t you agree?

You can buy this from Shopbop for $795.  Now, as much as I like this bag, I probably won’t spend that much for this minimalistic looking bag.  However, I would definitely consider it if it ever goes on sale.  This bag measures a generous 20″H x 19″L x 7″D, with 9″ strap drop.

Below you can see Kate Bosworth wearing this bag.  I think the bag looks pretty huge against her small frame.

Source

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!)