BagBible

This Mary Norton clutch is very dainty and feminine looking.  It is perfect for spring and summer parties.  The chiffon makes this clutch looks so delicate. You can buy this from Saks for $995.  I’m sure that not everyone is willing to pay that much money for something as small as 7″W X 6″H X 2″D which will only come out of the closet a handful of times in a year.

For my budget conscious readers, I have an alternative that will give you a similar look but cost less than $30. I found this Rose Clutch on eBay. This cheaper clutch is a little bit bigger than the Mary Norton clutch, it measures 9″x 5.8″x 3.0″ and it comes in many different colors.

I have never bought anything from this seller, so I can not share my experience with you.  However, the seller is a power seller and has a good rating.  Regardless, you always have to be cautious when shopping on eBay.  I find that the safest payment method on eBay is PayPal. If there is something wrong with your transaction you have a better chance of getting your money back if you are paying with PayPal.  I’m planning to get this clutch for my next summer party, however I still haven’t found the dress yet so I can’t decide which color Rose Clutch I will get.  Don’t you just love shopping? I know I do.

Image from Red Carpet

This Alexander McQueen “Squeeze It” clutch has been seen on Audrina Patridge arm so many times, all over the place. Now, it is finally on sale for 50% off on Net-A-Porter.  It was originally priced at $1,180 and now it is down to $590.  Get Audrina’s look for half the price!

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

I love Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag, regardless where it is made.  The style is very classic, the leather is beautiful and it comes in so many different colors.  It’s like the cheaper version of Balenciaga bags.

I always thought that the more options I have the better.  However, I’m finding it hard to choose with so many colors available.  It doesn’t help that most of the colors are beautiful.  It just makes it even harder for me to choose.

After thinking about it for some time, I narrowed down my choice to  Peacock (shown) and Pool (antother beautiful shade of blue). I already have one neutral color, so a fun color of Morning After Mini would be a nice addition to my collection.

You can buy this from Revolve Clothing for $550

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

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.

Kooba Harlow

When I saw this bag, I just had to have it. I know that I already have a handful of brown bags but the bagaholic inside me doesn’t care about that.  Usually, when I try to justify a bag purchase I would tell myself that the bag is functional and I can visualize myself using it everyday (does that sound familiar to you?) One day when I was chatting with my friend, Linda.  She told me that her sister (an uber bagaholic) also uses the same reasoning before buying a bag. Now, I’m wondering, do we really need a reason to buy a bag?

I like how the straps are connected to the bag, I also like the hardware detail.  Not too much hardware but still enough to get the bag noticed. Kooba Harlow comes in three colors, black, “luggage” (shown) and “grapefruit”.  In my opinion, the “luggage” color is the best of all.   It measures  9″ Hx 17″W x 5″ D- 8″ Drop.  Retails for $595.00

Image from Kooba

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

Valentino Bow Clutch $895 from Saks available in Brown Metallic and Grey Metallic.

Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch $725 from Saks available in Black and Pink

These two clutches look similar, however I would choose the Valentino Bow Clutch over the Christian Louboutin Mini Satin Bow Clutch anytime.  There is nothing wrong with the Christian Louboutin Clutch.   What sets the Valentino Clutch apart is that it is made of nappa leather while the Louboutin clutch is made of satin. Leather is more durable than satin, plus Louboutin is a fairly new name in the handbag industry (even though his shoes are fabolous). My point is: If you are willing to spend that kind of money for a clutch you should definitely go with the Valentino, which I think is a better deal.  It would be a different story if the Louboutin clutch has a much much lower price.