Bag Bible » Under $200

Sorial ‘Fortune Cookie’ Ruffle Flap Hobo

BagLover — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:16:22 +0000

The name “Fortune Cookie” definitely suit this bag, because it really looks like one. Despite of it’s food-like appearance I think this bag looks pretty feminine. I love the ties on the sides and the ruffle flap (the one thing that makes the bag looks like a fortune cookie). This bag comes in many different colors. Since this season is all about the turquoise, I chose to put up this picture. This color will look great against a pair of clean white denim.

At first, I was skeptical about this bag. Since it was priced under $200, I assumed that it would have a hideous interior. By hideous interior I mean a crappy plastic zipper that is dreadfully attached to the lining. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the interior view. It has a nice metal zipper with leather trim attach to the lining.

As for functionality, this bag has two kinds of straps; one shorter shoulder strap and one long removable strap that you can use to wear the bag cross body. I personally think this bag is such a great deal. You can wait around for the sale but you might not get the color you want.

Buy it from Nordstrom for $198

JPK Paris Maxi Bucket Bag With Chunky Hardware

BagLover — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:57:24 +0000

I just purchased this bag recently. My excuse was I needed a non leather bag for a ski trip. My friends say that I can always come up with so many excuses to justify my unnecessary purchases. However, I believe that this one purchase was absolutely necessary

I was looking for a bag which would be able to withstand water. Obviously, I was looking for a non-leather bag. Since I don’t like anything that is not leather, it was a little bit challenging to find something that I liked.

At first, I was considering the Longchamp Le Pliage. Unfortunately, the lack of luster and the plastic zipper turned me off. Then I found the JPK Paris bag on sale at Nordstrom.com. I remembered that I wrote about JPK Paris bag a while ago and that it was pretty pricey for a nylon bag. Luckily, this particular color and size (seafoam maxi) is 50% off at Nordstrom. I would not have bought it if it were full price.

The things that I love about this bag are: I can just throw it on the snow and it doesn’t get wet. The color is bright and has some sheen to it. It has lots of pockets inside: 2 zippered and 2 snap closures, where the zippers are metal with gold tone. Last but not least, the chunky hardware adds glam to the bag.

If you are looking for a non-leather bag and you don’t want to look like you are carrying a grocery bag, this bag is definitely for you. Buy from Nordstrom for $96.90

Julia Cocco Clutch

BagLover — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:59:14 +0000

The one thing that attracts me to this clutch is the color. I love how it gradate from black to light gray to the middle of the clutch. The shape and design are fairly simple and elegant. Since the size is not too big (22 cm x11 cm x 6 cm), this clutch will be appropriate for day or night. It also has chain strap that tucks away in the clutch.

This clutch is made of patent eco-leather, which means it’s not leather. It is now on sale on Forzieri for $99

DKNY Satin Medium Shopper

BagLover — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:53 +0000

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

B.Makowsky Cairo Square Hobo

BagLover — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:10:05 +0000

Buy from Endless for $182.31

Hype Rouge Glazed Leather ‘Heloise’ Large Tote

BagLover — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:09 +0000

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

Goldenbleu Tyler Clutch

BagLover — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:07:11 +0000

This whimsical Goldenbleu clutch instantly caught my eyes. The red, white and black combination looks so vibrant. This will definitely pop when paired with your solid color outfits. If you look at it closely, this clutch consist of three different leathers: Patent, suede and metallic, which add interest and textures to the simply shaped clutch. I love Goldenbleu designs; they are usually young and chic like this Tyler clutch.

Unfortunately, Goldenbleu went out of business earlier this year. You can still find their bags at some online retailers. You can buy this Tyler clutch from Endless for $158

Nectar: Merging Cell Phones And Bags

BagLover — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:24:35 +0000

How would you like it if you could see and use your phone from outside of your bag? Yes, you read it right. I did write OUTSIDE. There is a saying that necessity is the mother of invention. Apparently, people have a need to use their cell phone without having to take the cell phone out of the bag. Personally, I don’t think this bag will be pretty to look at, but I’m sure it is super functional. It is like having a huge cell phone sleeve that can carry your other belongings.

This product comes in 3 different size: purse, clutch and wallet. Most of them are made of faux leather, which I’m not too fond of. But maybe if it gets really popular, high end designers would start making a more luxurius version of this bag, you never know. Chanel has already made the Transparent Case Bag that is very unconventional.

You can buy this bag from Nectar Accessories for $100.

Here is a video where you can see how the bag works together with your phone:

YouTube Link

Steven by Steve Madden Stephanie Large Hobo Bag

BagLover — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:20:58 +0000

I’m a little embarrassed for admitting this but honestly I’ve never looked twice at Steve Madden bags. I’m trying not to sound like one of those pretentious ladies who only wear certain brands within a certain price range, but I had the impression that they don’t have nice bags. I guess they proved me wrong because this one is a beautiful looking bag.

I like how the quilts look so puffy and soft. The distressed leather compliments the otherwise boring quilts. The weaved handle adds a more finished look and the minimal hardware provides just the right amount of shine and the fold over top gives the bag a softer look.

I was so curious about the quality of this bag, I went to my local Macy’s over the weekend just to check out this bag. Unfortunately, they did not have it. I was so disappointed that I could not give you information about the quality of this bag. If this bag is of similar quality as B.Makowsky’s bags (since they are in similar price range) then this proves that looking stylish is not about how much money you spend but about making smart choices.

Buy from Macy’s for $170.99

Helena de Natalio “Sofi” Satchel

BagLover — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:21:45 +0000

I have been looking for a bag to travel in the summer. The bag of my choice would need to meet these criteria:

A light neutral color so it would match most of my outfits. I like to travel light, so having too much luggage is just too much of a hassle. Therefore, one bag that matches most of my outfits is a must.
Generous size. Since I’m usually traveling with my kids, a bigger bag would be helpful. At least, it should be able to fit: Travel documents, some snacks, some form of entertainment, camera, sleep mask for the plane ride and other necessities that I usually carry in my bag.
Slouchy. Since I need the bigger bag, it has to be slouchy, to make it look not as big. Too big of a bag will not look pretty on a petite like me.
Convertible. The bag has to be able to convert from shoulder to cross body, for practicality purpose.

This Sofi satchel in caramel seems to have all my required characteristics, plus it has these buckles that are placed strategically, making the big bag ruched beautifully. It measures a generous 19″L X 17″H X 14″D.

As much as I like to give this bag a glowing review, I was a little bit disappointed when I noticed the plastic zipper. Other than that, I think it is a beautiful and functional bag. One that will get used very often. I was told that this bag was launched in Saks this spring and it is the designer’s best selling bag. I’m hoping to see more great designs from Helena de Natalio.

You can buy this bag from ebags for $484 or Ideeli, they are having a red sale on the Chocolate and Purple colors for only $160. Click HERE for the Ideeli invitation if you are not a member yet.