BagBible

Most of the time I find bags with lots of zippers tacky.  However, I find this Gotham satchel quite appealing. The only hardware you can find on this bag is just zippers and one big zipper pull on the main compartment that has Donna Karan engraving. I think it is very wise to limit the amount of hardware.  The design clearly states that this bag is all about the zippers.  Additional hardware will just turn this bag to hardware overload.

One thing that I appreciate about this Gotham satchel is that it has just the right amount of rock and roll flavor to it.  This means you don’t have to dress like a rock star to be able to carry this bag.  As to the zippers, I must say that I prefer the bag with all the zippers open.  I think it gives the bag a fuller shape and more texture.  Pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $1,495

Jimmy Choo has proven that his bags are as hot as his shoes. This Lohla bag is one of them.  This is definitely not your regular boring black bag.  First of all, it has detachable handles that are connected through eyelets on the top of the bag.  I think this feature is strictly for creative design purpose. There is nothing functional about it, since it does not come with any other straps or handles.  I guess you can criss cross the handles if you want but it’s just make the bag look odd and hard to use.

Second of all, the leather is very glitzy and glamorous looking. It is not only shiny like regular patent leather bags but it has the overall paillette detail that makes the bag sparkle.

From the modeled picture on Net-A-Porter, I can see that this bag is somewhat on the bigger size.  So, if you are tall and slim, this bag will definitely look great on you. However, I would suggest petites and full figured ladies to avoid this bag. Since it will be disproportional for the petites and add width to the full figures. Buy from Net-A-Porter for $1,995

To me, this bag looks like a bag that can work hard, meaning it will be able to fit a lot of stuff, it will match most of your outfit, it will draw people’s eyes to itself because of its beauty and it will lasts for a long time just because Tod’s made it.  It sounds a lot like the perfect bag.

I think I don’t need to elaborate on the quality of the bag because we all know that Tod’s always make great quality bags.

You can buy this bag from Bluefly for $1,196. There is another version of this bag made of nylon and it is priced $950.  For only $246 price difference I will definitely choose the leather one.  It is obviously a better deal compared to the nylon version.

If I have to choose one brand that doesn’t make weird bags, it is definitely Tod’s.  Their design is mostly classics, clean and understated.

For example, this Natty Sacca Piccola,  will certainly last for many years to come and will be one of the staples in your wardrobe. That’s one of the benefits of classic bags compared to trendy bags.  You will get more mileage out of them.

The Natty Sacca Piccola has a fairly simple shape but manages not to look boring.  The buckles detail on the sides, the piping and the contrast stitching surely contribute to the chicness of the bag. The adjustable shoulder strap is always good for the days when you want to wear your bag in a different way.

This bag is available in two colors: Black and Kenia (shown).  I personally like the Kenia better.

Buy from Bergdorf Goodman for $1325.

Lately, I’ve noticed that Dolce & Gabbana has some bags that are more subtly designed (for their standard). This leather hobo is definitely one of them.  The design is not complicated at all, unlike the usual Dolce.  The main interest here are just the pleats and the metallic leather. That’s it, no weird handles, no multiple rainbow color zippers, and no surface that you can use to check your make up on.  I guess they are applying the “less is more” principle for this bag.

Another thing that I like about this bag is that, instead of smacking the rectangle Dolce & Gabbana plaque right in the middle of the bag (yeah, it happened before), they made it detachable.  This way, people like me have the option to remove it, while other people that love having labels on their bags can just keep it.  It pleases everybody.  Don’t you just love options?

Buy this from Bergdorf Goodman for $1895

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

It puzzles me that someone who designs something like the elegant Pearlized Python Bag is also the one who designs this flowery thing that they call a bag.  I admire a lot of Carlos Falchi designs, but obviously not this one.

I know that is spring now, and I also know that flowers bloom in spring.  But do you have to take it so literally?

If you must do a flower bag, at least do it tastefully like Valentino’s flower bags. This bag look like some art project that my daughter would make, except this one is made of leather and the flowers probably would not fall off when you tug it.

To make things worse, this bag will set you back more than a thousand dollars. What do you think about that?

You can buy this from Neiman Marcus for $1,050.

This is one funny bag.  It looks like a regular bag in the picture, but when I was trying it on at Nordstrom, I found out otherwise…  I pretended that was actually wearing this bag and using it. Oh boy, those zippered flaps were a nightmare. Imagine being in a hurry and trying to get something out from the bag.  First, you have to lift the flap and hold the flap so you can unzip it, and then finally you can reach deep deep down for whatever you are looking for.  As if you can’t get enough of the flap, instead of one they give you two. Isn’t it funny?

I can understand if something so pretty sometimes can be unpractical. However, this bag is not pretty AND not practical.

The funniest thing about this bag is actually the price.  For a “mere” $1,595 you can get this non-pretty and non-practical bag.  I used to think that if something is expensive it must be really good. Now, I know that is not always the case.  So, before you spent your hard-earned money on a bag, make sure that the bag is really worth your money.

If you must, you can buy this from Nordstrom for $1,595

At first sight, I thought this bag was made of fabric because of the way the pleats looked.  I was pretty impressed when I found out that it was actually made of leather.  This means that the leather must be very supple to be able to do that “dress-like” design.

Zooming into the bag, it does look like the leather is as soft as butter! The lizard skin trim and buckle add a bit more interest and texture to the bag without making it look too “animally” like a full blown exotic bag.

On top of that, I’m also loving the fact that it has minimal hardware, which means that it must be light. Enough already with the heavy bags!  I just want to look stylish and not break my back.  We are already wearing heels, why do we have to carry a heavy bag as well?

The Large Nancy Bag retails for $1,805 from Smythson

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

I could not stop giggling when I saw this bag.  It looks so scary.  You can call me unfashionable but it really creeps me out. Don’t get me wrong, I like exotic bags as much as the next girl, but carrying this one is like carrying a reptile.

You probably think this bag is made of snake skin right?  After all, it looks very snake-like. Wrong! This “snake looking” bag is in fact made of deer skin.  I like my exotic bags subtle, since I’m not sure I can pull off something like this. However, if you love this bag you can get it from Bluefly for $1,800.

Prada Tote

# Color: Natural / Grey
# Snake print deerskin with luxe sheen and goldtone hardware
# Raised logo ornament at front
# Top snap closure
# 14½” double handles with 4½” drop; 35” removable shoulder strap
# Leather lining with two interior zip pockets
# Measures 17” at widest x 14” tall at center x 4½” deep; weighs 3 lbs.

Christian Louboutin Scoolita Framed Bag $1,495 at Saks
Exquisitely soft calf, shaped and pleated into a graceful shape with a metal-framed top. Double top handles; 7½” drop
– Magnetic closure
– Protective metal feet
– Inside zip and cell phone pockets
– Bright cotton lining
– Signature charm detail
– About 15″W X 12″H X 5½”D
– Made in Italy

B. Makowsky Florence Shopper $238.40 at eBags

Crafted from soft, supple leather

– Double handles with 6-3/4″ drop
– Magnetic snap closure
– Chunky satin gold tone hardware details; B. Makowsky logo; pleat details
– Interior features signature lining; center zip compartment; zip pocket; 2 slip pockets
– 15-1/4″ W x 10″ H x 3″ D
– Made in China

Here are two bags that I think look very similar. I have to admit that I like the Christian Louboutin Schoolita a little bit better. I like the slightly curvier silhouette, the wider bottom, the softer pleat and the subtle gold tone hardware. However, for $1256.60 less you can get something that is almost as stylish with good quality.