BagBible

I have been looking for a perfect white hobo bag for this coming spring and summer.  I prefer something that has minimal hardware, will fall nicely, and looks youthful and casual.  This Coccinelle bag exhibits all these qualities and more.  I would already love the bag even if it does not have any texture, but the snakeskin texture on the nubuck leather definitely adds sophistication to the bag. Additionally, the color combination on the strap makes the bag more appealing.

This bag measures 18″ W x 13″ H x 6″ D, which is pretty roomy for an everyday bag.  If you need more space, this bag also comes in bigger size that has a body strap, but unless you are a tall girl I would not recommend the bigger size.

Here is the view of the inside

Buy from The Red Box for $425

If Hermes Birkin and Mulberry Bayswater were to get married and have a child together, it would probably look like this bag.  The first time I saw this bag, I was drawn by the looks of its smooshy leather. I was right, when I touched it, all I could feel is just smoothness all over.  Although the leather is somewhat thick, it is also supple.  The thickness of the leather gives the bag a little bit of a tough look.

The Mia satchel is easier to open and close compared to the cumbersome Hermes Birkin.  You can tuck the flap underneath the belt like strap or just leave it hanging over the belt.  Judging by the look of it, this bag can be pretty versatile.  You can easily wear it to work or on casual outings.

I checked the Liebeskind official website, I must admit that they have impressive collections.  Unfortunately, I can’t find many department stores or online stores that carry their bags (Amazon Germany carries several models). I wish they would make their bag more widely available especially since they have reasonable prices.

You can buy Mia satchel from Nordstrom for $354

Image from Rebecca Minkoff Facebook fan page

If you are obsessed with bags like I do, you will look at bags in a whole different way.  You will start noticing even the smallest details.  Right now I’m in love with this Rebecca Minkoff Delight Satchel.  The shape is nothing revolutionary, but I love the details: From the two buckled straps that lay vertically around the bag, the way the pocket is stitched to the small tiny round hardware that she put near the tip of the buckled straps. Everything just fall beautifully into place.

Besides the details, I also pay attention to the functionality. This roomy bag (15.5″w x 12.5″h x 6.5″d) has 3 exterior zippered pockets and a detachable shoulder strap, which is good enough for me. I can’t find any picture of the inside of the bag but I’m pretty sure it should have a zippered pocket inside too (just like the Morning After Bag).  I’m hoping that she uses metal interior zippers instead of plastic ones, because plastic zippers makes the bag look cheap (yes, even if it’s only on the inside).  This plastic zipper thing might be one of my weird bag pet peeves.  I have passed on buying bags that I really like just because they have plastic zippers on the inside.

You can pre-order this bag from lunaboston for $495.  Currently, they only have the color black.  I would wait around for the other colors, as I’m sure they will be pretty.  I love the blue one in the picture.

Last weekend I went to Nordstrom and browsed in the handbag department.  I saw this Michael Kors Hamilton bag but in the smaller size.  I tried it on both ways: using the shoulder strap and the handles.  Both ways looked great.  When I wear it on the shoulder, it looked a little bit more casual ( as casual as this kind of bag can be) and when I held it by the handles it looked more dressy.   This bag has a lot of attributes that does not make it casual, such as the combination of: the rigid rectangular shape, the lock, the handles and the quilted patent leather.  Even so, the addition of the combination chain leather shoulder strap makes the overall looks of the bag “easier”.

I would like it even better if the shoulder strap is detachable, so that we can have more “looks” out of the bag, but leaving the shoulder strap hanging there is nice too.

There was one thing that bothered me when I was trying on some of these bags.  When I tried on the regular non patent quilted version, the handles were kind of hard to move, they were stuck in the upright position.  However, when I tried on the quilted patent version the handles were more flexible, they can naturally go down when I put the shoulder strap on.  I’m not sure whether I just happened to find an irregular bag or that is the way they make the non quilted version.

This bag comes in different sizes, the one that I was trying on was the smallest size (13″W x 9″H x 5″D).  In my opinion, petites are better off with this size, especially with such a structured bag like this.  Anything bigger will not be flattering for your figure, let the taller girls wear the bigger size.

You can buy it from Nordstrom for $318 (smaller size) $348 (bigger size)

Last year was all about the studs.  I guess this year is all about zippers.  Some designers were already coming out with zippered designs last year but I noticed that this year literally everything has zippers design on it; dresses, bags, and shoes.  In my opinion, zippers give the impression of a “tough girl” look and if not done right it can look tacky.

This Leola bag has the perfect amount of zippers and the placement of the diagonal zipper makes the bag look more interesting.  I also noticed there was no big label stuck on the bag, which is always a plus for me. This would be a great casual bag for spring.  The combination of cream leather and gold tone hardware will look great against bright colored tops.

From Neiman Marcus for $498

A friend of mine just asked my opinion about this Francesco Biasia Emy Tote.  She told me that her heart was originally set on Bottega Veneta Intrecciato but then she found this similar woven design for a lot less.  When I saw the bag, I fell in love with the color combination.  I think the contrasting color combination makes the bag stand out so much more compare to a solid color bag.  It also shows off the texture of the bag nicely. She’s definitely made a wise purchase.

Unfortunately, this bag is not widely available anymore. Probably because it was an older model.  The only place that still sells it is Rue La La and the sale will end on Monday morning.  They are selling it at a really great price of $299 (down from $795 retail price).

I always love simple and understated bags.  In my opinion, they will never be out of style and they go with everything.  Like this Kenneth Cole No Slouch Hobo, you just can’t go wrong.  There is a little bit of trendy element on this bag, which is the studded handle.  However, the studs are so few and small that it would not look outdated a year or two from now.  I couldn’t say the same about bags that have studs all over the place.

I consider this bag a great buy, since it is not as expensive as “breaking the bank”, yet you still get good design and quality.  It’s great for those who want to start collecting bags or someone like me who buys bags every now and then without any apparent reasons.

From Kenneth Cole $358

Click for more pictures More »

I never thought that I would be interested in nylon bags. I’ve seen this bag around for a while now. every time I see it I ended up touching it and trying it on. I didn’t write a review right away because…well…it’s made of nylon. Nevertheless, the more I see it, the more I like it. Everything about this bag is very well made. If I have to choose the best part of the bag, it would be the hardware.  The hardware is so shiny and smooth that it literally lights up the whole bag and makes the nylon bag look somewhat expensive. Unfortunately, this particular nylon bag is expensive indeed (for a nylon bag).  It is priced at $245.  I’m not sure if I’m willing to spend over $200 for a nylon bag, but if it is on sale I might want to get one. This one is definitely great for a rainy day.

From Nordstrom $245

If you love the look of Chanel bags but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and refuse to buy hideous knock-offs, Kate Spade Gold Coast is the solution for you.  It won’t break the bank since it’s only $445 (you can get it for even less if you wait for the sale). Also, Kate Spade bags are made of quality leather with great workmanship.  The only thing that you’ll miss (or not) are the big interlocking Cs.  There are a lot of look-a-like bags out there, from the Target look-a-likes to the designers’ look-a-likes.  I can’t stand the cheap look-a-likes, probably because of the poor quality and the fact that they are made of pleather.  However, I don’t mind the higher-end designers look-a-likes.  I guess it’s just a quality issue for me. So, what do you think of wearing a look-a-like bag?

Buy from Nordstrom

Image from Chanel

When a clutch is this simple, it needs something to make it stand out. JJ Winters did just the right thing by adding three rows of decorative zippers.  They popped against the black soft suede background.  The repeating zippers make a bold statement and add a modern feel to the clutch at the same time.

Buy from The Trend Boutique for $299

I was so excited when I saw this bag.  I loved the older version of this bag which I reviewed before, but the plastic zipper was a major turn off for me.  Now, the new and improved version has a metal zipper and the leather is noticeably softer. In my previous review, I already mentioned why I loved this bag; the new and improved version just makes me love it even more.

It is available in two colors on the Saks Fifth Avenue website: Black and brown.  However, the color samples are black and grey.  I’m not sure which one is the right one.  There might be a typo.  Regardless the color, I still love the bag. Mainly, because of it’s slouchiness, functionality and the improved features.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced everyday bag, this is the perfect bag for you.  Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue for $440

Obviously, I jumped on the “studded bag” wagon, since it is all the rage right now.  I don’t normally wear studded stuff, not even jeans.  However, when I look at this Tylie Malibu Rose bag, I’m pretty sure that I can pull this look off.

I love how the lines of studs are concentrated on the flap.  It gives the bag the right amount of edginess without overcrowding the bag.  The three dimensional studs also add a little bit more texture compared to the regular two dimensional studs.

Surprisingly, in a world where everything affordable is made in China, this bag is actually made in the USA.  There are not many bags at this price range that are made in the USA.  If you like this bag you better get it now before the brand  becomes too popular and starts making its bags in China.  Not that I have anything against things that are made in China.  I believe that China can make good quality products if they want to.  The problem is only when they don’t want to.

In conclusion, I’m giving this bag two thumbs up for its design and price.

Buy from Neiman Marcus for $495

I have never paid attention to Tory Burch’s bags until now.  This particular Tory Burch bag caught my eye.  First, I like the rich brown color on this Tory Burch Stitched T Zip Satchel.  Second, I like how the gold color complements the rich brown leather. Third, this satchel can also be worn as cross body using the detachable shoulder strap which makes it very versatile,  especially when I’m going shopping and I need both hands to carry shopping bags and look at merchandise. Yes, I take my shopping seriously. I even think about my shoes and outfit to wear on a shopping trip.  I always make sure the shoes are comfortable for a lot of walking and the outfit is easy to put on and off for trying on clothes.

Even though I don’t like logos on my bags, the T shape hardware doesn’t bother me. In fact, I think it’s a clever and subtle way to add signature to the simple bag without being overwhelmingly tacky.  The Ts certainly accent the bag nicely.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $495

There was a time when I preferred silver tone hardware on bags regardless the color of the bag. Now, I’m slowly warming up to gold tone hardware.  I’m finding that gold tone hardware adds a little bit more luxury to a bag compared to silver tone hardware. For example, this cream Jack Rabbit Stinger would not have as much contrast if the hardware were silver tone.

Even though this Jack Rabbit Stinger display a classic lady like shape, it is certainly not a boring bag.  It has a lot of interesting details, such as the V side pockets, the vertical zipper, and some strategically placed studs.  The most interesting feature is the vertical zipper, which used to expand the bag. However, I’m not sure how it would enhance the look of the bag when it is unzipped.  I would probably keep the zipper closed at all times.

Buy from Shopbop for $369.60

Studded bags are certainly hot right now and I’m trying to cater to the studs frenzy.  I found this gorgeus Francesco Biasia Lea.  I’m guessing this bag has been around for sometime, because they are now on sale and hard to find.  I wish I had found this bag sooner.

Never in my wildest dream had I considered studded bags feminine, until I saw this bag. The one thing that makes this bag look somewhat feminine is the swirly placement of the studs.  Most studded bags place their studs in rows or some other orderly manner.  The variety of studs shapes and sizes also contributes in making this bag unpredictable.  Everyone likes a nice surprise, right?

Another great thing about this bag is the price.  They are on sale right now on Zappos priced it at $302

For the recessionistas who love studded bags but can’t afford the fabulous YSL Easy Y Studded bag, this Lea bag is definitely a great alternative.  It is nearly 10 times cheaper than the YSL Easy Y Studded.