BagBible

There are always times when we need our man to hold on to our bags.  Men usually look very uncomfortable holding their woman’s girly bag.  Sometimes we also observe celebrities also carry their ladies’ bags.

This Andrew Marc Architect Tessa Hobo displays a utilitarian style with its two front pockets.  The bag feels somewhat masculine because of it’s style. Therefore, your man would probably not mind holding it for you. Obviously, that reasoning should not be your only consideration to buy a bag.

Aside from the casual and easy look, this Andrew Marc bag is also hip and young looking. You can surely use this for work or just for running errands.  It can be your all purpose bag.

I am a fan of Andrew Marc leather jackets and I’m sure the leather quality of this bag is also as good as their jackets.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $450

Buy from Zappos for $228.10

I can’t decide whether to like this bag or not.  It is definitely not ugly, but if I were asked to point out it’s beauty, I’m stumped.  I like the interesting shoulder strap, but I think the opening is too small for us to be able to wear it on our shoulder.  I know it’s not a shoulder bag, it is a tote, which means you should carry it in your hand.  However, this bag is shaped so much like a shoulder bag that my first instinct would be to wear it on my shoulder.

I’m also not so sure about the protruding twisted seams; it looks like they are trying to make wavy lines with them.  However, they do not turn out as nice waves, they are more like crooked lines. Luckily, the flat twisted seams came out nicely, but they are not as noticeable next to the protruding seams.  Oh well, at least the belted tassels were done well;  they add nice accents to the bag and make the bag look like it has a cinched waist.

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $398

I just love, love, love this bag.  As you probably already know, I’m obsessed with slouchy bags right now.  I know for a fact that not all slouchy bags are created equal.  Some will fall nicely from your shoulder and some will just sit like ugly shapeless lumps.  I noticed that what sets the great slouchy bags apart from the bad slouchy bags is the bottom part of the bags.

A great slouchy bag has a proportionally wider bottom than the top, like this one. Furthermore, it has to have supple leather that will conform to the content of your bag.  The leather on this Tano bag looks supple from the zoomed in view. The side drawstring pulls reassure the suppleness by creating beautiful ruch instead of rigid and spiky folds.

Now, let’s talk about the color.  It only comes in one color: bronze (in Neiman Marcus).  I think bronze is a great color, because it goes with everything and it is more interesting than just a plain old tan color.  If you look at it closely, the bronze color of this bag is not just a flat bronze, it is more like a distressed bronze, which I think adds character and richness to the bag.

Another great thing about this bag is the price, which is only $225. You don’t even need to wait for it to go on sale. Buy from Neiman Marcus.

If there is one shape of bag that will make you look slimmer, this is the one.  I noticed that long bags like this one are very flattering.  Forget about starving yourself to look slimmer: Just wear the right shape of bag.

Even though the overall look of the bag is fairly simple, it is definitely worth buying just because of it’s slimming effect.  This bag measures a generous 16.5″ x 5.5″ x 17.  I like the fact that it is roomy but does not look bulky.

There is only one minor gripe that I have towards long bags.  It is harder to reach for your things inside the bag compared to the shorter bags. But hey, if a bag can make me look slimmer without pinching my feet, making me stand on my tippy toes, or holding my breath.  I’m all for it.

You can buy this from Tobi for $486 (sale price)

More tips on choosing bags that will flatter your figure.

The first thing that drew me to this bag is the color.  Although I’m not much of a purple girl, this color just looks so pretty to me. The purple is so soft and the pleats just make everything look softer.  I must say that I like the look of the back of the bag better than the front.  The front does not have as many pleats and it has the metal logo.  This bag also comes with a wide adjustable shoulder strap, which means it would be comfortable on your shoulder.

I don’t own any Kenneth Cole bag at the moment but if I there’s one bag that I would like from them, it is this bag in this color.  This bag comes in 6 colors and measures 13″ W x 9″ H x 5″ D. Buy from Macy’s for $275.99

This whole concept about high-end designers providing a cheaper line of their product and lower-end designers offering a better quality line is really giving me mixed brand perceptions.

I just love bright colored bags, they totally pop against your neutral outfit. This bag is pretty simple; it’s just a rectangular bag with double braided shoulder straps and some simple hardware. This bag has a modern and clean look.  It is very suitable for ladies who do not want to look too girly but still like to play with colors.

I often find my self attracted to shiny hardware on bags. I think they make bags look more luxurious.  However, I always complain when bags are heavy.  In the perfect world, handbags with luxurious hardware are light. I don’t think this particular bag is super heavy, nothing will be as heavy as the Chloe Paddington (3 lbs) with the giant lock.

I am now still at the age where I sometimes willing to sacrifice comfort for looks.  I’m wondering at what age will I stop doing that?

Buy from Zappos for $350

Kooba did it again:  They came up with an edgy design!  I admire Kooba for being able to design a bag that has so much going on but still manages not looking tacky or overwhelming.

I’m usually more into simple classic looking bags, yet I find this Kooba bag strangely attractive.  I love the belt and the knot, I think they are the punch line of the design.  This bag comes in black and sand (shown) and it measures only 9″H x 11.5″L x 3″D, a little too smallish for my taste.

There is a bigger version that has similar design, Kooba Jacinda, which measures 15″W x 10″H x 4″D. However, the bigger version has longer handles that are meant for shoulders. Hence, it lacks a detachable shoulder strap.  I’m not sure which one I like better, I need to see them in person. I do know that like the detachable shoulder strap a lot though. Buy from Neiman Marcus for $485

I know that this is not the wackiest design that Juicy Couture has ever come up with.  In fact, this design is not wacky at all.  The only thing that is amusing is the ginormous engagement ring.

If this were the Juicy Couture signature design (the overwhelmingly girly design with lots of bows, pinks and charms) I can understand why they feel the need to put the engagement ring on the bag.  However, this bag looks “normal” from the other angle (except from the angle where you can see the ring, obviously).

In my opinion, this bag doesn’t really hit the Juicy Couture target audience.  The women (or should I say girls) that want to have a huge engagement ring on their bags expect more from the bag and the women who actually like the plainer overall look of the bag might not appreciate the engagement ring.  They probably already have one on their finger anyway.  Buy from Neiman Marcus for $350

I have been frantically looking for a really slouchy and roomy hobo.  So far, my only candidate is the Marc by Marc Jacobs classic gathered hobo.  This bag measures 13 1/2″H x 23″W x 4″ D, and you can choose from chamois or pebble leather.

I like the soft leather and the way it drapes. I also like the detachable shoulder strap, I think it’s a must for women with kids. The zip top is also a plus for me, not that I like to shake my bags upside down, but having a zipper just makes me feel safer.  I don’t have to worry that my things will fall out accidentally.

As much as I like this bag, I still feel that it is lacking something. It lacks interesting details.  I get it that it is a simple and classic hobo, but it doesn’t have to be too blah. A braided strap or a little bit of shiny hardware would definitely add some interesting details.  To sum up, if I can’t find anything better, I think I’m going to get this one.

Buy it from Neiman Marcus for $438

There is also the Steve Madden hobo.  I don’t usually go for Steve Madden since a lot of their bags are made of pleather (remember my leather infatuation?). However, this one is leather.  The design is somewhat similar to the Marc Jacobs hobo, but the leather does not look as smooth and smooshy, wouldn’t you agree?

One thing that I like about the Steve Madden hobo is that it has a little bit of hardware that I think dresses up this otherwise plain hobo, although, I’m not sure about the shoulder strap hardware.  I’m afraid that the shoulder strap won’t be comfortable if you are carrying a heavy bag. I’m also not too crazy about the magnetic snap closure. But I know I’m probably just being paranoid, since I haven’t lost anything because of the magnetic closure.

You can buy this from Nordstrom for $258

My personal choice between these two hobos would be the Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo, because of the better quality leather and the zip top.

This texture rich clutch got my attention.  The color and texture combination really works well together.  I’m guessing that the python texture is probably not real python, regardless the clutch is still beautiful.  I like the slanted closure, as it accentuates the simple silhouette.

The generous size of 13″ by 9″ makes it a highly functional clutch and great for day or night. There is a zipper closure and two interior pockets for organizing your stuff.  This Sarah Clutch is made of Italian leather with ultra suede washable lining, just in case you accidentally smear your lipstick.  Very thoughtful!

Image from Danielle Nicole.  Send your order to: info@danielle-nicole.com Retail price: $300

DKNY is the more affordable line of Donna Karan. Even though this bag is supposed to be second rate, I like it a lot better than the Donna Karan “Flap Disaster” Messenger Bag and it cost less than a third of the Flap bag. This bag looks like a functional and practical bag, providing easy access. The gold tone hardware complements the beautiful neutral color.  The knotted straps add interest to the otherwise plain handbag.   If you are just starting to build your wardrobe and are still figuring out your style or if you just want a no-fuss everyday bag, this is a good bag for you. The price is reasonable and the style is sweet and simple. This bag measures 16″W x 11.5″H x 4.75″D. You can buy this from Bloomingdale’s for $425.

The first word that I thought about when I look at this bag is rugged.  It is a beautiful bag, but it is definitely not a girly girl bag.  This is the bag that you can use everyday and throw around without having to worry about scratches.  I think scratches will just add to the beauty of this bag.

The straps’ rings are connected diagonally, which makes this bag looks different and interesting. The small studs add to the ruggedness of the bag without being too overwhelming.

I’m usually not very fond of contrast stitching. But this bag surprises me, because I totally think it’s very suitable.  I wish I could find a store that carries this bag so that I can see this bag in person.

You can see more pictures and take a closer look at Forzieri, retails for $319

Image from Coolspotters

Eva Longoria spotted in her Be & D Kan Kan tote May 11 and 12^th in Los Angeles, which she was first seen rocking back in December 2007! It is nice to see that celebs aren’t always wearing their standard Birkins and Chanels! Lucky for us Be & D is continuing this style for AW 09, as well as introducing some new Kan Kan silhouettes!

The Kan-Kan tote is a true statement bag. Large and roomy enough to hold files or a laptop, the Kan-Kan has delicate ruffle panels on both sides, and suede and signature hardware accents. Can be handheld, or worn with a detachable shoulder strap. Made from Italian leather, with a magnetic closure, an interior zipper pocket, PDA and cell phone pocket, and keyleash.
Available in Cream, Black, and Gunmetal.
Dimensions are 14.5″ L x 3″ W x 14″ H.

From Be & D $1,390

I am pretty impressed with B.Makowsky bags.  First of all, they have good quality.  Neat stitching, fine leather, and some great designs.   Second, their prices are reasonable unlike some high end designers who ask for thousands of dollars in exchange for their canvas bag.

I like this pleated satchel, it doesn’t have too much going on, but still manages to look interesting.  I also like the hardware. In my opinion, gold toned hardware looks better on white bags compared to silver toned hardware. The bottom corners’ hardware is a combination of good design and functionality.  When we throw our bags around, the corners tend to suffer the greatest wear and tear.  However, with hardware protecting the corners, the bag will stay nice longer.

There is another variant of this same model on which the hardware does not cover the bottom corners,  but instead covers the top corners.  I prefer the one with the hardware on the bottom (pictured). From Nordstrom $298