BagBible

As the name clearly implies, this Dautore bag has a linking strap.  The unique design of the strap is the main feature that attracts me to this bag. The description of the bag says “intricately linked straps — reminiscent of block-stitched lanyards”. When you look closer, you can see that the linked straps are made of two different colors of leather, which I think add a little more dimension to the strap.

I always love it when designers come up with something different but still manage not to make the bag look too “out there”,  like this bag for example.  This bag will get you noticed in a good way, but not in a “fashion victim” kind of way.

The slouchy shape and the roomy size also won me over.  I’m just not too crazy about the colors.  I love bags that are richer in color.

This bag comes in two colors: Amazon and Argila (which is the color of the other link on the strap).  Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $580

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

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

When I went shopping on the weekend, I found the coolest black clutch.  The brand is Michele.  I’ve never heard of a Michele bag before.  I know that they make watches but I did not know that they also make bags.  I was trying to look for the clutch on their website but I couldn’t find it.  It was probably last season’s collection, since it was on sale and it was the only one left.

What I like the most about this clutch is that it has handles that you can tuck in when you are not using them.  I think it is a very convenient feature.  The zip top is also a nice feature; it makes getting your stuff in and out of the clutch easier compared to a flap closure clutch.  What’s more, the clutch is oversized (15.5″ x 9″) so I can carry all my necessities. Just in case you are wondering about the leather quality, it is soft and has a little bit of a sheen to it.

The retail price of this clutch is $395.99 but it was discounted to $98.97.

Please click the links for sale invitation!

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Gustto Malia

Gustto Gola

Just when I thought I ran out of cute bags to write about, I came across this Gustto Tribal collection.  I can’t decide which bag I like more so I just put both pictures up.  I just love the rich camel and deep brown color combination; they make the bag so much more interesting while the croco print adds texture and lushness.

These bags also come in another color combination: Black and brown.  However, black and brown is not much of a contrast and those colors tend to hide the details of the bag, such as the cute shoe lace looking ties that add a touch of youth and playfullness to the bag.

I love how these bags still manage to look good while having all the practicality that good bags require: Front pockets, handles,  shoulder straps, zip tops, and generous sizes. These bags prove that you don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality.

Pre-order from Gustto. Malia is priced at $695 and Gola is priced at $545

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

Being a sucker for anything shiny I could not help but to click on this Marc Jacobs Sequined New York Rocker Stam bag.  I’m used to seeing very shiny small miniaudiere, clutch or evening bags.  However, a bag this size that is very shiny is new to me.  I’m not sure where and when one would carry this bag.  In my opinion, this bag is too big for a formal event, too shiny for casual everyday use and still too shiny for everything in between.   If you can think of how to wear this bag you can buy it from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995

Please click the links for sale invitation!

Buy from Endless for $182.31

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