BagBible

YSL is on a roll nowadays.  They have been making great bags one after another.  This perforated zipped tote is definitely one of them.  One thing that caught my attention is the rather unusual design.  I mean it in a unique kind of way. This bag is like cross between a tote and a hobo. The style is not too casual yet not too dressy; it is right in the middle.  Although I’m not a fan of perforated leather I think it is very suitable for this bag. The bag would be too boring, if not for the perforated leather.

From Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,495

I’m a big fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag.  If my girl friends had not stopped me, I would’ve gotten one in every color.  I love the classic shape and style of the Morning After Mini, and the size is just right for me.  For the 2009 Fall line, Rebecca updated the Morning After bag with additional zippers.  I love how the additional zippers add some edginess and a tough look to the bag without changing its classic “Morning After” look.  The long tassels are also very appropriate for the zippered look.

Since studs, zippers and chains are hot this season, many designers have gone overboard with them. I’ve seen bags that are literally covered in zippers so that it’s not even funny anymore. Just because zippers are in, it doesn’t mean that you can just cover your bags with them and call it fashionable.  Take a clue from Rebecca Minkoff for incorporating the trend tastefully.

Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue for $550

I know that there is not much going on with this bag.  However, I think this is a very cool looking bag. The chain detailing makes the bag look tough and the slouchy shape gives it a more casual look.  Judging by the price of this bag ($1,145), I would expect it to be made of genuine leather.  Unfortunately, it is made of faux-leather which is a major turn off for me, especially at a price point of over $1000.

Buy from Net-A-Porter

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

I don’t understand why I can’t find much information on this CC Skye Ashley Python bag.  Even the website that sells this bag does not provide detailed description about the bag.   In my opinion, a bag this beautiful should be talked about, stumbled upon, digged or tweeted all over the internet.   Am I wrong? Do I have such an unusual taste in bags?  I don’t think so.

I love how the hardware and leather shoulder straps work together.  The grommets on the sides also add glam to the simple shaped bag. However,  I’m not so sure about the rectangular gold tone name plate in the middle since I’m not a big fan of bags that display their brand too prominently.  Seeing that it is such a beautiful bag and the size of the name plate is not huge, I can let this one slide.  Besides, it is not a brand that mall rats typically carry on their arms.

Now, on to the python.  I honestly could not tell if this bag is made of real python or embossed leather.  Judging by the price it could easily be embossed python. However, it might also be a reasonably priced real python.  Regardless of its material, I still think this is a beautiful bag.

Buy from Singer22 for $625

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.

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

We all know that studs are hot this season (and likely the next season).   All bag designers are racing to create bags with studs. Some did an ok job, but a lot of them fail miserably.  Studded bags normally don’t attract me.  I’m just not a rocker type.  I don’t even understand the big hype over the Alexander Wang Coco Duffel.  However, when I saw this YSL Easy Y Studded bag, I fell in love without a doubt;  I forgot why I hate studs. If this bag can win the heart of the girl who doesn’t like studs, this is truly an exceptional design.  The only other studded bag that is worth a look is the Marc Jacobs Cecilia bag. The other bags are just for  rocker chicks in rock bands.

Buy YSL Easy Y Studded from Diabro.net for $2,152.17

On the left is the Versace Patent Chain shoulder bag and on the right is Chanel Veau Ver Large Tote. Aren’t they a little bit too similar?  Of course, the designers at Versace can use the quilted design, or the chain straps, or the tote shape. They can, but if they are combining them all together like Chanel did in one bag,  it would look just like a Chanel rip off.  It is very common when lower-end designers do such a thing, but I would not expect this from Versace.  When lower-end designers do this, their work may be not as impressive, but at least they are not charging a four digit price.

In my opinion, Versace (a world class design house) should have enough resources to create something that is not a copy cat.

Buy from Bergdorf Goodman for $1,800

After all those bright and colorful bags that I saw in spring, now I’m ready for more neutral shades and blacks like these Valentino Premier Bow Shoulder Bags.  I usually choose the better color to put on my post but after seeing these two colors I can’t decide which color is better because both of them are equally beautiful.

I love how lush and feminine these bags look thanks to the soft knotted bows that drape over the body.  The absence of hardware does not take away the beauty of the bag.   Though I can’t help but wonder what will the bag look like when it is filled.  Will the soft leather slouch? Will the bag look as beautiful if it slouches?

Buy from Bergdord Goodman for $1,895

I prefer to write positive bag reviews compared to negative ones because I would like to be a positive person.  However, I strongly feel that I have to say something about this Jimmy Choo Sky bag.  This is an example where “two rights can make a wrong”.  Studs are good; zebra patterns are good (up to a certain point) but when you combine them together they look like a total disaster.

When I look at this bag, I don’t know where to focus.  Do I focus on the studs or do I focus on the zebra print?  The top part of the bag looks so messy, that it makes bottom part look so unflustered. I never thought that I could consider zebra prints unflustered.

In my opinion, zebra prints and studs don’t go together. However, if you must have them both. You can perhaps put the studs only on the black part of the print.  That way it won’t look like you just slathered glue on the top, sprinkle some studs, and hope that they all stick.

I’m sure it will require more detailed craftmanship to put the studs on small sections, but if you are charging $3,795 for a bag, superior intricate craftmanship is expected.

There is another version of this bag that won’t make people cringe when you wear it.  It is just plain black with studs. Buy from Jimmy Choo for $2,995

Many Botkier fans have asked me about the Botkier Taylor from the Fall 2009 collection.  As you might already know, the Botkier Fall 2009 collection is very rocker chic.  The Taylor bags bring the rocker chic flavor through their one-of-a-kind tassels design. I finally have the following information about the bags that I would love to share with all of you.

Taylor Satchel
Will be available at Shopbop on September 2009
Size: 15.25″ x 4.5″ x 8.75″
Price: $545
Material/Colors: Black cowhide, brown lambskin, or sand pearl lambskin with antique brass hardware.

Taylor Crossbody
Will be available at NeimanMarcus on September 2009
Size: 15″ x 3.75″ x 10.5″
Price: $525
Material/Colors: Black cowhide, brown lambskin, or sand pearl lambskin with antique brass hardware.

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

This Gucci bag is definitely praiseworthy.  When I fist saw this bag, I did not expect that this was in fact a Gucci bag.  Without the monograms, the fringes, and the red and green stripes, I just didn’t recognize it. This is good: I like it when designers do something out of the ordinary. It keeps the collection fresh and interesting.

I like the rich texture of the python.  The horsebit detail adds interest to the simple and elegant  shape of the bag.  This looks like a chic casual bag. The 18¼”W X 14½”H X 4½”D measurements, certainly make it functional. Because of the slouchy shape and leather, petites will also look good wearing this.

Don’t worry about blending with the wall wearing this simple shaped black bag, the python reminds us that it is a special bag.  This bag is all about the python and it will definitely stand out.

I think Gucci reminds us once again why it is an icon label.  Buy this from Saks for $3,295.

Win a Fendi Baguette from Ideeli! This event will start on Sunday, May 24th.  No purchase needed, just log in and enter. If you are not a member yet, click HERE for the invitation!

Fashion’s First Family

In the 1920s, when Adele and Edoardo Fendi ran a small shop in Rome, peddling fine leather and fur goods, they had no idea that one day it would become a global fashion powerhouse. By 2008, thanks to their five savvy and extremely stylish daughters: Paola, Carla, Anna, Franca and Alda, the Italian brand is coveted from here to Dubai.

During their worldwide expansion, the Fendi sisters were clever enough to hire the legendary design guru Karl Lagerfeld, who helped create everything from housewares to handbags, including the famous baguette that launched a thousand look-alikes and a few sample sale frenzies during its time. Fendi’s signature double F logo stamped on all of their premium products, has lured celebrities from Mischa Barton to Sarah Jessica Parker to Kanye West, who once shaved the symbol into his head. Talk about brand loyalty.