BagBible

I consider myself a girly girl. I like lace, ruffles, and sparkles.  This bag is nothing like that but I still love it. The one thing that caught my eyes is the asymmetrical flap pocket. I’m not sure how practical it is but it definitely sets apart this bag from any other hobo bag out there.  I also love how the tassel complement the bag, it makes all the edges on the bag look somewhat softer.

This bag gives out an edgy vibe and would look great with a great pair of knee high boots.  From Saks Fifth Avenue for $ 1,250.  Check out Derek Lam’s website for more colors and selections!

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).

After taking a little break to deal with home improvement nightmares, it feels so good to be looking at bags again.  Now I see a lot of great bags out there. How exciting! One of the bags that caught my eyes is the Michael Kors “Skorpio” ring tote from the Resort 2010 collection.

I’ve seen the rectangular version before, they are pretty nice. I love the leather, the woven handles and the shiny hardware. However, it was kind of too plain Jane.  I find this “Skorpio” ring tote far more interesting, even though they have similar name.  First of all, I love the balloon like shape.  It makes the bag look softer and more feminine compared to the usual squarish looking tote.

Second, I love how the handles are looped through the body of the bag and the grommets make it look more polished in a subtle way.

This not a very big bag, it measures only 13″W x 9″H x 7″D therefore very suitable for petites. Pre-Order from Nordstrom for $895.

As the cold weather approaches, I’m more and more drawn to suede bags.  For some reason, suede bags seem to look warmer.   I also love the soft texture of it. This Coccinelle Vivian bag is a great example of a suede bag.  Although it has simple shape, it has enough details that make the bag interesting.  The pleats and the braided handles make a stylish combination.  I’m not a fan of tassels but for this bag I don’t mind it that much.  It seems like the tassel is detachable so you can always use it as a key chain.  This bag also comes with shoulder strap for added convenience.

Buy from Forzieri for $570

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

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

If you are short and round, this is the bag for you. This bag is long and structured, the opposite of your body shape. Therefore, it will flatter you.

This bag would be perfect if you need a roomy bag but still want to look sharp and tailored.  This bag measures a generous 15” wide x 14” tall x 3” deep.  As with most of Hype designs, this Heloise bag looks trendy and chic.

Hype is one of the brands that has great values.  Their quality is also very good considering that they don’t charge you for an arm and a leg.

Buy from Bluefly for $195

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

I’m a little embarrassed for admitting this but honestly I’ve never looked twice at Steve Madden bags. I’m trying not to sound like one of those pretentious ladies who only wear certain brands within a certain price range, but I had the impression that they don’t have nice bags.  I guess they proved me wrong because this one is a beautiful looking bag.

I like how the quilts look so puffy and soft.  The distressed leather compliments the otherwise boring quilts. The weaved handle adds a more finished look and the minimal hardware provides just the right amount of shine and the fold over top gives the bag a softer look.

I was so curious about the quality of this bag, I went to my local Macy’s over the weekend just to check out this bag. Unfortunately, they did not have it.  I was so disappointed that I could not give you information about the quality of this bag.  If this bag is of similar quality as B.Makowsky’s bags (since they are in similar price range) then this proves that looking stylish is not about how much money you spend but about making smart choices.

Buy from Macy’s for $170.99

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.

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

Buy from Forzieri for $574

Buti Charm Drop Dark Brown Pebble Italian Leather Hobo Bag reminds me of Celine Bittersweet. Mainly because of it’s charm drop.  I like the Buti bag better compared to the Celine Bittersweet, because it has more interesting hardware and strap. Do you notice how the knots attach the strap to the rings? They add the much needed interest to a simple bag without sacrificing its elegance. However, I’m not a big fan of contrast stitching.  In my opinion, contrast stitching can cheapen the look of a bag if not done right.

The Buti bag ends just above the waist, which is really flattering for curvy women, while the Celine Bittersweet is more suitable for women with larger hips since the strap is shorter so it can easily be tucked under the arm.

Celine Bittersweet

Buy from Bloomingdale’s for $980

Image from Popsugar

The new bride Heidi Montag was spotted recently carrying the brown Chloe Paraty Python Tote.

Python leather tote with gold-tone hardware. Chloé tote has two handles, one long strap, a long zip across the top to fasten, piped panel detailing, clasps at the side to expand, a zipped pocket on the inside and is fully lined.

Dimenson Width 14″ / 36cm; Height 10″ / 26cm; Depth 6″ / 16cm; Handle Drop 5″ / 13cm

Retail for $3,820 from Net-a-porter