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!

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’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.

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

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

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 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