BagBible

If you love the look of Chanel bags but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and refuse to buy hideous knock-offs, Kate Spade Gold Coast is the solution for you.  It won’t break the bank since it’s only $445 (you can get it for even less if you wait for the sale). Also, Kate Spade bags are made of quality leather with great workmanship.  The only thing that you’ll miss (or not) are the big interlocking Cs.  There are a lot of look-a-like bags out there, from the Target look-a-likes to the designers’ look-a-likes.  I can’t stand the cheap look-a-likes, probably because of the poor quality and the fact that they are made of pleather.  However, I don’t mind the higher-end designers look-a-likes.  I guess it’s just a quality issue for me. So, what do you think of wearing a look-a-like bag?

Buy from Nordstrom

Image from Chanel

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

My last Fendi bag review was somewhat harsh.  However, today I will give this Fendi Two-Tone Baguette a glowing review because it totally deserves one.  I love how this bag looks.  The contrasting color, the chain-strap combination and the vertical stitching work beautifullytogether. When I’m thinking of a small rectangular bag with a chain, I immediately think of Chanel 2.55.  However, this bag has a whole different twist. Somehow, I think this bag is more chic and youthful than the Chanel 2.55. Fendi did a great job this time around.

From Net-A-Porter $1,350

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

I know that many ladies like this bag and think it is cute.  However, I’m not liking it at all. It looks like it has a tongue sticking out.  I’m also not a fan of the haircalf panther print.  This bag is just not my idea of cute.  Maybe I’m the oddball here, but I think that’s what makes life interesting.

If you like this bag, you can buy it from Neiman Marcus for $2,400.  As for me, I probably wouldn’t spend that much money for something looking like that.  I expect a lot of bang for my buck and this bag is just not it.

I used to think that Mulberry bags look boring.  However, I changed my mind as soon as I saw this one.  I love everything about this bag: The vibrant teal color, the adjustable chain strap, the tiny turn lock closure, and also the belt buckles on the sides.  In my opinion, the buckles add interesting details and give the bag a more casual look.

Description:

9″H x 12″L x 3″D.
10″ strap drop.
Made in England.
Retail Price: $1,150.00 from Shopbop

Get 25% discount with ARMCANDY coupon code, offer ends on April 29, @ 11:59 p.m

Looking at the Lanvin Amalia reminds me of the classic Chanel 2.55. The quilted leather, the rectangular shape and the chain shoulder straps. However, the Lanvin Amalia has a more youthful appearance, thanks to the ribbon weaved chain. I would definitely wear this before graduating to the Chanel 2.55.  It comes in two sizes.

I personally like the smaller one better since I’m a petite. However, the bigger one has more compartments than the smaller one.  I love bags with lots of compartments.  It makes organizing my bag so much easier. I know I can just use one of those purse organizer and be done with it, but for some reason I always find my bag does not look as good with the purse organizer inside.  It makes my bags looks stiff.

Lanvin Amalia small shoulder bag $2,035, Lanvin Amalia quilted shoulder bag $3,110 from Net-A-Porter