BagBible

Image from Smythson

Isn’t it gorgeous? Don’t you just love the soft quilted look? Quilted bags are definitely nothing new but this hand-riveted quilt is something that we don’t see everyday.  The usual quilted bags tend to look rigid and stuffy but this Nancy bag looks just the opposite. You can see that the leather is so buttery and pliable, which makes the bag looks slouchy.

I also find the choice of minimal hardware very attractive, as it won’t detract the main show of the bag, which is the soft quilt.

The Nancy bag comes in different sizes and styles, but this one is one of my favorites for now and definitely going to be on my wish list.

From Smythson for $1,140

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

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

Image from Popsugar

Katie Holmes was recently spotted with her Valextra Slim Shopper, which is made of grained leather with open pockets and rolled leather handles. The bag measures 14″ x 15″ x 4″, available in 4 colors: white, green, red and blue.

I like how simple this bag is. It does not scream “look at me” while at the same time displaying luxury.  Only a secure woman that does not need to prove anything would carry something without any logo or monogram.

Buy it from Barneys for $2,500

Win a Miu Miu Bauletto from Ideeli! This event starts Monday, May 25th.  No purchase needed, just log in and enter. If you are not a member yet, click HERE for the invitation!

Young at Heart

Before each designer and her mother decided to introduce a “younger, hipper” spin-off line, there was Miu Miu. When the academic-turned-fashion designer Miuccia Prada launched her collection in 1992, it was the subject of some head-scratching. How could the Milan-based fashionista top the winning formula of Prada, her Italian megabrand which has launched countless trends and even more look-alike designs?

Easy. She did it by creating a collection that is equal parts serious fashion and serious fun: from sixties-style swing coats to colorful frocks to artful accessories. Perhaps that’s why it’s a favorite among the cool girls in Hollywood like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Selma Blair and Kirsten Dunst, who’ve all starred in Miu Miu’s advertising campaigns. Now that’s what we call a celebrity endorsement.

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.

I like the look of this Gustto bag: The color and the hardware are beautiful. However, I’m not so sure about the embossed paisley.  Whenever I see paisley, I’m always thinking of the word “old” and “grandma”.  Maybe my style is too minimalistic, since I rarely like anything with a pattern, unless it is absolutely fabulous. I know Gustto has a plainer version (without the embossed paisley) of this model.

This bag measures 17″W x 10.5″H x 4″D, big enough for carrying your essentials plus some more.  The shoulder strap is always a nice option when you need both of your hands. For the quality, Gustto bags are really well made, just like the other contemporary designers.

You can buy Gustto Fiore from Bloomingdale’s for $645.

Now, as for the similarity with Gucci Hysteria, I wouldn’t say that they are identical twins, but they are definitely fraternal twins, don’t you think?  The shillouete, the hardware, the handles, and the detachable shoulder straps are very similar.  The Gucci Hysteria is a little bit smaller than the Gustto Fiore.  It measures only 15″L x 11.4″H.

I prefer the Gustto hardware over the Gucci because t looks cleaner without the logo.  However, I like the pleats on the Hysteria better.

The Gucci Hysteria retails for $1,695, it is $1,050 more than the Gussto.  I would definitely choose the Gussto since I’m not brand obsessed.  I will gladly wear the lesser brand as long as it has good quality, but I would avoid Target look alikes.  Which one would you choose?

Gucci Hysteria image from Nordstrom

Image from Coolspotters

Eva Longoria spotted in her Be & D Kan Kan tote May 11 and 12^th in Los Angeles, which she was first seen rocking back in December 2007! It is nice to see that celebs aren’t always wearing their standard Birkins and Chanels! Lucky for us Be & D is continuing this style for AW 09, as well as introducing some new Kan Kan silhouettes!

The Kan-Kan tote is a true statement bag. Large and roomy enough to hold files or a laptop, the Kan-Kan has delicate ruffle panels on both sides, and suede and signature hardware accents. Can be handheld, or worn with a detachable shoulder strap. Made from Italian leather, with a magnetic closure, an interior zipper pocket, PDA and cell phone pocket, and keyleash.
Available in Cream, Black, and Gunmetal.
Dimensions are 14.5″ L x 3″ W x 14″ H.

From Be & D $1,390

Likes:

The Size
It is big enough to carry all my necessities and more (16″ W x 14″ H x 5″ D)

The Pockets
There are two side pockets with snap button closure, so things won’t fall out, two zippered slit pockets in the front, three slide interior pockets, and one zippered interior pocket. All the pockets make it easy to organize your bag and you can find things quickly when you need it.

The Weight
When the bag is empty, it is pretty lightweight, because the leather is not overly thick. A light bag is always a plus for me, since I tend to carry more than I need to.

Dislikes:

The Lining
I don’t really like the lining material, it is satiny looking with busy prints.

You might want to know:

The drawstring is non functional, it is only for decoration purposes. The closure of the bag is a magnetic snap button, which I think is more practical than drawstrings.

You can buy this from Macy’s for $250

Deal Tips:

Here is some idea on how to get a good deal. I bought this bag in blue from Ideeli. The price was $94, I got $25 from referring a friend, so I paid $79 total including the $10 shipping.

Recommended: Yes

I could not stop giggling when I saw this bag.  It looks so scary.  You can call me unfashionable but it really creeps me out. Don’t get me wrong, I like exotic bags as much as the next girl, but carrying this one is like carrying a reptile.

You probably think this bag is made of snake skin right?  After all, it looks very snake-like. Wrong! This “snake looking” bag is in fact made of deer skin.  I like my exotic bags subtle, since I’m not sure I can pull off something like this. However, if you love this bag you can get it from Bluefly for $1,800.

Prada Tote

# Color: Natural / Grey
# Snake print deerskin with luxe sheen and goldtone hardware
# Raised logo ornament at front
# Top snap closure
# 14½” double handles with 4½” drop; 35” removable shoulder strap
# Leather lining with two interior zip pockets
# Measures 17” at widest x 14” tall at center x 4½” deep; weighs 3 lbs.