The Luxe Mix

The Spy Bag was lost on me… but this Secret Code Bag has found me!!! Only problem is I’m disgusted by the fur skins they’ve chosen to make these bags with. On a handbag (that is worn off the body) why does this require the dismal death of a sweet furry critter to adorn the bag? To be honest no (normal) human being would be able to tell the difference if Fendi used a good quality substitute for this mink or the snakeskin. I’m all for the substitute fur skins!! Just don’t skin the cute little mink Ok so I’m a hypocrite for buying and wearing leather but I’ve told myself unless I’m willing to go vegetarian I’ve got to hold on to something on this slippery slope..

I hope Fendi wakes up one day and starts making these beautiful bags with faux whatever so I can floss one these bad girls (and possibly afford it!).

Available for $2210.00 at eluxury.com

It was confirmed when I saw it on my friend’s arm… the Day Tripper bag from See by Chloe looks as good as the pictures. I’m usually 5-10% disappointed by the in-person experience from the glossy online photo experience when it comes to bags.

It’s nice to see that luxury brands are playing fair and offering comparable bags at the mid-ranges. Gives me hope that I can someday afford all the bags that I’ll ever want (ok maybe not).

The bag comes in 3 sizes as far as I’m aware, a tote, a satchel, and a clutch. I’m all about the big bad bags so would go for the tote myself.

Somewhere I’d heard a golden rule that before you walk out the door remove one accessory. The thought being we tend to fuss getting ready for hours and end up looking overdone (in either a slutty or circus-like way) without even realizing it. You know… the big earrings with the bulging necklace or the false lashes with the vamp red lipstick… one without the other would have been hot but everything together was just wrong.

Along the same lines Juicy Couture’s Handbag line has always scared me. They’re clothing line is chic, very trendy but still maintains a good balance. Take one look at some of the bags from previous seasons though and they were a mess of hardware, straps, and bling. It looks like Juicy was finally able to use the same restraint we all should be using before walking out that door. Simplify!!! The new bags are streamlined and have an upgraded classiness to them.

Juicy Couture JC Medallion 90 Percent Couture Handbag in Cotro (Luxe for Less)

I love the warm tone of this buttery soft-looking leather. The arm strap looks strong but comfortable and I imagine this bag will look amazing once worn in and continue to wear nicely through the years.

JC  Bag available at RevolveClothing.com

Now compare this Juicy bag to my Celine bag.
I got my Celine bag from the Duty Free Shops on Guam for $1000 or so. I
thought that was a good deal. Juicy’s bag is great Luxe for Less option. I’d buy it now if I didn’t already have mine. I can’t promise the Juicy bag will endure the trials and tribulations my Celine has gone through.. coffee spills.. Rocky (my dog) paws pawing… but my bag has held up like a champ.

My Celine Bag (Luxe)

Whether or not you like the JC Medallion Handbag.. I hope you do take away the take away here.. Less is More!

I’ve never been a die hard fan of Missoni. It’s a bit granola for me (granola-luxe that is!). From far away the prints and stitches look kinda nice but the minute I get up close to the piece I have a change of heart. Maybe it’s a taste maturity thing and one day I just may grow into Missoni.

Perhaps their new line of bags is just what will help me make the cross-over. This one below, the M Missoni Gallery Silver Woven Large Double Handle Bag in Chevron/Creme, looks like something I’d carry during the summer months. $517 seems like a reasonable price for a Missoni bag but guess that would depend on where it’s actually made. It still feels a bit mature for my speed but I’m drawn to it. What do you guys think? Beautiful bag or Bag for a Hag??

Missoni Bag at RevolveClothing.com

I’ve had my eye on a few bags from Gustto over the past year but never could get myself to pull that dangerous trigger on my very dangerous plastic gun. I patted myself on the back when I saw the same bags on sale one season later. Gustto bags just seem to veer on the overly complex side, with just a few too many embellishments and unbalanced proportions. One bag in particular had all these metallic and mirrored things sewn onto the bag. It gave me flashbacks to when I used to wear lots of metallic and mirrored things myself. I’m glad only a few of you have known me long enough to know I’m not joking. Anyhow, I was naturally drawn to these somewhat gawdy bags but got over them pretty quickly.

Then along came this clutch from Gustto and suddenly I’m pulling out my gun again and checking to see how many bullets I have left. Will you guys weigh in here? I think Gustto got it right this time, kept it simple and clean. It looks so comfy to carry. I just want to tuck it under my arm and stroll to Peets and meet Choxie Snoops for a cup of Jo.

Gustto Berlina Clutch in White

(more…)

If I weren’t so lazy I’d have bought this clutch by now. I mean lazy as in I can’t imagine actually carrying this bag in my hand or under my arm all night. How do girls do it? I’ve been trying to psych myself into buying a clutch all winter long. I’ve kaboodled at least 50 clutches by now. Is the Snake Glitter Clutch by Nancy Gonzalez going to tip me over the edge? Uhhh maybe if it didn’t cost as much as 2 plasma screen TVs or 3 Blue Ray DVD players (Husband…).

Guess I can just enjoy the view from my seat here… I love the new profile this clutch offers. It’s longer than it is wide, which actually looks more comfortable to carry under the arm. The space between your arm and your rib cage seems to be better complemented by this shape than the traditional wide and short shape of the traditional clutch. It also looks like I could fit more than the usual bare necessities which is quite comforting since I’m a pack rack on a daily basis.

After staring at it now for a good hour I’m thinking it may be a tinge on the simple side.. but certainly couldn’t hurt to have in my closet!

Nancy Gonazalez Snake Glitter Clutch

Is it possible to find love with a bag after not being able to get the bag you had your heart set on? I say YES… because I’m in love with my Foley + Corrina Glazed Leather Jet Setter Bag! I got this bag as a result of my husband’s denial-of-purchase on a Prada bag I was seeking while in Guam over the holidays. Let me remind you Guam is 100% duty free.. But in any case I got the hand and came back to the States empty handed and started looking for other options. If you recall I did a post on What to Wear to Work and it was even back as far as May of last year I’d had my eye on this bag. Thankfully they’ve been restocking this bag and I was able to snatch one up at Revolveclothing.com last month.

Highs

• The bag was less than $500! That is what we used to pay for the uber-luxe bags 10 years ago!
• Insanely comfy to carry. Wide opening for your arms under the straps. Can be carried as a handle bag or over one arm/shoulder.
• Roomy as hell. I put my 15 pound Shih-Tzu in there. You can carry all the essentials + more and the bottom of the bag never sags.
• The leather is a nice in-between of leather and patent leather. I’d been hot on the market for a patent bag but was a little concerned about the longevity of a patent bag. This was perfect since it’s glazed which gives the bag a nice subtle, classy glossiness.
• 3 pockets integrated across the bag for easy storage of random objects.

Lows

• The bag is just a tad over slouchy at times, especially when I want to prop the bag up on the ground or my desk. If it doesn’t have enough junk in it then it slouches over. Then again this is what makes the bag so comfortable to carry so it’s fine with me!
• I’ll let you know if I can think of any more. I’m that happy with it!

Photos of me and my bag..

What a relief that handbags got their groove back starting with 2008. I can finally drool again. I thought I might have to resort to another past time! Click, consider, click, consider… what lovely bag deserves a good home today??

I will say I have been desperately seeking 2 things: a black patent bag and an oversize clutch. I just haven’t had the cold sweats yet for any one bag in particular so the search continues. Let’s continue admiring though…

Smokey Blacks and Greys

Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Rive Gauche Tote

Jimmy Choo Lulu Clutch

Yves Saint Laurent Capri Flap Hobo

Jimmy Choo Foldover Calfskin Clutch

Golden Neutrals

Jimmy Choo Troy Pony Clutch

Jimmy Choo Convertible Hobo

Valentino Couture Bag

Marc Jacobs Mayfair Shoulder Bag

Mid-Luxe Options

I know we can’t all afford to drop a mortgage payment on a handbag without surviving on cup-ramen for a few months or getting chewed out by the husband … but there is hope!

2007 marked the rise of the demi-luxe handbag designer who targets the mid-range anywhere from $200-$700. Kooba, Anna Corina, Botkier.. to name a few of my favorites. I guarantee 2008 will bring on a small army of new players in this space and perhaps even in more affordable price ranges from $100-$200.   

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr Q Groovee Bag

Mayle Jean Bag

Botkier Sasha Small Duffel

Another hot designer who’s managed to pull off the handbag thing.. welcome to my world Zac Posen. Thank you for adding some interest to the fall/winter handbag lineup. It seems everyone else has fallen asleep at the wheel. Wake up everyone!

I first saw the Abbey Iconic Tote a few weeks back on Intermix Online. I loved the classic saddle bag feel to this off-set by the very un-classic rich purple leather. The straps looks comfortable, the perfect length to fit over the shoulder. Although a shorter strap would have made for a more refined bag.

Zac Posen Abbey Iconic Structured Tote available at Intermix Online — On SALE! $899 (was $1500)

Then when I saw the Antonia Patent Leather Bag here below I was even more excited for Christmas. Not that I’m really going to get this for Xmas but hey it’s still exciting to think about the possibilities. Actually to be honest now that I’m going on 1 year of marriage I think the handbag gift days are over.. So back to funding my own obsessions!

I’m so impressed with this blue color Zac chose for the bag. I ask myself do I have the balls to buy this… What would I wear with it? Am I ready to pull off such a thing? In general my rule of thumb is to only spend this much if it’s for something I could wear often. BUT this bag is so juicy I feel like I’d be ok with it just sitting in my closet.

Zac Posen Atonia Patent Leather Bag at Intermix Online.