Bag

Girls, where would we be without our bags? Not only to they carry around our daytime or evening essentials, but they accessorise even the blandest of ensembles. For instance jazz up you LBD with a Swarovski encrusted clutch and automatically feel a million dollars. Handbags carry a personality of their own and also make a statement about yours, and with so many styles and designs around there’s bound to be a part of you that just can’t resist adding to your collection.

Sick of Marc Jacobs by China and not by Marc Jacobs? Well frankly I’ve learnt my lesson the hard way, and came to the conclusion that the only way to be sure you’re purchasing the real thing, is to buy it from a reputable resale boutique, an internet site with longevity or the designer store itself.

The internet may seem like a great source to pick up that sought after designer bag you’ve been coveting so long at a fraction of the cost, but buyers beware! There are so many con artists out there passing off phoney Fendis as the real thing. We all know the most dominant brand in rip-off land has to be the well loved Louis Vuitton, closely followed by the likes of Chloe, Dior, Marc Jacobs and Gucci. In fact there doesn’t seem to be a designer out there that’s managed to escape this epidemic. I don’t know about anyone else, but it really annoys me seeing people walking around with a replica of what I paid mega money for. I would rather buy an affordable high street bag than a straight off fake! I’ve designed this site to share my passion for delectable pieces of arm candy, and my horror in overpriced fashion faux pas, for those who have too much gear and no idea!

Lydia Hearst for Puma
A nice bag for the gym! Lydia Hearst has turned her hand to designing and created a new line for Puma. Keeping up with key trends this padded patent tote is available in asphalt grey and chrome and black and blue. It doesn’t get me over-excited but then sportswear never has had that effect on me. It’s nice............ that’s all I can say! Available at www.puma.com.

Judith Leiber
I’m actually ashamed to say I’ve only recently discovered the Hungarian designer that is ‘Judith Leiber’. This woman has such a talent and profound imagination. Her collections astound me (I mean really astound me!)
Just look at this one I’ve selected, ‘The Goddess’. In comes in a choice of seven coloured stones. The Tanzanite version is my favourite although I think I would go for the more versatile Rhinestone / Silver combo if I was to part with $2495.
It’s no wonder some of her pieces are permanent fixtures in a museum. Yes it’s true! But if like me parting with that much money is just too obscene for a clutch then I found a couple of crystal cuties inspired by Judith’s collection on www.overstockjeweler.com. Dripping in Austrian crystals this piece of bling is bound to get you noticed: www.overstockjeweler.com/black-orange-austrian-crystal-tiger-print-evening-bag-p-2513.html

Surly Girl
Surly Girl. High end. High Maintenance.
Maybe they should change their slogan to Surly Not? High price to pay for oh so little taste.
I don’t mean to offend you Surly Girl fans but seriously, I could not find one single item that I liked. Not one! With the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears sporting the brand it all fell into place!
Take a look at what I mean and see if you agree. Maybe someone can show me a design that makes me eat my words.
www.shopsurlygirl.com

Christian Louboutin
On a recent trip to Monaco I fell in love with the stunning Patent Bow Clutch by favourite shoe designer Christian Louboutin. To add to the misery of my bank balance I couldn’t help but spot the shoes to match...... oops! I absolutely love them. The Neiman Marcus website sells it in a few colours but only seems to have the black version in satin. It too is delightful.
With its classic design and vintage style clasp (in the style of his signature pumps – how cute!), Miss Loubi Lack Clutch is not only sleek and sexy but will go with absolutely everything from your favourite LBD to your jeans and slinky top. Although it has a £415.00 price tag you will find yourself using it time and time again. Black and gold are back for the season so you’ll also be keeping up with the season’s trends as well as being totally smitten by its cuteness.

Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo bags are definitely becoming favourites with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Eva Mendes, Cameron Diaz and even Victoria Beckham who seems to have ditched her usual Hermes Birkin for ultra trendy arm candy by the infamous Jimmy Choo.
Remember the Mahala Tote Lindsay Lohan was spotted carrying around prior to her DUI car chase? What a stunning bag although maybe a little on the large size for a 5’2” midget like myself. Nevertheless, a great bag for everyday use. I have to say I much prefer the ‘Maddy’ available on www.jimmychoo.com in a choice of 8 colours.
I really do like the ‘Marin’ bag but just not this oversized version. It’s a little too messy for me, far too much going on. Maybe someone could pull it off with a plain outfit? I don’t know; zebra print, pony skin and water snake trim? Sounds like a zoo! It retails at Net-a-Porter for $1875.

Marc Jacobs
Is is me or is displaying pondlife on a handbag strange? I’m not sure about the Iris Sequinned Bag, although maybe because I’ve always been quite scared of frogs. NO........ I don’t really quite get this one Marc! www.net-a-porter.com/product/31154
Oh No! Not again! Gold frog clasp on bright pink leather........ nooooo!  www.net-a-porter.com/product/31151
Every time I look at the Marc Jacobs Large Patent Multipocket bag it reminds me of a square headed frowning monster. I do like the little pockets but they just seem a bit out of place on this big beast. Harvey Nichols are currently selling both pink and blue patent versions for £690.00

Fendi
The Paint Your Own Baguette Tote, how strange! Yes we all deserve uniqueness but $1300 for a blank canvas is ridiculous. This is certainly a length I would not go to to re-live my childhood. Yes it’s a bit of fun but for that price you’d be mortified if you made a mistake.
Either there are too many label loving Picassos out there or I’m missing something! Far too gimmicky for my liking!

Coach Hamptons
How offensive........ I’m not a fan of the double C brand to start with and the Weekend Tote reminds me why. This bag cries out “I have no taste!”. www.ampmfashion.com/cohawewhto11.html

Louis Vuitton
The Tribute Patchwork bag is apparently tipped to become the next ‘it’ bag. Made up of patches of different Louis bags this is a dreadful mess! Talk about an identity crisis, this thing needs therapy. At a whopping £23,484 it would be cheaper to buy all the bags separately and stitch them together yourself. I’m left confused.
www.luxist.com/2007/03/11/louis-vuitton-tribute-patchwork-bag-worlds-most-expensive-ha/

Balenciaga
Does anyone else agree that this ‘Giant City’ bag looks like granny’s old dress has been cut up and stuck on? I love the city bag I just don’t get this one. Its yucky and actually makes my stomach turn. Why why why go and ruin something so special. New for spring summer and retails at a hefty $1843.14 at www.diabro.net.

Mui Mui
I’m sorry! Here I go contradicting myself! Remember the Alexander McQueen Iris with the frog clasp and how I said incorporating pond life into a bag was rather strange? Well do dragonflies count as pond life? Ha ha! Well anyway, the Mui Mui Dragonfly Clutch is femininity at its best. Its sooo playful and girlie combining yummy shades of pink and maroon with a gold handle. How pretty! www.net-a-porter.com/product/30718
I’m unsure what my thoughts are on the Mui Mui Metallic Patchwork Handbag. I kind of like it but am finding it hard to get overly excited. I suppose it would look good on the dance floor and costs $995 can also be bought through Net-A-Porter.

Versace
We all know Versace are renowned for bringing extra-ordinary couture to the catwalks but the ‘Couture Fringes’ Extra Large Hobo really takes the biscuit. Fringes, studs and laced leather, what else could possible make this any uglier? Take a pair of scissors and cut off the fringe and you’re left with a pretty average looking bag. It’s a miss for me.

Valentino
Has anyone seen the recent pics of Angelina Jolie and daughter Zahara walking through a park in NY with matching Histoire bags? Although Zahara’s was a pint sized version of mummy’s. Also spotted on Jessica Simpson in black patent. I can’t find too much excitement within when I look at this bag. Its pleasant but too conventional looking for my taste. Available at Neiman Marcus for £1695.00.

Christian Dior
Believe it or not on a recent trip to Florida I saw the white ‘Jazz Club’ shoulder bag perched provocatively on a shelf in the Dior shop and my eyes nearly popped out of my head! My partner convinced me not to upset the credit card and wait a couple of weeks to see if I still had the same lust. I have to say I don’t........... yes, it is pretty but my pulse stays the same.
The Leopard Print version almost turns my stomach but the black one restores my faith and keeps me happily on the fence!

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