I have always preferred totes and satchels over shoulder bags but I find myself growing more appreciation towards shoulder bags lately. This shoulder bag from Furla is made entirely of black leather with pleats and layers all over. The details give subdued elegance to an otherwise a very plain bag. The Serpentine is priced at USD595.
Image is courtesy of Furla
Bags made of transparent or perforated materials might not be for everyone, especially those who do not like showcasing what they carry in their bags to the public but I saw this bag live in action earlier this week and was pleasantly surprised to know that you could literally see nothing inside clearly. The size of this satchel is pretty big too, which makes a certain statement when being carried around yet still elegant enough for work. This beauty is currently available at 20% off in bluefly.com at USD1,160. A real steal for a full leather Prada bag, IMO.
Image is courtesy of bluefly.com
Since things have been pretty dry with the bag market lately, it is time to go south. South, exactly to the Columbia where crocodile bags from Nancy Gonzalez never failed to thrill me. Look at this flap bag! Made entirely of crocodile skin, I could not recall any other shoulder flap bag more classic or elegant than this one. Available at Neiman Marcus for USD2,495.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Decorating home is a fun thing to do (and an expensive thing to do too), especially if you like fine things around. This nice lamp from Ralph Lauren is one of those classic pieces you will find in the American luxurious homes. I want it! But at USD1,700, it is just really out of my comfort zone to spend on a lamp. Nevertheless, I just spent more than I had thought I comfortably would on a dining set, coffee table and TV console so I might eventually get this Lauren piece quicker than I imagine. Just a thought for now…
Image is courtesy of Ralph Lauren
Furla is known for its classic, elegant, high quality leather bags and this logo and butterfly print canvas bag is definitely a first to the Italian house. I am not sure I like it despite the fact that it might appeal to the younger crowds, something that Furla bags normally do not. Then again, it might just alienate its core customers. Anyway, I hope this is just a phase. You know like a mid-life crisis? The bag costs USD345.
Image is courtesy of Furla
I am frustrated. There is no bag worth even considering to be talked about now. It is like a dry spell right before the Fall/Winter.
Image is courtesy of Gucci – Gucci Unisex Hobo Fall 2010 (USD820)
I remember back in 90s when Tom Ford brought the iconic horsebit back into Gucci collection and it became an overnight sensation obsession and one of the main reasons Gucci became my first Italian designer love (actually there was Versace before but that was another life altogether). Frida Giannini’s Fall/Winter 2010 Collection took Gucci’s past collections as reference heavily and it seems like this just took the Tom Ford bit off the rack directly. I have to admit that it is a simple, nevertheless a beautiful classic Gucci bag. Price starts from USD1,750 for the small size and USD1,990 for the medium.
Image is courtesy of Gucci
Oh finally!!! After a long while of being absent from the list of significant bags, Ferragamo is back with a leopard print on calf hair Vara Plate tote which is all elegant, classy and glam/wild at the same time. This bag would make a great conversation piece and is perfect to match and jazz up simple outfit. Get this gorgeous bag at USD1,290, a price tag that is incredibly justifiable!
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Alexander Wang has not answered my call on making a manbag out of his Rocco but Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana seem to try to compensate it by creating a beautiful full leather tote which looks like a normal tote until you see the bottom of the bag and voila!! What studs are those and this might just be the best way to display a logo on a bag without compromising elegance and subtlety! Now just to add a scope of vanila ice cream to a warm lava cake, the price is USD595, which is insanely irresistible for a full leather, made in Italy D&G tote. Now there are two problems only – I am not looking for another black tote as I have already owned a few totes and black bag so it is not for me but hey! This one is surely a catch. Pre-order from Neiman Marcus for shipment by July.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
This might not be the most outstanding bag of the season but this is a great blend of nice leather, color, shape, classic design and the fact that is comes from a less commercial designer. Also, at USD595, it is a bag worth investing in. If you need a justification.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus