Askme – Loewe Amazona

Hi Purseholic,

I’m a stay-at-home-mum since the last 2 years but love dressing up and am a purseholic ever since I started working 12 years a go. I’ve recently been thinking about buying a Loewe Amazona (Large size) but am wondering if this is more of a working bag? Also, I’m petite in size (5 feet 4) and not sure if this bag size would be too large for me. I’m living in the US and the shop does not carry the Amazona 28, only in the large size.  If I buy it, I’m also torn between the gold suede or a full leather one, would the gold suede be more suitable for me since it looks a little more casual for every day use?

Do advice!
Thanks!!

Beverly

Dear Beverly

You could do no wrong with any Amazona bag so just take your time and pick the one you think you will like forever. Amazona is a versatile bag that goes seamlessly from work to play so you should not worry about it looking like a work bag. They come in three sizes: 28, 36 and 44. The numbers refer to the length of the base in cm. I personally find the size 28cm (around 11″) a little too small and the size 36cm (around 14″) perfect as an everyday bag. The size 44cm, on the other hand, is meant to be weekend bag or a man bag. Get it in size 36, it will be perfect for you.

Now in term of material, the original Amazona was created in gold suede. Loewe never lines its suede Amazona bags with fabric so you get leather inside. Due to this design, both sides of a skin must be flawless before they could be used to make an Amazona bag. This is means only the best skins are used. On the other hand, the full leather version comes in more choice of gorgeous colors nowadays. I might have gone with the full leather version myself since I live in a tropical country with high humidity. But for you, I will suggest going with the original gold suede version. If you want a twist, instead of getting the classic version with brown handles, choose from one of the recently updated versions with red / purple / magenta handles. It makes the classic bag look a lot more fun. Do explore the e-shop on www.loewe.com before making your purchase. You could try emailing the shop in Europe for a bag which the US shop does not carry. They might be able to take a mail order.

J Purseholic

Images are courtesy of Loewe

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Askme – Hottest Bag to Buy Now

Hi Purseholic

I am buying my first real designer handbags (a bag and a clutch) and would like to get from respected brands but ones that do not scream logos all over. My budget is not over S$5000 for both. I like bags from Hermes but they are beyond my budget. Are bags from YSL and Dior good bet?

Melissa

Hi Melissa

I applaud you for acknowledging the importance of buying a clutch as well as a bag as it shows that you know that is definitely NOT OK to bring a big bag to an evening event even if it is a Million Dollar bag. Having said that, given your generous budget for a first bags (I wish I had that amount for my first), you are in for many sweet deals.

From left: Celine luggage bag, Tod’s restyled D bag and Loewe Amazona bag

I assume you are working so your bag has to go from work to play seamlessly. If you want cool designer bags with the same vein as of Hermes’, I say you go with Celine, Tod’s or Loewe. The Celine luggage bag in small would be perfect for daily bag and it a classic, alongside the Tod’s restyled D bag and the Loewe Amazona. These bags are now available in many varieties of  size, material and color and I have featured pictures of the bags in action above. You could get one of these babies under SGD3,000 in Singapore. Do choose a darker shade of colors so it could be a keeper.

YSL chYc Clutch

As for the clutch, with almost SGD2,000 budget to spare, there are plenty choices to choose from. YSL has been making great clutches lately and my sis bought one in hot lipstick red shade a few months back. The chYc clutch is a great choice if you like something classic with a touch of chicness, as the name suggests.  It is priced slightly under SGD1,000 at Saks.com before shipping but should be over one grand in Singapore boutique. Alternatively, the classic Ferragamo Gancini clutch is also a sure-win bet.

Do not refrain from buying online if the price is better significantly even after shipping and the 7% GST. If you make your choices carefully, you might still end up with over one grand to spare. I suggest you put that extra money into a Louis Vuitton Speedy or Neverfull in Damier Canvas Ebene (since you are avoiding logo screams). It will work well under wet days and when you want a lightweight, low-maintenance bag for a change.

Happy shopping!

J Purseholic

PS: Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Images are courtesy of Saks, Louis Vuitton

Loewe Cherry Blossom Amazona

This Amazona bag is whimsical from any angle you could appreciate it and is a perfect tribute to the resilience of the Japanese people.  The laser-cut cherry blossoms on the leather body of the bag pays tribute to the ancient Japanese woodcraft while the cherry blossom itself is a tribute to the Sakura season in Japan, which has become the symbol of hope for the nation. Many European brands have attempted to put Asian-centric elements in their products but nothing I remember has come close to the beautiful execution of this Loewe Amazona bag. I consider this a piece of art worth putting your money in and the good news is it will be available in the Singapore’s newly renovated store in Ngee Ann City when it opens on the 1 May 2011. Bad news is, by the time you finish reading this post, it might have been totally sold out. The bag is available in two sizes, at SGD2,690 and SGD3,650 each.

Image is courtesy of Loewe

Askme – Bag or Watch?

Hi Purseholic

I am buying a gift for my wife’s 37th birthday. We have been married for 12 years now and I am looking for something rather expensive and special. I am torn between a watch and a handbag. My wife wears a Seiko watch which I bought for her 5 years ago. She also owns three designer handbags from Gucci. Coach and Prada. My budget is S$3000 for a handbag and up to S$5000 for a watch. I don’t think she has any preference in particular but in your opinion, which one will a woman prefer? A watch or a handbag?

Alvin, Singapore

Hello Alvin

I am not very sure which one your wife would prefer but generally speaking, the art of horology is not something that the fairer sex would appreciate. Even if they do, it would be more for its looks rather than the mechanism that runs inside the watch.

In your case however, I am leaning more towards a watch for your wife as she has already own three designer bags and only one watch. Nevertheless, I am going to give you recommendation for both and you make the final call yourself.

Seiko is a decent watch and it runs for years but a Swiss made timepiece is a different thing altogether. For SGD5,000 or less, you could get a Tag Heuer. My sis just recently purchased a diamond-paved Tag and is very happy with it. Choose from one of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer watches above. They are fine watches, water resistant up to 300m and obviously versatile enough to be worn from day to eve. These watches are indeed running on Quartz rather than Automatic, then again, she would not mind. The brushed stainless steel version with diamond-paved bezel costs around SGD5,000 (left) while the stainless steel and yellow gold version costs around SGD3,000 (middle) or SGD4,000 for extra diamonds (right).

Now for handbags, I am thinking either a Louis Vuitton Brea GM in Epi Leather (around SGD2,500) or  the classic Loewe Amazona 36 (around SGD2,500) would make a good addition to her small collection.

Trust me when I say that all the Tags and bags above are rarely seen in Singapore hence pretty special.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Images are courtesy of Tag Heuer, Louis Vuitton and Loewe

Loewe Online Shop and the Amazonas

Oh God… Finally the wait is over!!! Loewe e-shop is now open and it is time to satisfy your Amazona thirst.  I have been waiting for this for so long. Loewe might not be the IT brand yet in Asia and US but like I have mentioned over and over again, the classic brand is as beloved as Hermes in Europe and you know they have the best judgment when it comes to leather goods and fashion. The online shop is currently only available for Spain, France, Portugal and UK but I am sure it is about time that it expands. Worry not, for you in Singapore, there is always vPost.

Living up to the expectations, the Amazona selection is not bad to begin with. I am just disappointed that there is no Amazona weekender available in calf leather, only in suede, not many Calles and no Ame??? Check out the Loewe e-shop now and make your next bag purchase investment a Loewe Amazona. Trust me when I say it is a worthy one. Amazona bags starts from EUR820.

I chose my Louis Vuitton Sac Bosphore over this Amazona All Day in Paris last year. It is such a beautiful bag and though I am very much in love with my Sac, I might eventually get this one too one day. The bag costs EUR950 which is considered reasonable for such a fine workmanship on a full buffalo leather bag.

Images are courtesy of Loewe

Askme – Loewe Amazona

Dear Purseholic

I am in a dilemma now. I love Loewe Amazona but am worried about the Suede in Tropical climate. What is your take?

Dewi, Jakarta

Dear Dewi

We totally understand your problem. Loewe Amazona, especially in tan suede is a classic that is hard to resist but unfortunately the tropical climate of Indonesia and the region is not forgiving on the maintenance of the bag. I am sure you heard of many horror stories on how suede turns dirty, mouldy and smelly after a while in humidity. It is definitely more recommended in our part of the world to get an Amazona in leather  for easy maintenance reason. Enquire the Loewe boutiques in Plaza Senayan or Grand Indonesia for color availability. This would be the most pratical way of owning an Amazona. Alternatively, if the real classic Amazona in suede is what you want, get one in the darker brown. At least it will take your worry on dirts away and you just need to deal with mould and smell, which could be minimized if you have the discipline to  keep the dry and air it in an air-conditioned room for a few hours after use and before storing in a dry, dark and dehumidified place.

For Fall 2009, Loewe is joinning the stud-studded trend. A more rocker chic alternative to the classic plain Amazona. The picture featured is in the color we suggest.

Write your queries to us at askme@purseholic.com

Purseholic

Image is courtesy of Loewe