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

Loewe Alva Bag

Simple, sophisticated and modern, the Loewe Alva 40 is a bag one could easily fall in love with. With a very discreet logo and very few hard wares, the closing mechanism of the bag is very simple and smart too. Loewe is truly the Spanish Hermes and is one of the brands with the highest investment yield out there. Before it invades Hollywood like what Hermes had done, I suggest laying your hands on as many Loewe as possible. Did I mention that they are the favorites of the European royalties? The Alva is priced at GBP1,650.

Image is courtesy of Loewe

Loewe Amazona Tote

The Loewe Amazona bag is a classic and its unlined suede version is a testament to the exceptional quality of the leather being used as it requires both sides of the leather to be perfect before it can be used. The Amazona tote borrows all the beauty and the winning elements of its classic counterpart and in this white and black color combo… it just doesn’t get any better than this. Price is GBP1,400.

Image is courtesy of Loewe

Loewe Una Clutch

The Loewe Una clutch is one of those clutches which size is suitable for both day and evening use. Made of beautiful leather, it is an elegant and sophisticated handbag with various leather work details, which make it a very special bag. Loewe makes bags with impeccable quality and of superb materials. This clutch is a great investment piece. Price is EUR750 at Loewe stores.

Image is courtesy of Loewe

Loewe Barcelona Tote

Made of the softest calfskin which takes on color perfectly, the Loewe Barcelona is not only divine to look at, they also are divine to touch. Inspired by the colors of Barcelona’s hot spots – the Parque Guell, Batllo House, Boqueria Market and the Soho Born. Priced at around GBP650, the Barcelona tote is available in blue, green, red, pink and ash. A classic material, in my opinion.

Image is courtesy of Loewe

Loewe Men’s Travel Bag

It is not an eye popping bag but it is an embodiment of a Loewe product – timeless design, quality material and impeccable workmanship. A man has to let go of that Nike or Adidas travel bag he adores to the core in the high school and moves on to a classic travel bag in one time of his life and besides that classic Vuitton Keepall, this is a worthy handsome alternative. Available in Loewe stores for GBP925.

Image is courtesy of Loewe