Category Archives: Askme

Askme – Best Bags to Buy Now

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Dear Purseholic

I am 48 years old, just recently got out of my 25-year marriage which with the exception of my two gorgeous boys (23 and 20), has turned out to be a complete waste of my life. I used to have many passions in life, including fashion and dressing up but had been paying very little attention to it for the past ten years due to the horrible marriage. To cut the long story short, let’s just say I managed to get out of it with a good settlement and I would really like to put my own life together again. This will involve me hanging out a lot more often with many ladies who lunch therefore I will need a wardrobe overhaul. Most of the bags in my collection are from the late 80s and 90s. I have mostly classic Chanel, Hermes, LV, Gucci and Fendi bags but I need new statement bags that are age appropriate yet current (I want to be seen fresh and current). Would you be kind enough to recommend at least 5 good models and some new designer names for me to keep my eyes on?

Best Wishes

Mandy (not real name), NYC

Dear Mandy (not real name)

Thanks for writing to us. Welcome back to life! You have certainly missed out many exciting bags over the past 10 years but I will try to fill you in. Some new and current brands to watch our for are Meredith Wendell, The Row, Victoria Beckham and Reed Krakoff. At the same time, some older brands which were hot back prior to or in the 1980s such as Celine, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, Valextra and Delvaux have recently re-emerged too. Besides the two groups, some heritage brands made a come back in the past decade, offering new classic pieces worthy of your consideration such as the Balenciaga Giant City, YSL Muse and Muse Two, Hermes Lindy and Tod’s D Bag. Here are the top 5 bags I recommend you getting immediately. They will be approved adored by most of your “ladies-who-lunch” friends and frenemies alike.

1. Victoria Beckham Structured leather tote, USD3,750 from net-a-porter.com in this beautiful Merlot color. Think of Victoria Beckham bags as the new Hermes/Valextra. They are new, incredibly posh and classy.

2. Hermes Lindy 30 or 35, price starts from USD7,000. Because Birkin and Kelly bags represent the old wealth while the Lindy represents the new. The Lindy is very versatile too, can go from casual to more formal events. We have one available now!

3. The Row Metal Frame Lizard Clutch, USD5,800 from net-a-porter.com. In your circle, showing support to new young talents is very important, no? On top of that, the clutch is super gorgeous too!

4. Reed Krakoff Bridle two-tone-leather tote, USD1,190, exclusive at the net-a-porter.com. Simply because it looks effortlessly chic and  stylish. The snakeskin version is even more delicious, if you wish to up the ante.

5. Finally, a Balenciaga City bag in either the classic version (if you want it light) or the Giant version (if you want it glamorous but heavy). Easily because the bag can be packed flat for traveling, it is really versatile and is one of the , if not, the greatest bag created in the past decade. Price is USD1,445 for the classic version and USD1,795 for the Giant version. Available in many beautiful colors season after season.

Please do not stop at here. You owe it to yourself to get as many gorgeous bags as you could afford. I say, the Luggage and the Box bag from Celine must be included in your list next.They are divine!

xoxo

The Purseholic Folks

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Askme – Classic Louis Vuitton Bag

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Dear Purseholic

After 10 years of being a purseholic, I think I am ready for my very first classic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas bag. I have owned bags from Gucci, Prada, YSL, Fendi, Loewe, Celine, Coach, Tod’s, Kate Spade, Miu Miu, Cartier, Hermes, Chanel, even Bvlgari but for some reason, something has always distracted me from getting an LV bag but I have determine my next purchase a classic LV bag in Monogram Canvas. I am pretty tall at 1.75m and I like bigger bags (at least 35cm wide). I quite like the Deauville. Is it a classic LV bag?Appreciate your suggestions.

Dawn, Singapore

Dear Dawn

Congratulations on your bag collection. It must be nice to shop in your very own’s closet. You have quite an unusual case where you had somehow missed out Vuitton from your bag collection. I am glad you have skipped the Speedy and Neverfull from your consideration. As iconic as they are, there are indeed other worthy choices in the line-up of LV Monogram Canvas bags and the Deauville, which was originally designed as a beauty case, is surely one of them. I would however, suggest you to consider either the Alma MM, which is a classic design but the size MM is a recent addition or the Ellipse MM. Both bags are iconic Vuitton design, especially the Ellipse, which similar design has never been seen on bags from any other luxury labels. You know how labels always follow the others’ successful pieces nowadays, right? I do not have the latest prices in Singapore but I guess the Alma MM should be around SGD2,300 while the Ellipse MM around SGD2,100.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Askme – Loewe Amazona

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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 – RL Ricky Crocodile Bag

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Hi Purseholic

I would like to have your opinion on the Ralph Lauren Ricky Crocodile Bag. I really like the one in brown but some of my friends advised me against it as it looks too much like the Hermes Birkin. Is it a bag you will buy?

Madeline, DC

Hi Madeline

There are two types of Hermes Birkin look-alike; the rare good ones and the lousy ones. The Ricky happens to fall into the category of the rare good ones. The Hermes Birkin bag is indeed a modified version of the HAC, which was inspired by vintage saddle carriers. The design of RL Ricky was inspired by vintage Cooper saddle carriers so there is no denying there is a close resemblance and one can always correctly argue that Ralph had indeed copied the Birkin design to capture the left-over market (aka the people who can not get the Birkins. Then again, nowadays, if you have the money, why can’t you?). If this bothers you, I suggest, do not buy the Ricky and put your money on an Hermes Birkin in normal leather or double/triple it for the croc version instead.

If, however, you can get pass the argument above, look at the bag by itself and the legacy of the house of Ralph Lauren, I suggest you get it now before the price increases furthermore. At USD16,995, there is no way you would get an Italy-made, full croc skin bag from a respected designer like RL. Besides, RL is now the only thing America has to rival European luxury giants like Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Dior and to some extent, Hermes itself.  Being an American, you should be proud to wear a RL bag, especially one that is so tastefully made.

Your friends might argue and put their opinion across but when you place your croc Ricky in front of them, they could not help by be wowed. Trust me since I had been there and converted once I have seen, touched and smelled one. The Ricky croc is a real deal.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Image is courtesy of Ralph Lauren Collection

Askme – LV Monogram Multicolor Judy MM

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Hi Purseholic

I am thinking of buying an LV Judy MM in white Monogram Multicolor but now that many new bags are logo-free, I am not sure whether a Monogram Multicolor is still trendy. Do you think I should get it?

Lydia, China

Dear Lydia

Trends come and go but some things are classic. Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Multicolor (both white and black) is, in my opinion, the best child of Marc Jacob’s collaborations for Louis Vuitton. The canvas was created as a more colorful alternative to the classic monogram canvas and is meant to be a classic. It has really become one by now! The Judy in MM size happens to be a beautiful bag too so I think you should get it, enjoy it and wear it forever.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Image is courtesy of Louis Vuitton. Price of Judy MM is USD2,310.

Askme – Hottest Bag to Buy Now

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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

Askme – A Gorgeous Work Bag Besides Hermes

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Dear Purseholic

I have been using my Hermes Birkin 35 and Kelly 35 interchangeably for work for about 2-3 years now and have not been buying a new work bag ever since. The reason I bought the two bags to begin with is mainly because they are logo-free, beautiful and iconic. I am a corporate lawyer and a Purseholic but over the years, I have been very selective with my purchases. The only bags I have bought recently was the YSL Woody Washed bag in January after reading your post. I am now ready for another work bag, not more than five grands. Appreciate your recommendation.

Dianne, NYC

Hi Dianne

One of the most beautiful and underrated but iconic bags suitable for a working woman is the Bottega Veneta Roma. It is one of the house’s classic offerings and is perfect for work due to its design. There are in fact three compartments to this bag plus another zip compartment for your important papers. This bag is no Hermes Birkin and Kelly in term prestige but it is a very strong alternative to the heavyweight Birkin and Kelly. The price of this bag is USD3,080, which is way below your five grands budget. Available at net-a-porter.com.

Another alternative worth considering is Victoria Beckham textured leather bag. The bag shares the same rigid structure as your Hermes bags, very well executed and put together. Coming from a new player, it gives a good contrast to your existing collection, which consists mainly of bags from the classic players but the design of this bag is a classic so it is meant for keeping. The price of this bag is USD3,500, also well below your budget and available at net-a-porter.com.

Lastly, from Reed Krakoff, the beautiful python gym top handle bag I just posted a few days back. Priced at USD2,790, it is a good investment piece, worth serious consideration too.

Hope at least one (or two) of these pieces suit your taste and happy handbag shopping!

PS: write to us at askme@purseholic.com

J Purseholic

Images are courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Askme – Gucci New Bamboo Bag

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Dear Purseholic

Thank you for keeping your blog updated. I am a purseholic myself and have been following your blog for about a year now. I have been thinking about purchasing a Gucci New Bamboo bag since last year but the price of the leather version was quite expensive, making me continue considering until I saw this dark brown version this season that costs more than double but looks four times more elegant and beautiful.

Spending five grands on a bag has never been my style and my most expensive bag purchase so far is the $2,000 Fendi Twin tote but I think I am really hooked to this bag and ready to up the ante to a $5,000 bag purchase. Before I commit to something I might regret in the future, I need you professional opinion: is this bag worth its price tag?

Charlie, NYC

Hi Charlie

Thanks for your support and love. =)

It is inevitable for Purseholics to up the ante at one point of time and I personally think it is fine as long as you could really afford it without having to sell your apartment. The thing is with USD4,900 (which is what this bag really costs) I think you could really do better than this version of the New Bamboo.

Don’t get me wrong – I adore this version for its beautiful details and superb hand-stained leather ala Berluti but the price is just over-the-top and there is a possibility you might find it boring after a few years simply because there are just too many woven details that looks impressive now but too much after a while to be a classic.

I strongly encourage you to buy the classic leather version in black/white/light brown (price is USD2,250 – USD2,350) that you originally fell for if this bag is meant to be kept as a treasure. You will just love it more and more over time. If you can’t resist the urge to splurge, do consider the phython skin version in darker shades. Price is around USD4,500, which is still slightly cheaper, making it a worthy option, considering it might just look 6 times more elegant and beautiful.

Having said all that, there is no mistake going with this USD4,900 bag at all, of course, if you are ready to play in the turf of five grands and above bags from now on. After all, the New Bamboo is a new classic bag.

xoxo

J Purseholic

PS: Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Image is courtesy of Gucci

Askme – Bag, Shoes and Watch for a Doctor

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Dear Purseholic

I am a doctor, starting my own practice soon and looking for a nice designer bag, shoes and watch suitable for my profession. I am a 30-year old male, 182cm and I like stylish stuff but suitable for my age. My budget is not more than S$4,000 for the bag, S$1,000 for the shoes and S$10,000 for the watch. I am not a big shopper so I would prefer classic models to last me for a long time. Appreciate your advice.

Jonathan, Singapore

Hi Jonathan

A doctor with a private practice and SGD1,5000 shopping spree? You are one lucky dude and object of jealousy to many men.

Anyways, I will try my best to do my job. For a bag, how about a full leather doctor’s bag from Gucci with the signature webbing? Not only that it suits your profession perfectly, it exudes style, class, timelessness and is appropriate for a 30-year old. The price is well under your SGD4,000 budget too at around SGD3,300 from Saks.

For shoes, I would recommend a pair of classic lace-up cap toe Balmoral from Berluti, if you could stretch your budget. The small Berluti store at Ngee Ann City is one of the best places for a gentleman to visit in Singapore. Be prepared to spend around SGD2,000 for this baby here. Alternatively, a pair from Gucci or Ferragamo will fit your under SGD1,000 budget well too.

Lastly, a great timepiece is probably the most important accessory for a man so it is crucial to get this one right. Based on your under SGD10,000 budget and your 182cm height, I would narrow down your choices to a classic Rolex Datejust II (USD7,950), a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Automatique (USD8,950) or a Glashutte Original Senator Panorama Date (USD8,800). I would get one of these three watches myself. Prices are before discounts.

All the best for your private practice, doctor!

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

J Purseholic

Images are NOT owned by purseholic

Askme – Buying a pre-owned bag?

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Hi Purseholic

Love your blog for the fabulous feeds on bags. Thank you very much.

I want to hear your thoughts on purchasing pre-owned bags. I found a discontinued Louis Vuitton bag that I have been looking for on the fashionphile.com and is seriously considering buying it now. What do you think?

Jenn, NYC

Hi Jenn

Depending on the circumstances and the condition of the bag in question. Generally I will approve if it is a discontinued item you have an emotional attachment to but for some reason missed it while they were still available in stores. Then again, I think the condition of the bag and the offer price play important part too. I myself missed the Louis Vuitton Monogram Bequia Porte document in Bordeaux (S/S2007) and Gucci New Jackie in military green GG canvas, which I still could not locate til now so in your case, if the price is right, and the condition of the bag is good, go ahead by all means!

One more thing to take note is the reliability of the seller. If you are getting from ebay, make sure the seller is reputable and ask for more pictures. Fashionphile and Yoogi’s Closet in the US are reliable sellers.

Congratulations, by the way. It is a call for celebration! =)

J Purseholic

write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Image is courtesy of freshmess.com