I don’t know the pet name of this bag yet so we are just calling it the new leather hobo for now. This bag reminds me a bit of the Jil Sander market bag, which is a great bag so it is not a bad thing. Its generous size and simple design makes it a perfect daily bag. I think it is very chic and trendy right now which means the price tag of USD995 is nicely justifiable. Get it from Saks.
Image is courtesy of Saks
YSL has a way with creating elegant, simple, timeless and utilitarian yet stylish bags which appeal to both the classic-ist and fashionistas at the same time. It is really hard to pin point where exactly they differ from bags from the other houses but I am sure it lies somewhere in the fact that YSL is one of the remaining few true fashion houses that still sets trends today. This shopper in multicolor leather blocks is subtle on one hand but haunting, on the other hand. You see what I am trying to say? It is pretty provocative without ever being loud. Price is around SGD3,000 from Nordstrom.com.
Images are courtesy of Nordstrom
It is official that the YSL Chyc Cabas is the current It bag! It also happens to be THE bag that has saved me from the recent boredom in the bag industry. The Chyc bags from YSL have been in our radar for a while now, at least the tote and shoulder bag but the cabas seems to have found its way to the arms of fashion darlings, such as Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Leighton Meester and Salma Hayek. Even the French first lady, Carla Bruni has been seen toting this bag recently. The bag has all the potential to be the new classic like Tod’s D bags and Celine Luggage. Everytime the industry reaches a new low excitement, we should all just leave it to the house of YSL to put another It bag onto the map. Price starts from USD1,995 from YSL stores.
Images are courtesy of YSL
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
The Celine Box bag was one of the hottest bag of 2010 and it set the return of small shoulder bags to the fashion scene, bringing the classics like the Chanel 2.55 flap and Hermes Constance back to the IT list so it is little wonder that other houses have to quickly follow. The YSL version is unmistakably chic hence its name. I love this bag for its simplicity and reasonable price tag. The outer body of the bag might have been made with canvas but the lining is made entirely of leather. Price is USD1,395 at Neiman Marcus.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Like I have said times and again, every woman should have a few clutch bags in classic colors in her wardrobe because it is just wrong to bring a handbag or tote bag to an evening or formal event. When investing in clutch bags, it is smarter to spend on those with classic design and the simpler the design is, the more elegant it usually is. Clutches from Hermes and Ferragamo are, imo, the clear favorites but this Belle Du Jour clutch from YSL is a new winner. This baby is available in varied choices of leather and colors. It is simple, elegant, fuss-free and the logo is tastefully and discreetly stitched onto the clutch without creating unnecessary attention to it . The one featured here is in yellow croc skin, which is not as classic as black, white or red but the yellow shade here is just fabulous so it will still make a great investment piece. Price is around SGD1,600.
Image is courtesy of Saks
It is refreshing to know that Stefano Pilati can sometimes loosen up without going a little extreme by making bags out of cotton fabric and print a picture of a pin with YSL at its front. Think of this bag as YSL’s take on Marc Jacobs’ widely successful Stam bag. The ruched upper part of the bag with red-stitch details add a certain element of quirkiness into the basically ladylike bag. I am not sure this will be a big hit with the traditional YSL fans but it is still a solid offering from the mega house of YSL. Price is GBP1,132 from net-a-porter.com.
Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com
This beauty is one of the underrated treasures from the YSL bag collection last year. I had a chance to inspect this bag personally and fell in love with it. There is not much fuss about this bag, it is highly utilitarian, very classic and the more beautiful the more you look at it. YSL might discontinue this bag soon due to its low profile but that is the more reason you should get one before they do. Luisaviaroma.com is having a sale on this, available in a very catchy blue or black leather. I say it is hot! Price is down from EUR1,145 to EUR916, including shipping and import taxes to most countries.
Image is courtesy of luisaviaroma.com
I know an must-grab deal when I see one. This dark green YSL Muse in large size is one of the best deals you could possibly get from this sale season. I am shocked this was not snatched up and had to go on sale. What can SGD1,400 get from YSL nowadays? Get it from Saks now!
Image is courtesy of Saks
OK, this is basically the YSL Easy bag in puffy nylon and I adore it in either black or green. The female relatives have been having issues with heavy bags lately so lightweight bags like these should be the order of the day. Price is excellent at USD796 after 20% off on bluefly.com.
Images are courtesy of bluefly.com