Honestly, was this really a surprise topic? Did you really think I'll skip over bags? However, I do not like to think of myself as an uncreative person, so I will not list out stale subjects such as "Top 10 bags of the season" or "Top 10 bags of all-time". Instead, I will give you a bag wardrobe. Hopefully, once you're done reading my entry, you will know enough to build your own bag empire. My suggestions below should get you through everything from Sunday afternoon walks through a flea market to Friday night at the Opera. Ready? Grab pen and paper, let's start.
WORK
Most of my friends are lawyers and bankers, which means the office takes up the major part of our social calendar. My fave belief: there is no need to be a slouch in the style department, especially when you're really earning blood-n-sweat money. Keep yourself looking good.
Givenchy - Nightingale bag
I prefer the Nightingale in this deep red patent leather (don't you think it's great?) but it does come in other colors and leather, so if you're keen to get a workable black basic one, be my guest. General concept of work bags is that they have to be functional and able to accommodate the fundamental stashing of stuff while you hop between meetings. The Nightingale allows you to do all that and in style. Stop thinking of Givenchy in terms of men's suits, grab one of the bags before the secret is out. Definitely one of my must-have bags this season.
Lanvin - satin document holder handbag
I love briefcases, or bags that are made to look like briefcases. This document holder handbag achieves that objective for me. There you go, the quintessential basic black so you can assuage the guilt on spending so much on one singular item. The beautiful satin leather keeps those mocking comments of being boring off your back, nothing is boring about this bag.
Anya Hindmarch - navy Naplack doctor bag
Ok, I've always been critical of her bags. Apologies but I tend to find them too tacky or cheesy, just too "obvious" (and I'm still undecided on the Lautner) but this navy patent/black suede Naplack bag, I like. Navy and black make a good combination and navy patent with black suede - ingenious choice. Plus, with any other Anya Hindmarch bags, there are tons of pockets and zippers to keep the organizational among us happy.
WORK TO PARTY
I call them my happy-reminder bags. They help remind me that life isn't all about work, and that there's play too, even AFTER work. I need them to translate well over to the party scene once I step outside my office, so they have a double duty: not only look good for work, but satisfy my party animal desires too.
Marni - patent leather handbag
Marni is known for its somewhat futuristic style, and I think that's one of the key reasons it's never been embraced as a mainstream label. However, fans know that you get unique designs, expert cutting and an undeniable cool edge with Marni. I've clued into that for Marni's dresses long ago, but lately, the bags have started coming into their own too. This patent leather bag is just one of the items in the latest collection that caught my eye. The size allows the holding of work stuff and the contrasting patent leather ensures nocturnal acceptance.
Lanvin - Kansas patent leather
I love Lanvin's bags. The Kansas is an iconic bag, familiar to all bag snobs. This one is a tote, which means it can run the risk of looking like a shopping carrier, dull and yuck. However, the brown leather and navy patent make it anything but. The brilliant part is that it looks updated, fun but classy simultaneously. Attention-grabber.
Gerard Darel - Soho bag
If you must have a black patent bag, the Soho is one of the best choices out there. The ebony shine, the discreet center pocket, the interesting zippers, the signature ruched sides giving it a defining shape, you can't do wrong with this purchase.
JUST FOR FUN
The winter isn't going to last forever, spring will come. And spring means color (trust me, check out the recent runway reviews and you'll know I'm right). We can get bags in the dark, somber colors, but why shouldn't we get them in brighter ones? Fashion is about being adventurous, about trying out new things, new ideas. Here are some to get you started.
Mulberry - Mabel bag
The Mabel bag is not a new product, though it is the next iconic one after the success of Mulberry's Bayswater bag (which interestingly, has come out in new patent colors). It's perfect for the girl-about-town and let's hear it for the fuchsia color again, eh? I love it to pieces. This is proof that you don't necessarily have to sacrifice class for fun.
Givenchy - baby blue clutch
Did I mention I love clutches? Did I mention I love blue? What did you expect my reaction to be when I saw this adorable baby blue clutch from Givenchy? I can already imagine having it with me on my weekend afternoons out wandering around. Hurray.
B.Romanek - Rockstar clutch
Once I'm resuscitated from fainting at the sight of its price tag (we're talking about more than US$2,000 here), I can start gushing on and on about how gorgeous this clutch is. Electric blue croc leather, how unique is that? Umm, although paying that much for a bag is not valid reason to go matchy-matchy on me, it's one of fashion's worst crimes, so don't let me catch you wearing blue shoes. Shoes and bags DON'T HAVE to match.
Marni - Everyday bag
It's called the Everyday bag, and it is indeed versatile for everyday use. I've chosen this in the metallic silver version, but there is also a brown patent/camel leather version (check out the website), which will work very well for the office. I intend to pair this bag with jeans or just daily casual wear. Instant style. Street passer-bys are going to be so envious.
Valentino - Histoire tote bag
Valentino is known for his dresses, for his FORMAL dresses, which makes this gem of a bag even more precious because NO ONE will guess it's a Valentino. I've always like the woven rope trend but it's hard to find a bag that retains elegance while successfully incorporating the trend. Surprisingly, Valentino achieves this here. I prefer the dull gold leather version, but last time I checked, there are other choices (Angelina Jolie had been carting the white around, which looks cool with the gold trimmings).
LAZING AROUND
There are those days on which we never quite know what we're supposed to do. Perhaps it's time for a visit to the bookstore, check out some art galleries, go shopping for linens, stroll through the fruit markets or just plain lazing around at a outdoor cafe. Regardless, it's important to look your best, because you never know what's around the corner. It can be Prince Charming or the bitchy colleague from hell. Be prepared.
Lanvin - Niger Sportsac
Nude patent leather!! Pwahh...how luxurious, how luscious. This one is sporty and casual enough to make it seem you threw your look together with minimal effort (as it should be on a "lazing around" day) and sends the message clearly across to all envious stares that you are just born with exquisite taste - able to do casual and yet have such a bag on your arm.
Stella McCartney - messenger bag
Messenger bags are convenient. They definitely have room for all your stuff, they sling right across your back and never bother you, they match all casual outfits with minimal fuss. Still, I believe in the phrase "casual chic". Messenger bags can be uber-cool too, and this one by Stella McCartney is a prime example. It's clean, it's functional, it's in basic black. Grab it, you'll use it over and over again.
Pierre Hardy - suede saddle bag
We've covered patent, distressed leather, satin, how about suede? Suede, in my humble opinion, just looks so elegant and dressy. Pierre Hardy has a winner here, pairing the beautiful black suede with gold trimmings. Don't think that dressy bags like this must be saved for that one rare night at the opera, nope, wear it with your jeans for that stylish contrast, it'll brighten up your entire outfit. Remember, with a luxurious item, keep everything else simple.
PRINCESS ACCESSORIES
It's Friday/Saturday night and you have a date (or several). You know you want a clutch to go along with your new dress and you want it to scream "Princess" so that all men who gaze upon you will bow down and swear their eternal devotion. Well, "princess" can also hint at "stuffiness", but fear not, these darlings below will never cause you to be labeled "stuffy" or even "haughty". Be a rockstar princess: adorable, edgy, fun but still royalty.
Kooba - Penelope clutch
The Penelope clutch just is cool. It comes in another fire-engine red color but something about the tonal stitching bugged me so I prefer this silver mirror version. Since you want glamour, then don't be stingy and go for all-out glam with this.
Smythson - Nancy bag/clutch
Yes, it's Smythson. Yes, it's the label that does stationery. The Nancy bag is done in white only for sale at its LA Rodeo Drive boutique, but you can always try ordering it online. The Nancy bag has a small handle that gives it a ladylike look, but there's also the Nancy clutch for those who want no handles. The pleats make it seem like unique origami. Not a surprise from people who give us beautiful paper. Snatch one before they're sold out everywhere - already one of the must-haves.
Lanvin - Oulala clutch
Someone online mentioned that it should be renamed "Ooh la la". I respectfully concur. How elegant can a clutch be? You have your answer here. The strap is detachable, allows for versatile use. If you haven't got a clutch and need one basic one for all occasions, this is an excellent purchase.
Bottega Veneta - Vernis envelope clutch
I couldn't resist one more patent leather item, not when it comes in such a fabulous package. The envelope clutch may not prove to be much in the space compartment, but it wins big on design. Plus, it's a clutch, not a tote. How much space were you expecting?
There are other honorary mentions of which photos are posted alongside the ones detailed above. Remember to check out the pics and drop me a comment to tell me which one you're lusting after!
I'm off to calculate how much I have in my monthly budget to allocate to the bags above. Sighs, choices choices choices. Until next time!
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