It’s IT Bag Monday (late afternoon) … with a wallet!

If you want a hot wallet, you’ve found it. If you want a teeny tiny bit of a Chloé Paddington, for a lower yet not highly reasonable price, well I think you’ve got it.

I do like it, don’t get me wrong! I like the padlock, of course—and I really, really like the way the key is attached: on the zipper pull.

You know blatantly in this case that the lock is not a utilitarian device, and I like that … worrying if I have to unlock my purse to get inside is too much for me.

But wait, in the case of a wallet, it might be nice. One could keep the key elsewhere and maybe be a little bit safer from card & identity theft?

Anyway, it is a nice look, at least. Tongue in oh, so chic? Oh, so chic.

Specs: Anthracite leather, zip fastenings for cards and coins, 7 ½” l x 4″ h x 1″ d, $615.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Stay tuned for IT Bag Monday, next! Right now, it’s also Marc Jacobs sales day!! All of these bags are currently under $800!

Net-a-Porter:
– Metallic Venetia Tote
– Gold Small Multi-Pocket Hobo Bag
(pictured)

Neiman Marcus:
– Calfskin demi-style pocket bag

eLUXURY:
– Side-pocket Tote

*Update* I am not feeling well, so hold on ’til later for the rest of today’s posts.

Popularity: 3% [?]

(Note: This post contains a little helpful information on recognizing authentic Louis Vuitton bags.)

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a great bag. I love LV’s signature layout, it’s simply the finest with the greatest attention to quality and detail. The Speedy bags are made using uncut leather, pretty much one strip, so the back side of them have upside down LVs. I just love this so much, it’s pretty much how I would do things.

But then there’s the material. It just doesn’t hold it’s shape. It slouches no matter what. So however much I like the Speedy, I can’t carry one.

My new favorite is the Louis Vuitton Alma. I always loved it perhaps the most, for its classy, unique shape. It has a leather bottom, and so the rear has upright monogram, but the incomparable aligning and the fact that LVs are never cut off the side measure up to standard.

Anyway, it’s mostly about that sophisticated, classic shape. When I buy a Louis Vuitton, it will be an Alma. (Just a bit too bad the Alma’s a few hundred more dollars than the Speedy, at $880.) You can buy the authorized Alma at eLUXURY. Do you think I should save up, or perhaps research further and go for used and a little discount on eBay? I might even get one at the boutique, I imagine there would be no better feeling when buying a Louis. Yes, in a couple years time, for sure, although I hear LV’s pricing always rises. Well, my professional writing income will probably be raised quite a bit, so I think it will be less cash to me! Most of you, maybe act now on this forever classic bag.

Popularity: 7% [?]

I love this style, the Marc Jacobs Quilted Venetia, it is my favorite and my most coveted of Marc Jacobs, although it is too wide for me at 16″, so I will quite contentedly settle for the Blake. I just need to find one. Must be blue!

Anyway, my little tizzying search led me to this bag, and after wanting it, of course I did my research before moving forward.

I learned how to spot a Marc Jacobs fake, and I could tell with the styles at which I looked.

Whether you can see it right away or not, this is a bad, or at least easily-seen fake.

The tell-tale signs: Continue to read more bag love »

Popularity: 10% [?]

Leopard print bags are hot for Fall, but personally I don’t like leopard to be that large. Perhaps in a little wristlet, yes that would be nice. And I do always love leopard on fabulous shoes. Overall, though, I’m not the leopard girl I used to be. (Oh, boy, did I love a little leopard touch in the past.)

But this Leopard-Print Satchel by Valentino seems to be the best of the coming crop. The $2,150 pricetag seems to scream that as well.

Neiman Marcus has no note on how large this bag is, but being made of leopard-print hair calf, dark brown buffalo leather, plus that logo closure, this bag is all luxe.

What do I like best? The low ratio of leopard to leather. It’s nice and subtly leopard, while not exactly being a subtle bag overall.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Noo!!!

Neiman Marcus claims that cross-body bags are trendy for Fall. Garbage! True fashionistas know better. Right??!

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Isabella Fiore Penelope Tote reminds me of the Spy bag. It has a rounded shape that is similar to the Hobo Spy, and it has circle-embellished detail that reminds me of the Wisteria Spy. Of course, it’s very different, especially with its buckle (which detracts very much for me), and stands on its own at $690.

For Isabella fans, it has enough details to be just right. For Isabella antis, it doesn’t go overboard. The details are delish, too: “snake-embossed leather laces and discs.”

Another interesting aspect to the bag is its size, at 15 1/2″ w x 12″ h x 7 1/2″ d. Nordstrom’s description says it could hold a sweater … and much more!

That’s a lot of design and a lot of bag for under $700.

Popularity: 2% [?]

It’s IT Bag Monday!

Big and beautiful is the limited edition anniversary “85th” Gucci hobo bag in the new issue of Allure Magazine. The photo takes up one whole page and looks gorgeous zoomed that large (eShops take note, it sells!). The details inspire awe like Gucci.com can’t. I’d recommend seeing this for yourself.

As nice, expensive, very IT, and probably destined for higher popularity the large hobo is, I prefer the cuter, medium-sized 85th hobo (pictured). Its proportions and shape are more suited to me, but the size is hardly small at 15″ wide, which brings the larger and taller bag to 17″ wide, and the price—hardly lower, too.

They’re both made of a luxe-fabric signature with patchwork—almost plaid—strips of velvet on the sides, trimmed with ostrich skin and subtle Gucci horse-bit hardware.

All that detail, girth, Gucci name and IT factor bring these two huge hobos up to around/over $4.5 thousand!

I oohed, ahhed and swooned over this bag. Boy, I love Gucci. I’m so ready for a season of Gucci IT!

Popularity: 12% [?]

It’s IT Bag Monday!

Ah, the Chloé Big Edith. At nearly 18″ wide, it is big but also shaped rounded, it’s a bit like a mixture of other bags. I’m thinking a slouchy Alma with a pocket. Others think YSL Muse.

I can’t decide if I like it or not. And do I like it better or worse than the “eh, okay” normal Edith (although all those colors really help)? I don’t think the slouch works and the pocket’s too wide and placed low. All this indecision makes me realize these are not the IT bags for me.

At $1,512.76 I’m not tempted either. If you like the bag, you can be put on a waiting list (’til September) for the red/rouge Big Edith at Louisa via Roma .com.

*Via* Bag!Monkey

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s your lucky day! Not only is there a Summer Sale occurring at Renée Davíde handbags, but they are offering Pursed Lips readers an extra 15% discount off the current sale prices!

To take advantage of this offer, visit the Renée Davíde web site and enter PursedLips15 in the comments section when you check out. The additional discount will not show up at checkout, but it will be taken off when your order is processed. This discount is available while inventory lasts in their summer sale!

The Renée Davíde line, founded by sister and brother Renée and Dave LaTulippe, offers bright and creative handbags made from luxurious leathers and linens. There are too many classic styles and gorgeous colors to choose from! Ella and I both like the Signature Satchel—Ella likes the green and “cherry,” while I prefer it in the wine color.

Popularity: 4% [?]