Hobo Bags (Page 2)

Soft, slouchy, quilted lambskin in a creamy shade of ivory? Where do I sign up for the Burberry Quilted Leather Tote? Do I need to get on a list or contact the proper authorities? Is there a special code I have to say?

I’ve got to admit that, between Marc Jacobs and Chanel, it might be kind of easy to think that we’ve seen all the quilting that we need to see. Usually, though, those quilts are a bit more on the rigid side, whereas the ones on this bag look soft and lovely (and this bag is lambskin, so I bet it doesn’t disappoint in real life.)

I’ve got a confession to make before we talk about this bag: My favorite bag from my personal collection is a purple hobo. Mine’s Balenciaga instead of Fendi, but it’s safe to assume that I have a bit of bias when it comes to bags that look like the Fendi Mia Chain Strap Hobo. I’ve found my purple hobo to be so useful and easy to wear that imagining how many different outfits this bag could go with isn’t particularly hard.

More than anything, however, I look at this bag as even further evidence that Fendi has finally hit their stride, after a few years of searching for the right tone. The materials are nice, the logo is there but it’s not the basis for the entire bag, and it looks like something a lot of different women would be proud to carry. Have we entered something of a Fendi renaissance?

Every time I see a patent hobo that’s supposed to slouch a bit in order to be wearable, I die a little bit inside. Why do designers keep doing this to us? Patent doesn’t slouch. That’s one of it’s innate qualities – it’s a structured, polished material for structured, polished bags.

I really like the maybe-tacky (shut up, I like tacky) effect of the burgundy zebra print on the Jimmy Choo Zebra Patent Hobo, but I can’t help but imagine that the stiff-looking handle would probably perch itself on my shoulder instead of molding to my arm, just like the body of the bag below it. As much as I try to make myself use bags like that because I enjoy them aesthetically, I just can’t do it.

One of the last Oscar de la Renta handbags we covered on PurseBlog (other than fashion show recaps) was in 2008. In the world of fashion, and everyday world, that is a long time ago. Apologies to all of you for leaving Oscar de la Renta off our site and apologies to Oscar himself, because we love you! Now it is time for a re-introduction to Oscar de la Renta bags and it is coming at just the perfect time. Because a couple of years ago I did not remember loving his accessories collection as much as I do now, so now I can rave about his creative genius.

With its simple design, luxe materials, and chic finish, the Oscar de la Renta Taylor Bag has caught our attention.

Everyone needs a good everyday bag, it is something we speak about often on PurseBlog and focus on for our readers. When I get emails asking about what kind of bag I would tell someone to buy, it truly depends on what you need. The Taylor fits the definition of an everyday wearable bag and a go-to classic. There are multiple versions of the Taylor, including gorgeous exotic ostrich skin, which can be used not just for many seasons, but many years.

It’s funny how six months to get used to the idea of a handbag changes things. When I first saw the fringed bags in the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 runway show, I was a little unsure. Given more time acquaint myself with the design, however, I sort of love the bags. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve merely become resigned to their existence or because I have actual affection for them, but I’m going to go with the latter.

The most prototypical example of this collection is the Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Hobo, and I think it’s also the strongest. I think I may have been correct when I predicted in my initial review of the bags that the fringe would be somewhat shortened for retail, and that allows the bag’s illusion of basketry to take center stage without the hanging leather creating too much of a distraction.

Hey MCM, Donna Karan called. She wants her bag back.

I’m a firm believer that there is nothing really new under the sun, and that well-worn Biblical adage is doubly true when applied to the fashion world. Everything is recycled, reinterpreted, or deconstructed, if not outright ripped off. The best designers manage to borrow from the past and create something new and interesting from their influences. The worst? Well, we might have an example of one of them here in the MCM Leather Crossbody Hobo. When I saw it, I couldn’t help but assume it was one of Donna Karan’s bags – her brand used EXACTLY the same dying technique on several bags last season. Obviously, I was mistaken.

I’m too young to remember when MCM was a big deal the first time around, but I have been assured that it was and I have no reason not to believe it. I’ve seen those bags, though, and I have a hard time imagining them being widely popular, but, you know, the 80s were a weird time.

I’m thankful that their logo bags haven’t returned in the 80s nostalgia wave (a wave that I’m ok with, in general – I just bought another pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, after all), but if they keep making bags like the MCM North/South Leather Hobo, I wouldn’t mind at all if the brand became a trend all over again.