Marc Jacobs Handbags

Marc Jacobs Color Block Pouchette

Some say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Though this is true, many times I really beg to differ. It is easy to sit back and say this phrase when referring to someone else, but when your idea, your grueling work, your sleepless nights, are copied it feels 100% horrible. Actually, it feels so bad you could go find that ’stealer’ and knock them over the head with a salami. When a huge name like Marc Jacobs ‘imitates’ from an even bigger name, Hermes, do you think there are similar feelings? Most likely not, seeing as Hermes is one of the most exclusive design houses in the world. Furthermore, imitating too closely will only make Marc Jacobs look bad. The Marc Jacobs Color Block Pouchette is a case of imitation gone wrong. When imitating, you must take what you see and do it better, or else it is a total flop. This pouchette is a flop, a colorful disaster, and just does not mesh. The colors are indeed bold but they hurt my eyes with the hues placed together, lilac quilted leather and orange trim. The major problem is the double flap top which is finished off with a turn-lock closure and padlock detail. Marc might as well of come clean and just called it the ‘iconic Hermes padlock’. Not only am I not feeling it, but many of the ladies and gents on the Purse Forum are saying shame on Marc Jacobs! Pre-order through Bergdorf Goodman for $1275.

What do you think: Flattering for Hermes or an embarrassment for Marc Jacobs?

Marc Jacobs Stam

Jessica Stam must be thrilled that the bag Marc Jacobs named after her continues to thrive. The Marc Jacobs Stam is back again, for another season after about four years of being in the spotlight. The Stam has not yet made its way into my handbag collection. Sure, I love the bag, but it just has not grabbed my attention fully yet to the point of going out to buy it. As the ‘it bag’ craze dies down, it is great to see the lovers of this bag continue to year for it. For all the gals that love pink, the Marc Jacobs Stam Quilted Satchel is ready for spring in a sweet plum color that is very feminine. The gold tone hardware is shown on the chunky chain shoulder strap and the kiss-lock closure top. This bag features a frame top and then the soft quilted leather body; which has proven to be a huge success season after season. There is also an easy access front zip pocket. This bag is only available for pre-order and also comes in ivory. But the plum, which resembles more of a pink hue, would get my vote. Pre-order through Saks for $1,350.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Luz Messenger Bag

Not all of you agree, but I have been highly impressed and satisfied with the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag line lately. No need to expect the most supple leather with lush suede lining, but expect a good bag and a great price. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Luz Messenger Bag is the perfect school bag, with inside pockets for organization and a 17″ drop which makes this an easy messenger bag or shoulder bag. The color of this bag is great for everyday, every season, and every year of college (unless of course you are on the 7 year plan). There is silver tone hardware with a circle logo plaque on the front. The front features a slight gather and a top zip closure. Measurements are perfect for notebooks, planner, and essentials (14″W X 13″H X 2½”D). Buy through Saks for $398.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Messenger Bag

Upon first glance this bag is very Chloe-esque. The black stitch against the white leather shouts out house of Chloe, giving a sturdy look. But you know what? Not only is this not a Chloe bag, this is a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. And wait until you hear the price! This is such a bag deal I am in shock. Too good to be true? Maybe! This Marc by Marc Jacobs Messenger Bag uses cream textured leather and silver hardware in a messenger style to make a great school bag, everyday bag, and affordable bag. This is not just affordable in handbag lover terms, this is flat out affordable! It is not huge either, it is reasonable (12″ W x 9.5″ H), but it can fit papers, folders, and an agenda. It may not be big enough for a large load, but it can definitely work for many people. Actually, I would love to hear that it will be done in a bigger version which would make it perfect for every class goer that must carry larger books. There is also a zip fastening pocket on the front and a flap closure with magnets. Buy through Net A Porter for a mere $298.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Tote

Right now Vlad and I are enjoying South Florida; in boots and sweaters. The weather has dipped into the 40’s and 50’s (tonight said to be in the 30’s!) and in Ft Lauderdale and Miami this is not only very rare but also a huge ordeal. The top news story has been the chilly weather along with the wind chill advisories in effect. To me it is stunning! The air is so crisp and fresh and the sky is crystal blue. We drove by the beach today, which was empty, though there were definitely some snow-birds on the sand. To a Floridian this weather is like an Arctic freeze, but to someone from an area that gets pounded with snow, this is WARM. I stayed off the beach but have been enjoying the hot tub all day. If I didn’t feel the chill on my face, I would think it was summer here. Summer means the beach and the beach means a beach bag. I am always on the hunt for a sturdy and practical beach bag. I have never been a fan of clear vinyl bags, but for the beach, they make sense. Adding a quirky twist, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Tote is trimmed in white patent leather and features a woeful beach girl sipping out of a pineapple on the front. I have no idea why she looks so down in the dumps, because if I were wearing my bikini and shades while sipping an icy beverage I would be thrilled! Miss Marc has made an appearance before on Marc Jacobs handbags and her bright and bubbly smiling face (ha!) is here for spring and summer. Buy through Saks for $168.

This past holiday season I gifted many clutches to my friends and relatives. Clutches are the perfect gift to give to just about any girl. Throw a great lipstick in and you have a bag that is ready to be taken out. For many of my friends that are still into the bar scene, I opted for a bag which would look cute and provide perfect usability. My sister received five handbags from me; one of them being the Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Zip Clutch which is perfect for happy hour after work. Most of us have been to a bar (I went to one of the largest universities in the country, I know bars very well by now) and have seen the sticky bar tops. Not only have we all seen the dirty bar top, but we have leaned on it, put our elbow in it, spilled on it, heck, even slept face first in it. So between the bar top and the spilled drinks, you never wear your nicest outfit to the bar and you never carry your nicest bag. This Marc Jacobs clutch is perfect for a bar; it is cheap, it is cute, and it will hold the essentials for a night out. I picked rose for my sister, which offers a nice pop of color, and is offset nicely with white topstitching and silver hardware. There is a logo plate detail on the front that breaks up the clutch and a touch of gathering on the leather. I patted myself on the back for this pick, it is perfect for the gal who loves to go to the bars or good for a younger gal who wants to begin a collection. Buy through Saks for $188.

I will tell you what is over-rated, the Marc Jacobs handbag line. Why even bother with paying double the price tag for a Marc Jacobs bag when you can have a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag for half the price and double the looks?! It certainly seems like we are getting away with a bait and switch; paying for the expensive bag with the small price tag. But this is not illegal, it just seems wrong but feels so good. All of the latest Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags are hands-down outdoing the big sister Marc Jacobs line. Here is another cute Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag, the Quinn, which is shown in a bright and fun lemon leather. The color is really eye-catching, and perfect for the sunshine days that are just a season away. So climb your way out of your snow-ridden house, and smile at this great bag deal! The silver hardware is the best option for this handbag, leaving it pretty but not super flashy. Many of the Marc by Marc Jacobs bags have been using turn lock fastenings on the front which I absolutely love. There are double straps, a pocket on each end, and monogrammed lining. Dimensions for this bag are perfect; W 15″ x H 13″ x D 5″. And the price, right under $500! Lemon fresh for the spring and summer at Net A Porter for $458.

After the Anya Hindmarch I’m Not a Plastic Bag craze, many designers ventured into the realm of eco-friendly reusable bags. This may not be the case with this Marc Jacobs bag, yet it is still an eco-friendly shopper that can be used for groceries and everyday wear. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Shopper is designed with navy canvas with white designer print on the front and a patch pocket on the bag. My favorite part about this bag is the perfect organization pockets on the inside, making it a great bag for school or work also. Everything is simple, there is white stitch detailing, a zip top fastening, and double shoulder straps. The price is below $100, which is great on your account. But in the simple canvas, eco-friendly trend, is this the bag you would opt for? Buy through NAP for $98.

Everyone should have at least one wallet that doubles as a clutch. It is small, perfect to be held in hand, and even can carry your slim cell phone. And many of us use these wallet-clutches to go to the bar, which means we all do not want to spend an arm and a leg on it. We all know what happens at the bar, PARTY FOULS! So the colorful acid yellow Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Flap Clutch is the perfect clutch to add a splash of color to a practical accessory. While it is also available in mouse grey, the acid yellow really pops and makes this the perfect night-on-the-town clutch. The outside features a flap top with a turn-lock closure and the inside is adorned with eight card slots, three flat pockets, and a zip pocket and pouch. The aged silver metal hardware is low key yet perfect against the leather. The Marc by Marc Jacobs line has been nothing but amazing recently, offering bags that look amazing at prices that make you jump up and down for joy! Buy through eLuxury for a mere $168. This is a great holiday gift and a perfect stocking stuffer!

Many times, you get what you pay for. If you pay for a knock-off, that is what you get. If you pay $8k for a Hermes Birkin, you get meticulous craftsmanship. Many times prices are inflated, but for the most part you get what you pay for. While not top notch, the marc by Marc Jacobs line provides affordable bags that many times look great too. A perfect throw-around everyday look, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Super K Tote is designed with cushy soft navy leather and brass accenting hardware. Similar to that of many old doctor style bags (reminiscent of the Dior doctor bag) there is a zipped base to store things. While the description is for it to store your valuables, I would think that over. The only easy way of opening the base is when sitting down or when the bag is on a table, and in this go-go-go lifestyle, you are likely to try it while standing up which means your valuables will be all over the ground. Yet this handbag is cute, offering a fun turnlock closure with flap top and striped canvas lining. Dimensions are a great size to take this around daily; 16″W X 12″H X 5½”D. And the price makes this handbag a bag deal, just under $500 at Saks.