Satchels

Fab Sugar asked their readers if they loved or hated the Oscar de la Renta Haircalf Flower Satchel, and now I want to ask you all the same thing. This satchel is exclusively Bergdorf Goodman’s and intertwines chocolate brown suede with tonal python trim and silver tone hardware. What makes the bag ‘ify’ are the green hair calf flower appiqués. The flowers look like they are attached with sewing pins in a way. Available through Bergdorf Goodman for $2500. So what is the verdict, do you love it or hate it?

Being able to kick this sinus infection would be so much easier if I were in the sunshine laying by my beach (which I will be in 4 short days). Until then, the best remedy is looking at bags that remind me that Spring Resort 2007 Handbags are waiting for me in the stores. Prada did not disappoint this fall with their handbags (especially their Prada Gauffre) and this coming spring they have tied in the quilt with nylon to bring us a similar yet different Prada Quilted Nylon Satchel. This quilted nylon satchel is trimmed with leather and features braided leather handles and buckle detailed straps. To make this bag fit across the body, there is a detachable shoulder strap. Leather trim, braided handles and buckle detailed straps. Measuring 9¾”H X 17;”L X 6¼”W, this bag is love for spring at first sight. The price is high in my opinion for nylon, but it is Prada, you know we pay for the name too. Pre-order via Saks for $1,745.

Dun dun dun… it is the battle of the satchels! Today you will be the judge of the bag that wins this contest. On the left we have the Botkier Bianca Leather Satchel while on the right we have the Chloe Betty Satchel. Both of these handbags use supple plush leather and pair two front pockets to give the bag a casual but swanky feel. The Botkier bag is designed with ivory leather and golden hardware. There are double shoulder straps along with a zip top closure. Dimensions are 7 1/2″H x 14 1/2″W x 5 1/2″D. The Chloe Betty Satchel showcases gray leather along with silver metal hardware. This satchel also has a shoulder strap with rings and a zip top. Measurements of this bag are a bit larger at 16″H x 17″W x 6″D. Accenting the Botkier bag are tassel pull tabs while a zip top coin purse adorns the Chloe bag. To me both of these handbags look quite similar and offer many of the same things. You be the judge of who wins the battle of the satchel. I won’t give away the price, but when you do see it, you most likely will chose one bag over the next. Botkier via Saks and Chloe via Saks.

Just because you have the money to afford exotics, it does not mean you are free from being a fashion victim or toting something tacky. Many bags that implement exotic skins are gorgeous in my eyes, yet being too ornate is not a good thing. The Oscar de la Renta Alligator Tile Satchel is designed with materials that stand alone beautifully but when put together are too much to handle. Chocolate suede outlines black and tan alligator tiles which lead to the tortoise shell handles. Only adding more gaudiness to the bag is gold-tone hardware and the extended tab and lock closure. Sometimes less is more. Bag for a so not worth it $4500 via Bergdorf Goodman.

To all the mothers, people with younger siblings, and people who have babysat before in their life: what does this bag look like to you? If your first answer is what you see when you open your baby’s diaper… then you will be on the same page as Vlad and I. I am all for exotic skins- in fact, I really love exotics. But this bag is just the wrong color scheme and the marbleizing that occurs from the python just looks wrong. The Marc Jacobs Python Chain Satchel is described as cinnamon/dark brown python leather bag with golden hardware. I did not realize that anyone actually calls a snake that can weigh up to 300 lbs and be as long as 33 feet cinnamon in color. Maybe it is just me, but I find it highly comical. Chain shoulder straps are a huge trend right now, so I do appreciate the shoulder strap with multicolor ring insets and clips. Close up your dainty cinnamon bag with a push-lock closure on the front. $2500 at Neiman Marcus- I soo will pass this bag up, it needs a Huggie!

The last few seasons Prada bags have not been hit bags in my opinion. The fall 2006 Prada bags are completely hot and flying off the shelves. Since my birthday just passed, I may very well need to take myself birthday shopping. The Prada Napa Gauffre Antic Satchel combines a removable shoulder strap with double top handles with rings and a signature black pleated Napa leather. The pleated leather is beautiful on this bag. The hardware is silver metal and the measurements are 10″H x 17 1/5″W x 6 2/5″D. Simply divine! Buy it through Saks 5th Ave for $2450.

It’s been quite quiet in the satchel department. Maybe it is because not many designers tend to classify their bags as satchels anymore, or rather, we don’t pay as much attention to them. Browsing Net-A-Porter’s bag section, I ran across a worthy candicate that needs mentioning.

The Mulberry Martha is made of Oak Darwin leather and features brass hardware and a canvas strap. The satchel has plait detailing around flap, faux buckle closure, white stitching and a single press stud fastening strap under the flap to secure. The Martha measures in a 11.5 by 10 by 2.5 inches and goes for just under a grand. On NAP, it’s shown with a pair of Chloe jeans, a light colored shirt, a Missoni belt and Pedro Garcia heels – in my opinion an absolutely stunning, casual everyday look.

I wasn’t fully sure what I felt about this bag until I saw the model holding it in the picture. Funny how sometimes you aren’t sure about a bag until you see it on someone and you begin to drool. Also funny that after I see it on some gorgeous girl and I try it on, it looks no where near the same. But that is beside the point. The Etro Large Leather Satchel mixes the glamour of polished gold metal hardware with the supple touch of soft grained leather. The leather is wrapped with a leather strap which is then held down by a golden hardware padlock. Calling all Paddington lovers, there is a padlock on this bag too! The shoulder straps are designed of rolled leather and finished off with gold metal ends. While I don’t have any dimensions, I would assume that this bag may have a hard time fitting under your arm unless you are about 8. Available in black and red, buy it through eLuxury for $1390. Now, if only I looked like that model I might be able to pull the bag off perfectly

When I think of Michael Kors, exotic materials do not seem to come to mind. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not an association. But today I have been hit by the Michael Kors beauty truck. There is something about this bag that just looks so supple, rich, and creamy that I can not ignore it. The Michael Kors Ostrich Drawstring Satchel is bold and beautifully with its peanut ostrich body and perfectly accenting brown leather trim. The two shades of brown remind me of some creamy dessert and since I have such a sweet tooth, it makes me smile. The top handles show off detailed stitching along with the rest of the bags contrast stitching. I am not always a fan of drawstring tops, but this top with beaded ties brings the bags goodness together in a way I can’t describe. The hardware and studs are golden which compliment the other colors and materials. On the front, there are two flap pockets with extended tabs. I can’t figure it all out, but there is something so alluring about this bag for me that I just keep looking at it and wishing it was mine. If you love me you will put yourself on the pre-order list and buy this beauty via Bergdorf goodman for $3,000. And, I will accept charity today and happily take this bag if you buy it for me

I always have a thing for casual chic. What better way to show off understated style than this way. I love attempting to throw on some cute but simple pieces and go out of the house to run errands. Chances are I don’t pull it off as well as some people do, but I sure as heck try. For that laid-back look, distressed leather seems to work wonders. The Nicoli Pocket Dark Brown Distressed Leather and Canvas Satchel doubles over as a practical satchel along with a rugged and distressed vibe to help you pull off the casual-chic look. Designed from distressed brown leather and canvas, this large bag ( Width 14.17″, Height 7.87″, Depth 8.27″) can be used everyday for typical wear and tear. Not everyone is into distressing, but the usability of this bag should be appreciated by most people. This satchel is accented with silver tone metal hardware, is lined with canvas, and has 4 inside pockets (3 open, 1 zipped). Buy it through Forzieri for $239.