Hobos

I’ll go ahead and say it - I’m highly disappointed by the Anya Hindmarch Cooper Mirror Bottom Bag. Mostly that’s my own fault, though. When I went to its Saks.com page, I thought it said COPPER Mirror Bottom Bag, and I had high hopes that the bottom piece of the bag was going to actually be made out of a piece of metal, and that would have been awesome. I had no idea that I had any desire for a bag made partly out of sheet metal until I realized that I had never seen one before, and then Anya Hindmarch seemed like a genius.

Until I realized that the bottom of the bag was just made out of metallic patent leather, and the word in the title was COOPER not COPPER. And then I was tremendously disappointed. I actually frowned at the bag, and then I said to myself “Self, I’m not going to write about this bag, it tricked me.”

But then I looked again and realized that, hey, it’s kind of a cool bag anyway. They shape is perfect - structured enough to have really clean lines, but still with enough slouch to have the appeal of a hobo. The leather appears to be really thick, the patent on the bottom is probably shiny enough to be used as a mirror, and the interior is lined in delicious cream suede. So many designers cut corners these days, and it looks like Ms. Hindmarch is still make beautiful, discrete, high-quality bags out of obviously fine materials. As such, she deserves our heartfelt appreciation, even if the bag is not actually part metal. Buy through Saks for $1,195.

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I really have my sister, Megs, to thank for my increased awareness when it comes to all things handbag. As her love for handbags and accessories grew, I began to learn more and if nothing else, pay way more attention to trends. At the same time, I consider myself to be fairly earthy crunchy/animal friendly so originally I couldn’t justify an exotic handbag. But over time, my appreciation grew and now, I think an exotic here and there isn’t such a bad thing. That brings me to the Nuti Meduim Ostrich Hobo Bag.

I must admit, I do love Ostrich. To me, the material is flawless; it is soft to the touch and on the eye. Moreover, it is the kind of material that doesn’t need any loud accessories or hardware to accompany it. I love the shape of this hobo. And as we’ve already discussed, top-handled bags are definitely very popular right now, so the top-handled style here just makes me like the bag even more. Stud accents along the bottom will help spare the material a bit when setting the bag down. A nice contrast to the exterior color is the bright suede lining. I am a fan of this kind of contrast, but am still not really sure how I feel about the “green” color of the bag. If you are like me and would prefer the bag in a different color, it comes in brown as well. Add this exotic hobo to your collection through Saks for a pricey but to be expected $3,980.00.

Chloe Bay Patent Hobo

This is a stunning Chloe handbag, minus the whole heavy leather ordeal. I was never a huge fan of the Bay bag, especially in the larger versions, because it is just too heavy. I already own two Paddington bags that are used rarely because of the weight issue. But this bag I can handle, I think. The Chloe Bay Patent Hobo is drenched in the most beautiful hue of purple, which they deem violet, in a more compact Bay shape. The dimensions on this version are 12″W X 13″H X 4″D which are much smaller and more manageable than their Bay satchel or bag. This is a great throw over your shoulder and get on the go bag. The leather is a grained patent lambskin, but I have seen it in the store and it is not hugely over-powering. The 8″ shoulder drop makes the bag hand nicely on your arm and the shape is not too bulky that you have to hold your arm up in the air while carrying the bag. There is of course the pull accents that the Bay bag is known for and a large outside zip pocket for easy access. My problem with many Chloe bags is the inside lining, which is always just cotton. I hate to pay nearly $2k for a handbag and have it lined in simple cotton. But I like this bag, so I can look past that. So the cotton lining issue aside, the only other issue you may face is that this bag is still heavier than many that are the same size. Chloe implements such sturdy leather it is hard to get past the weight issue. But the issue should not be much of an issue when the bag is much smaller. Overall, this is my favorite Chloe Bay Bag yet! Pre-order at Saks for $1760.

You know what I have not seen in a long time? A great black bag. No bells, no whistles, just a black bag to use everyday that is not trendy, just functional yet still appealing to the eye. And Jimmy Choo, who is known for their divine shoes, has embraced the handbag market, learned from early design flops, and began to pave a way for themselves in the handbag market. For a great everyday black handbag, the Jimmy Choo Calfskin Hobo will suit you perfectly. I love the slouchy appeal of the black calfskin and the tarnished feeling of the gold tone hardware. The shoulder strap is adjustable, which helps give this a nice snug feeling under your arm without pulling on your shoulder. The top closes with a magnetic snap and leads to brown suede lining with a nice lilac grosgrain trim. The interior focuses on usability, boasting a three section slide pocket and back zip pockets. Measurements are 13 1/2″H x 19 1/2″W x 1 1/2″D. This is such a perfect everyday black bag, I may just grab it for myself. Through Bergdorf Goodman for $1775.

For me to drag you through another paragraph of why this handbag is amazing would be a waste of both of our times. We all know by now that Bottega Veneta provides ultimate luxury leather goods, that their leather is as supple as you are going to get, and that the only designer that can truly weave leather is Bottega Veneta. So rather than gush about how lush and supple this bag is, how great the leather sits, and how many compliments you will get, I will simply inform you that the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo Bag in gray leather is available on Net A Porter right now. A flap closure, strap across the top, and beige suede lining finish this bag off. Stunning, like all Bottega Bags are, through NAP for $2,250.

I already posted about this bag, inquiring if you all thought it was fab or drab. Today I will reveal that I think this handbag is totally fabulous and even more stunning in navy! The Jimmy Choo Alex Suede Hobo is slouchy, lush, and finished off beautifully with the navy suede and exotic water snake trim. Gold hardware is not always top on my list, but when paired with the right materials, it gives a handbag the perfect edge over the rest, looking sumptuous and divine. There are calf leather shoulder straps and suede lining on the inside. Measurements are perfect for every day use; 15½”W X 12½”H X 5″D. Are you still searching for that perfect fall/winter handbag, or just looking for another to add to the list? Skip over the brown and go straight for the blue. Via Saks for $1975.

Does anyone else notice that the shape of this handbag closely resemble the Gucci Indy? It is public knowledge that I am not a fan of the Indy, but the idea behind the shape of the bag is fine. The Burberry Hoxton Quilted Hobo features quilted black leather with a buckle detailed adjustable shoulder strap. There is golden hardware and a zip top closure. The shape would fit perfectly under the arm without rubbing or chaffing. Now I am not jumping to the conclusion that I love the Gucci Indy because I think this bag is cute, but nevertheless the shape of this handbag is catchy. Dimensions are 17″W X 13½”H X 2″D. Buy through Saks for $950.

From a shape we already know, a leather we already yearn for, and a color that offers pizazz, the Bottega Veneta Hobo is a killer combo for fall. No need to hold back in the fall and limit your wardrobe to browns and beiges, go for some color. Still in the earth tone family, the Azzardo (green) leather is a stunning option. The top handle features lush leather braided detail and tan suede lines the inside. Completely elegant, easy to put over your shoulder, and a stunning shade, this hobo is available for pre-order. The only big bummer is that the bag is not scheduled to ship until 10/22/2007 at the latest.

Via Bergdorf Goodman for $1480.

The lush and buttery soft woven leather has placed Bottega Veneta on a designer handbag pedestal. The prices of BV Bags are not cheap, but they are worth the price. New for fall, the Bottega Veneta Woven Trapezoidal Hobo combines femininity with Scala Rose woven leather, a slouchy shape, and a wide woven strap. Brass hardware is the perfect choice to accent the rose leather. At either end of the shoulder strap is a woven leather ring detail. The fold over flap closure stays in place with a hidden magnetic closure. Nothing other than smooth suede lining and in inside pocket finish the bag off. But style and craftsmanship does not come cheap, although if you ask me it is more than worth it to splurge on this divine brand. Pre-order at Saks for $2250.

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I am a fan of black and white, but sometimes the colors can be overpowering when put together on one surface. Is this the case on the Be & D Crawford Hobo Bag? This handbag sports black and white zigzag pattern on the already known Crawford Hobo shape along with a leather shoulder strap. Paired with brass hardware and rivets along the strap, this handbag has a funky flair. Not much else to this large hobo other than suede lining and a press stud closure. Via Net A Porter for $1545. What do you all think?

Fab or Drab?