Totes

Sometimes I forget how much life itself costs. After running errands all day, my credit card was feeling a bit lighter. I decided to actually look at all my receipts and see what the heck was going on. Well let’s start with gas for my car: $57.89. WHAT?! I sure didn’t pay attention to that at the pump. Add on a car wash inside and out: $35.79 plus $5 tip. Ok so far alright. Then I met some friends for lunch: another $32.56 plus tip. Then there was the stop at the mall: let’s just say, too much. Then stupid ink cartridges for this printer that I think I broke: $34.99. Then a stop to Bath and Body Works for some unnecessary ’stuff’: $46.37. And of course, 2 stop today to Starbucks: $7.40 (for the 2 combined- can anyone guess what I drink?? )And that wasn’t it. The day proceeds on with other stupid needs. Ink is expensive, so are food, cars, and just life. So when I think of it this way, I realize we all can’t be spending over a grand on every new “it” bag that comes out. Why not find an in-betweener.

If you are a huge lover of the Chloe Paddington, but either can’t find one or can’t afford one, I found a similar looking bag- that is also beautiful and less than half the price. The Sissi Rossi Washed Leather Tote is a beautiful leather slouch bag. I love the color too (reminds me of the Blue Paddy). This is an oceanic blue washed leather tote bag which is stitched with pink and accented with aged silver hardware. There is no padlock, but the shape of the bag is reminiscent if you like the look. The bag also has two handles, a silver zip top fastening across the top, two buckles found on either end of the bag, and a strap. The inside is lined in pale blue canvas and has an inside zip pocket for anything you may want to hide. For $535 via Net-A-Porter, you can feel a little closer to the Paddington you may yearn for, and still have an extra $700 or so to spare.

If you have been awake and had your eyes open to the world of fashion, you know that metallics are in. Yet some designers you might not expect to jump on the bandwagon. Take Burberry for example. They usually rely on their checkered pattern or some other simplistic design. Not anymore. Burberry has decided to give metallic a try. The Burberry Shadow-Check Tote will help you bring some shiny appeal to your love of the age-old designer. Burberry uses both its classic checkered pattern along with a bronze/taupe addition and metallic leather trim. On first glance, it is hard to tell exactly what is metallic on the bag- I believe it is a shadow check pattern and then metallic accents. On the middle of the bag there is an Equestrian Knight logo, which is not too showy but adds a little something. Other things you might want to know about the bag may be that is has silver metal hardware, shoulder straps, a snap top closure, and metal feet to protect your goodies. Unfortunately, there are no given dimensions for this bag, but I’m gonna hope the picture does it justice and it is an ample sized bag. I really like this a little different for Burberry bag. It may just look like a grey bag to some of you, but to me it’s more than that. The bag is simplistic, chic, and made my a well-known designer. I sure wouldn’t mind carrying it around town or to meetings. Available through Neiman Marcus for $495.

Today is the day of similarities and mirror images. Maybe I am just being small minded and not thinking of all of the designers out there and the possibilities of bags seriously looking like others. I understand that a handbag is a handbag, and there is quite a high chance that many may look the same. But some bags a little more unique and still seem to have a long lost twin brother/sister out there resembling them. Recently I told you about the Bulga Large Studded Hobo. And today I found the Tanner Krolle Leather Tote which looks quite a bit like the Bulga bag. The shape was the first thing that struck me as Bulga! That is the bulk of the resemblance I see, the shape. Don’t get me wrong, this Tanner Krolle bag is really nice and the price tag goes to show you that (at least you would think so with the price you have to buy it for). The bag is “softly gathered in etched leather with a drawstring closure”. The leather looks quite smooth and beautiful on the sides and the bottom (I know, I can’t actually see the bottom but I saw the bottom at Saks last night!). There are double handles and the chocolately brown color is accented with brushed gold hardware. In case you worry about where you set the bag, there are protective feet. The inside is lined with cotton and has both zip and open pockets for whatever storage space you may need. Measuring in at 15″H X 14″L X 5½”W, this bag is a bit differently sized than the Bulga bag, but personally, I still see the resemblance. Buy this bag via Saks for $995.

Tweed has made its appearance as one of the hot fabrics of fall and winter. But if you can’t spend money like it’s growing on a tree, there are always other alternatives. Gap has quite a few cute bags, some oober cheap, and they are making sure to get the style without the huge price. The Gap Tweed Tote combines style, beauty, and affordableness. The body of this tote is red tweed with embossed crocodile leather trim. The two front snap pockets also implement the embossed crocodile leather along with tweed flap closure and velvet ribbon bows. The inside can be accessed through the metal hinged main compartment. If you are looking for a work bag, or an everyday bag, this tote could carry most of what you need. The overall dimensions are 16″ long X 12″ high X 4″ wide. If red isn’t the color for you, there is also herringbone (which is a brown-green mix). On my quest to bring you cute bags for less, I think you will all be proud of me finding this bag for a mere $54 through Gap.

I know it is not only me that has always wanted to go on a magic carpet ride. I wanted to be just like the princess from Aladdin, I wanted to swoop up and down in the sky and see the world. Yup, I am sure a few of you are laughing right now. But when I finally get to ride on a magic carpet I’m soo gonna shove it in your face!! (I really thought they existed when I was young!)

When I saw the name of this bag, I gasped! It just made a smile come to my face. Upon seeing the bag I was a little skeptical if I liked it, but actually it kind of does something for me. The Isabella Fiore Magic Carpet Tote is an intricately designed patchwork tote with beads that add even a little more fun. The bag is made of velvet patchwork which gives off the vibe of a bohemian-chic tote. At first I thought that bag might look like something an old lady would wear, but upon further inspection I really think it’s cute. The bag is trimmed with leather and in some places stud trimming. The shape of the bag is a frame-style top which has double top handles and the closure is a diary-lock. Lined with cotton canvas and featuring both zip and open pockets, the inside can store all of your magical accessories. Sizing up at 13″H X 19″L X 8½”W, this tote looks as if it could compliment quite a few outfits and still be big enough to be your bag of tricks. The bag is available via Saks for $725.

On with our day of Tuesday Totes, I have found yet another brown tote. As much as I am a lover of totes, all of the browns for fall are making me feel very drab. But this Coach Suede Beaded Tote is at least easier on your wallet than many other bags out there. I love this tote because it adds a little bit of fun to an overall ’safe’ bag- and by safe I mean not daring with color or design (hey, why should it? It’s a brown suede tote!) The strips of bright bugle beads do not immediately stand out, but upon further inspection they give the bag quite a nice finishing touch. The rest of the bag is adorned in soft brown (actual color is called Flint) suede and is trimmed in metallic leather. The inside is lined in fabric and has inside zip pockets including a cellphone/multi-function pocket. Being a zip top closure is quite a perk for a tote, which makes it a little safer to carry around. The handles are an adjustable 17 1/2” and the bag measurements are 15 3/8 (L) x 10 1/2 (H) x 4 3/8 (W). This tote can be yours for $358 via Coach.

P.S. If you’d like to see this bag try to be daring, take a peek here! (I don’t like the color at all)

If we are up to date with our fall fashion, like we should be, we all know that shearling is ‘in’. I mean waaay in style. But just because you are a high end designer with a well-known name, it doesn’t mean that each of your bags will be a hit even if they implement the looks of the season. The Gucci Large Shearling Tote simply does not do it for me. Granted I have not yet seen this bag in person, but from the looks of it the bag does not look beige- rather the color you would see when you open up a baby’s diaper. The entire tote is monogrammed with the Gucci GG logo on the beige shearling and is trimmed in beige leather. This tote is also a pretty nice size: 10 3/4″H x 13 3/4″W x 5 3/4″D, but I’d still really rather pass. Of course, since the Gucci name is attached, this bag goes for $1,295 via Bergdorf Goodman.

That Louis Vuitton keep reinventing themselves and their seemingly endless collections of bags and luggage, that is no secret at all. New colors here and there, new spin-offs of the traditional and very popular Monogram Canvas come to mind. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. I don’t dig the traditional canvas at all, I get sick of seeing it on the streets and having to automatically wonder if it’s a faux or not. While I do like some of the derivates that LV has released lately, some I totally still can’t stand at all, vis the Cerises for example. However, and here comes the big but, I really like the Monogram Mini in black. The black canvas with silverish LV monograms just does it for me. Megs likes it, too – I share her opinion that it looks much more sophisticated than the cerise shade, or any others that the MM had been released in thus far.

Prime example – the LV Cabas Mary Kate. The $1k tote sports a young and trendy look and can function well as a casual & daily tote for urban biz meetings or other work-related jazz. The double zipper adds convenience and quick access, and extra inner pockets give enough room for cell and misc bag junk.

This is officially the most creative name for a designer in the world: Junya Watanabe Man Pink. Although Junya Watanabe is actually the designer’s name, it still seems to me like a pun or some sort of play on words. Nevertheless, a bag from his collection caught both a reader and my own attention. The Junya Watanabe Man Pink Denim Tote shows off a wash a damage treatment finish to a denim tote bag. The tote is 50% cotton, 50% polyester and quite the practical bag. With the great size and so many pockets, this bag could be used for nearly anything (perhaps a diaper bag like our reader suggested!). The belt strap is adjustable and the dimensions measure (h) 14.57 in. x (w) 12.20 in. x (d) 4.72 in. This bag gives off a rugged feel but also shows it’s versatility with trendiness and sturdiness. If you have been looking for a hip denim bag or a bag with lotsa fun pockets and shape, this bag is a sure hit. Available via Aloha Rag for $315.

Who would have ever thought that quilted would be ‘in’? I guess I always had a stereotypical view of quilts. Quilts remind me of an old-lady past time. But with age I learned a bit of sophistication when it comes to fashion. I may not remember all of my calculus and derivatives, but I sure as heck remember styles that come and go and what makes it. Now do keep in mind that Chanel has been using the classic quilt pattern for quite some time- which is both timeless and elegant. So why not have some other designers take on the quilts? Well Marc Jacobs has decided to do just that. The Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted contains 3 numbers that I’m head over heels for.

First, the big momma of them all is the Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Venetia. This bag (above) is a new way to look at the renowned Venetia bag with an added flair from the quilted Nappa leather and boisterous brass hardware. Both of the outside pockets show off Marc’s signature push-locks while the large brass pull with brass-tipped leather ties gives way to the top zipper closure. The inside of the bag is lined with soft suede and has a zipped pocket. I love this bag in Pearl but it is also available in Black. Whichever of these meets your fancy can be yours for $1200 through eLuxury.

Next we venture into the world of quilted clutches. Seems a little un-ordinary- that’s because it is. Clutches are a fashion must now-a-days (if you don’t own a cute clutch- please go buy one, and then nod your head with me about how it is a must). The Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Zip Clutch infuses retro-modern with contemporary classic. Seems like an oxymoron- what it really is- is bea-uuuu-tiful! The clutch is made of grained, quilted leather, a bold placement of polished brass hardware, 2 signature push clasp pockets in the front,over sized signature zippers with leather pull tabs, and has a long zip top. The inside is quite a treat for any girl’s needs. The suede lined interior contains a divided center pocket, 2 slender side pockets, and 6 slots for credit cards or IDs. Humm… only 6??? Jk guys! As much as $450 is quite a bit of money, this clutch is well worth it. {via eLuxury}

How ’bout a somewhat pointless accessory?? Yea! Actually before I begin, I have a question: Which of you own a key holder- and for those of you who do, do you find it handy- and even more pointless of a question, does it just hold a key?? Ok on with the last of the quilted series. This Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Key Pouch is also made of grained, quilted leather, has a zippered top with signature push clasp closure, features polished brass hardware, is lined in suede, and contains an interior key ring with a leather leash. A leash for your key… are you going to walk it? So this is what I call a “pointless purchase” but if you think it may complete your quilted series- then go for it. This pouch can be purchased for $195 through eLuxury.