Even as Valentine's Day is Approaching..

Valentine's Day is not too far off and if you were to drop by at any mall today, you'll see that retailers have started banking in sales with everything pink and pretty with banners on the shop front saying 'Valentine's Day Special.'

In conjunction with the much celebrated occasion, we've started posting on 'Valentine's Day Recommendations' and here we are again with another suggestion.

Juicy Couture 'Daydreamer' Heart Medallion Bag

Today, we give you the 'Daydreamer' Heart Medallion Bag by Juicy Couture. I know what's going through your mind.. You're likely to be saying this.. "Not another pink one!" but you know what, Valentine's Day wouldn't be Valentine's Day if things weren't pretty, pink and sweet. At least for me, it wouldn't be.

A canvas piece with gleaming logo charms dangling on the front, you'll find the bag uses a drawstring and magnetic tab closure. Accompanying it is an exterior ID window and gathered side pockets for extra storage - not forgetting the sweet logo-print lining on the inside.

And for a price of only $228.00, the item can now be yours via Nordstrom

New addition to Balenciaga family

The "Motorcycle", the "Twiggy", the "Brief", are all Balenciaga bags that we have become familiar with and accustomed to. Despite the fashion industry being incredibly unforgiving, these "It" bags have survived, and weathered the seasons - "It" bags survive for a few seasons, but these bags have stood the test of time, achieving a somewhat cult status in the fashion world. And now, the latest addition to this ever-expanding cult brand's collection is the new "Pom Pon" bag.

Pictured above is the Arena Giant Covered Pom Pon bag in white, with white hardware and studded details. The white on white hardware definitely gives the bag a minimalist appeal. If you want something that says 'understated chic' then this would be it. Made of wrinkled distressed lambskin with drawstring closure, it comes with a removable shoulder strap. If white isn't your colour, this bag is also available in Red, Dark Green, and Black. Retails for $1,895 at Barneys New York

Presenting: Prada S/S '09 Collection

Presenting: Prada's S/S 09 Collection

Miuccia Prada promised us a simple back-to-basics collection, and simple, it is.

The Verdict: This collection is a tad too simple for my liking. With the use of solid, earthy tones, this collection doesn't really feel like a Spring-Summer collection at all, but more like Fall-Winter. Hm...This season's collection is very basic, with crinkles, creases and drawstrings as its theme. Exotics such as python are used here and there, but the shapes of the bags seem to be identical, regardless of the materials used. Bagaholic Babe, a lover of bright colours feels that it's a tad too plain and not summery enough. I used to be a fan of Prada, but with last F/W and this coming S/S collection, I might change my mind soon...

Bargain of the Week!

Yup, it's Friday again and this Friday, I'm gonna recommend a value buy item that'll go well with just about anything.

For this week's bargain, you'll find a sequin drawstring bag that comes in two colors - black and silver.

Sequin Drawstring Bag

The bag comes with sequin embellishments and bead details. Absolutely the perfect gift for a loved one - even as Christmas is around the corner.

Get it today from Asos for a price of only £8.00. Yes, you saw that right. Only £8.00 for such an elegant looking bag. Check it out today via Asos

Dior Nylon Cannage Drawstring

Even as Christmas is approaching, I'm sure you'll love more gift ideas for this coming festive season. To start the ball rolling, here's one of the named 100 gift ideas by Neiman Marcus - the 'Nylon Medium Cannage Drawstring Bag' by Christian Dior.



Nylon Medium Cannage Drawstring Bag


Available in two beautiful shades - fuchsia and purple - the bag is extremely soft and stylish in its cannage-stitched nylon. Its tarnished silver-tone hardware is a great match with the nylon - especially the signature 'D' charm that represents the Dior trademark. You'll also find an open top with grommets and lace-through leather details. Not forgetting the red logo jacquard lining that simply shows again that Dior settles for no less than the best quality.

Available via Neiman Marcus and priced at $990.00

Splurge of the Week!

Featured on this week's Splurge of the Week is a Zac Posen 'Olivia' Woven Drawstring bag. I will be honest and say that there are many bags which I feel are splurges but never worth the money - partly because it just simply wasn't my kinda thing.

This, however, is totally different. With it's pebbled leather design that is accented with vibrant colored panels of contrasting woven suede, Zac Posen has chosen gold hardware, gusset details and leather tassle ornaments (which is what I particularly like about it) as its complement. The bag comes with double top handles wink chain link details, drawstring closure as well as pockets for all your gadgets.

A definite must buy! It goes well with just about anything. Even when you woke up on the wrong side of bed and you're not in the mood to dress up, it'll still make u look good for the day, lol!

Available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,895.00

Presenting: Dior's F/W Trunk Show & Pre-Fall Collection '07

Presenting: Dior's Fall/Winter Trunk Show and Pre-Fall Collection 2007

Forget Earth/Nature Tones and solid colours like Basic Black, Grey and White for the Fall/Winter Season this year! This F/W, it's all about candy colours that 'Pop', and the House of Dior is just one of the Fashion Houses using a brighter palette this F/W.



Samourai 1947 Woven Frame Bag

BagAddicts, for those of you who follow my posts regularly, you know that I've been raving about his Dior Samourai 1947 Woven Frame Bag since Dior's F/W showing Fashion Week Coverage. I absolutely adore this bag in Fuschia (see below), and guess what? It can be Pre-Ordered via Neiman Marcus for $3900. With basketwoven leather with twisted trimmings and embellished with a tortoiseshell frame, this 1947 Samourai Frame Bag exudes Old World Vintage Charm of yesteryear.



Up next, is the Plisse Basket Tote


Available in either light grey (shown) or Black, the Citrine/Yellow and Brown Crystal details give the bag a Tribal/Ethnic vibe.
This Top Handle Basket Tote can be Pre-Ordered via Neiman Marcus for $1990. Stock in stores in October.



Large Zip-Dome Bag $2390

This Large Zip-Dome Bag is similar in shape to the Louis Vuitton 'Alma' and the YSL 'Muse'. Also sporting a similar template on the Gaucho Collection (from the design to the key and coin charms), Dior experiments with this new Bowler shape. However, instead of being made of Exotic Croc skin, Brown Patent Croc-Embossed leather is utilised. Get this via Neiman Marcus for $2390.



And, some latest additions to the Cannage Collection


First launched in late 2006, the Cannage Drawstring Bag is now available in Grey Nylon shown above for $1160 (Large); Purple and Fuschia Nylon (Medium) for $990. If you're not a fan of Nylon, you can opt for the Cannage Drawstring Bag in Suede (Midnight Blue) for $1190 - see pic Below.




Yet another new addition to the Cannage family is the Cannage Frame Bag


Made of lambskin, this is part of Dior's Pre-Fall Collection and retails for $1890 via Neiman Marcus.





If you think the Cannage Frame Bag above is too mature for your look, you can opt for the Vinyl Cannage Polochon.


Choose between Black or Beige Cannage-stitched Poly Vinyl (Medium size) for $1190, but if you prefer it in Suede, that's also available for $1290.


To view more items from Dior's F/W Trunk Show 2007 or Pre-Fall Collection (including Shoes and Accessories), or to Purchase or Pre-Order the bags in this post, Click Here!

Splurge of the Week!

We all know that Nancy Gonzalez specialises in Croc and Alligator bags. But, I haven't seen a Ruched Alligator or Croc Tote, because as I can imagine, it must be pretty tough to achieve the Ruched look for such a tough exotic skin. And because of that, this, the Ruched Crocodile Satchel by Nancy Gonzalez get's picked as this week's Splurge of the Week! Very rarely do I favour Nancy Gonzalez's bags, because they look too structured for my liking, but this one looks so feminine and classy! The woven detail on the straps blends in well with the drawstring sides on the bag. Bagaholic Babe is loving the bag in Cream Caiman Fuscus Crocodile(shown). However, if you prefer a more practical colour, go for the one in Black Caiman Fuscus Crocodile. Get this feminine bag for $3,450 via Neiman Marcus

Bargain of the Week!

This Week's Bargain of the Week is the Drawstring Hobo Bag from the Red by Marc Ecko Collection. If you don't wanna splurge on Exotic skins which are 'in' this season, but would still love to own something that looks like it belongs to the Exotic skins category, this bag is perfect because it's made of python-print PVC. So there you have your 'Python' bag without burning a hole in your pocket! Brilliant isn't it? Plus, it has that summery vibe that can take you from shopping right to the beach! It's available in Turquoise and white (shown above), Brown and white and Black and white. Get this for just $59.00 via Macys

Jane August Exotic Skin Bags

(Source: Designer Profile from Jane August.com)

Today, Jane August is steadily emerging as a important new voice in the luxury handbag market, hailed for her original twists on classic looks by The New York Times.

A former international fashion merchant and now New York Designer, Jane August takes inspiration for her handbags from her personal experiences and memories: her collection of vintage fashion magazines; classic “finds” in European flea markets; and cherished 50s era photos of her mother dressed for elegant dinner parties. The unmistakable signature of Jane’s collection is the modern sensibility she adds to these classic inspirations by playing with proportion, hardware and material. A contemporary chain handle has the opulent design and polish of a 40’s era link bracelet; a stylishly shaped evening bag is reminiscent of a vintage coin purse. And Jane’s signature, oversized Kings Road bag, inspired by a long-ago purchase at that London market, keeps turning heads in of-the-moment metallic and crackle leathers.


Jane August 'Ponte' Bag in Metallic Python Skin


Jane August '57th Street' Bag in Python

Love these bags? Well, there's more! Just hop on over to Jane August to view the complete Spring/Summer 2007 and Fall/Winter 2007 Collections! Or, if you want to get your hands on the fabulous 'Ponte' Bag (first pic), it's available for $2650 via Lux Couture

Gustto Tall Shoulder Bag

Gustto Tall Shoulder Bag

The Tall Shoulder Bag by Gustto comes in Espresso (Brown) and Smokey Blue. In Bagaholic Babe's opinion, The Espresso exudes a more vintage and country feel due to its colour, style, distressed leather and gold accented hardware. No matter which colour you pick, it's the perfect casual day bag that goes well with anything. Carry it when you go shopping because at 17" x 15" x 3.5", its big enough to stuff your purchases into! Get this via Neiman Marcus for $625

Michael Kors Skorpios Shopper

Michael Kors Skorpios Shopper


Closeup




Bagaholic Babe loves the Michael Kors Skorpios Shopper in White. The braided leather detail on the Shoulder straps and on the drawstring cords for the exterior side pockets give the bag a slightly textured feel. The gold hardware together with the white leather is a perfect combination - somehow white looks really good with gold hardware but NOT vice versa I'm afraid. I know white is a bit of a hassle caring for the bag. Over time, especially in a humid country like Malaysia, white often turns to a unpleasant shade of yellow...which is why no one really wants to invest in a white bag, no matter how beautiful it is, even if it's made from the softest leather you can find. And if the design comes in other earth tone colours or black, they'd opt for that instead, even if white looks classier.

BUT, I suppose this situation differs a little. WHY? Because the White one is currently On Sale! At 49% off, it costs only $612.75, while the Black one is NOT on sale, thus costing $1195. Both from Zappos Couture

Miu Eww!

What's up with Miu Miu anyway? It's just horrible to see so much ugly stuff on display! Take a look..

First up, we have the Nappa Leather Patchwork Tote that has double handles and ruching at the top. I don't know really. The first time I saw it, I thought it looked like those wooden chalets I stay in when I go on a beach holiday. I think the color had to play in it. It's horrible.

Miu Miu Nappa Leather Patchwork Tote

Secondly, we have the Oversized Tote - also in Nappa Leather - except that it's without the patchwork. Thank God it doesn't have the patchwork. Seriously, I think patchwork is not their department. Unfortunately, the color is SO WRONG and doesn't the ruching at the top remind you of those elastic hairbands you use when you want to keep your hair up when you're washing your face? Goodness gracious!

Miu Miu Oversize Nappa Leather Tote

Nappa Leather Tote - oversized - also with top handles - with detachable straps. (Yawns.. Notice how the description is getting shorter with each bag? Well, it's because I'm actually getting tired of blogging these stuff. They're ugly beyond description!) Sorry..

Miu Miu Oversized Leather Tote

Another Nappa Leather piece. But this is a drawstring bag. Less bad, but not good!

Miu Miu Nappa Leather Drawstring Bag

Well, this one's a lil different. It's made of soft patent leather (I love patent leather but this one's SO WRONG). Would you agree if I said it looked quite like the Squichy from LV? If you've not seen the Squichy, take a look at it here. Anyway, back to the Miu Eww bag. It's a soft patent leather frame bag with HUGE, i repeat, HUGE braided handles which makes the bag disproportionate - at least I think so - no, I take that back.. I know so!

Miu Miu Patent Leather Frame Bag

See what I mean? I wonder who buys stuff like this. They're all between $700 but less than $1,000 per piece! However, I'll do their brand justice and recommend one of their bags which I'd lug around..

Miu Miu Calf Leather Satchel in White

Miu Miu Calf Leather Satchel in Sughero

The Miu Miu Calf Leather Satchel comes with double handles, gold hardware, detachable shoulder straps and bow details on both sides. The satchel is priced at $995.00 per piece and can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue as with the "Miu Ewws".

Pucci Spring-Summer collection '07 looking Fendi-esque

Pucci Bag in Blue Python

Pucci Bag in Pink Python

As usual, Splashes and swirls of Bright colours, a Pucci signature, was seen at Fashion Week. However, this time around, the Bags above look way too similar to the Fendi Palazzo of Autumn/Winter '06. Perhaps Fendi didn't come out with bags in Bright Crazy colours like Fuschia and Aqua Blue seen above (though Pucci has them in White and Grey too), nor did Fendi use Exotic Skins for the Palazzo...this is inexcusable. Everything looks like the Palazzo! I mean, if i hadn't seen the crazy colours with the signature Pucci swirls of colour peeking out at me from the interior I would have definitely mistaken it for a Fendi. C'mon, from the Studs and drawstring closure to the Circular Shape of the Bag, it screams Fendi Palazzo!

Take a look at the Fendi Palazzo below if you don't believe me...
Fendi Palazzo Tote in Zucca and Calfskin

Notice the Similarities?

Seems too much of a coincidence, doesn't it, for Pucci to release a Fendi lookalike just one season after the launching of the iconic Palazzo...

Hm..why does it seem as if so many designers are looking towards Fendi for inspiration? First Gucci and now Pucci. At least Gucci had a little bit of common sense to only remind people (with just the detailing on the clutch) of the Fendi Mirror Bag that was a couple of years old, and pray that people might have forgotten about it. But Pucci used something from just one season ago...and to make matters worse it wasn't just a single detail they replicated, it's everything!

Shame on you, Pucci! Did you really think that people in fashion would forget this quickly?!?

Gucci Does Colour!

Gucci Hobo

Gucci Tote

Gucci does Coloured Trimmings and Details! The hardware pieces at the corners seem to be the thread that weaves the collection together (As you may recall, 2 days ago, I posted about the Gucci clutch that seemed as if it was Fendi-Inspired Click Here to Read ). The Clutches I featured also had the same hardware detailing. Frida Giannini seems to be using a lot of Purples and Reds for the Spring-Summer '07 collection as well. However, Bagaholic Babe doesn't think that Reds and Purples should be used on the same bag! They look rather distasteful really, especially when the main colour of the bag is brown!. Frida, next time, use one or the either and not both on the same bag. With all that brown going on, she probably thought that the Red and Purple would make the bag 'Pop'. 'Pop' it did my dear Frida, but not in a good way...

Now THIS is an example of exercising better judgement! See what happens when you leave out the reds and purples?! An absolute winner!! It definitely gets MY vote!! Gucci Ostrich Hobo

This is proof that a monotone doesn't necessarily mean monotonous!!! ;)

Red is the New Black!

Out with the Blacks, In with the Reds!!
It's official! Red is now the new black!
With an abundance of Red bags being sent down the runway for Spring-Summer 2007 and Cruise/Resort Collections 2007 -- the Red trend doesn't just stop at bags!

From super-red lipstick and red talons, to Red shoes -- never in my life have I seen so many red shoes (think Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz) being produced!! But..since this blog is about bags let's not digress.
For Winter, when wearing an all-black outfit, whether it be a Red 'B' Belt, or a Red Bag, or even Red Shoes, Red is the perfect accent piece!!

Continuing the Red trend, this Spring/Summer, designers have made an abundance of red bags, be it in leather, animal print, patent, satin or suede or a combination of 2 materials such as Red patent with canvas, Red with straw, .... the list goes on and it has been getting longer since Winter, where Red was introduced as THE new colour.

Here's what I mean..

Red Patent and Raffia Tote by Dolce & Gabanna -- perfect for the beach!!

From Dior's latest colleection -- the Cannage Medium Drawstring Bag with "D" charm


Cynthia Rowley's Marla Dome Satchel with detachable shoulder strap
Available at Bloomingdales


Marc by Marc Jacobs Animal Print Hobo in Passionfruit -- perfect for adding that funky feel to your wardrobe!

And Lastly, As you readers might have noticed by now, I'm an ultimate Fendi Freak!! So here it is! ;)

Fendi's Patent and Canvas 'B' Bag from the 2007 Resort Collection

(Images from Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales)


Hmm with anything Red being 'In' right now (red lips, red nails, red accessories...) perhaps we are approaching an era where there's going to be a Revival of the New-Age Femme Fatale?!?
What do YOU think?! ;) *wink*