Too Busy Being Fabulous: Bag Styles for the Ladies of RepGeek and the Men Who Love Them
(Note: I am NOT endorsing any of these sites or dealers. Please use them if you wish or source the bags on your own.)
It's time to focus on the ladies since my last few posts have been assisting the men in their fashion conundrums. But let's be honest, the chicas don't need a lot of help. Or at least they shouldn't. The ladies in your lives have tolerated so much (that PAM whore, for example), that the least you can do is give them something that they'll love now and for a while. A stylish sling for the seasons ahead! A way to get her off your back about buying the same exact watch over and over (Breitling, Panerai, ring a bell?), right?
I could go and do THE 'It' bags but a lot of the 'It' bags aren't repped and some aren't repped very well, making the carrier look like a complete fry. And 'It' bags, as job requirement, have a short shelf life, often only wearable for one season only. The bags I chose are all replicas, repped extremely well and rather classic, I think. At the very least, they'll hold up well stylistically over a longer period than some bags you see coming down the runway and in photo shoots. While most 'It' bags shout for your attention, others prefer to whisper and build to a roar and then come back to a conversational tone for the remainder of the discussion. I have set my scope on those. Some of the bags below were or are one of those 'It' bags. But I think looking back at them through the spyglass of time, future and past, we can see them for the key wardrobe pieces they are.
These are the bags men can buy as surprises for their wives, girlfriends and mistresses without having to ask, "Honey, is this okay?" The bags below are contemporary but timeless. If you start taking control (like I'm sure you already do thanks to a few helpful hints from Dr. Posh, F.G.) of your own style and mastering it with ease, the significant women in your lives will easily allow you to give them gifts like these. Wouldn't it be luverly to give them something "you" (with a tiny, tiny bit of help from me) picked out without them sneaking out to return it for cash or drugs? LOL
I selected bags that you can carry for years upon years to come. Some are trendy right now or just were, earlier this year. But even these trendy bags are going to be bags you'll wish to use now but put away and save to use again in the future. Good design and attention to detail never go out of style.
Louis Vuitton for Louis Ladies
Mahina XL in White, Grey & Black (Very large):
The Mahina is the bag that even people who LOATHE Louis Vuitton like, and they hate to admit it even more. And what's not to like about it's classic hobo design? It has a great shape and the colors are neutral, going with just about any look on any woman. The great thing about this bag is that with it's tone-on-tone color scheme and etching of the monogram, no one except a fashionista would know that it's an LV from afar, gauging at least that it's expensive due to the way it's constructed. I really, really like this bag and it has all it needs to become a stylish staple of every lady's collection.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/...58b738bc_o.jpg
Bottom:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/...6e292781_o.jpg
This is the detail that makes the bag only 99.99999% close to genuine. The bottom of a real Mahina XL has four feet not five. You can pop it off if it bothers you a great deal. Depending on how you carry it, you may be able to just leave it.
Update: This bag is supposed to have the extra foot removed now by the factory. Here's the new photo of the bottom:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/...27e4a20f_o.jpg
Mahina XXL (Huge and heavy, be ready to get biceps):
Okay, to give those of you who have never seen or handled a Mahina XXL an idea as to its size, take a look at this photo of Madonna,, who is 5'7" or 5'8" and wearing heels. She's carrying the XL model. THE MAHINA XXL IS EVEN BIGGER THAN THIS! This bag is GINORMOUS and anyone who has handled one can also tell you it's heavy as sh*t! Just like there seems to be a push for laughably oversized watches, bags have become as huge, right up to and over the edge of good taste and into the abyss that is vulgarity. But these days, bigger is considered better. At least in America (at least for a while) you had to have a bigger car, a bigger house, bigger food portions, bigger clothes, etc. Everything had to be BIG. American waistlines are now catching up to this phenomenon of big. It's out of control and so is this bag. But for those who like'em big . . .
Side view:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/...c4a0aab1_o.jpg
Mahina XS (Smaller and more wieldy):
The Mahina style may be good for some but not its large size. This bag below is perfect for really petite women. The bag comes in similar colors to it's bigger cousins.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...1e0cdc72_o.jpg
Monogram Canvas Lockit in Monogram Canvas, Suhali, Epi, Nomade and Miroir in colors that can be Turqoise, Black, Geranium, White, Sienne (Can be tall or wide but slender):
I like the Lockit because of it's proportions. It's deep while not being too wide so it is easy to carry at your side, no banging into your calves if it's loaded to the gills. It comes in a lovely midsize, horizontal and vertical edition in all their major lines. And don't ask me why I like this better than the Alma because I'm not quite sure why. I think it may be the lock, honestly, and it's truncated sides.
Monogram Canvas:
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/...da8eefa9_o.jpg
Suhali (Leather):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/...07835515_o.jpg
Epi (Leather):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/...aed313ef_o.jpg
Nomade (Leather):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/...8ba08c6f_o.jpg
Miroir (PVC):
Highrep (Runway) did not have this bag in Miroir but I know it came in that. I checked RepE and they have it in both colors in all the styles. I'm not a fan of the bag per se, but it's got the glam thing down pat.
A sad thing to report about the Miroirs: the reps of this bag are NOT very good at all, in my estimation, with finishes that are not very shiny or quatrefoils, LVs and flowers that are stamped so deep they are almost touching each other. The stamping should be as crisp as those on the Vernis. But if you know someone who likes it and has to have it or you yourself are that person, please know that it will NOT fool a soul who knows anything about Louis Vuitton.
Bally for Bally Bombshells
Bally is a Swiss company that has been manufacturing luxury goods for 150 years and to leave them off a classic, must-have bag list would be crazy. You can't argue with Bally's styles; they make very elegant, attractive bags that I feel are overlooked for flashier brands. And like a flash in the pan is temporary, those bags are carried for a short time, with another "workhorse" bag taking it's place as all the things that made the flashy bag great get in the way. But a workhorse bag need not be boring or basic. The metal accents on the Moreen and Meg T, like the brass hardware, get me all tingly! This bag below has a lot of details I like and that many others may find visually stimulating as well. I like the color, the stiching, the great chain and the ruching detail at the top. The toggle closure in general has always been something that gets me on board. This is the reason I like many Tiffany bracelets and necklaces.
Moreen (Large, not massive and fairly light):
Side view:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/...48c9eeac_o.jpg
Genuine Bag:
http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/...en-handbag.jpg
The replica is NOT spot on to the gen. I know, I know. Usually, that would be disaster but let me explain why it is not. The first difference you notice between the gen and replica bag is the stitching. The top stitching on the genuine bag is in a contrasting white thread not black. The replica bag, unlike the original bag, has a diamond quilting pattern on the exterior. Normally, this would send the bag to the nether regions of my mind for eternity because that's a glaring tell--except the thread in question is BLACK, which blends into the bag and gives it a little extra visual interest, an even more designer detail than the gen. Bally may want to consider that on it's next iteration of that bag.
The other detail that definitely separates a designer bag from a Target purse is the lining. You can't see this detail but the real bag is lined in a pretty lavender silk while the replica is lined in a very functional but low rent canvas. Now, this could a dealbreaker depending on who you are. I'm a spiller. I leave tops off pens, lipsticks not quite closed, perfume bottles without caps, water bottle untightened and all that which means the interiors of a lot of my purses are BEYOND disgusting. That dark canvas is looking pretty good right now in comparison.
I like bags with hardware so the bag, other than those things mentioned above, is very close to gen. Some people are okay with 95% closeness and depending on where you live and the circles in which you travel, 95% could be good enough. No matter those rather modest tells, it's still a fantastic bag you can carry for many years. However, if you need 100% identical, skip this one.
Meg-T in Peach, Saddle, Black (Size is similar to the Moreen):
This bag I would consider spot on to the genuine, at least externally. This bag, when full, is shaped like a wide shoebox on its side. It has great dimensions that I would consider medium-to-large but not trendily huge. If you can't carry this bag for the next decade, I'll shave my head and you can call me Sinead. The genuine is made of a buttery soft goat skin while the replica is leather. Replica leather tends to be soft so that shouldn't be a big deal. The design is uncomplicated but full of thoughtful details, particularly the large opening which means you can often get away rooting around in it without untoggling it, preserving that bit of the look as you go about your errands. Because most of us are too lazy to retoggle; see all the "open tote" Birkins around! There's nothing I dislike about this bag. Nothing.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/...e27382be_o.jpg
Genuine Bag:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/...20a5329e_o.jpg
Christian Dior makes a bag similar in flavor to this but I really, really prefer the Bally. It's supposed to replicate something from their Jazz line that just hit runways so it's definitely not spot on to gen but you could get away with it at least until it becomes more and more well known. I mean, I don't HATE this bag, in the traditional sense, but I don't love it either. The toggle makes it's case. BUT . . .
It's meh. It's there. It's Christian Dior. It's bumpy. And I'm done. However, if you are Dior Diva or have one in your life, get this bag because it has similar appeal.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/...4c5d90e2_o.jpg
Gucci for Gucci Girls
I really had a tough time with this. I didn't want to put any Gucci bag into this list, lumping them in with Chanel as far as the must-have part of the equation was concerned. I mean, they are nice but nice in a one time wear sort of way, which isn't really good for you as a consumer but great for Gucci as a company.
Contrary to popular belief, some women do not have a lot purses. Stop laughing. Seriously. We either are too poor or too limited in space to have as many as we would like. This isn't to say that there aren't women who try to have every bag ever made; most of us temper ourselves and make choices as to what will stay and what will get jettisoned in favor of a new acquisition. We choose with caution. This can mean really trendy bags we loved last year are the first to go, along with the extraneous money we shelled to get it. Replicas make even MORE sense when you look it in this light. But a trendy bag in replica form, especially if you know, historically, you won't keep it more than one season
Gucci has this bag listed in their "Classics" section and the price ranges from $1,600 to $6,000, not including customization. If you chose this bag, do so with this caveat: this bag will definitely take you into the upcoming season and probably into next year but it won't be a weekly or even a bi-weekly bag. This bag isn't for every woman and certainly isn't for every woman going into the years. I believe that, depending on the woman, it'll have some longevity. The bag is nice and comes in so many materials, sizes and colors (including a few fantasy models) your head will spin. Gucci made sure this bag offered something for everyone with every budget and that was the enough for me to add it to the list, but not without mixed feelings because of my concerns for certain women. Please understand, I love this bag. I really do. It has tassels. I love tassels. But this bag would work for me, not so much for my mom. And all the other bags in this list would work for us both, something I like. Does this make sense as to why I feel the way I do about it? I guess if I can add the last bag in this list, I can add this one too.
The things I love about this bag are exactly the things that make it unsuitable for some bag collectors who keep bags a long time. While I know for a fact that if I this bag I would never get rid of it, I know a bunch of people who would. That's the main reason it almost missed this first round draft pick. Let me tell you all why I liked this bag to begin with:
I love the tassels (I believe I've made this clear!); I like the shape; I love the handle; I like the corner patch details. I mean, overall, it's a great bag. Some styles of this bag, like the very last one pictured, are very in-your-face with color and logos and definitely not for the more subdued bag maven. And then you have the first one pictured which is as low key as they come. The one in the middle there? That bag is mixture of both.
Bottom line: would I rock it? Yes. Would I rock it all the time? No. Could I, and presumably you, rock it heavy for one season, put it away and rock it again in the future? Absolutely.
Indy in SO MANY colors and styles too numerous to list (Small to very large):
Mild Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/...2d5f9cf3_o.jpg
Spicy Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/...9f5786cd_o.jpg
Hot Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/...a72c28b5_o.jpg
Bottega Veneta for Bottega B*tches
Woven, semi-gloss leather that screams, "TOUCH ME! CARESS ME!" The look at once reminds everyone that the bag is not only beautiful and functional but made by the unstoppable Bottega Veneta. These bags will be confused for no other company's brand, I assure you. And I consider it pure fashion stealth for those who still want to quietly transmit they have style AND money. Guys, the bags, briefcases and luggage they sell for you is amazing too. Too good for all of you, actually! But finding reps of Bottega Veneta luggage and men's items is not very easy unless you're in Italy.
Veneta changes bag designs so frequently, it is tough to actually place some of these bags, which is good for those buying reps of their poduct. I think only a Bottega B*tch and a company official themselves could place your bag. As long as the details and construction are tight, you can carry these with your head held high. The real version of this bag is almost $4,000.
Until they rep the San Marco in Caiman, this will have to do. And if you have no idea what the Bottega Veneta San Marco is, do look it up. Fughedaboutit.
Torchon in Chocolate, Black (Large and of medium weight):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/...923cf3b7_o.jpg
Bowler in Tan (a goldish but relatively neutral tan):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/...b31945a9_o.jpg
Lock Detail (The lock is covered meticulously in leather and stamped impeccably as well):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/...da06972c_o.jpg
Prada for Prada Pixies
This bag, in genuine form, was and is an 'It' bag from three months ago. I say it still is an 'It' bag because it took forever for most people to get their paws on it; it was delivered slowly to Prada stores worldwide in dribs and drabs. The genuine is a limited edition made of deerskin, lined in goat and cost about $2,500. This particular bag only came in two styles, bag and clutch, and two similar designs. The gen has lusciously rich brown, purple and black tones that really go with anything. It ha been spotted being carried by some of Hollywood's best and worst.
With that in mind, this bag is very trendy right now. You can probably carry this bag for the rest of the year, into winter, as it was introduced earlier this year in winter. But after that, again depending on location, put it away and wait a season or two then place it back in your regular rotation. The bag is quirky in that Prada way, medium-sized and will probably garner compliments for years to come.
Prada Fairy:
This is a very good replica but the biggest tell on this particular one is the positioning of the main fairy, which is too far to the right. The black outlines, muted colors and facial details are not as sharp as the gen but not so much that anyone will notice as they walk past you on the street. It's certainly more detailed than the $257 bag from RepE. But again, buy whatever bag that you like from wherever you wish.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/...5668f743_o.jpg
Genuine Bag:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.lu...afairybag1.png
Other Side:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/...d2b78f52_o.jpg
Other Side Genuine Bag:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.lu...afairybag3.png
Now, there's a SECOND option from another site that may be better financial choice for some of you. That one is $257 on RepE and, compared to their $320 offering, you can SEE why it is less expensive. The fairies are not as defined and the colors are not as obvious, looking like a mass of black instead black AND brown AND purple. The $320 RepE matches the Highrep (Runway) $298 dollar one more closely in color saturation and detail. The positioning of the main fairy in the $320 RepE is nearly identical to genuine, more so than the $298 one from Highrep (Runway).
$320 Prada Fairy
$257 Prada Fairy
$257 Prada Fairy Side View:
http://www.replicaestore.com/mo/medi.../pr-0125rw.jpg
Positioning of the main fairy is better on this $257 RepE bag than the Highrep (Runway) bag but the quality of the fairies and colors leaves VERY MUCH to be desired. This is a classic example of different grades of bags; so many people seem to think all the bag sites are the same and have the same stuff. This proves that sometimes that's untrue.
Burberry for Burberry Babes
Metal Studded Warrior in Black, Taupe and White (Large bag):
This is one purse that really lives up to its name. It's studded so if a woman finds herself in danger, she can brandish it like a medieval mace. That's all a part of British heritage anyway so this collection is long overdue. There's something amazing about this bag that is a closely guarded secret, but not close enough thanks to my connections. It is made in China. Yep. In China, then sent back to England. Not scintillating enough info? It's not just a bag like this, which is a whopping $3,195; it is also the hand-painted, metal -studded limited edition alligator Warrior that is $26,000:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/...05a39e39_o.jpg
The bag above is essentially made where the bag below is made. So maybe, just maybe all those sites that proclaim they use actual Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Hermes workers are telling the truth. The info I heard said that quality is so good and manufacturing costs so much lower than anywhere else, that Burberry would have been stupid to not use China in making its bags, even the ultra-luxury ones.
No matter where it's made or by whom, I LOVE this bag. I think all those details like the studs, the croissant shape and the drawstring all make this bag unforgettable. It is and was an 'It' bag but I think it can be carried far into the future. Please be aware that this bag isn't for every woman. Just warriors.
This bag below is from RepEstore. I usually have two sites I use to get bags in case my favorite site is down or having difficulties. But I usually stick to my favorite. This site has the Warrior while my usually does not. Babes, please note that this bag is BIG. But nice big not suitcase big.
Side View:
http://www.replicaestore.com/mo/medi...8/26800BKa.jpg
Genuine Bag:
http://justentertainment.files.wordp...rior-bag-1.jpg
Chloe for Chloe Cuties
Paddington in Camel, Black, Cream, Vintage Red, Tan, White, Dark Chocolate and Red (Midsize to very large, depending):
Stella McCartney heads Chloe and she has made the brand the stop for THE hottest over-the-shoulder crapola holder. The bags they offer are bold, youthful and very stylish. I love the leather construction and the bold hardware details that has become a hallmark of Chloe handbags. If you have any doubt who made it, it's stamped on the iPhone-sized padlock that keeps your contents secure. Ouestion: is there any woman out there who locks their Paddington? I never lock mine. It may as well have come with a "ROB ME" sign attached instead of that lock. A real Paddington is about $1,800 and higher.
What makes this bag endure is the classic shape and small, manageable size (by today's standards).
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/...d51a1be4_o.jpg
The bag is what I would call 98% close to gen. The handles on the replica are a few millimeters shorter but overall the look is visually on point. Slightly shorter handles shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
Genuine Bag:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/...5de6b92e_o.jpg
The Chloe customer tends to skew young and trendy, as a matter of course, due to some of the very informal designs. I think that as a woman matures, she tends to prefer some of her bags to have more structure, at least my mother does. An unstructured bag, if you place it on a clean, dry surface, will flop open, if it's not closed, which most aren't, and your things will spill out. A bag with a defined shape is not plagued with this problem as much. This offering below, the Paddington Round Zip Satchel, offers Chloe qualities with a bag that has an unchanging bowling bag-like silhouette, but with a much smaller footprint. This should be as appropriate for the youthful Park Avenue dowager as it for the boho Soho single gal. Bags mixed with classic shapes and modern details tend to be very versatile.
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/...ee388c7e_o.jpg
Hermes for Hermes Hotties
This. Bag. Has. A. Life. Of. Its. Own. It transcends wealth, gender, nationality, time, space, chickens. Ha! I just wanted to see if you were still with me.
I DID NOT want to put this bag on this list. I mean, I'm sure you thought I would put it on the list but there's no way I could put it on this list and NOT put it on this list. This list would have been complete without it. Right? I didn't want to put this on the list but how couldn't I NOT didn't put it on the list. Confused? I am and was although I may NOT be . . . Okay, okay, I'll stop.
There is one may-juh fact in regards to this mobile piece of functional art: it's classic and must-have, main criteria for making this list. But a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO is classic and must-have, too. And of course, both are only going up in value. But like a Ferrari 250 GTO, the Birkin is expensive, exclusive and in the hands of a few. The believability of such ownership by some (not all) of the denizens of this forum oddly nicknamed "Sparta," is fairly implausible due to the very high price and profile of this bag. Owning the replica of this legend is not like owning a replica of a six figure Patek Phillippe. But most people can't see your watch and not a lot of people know watches anyway so you're safe from scrutiny and ridicule. But The Birkin is very well known by so many people, even by Pabst swilling NASCAR dads, that the person carrying it will either be seen as rich, frugal, larcenous or insane (for carrying an obvious replica of such a well-known bag). The bag is the peak of luxury and the brand recognition is on par with Apple in most places.
Anyway, it comes in very small easy-to-carry sizes all the way up to this (and beyond):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/...9de3eae8_o.jpg
Katie Holmes decides to use a travel Birkin for everyday proving, once again, she's not crazy. This bag is carried by women, men and even children (yeah, I was unnerved by that too). Men carry the very large Birkin, like the one Holmes is carrying above, as a weekend travel bag. It is almost impossible to find a replica travel Birkin. If you know where to get one, please let us all know. Pharrell Williams, media mogul, with his two travel Birkins:
http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/...ell_birkin.jpg
But by and large it's used as a handbag. It is available at a lot of replica online retailers in many, many grades. The best Birkin replicas, in my estimation, have at least one or two tells but NO exterior flaws. The interior on some replicas have minute flaws and you'd have to be a Birkin expert to catch them. The good thing is, as long as the outside is good, you should be okay. Do NOT pay more than $1,000 for a Birkin replica. I don't care if it does have real diamonds on it. The Birkins below are what I would deem 99.999999% flawless, from the outside. The Birkins that are available today are WAAAAAAAY better than they were two years ago. Two years ago, the bags wouldn't have fooled Ray Charles, and he's dead AND blind!
Before I get to the fun, I insist you read the following answers I want you to give if someone asks you if A) that's a Birkin and B) if it's real:
1. "Yes, but I could never afford one myself. My parents gave it to me."
2. "Yes, my husband bought it for me."
3. "Yes, I won it at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Neil Sedaka signed the inside of it "Oh, Carol!" (This works better if your name is Carol.)
4. "Yes, I fought a woman for it. She thought she saw it first but with the one eye I left her, how could she tell?"
5. "No f*cking way! Did you SEE the car I got out of?"
Birkin 25cm in Blue, Red, Infinite, etc. (Togo Leather) (Small to Are You Kidding?!):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/...85b51581_o.jpg
Interior Zipper:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/...c80b326d_o.jpg
I put the Birkin, the Togo leather Birkin, on the list because I basically had to but I do not recommend most people buying the exotic skin Birkins; it's just not realistic for the average repper. Exotic skinned, custom Birkins go for low six figures to mid five figures. You can buy one if you want to, but if you drive home to a trailer in a car you stole, you won't fool anybody. If you're a woman or man of means, the Birkin is an acceptable bag for you to carry.
Birkin 30cm in Brown, Black, Infinite, etc. (Ostrich) (Medium sized):
Side View:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/...563edc61_o.jpg
Lock Detail:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/...4d021752_o.jpg
If a bag you love got left out of this list, I'm really sorry. I agonized enough over the choices I did make and even more so over the ones I didn't choose. Because a handbag is an important accessory, effectively completing The Look and the wrong choice can send an otherwise put together outfit straight into crackwhore territory. I'm second guessing myself about what didn't make it but it may make it into a future write-up. If you want a list of just hot one season bags, let me know.
For the guys who saw the words "250 GTO" and got excited and read this until the end, let me leave you with some eye candy so you don't feel left out. A magnificent car that was in the Festival of the Prancing Horse.
If you have any questions, comments or epiphanies, you know what to do! And if you have any bags you'd like to see on future lists, PM me.
