Alright, you can either call is cocky or practical, but Orla Kiely seems to refuse to name any of her bags by creative names like “Rocket” or “Hampton,” and just uses one or two words to describe and name her bags at the same time.  All the same, this Orla Kiely Reversible Leather Tote - awesome.  It’s a slight departure from the stem-all over pattern (that I still love btw), but this leather tote using color blocks is still a great bag.  You can find the small stem stitched pattern through the middle of the brown leather strip.

The straps are long enough to sling over your shoulder and it’s just big enough to fit the essentials for a weekender and not unwieldy so you can use it for day to day as well.  I would love to bring this bag with me if I was going to be gone all day running errands.  It’s perfect to fit in some small goods found at a farmers market, the reuseable grocery totes I love, and any other knicknacks I might pick up.  Oh and another cool thing, the bag is true to it’s name and reverses into a brown tote with a stiched large stem print down the middle of the bag.

Get it: Orla Kiely Reversible Leather Tote

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Sleek and black, with the belted middle, the Kathy Van Zeeland Heroine Belt shopper is a hit.  Though the Heroine doesn’t have a belt like my favorite heroine Wonderwoman, it does look great.  I love how instead of rhinestones (which aren’t my favorite), the buckle is detailed with embossed metal studs.  Also, the mix of the patent leather with the very subtly printed black fabric is a great match.

Get it: Kathy Van Zeeland Heroine Belt Shopper

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What? A normal sized Marc by Marc Jacobs bag for less than $200!?!?! Crazy, but true, and I’ve found it for you.  At $157, this cute Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Pretty Nylon - Little’ hobo is for you.  Crescent shaped with a flattering oversized knotted strap is a bag that I’m very fond of. The foam blue is catching and I also really like the signature metal branding label and matching blue stitched “MARC” on the body of the bag.  Branding is definitely there, but in a tasteful - not tacky - way.

Get it: MARC by Marc Jacobs ‘Pretty Nylon - Little’ Hobo

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I’m not fully sure what it is about a slouchy middle that I like about handbags, but I’m really feeling them now.  Maybe because although I still like the gathered look, my eyes are wanting something a bit different.  The Tina medium hobo from Steven by Steve Madden fulfills the slouchy middle for me.  It reminds me of a fallen souffle, but in a good way. I also really like the metal dog tag style label that matches with the rings that compliment the handle.  Plus, for re-enforcement and lovely extra details there are the extra padded and stiched corners and gold toned studs.  And, with a magentic closure you don’t have to worry about button that can sometimes be hard to match up or a zipper to bother with.

Get it: Steven by Steve Madden ‘Tina’ Medium Hobo

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Francesco Biasia is a great designer and this Moody satchel is a great bag. WIth the cut-out handle and the straps you can also carry this bag however you’d like.  A nice combo with the interlocking metal rings.  The Moody has deep eggplant accents along its piping and the straps. You can barely tell that it’s there and is one of those things where you might look at it a couple times from afar not realizing that it’s that subtle detailing that draws your eye to the bag.  It’s kind of like the fb metal branding as well.  Unless you look at it closely you can’t tell the FB for Francesco Biasia is on the bag and it’s not just some cool abstract hardware detail. I love the unassuming details that are always added to his bags, and I think you will too - especially because it’s about $160 off on sale.

Get it: Francesco Biasia Moody

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I’m not going to lie and say that I like Juicy Couture.  And I’m not going to lie and say that I even like this bag, though it’s one of the better ones for the kids buying Juicy.  But…these bags seems to be so darn popular, I thought, well, if people are going to buy it - then I want to at least put my two cents in for all the parents buying these bags for their pre-teen kids.  So here are a few comments I have:

• Don’t go overboard with the details with Juicy.  Pick one or two big embellishments and call it a day. Here you see the tassel/ribbon thing and the embroidered Juicy brand - two..that’s enough.
• Stay age appropriate - this bag for example < 17 yrs please.
• Don’t go for matchy matchy when wearing the bags. E.g. do not, I repeat DO NOT wear this bag with a velour outfit.  That would be way to Real Housewives of Orange County. No good.

Yep..my two cents..feel free to share yours.

Get it: Juicy Couture ‘Beatrice’ Velour Shoulder Bag

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Do you have a list of bags that you love, but that you haven’t bought for one reason or another.  I do.  This Orla Kiely Classic shoulder bag is one of them.  Orla Kiely’s bags are always just the right size for your needs and her classic/signature stem style makes for the perfect casual bag.  Another reason why I love Orla Kiely, her bags are not overplayed and not too expensive, if ya know what I mean.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my Longchamp Le Pliage totes (yes, I own multiple), but I have to switch ‘em out every now and then,  otherwise I get tired of seeing everyone and their mom carrying them around.  Orla Kiely is just a bit more $ than Longchamp, but it’s worth it.  You get more variety and get to stand out with a super cute bag. So while it won’t fold up like the Le Pliage, I still love this bag.  If anyone wants to get it for me, I’ll be more than happy to receive it.

My only suggestion, don’t buy Orla Kiely in London. Orla Kiely is more expensive in London than it is in the U.S.  I thought it might be cheaper, but..oh no..it ain’t, Orla Kiely is ridiculously over-priced in London.  You’re better off buying it here in the States.

Get it: Orla Kiely Classic Shoulder Bag

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Saw this Furla Elisabeth should bag and immediately fell in love.  It feels a little like business meets school girl.  The red leather satchel is a friendly traditional shaped bag I’ve seen before, but I am really lovin’ the added stripped canvas type shoulder strap.  The shoulder strap with it’s white, red and tan makes the bag fun and practical.  So you can load up this bag and comfortably carry it across your body.  Then when you walk into a potentiall stuffy business situation, simply detach the strap and go more traditional with the leather handles.  Geniuis! Pft, forget that, I love this bag just as it is, I’d keep it with the shoulder strap and everything all the time. If people give you a hard time, all you have to do is flash the Furla metal label and that’ll keep ‘em quiet and establish you as a legit fashion force.  I’m not usually a big fan of showing off brand names, but you do what you gotta do right?

Get it: Furla Elisabeth Medium Shoulder

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This Dutchy CB Basket handbag has already been under $100, and so always been a steal.  But now the CB Basket is on sale for $70, that’s downright wonderful.  Yeah, so what, it’s not leather - it still looks good and is great for you vegetarian shoppers. ;)  Anyway, if you want something with a bit more subtle detailing, I’m going to suggest the CB Basket. I like the little button nubs that adorn this bag.  And the paisley type print lining is darn cute.  Oh and btw, it comes with an eco-friendly shopping bag too.  Oh dang, two for the price of one!

Get it: Dutchy CB Basket

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March by Marc Jacobs ‘Jelly Jacquard Lil Riz Tote,’ my first thought whew..that’s a lot of name, and “Lil Riz” ..sounds gangsta. Well, I think the Marc Lil Riz is well named.  The bag is a bit unconvential and different with the short strap for a big bag.  I don’t mind though, because even if I can’t carry it crossbody, the Lil Riz allows me to snugly fit it on my shoulder or fashionably carry it in my hand without having to bother with multiple staps or dragging it on the ground.  Plus, I love this color, it reminds me of the snow outside that I can see now from my bedroom window.  And..if you didn’t guess from the name “jelly,” the majority of the bag is made from plastic - perfect for durability and easy clean. Marc by Marc Jacobs has a whole line of these Jelly Jacquard bags, and I love them all.

Get it: Marc by Marc Jacobs Jelly Jacquard Lil Riz Tote

Posted in Everyday, Hobo, Hobo International, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sale, Tote, Work | No Comments