Fendi l Peekaboo Medium Satchel and Chef Rainbow Tote

Amidst the last leg of summer markdowns (danger, danger...up to 70% off!) I decided to give myself a break from the temptation of sale purchases and look ahead to sources of future obsessions (i.e. when will these go on sale?). It seems that I'll be obsessing over some Fendi bags for the next few months, based on the couple of bags that caught my eye.

The first is the Peekaboo Medium Satchel in Grey/Tobacco, which is currently available at Saks Fifth Avenue for pre-order for $1,980. I've seen other versions of the Peekaboo with different fabric and lining, and I must admit that I find the logo lining the most fitting and classic of the Peekaboos. Neiman Marcus, for instance, has a black/raspberry version, and while I appreciate the flash of color, I kind of like the logos peeking out from inside and playing off the name of the bag. I saw pictures of Sarah Jessica Parker carrying a version of this bag on a random Polish (?) fashion site and wonder if this is the same size (Saks website says it's 16"W X 12½"H X 6"D). If so, it looks super cute on her arm and I wish I could afford this arm candy myself.

The second Fendi that I like is the Chef Rainbow Tote. I'm usually not a fan of these funky colors (the Louis Vuitton watercolors come to mind) because they seem a tad bit too trendy to last a while among my wardrobe. Plus, the thought of paying $1,100 for a nylon bag, even with the snake-embossed trim, doesn't sit very well. But when was this blog ever about things I could actually afford? So let's dream on. Unlike the aforementioned LV watercolors, I think this version pulls off the look subtly enough and for some weird reason, it reminds me the type of color combination my dad -- an architect turned watercolor painter -- would use in his paintings. It borders on being almost too precious or ethereal but I would still like to have one to use as a casual day bag (11"H x 18"W x 5"D) to go with a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans...

Images: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.

Jimmy Choo l Riki Patent Leather Shopper

I know, I know...where in the world have I been??! I've been here all along, just lazy. I really have no good excuse. Just because I haven't written about bags in a while, however, does not mean that my obsession with handbags ceased. Believe me, I've been doing plenty of window shopping (a.k.a. research trips) and checking out other lovely fashion blogs to keep up to date. I do thank all of you for hanging in there while I went MIA - I'm always surprised how many friends and readers say they still check out the archives of The Baggage Claim even when yours truly is being super lazy. Not to offer this as an excuse for the absence, I have one big news to share, which is that I am now expecting a little girl this fall, which has been an exciting adventure! I'm not sure if we'll be dressed in matching clothes, but I do wish I were Angelina so I could give my little girl (and myself) matching Valentino's. Sigh. A girl can dream.

Being pregnant also made me not only reevaluate my wardrobe (good-bye skinny Earnest Sewn jeans, hello stretchy pants), but also my handbag collection. I have always been a big fan of large bags, as you may know, which allow me to take my mobile office with me anywhere I go. My laptop is pretty light but it's no netbook, so by the time you add the weight of the laptop to that of the thick leather of my Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Faridah, I'm walking around lopsided though extremely proud of my fuchsia MJ. While contemplating diaper bag choices over at Babies 'R Us, I realized this is no longer a viable option for me. This mama is getting heavier, and there's no way she's going to lug around a bag that's going to weigh her down even more.

So in the aforementioned research trips (to Saks, Barneys, Nordstrom, etc...I know, I like to do my homework thoroughly), I began seeking out lightweight bags. I'm still a sucker for leather bags, as well as bold ornaments like metal studs, so it became quite a challenge to find something that didn't already weight 5 lbs without the contribution of my coin purse. One of the bags that somehow managed to meet all of the criteria (leather, metal studs, and lightweight) was Jimmy Choo's Riki Patent Leather Shopper (see above). The version I saw at Saks and at Jimmy Choos Boutique actually had pyramid metal studs (see left), which was eye-catching without being vulgar. I especially loved the mauve and stone (more like light beige) colors, which are both subtle and neutral enough to be pulled off with a whole range of colors. And since I was being all thorough with my research, I even took out all of the stuffed papers and put my own belongings in one, and was surprised to find the bag was still light enough. The straps are built well so that they stay on your shoulders, even if you had slightly slopping ones like mine. I know most people prefer the Ramona, a larger version of this, but for everyday use (and to resist temptation to stuff the bag with everything that will make it heavy), I think Riki is just perfect. The patent leather, of course, is much easier to take care of (except for color transfer issues with lighter colors like stone - looking at you, Jas M.B. Wings Traveler) and ideal for the rainy season we've been having on the East Coast this spring/summer.

The Riki measures at 14" W x 9" H x 6" D and typically retails for $1,850, but I saw the pyramid versions at Saks and Jimmy Choo Boutiques for 50% or more off. If you still have funds that survived this sale season, I'd give Riki a look.

Images: Courtesy of Nordstrom and Jimmy Choo.

Hayden-Harnett's New SoHo Store Opens Tomorrow!

After the brief snowstorm we had earlier this week, now we're supposed to get a 70 degree weather all weekend long! Am I excited? You betcha! I'll probably walk around Old Town Alexandria or maybe Georgetown, soaking in the sun and enjoying a hint of the spring.


If I were in New York, I would probably end up in SoHo or LES to pop into my favorite shops. The thing about going shopping in a city like New York is that you can actually enjoy the weather AND get your walking and shopping done, as opposed to driving yourself to a suburban mega mall only to stay inside on a nice day. So if you're a New Yorker or simply visiting for the weekend, please do me a favor and stop by the opening of the Hayden-Harnett store in SoHo! They'll be giving away gifts all day long, and maybe you'll even find your new bag for the spring. I'm super jealous.

Image: Courtesy of Hayden-Harnett.

O Indie Designers, Where Art Thou?

I'm not an expert on merchandising or anything like that, but given my obsessive online window shopping habits, I think I'm noticing a trend enough to state here and not be too embarrassed by it (you are, of course, more than welcome to correct or educate me as needed :). While looking for new inspirations or objects or obsession, I'm finding it more and more difficult to locate indie handbag labels on shopping sites. Even at places like ShopBop or FunkyLala, where they used to carry a ton of great, lesser known designers like Juliana Jabour, Orla Kiely, Martine Sitbon, GS Lillian (who stopped making bags and is solely focused on jewelry) and Elisa Atheniense it's becoming a challenge to find new faces.

Am I looking at the wrong places or am I seeing the effects of this economy on indie handbag designers? No longer is there room to take a chance on smaller labels, and such void has been filled with bags from Rebecca Minkoff, Gryson, Foley + Corinna, and Botkier, all of whom were - and to a certain extent, still are - indie designers but have become mainstream enough to make the cut. I guess I would do the same thing if I were a buyer, with only a limited budget and decreasing sales figures. The disappearing act continues with some of the beloved online and brick and mortar shops, as well as designers, closing their doors in the past couple of years, including JC Madison, Active Endeavors, Goldenbleu, and The Purse Store (which is now a part of Luna Boston).

There are, of course, resources consumers like myself can still turn to when in search of new talent, such as Etsy, ShopFlick (thanks to my friend Ahmad for introducing me), and Handbag Designers 101. But how are these designers doing? Are they finding it even more difficult to get picked up? I'm certainly having a harder time finding them, and calling for a search party. If you are a buyer or designer, or simply love bags like I do and have further insights, please leave me a comment!

Hayden-Harnett l Pamela Dowel Ladybag

Today, for some reason, felt like a day to catch a matinee movie or stroll the halls of the Hirshhorn. It wasn't quite warm enough to linger at an outdoor cafe and though no rain in sight (yet), the overcast sky made me want to indulge in a full afternoon of some indoor fun and escape work. As you know, museums are free for the most part here in DC, and I just don't take advantage of it as much as I should. I suppose there's always the weekend, but nothing really beats parking myself on one of those plushy seats in a quiet gallery, listening to the floor squeak under the feet of an occasional fellow slacker or two. I was good girl and stuck to my schedule, but if I were to play hooky while getting some culture in, this Hayden-Harnett Pamela Dowel Ladybag would be a perfect compainion on that excursion.

Based in Brooklyn, Hayden-Harnett is the brain child of a husband-and-wife-team consisting of Toni Hacker, who's been designing accessories since 1999, and Ben Harnett. You can see where the "Harnett" came from. As for the "Hayden," well, it's just a name Toni always liked (me too). It does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Since starting the company with a line of handbags, Hayden-Harnett has expanded to shoes, apparel, accessories, and travel gear. While I had previously heard of the brand on e-commerce sites like Luna Boston, it wasn't until I virtually met and started getting to know the Hayden-Harnett team on Twitter and then Jessica, who reps Hayden-Harnett, that I realized the fun spirit of the creative team really comes through their products. If you haven't seen one of their behind-the-scenes videos, you're missing out.

Imagine admiring a Rothko or a Jackson Pollack in the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, with your own work of art slung over the shoulder. This bag definitely looks like something you'd find at a museum gift shop (one of my favorite places to find unique gifts for self and others). There are three internal compartments to keep all of the brochures you pick up along the way, as well as a sketchbook and some pencils should you feel inspired. Measuring at 15.5" L x 10.5" H x 5" W, the Pamela Dowel bag is available for pre-order ($318) at Hayden-Harnett's website. For more information about Hayden-Harnett in Tony and Ben's own words, here are a couple of excellent interviews on StyleHive and The Purse Blog.

Image: Courtesy of Hayden-Harnett.

Carlos Falchi l Baby Satchel

I never thought I'd say this.

I am getting sick of big bags.

Yes, pause.

Let's pause and ponder this. My favorite bags of all time include the Givenchy Nightingale, Anya Hindmarch Elrod, and Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Faridah, all of which I would consider, well, big bags. And to say that I am now...sick of them? Could it be possible? It's as though I just declared that I stopped loving one of my children (okay I don't have any kids yet, so all the parents out there, please forgive me for equating handbags to children).

Actually, that's not true. I still love these bags and would never dream of letting my cranberry MJ Faridah out of my sight (unlike the other "children" that I have...sold...to buy newer and better ones). I'm just not sure if they are the bags I will be taking out on my outings this spring/summer. It's as though I want to shed some winter weight but instead of losing it around my midsection, I'd like to take the easy way out and taking it off of my bags. While the Faridah's leather is gorgeous to touch, but it can make the bag heavy even before I add my wallet, make-up bag, sunglasses, planner, DVDs (I always seem to have something to watch for work), etc.

Not unlike the See by Chloe bag I just talked about, this may be the reason the Carlos Falchi Baby Satchel caught my attention while browsing through Neiman Marcus's website. Go to NM.com and see how the model is ever so fabulously swinging this compact beauty (8" H x 8 1/2" W x 4" D). It makes me want to snatch the bag right out of her hand and run away, with not a care in the world. The shoulder strap will allow me to be completely hands-free, so that I can hold on to an ice cream cone in one hand and my husband's hand in the other (awwwww...or barf hehe). Made of microfiber rather than exotic skin like most of Carlos Falchi's bags, it should be easier to maintain and puts a little less dent on your bank account ($255...still not cheap, but it does take a "0" off of Carlos Falchi's typical prices). If you decide to call your local Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman to find one near you, make sure the sales associate knows "Baby Satchel" is the name of the bag. When I called, I was told they don't carry "diaper bags." FAIL.

(Update: Carlos Falchi just annonuced he will be putting the 37 years of bagmaking skills to creating man bags.)

Image: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

See by Chloe l Patent Cutout Shoulder Bag

We've been enjoying an unusually warm weather here in DC this week, and knowing this is something that will quickly fade away into memory (snow predicted by...Saturday), I've been trying to take advantage of it as much as I can. I definitely made myself take a walk during lunch break, though what I really wanted to do was to take the day off and go play outside. You know, lunch al fresco and then maybe a gallery or two, with some window shopping thrown in for good measure.

Let's say I had the liberty to do so (Confession: Quite frankly, I do. I have a pretty flexible schedule but I'm afraid once I fall off the wagon, I will never recover and one day you'll find me aimless wandering aisle 13 at the Target in Columbia Heights). On a day like this, I would like to take with me this cute and spring-like shoulder bag from See by Chloe. As you may know already, it's a more casual brand from Chloe, launched in 2001 to offer more affordable and everyday options for the fans of the venerable brand first created by Gaby Aghion. Since then, Chloe has been led by a number of iconic designers with strong vision, including Martine Sitbon (whose bags, as you know, I LOVE), Karl Lagerfeld, Phoebe Philo, Paulo Melim Andersson, and most recently, Hannah MacGibbon.

Quite frankly, the Paddington is not even close to being on my list of "It" bags (padlocks = not so much my favorite accessories), but some of the See by Chloe bags have been catching my eye here and there. Sure, this shoulder bag doesn't necessarily fall in the most refined or classic of categories, but certainly packs enough character to put a spring in your steps. I'm thinking a pair of skinny jeans with a buttery soft cotton T-shirt, and a pair of candy-colored Ray-Bans would compliment the bag perfectly (yes, you read that correctly - for me, the rest of the outfit compliments the bag, not the other way around). If you're in the mood for spring like I am, get one of these at Net-A-Porter for $400 and pick out something from your closet that will bring out one of many colors that peek out from the cutout pattern. And don't forget to call in sick! ;)

Photo Credit: Net-A-Porter.com.

Violet May London l Blackberry Purse and Lloyd Laptop Bag

Upon receiving yet another fun email from the UK today, I think my secret Anglophila is rearing its head. When it comes to designer handbags, you bet my love knows no boundaries... I must confess that I'd never heard of Violet May until today, and am sorry that I've been missing out on their fabulous bags! Violet May was founded by Claire Collins, a British businesswoman who saw the lack of stylish handbags that would also accommodate today's lifestyle filled with all kinds of technology and gadgets. Yours truly is Exhibit A when it comes to not being able to leave the BlackBerry behind. Even if I were to attend an event wearing a dress literally stitched on me, I'd still somehow manage to sneak it in.

All of the Violet May products are handcrafted in Spain, and though I haven't seen one in person, I can already tell the painstaking efforts that go into the making of their bags and accessories. It's truly a perfect marriage of style and functionality. Take their signature BlackBerry purses, for example. At 17cm W x 12 cm H x 3.5cm D (Oh hello metrics, haven't seen you in a while - that's approximately 7" W x 5" H x 2" D), this is the perfect size for a clutch. Plus, it also features an inside pocket designated for, you guessed it, BlackBerry. The stunning colors to the right are called Anthracite, Pearl, and Cobalt Blue and is part of the Spring/Summer 2009 collection. At $390 it's not inexpensive, but if this clutch can carry my life (and it seems it can) from day to evening, it's a worthwhile investment. Can I has one now, puhleeeeze?!

Another gem from the Violet May collection is the Lloyd Laptop Bag. At first, the flamboyant silk taffeta decoration kind of threw me off. Laptop bags are supposed to be rugged and sturdy, and robin's egg blue silk is the farthest thing from it, no? Well, the shell of the case is indeed made to withstand an accidental bump here and there, but also incorporates an incredibly feminine and beautiful pink satin lining inside, as well as the said silk handle that moulds to the shoulder distributing the weight. I love, love, love. At 40cm W x 30cm H x 11cm D (16" W x 12" H x 4" D), it fits up to 16" laptops.

Check out Violet May London's brand new blog, and shop their fabulous collection online. Me thinks Wired or Lucky Magazine needs to feature some of these bags ASAP!

P.S. Here's an excellent interview with Claire Collins of Violet May London. Thanks to Pamela Pekerman, the BagTrends Bag Guru!

Images: Courtesy of Violet May London.