Recently in Messenger Category

If you're looking for a lazy slouchy bag to hang around with this weekend, grab Costume National's ruched hobo.  It has that sloppy-I don't care what I look like- chic but the ruched sides give it plenty of structure as well or it'd be just a giant blob and that would not be cute at all!  You won't need ripped jeand and Doc Martens with them, however, a feminine little white dress will beautifully contrast with this delightfully urban guerrilla bag.  I am quite impressed with the unique design of Costume National bags-- a simple shoulder bag with folded details also caught my eye.  Prices are quite reasonable-- check out Costume National Ruched Leather Hobo $1125 here and Costume National Folded Leather Shoulder Bag here.

Dear Bag Snob,

Hello, hope you guys can help me out here. I'm a fan of the now-extinct YSL Mombasa. Is there a good, reliable site to source for a genuine second-hand?

Cheers,
Yanqin

Dear Yanqin,

Ahhhh, the Mombasa! My first YSL, I got it in Cognac when it first came out. Loved it to death - literally, the bag ended up in tatters from overuse!! We work with Yoogi's Closet, they are a very reputable retailer of authentic second-hand bags. You can even sell your old bags to them to pay for the new ones! I checked for the Mombasa and not surprisingly, they are sold out (for $595). Recently, there has been a revival of interest in the hobo as well as the messenger. This was one of the last bags Tom Ford designed before he left so it is as iconic as they come. The thing is, this bag never left, it is not extinct at all! YSL always carried is and has been since inception, they just keep it in the back in basic colors - black, brown and cognac. Now that there is this huge resurgence of interest, they will probably start putting it back up on the shelves. Mombasa Messenger is $895 at YSL, comes in black or brown. Call Will at YSL Beverly Hills for the Mombasa Leather Hobo, $895 for the small and $1100 for the large.

I've been getting a lot of man bag requests. To be honest, I've kind of given up because man bags are for the most part really boring and the ones that are actually cool and exciting are apparently too feminine. But for Father's Day, I went through them all and came up with some less boring ones that are super functional and others that are quite amazing that are even marketed as man bags. I mean, that is pretty much the most fun aspect of man bag shopping, being baffled by the inappropriateness some of these are for men.

My favorite of all the ones I've seen is this Varvatos Calfskin Tote for $1595. It has an urban edge and is rugged enough for even the manliest of manly men. I don't know about carrying this every day but for weekend, travel and even for work, this is one uber cool bag.

The conventional option is this Prada Saffiano Tessuto Tote, $1495, for everyday office use. It isn't as boring as a briefcase and has all the niceties of a Prada so for the straight edge dad, this is still quite stylish.

Did I say I am not a messenger bag girl? Well that's because no messenger bag has ever appealed to me as much De Couture's asymmetrical messenger bag-- a chic example of how a lady can rock the messenger style without looking like a delivery boy. It's all in the subtle details and the triangular asymmetric flap is the singular element of this bag that makes it for me. The juxtaposition of delicate chains with a slouchy bag is unique and unexpected, like the designers themselves.

The forces behind De Couture bags are Belgian designer Vinciane Stouvenaker (The Belgians know how to push the envelope without going too far) and Massimo Marriati-- combining their love of experimentation and design, they sought to create an haute couture line of bags in De Couture. I find almost everything in the line drool worthy but this is spectacular in its edgy chic design! It is made of utterly soft lambskin bag in a to die for neutral butternut color-- and it's ultra lightweight! The multi chains are like a piece of jewelry attached to the bag (for only $853/€637.00!) The size is large at 49cmx32cm but it's so slouchy and soft that it will wrap its self around your body. This is possibly the best travel bag I've seen all year and at under a thousand dollars you can not go wrong! I am placing this on the top of my summer wishlist! DE COUTURE - ASYMMETRICAL SOFT SHOULDER BAG at Luisa Via Roma here. (Jump for more photos!)

Update: Just came across this photo of Mandy Moore with this bag from People.com. Like I said, way too masculine for me.
 
I am not a messenger bag girl; I find them too masculine and utilitarian though I do see the appeal in its functionality.  I mean there are days when I wish I had a messenger bag (like when my son demands to be carried along with 2 or 3 shopping bags and a birkin dangling on my arm).  But still, messenger bags are just not very me.  Actually, the closest thing I have to a messenger bag is the Hermes Lindy with a long body strap.  I love using it for traveling as it leaves my hands free but I never use the body strap outside of the airport cuz I prefer to 'carry' my handbags.  I came across this Alexander McQueen flap messenger bag the other day and was drawn to the grey colored supple leather and the rounded shape which makes it less manly.  However, the double flap is very similar to Donna Karan's Moderne Aries messenger which ruined it for me. 16½" X 12",  Made in Italy  Alexander McQueen Flap Messenger bag $1,840 at saks.com

What do you think of it?  Is it me or is $1,840 tres expensive for a messenger bag!?!?

This may not the be the most stylish bag ever but for a messenger, I say it is damn good. I swear, it looks way better in person and without the drawstring totally pulled shut. The shoulder strap is 24" long which is super long so even on a tall person, it hangs down below the hip. I hate the cross body bags that are in the way and uncomfortably right on the hips. As a mom, the 2 large long side pockets immediately conjure up images of baby bottles so if you're a hip mom and anti-diaper bag, this is a fantastic option. Or not. The pocket are deep enough to fit water bottles or just as big utilitarian pockets for keys and phone. The leather is not like the City or Work bag which is thick and heavy, this has the softest feather weight leather that you want to cuddle up with. Another divergence from every other Balenciaga - the lack of hardware and trinkets (although still has nifty mirror!). Comes in this deep rich blue or white, $1195 at Barneys New York.

Dear Bag Snob,

I have a question I thought only you guys could answer. I love love love my designer bags - Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs are particular favourites. However, the bags I have are not practical for work, as they're too small. I am a student but will be graduating and starting work soon. I need something classic and sturdy (black or brown would be best), that can comfortably fit A4 sized files, with room for cosmetics case, umbrella etc, and preferably quite cheap (only a couple hundred pounds maybe $300-400 dollars?!). I am currently using a Longchamp Le Pliage, as they are super practical, I can literally throw them around! But I'd prefer something smarter looking, in leather, while still being stylish, of course. I hope you can help!

Many thanks,
Pri

I'll be upfront, I am not the biggest Gucci fan, especially after last season's stud farm from hell collection. And this is not studs of the manly kind, those I don't mind in abundance. I am merely pointing out the fact that there is a pleasant lack of studs this season and although the pared down look is not a lust and must, it is a step in the right direction. This messenger style in python with the simple and cute heart logo is rather nice. And for python, $2695 is not a terrible price, considering that some of their leather bags are over $3000. This is not a raving review but I like to give props when props are due. If I needed a messenger and I am a Gucci lover, this might be the thing for me. Gucci Python Tribeca Shoulder Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue for $2695.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!! I know it's the Year of the Ox but in fashion, it's definitely the Year of the Python! I have never seen more variety of (costly) python bags in one season; it's as if the recession isn't really happening. From YSL, Tod's, Ferragmo, Bally, Oscar, Michael Kors to Kotur and many many others-- it's all about the scales baby!  Man snobs will be excited to join in on the trend with Mark Nason's python messenger ($1,800). Even ready to wear and shoes are getting into the action.  Prices range greatly depending on the brand but we've got the best of the scaly bunch (jump for more!).  Tell me, what do you think of python?  Left: Ferragamo chain python bag $2066 Right: Derek Lam Jules python messenger bag $2590

Oscar de la Renta wants us to get excited again about fashion. And excited I am! Look at these bags!  A perfect tote for all seasons and reasons; beckoning in glimmering metallic python and sunny yellow leather with large outer pockets to hold my iPhone, keys and whatever I need to access quickly (small plastic Tranformer figurines for example). And the clutches, a fresh take on Oscar classics. Thank you thank you Oscar, for doing what you always do!  Beautiful clothes (check my review on Couturesnob.com ), gorgeous bags, and this is only Pre-Fall! I can't wait to see what the Master has up his sleeve for Fall. Jump for more fabulous bags from Oscar de la Renta.