This week we will be bringing you a variety of bags that make perfect Valentine’s Day presents. And just in time for this Hallmark Holiday, Burberry has been releasing a line of heart print bags.
The line of bags ranges from totes to small shoulder bags. There is still the quintessential nova check pattern that can be seen on each item. The hearts then take over the foreground of each item, which gives us a splash of love.
The only item from the line that I would consider is the Burberry Confetti Hearts Tote, which is the most mature looking bag of the bunch. The rest of the lot is better suited for a younger crowd. And while a younger crowd may like the line, there is always Valentine’s Day this week, at which time this bag would seem fitting. Shop Burberry at Bloomingdales.
What do you think of the hearts line from Burberry?
I’m normally something of a YSL fangirl, but despite the brand’s history of sleek, classic bags, even they make a misstep every once in a while. It’s a forgivable thing to do, for sure, but that has never stopped me from calling a spade a spade, so to speak.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Yves Saint Laurent Shopping Tote is a spade. Which is to say, of course, that it’s a misstep, as are all the bags with this weird raised logo thing that YSL insists on doing. I don’t like it and no one shall convince me otherwise. Probably because it reminds me of something…
You know those weird, raised tattoos that some athletes, often football or basketball players, have on their arms? They’re usually a Greek letter of some sort. Sports fans out there might know what I’m talking about, but the rest of you are probably confused. Sorry, but I just ate and I’m not about to start Google Imaging stuff like that for you guys. Just play along.
I don’t know what they mean, but I do know that it looks like someone did that to this YSL bag, and that’s not a good thing. They look painful as it is on live people, and somehow I doubt that that was the sort of idea that YSL was trying to evoke by doing a similar thing to a bunch of their bags. Unfortunately, that’s more or less all that I can see when I look at this.
Not only that, but a logo like this completely forgoes the subtlety that I’ve grown to love from the brand. They always manage to incorporate their Y logo into the lines of their bags, and this flies directly in the face of that aesthetic. It’s just a boring brown tote with an unattractive tattoo. Buy through Saks for $945.
anda Mull
We’ve covered the Mulberry Mitzy Hobo before, and we generally try not to repeat bags, but I can’t help but be totally obsessed with the ultra-deep blue cracked finish that Mulberry has debuted for Fall 2009.
I wear so much black that I’ve sort of shied away from navy blue accessories, even though the combination of the two can be super glam when done correctly. As with anything, it’s hard to find exactly the right bag.
But I think that the steely, silvery undertones on this bag make it a perfect option to pair with black and dark grey. In fact, the handle itself is black, which should make the color combination a fairly obvious way to style it. The shiny finish makes the color all the more vibrant, which is the perfect way to incorporate navy into an already dark outfit. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $895.
Back in September when the first sighting of Alexa Chung with her namesake bag, the Mulberry Alexa, surfaced, Purse Forum members began discussing the similarity between it and the Proenza Schouler PS1. It makes sense that they did, because there are definite similarities in the design. In fact, once the Mulberry Alexa started to show up online, the main buzz surrounded the likeness between the two.
Let’s take a closer look to see what the two bags have in common and what is different, shall we?
The Proenza Schouler PS1 hit the scene in the fall of 2008. Known for their clothing line, Proenza Schouler bags were an unexpected but widely well-received venture. The bag that continues to garner attention to Schouler is the PS1. The bag was quickly seen on the likes of Mary Kate Olsen and Leighton Meester.
The PS1 integrats a casual chic vibe into a messenger bag, transforming the way many of us view messenger bags today. I, for one, fell head over heels for the PS1 when it came onto the scene. The bag is made to be utilized, with a zip fastening pocket across the back, two pockets on the front, and a zipper pocket for storage. The overall aesthetic is somewhat rugged yet refined, which has made this bag a hit. It is the strap detailing at the front with top flap that is what composes the different eye-catching design.
Interested? Buy the PS1 in brown via Net-A-Porter for $1,595.
Now let’s get to the Mulberry Alexa. Amanda covered the Alexa the other day and also commented that the front straps shared traits with the PS1. Sure, the bag is of similar shape, similar concept, and messenger style, but I would not call it a copy.
Mulberry is a British luxury leather goods company founded in 1971. They have been in the handbag business for almost forty years and in that time have secured a steady place in the handbag market. One of their most iconic bags, the Bayswater, is also one of the most recognized bags to handbag enthusiasts. The Alexa Satchel may have been named after British rising star Alexa Chung, but its design is clearly a young and hip take on the Bayswater. No copycat here, chaps.
The Alexa also has a top handle, detachable shoulder strap, a fold-over flap, and press stud fastening buckled tabs. Similar enough to the PS1, but for me, still entirely different. Like other Mulberry bags, the Alexa also features ample pockets, with internal pouch and zipper pockets. The bag is slouchier than most PS1 bags, gives a more vintage vibe, but does use thicker and heartier leather than the PS1.
Overall, there are certainly similarities, but I can point out many essential differences as well. Buy the Mulberry Alexa in blue via Luisa via Roma for $1,731 and yellow at NAP for $1,150.
Ultimately the decision is yours, as it comes down to personal preference.
Which bag do you like best and why?
