Best Bags -- A Top Ten Countdown

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 27 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #4,354 in Shopping, #30,717 overall

It is a Top Ten Countdown of the very Best Bags!

I'm a self-described "bag-a-holic" as I own a few hundred bags, have bought and sold bags online for a number of years, and search for bags everyday. To us ladies, the bag is an essential component of our wardrobe!  We've got to have the right bag to go with our new outfit ... plus a pair of shoes!

This lens presents my interpretation of the "Best Bags" --no matter what the price-- as I see them.  Trust me as this is a tough task to present my "Top Ten" as it's like comparing apples with oranges or trying to pick your favorite child!

Quick, how many bags do you OWN? 

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#10 Fendi Canvas/Patent Eyelet Bag 

$1,400.00

This is the Fendi Canvas/Patent Eyelet Bag which has great "classic" appeal because of it's contrasting colors. It gives the appearance of a black and white handbag that makes it a very versatile accessory.

The canvas style has patent leather piping and logo trim with eyelet detail and calfskin bottom. From the Resort 2007 Collection. Brass hardware, topstitching. Double rope shoulder straps, with 8" drop. Inside buckle closure. One inside zip pocket and canvas lining.

It's a great size at 19" wide X 13" high X 7-1/4" deep. Yep -- another made in Italy handbag!

Fendi 

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#9 Versace Metallic Zip Bowler 

$3,165.00

The Versace Metallic Zip Bowler handbag is super trendy because of the dome Muse-like shape and the bronze color. It's hair-calf too!

Tonal patent leather trim. Gold-tone hardware. Top handles with rings; zip top. Two front zip pockets. Logo plate on front. It's 15-7/10" high x 11-4/5" wide x 4-7/10" deep.

And, best of all, it's made in Italy.

Versace 

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#8 Louis Vuitton Mahina 

$3,750.00

The Louis Vuitton Mahina handbag is super stylish and very roomy. Every woman's wardrobe needs a white or light-colored handbag and this one fits the ticket to a tee!

It's soft and luxurious leather that is perforated by a monogram design. It's 32.2" x 16.5" x 11.4".

Louis Vuitton 

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#7 Dolce & Gabbana Borsa A Spalla Bag 

$1,795.00

I love the classic style of the Dolce & Gabbana Borsa A Spalla Bag!

It's luscious pebbled leather gleams with silver hardware and a shining removable chain strap. 4" double handle drop. 12" detachable shoulder strap. Magnetic snap closure. Two exterior magnetic snap compartments. Interior holds one zip and one cell pocket. Signature leopard print silk lining.

It's another somewhat roomy bag at 16" wide x 11" high x 3-1/2" deep. You guessed it ... it's made in Italy.

Dolce & Gabbana 

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#6 Givenchy Large Patent Nightingale 

$1,695.00

The Givenchy Large Patent Nightingale has been picked as the #1 bag for this top ten list because of it's style, affordability, and celebrity appeal.

For the price, it's a lot of bang and classic style.

This is the larger satchel in patent leather. With two leather handles and detachable shoulder strap. Black or brown.

Givenchy Nightingale Satchel 

Wow! Ladies, can we talk? If you've read my lens on Givenchy, you'd know I'm wild about this bag!

The Givenchy Nightingale is the latest IT bag of the celebrities! You can find it at Barney's New York for $1,695.00 or at eBay for a wee bit more affordably priced!

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#5 Gucci Indy Bag 

$2,495.00

This is the Gucci Indy large top handle bag with single handle, detachable shoulder strap, engraved gucci script logo, tassels with bamboo detail, metal plates, studs, inside zip pocket, and cell phone pocket.

It's fairly roomy at 18.9" long x 5.5" wide x 13" high. There are a variety of color combinations--this one is black/bronze degrade patent leather with dark gold hardware that is a website exclusive from www.gucci.com.

Gucci 

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#4 Bottega Veneta Knot 

$1,100.00

Every woman needs a clutch bag and this is such a perfect and affordable little number.

It's the Bottega Veneta Knot that is leather lined with a nappa trim. The body is a silk satin and it measures 7" x 2" x 4". The color is Nero or black.

Bottega Veneta 

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#3 Alexander McQueen Elvie 

This is the Alexander McQueen Elvie bag that is antique gold leather.

The metallic gold is super hot and trendy!

Alexander McQueen 

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#2 Chloe Paddington Leather Satchel 

$1,800.00

The Chloé Paddington Leather Satchel has been a celebrity favorite for several seasons ... that's why it's made the Top Ten list!

It's a classic bag with elegant lines, accented with studs and the signature Chloé padlock and key ornaments. Topstitching; buckle strap detail at sides; double top handles; double silver top zip and tab closure; one inside zip pocket; standing feet on bottom; canvas lining.

It's fairly roomy at 17" wide X 12-1/4" high X 7" deep. It's also made in Italy.

Chloe 

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#1--TIE!!! Valentino Patent Side Bow Tote 

$1,795.00

This tote bag by Valentino is adorable and hot. The red is a super trendy color, not to mention the patent leather is so in.

Tonal topstitching. Gold-tone hardware. Top handles with rings. Bow detail across front. Logo plate detail. Made in Italy.

Valentino 

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#1--TIE!!! Valentino Leopard Side Bow Shopper 

$2,495.00

From the dramatic bow to the head-to-toe, dripping-in-leopard ponyhair exterior, this purse is too showy to be even remotely practical.

Leopard-printed ponyhair with a dramatic bow, gold hardware, and bright red logo plate.

7-3/4" double handle drop (hand carry like the 2nd photo or It can also carry in the shoulder but with light clothing). Magnetic snap closure. 3 compartments - middle one with V-zipper closure. Red polyester satin lining.

I love the size of this 14" wide x 15-1/2" high x 7" deep. It's also made in Italy!

Valentino 

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Valentino ... Top Ten Bags

Any of these Valentino "Top Ten" Contender handbags could easily have made the cut ... keep an eye out for Valentino in 2008 and see how this designer rates!

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Couture Bag 

$1,950.00

I seriously want this bag!!! I've got to have it! Here it is, another Valentino -- it's the Valentino Couture Bag.

Soft nappa leather with woven and gathered details. Braided top handles, 6-1/2" drop. Top zip closure. Logo hardware. Standing feet. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

It's super roomy at 26"wide x 16" high x 9" deep. And, it's made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Maison Studded Satchel 

$2,495.00

This is a beautiful and classic Valentino Maison Studded Satchel.

Beautifully textured in hand-tucked calfskin with allover golden stud accents. Double top handles, 6" drop. Double top zip closure. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

A perfect size of 15" wide x 11-1/2" high x 4-1/2" deep. It's made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag 

$1,795.00

Another yummy Valentino handbag -- it's the Valentino Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag. As I'm a fan of the "structured" classic handbag, this one fits that to a tee!

Pintucked and bow accents give this soft nappa leather bag a tuxedo style. Contrast stitching detailing. Goldtone logo plaque. Double top handles, 6-1/2" drop. Magnetic frame closure. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

It's a perfect size of 16" wide x 13" high x 4" deep. Yep, it's made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Prada Tessuto Gauffre Tote 

$2,120.00

This is so yummy and hot! It's the Prada Tessuto Gauffre Tote.

Nappa gaufre tote with detachable shoulder strap. It's 10-1/4" wide x 13" high x 5" deep. Yep--it's made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Marc Jacobs Patchwork "Carolyn" Satchel 

$1,250.00

This is the adorable Marc Jacobs Patchwork "Carolyn" Satchel in Ivory.

Large leather patchwork satchel with double handles. Top zip closure. Inside zip, cell and additional pockets. Lined.

It's a great size of 11-1/2" high x 16" wide x 5-1/2" deep with a 5" drop. It's imported from Italy.

Honorable Mention: Vamp Bags Vicki 

For extremely affordable red handbags ...

There are a lot of well-known brand name handbags that are coveted, from Chloe to Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci to name just a few. But, I'm turning the spotlight on an interesting handbag I came across on eBags.

Vamp Bags Vicki is three bags in one. Vicki goes from the clutch to market bag to shoulder bag in just moments. It has a top flap entry with zipper closure, two slide interior pockets, oversized exterior pocket, faux leather material with faux suede lining, removable strap with polished silver hooks, and large silver O Rings for handles or decoration. It's 13" x 11" x 1" with a 25" linear length.

You'll find it at eBags for just a smidge over $200.00. What a deal.

Honorable Mention: Fossil Sedona Satchel 

For extremely affordable red handbags ...

As you probably already figured out, I'm crazy about RED handbags. The Fossil Sedona Satchel handbag would be a contender in my Top Ten for 2007 for lower range handbags as it is classic, stylish and ever so affordable at only $118.00!

And, it's Italian leather making it ever so desirable. It has hand stitching detail with a top zip closure, one main interior compartment with three pockets plus a removable shoulder strap. It's 8.25" x 8" x 3".

Hungarian trivia ...

Bag in Hungarian, is táska which comes from the Italian tasca.

Want a break from all the bags? 

Check out this "bag lady" lens!

featured lens Bag Lady of Song -- And Then Some Bags!

What exactly is a Bag Lady you might be asking?  Today, it literally refers to someone who sells designer handbags.  At one time, not all that long ago, this used to refer to someone who was homeless and down on their luck.  Once...

Spotlight Bag: Isabella Fiore 

OMG! I was just browsing the handbag listings on eBay and came across a Hermes Birkin with a BIN of $46,999.99!!! If that's a little too pricey for you, there's always another for only $40,999.99 or $39,999.99. Call me crazy, but that's a totally ridiculous price for a handbag--that's more than my car--well actually, I could have both my car in two different colors!

Well, to get back down to earth--I'm a typical woman who has got oodles of handbags AND shoes. You know, I've just got to coordinate with my outfits. Naturally, my "favorite" handbag tends to change with the seasons. Hence, this "spotlight" segment to highlight that one particular bag that's caught my eye; well, for the moment! ;-)

OK ... drum roll, it's the Isabella Fiore Snake Charmer Calco Penelope Handbag in a deep turquoise. It's a snakeskin embossed leather bag that has beautiful detailing and pretty tassels. Sorry to be a tease, but I think it's next to impossible to find this bag new today. I'll try and find another Spotlight Bag that you can actually buy. ;-)

Isabella Fiore 

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2006 #10 BCBG Max Azria Signature Hobo 

Bright, spring-green leather handbag from BCBG Max Azria is beautifully accented with contrast stitching, silver hardware, and the signature circle dangling in front. Flap closure, inside zipper pocket and two cell phone pockets.

I personally owned a BCBG Paris spring-green leather handbag that I loved for his beautiful color. I've recently sold out of this brand.

This green has been popular for more than one season.

BCBG Max Azria 

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2006 #9 Prague Leather Frame Flower Bag 

I happen to own both of these and can't decide which I love better--it kind of depends on the day and the outfit. Prague is the private label brand of Overstock.com.

This is genuine all leather with a structured frame styling that is slightly retro! It has dual leather strap handles, clasp-secured top opening, interior zip secured accessories pocket, interior cell phone and PDA pocket, and a removable two-tone leather floral brooch. It measures 12 x 7 x 4 inches with a MSRP of $125.

Prague 

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2006 #8 Fendi Spy Bag 

All I can say, is "Oh my goodness" this would be a sweet handbag to own provided you could afford the genuine article. Over the past several months, I have seen so many varieties of this particular bag selling for a range of prices from $45-$300. But, I'd say those weren't the genuine article.

I found a true "Made in Italy" Fendi Spy bag available through Saks for over $6,000. Another fashion site listed a similar bag for $2,495.

Fendi 

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2006 #7 Dooney & Bourke Nile Medium Duffle Bag 

I love Dooney & Bourke's Nile Collection because I'm partial to the alligator/crocodile embossed genuine leather. Plus the size of this is a great travel or weekender bag.

Exterior features a large front slot for easy access documents, large top zipper pocket, and name tag. Interior features zipper pocket, pen holders, and cell phone holders. It's elegant, yet roomy at 23 x 14 x 10 inches.

Dooney & Bourke 

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2006 #6 Brighton Corazon Heart Handle 

This is a Brighton Corazon Double Handle romantic leather petite handbag. It comes in either black or red. I've actually got the black one and paid full price for this at my local Parisian department store.

It is style #H1393. The heart-shaped handles are 2-1/2 inches. There is an inside zippered pocket along plus a small flap with magnetic closure. The size is compact at 7 x 8 x 3-1/2 inches. The MSRP is $180.00.

It is available from Brighton.com.

Brighton 

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2006 #5 Dooney & Bourke Pink Ostrich Domed Satchel 

Every lady deserves to have an ostrich leather handbag, especially in such a desirable color as pink!

This has shoulder friendly adjustable straps and zip top closure while the interior features a pocket, cell phone pouch, and key hook for all of your essentials. This measures 13 x 7 x 4-3/4 inches.

I am impressed with the various styles in the Dooney & Bourke line.

Dooney & Bourke 

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2006 #4 Chanel Black Hobo 

The classic hobo from Chanel in black leather with large double CC detail in contrast stitching. With zip opening, interior zip pocket, cell phone pocket and leather handle, it's versatile and roomy enough for every occassion. 16 x 12 x 4 inches.

I like the size and understated elegance of this handbag, although it's not in my price range. In Paris, France, I browsed the Chanel Boutique located in Printemps. One of Chanel's compact bags was roughly $900.00. That's a lot to spend for a designer handbag!

Chanel 

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2006 #3 Banana Republic Tangiers 

Sized for urban life, this roomy shoulder bag achieves a nice slouchy style, while still retaining the crescent shape. For those who love the natural beauty of fine leather, the whipstitch detailing at the leather chain-linked strap exudes organic style. The entire Tangiers Collection features our signature Italian leather that has been tumbled for an exceptionally soft and supple feel.

Leather chain-linked shoulder strap. Zip top closure with leather tassel. 7" drop. Cotton twill lining. Includes protective storage bag. It measures 16 x 17 x 4 inches with an inner zip pocket and cell phone pouch. 100% Italian leather. Imported.

Banana Republic 

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2006 #2 La Tour Eiffel Papillon Bow Barrel 

Update: Please be sure to check out my La Tour Eiffel lens to read more about this brand.

I happen to be wild about the entire line of La Tour Eiffel products. They have got so many stylish sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns that, hands-down, I prefer them to LV. But, don't tell anyone I said that!

This particular papillon was from my private collection. I hated to part with it, but my closets were overflowing with other handbags. This is style EF-8442.

P.S. I sold one of these and then acquired 2 additional since I loved the style so much!

La Tour Eiffel Signature Brown 

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2006 #1 Givenchy Baguette 

This Givenchy signature G logo petite handbag with leather trim was purchased by me at the Paris International Airport in a boutique store. By far, this is the priciest handbag that I ever purchased while on a vacation costing about $250.00.

I also happen to own a Givenchy tote-size version of this very canvas print along with another baguette in black and gray. Givenchy is my designer of preference.

The baguette shape and size is a great little special occasion bag.

Givenchy 

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Givenchy Books 

Audrey Style

Audrey Style

by: Pamela Clarke Keogh

Amazon Price: $28.80 (as of 12/05/2009) Buy Now

The Givenchy Code: An Homage and A Parody

The Givenchy Code: An Homage and A Parody

by: E.R. Escober

Amazon Price: $21.99 (as of 12/05/2009) Buy Now

The Givenchy Style (Spanish Edition)

The Givenchy Style (Spanish Edition)

by: Francoise Mohrt

Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2009) Buy Now

The Givenchy Style

The Givenchy Style

by: Francoise Mohrt

Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2009) Buy Now

What Inspired Me 

I was inspired to write this lens after all my years of experience with handbags. I've seen the use of confusing terminology to describe handbags and figured if I was confused, so must a lot of other people be confused.

According to Wikipedia:
inspired: having excellence through inspiration;
replica: an exact copy;
counterfeit: a non-genuine article;
mirror image: an image that is reversed from left to right, as it would appear if seen in a mirror; a reflection.

My interpretation of the above definitions makes me think that an "inspired" handbag or fashion item is more acceptable than say a "replica" or "mirror image." After all, don't we usually hear from the red carpet designers the day after the Academy Awards when they are creating their "inspired" fashions?

Drop me a line -- What are your best bags? 

Hope you enjoyed the top ten countdown of best bags!

So, what are your favorite handbags? Do you own hundreds like I do? What would be your "Top Ten?" Do you collect handbags? I'd love to hear from you.

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Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work ... it is just NOT cool so don't do it!

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