Unbelievable its not mine.....: Dark, unstructured bags under $2,000 USD

A friend of ours is looking to buy a bag under $2,000USD. She is sick of the boxy structure in her bag collection, and she hates getting her light-colored bags dirty. We couldn't resist dipping our fingers into this challenge: the search for the perfect, dark-colored, unstructured everyday bag for under $2,000 USD. Of course, a Bottega Veneta would be perfect, especially during such joyful period as the memorial sale in the States...a BV Julie, a BV butterfly tote, *mumble mumble, mumble*... ... ...ANYWAY, here goes.

From Bottega Veneta, let the bags speak for themselves.

First Line (left to right):

Walnut deerskin 'Julie' oversized bag $1,240

Brown woven leather fold-over shoulder bag $1,872 (also in Black)

Walnut deerskin woven medium tote $1,104

Black basketwoven leather flat small tote $1,680

Brown leather 'Campana' hobo (not available)

Second Line (left to right):

Olive woven leather 'Sloane' satchel $1,800

Dark brown leather braided handle medium shoulder bag $1,352

Tan leather braided medium shoulder bag $1,352

Brown woven leather 'New Ball' hobo $1,880

Third Line (left to right):

Brown woven detail leather satchel $1,861.99

Dark brown woven leather small doctor bag $1,584

Light brown basketweave leather flap top satchel $1,651.99

Brown basketweave leather flap top satchel $1,651.99

From Givenchy, consider the Nightingale bags in all kinds of sizes and skin (ranges from $1,495 to $2,195 at Barneys). Ashley Olsen carried hers around all of last year and the bag exploded in popularity with bloggers and Hollywood stars everywhere. While we're talking about Givenchy, there are many who loved the design of Givenchy's Bettina bags (the small brown Bettina costs $959, while the medium black one costs $1,049). Once you release the lobster clasp at the front of the bag, it becomes a tote shaped somewhat like the YSL downtown. Personally, I find that the clasp makes it hard for me to reach into the bag. Instead, I prefer Givenchy's Pluto shoulder bags (that I saw in person in the mall beside FarEast Hotel on Dunhua). A small purple Pluto costs around 47,000NT and a medium black one costs around 54,000NT. They are incredibly adorable since they were fashioned after a dog with floppy ears. Dog lovers beware of the hole it might burn in your pocket~~~...

From Chloe, we propose the Saskia Square Tote ($2,005) and the Padlock Leather Shopper ($1,718.63). I'm sure you will forgive us for including the Saskia Square Tote even though it is $5 over $2,000 and sort of a boxy shape. It is, however, wonderfully roomy and so eye-catching regardless of whether it is in taupe or in turqoise. Plus, you can wear it over your shoulders with the detachable straps or carry it by the Lucite handles. The Padlock Leather Shopper has the classic Chloe Paddington Lock on it and is big enough to carry anything you want with it. Drawback? The lock plus whatever you may throw in the bag will most definitely be a burden to your shoulders.

From Miu Miu, there is the Miu Miu Ruched Large Bag ($1,384.94) and the Leather Vintage Clip Front Shopper ($1,188.65). Imagine the 15" H x 19" W Ruched Bag in a dark color. If you like the balloon shape but wish it was more elongated, look for the Miu Miu Gathered Top Tote (Large for $1,270, and Medium for $1,080). As for the Clip Front Shopper, its dimensions are 14" H x 18.5" W x 6.5" D, and the cool vintage leather is the point here. The bag is simple, sexy, and entirely effortless.

From Lanvin, we present the Padova Sac ($1,855) and the Pirouette (Fall '08: retails for 1544 €). Both bags are subtle and luxurious. The Padova's shape is reminiscent of Bottega's Julie bag, but Lanvin's distinct strap and hardware detailing defines it. You might have to wait a litte for the Pirouette, a brown calfskin bag with blue water snake handle. The scrumptuous calfskin juxtaposed with the blue watersnake handle really sends ripples into my heart.

From Diane von Furstenberg, here's the Wrap Bag ($900), which incorporates her signature wrap style into this new and highly popular bag. In fact, it is so popular, it's sold out in many stores. I guess we can only keep our eyes and ears peeled for when stores get another shipment of this simple yet interesting bag.

From Mulberry's Spring and Summer '08 collection, you'll find the Agyness ($1,595). It's rather self-explanatory and has caught the eye of many since its appearance. Mulberry has been coming up in ranks in the opinions of bag aficionados. Also, if the Agyness reminds you of Jimmy Choo's Maddy bag with zippers across the front, at least Mulberry made the Agyness bag softer, with better lines and curves, subtle details (plaited details on the side), and more femininity than Jimmy Choo did.

From Jimmy Choo, you'll find several versions of the Alex Shoulder Bag ($1975 for the Suede, $2,175 originally and on sale at $1,522 for the Leather). While they aren't the freshest bags out there, their design is chic and modern.

From Jill Sander, the Braided Handle Hobo ($1,850) blows an ultralight breath of fresh air to all that sees it. If only we can find it online in a dark color... But don't lose hope! Something might turn up for the Fall!!! (FYI: Except for slight variations in shape and an absence of the pretty braided handles, Jill Sander has many black leather hobos online that are similar to the bag above.) The nappa leather spans 11" x 16" x 6.5" with a 8" handle drop.

From Sonia Rykiel's french design house, the Judy bag was borned out of her Spring and Summer '08 collection. Supple calfskin paired with braided handles, there is a lot of attitude in this bag despite its softness. One might also consider Sonia Rykiel's Darling bag, though it doesn't pack quite the same punch as Judy.

From Derek Lam, we present a kaki-colored shoulder bag called Hera Hobo with Ram Hardware ($1,450). The interior is divided with a center zip compartment and outer magnetic-snap compartments. Mildly distressed leather is ruched in the front and in the back, with a 7" strap drop. This bag is neutral and mysterious, as if it hides a soft and intelligent secret in its sleeves. It epitomizes Derek Lam's designs in its womanly and wry ways.

From Fendi, the Baby Spy Bag ($1,470) is included because it is so damn cute in person. In black, there is a young, dominatrix feel about the bag. The classic Spy became popular a few years ago and since then, countless incarnations, mostly hideous, have been forcefully impressed on our eyes and minds. That's why it is so surprising to see the Baby Spy and find it so easily digested and very pleasant to be around with! Armed with a 4½" drop on the double braided handles, this bag is about 13"W X 6"H X 7"D in dimensions.

From Marc by Marc Jacobs, we had to post this well-made leather bag in case you haven't bought it already. The name of the bag is Dr. Q Groovee (rather funky, don't you think?). At the affordable price of $498, this bag is certainly a good buy from a known name. Unfortunately, it's not in stock right now, so look in-store!!!

________________________________________________________

Divive Bags that were too expensive...