I am drooling over Anya Hindmarch Bathurst

 

I have been a loyal fans of Anya Hindmarch for almost a decade. Started circa 2004, I got myself an Anya Hindmarch Be A Bag tote. It was the popular photo bag and a big hit during that time. That year was the beginning of my bag addiction and further down the road I finally managed to 'collect' around 6-7 Be A Bag with various photos/print, like dogs, cats and grannies. I do still keep 2 of them (with cat and dog photos) as these 2 bags have some sentimental values for me.

Since then, I classified Anya Hindmarch as one of my favourite brands and regularly checked the website. Most of the time I was drooling over their bags which I believed to be made with excellent craftsmanship. And now I could not help myself from making a special post for this elegant bag.

It is named Bathurst, as inspired by the 1st Baron Bathurst, a renowned 18th Century politician and the bag is made from box calf leather. This type of the leather reminds me of Hermes box calf leather which is often used in belt or bags (like Kelly or Birkin). In my opinion, the bag has the 'Kelly' theme, i.e. a classic bag in boxy shape with handle and long strap. Yet Anya Hindmarch has added some elements of fun to the bag, like bi-color long leather strap and enamel lock featuring a discreet lucky clover. The enamel clover portrait inlay has given a sense of cuteness to the bag, and I like it.

Bathurst can be considered as a small-sized bag. Its dimension is 21cm x 17cm x 8cm and a continental wallet might not be able to go into the bag. The bag is lined in soft suede and has few useful inside pockets. Its quoted price is GBP1,195.

The website also provides the interesting history of 'box calf' leather which is worth quoting.

Calf is a young hide, highly valued for it’s smooth and regular surface. Named after Joseph Box, a 19th century London shoemaker, Box calf is a very traditional leather identifiable by its unique subtle square markings on the grain. This is achieved by softening the leather and lightly creasing it by folding grain to grain and then working the fold across the leather to and fro. Anya Hindmarch's box calf has a “aniline” finish which maintains the natural feel of the skin.





images from anyahindmarch.com

Goyard Marquises Tote in Grey

The grey colour was just recently introduced by Goyard in December 2012 and I really adore this grey Marquises Tote.

Officially this bag is now on my wishlist. I wished that I could go to the nearest Goyard store to see the grey tote bag in person *sigh* (which is very impossible as there is no Goyard store in my city *frown* )


image from goyard.com

The transformation of YSL Chyc Cabas

 

I am still weeping over the change of YSL into SLP *hiks* I simply missed its 'Y' logo which has made YSL so unique among other high end brands.

One of the YSL handbags that I constantly covet is the iconic Chyc Cabas (other than the Easy bag). I have one Chyc Cabas in green that I can repeatedly appraise for the overall design and quality of craftsmanship. And I do still keep a wishlist for the Small Chyc Cabas (that comes with longstrap) and hope to own one next year *fingers crossed*. But when I recently browsed around the YSL website I noticed that there has been major changes on Chyc Cabas look. I was very surprised! Well, obviously the changes must be commissioned by Mr. Hedi Slimane, the new YSL creative director.

The obvious changes that will be easily noticed are the (new) clochette, (thicker and square-ish) hardware for handles and zipper pull and (the missing) accent panels that create a "Y" outline (see above photos for bags on the right). One thing that remains is the big and bold Y hardware logo *Thanks God*

And before the latest Chyc Cabas look, there is a Chyc Cabas in transition that still incorporates the old design (i.e. the accent panels that create 'Y' outline) yet has applied new and sleeker hardware design. See the bag in the middle on above photos.

If I have to choose only one Chyc Cabas, then it must be the Chyc Cabas in transition. What I like the most about this 'bag in the middle' is that it has applied new hardware, especially on the handles and zipper pull, yet the old YSL feels is still there. Though I still can accept and adore the first generation of Chyc Cabas which will soon become extinct *hello Santa, please visit my bag blog and read my wishlist!*


The description of the new Chyc petite Cabas in YSL website is as follows

Tubular top handle bag with external leather pouch with enclosed key ring.

• Calfskin with leather lining
• Removable shoulder strap
• 2 slot pockets
• Double zip closure, gold-toned "Y" buckle and metal protective feet
• Style ID: 311210 BJ50J 1000
• Dimensions: 12" x 8.5" x 6", Drop 4"
• Made in Italy

One last thing that I have to note down is the major price transformation. Before Mr. Slimane came, the small chyc cabas was priced usd1850, yet now the sleeker and more minimalist small chyc cabas (or now called Chyc petite Cabas) would cost us usd2350 *oouch*


sources: www.ysl.com

My obsession is still going strong

The saga (er, the obsession) is not over yet!
Now I am drooling over this gorgeous poppy red mini YSL Chyc Cabas. The combination of red leather and gold hardware is simply to-die-for.

The bag screams 'CHIC' loudly. Definitely I will put this on my (bag) wishlist!


Price GBP1,029


source: net-a-porter.com

Current obsession: YSL Medium Chyc Cabas

Beige - Black - Peacock blue - Dark brown
(USD1950)

Dark green - Dark magenta - Saffron - Skye blue
(USD1950)

Degrade lizard embossed
Beige - Pacific blue
(EUR1650)

Textured leather
Dark magenta - Light pink - Pale beige
(USD2195)

I am officially obsessed over YSL Chyc Cabas. I can not stop thinking the next purchase (what size and colour) lol

I have owned one in medium size dark green Chyc Cabas (check here). And after using (and abusing) the bag for awhile, I am happy with the bag as it is beautiful, practical, has great details and exquisite leather and it is not as common as other big names (with logos).

Hence I made this post for sharing other colours from its FW 2012 collection. For sure I am dreaming for the one in pacific blue degrade lizard embossed. I have seen one in local YSL store and it looks very luxurious and gorgeous. Other than that, I am also eyeing one in peacock blue, which has a nice bright coblat blue.

Depending on the type of leather and finish, the price is ranging from USD1950 to USD2195. And I am satisfied for knowing that the bag is still 'Made in Italy' :D

images from YSL.com

Current obsession: YSL Mini Chyc Cabas

:: Black :: 

 :: Dark brown ::

 :: Light seppia ::

 :: Dark green ::

:: Beige :: 

:: Skye blue ::

I went to YSL store last week and tried the bag. It was an instant love! The strap is at great length (I think I can wear the bag in cross body style if the strap is at maximum lengtht). The size is just right for my petite frame and the leather is to-die-for. Overall design is excellent!


The website describes the bag as follows

Continuing in the iconic Yves Saint Laurent fashion of functional and chic, this versatile YSL bag is a modern take on the iconic tote. Supple construction. Ultra-soft leather with natural grain outer. Comfortable tubular handles. Removable, three-hole, adjustable shoulder strap. Gold-toned metal rings. A double zip and leather flap with gold-toned "Y" buckle. Accent panels create a subtle "Y" outline. Interior details: 1 zip pocket and 2 open pockets. Metal protective feet on underside. Cotton lining.

• Made in Italy
• Dimensions: 12" x 8" x 6", Drop 4.5"
• Style ID: 297957 BUB0G 3458

Price USD 1,795



If I have to choose one (or two), then I will go for black or light seppia.

Yet I am still having a difficult time to decide whether to get this bag or not.
At the same time, I am also considering the medium chyc cabas *sigh*
Decision, decision, decision.....





images from YSL.com

2012 Bag wishlist

Ok, I will make it simple and reasonable:

1. Chanel classic medium flap bag in lambskin GHW
2. Celine mini Luggage orange in smooth clafskin (not that fluo orange !!)
3. .....
4. .....
5. .....

And I intentially leave it blank for the rest of the above list. I know myself very well that I change my mind quickly and can easily become obsessed over a designer brand lol

We shall see what's going to happen in 2012 :)

Help! I need a cross body bag

I just came back from a family holiday and during the weekend getaway I brought my Chanel Biarritz. Before leaving home I thought that I would need a BIG bag as I anticipated to stuff my bag with iPad, mobile phone, mobile phone charger, wallet, cosmetic pouch, foldable baby carrier, mobile banking devices, small writing pad, toys and camera. As expected I ended up carrying a full and heavy bag. Plus I have to carry my 10month old baby in baby carrier (i.e. baby was carried in front or in kangoroo style). Comfort was not my main objective during the trip. I focused on my baby comfort and safety and being not-to-forget-anything-so-just-put-everything-in-the-bag.

Then I just realized that I do not have a nice and comfortable cross body bag. I do have a Balenciaga Velo Black RGGH (that can be worn cross body) and Prada nylon small crossbody bag. But they’re still too big or too small (or too heavy in the case of Bal Velo RGGH) for me just to carry my essentials.

So now I need (and want) a nice, stylish and comfortable cross body bag and officially I am in the hunt for it.

I plan to stuff my (future) cross body bag with

• Wallet (continental/zipper style)
• Mobile phone
• Credit card case
• Pencil case
• Small mirror
• Tissue

Yup, I do not intend to put my cosmetic pouch inside the bag :p

And the criteria that I am looking for are as follows

• Lightweight (very important)
• Not too big and not too small, just the right size to accomodate my stuffs
• Stylish enough (ehm....)
• Easy to open or to access the bag contents
• Strap length must be suitable for my petite frame
• Worry free (meaning that I must not worry that the bag may get colour transfer from jeans)

Then I came up with few finalists from 3 brands: Louis Vuitton (Trocadero 27, Menilmontant PM, Odeon PM), Bottega Veneta and Celine (Nano Luggage).

Louis Vuitton Trocadero 27, Menilmontant PM and Odeon PM
images from louisvuitton.com

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa crossbody bag in nero, shock, turquoise, sunset and steel
images from bottegaveneta.com

Celine Nano Luggage as worn by Nicky Hilton
images from Purseblog

Honestly I have not made my mind on the most preferred style or colour. I still want to try on those bags, especially LV Menilmontant and Bottega Veneta crossbody bag. I did try the Celine Nano Luggage few months ago and the size or weight is just perfect. The bag actually met my criteria. But again, trying the other bag finalists is still worth doing before I spend some cash on a rather small bag.

Prada Saffiano Lux Tote Bags

From left to right
Top: Caramel - Sand (Sabbia) - Clay Grey (Argilla) - Cameo (Cammeo)
Middle: Pale Grey (Pomice) - Chalk white (Talco) - Burgundy (Granato) - Light blue (Ottanio)
Bottom: Cobalt blue (Cobalto) - Cornflower blue (Bluette) - Red (Fuoco) - Papaya

These tote bags are already famous by using a generic name of Prada Saffiano Lux tote bags. As part of Prada Classic Collection these bags have been available throughout several seasons and there were seasonal colours released from season to season (I have seen one in fuchsia. So nice!). They come in different styles and sizes. By the time I made this posting, the bags in papaya colour had the most complete sizes and styles on the website.

Papaya Saffiano Lux tote bags in different styles and sizes

If I have to choose one for myself, then I will opt for a medium-sized tote bag in black (Nero). The medium size is just perfect for a petite girl like me (height 5'1"), and black is just so classic and very versatile. However I have not decided on the style between the medium-sized bag with and without "two outside pockets with zipper closure". Actually this long description of the bag has a special code of BN1786 and BN1844 respectively.

BN1786 in Black, EUR1180
Medium tote bag 'with' double zipped pockets

Image from saksfifthavenue.com

BN1844 in Black, EUR995
Medium tote bag 'without' double zipped pockets

Image from Saksfifthavenue.com

Well, we can never go wrong with another black bag, especially if it is a Prada classic tote bag.
Since I am now finalizing my 2012 bag wishlist, then I am seriously considering whether this Prada classic tote bag should be part of the list or not...

Should I or should I not? *wink*



source: Prada.com

This Jil Sander bag 'almost' went home with me

And now I still regret I did not take it home :((

I saw in Le Bon Marche the same bag but in gorgeous dark purple colour. It was a very versatile colour. I touched the leather and it was so heavenly soft. The Jil Sander's leather is the key factor that made me adore this German brand very much.

The bag is described as follows in their website:
"Minimal and simple shape. Easy and everyday use bag presented in a very soft deer skin."

I totally agree with that!

At that time I contemplated for quite some time inside Le Bon Marche whether to buy this bag or not. And I finally decided to leave the bag at the store.

Now I still want it and have a challenge that I could not find any local store that carries Jil Sander brand. Local OP store has stopped selling this brand in the past 3 years. And HN has been gone out of business since last year.
I wish I was impulsive enough to grab this bag at le Bon Marche and to take it home with me...

Price: EUR1060

photo credit: jilsander.com

More RED bags in October

I just can say that I am sooooo excited that I have successfully hauled these (almost) identical bags;)

Peeking out

My Longchamp wishlist

Le Pliage 'wool' with leather stripes EUR190

Le Pliage with 'feather' suede applique EUR130

Planetes Hazelnut EUR75

I saw (and touched and carried around for few minutes) all these bags in the Longchamp store today. They are lovely in real life and really worth buying. Hmm, which one should I get first?


photo credit: longchamp.com

This is M.I.N.E. - Celine Mini Luggage Cobalt Blue

This bag is still on my wishlist



 

Although I have had several pieces of BV bags, I still want another one in Ebano large veneta. Veneta is my fave style from BV (as well as Sloane). If I ever have my own money tree, then I want to collect the large veneta in several colours :D .

Ebano Intrecciato Nappa Large Veneta

style 115654 V0016 2072

Inspired by the shape of the timeless hobo, the traditional Veneta is a signature element of Bottega Veneta's handbag collection. Its concave armhole and flattened, minimalist body are balanced by a substantial handle, making it both roomy, comfortable as well as distinctive. An ideal bag for daily use. The bag has one interior zip pocket, a cell phone pocket and zipper closure. With gunmetal hardware.…

Lining: Suede

Dimensions:

20.1" W x 19.7" H x 2" D
51cm W x 50cm H x 5cm D
Drop 10" /25.5cm

source: bottegaveneta.com