Bag Closet: Alexander Wang

While I occasionally wander into other obsessions - like with these and these - handbags are my first and last accessory craving. The right color or style can completely change an outfit, and what fun is fashion if it isn't a bit changeable?

My purse collection isn't as enviable as some people's - I mean, Victoria Beckham probably has an Hermès Birkin for every day of the year - but it's not a bad little grouping either. So I'm starting a new feature - "Bag Closet" - in which we'll take a look at my own and others' bags, as well as some tips for starting and growing your own collection!

First up: Alexander Wang




The craze around AW bags started a few years back when MK and Ashley Olsen started carrying a black studded Rocco, but no one knew what it was, as it hadn't been released to the public yet. Of course everyone went all cray cray, and when people found out who made the bag, mile-long wait lists began.

I think that AW bags are pretty to look at, but their real appeal is the leather. Bubbly. Smooshy. Buttery soft. A little distressed. Perfect. If you've never seen an AW bag in person, run to your nearest Barney's NY. Just to touch one. Seriously.

I have a "Diego" in Forest Velvet Cut Leather and a new-to-me "Rocco" in Ocean. (Both special release colors sold only at Barney's). I have both basic black and brown bags that I use more regularly, so the AW purchases seemed like great places to add color to my collection.

Alexander Wang bags are also not a bad place to start a designer purse collection. The price point isn't cheap ($450 - $900 for bags), but it's not as bad as Chanel, where you're basically deciding between a car or a bag (Jumbos are up to a whopping $4300).

You can find AW bags in a variety of places online (the designer's own site, Barney's, and Shopbop all have great stock). As well, you can find some really good bargains (or out-of-stock colors) on eBay. Though when you're shopping second hand for designer anything, you always have to be careful about authenticity. Before clicking that "Place Bid" button, make sure to post any AW auctions in the "Authenticate This Alexander Wang" section at The Purse Forum. The lovely ladies there will help to make sure you don't walk away with a counterfeit bag.

I hope you enjoy the new feature, and happy bag shopping!!

Want It Now: Kilim Drawstring Bags

These handmade Kilim bags from A Kind of Guise are perfection. The folks over there have taken some of the rugs that they'd brought back from a trip to the Middle East, and made limited run of bags for what they're calling The Kilim project.

I'm smitten with the fact that they're not only "recycling" vintage materials to craft their goods, but also that each of these bags would have it's very own origins story behind it. While most products have country of origin labels, it's far cooler to be able to know where exactly the materials from your bag came from, when they were gotten, and who made them into something wonderful.

Sonia . Rykiel . SS . 2011

I don't own anything from Sonia Rykiel, but from what I can gather, most of her accessories are in the Phillip Lim price range as compared to the Chanel price range, which is ridiculously good, as I'm going to need to snap up one of these amazing fringe bags as soon as they're available. Those huge tassels are to die for.

Morelle

Since we made the offer on the house, I've really been trying to be a better shopper - the only clothing or accessories that I've bought in the last month is a new pair of jeans from Forever21 for $20.

And it's starting to get to me.

So while I'll certainly have to put my dreams of Balenciaga or Chanel on hold for awhile (because a new Chanel = the cost of redoing my kitchen and dining room), I have my eye on something I think is equally as gorgeous, probably more practical, and much more unique:



These are "Truffle" bags from a lovely bag designer in Amsterdam, Katie, and can be found in her shop, Morelle. Each one is handmade from amazingly lux leather, and the colors - well, as you can see, to die for! I really want one in each color so I can have a little rainbow of her bags!

The bags are also huge (which I love), and reinforced so you can toss your laptop in if you need to!



She also makes other adorable bags, like the Morchella, and Tulip!

What's your favorite?