The French house nailed it again, don’t you think? It seems so effortless, like the design of this bag. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf for USD1,795.

Image is courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

I am a big fan of designer bags but I have turned Vegan for over a year and tried to avoid buying leather goods as well, including beautiful leather bags. I can see that you are a big fan of full leather goods yourself, the more the better. I have no judgement or qualms towards this but i wish you could also feature more non-leather materials for a change to cater for people like myself.

Allison, Singapore

Stella McCartney Recycled Nylon Bag, available at Bergdorf Goodman for USD785

Hi A

Thanks for the suggestion. I have to say that we admire people who could turn vegan and stay true. While we love leather goods, the products we feature are from designers who are socially responsible, as far as we know. This means, they work within rules and guidelines in obtaining the raw material for their products.

We embrace designers and products which are non-leather. Designers such as Stella McCartney are difficult to come by as she has made it a point and a name by using no leather in all of her products. For most designers, limiting use of leathers only as trims and replacing them with nylon, canvas, faux leather or fabric is a way to make their products more affordable, at the same time help reducing consumption of leathers.

You might have noticed that it is not easy to totally avoid leather products in our daily lives but some people like yourselves have already made head ways and kudos to that.

Write your queries to us at askme@purseholic.com

Purseholic

I dun know for sure why this hobo bag was named 360 but my guess is that because the bag resembles a full round shape (360 degrees) when it is being carried. I like the soft and supple nappa leather, especially in this red color, the same color of which Valentino Garavani had made the dresses that put his name on the list of the world’s top fashion designers. Back to this bag, at USD1,395 for such a big full leather bag that has all the potential to be a classic. Available at Saks in either black or red.

Image is courtesy of Saks

What do you think? It might not be love at first sight but my fondness towards this leather belt with its simple design has actually grown a lot since day ONE.

About this time next week I will be in Hong Kong! and probably having my favourite HK mango desserts =). The last time I went to Hong Kong which was last year in August, there’s this little something which was missing from the trip - Patrizia Pepe - Yes, I am talking about Patrizia Pepe which unfortunately we don’t have one here in Singapore.

We had difficulties in finding the store at first, even though that was probably because we’re so distracted and made stops every now and then in almost every store we walked by at Tsim Sha Tsui. And not only that, when we were finally there (on our last day), four of us wanted to get the same belt which was beautiful and on a very good deal. So while 3 of my girlfriends were fighting for one blue belt, I thought I should just get another design with the same blue which was sitting at the corner unnoticed.

For my upcoming trip, I shall pay an early visit to Patrizia Pepe. I am going with J & mom. Hope they wouldn’t mind cos I’d be very happy to check out Pepe’s current collections:

Pictures are courtesy of patriziapepe.com

It is like a skin disease. Fendi ought to know that they could not sell anything just because their FF logo is on it if it is really ugly, let alone scary. And they are charging USD712 (after 20% off) for this. WTF???

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

It is the rainy season in this part of the world now and sometimes it makes me feel like wearing a PVC boot out. Unfortunately that is out of question with my job and the way people dress in general in Singapore. Anyway, it is time to keep your leather and especially suede (God forbid!) bags into its dust bag and inside your closet again til next year. One should start opting for a safe water-resistant bags like this beautiful Burberry PVC tote. That monogram canvas bag you have should have made the cut if not because of that fragile Vachetta parts but this Burberry tote is just what perfect for the season. The price is not too bad either (for a Burberry, that is) at USD550. More surprisingly it is still made in Italy.

Image is courtesy of Saks

What a beautiful color and irresistible deerskin on this bag. I was not exactly crazy about this shape of Prada bag but in this smaller size, it looks very very cute and still practical. By the time I wrote this, only 3 pieces left available at bluefly.com at USD1,240 (after 20% off) a pop for a full leather Prada, it should be flying off the shelf soon.

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

This is technically not about purse but it is also about a bag, which is the only one I hate. I had a good lazy Sunday last week, finally managed get to to do my hair spa and cut, body massage and long sleep. Life has been pretty stressful lately and it shows on my face and below my eyes. My trusted Clinique products do not seem to have very effective eye cream. Heard that La Mer’s Eye Concentrate is good so I might want to try it soon. The tiny spoon is so cute, feels like I am about to eat caviar. Hope this pot is as miraculous as its moisturising cream. Available at your upscale departments stores for USD165.

Image is courtesy of Saks

The house of Versace will have to trim down 350 jobs to stay track to become profitable within 2 years. This is exactly what happens when people start cutting down on luxury items. This translates to mortgages unpaid, kids stop going to school so really, while saving is of utmost important, if you could, keep spending, on luxury or not, because that is the only way the economy could turn back upwards.

In the light of luxury saving livings, this shoulder bag from the Italian house is just stunning but pricey.  Don’t get me wrong… I love Versace’s true form of ultimate glam and luxury but I think Donatella should start balancing out the offerings from the brand with  more affordable and simpler goods suitable for daily use in order to keep the revenue streaming in, just like its Italian counterparts named Gucci and Prada. Versace items are generally just way too special for most occasions. This shoulder bag is made of coated PVC, nylon, canvas and silk lining. Available at Saks for USD1,370.

Image is courtesy of Saks

Man Bags are generally not required to be fussy. A simple black one, made of good material with good craftmanship will normally suffice just like this YSL Manhattan Messenger bag. The bag is low-key, fuss-free and you won’t even know it is a YSL until you peek inside, which is cool this way. I like the fact that the bag is made of textured and coated leather which provides some resistency to scratches and rains on the outer side, while the inner side is of soft natural leather and lined with canvas. Perfect bag for a modern man. There is only one left at bluefly.com for USD716 (20% off from USD895). I say this is a GREAT buy or a great gift for the upcoming Christmas. Hurry!!!

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

According to Candy Pratts Price, military touches are IN and being a fan of military stuff myself, I  am just agreeable. This Balenciaga bag is in my opinion, really beautiful. Pre-order from Barneys for USD1,595.

Image is courtesy of Barneys

I am not a fan of Rihanna’s doll-up here at the recent Dior’s Paris show but that vintage-inspired croc bag from Dior Couture Fall 2009 and Resort 2010 collection is HOT.  Hope it puts the house of Dior back on the bag map.

Image is courtesy of JustJared.buzznet.com

Coach continues impressing me with the Audrey. The textured gold leather is so unique it looks like a million bucks when it is in fact USD898. What a bargain!! Not forgetting the generous size and the tone-on-tone brass details which make it super eye-catching of couse…

Image is courtesy of Coach

This reached me about 2 weeks but it is only today that I got some time taking the images and posting it. Although I do not fully get most of the things in the magazine, it is still nice seeing the pictures. It is like a high school art magazine project except with much bigger budget, I am sure. Hermes sent the magazine twice a year to their members and this is the second issue for  the year.

Oh yeah… 2009 is ending in only two months.

The ad for John Lobb shoes (John Lobb belongs to Hermes group) and the Contents page.

Images are taken by Dee Purseholic

Named after a town in Italy, The Stresa will be available in Monogram and Damier Azur Canvas from Vuitton Cruise 2010 collection. The beautiful shape of the bag, the size and the long straps will surely be popular with ladies who travel heavily. The Stresa is available is two sizes: PM (15.7″ x 8.6″ x 8.3″) and GM (17.3″ x 9.4″ x 8.6″) and priced at USD1,360 and USD1,520 respectively. In my opinion, pretty decently priced for monogram canvas bags of such size. If you like it, place your order now. I have a feeling this will be flying off the shelves pretty soon.

Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton