Mulberry launched the Alexa style a year or so ago, and while I love the way it looks, I wasn’t sold on the practicality of this style. Like the Proenza Schouler PS1 and the Hermès Kelly, it has a top handle attached to the flap instead of anchored to both sides of the bag, which means the flap closure hardware has to support the entire weight of the bag. In addition, the first season Alexas were made of soft buffalo leather lined with fabric. While I adore soft leather, it didn’t seem sturdy enough to support a structured style, and the bags sometimes looked saggy and droopy.

This season, Mulberry has apparently rethought the slouchy Alexa, and now this style is available in a thicker napa lambskin with a suede lining. The thickness of the leather reminds me of the original Darwin leather that made the Mulberry Bayswater an instant classic. Alexa borrowed some details from the shape of the Bayswater, but it’s a bit smaller and lighter and has a messenger strap that is actually long enough to fit me crossbody.

The best part about this Alexa, though, is the color and texture of the leather. Pumpkin is not a true orange, but has more orange undertones than Oak. Depending on the light, it ranges from a rich rust to a softer shade. And…did I mention the texture of the large grain napa? It’s soft and bubbly and lovely to touch, and it makes each bag individual and unique. The brushed brass hardware is a little brighter than Mulberry’s antique metalwork, but it’s not shiny or glossy. The braided handle is padded and comfortable to carry by hand, but not quite long enough to work well carried in the crook of the arm.

My one complaint about this bag is my original concern: practicality. The front buckled straps have concealed magnet closures, and they help support the weight of the bag, but they are a bit fiddly to deal with on a daily basis. And when carried by the handle, the weight of the bag does rest on the postman’s lock closure. It’s a very sturdy piece of hardware and it’s quite securely attached, but if there’s too much stuff in the bag (for example, when I add an umbrella to my usual items) it makes the flap wrinkle up somewhat. The look of the gentle slouch doesn’t bother me, I just want the lovely Alexa to last me a long time.

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed a distinct shift in focus from high-end “premier” designer bags to less pricey brands. This is due to both personal and more global economic reasons.

I’ve been into beautiful handbags for years, and for a while I was happily buying Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Prada, Chloe, Miu Miu, Mulberry and even Hermes. It wasn’t uncommon for me to spend $1,000 or $1,500 on a fabulous handbag…and once I paid considerably more.

But the recession hit us hard, and I’ve had to scale wayyy back on non-necessities. It’s now a matter of priorities – for the price of one or two high-end bags, I can pay for a semester of my kid’s university tuition. Once upon a time, I could have done both, but right now that’s simply not realistic. I also seem to be less interested in ego bags as I get older. These days I’d rather have something beautiful that flies under the radar than an “it” style everyone covets because it’s been photographed on the Hollywood starlet du jour.

There’s also a distinct difference in the way I feel when I carry more expensive bags. Experts say the recession is over, but when so many people are still out of work and struggling, it feels really conspicuous to carry a bag that costs more than my first car. To be honest, I sometimes feel like a dumbass for spending so much cash on something as mundane as a handbag. I also have a new job in a big city, and when I carry something obviously-expensive like LV, I feel like a crime target.

Last year I decided to try Longchamp bags because they are comparatively affordable but still well-made. Like Balenciaga, they come in a rainbow of pretty colors, but I can actually afford to have more than one. They have turned out to be lightweight, good-quality, and easy to carry, and although they’re fairly common in my city, they are still classy. I also scored a gorgeous pewter Cole-Haan bag on clearance, I discovered Marc by Marc Jacobs, and gods help me, I even gave Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley a try. With a bit of creativity, it is definitely possible to carry a great-looking, good quality bag without spending a small fortune, and they add a level of freedom because you don’t have to worry about where you put them down.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have (and love) some of my premier designer bags, and I still keep up with new trends and styles. But I don’t carry them as often now, and if I spend over $300 on a bag it is a well-considered, classic, understated style I can carry for years.

Check out these spring beauties! (click for fullsize image)

On the left is the Longchamp Le Pliage small handbag in Fuchsia, which is a really nice, rich pink. I’ve been carrying the small handbag every day for a week or so now, and I am amazed at how much it holds. It looks like a tiny little bag (it measures just 8″ x 5.5″ at the base x 8″ tall x 12″ along the zipper), but can easily fit all of my daily stuff plus a bottle of water…and it still doesn’t weigh anything. How does Longchamp do it? Other colors for this season include Curry, White, Palm Green and Lagoon.

On the right is the medium handbag in Rose Darshan print. The watercolor Darshan print is inspired by the Hindu ceremonial tradition of laying down flower petal necklaces as offerings to the gods, and I think it’s perfect for spring and summer (it also comes in yellow). The fabric doesn’t feel like the usual nylon — more like a cotton twill — but it’s still very lightweight. I really like the darker leather handles against the light colors. This size measures 11″ x 8″ at the base x 12″ tall x 18″ along the zipper, so it’s a good-sized bag that will fit easily everyday stuff, plus an iPad or netbook and your lunch. This print is also available in tote styles, a clutch, and a small wheeled carryon for travel.

You can find both of these bags at Magnum’s – sign up for their mailing list and get a coupon code for $10 off right away, plus discount coupons via email about once a month.

I got an email from Dooney & Bourke the other day, announcing the release of their new Florentine Vachetta Satchel. I actually really like the style, but it’s obviously a complete ripoff of the Miu Miu Bow Satchel that debuted in 2007. Let’s look at them together, shall we?

Almost every detail has been copied – the handle stitching, the golden ring details, the stud strap closure, the fold-over zippered top. All of the dimensions are within half an inch of being identical. The main difference is that the Dooney version has preppy tassels at the ends instead of the floppy Miu Miu bows that made this bag famous. I am not familiar with Dooney leather, but if their vachetta is anything like LV’s, it is much stiffer than the Bow Satchel’s soft, buttery stuff.

I feel somewhat divided about this. On one hand, the Dooney & Bourke satchel is a cheap knockoff of a lovely Miuccia Prada design. On the other hand, not everyone has the budget for Miu Miu – especially now that it’s almost as expensive as Prada. And the price difference is considerable: I believe the Bow Satchel was around $1,200 when it was available, although now it’s almost impossible to find. The D&B version is a much more affordable $358. And hey, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? So — if you want something similar to the Bow Satchel without the bows, at a more reasonable price, it may be worth checking out. Dooney.com doesn’t have it in stock yet, but supposedly* it ships in early April.

* I’m a little cynical about Dooney’s stocking policies due to my first (and probably last) experience with Dooney.com. Last October I decided to try one of their fall bags in a dark forest green, and ordered an in-stock bag from the website. I was excited about using it for late fall/winter holidays, so I paid extra for 2-day shipping. I received an email order confirmation but then…nothing. A week went by, then two weeks without a word, and no bag. I finally called and was told it was on backorder, that it should just be a few weeks. They never sent a backorder notification or anything. Repeat this scenario a few times…no bag, no email, I’d call them and the date would be bumped again. I finally received the bag last week — FOUR MONTHS after I ordered it. Way past the season for forest green. Dooney FAIL.

Chloe’s Marcie style has been on my radar for about a year now. I’ve been watching the evolution of Chloe bags over the course of several different designers, from Martine Sitbon and Karl Lagerfeld to Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo and beyond. While I still adore (and carry) my classic red Edith, the Paraty did not blow my skirt up at all. I wasn’t sure about Marcie’s curvy hourglass shape at first, but it’s grown on me over time. Marcie comes in several styles, including a long-strap satchel, a short-strap hobo and the two-handle tote in medium and large sizes. I’ve fallen for the Medium Messenger Bag style, which is essentially a tote with a long messenger strap.

I prefer the tote style over the hobo because I tend to use arm-carried bags more than shoulder bags these days, especially when the shoulder strap is on the short side. The messenger strap on this bag makes it extra useful, although I’d probably not use it much. Although the size is described at “medium,” at 15″ x 11″ x 5″ it’s roomy enough to be an everyday work bag. In my experience, Chloe bags tend to be heavy, so for real-life use it’s important not to let them get too oversized. The Marcie tote has a zip top for security, and the flap covers an outside pocket. I like that the leather thong-and-ring flap closure is functional and not just decorative.

Marcie’s been offered in black, plus a number of different browns and beiges since she was first released, but I think I like this brick red the best. It is a great fall color (reminds me of pumpkin pie!) and I can envision this bag bringing a bit of cheery depth to a gray November day. You can find the Brick Red Chloe Marcie at Net-a-Porter for $1,650. Yes, she’s pricey, but I’ve checked this bag out in real life and the Chloe quality is definitely there. Doesn’t that leather look infinitely touchable?

I’ll admit it, I’ve hated on Vera Bradley for a long time. Where I live, Vera’s patterned bags are on every mom, old lady, and tweenage girl. Large Vera Bradley bags still all look like diaper bags to me, but I’m beginning to warm up to some of the smaller bags and other accessories. I have no idea what that says about me. On one hand I fear giving the impression of a redneck babymama, and on the other hand I’m decidedly more frugal these days than I used to be. And maybe, just maybe, the Vera Bradley designers are getting a little better at what they do.

Anywho, the Vera Bradley Julia bag pictured above caught my eye recently. This is a new style this fall, and I think the Kelly-bag shape is really cute. This bag is on the small side at 9″ x 8″ x 3″, but it’s a good size for carrying necessities, it’s super-lightweight, and it has a long strap you can clip on if you want to wear it messenger style. I got this in the Symphony in Hue pattern, which according to my teenage son (ever the fashion critic), “looks like Vera Bradley on acid.” The purple-and-brown pattern above is Purple Punch (with pink!), which would also be a nice combination for fall.

The other Vera Bradley accessories that don’t completely suck include the reading glasses. I am a voracious reader, and I’m at the age where my close vision isn’t as good as it used to be, but I don’t want to look like a grandma in rhinestone-encrusted reading glasses on a chain. I happened upon these readers in the Vera Bradley shop (I was drawn into what looked like a quilter’s insane asylum by inexplicable curiosity) and tried them on, and they are actually quite flattering. I selected the Sittin’ In A Tree pattern because the colors make my eyes look greener, but if I need a second pair I might be tempted by Purple Punch.

You can find the Vera Bradley Julia bag and Vera Bradley Jennifer readers at Zappos. They are a few bucks more than the Vera Bradley site, but you get free overnight shipping for almost-instant gratification.

I’m new to Longchamp, but I think I may stay awhile and explore this brand. I got my first one about a month ago, when I needed a bag to take to work, to carry all the stuff that doesn’t fit in my purse. Normally this includes an iPad, lunch, and umbrella, but sometimes also includes a book and an extra pair of shoes.

I wanted something really simple and lightweight, so thought I’d try Le Pliage. I wanted short handles, but don’t need a zip closure, so I decided on the Open Tote style. I briefly considered the LV Neverfull GM, which is about the same size, but it is 7 times the price of Le Pliage, and lately I haven’t been comfortable carrying logo bags anyway. I have looked at Le Pliage bags at Nordies in the past, but ended up ordering from Magnums because I couldn’t find the Open Tote anywhere else.

As it turns out…I love this bag! The 16″ x 11″ x 5″ size is perfect, it fits everything I need, it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry. True to its name (pliage means “folding”), on occasions when I don’t need it for my trip home, I can fold it up and stuff it in my purse. At just $88, I don’t worry about it no matter where I have to put it down. I have carried my Open Tote every day since it arrived…it really is the perfect combination of practical and stylish.

Longchamp Le Pliage bags come in at least a dozen different colors. The color in the image above is Mauve, which is now on my wish list, maybe for spring. I ordered the Praline color, which is a great transition from late summer to early fall. But when I got a Magnums sale email the other day, I couldn’t resist ordering Miss Praline a new sister in Bilberry for fall…for 20% off! Vive Le Pliage!

In my recent online adventures, I came across the NOVICA handbags site, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found there. I’d heard of NOVICA before, I knew that they had some association with National Geographic, and that they had crafts for sale from around the world. I am a proponent of sustainable living (little known Pixie fact) and write another blog about my own experiences with it, so I am in complete agreement with NOVICA’s mission to help support global artisans. However, I mistakenly expected everything on this site to look like something from an art class project. NOVICA handbags does have its share of craftsy batik and hemp bags, but it also has some surprisingly beautiful and chic pieces.

The first one that caught my eye was the bag pictured above, the Bows handbag by Brazilian Rogerio Souza. A professional leather craftsman with 20 years of experience, he has designed a chic, uncomplicated, elegant leather bag suitable for the classiest occasions — for less than $120. At 12″ x 9″ it’s a very practical size, and smart details like the small bow and magnetic closure show the designer’s attention to detail.

The next item I found was the beaded silk Paisley evening bag. Handmade by an Indian woman named Nupur, the swirling paisley shape has been painstakingly hand-embroidered and beaded to create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that looks much more expensive than its $70 price tag. I added this to my shopping cart instantly, even though I rarely have occasion to carry such a beautiful treasure.

Another classic shape, this leather Tea Time clutch would be equally at home at a business event, on a day trip to an art museum or having tea with the Queen. This framed style is made by Mexican designer Ricardo Hinojosa and is larger than it looks, measuring nearly 16″ x 10.” This style is also available in dark brown, but something about the golden honey color really appeals to me. At $115, this is extremely affordable elegance you can feel good about.

Lastly, I had to include this Apparition tote in my list of NOVICA favorites. This sturdy leather-and-cotton design does fall into the craftsy category, but the mix of textures and colors is quietly sweet. Brazilian husband-and-wife team Luciano and Fabiana weave their local customs and flavor into each of their designs, making this bag truly unique. It’s a large bag, about 17″ x 12″ x 5,” and it includes quality details such as a leather bottom and internal key hooks. This bag would be a great work tote, market tote, or even an overnight bag if you pack somewhat lightly. At $185 it’s a little pricier than the other bags, but still significantly less than the cost of a designer wallet or sunglasses.

Once upon a time, I had a Balenciaga Box in Rouge Vif. She was a beautiful, happy red purse, so I named her Boxey Love. I sold her for some reason (I think my car needed tires or something), and I’ve been missing her ever since. Balenciaga has since discontinued the Box style, which is sad because it was a great size and shape. Like Goldilocks’ quest for the perfect bed, this style was not too big, not too small, but just right. When I found this beauty at Belen Echandia, it reminded me so much of Boxey Love that I had to make her mine.

Be Mine Mini is about the same size and shape as the Bal Box style, but in truth I think I like it better. The color is simply luscious – it’s the perfect red, saturated and rich and juicy with slight blue undertones, but not too dark and not too bright. The leather is soft and slightly crinkly, with a glossy sheen. It is lined in Belen Echandia’s signature pink silk, and is roomier than it looks.

What really blows my skirt up about this handbag is the tiny details. The trim is edged in zigzag pinking, and there’s a tiny pink crystal embedded at each end of the zipper. The top zips securely, but there’s also a magnetic snap closure at the top…which I am more likely to use than the zipper. The outside half-moon-shaped pocket fits my iPhone easily; there are two inside slip pockets and one interior zip pocket.

At 13″ x 7″ x 6″, this is the Perfect Weekend Bag. It will fit essentials with room to spare, so it’s perfect for days when I don’t need to carry extra stuff to work. The handle drop is 6″, so this is strictly a hand- or arm-carried bag, but it’s lightweight so it won’t be obnoxious to lug around.

You can’t find the Be Mine Mini style on the main BE website, but you can register with Belen Echandia Couture and they will make one just for you, in your choice of more than 65 leathers (including purple python), gold or silver hardware, and 8 silk lining colors, plus customizations like longer straps or extra pockets. BE Couture is unique among handbag designers, because they offer truly personal service, spectacular quality and the opportunity to help design a one-of-a-kind bag…for less than “off-the-rack” bags from the big design houses. As with all Belen Echandia bags, BE Couture orders are handmade by skilled leather artisans in Tuscany. Because of this individual attention, Couture turnaround time is about a month — so if you want something for a special occasion, remember to order in advance.

This sky-blue Balenciaga Step is sister to the petal-pink version I wrote about last summer. I have given up almost all of my Balenciagas in favor of sturdier bags, but the Step style is one that I can’t seem to part with. The Step’s gently triangular shape reminds me ever so slightly of the Hermès Kelly bag, both ladylike and practical at the same time. The soft spring color (2008 Sky Blue for my Bal-obsessive sisters) is a cross between cloudless sky and Caribbean ocean, and will go great with jeans, but would also look spectacular with cool summer whites, neutral sandals and a tan.

The photo above shows this bag reclining in the shade, and the one at right is basking in the sunlight.

Unfortunately the Step style has been all but discontinued. I found this barely-loved beauty secondhand, which may be your best bet if you can’t find what you want the stores. HGBags is a reputable eBay seller with a good Balenciaga selection, or you may want to try Bonanzle or Ann’s Fabulous Finds.

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