Almost Packed

Caveat Emptor and The Danger of Bag Blogs

In The Cult of The Amateur Andrew Keen makes a few low blows about the ability of the average consumer to understand his consumption choices as a buttress to his central thesis that blogging is quite reprehensible. Apparently the fact that all of us are constantly blogging with very little discrimination makes the addled consumer even more confused about what is and is not worthwhile in life. The trouble phenomenon of extended adolescence aside, we aren't much for a didactic press.

Perhaps it makes it harder for some consumers to have a multitude of voices vouching for their fashion preferences. But our mothers always told us you can't always believe what you read. And seeing is not always believing. And even at a low resolution we are pretty sure you can still tell which bag is a Balenciaga Matelasse and what is a random quilted bag from Forever 21. And if you can't, or won't, be bothered to do a little due diligence on your shopping then you don't have much right to complain. Caveat Emptor now more than ever!

Budget Bag Blog: Arden B Metallic Plated Clutch

Having Comcast OnDemand has proven dangerous for us. This weekend we holed up watching the entire Robocop series with our boyfriend. Combine that with having Starship's "We Built This City on Rock and Roll" on replay on iTunes and we have 80s faux anti-commercialism, silly glam rock and corporate angst on our brain. And Murphy's silver plated body and rock and roll really combine with this Arden B Metallic Plated Clutch.

Budget Bag Blog: Fred Flare Doggie Coin Purse

Cat lady has become a cultural stereotype but dogs, a woman's best friend, is still socially acceptable. And apparently you can even nurture that love by feeding your bag addiction.

This Fred Flare Doggie Coin Purse is the sort of stocking stuffer you can put in your pooches' stocking (don't tell us he doesn't have one) and then cunningly repurpose later for your own uses.

Don't worry! They will love you no matter what.

Budget Bag Blog: Under $50 Budget Holiday Party Bags

Christmas is coming and we are getting fat! Please put a penny in an old woman's clutch! The holiday season is upon us and the money is being spent and furiously and generally not on ourselves. And yet somehow we are still expected to look respectable at any number of parties. Thus we have decided a list of Under $50 Holiday Party Bags is in order. You may break your back this season but you shouldn't break the bank right?

Beginning at top left and spiraling in clockwise: La Regale Gold Beaded Satin Frame Clutch $32, Cold Water Creek Black Moc Croc Embossed Clutch $37, Savanna Crinkled Satin Red Frame Clutch $32, Asos Jessica Simpson Black Hard Case Glitter Clutch, $36,Paul's Boutique Copper Bow Clutch, $44,Nine West Black Satin Bow Clutch, $39, Nine West Pink Satin Girl Clutch, $49,Asos Mischa Barton Mini Gem Detail Box Clutch in Black, $24

Budget Bag Blog: Forever 21 Gathered Filigree Hobo

This Forever 21 Gathered Filigree Hobo caught our eye with its filigree wood accent. Filigree is typically seen with metals and comes from the Latin filum or filar which mean so to spin. But we think the cutout effects on the wood add a bit of dazzle to an otherwise budget bag.

Budget Bag Blog: Fred Flare Yellow Olsen Satchel

We think of Aristotle as a philosopher even when he wrote texts on any number of scientific topics. In his Meteorology he said yellow objects appear to be gold when in optics and rainbows.  Now call us silly but we think this might actually have a bit of philosophic wisdom when it comes to this Fred Flare Yellow Olsen Satchel.

It looks like a fantastic high end bag even though it is just PVC. And that little bit of trickery makes it just $44. Since Aristotle didn't put a judgment on whether or not it was bad that yellow appears to be gold at times we think this bag should pass muster.

Budget Bag Blog: Forever 21 Vintage Lady Bag

It has been said that  “The more you act like a lady, the more he'll act like a gentleman." But what do you do when you are a lady without means living in a culture of crass, mass, and very little class?

Find a way around the system of course. Impress an otherwise hookup obsessed guy into acting like a gentleman on your next date with this Forever 21 Vintage Lady Bag. Just because you can't afford a Chanel 2.55 doesn't mean you can't put yourself together beautifully are we right? Who knows maybe by saving all that money on dinners you can buy yourself a nicer bag next time. That's right, use the patriarchy. Or is that acting less like a lady?

Budget Bag Blog: Shop Intuition Patent Tote With Front Pocket

Dusty Baker once said that "everyone has a budget, I don't care who you are" he probably wasn't referring to bag budgets but we think it has some wisdom. Everyone wants a decent bag, most of us are at least nominally concerned with trends, and more than a fair portion of us would prefer that our bags not cost rent. That is one reason we so enjoy pointing out budget bag alternatives because we are sure that even our richest readers have a budget too even if it tops out with more bags relative to their poorer shoppers.


And with this Shop Intuition Patent Tote With Front Pocket we can all squeeze in another trendy bag before hitting our limit. This black patent textured tote is only $75 and yet it contains so many of the elements a girl could hope for in a bag for the coming seasons. We highly recommend!

Budget Bag Blog: New York and Co. City Style Faux Snake Bag

We like the look of snake in a bag but we readiy admit it isn't a very affordable or occasionally even ethical option. We like New York and Co. City Style Faux Snake Bag as a fantastic budget (and on sale) substitute.


We find that New York and Co is a surprisingly underrated source for budget bags. And this snake skin bag is no exception with double handle and logo tassel. PVC/poly. 16in.L x 4in.W x 15in.H.

Bag Blog Sale: Elaine Turner Bronwyn Ostrich

Ostrich has become an increasingly popular look in the bag world but unless you want to stick your head in the sand every time your credit card bill comes chances are you haven't indulged in the textured beauties yet. But we have found a very attractive ostrich embossed bag from Elaine Turner Bronwyn.


Its a total bargain at $99 down from $495. It has antique brass hardware, custom crown rivets, a chain strap and a pink crown lining.