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Stella McCartney Sage Patent Saddle Bag

Pierre Bourdieu developed theories of social stratification based on aesthetic taste in his work Distinction. Bourdieu claims that how one chooses to present one’s aesthetic dispositions, depicts one’s status and distances oneself from lower groups. The classic example of this tendency in fashion is our obsession with carrying status bags. But in a world of multifaceted concerns standing out can be more about subtle cues. Quietly carrying an environmentally friendly and Vegan Stella McCartney Sage Patent Saddle Bag is a signifier for a whole different kind of social AND socially concerned woman.

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!

Hayden Panettiere May Design A Cute Bag With Her Dooney and Burke Hayden Bag But The Dwindling Affordable Luxury Market Might Take Its Toll On Her Good Taste

We have never watched Heros and only recently figured out who Hayden Panettiere is but we think she has fantastic taste. Or at least she is very good at following trends. Her Hayden Bag is right on target with its red patent leather, buckle closure and big pleats.

What if you had the chance to design the handbag you’ve always wanted? For Hayden Panettiere, currently starring in NBC’s hit show Heroes, it was an exciting opportunity. She began by describing to Peter Dooney just what she envisioned: a large leather shoulder bag with puffy pleats, a buckle closure and great style. The design team made some sketches, then Peter Dooney transformed her ideas into prototypes at Dooney & Bourke’s design studio in Florence, Italy. After several revisions and lots of input from Hayden, the limited edition Hayden Bag was born. Hayden Bag - $500
H 11" W 7.5" L 17"

But the bag isn't due to be delivered till December and we wonder if this might be troubling for the success of Hayden's bag. The Wall Street Journal is reporting on a serious slowdown in the affordable luxury market which sadly this pretty bag happens to fall in with its $500 price point, celebrity endorsement and trend conscious design.

Though the luxury sector is expected to put in another strong performance this season, the lower end of that market -- selling so-called affordable luxury to aspirational buyers -- is starting to feel the pinch of the weak economy, due to cutbacks by folks like Ms. Maine (an engineer who makes just over six figures). Only the most elite brands and the retailers catering to the richest customers are likely to escape unscathed.

Poor Hayden! And poor Dooney and Burke. Nice effort though. We think the bag is pretty cute. Maybe an Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen bag for Lanvin is a better bet for luring in the truly rich shoppers this season. Though frankly those women can design their own damn bag at Hermés.

Check out some other perspectives on the bag from ShinyStyle and StyleIt

 

MCM Patent Medium Duffle Tote

Giant patent leather bags of all styles and colors can be found almost anywhere this season. One of the more intriguing iterations of this beleaguered trend is the MCM Black Patent Medium Duffle Tote


During the '80s, MCM was famous for their monogrammed bags that apparently all chic European girls adored. They recently relaunched and so far so good. This bag is a mix for form and function. It measures 9" tall by 13" by 6" wide, has patent leather top handles, a long detachable strap to make it a crossbody bag, white topstiching, silver hardware and lots of pockets. That logo is going to set you back fifteen hundred big ones though.

Anne Taylor Quilted Patent Lock Shopper

Just because you can't afford Chanel doesn't mean you don't deserve a beautiful handbag. But we caution handbag shoppers to NEVER buy a bag just because it might reassemble something trendier, more expensive or more coveted. It will only look like some cheap facsimile. But if you want to buy a nice looking, classic, simple bag and happen to to prefer not spending a small fortune we can honestly recommend this Anne Taylor Quilted Patent Lock Shopper.

It feels like the sort of basic handbag our grandmother might have carried year after year before women bought an average of 4 handbags a year and spent their rent on collecting more. If that is your hobby we say go for it but for women looking for one decent bag to get through nice evenings out and business casual events this might just be that one bag you are looking for to make life easier.

Shiny quilted patent leather features patent leather trim and brushed gold hardware. Two arm straps with an overlapping flap that connects both sides. Unique metal closure can be locked with a key that attaches to one strap and is hidden by patent leather casing. Four hardware feet. Two interior metallic snap closures. Lined interior with two flat and one zipped pocket. 4"W x 13 3/4"L X  9 1/4"H.