Patriotic Bags

We've searched everywhere to find the most patriotic bags just in time for the 4th of July. From clutch to backpack and every budget size, here are our fantastic finds.

1. Style Star crossbody by Charming Charlie, $22 $11.87.
2. Aimee Kestenberg "Washington" crossbody, $111 at QVC.
3. Tory Burch "Duet Stripe" hobo, $495 $346.50 at Bloomingdale's.
4. Salvatore Ferragamo "Miss Varra" convertible clutch, $850 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
5. Cappelli "Straworld" tote, $80 $48 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus.
6. Tommy Hilfiger "Julia" backpack, $118 at Zappos.
7. Elena Ghisellini "Felina" stars and stripes shoulder bag, $895 $537 at LuisaViaRoma.
8. Edie Parker "Jean" lone star clutch, $1,295 at Neiman Marcus.

Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' woven straw hobo

Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' woven straw hobo, $1,495 at Net-A-Porter.

Are you excited for spring and summer? I am!

Day Dresses by Thakoon
Sandals by Belle by Sigerson Morrison

Valextra 'Namaste' big hobo

Valextra 'Namaste' big hobo, $1830 at Barneys.

True to its name, this Valextra bright yellow hobo will surely give you a good day if you're toting this during your gloomy days.

Boots by Chinese Laundry
Hobos by Valextra

Marc Jacobs 'Spotted Teddy' shearling hobo

Marc Jacobs 'Spotted Teddy' shearling hobo, $1495 at Net-A-Porter.

Would you? It's actually not quite bad. It looks cute and chic on the runway!

Akris 'Allegra' braided leather hobo

Akris 'Allegra' braided leather hobo, $2,990 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Where will you spend your Summer?

I wish it is Summer already. I plan to go to Boracay. I am not a beach person but I would like to try the sun, sea and sand of the famous beach of the Philippines. I am actually dying to go there. My grandmother went there after they visited a friend in Iloilo. I saw their pictures and I was dead jealous. Hopefully, this year I can go there with my son and some friends.

I bet it would be a great summer getaway if I will have this Akris braided leather hobo. What do you think?

Yours for FREE: Jimmy Choo 'Bardia M' leopard print hobo

Crazy about animal prints?  This Jimmy Choo 'Bardia M' leopard print hobo can be yours for FREE.  Just enter your name and email address at The Out Net.  It is all that easy.

This bag normally sells for $2,395.

Louis Vuitton 'Chrissie Monogram Multicolore' hobo

If there is one bag that I wish to have this Christmas, it is this Louis Vuitton 'Chrissie MM' multicolor hobo with golden little spikes.  I like it because it is a mix of rocker chic and femininity.  It is big enough to carry my everyday essentials, has a single strap, zip and flat opening, two inner pockets and one outer pocket to keep things organized.  This is just one of the designs of Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton.

Here is the white version.

Both are available at the brand's website for $2,720.

Bottega Veneta multicolor hobo

Doesn't it remind you of a resort?  This multicolored hobo by Bottega Veneta is from their 2011 Cruise Collection.  It is made of leather with woven accents and braided shoulder strap. You can get this at Neiman Marcus for $3,300 but shipping starts on February 22, 2011.  

Splurge, Save Steal: Animal Print Hobos

I like hobos, it is my preferred style when buying bags.  I don't know exactly the reason for my being biased to hobos but anyway here are animal print hobos that are fierce and stylish... splurge, save, steal.

SPLURGE

Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' leopard print hobo, $2,396 at Bluefly.

SAVE

Badgley Mischka 'Gaia' zebra print hobo, $479 at Zappos.

STEAL

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Hiller' hobo, $377.89 at My Theresa.

Jimmy Choo 'Bali' woven raffia hobo

I feel like it is summer already with this 'Bali' raffia hobo by Jimmy Choo.  The bag is made of woven raffia with side leather buckles and leather charm.  It closes with a fold over strap with gold tone buckle detail.  You can have this at Net-A-Porter for $995.

Marc Jacobs 'Cheeky Edie' hobo

This 'Cheeky Edie' hobo by Marc Jacobs is actually double purpose... it can be a pillow... not, really.  It is just I who thought of it.  It looks so soft, fluffy and cushy and looking at it makes me sleepy.  I wish the strap was all leather.  You can have this for $598.

Hermes 'Camail' leather hobo

This Hermes 'Camail' leather hobo looks odd and unique in a nice way.  Instead of putting the strap on the sides, the strap is in the middle.  You can still carry it like normally placed strap, though.  Do you find it cute?  Normally this bag sells for $2,950, but if you will hurry, you can have this for a discounted price of $2,389.99.

Foley and Corinna Mongolian lamb hobo

It looks like a mop without the handle but it is actually a hobo by Foley & Corinna that is made of Mongolian lamb fur.  It's kinda creepy but if you are a fan of fur, this is just too easy to love.  You can have this at Cusp for $495.

New York & Company 'City Safari' hobo

This hobo by New York & Company is only $36.95.  If you are feeling Safari or cazh, this bag is just perfect.  Aside from the fact that this costs a little over $30, the color is great to match with your everyday get up. 

Back To School Bags

Vacation is over and in just a few days, students will go back to school and make themselves busy with home works.  I am always excited when it is nearing school opening because I get to see again my friends and I get to say bye-bye to some household chores.  Aside from the two reasons, I also can't wait to use my new school things--my bag particularly.  I am a big bag person although I don't bring with me a lot of stuff.  I just like the idea of bringing a large bag.  Speaking of bags, I have found some bags that are perfect for school.

Gucci Borsa Colbert shoulder bag, $439.95 at DSW.  This also comes in black.

Fossil Milo crossbody bag, $88.99 previously $118 at Macy's.  This is also available in yellow and black.

 Marc by Marc Jacobs Caty Q Hillier hobo, $278 at Neiman Marcus.

Tory Burch 'Palma' nylon backpack, $295 at Nordstrom.

Dooney & Bourke 'Shadow DB' slouch bag

This is one of my favorite bags.  It is roomy and perfect in the office and when I go out on a shopping spree.  I had this about two years ago and I still have this although I seldom use it now.  My older sister has been wanting to have this, so being a good sister that I am, instead of giving this to her, I will buy her a new one as my gift for her on her birthday on August 5.  Shhh.... keep it a secret.

This is available at Macy's for $195.

Trend Alert: Exotic textures and prints

Big names in the bag business agree that the current trend is exotic textures and prints.  If you have bags that can be classified as such, get them out of your closet.  I have found really interesting bags that will fit any budget.  Take a look.

For the Fat Wallet ($1,000 - up)

Carlos Falchi hobo made of python and crocodile skin.  This is also available in brick color and you can buy this at Neiman Marcus for $2,795.

Christian Louboutin pony hair satchel in leopard print, chain trim and patent leather handle.  This sells for $3,495 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Wear this with a simple shift dress and killer heels of the same brand.

Be & D 'Herlihy' whipstitch satchel, sells for $1,150 at Nordstrom.

For the Not-So-Fat Wallet ($500 - $999)

 Diane Von Furstenberg 'Stephanie' woven leather shoulder bag, $600 at Net-A-Porter.  This is perfect for evening night outs.

This Prada white cut-out shoulder bag is made of 100% saffiano leather.  It also comes with a white purse that can also be used as a shoulder bag.  You can get this at Farfetch for $991.  This bag is perfect for summer.

Michael by Michael Kors 'Hamilton' embossed python tote, $528 at My Wardrobe.

For the Slim Wallet ($100 to $499)

 Moscow Blue pebble leather satchel (also available in brown), sells for $278 at Lord & Taylor.

This cross-body bag by Timmy Woods is made of wood and was imported from the Philippines, you can have it at Endless for $241.50 previously $345. BEST BUY!

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Catty Q' cross-body bag, $202.19 at My Theresa.

For the Underweight Wallet (below $100)

Aldo 'Muehlman' leopard print satchel, $58.

Nordstrom cornhusk straw tote, $57.90 previously $88.  This is also available in turquoise.

Talbots zebra print tote with bamboo handle to add more exotic flare.  You can get this for $66.49. BEST BUY!