Pssst! Hey you! Yes, you. Consider this your memo: gold is having a moment, and at the moment, black and gold are hot. So the Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo is like tackling two trends in one. Double the hotness, right? This bag is the stuff my handbag fantasies are made of…black leather, striking hardware, pockets, multiple carrying options, and Italian craftsmanship to boot. Mmmmmmmiu Miu, I love you.

Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo
($1.650, NET-A-PORTER)

Celebrities Love Miu Miu

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Diva Lili Levine Satchel

Ok, so after a cold shower I’m back. That Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo had me swooning, and not just cause it’s gorge, but because it’s also $1.650. As much as I’d like to justify it with some cost-per-wear logic, that is hella high for a handbag. So instead, I’m thinking the Lili Levine Satchel by Diva is a happy medium. Same styling as the Coffer, without emptying the coffers to get it. But you knew we had a fab alternative, didn’t you? Cause at ITC, that’s how we roll.

Diva Lili Levine Satchel
($108, Baghaus)

A good friend of mine recently bought a Mulberry Bayswater (a gift to herself on her birthday) and for a week straight everyone oohed and ahhed over it at the office. It is a spectacular bag, to be sure, but I think this new Mulberry takes the cake: the Alexa – a slouchier, more casual version of the Bayswater named after British style export Alexa Chung who is a true devotee of the Mulberry brand. If you haven’t heard tell of this bag yet, you will. Speculated to be the “It” bag of the moment, the Alexa sold out instantaneously on NET-A-PORTER after being added last week. Restocks are supposed to follow soon, but even still, this beautiful creation is way out of my sad little budget.

Mulberry Oversized Alexa Leather Bag
($1.250, NET-A-PORTER)

Alexa Chung Loves Mulberry

New Look Twist Lock Satchel

Now admittedly the knock-off potential isn’t immediately obvious here, but look closer. UK retailer, New Look, has created what is clearly their take on the Mulberry Alexa – Alexa’s younger sister, if you will. We’re loving the twist-lock and the oversized buckles. This tan/gingerbread color is a great match for the bag pictured above, but if you check out New Look’s site you’ll see that the other colors offered (brown, ecru and black) very clearly reference the Alexa; and the price is truly fantastic!

New Look Twist Lock Satchel
(£15, New Look)

I don’t know about you guys but I have been enamored with the Chloé Paddington satchel ever since it emerged on the scene 5 years ago. I wasn’t the only one, though, this bag was an instantaneous hit. Along with some sister “It” bags (the Fendi Spy bag and the Marc Jacobs Stam, both of which we’ve covered here on InTheirCloset) the Paddington began to show up everywhere on the arms of fashionable celebrities. I think it was (and continues to be) so popular because of its perfect slouchy shape, roomy interior, and of course that to-die-for hardware. Sadly the Paddington has always been out of my price-range and, due to its popularity, there is really no hope of it ever going on sale.

Chloé Paddington Padlock Satchel
($1.875, NORDSTROM)

Celebrities Love Chloé

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Baghaus “Madeleine” Padlock Tote

Now granted I don’t have this bag in my hand right now, but just looking at the picture I can tell that Baghaus really knocked it out of the park with their “Madeleine” tote. How soft and slouchy does it look? The longer shoulder handle is missing but otherwise this bag looks pretty darn picture-perfect. Available in a multitude of colors (black, brown, beige, bronze, blue, white and pewter), this bag is guaranteed to get you tons of compliments. Personally, I’m loving the beige and brown.

Baghaus “Madeleine” Padlock Tote
($55.95, Baghaus)

This is a first for us, guys. A feature on Christian Louboutin and it’s not about a pair of shoes! I’m going to argue, however, that his petal clutch bag is just as covet-worthy. A perfect match for Louboutin’s Mount Street heels (from 2009), this lovely, etherial clutch which is available in black or blush will set you back about as much, which is to say more than a cool grand. As lovely as this bag is, I have to ask: who has that much to spend on a purse?

Christian Louboutin Mount Street Petal Clutch Bag
($1.347, MyTheresa)

Nine West “Wenda” Feather Clutch

Enter from stage left, the Nine West Feather Clutch. Clearly, Nine West was more than a little inspired by the Christian Louboutin petal bag – and that’s good news for us! Everything about this bag is deliciously romantic and I love how it has an old Hollywood/glamour thing going on. The clutch is also available in grey and ivory and look at that price: $59! I’m picking one up now. Available in black, grey and ivory.

Nine West “Wenda” Feather Clutch
($59, Nine West)

When Handbag Heaven approached us to do a review of one of their bags, I was psyched. I’ve browsed these “discount” sites before and contemplated purchasing a bag but just never went through it, feeling unsure of the quality. However, because Handbag Heaven generously offered to provide us with a bag of our choice for this review, I was free to let my heart guide me on my lofty quest. Since their website is very user friendly and gives you many options to find a bag that fits your style it only took me a minute to decide on “The One“:

Handbag Heaven Sami Quilted Bag
($54.95, Handbag Heaven)

Celine & Her Quilted Sami Bag

I, like many others, have lusted after the Marc Jacobs Stam bag, which is the designer counterpart to the Sami, since 2005 and I had high hopes that the Sami would be everything I could ever want in a “steal” version. Upon taking the bag out of the box and touching it, I immediately noticed that it felt very soft. However, there is a slight “squeakiness”, which comes from the material being leatherette, rather than leather. It has a long, gold chain that you can wear over your shoulder or let hang as decoration. The hardware is a little cheap feeling (the chain, for instance feels very light) but all in all it looks really good and the overall feel of the bag is surprisingly substantial for $55! The inside is very roomy, with one zipper pocket and two smaller pockets. There’s also the zipper on the outside, just like the original. I chose the brown color but it also comes in black, purple, pewter and red.

The real question of course, is how does the bag hold up when actually being used? I decided to take my Sami out for an all-day trial run, so I threw all my crap (sorry, stuff) in it and went about my daily activities. It’s really rather light, which means it won’t give you a back-ache when filled with all your things; all the zippers are completely functional and the closure at the top seems to be of good quality. As mentioned above, the hardware seemed to be a little shoddy, but after 2 days of running around with it, opening closures, zippers, etc, everything is still exactly where it should be. I also received two compliments on my bag – one of them from a guy, and you know guys never notice bags! After putting my poor Sami through the ringer, I examined it again and apart from a few dangling threads, the bag looks just as good as when I first took it out of the box.

Handbag Heaven has tons of trendy and classic bags, and many styles come in multiple colors. They offer a 100% money back guarantee and it’s also worth noting that no bag on their site will run you more than $75. They also like to run promotions from time to time so if you kids are into Facebook (as my grandmother would say) or Twitter, or if you’d like to read their blog, you can find them in the following places: HH on Facebook, HH on Twitter & HH Blog.

Bottom Line

All in all I’m really quite pleased with the Sami Bag and it now has a permanent place in my handbag rotation. While it doesn’t feel quite like leather and the hardware lacks the weight of the original, I can tell that it won’t fall apart any time soon. It feels light on the shoulder and its classic-meets-modern look, means it will literally look great with anything in your wardrobe. I think this would be a great gift for your mom or friend, although I’d probably skip the friend who already owns three authentic Chanel quilted clutches because she will most likely not be impressed. But, really, readers, I think we all know the moral of the this story: when you’re saving so much money on your bag… you have that much more to spend on shoes!

PROS:

• great color, look
• good price
• roomy, comfortable, light

CONS:

• hardware slightly cheap-looking
• leatherette feels a little “plasticy”

Look	Our Rating:
Quality	Our Rating:
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Price	Our Rating:
Overall	Our Overall Rating:

You had me at “Balenciaga.” Really. No need to add “Giant City Bag,” but since they did, oh…swoon. I’ve loved this species of Balenciaga bag for years, but the supersized, gold-studded version is to. Die. For. Except for the killer price tag, natch.

Balenciaga Giant City Bag
($1.695, Balenciaga)

Celebrities Love Balenciaga

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Handbag Heaven Broad Ripple Satchel

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code WINTERSALE at checkout to receive 15% OFF your entire order!

So I totally dig Balenciaga’s Giant City Bag, but I’m not about to fork over nearly $2K for it. Lucky for me (and you) there are several high-style, low-cost alternatives, starting with this version from Handbag Heaven. And need we remind you that there’s a little special going on at Handbag Heaven? Even better.

Handbag Heaven Broad Ripple Satchel
($53.95, Handbag Heaven)

Baghaus Forever A Squared Handbag

Of the three Balenciaga Giant City Bag look-alikes we’ve featured, the Baghaus versions are my favorites. The Forever A Squared Handbag is synthetic, but the crinkly look makes it totally believable. If you’re anti-leather, it’s a wonderful (and chic) alternative.

Baghaus Forever A Squared Handbag
($49.95, Baghaus)

Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote

Also a strong contender for best (almost) Giant City Bag is the Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote. It’s just like the Forever A Squared Handbag above, except that it is a couple inches larger and has silver hardware instead of gold. Both Tara Patrick and Forever A are also available in other colors.

Baghaus Tara Patrick Tote
($55.95, Baghaus)

Vanessa Hudgens makes casual chic look so effortless, doesn’t she? She’s just adorable, and she consistently manages to look comfy—without looking sloppy (unlike those famous twins who have elevated bag lady chic to an art form). While Vanessa likely has access to myriad designer labels and pieces, in her everyday life, she tends to keep it real. So real, in fact, that almost anyone can steal this look, as all the pieces are standard ready-to-wear, at glorious ready-to-wear prices.

Our Rating:

Free People Bohemian Flutter Sleeve Top

Free People Bohemian Flutter Sleeve Top
($49.95, Free People)

JJ Winters Buckle Fringe Leather Bag

JJ Winters Buckle Fringe Leather Bag
($239, Black Label Boutique)

P.S.: Also available at Boutique To You and Singer22.

Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Skinny Jeans

Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Skinny Jeans in Denim Stretch
($179, Tobi)

Zodiac “Panda” Boots

Zodiac “Panda” Boots
($99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available in black and taupe at Shoes.com.

Just in case you haven’t noticed, right now hardware is hot. Studs and spikes are showing up on everything from jackets, to gloves, to footwear, and more. The Prada Studded Medium Tote is the grown-up way to rock this trend and not look like a rocker wanna-be. Gold and sliver studs beautifully outline this supple black leather tote, which is roomy enough to serve as a chic work carryall. Available in black, forest or brown.

Prada Studded Medium Tote
($2.076, Bluefly)

Amanda Seyfried Loves Prada

Handbag Heaven Daisy Glam Rock Tote

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code WINTERSALE at checkout to receive 15% OFF your entire order!

Had your heart set on Prada’s Studded Tote…until you saw the $2K price tag? Yeah, me too. Alas my lovelies, there is hope yet. The Daisy Glam Rock Tote by Handbag Heaven has the same studded outline, the convenient shoulder strap, and lots of cargo space. And—hello!—you can save even more on the already low price by using the coupon code above. Available in black or brown.

Handbag Heaven Daisy Glam Rock Tote
($53.95, Handbag Heaven)

A few days ago we gave you the inside scoop on SJP’s white jersey dress which she wore on the film set of Sex and the City 2 last September. If you can’t afford spending a fortune on the real deals, see our look 4 less below for a more affordable approach on Carrie’s summery look.

Our Rating:

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

• DRESS: Splendid Modal Jersey Bell Sleeve Dress, $119
• SUNGLASSES: Topshop Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses, $30
• NECKLACE: Laura Matthews Designs Geotria Choker, $100
• CLUTCH: Kate Landry Sequin Evening Bag, $31.50
• SHOES: Wet Seal Glitter Pumps (Style #: 41777329), $12.99

It’s been a while since we last had a giveaway here on InTheirCloset.com. To start off 2010 in style and make it an even more fabulous year than the last we are proud to present you our first giveaway for this year kindly sponsored by American Chic. (Thanks again!)

One of you lucky gals will win a beautiful black satchel which heavily resembles Givenchy’s iconic “Nightingale” bag. As you can see below winning this roomy bag will put you in very good company. The Nightingale bag is one of the most popular bags among hardcore fashionistas all over the globe. It has been carried by several celebs including Ashley Olsen, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens and Heidi Klum just to name a few.

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How to Enter

In order to enter this giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment and tell us your mantra for 2010.

A Mantra is a religious or mystical syllable, phrase or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Mantras are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that inculcate concentration in the devotee. Mantras are also integrated in religious rituals to remove obstacles, avoid danger, reduce foes, or accumulate wealth.

For example, my personal mantra for 2010 is: “Don’t stand still. Always move forward & push borders wherever you can“. It is basically a motto or a maxim that I’m trying to live by for the next 365 days.

Only US and Canadian entries allowed (sorry international readers). You can join the giveaway until next Sunday, 01/24 (11:59 PM EST time). Winners will be drawn shortly thereafter.

Please remember to leave your (first) name and a valid email address when writing the comment (just fill out the comment form correctly and you’ll be fine). A comment equals 1 entry. You can leave multiple comments here if you want to, but only your first one will be accounted.

Bonus Entries

If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can score more entries by doing one or all of the following things:

• Follow @intheircloset on Twitter (1 entry)
• Follow @celebritychic on Twitter (1 entry)
• Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this pre-written tweet if you like: @intheircloset and @celebritychic are doing a fabulous handbag #giveaway. Find out how to enter here: http://bit.ly/8O8GGI (max. 1 tweet/day = 1 entry/day)
• Subscribe to our newsletter. (2 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to this post. (3 entries)

IMPORTANT: If you are already subscribed to our newsletter, please say so in the comment. Don’t forget to mention or email us the email address with which you’ve signed up to it if it is different from the one you leave in the comment form. Also, if you sign up for our newsletter, please make sure you have clicked on the confirmation link to activate your subscription. Unverified subscriptions cannot be credited. Private/Protected tweets also can’t be credited.

If you decide to do one of the things in the list above, please mention them in your comment here on this page. You can add as many comments as you want if you should decide to do things one by one. Just remember to always use the same email address when writing a comment, so the additional entries can be credited to you.

This is an example of how your comment could look like:

My mantra for 2010 is: “Argue less. Laugh more”. I subscribed to your newsletter, follow you on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway.

This example would sum up to 5 entries (1 mantra comment = 1 entry, subscribed to newsletter = 2 entries, 1 twitter follower = 1 entry, 1 tweet = 1 entry). That fictional reader would have increased her/his chances of winning by 400%.

If you have questions regarding this giveaway, don’t hesitate to ask. Good luck to everyone!