The Heart Shaped Bags Are Back

Coach Crossover bag

For 2 years in a row, retailers are bringing out their heart-shaped bags in time to buy for Valentine's Day. Last year I featured Valentine's Day themes in luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton (see that link below). You can now look for their inventory + several inspired labels at 2nd hand stores, outlets, and discount retailers this year.

Kate Spade New York

Customers should keep an eye out at T.J. Maxx for Kate Spade's heart-shaped bags and Karl Lagerfeld's bags have landed at Saks Off Fifth Avenue.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

My favorite brand Coach has 2 styles in 2023, a top handle in crossgrain leather at the Coach Outlet plus this year's edition in glovetanned leather sans a top handle at Coach's flagship store, as well as, selling in major department stores -- catch the sale days, or you may have rewards dollars to spend for it.

BTW, you must see all the things Coach has launched with a Valentine's Day theme in 2023, as they are so darn cute!

Coach in glovetanned leather -- which I prefer when I can get it. It's a preference as all of Coach's leathers are beautiful and durable.

Although Forever 21 (in bankruptcy) cut down its store count to 450, the retailer is making a strong comeback by opening 100+ new stores together with its e-store, where you'll find a less expensive faux leather heart-shaped bag for under $25 because sometimes it's all you really need to pick up a novelty or trendy bag. A structured bag that looks to be a sensible size to hold essentials! I've missed popping into Forever 21 in New York City to browse inexpensive accessories.

Forever 21

Unsurprising to readers, I love the Coach Outlet bag and despite its $199 price tag, 2022's crossgrain leather is a bestseller for the retailer and nearly twice the cost of my ampler rectangle-shaped Coach bags. Charming isn't cheap!!

Paying the piper depends on how often you'll grab it. What is Valentine's Day cuteness worth to you?♥

You may also enjoy:

Timeless Coach Bags
The Heart-Shaped Bag

My Coach Bag Capsule + Stocking Stuffers
Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Launer Is A Handbag Fit For A Queen

The public rarely saw Queen Elizabeth II without her Launer handbag. According to Gerald Bodmer, Launer's CEO, Her Majesty bought 10 - 11 of them during her lifetime in the Traviata style from Sully & Sully. The purse's manufacturer was founded by Sam Launer in 1940 and received its royal warrant in 1968.

Each bag is handmade and takes about eight hours to finish. The structured bag of fine-grain calf leather with superb craftsmanship and a signature gold-plated twisted rope emblem lock sells for $2,700. 

The purse is pricey, and yet it's 1/3 cheaper than an Hermès Kelly, and without the nonsense and games its French competitor puts its customers through to buy a bag. Also, a Traviata is much easier to reach into than either a Birkin or Kelly is and just as secure!

The Launer's other winning features include a back pocket, center division, interior pocket, inner zip, swede lining, leather-covered mirror, matching gold-plated handle hardware, and a long shoulder strap ... extras customers love!

Launer luxury bags are available in a range of colors and finishes with Queen Elizabeth favoring the black patent style. According to Vogue magazine, "To make the bags truly her own, she would modify them with additional pockets, a built-in coin purse, and longer handles to allow for easy handshaking." In the image above (courtesy of Getty), we can see how her top handle is longer than the standard Launer purse. In fact, each bag is made to order. The company offers all customers the chance to customize their bags without the additional costs of a customized handbag.

Queen Elizabeth II was a born Savvy Shopper with impeccable taste and class. She had no need for overpriced status handbags despite having the money to buy whatever she desired. One never saw her wearing a Cartier love bracelet or carrying a purse with a blown-up brand name across it like a YouTube influencer. What she bought was quality, durability, expertise... handbags that she kept for over 70 years, never tossing them out according to Launer's Mr. Bodner. She had no need to buy ever-changing, status merchandise, nor to show off because she was the Queen. Let it be a lesson for us all: When you've got it, there's no need to flaunt it as the fact is so self-evident everybody knows it.

With the Queen's recent passing, there's such a demand for Launer handbags, they are on backorder until January 2023. If I were to ever spend such a tidy sum on a bag, this could well be it ... in black! [Another contender is here.]

You may also enjoy: 

A Pretty Dress I Did Not Buy ... Sigh

Your Fall Wardrobe: Shop For Value

My Favorite Royal Crowns Of Europe

The SAVVY SHOPPER CREED And 5 Skip/Buy Rules

Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag

Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito tote

Candor first. I'm featuring a bag I love, but since I have all the handbags I need, I won't buy it. I want! I need? I want! I need? The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote bag is quite a temptation! Here's why: I like the classic and edgy look of the bag with its flared-out rectangle shape and an oversized looped top handle. Not only is the loop handle substantial and durable, it hangs on your arm with ease. The sturdy calf leather is smooth and luxurious. I also like the inclusion of the extra crossbody strip that comes with the bag so you can use it hands-free while out shopping. 

The price points of Jacquemus bags are higher than what I usually pay for my purses. It explains why I'm loyal to Coach bags, and yet who knows what I might find in the future at a worthwhile discount? And, if you lean towards designer handbags, here's a luxury brand offering top quality and craftsmanship at lower price points than the usual high-end suspects, namely Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton -- the latter trio continue to raise their already sky-high-into-the-stratosphere costs. Up, up, and away! Perhaps we should consider moving on to other retailers who give us greater value for the money.

The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag (above👆) is the style I most covet and would use, however below are two more designs in the brand's winning and sleek collection.😉

Jacquemus Le Grand BaminoLeather Corssbody 

Unlike me, many women who are into changing their handbags might like the smaller sizes. In contrast, I use a handbag until it falls apart before I'll empty and switch it out. I hate changing bags so much it often takes a gala to make me do so. Regardless, I love all the Jacquemus bags featured here today! Hm ... could they make me change my ways?

Le Chiquito Long Top Handle 

You may also enjoy:

Consider Bvlgari Bags

5 Things I Hate Doing

My Coach Bag Capsule + Stocking Stuffers

Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

The Heart Shaped Bag

The heart-shaped luxury purse trend wouldn't have caught my eye had Sophie Shobet not featured it on her YouTube channel (see sidebar for her link) in addition to it being near Valentine's day.

Adorable as they are, I don't plan to buy into the trend. It's too much money to spend for a novelty bag that due to its shape likely won't hold all one's essentials ... plus I'm not a bag maven. My tendency is to buy a goes-with-everything black crossover bag, then I don't think of buying more bags until it wears out. That said, different strokes for different folks, and the heart-shaped pocketbook is feminine and super cute!

Why all the designers are launching heart-shaped bags in 2022 I haven't a clue. There's no research to explain it. Why do you think it's a trend?

Chanel has a small and large size; and my favorite brand, Coach, is on-trend too with a color-block, red and pink version. 

Do you want a heart-shaped bag or do you own one?💕

You may also enjoy:

St Laurent Is The Best Value Luxury Bag

My Coach Bag Capsule + Stocking Stuffers

Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Bag Alternatives To Hermes, Chanel and Dior Part 

My Coach Bag Capsule + Stocking Stuffers

Zoe Carryall bag in pebble leather

Sometimes Luxury bag YouTubers feature their Hermès, Chanel, or Dior collections ... but readers as you know, I'm a Coach gal. Moreover, I have a capsule, not a collection of Coach bags that I bought over a period of years. And yet, in the spirit of a YouTube bag maven, I'll show you my Coach capsule of handbags. Two of my Coach bags have sold out since I bought them (I have like-alternatives for you) -- and if you check back with Coach periodically they so often launch very similar bags in the style you like, therefore you need not go without. Use my Coach capsule as inspiration for the type of bags that are right for you!

In fact, Coach has so many fabulous bags, there's a stylish, enduring, and practical bag for everyone. Today is Cyber Monday, but it is only the start of all the sales that will be offered from now until January at retailers including Coach.

Here are the bags I loved enough to buy:

Rogue 25 in pebble leather

1) My Zoe Carryall bag - (See top image.👆) Why I love it: At 11 1/2'' (L) x 8'' x (H) 5 1/4" (W), it's the perfect compact size to hold lots of stuff. The refined, durable, soft, pebble leather is beautiful, and the inside suede-lined pockets are functional. A leather crossover strap is a must-have in Manhattan, as is a top handle.

Unfortunately, this bag has sold out, but you can still get a Coach bag that is nearly the same look, size, and functionality. The closest carryall bag available now is the Coach Rogue 25, which comes in several types of leather, colors, and textures. The adorable gold lock and clochette on the Zoe have been replaced on the Rogue 25 with a lovely Coach horse and carriage emblem tag. I love how an extended zipper makes getting into the bag and seeing your essentials a breeze. The Coach Zoe is available on Amazon undiscounted, but I would be happy with either bag. BTW: Pebble leather is what Hermès calls Togo leather in a Birken, which is full-grain leather.

Rowan Sattchel in Crossgrain leather

2) Coach Rowan Satchel - One of Coach's bestsellers, it is Crossgrain leather making it scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and looks brand new after much use and abuse. You don't have to baby this bag! Again, I love its compact size that still holds lots of stuff functionality. The bag is made of the same exact leather as the Hermès Kelly bag. Offered in several colors and textures.

Quinn Crossbody in Glovetaned leather

3) My bag is similar in design to the Quinn Crossbody bag (👈over to the left), which I bought in black decades ago at age 16, and at the time, it had no style name. Back then, I knew nothing about handbags, and yet I recognized quality when I saw it. Just like its twin Quinn Crossbody, my handbag is Glovetanned leather -- so-called because it's the same robust and supple leather that baseball gloves are made of. I got mine at a discount fashion shop for $20 bucks -- the best $20 bill I ever spent as I still own the purse today! It also began my love of the Coach brand -- that when full-priced my parents thought was an extravagant luxury bag for a teenage girl. And so their worries began, "Oh, no, she likes the finer things, just doesn't have a job! Well, she'll have to find one," was their answer.

4) Coach Marlie Top Handle Satchel - The last in my capsule of Coach bags was the subject of last week's blog. It is my Christmas gift to myself and fills the need for an everyday bag that can also double as an evening bag. The Nappa leather I selected is sold out, but the Marlie is still available in other leathers, colors, and textures. Plus there are similar Coach bags in Nappa leather (and textures), like the Kip Turnlock Crossbody or Lane Shoulder bags.

So right now I have every bag I need. Unlike the YouTube influencers who collect bags, I won't buy another Coach bag until one of mine wears out. Coach bags last for years, so I'm good!

I'll toss in some cute Coach Stocking Stuffers offered that make terrific holiday gifts since the holiday season has begun:

1. Horse And Carriage Bag Charm - Usually I don't spend money on bag charms. They add weight and bulk to your handbag, and a bag is enough of an expense for me. I don't need decorations. But this is so darn cute, I'd buy it for a friend who loves Coach bags. It also appears to have a function if you want to hang a few keys on it. The charm also comes in silver.

2. Airpod Cases that double as keyrings - I usually get my SLGs and purse accessories at T.J. Maxx for less. Sometimes rules should be broken if you see a thoughtful, pleasing gift or perhaps a splurge to put a smile on a face. These airpod keyrings are super cute and reasonably priced. 

3. Card Holders - Coach offers an assortment of cardholders with different functions. Do you need a key ring, an I.D. card window, or a zipper and slot to hold coins? Features I like are the slimmest cardholders I can find with lots of slots to hold cards. I always need to carry more cards than I think!

Let me know which Coach bags and/or other goods you like most.

You may also enjoy:

Sweets And Treats As Holiday Gifts

The Beauty Advent Calendars Are Out

Should You Ever Give Money As A Gift?

Last Minute Shoppers Head To T.J. Maxx

Coach Is An Easy Bag To Love

As readers know, Coach is my bag of choice. I've written 2 blogs featuring the retailer which I'll link below, and I've included Coach in blogs devoted to elite bag roundups as well.

My Foley & Corinna, "liberated" leather purse that I paid less for is starting to wear out, so I thought it was a good time to snatch up the Coach Marlie Top Handle Satchel* I've been ogling for months. Moreover, Coach persistently tempts me by

sending daily emails reminding me to buy it! Finally last night they got me to put it in my online shopping cart by offering the bag in Coach's Early Black Friday Preview Flash Sale -- and I had an additional 15% off promo code plus free shipping. Now leave me, alone Coach, I've taken the bait!

Suffice it to say, Coach sells full-grain leather luxe quality bags without the inflated French designer brand price hikes. The reason the merchant is less expensive than its French counterparts is Coach doesn't market itself as an exclusive, lavish label with the hype and 4-times-per-year price increases. Coach is a straightforward fine leather goods retailer that dates back to 1941. Customers get superior craftsmanship and classic style without the over-the-top markups. What's more, the retailer has a stellar outlet where you'll find true bargains.

So while Coach bags are never dirt cheap, you don't pay for the snobby ballyhoo of its French competitors. Don't get me wrong, I love Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, and will at times write about them. They're such beautiful eye candy how can you not cover them? But if I'm being honest, I just don't want to fork over that many zeros for a handbag, and with Coach we get affordable, well-made fine leather bags. It's the bag for value shoppers who have a fashionista gene.

The Marlie Top Handle Satchel comes in an assortment of leathers, colors, and patterns. It's adorable in red, and often, I gravitate towards pebble leather for its durability. However, I'm choosing black Nappa quilted and smooth leather with gold hardware in order to use the crossover bag as a universal everyday and evening purse. At 9 inches wide, the bag is a tad small for my everyday only bag -- I already know, but I can just make it work on enough days. It's perfect as an evening bag. I hope I don't have chain issues ... but with Coach you seldom do. Moreover, if anything breaks, Coach repairs it over the life of the bag, and to be sure, Couch bags last over a human lifetime plus! (BTW: Coach has a program where they'll buy back their vintage bags.)

The Marlie Tote

Additionally, my lovely readers, I'm showing you the Marlie Tote ... also super chic and on sale, but I dare not grab its image from Coach Outlet's website, or the company will start online stalking me again. Stop it, Coach! Lead me not into temptation -- I can find it all by myself!👜🦖

* Wow, I paid Coach Outlet $130 (including taxes) for my Nappa leather Coach Marlie bag, and now people are trying to resell them for twice and triple the price, which unfortunately is not a deal at all. 

You may also

Timeless Coach Bags

5 Coach Outlet Bags Reduced And Fabulous

Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Bag Alternatives To Hermes, Chanel And Dior Part II

You Could Win This MZ Wallace Tote

MZ Wallace is a New York company based in Soho that makes bags for people who work, travel, exercise, have small children and spend their days running around the city doing errands. The bags have pockets for organization and style to go from day to evening -- so you don't look like a bag lady carrying your stuff around to get all your chores done. Chic, roomy, organized and compact!

The retailer's website shows several available styles of bags. My favorite is the crossover Metro Quatro Tote. Well-designed and durable, with a heavy-duty zipper, yet it's more than I like to spend on a non-leather tote, if I'm being completely honest. It's the cost of supporting a small business, as opposed to, handbag designers who mass produce their goods. Frankly, if you are on a restricted budget, I don't think saving up for this one bag (with leather trim) is the right move. Nonetheless, if you can easily afford it, it's a fabulous, well-thought-out, quality tote.

And for 15 lucky people, here's a link sponsored by the Today Show to enter a contest to win the bag (the deadline for entering is April 25th). Someone's got to win, and it could be you, Savvy Shopper!

Fashion meets function ... and a bag-maker to keep on our radar!

You may also enjoy:

Extra Storage Solutions

Shelf Helpers To Organize

The City Tote From Foley+Corinna

Repurpose Food Containers, Jars And Mugs

Saint Laurent Is The Best Value Luxury Bag

If you must own a luxury bag there's no judgment here on THE SAVVY SHOPPER. Living in Manhattan, I look at Hermes, Chanel and Dior all the time in the shops so I understand the appeal of the handbags and totes, but don't own any myself since I don't covet them enough to pay the piper.

I'm happy with my less expensive Coach and Foley+Corinna bags, so I must say so before continuing. When looking and handling the luxury bags, however, I do evaluate them and decide which I like best ... which style and leather I find the most tempting as a "potential" buyer. While perusing, I think about what customers are getting for their money.

Although Hermes is the best made of all the luxury brands, it's so exclusive -- the $10,000+ price tag too high for ordinary people. Chanel is catching up to Hermes without the craftsmanship, therefore I no longer harbor any illusions of ever owning one. Dior has risen in price also, but its handbags are not as steep as Hermes or Chanel. But ... let's consider a 4th competitor.

Compared to Hermes, Chanel and Dior, Saint Laurent is a value buy for a stylish, affluent handbag. Moreover, it truly is a luxury bag. The leather quality, design, craftsmanship and Frenchness are all there. You get a luxury name that's not cheap, yet not as over-the-moon expensive (or let's be honest) gauging like Hermes or Chanel. Moreover, the retailer doesn't make you 1) grovel; 2) coddle an associate to be offered a bag; or 3) have you buy small leather goods 1st before the offer -- therefore you can skip the games and undesirable extra cost. Just walk into the store and buy the bag. Priceless! The Saint Laurent price points on its luxury bags are thousands less for the same quality of its direct competitors. So if a Savvy Shopper wishes to keep $5,000+ (usually much more!) of their money in the bank, it is the luxury bag to buy!!

You may also enjoy:

Timeless Coach Bags

Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Playtime At Bergdorf Goodman's Chanel Boutique

Bag Alternatives To Hermes, Chanel And Dior Part II