When I used to work as a personal stylist back in the days; when sling bags are considered unladylike, I still recommend them to my clients. Crossbody bags are not only comfy because you save yourself extra weight, and they are also practical. Nowadays, you cannot say it is a fashion faux pas- carrying one is a must! So here are some of my favorite crossbody bags of all time.
1. GUCCI OPHIDIA CANVAS CROSSBODY
What I love about this bag is- everything! The monogram logo that looked laced together is in harmony with the leather accent and red and green band. Definitely, the kind of bag that will add color to the classic blue jeans and any plain shirt. It is a small bag but its width surprisingly fits all your ladies’ essentials. It’s the only accessory you need!
2. ETRO PAISLEY PEGASO CROSSBODY
This bag is my favorite hobo look with a modern versatile take. The paisley body and Pegasus metalware add some grandiose to it. I will rate this crossbody with 10/10. The slightly curved edges complement the sharp edge of the flap cover like the beach to a sunset, or sugar to the coffee. You can easily pair this one with any colored jeans, or a dainty-printed shirt (fluffy chiffon or a cotton T-shirt).
If you wanted to look timeless, then Chanel Flap is the one bag you’ll ever need. There is something to this brand than just the name. It has this elegance and feminine feel. Anyone who carries this bag looks instantly posh. It is perhaps because the material is the softest leather which screams luxury right away. You can never go wrong with owning one flap because it is iconic.
4. LOUIS VUITTON SAUMUR CROSSBODY
This one is almost a staple look for every luxury fashion enthusiast. Who would not want an LV? It is the most lightweight bag to carry anywhere! It is a comfortable, versatile design that matches any casual outfit- the reason I love this bag so much. They can be costly, but here’s the good news, you can buy a preloved LV from luxury bag curators like Luxury Cheaper.
Evoke that rockstar soul in you with a studded or rivetted bag like this one from MK. The good thing is they are not as expensive as other luxury brands, this is why they made it to my list of favorites. It has a punky, compelling and stylish feel. Wear this with blue jeans and a long structured coat and black footwear, and you are ready for a late afternoon appointment or dinner.
TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A “PUT TOGETHER” LOOK
1. Match Your Bag With Your Footwear
If you have a crossbody bag in bold colors like black, yellow, pink, or red, better to wear neutral or a color of a similar shade, especially if you are already wearing colored clothes. Too many contrasting colors are just hard to reconcile.
2. Do Not Over- Accessorize
This is one of the mistakes of many- they just want to put everything they have on their body. If you want to look elegant, do not wear too many accessories. If you wear earrings, then a ring or two is enough to compliment the look. If you want to flaunt a necklace, don’t wear earrings if you are wearing one that hangs just below your chin. You can wear a longer necklace instead that would hang below your bossom if you want to wear an earring and forget about wearing more than one ring if you have these on. Also, wear accessories with a design theme that matches; such as ethnic designs don’t go well with baroque Victorian style.
3. Wear One Bag at a Time
I see this in some people a lot. They just want to show off every designer bags they have in any way possible. The thing is, it doesn’t look neat. You can’t wear a sling bag and a belt bag at the same time or carry a satchel and wear a crossbody all at once. My suggestion is; that if you have to carry more than one crossbody bag, carry one on your body and one that is held by hand.
By Jonquil Dun
]]>by Jonquil Dun
Who would have thought that the iconic, now listed as the top most- valuable luxury brand in fashion, back then was a poor rural village boy?
You know his brand very well. The name is Louis Vuitton. But before he became the emperor of luxury bags, he was a poor orphan left to the care of a foster family at an early age when his parents died. Born in 1821 in eastern France to a farmer- carpenter father and a milliner mother, Louis Vuitton must have never imagined the fate that lied ahead of him shortly after. But he left his foster parent’s home when his relationship with his foster mother went severe.
Paris was 292 miles away and he was only 13 years old. He walked away from his foster family on foot, taking odd jobs along the way to support himself while learning few skills that would become tantamount to the career waiting for him in the big city. Louis was able to reach Paris in two years.
When he reached the capital, Vuitton who was then 16 years old landed a job with a travel trunk- maker name Marechal where he worked for 17 years. His expertise and perfectionism of the craft paved way to the palace of Napoleon Bonaparte III whose wife- Eugenie de Montijo, hired him as her personal box-maker and packer; who later brought other wealthy clients his way; who became his patrons until the end of his career.
The Louis Vuitton label was founded in 1854 with its first store at Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris, France. He started with 20 craftsmen, and it grew over time, as he attracted more foreign parishioners, one of them a Japanese military personnel. He opened up to new markets outside the country and opened his first international outlet in London in 1885.
Louis Vuitton was a master craftsman whose genes for exclusivity passed on even after his death. During his lifetime, Louis fought hard to maintain his patent look. He successfully devised ways to preserve the identity of his brand from counterfeit products who tried to imitate him.
After his death, his son Georges, continued his legacy and the House of Vuitton gave birth to more iconic looks such as the monogram and patented an ingenious lock system that made it impossible to pick the lock of their trunks. This lock is still used until today. And, hitherto, there no doubt that quality and ingenuity of Louis Vuitton bags are still unmatched.
He was a revolutionary designer who changed the way traveling used to be. He made the luggage easier to transport by re-imagining the shape and the weight, improving the way it looks that would fit the carriage to the opulent salon of the palaces of the French imperials.
To preserve their exclusivity, LV produce only limited pieces for the market. All LV outlets around the world are managed by the House of Louis Vuitton itself (meaning the company) to make sure that only authentic LV are sold. To note, the high manufacturing cost makes LV so expensive and they went through numerous durability test to ensure quality.
His brand became a favorite of icons themselves such as the actress Audrey Hepburn whom the Speedy was fashioned for, and Coco Chanel with Alma.
Nowadays, every girl would take pride clutching LV timeless luxuries. This is why even a pre- loved Louis are still expensive because they don’t lose value. But buying LV’s is tricky because only 1% sold in the market today are considered authentic, the rest are counterfeit. But how do you know you are buying a real LV?
Some people prefer a personnal shopper to buy for them because they know the market better and they are trained and experienced to spot a real from not. And if you can’t afford a new LV, there are stores that sells authentic pre- loved LV which saves you a lot of money than buying brand new. Luxury Cheaper is one of the most reliable sources of these bags. They only sell authenticated, in excellent condition, highly- curated pre- loved Louis Vuitton bags.
Thus, the story of how a legend was made. Louis Vuitton was a visionary. He knew how to bring the brand through the tests of time, through the ups and downs of fashion, to stands undeterred by the threats of the antagonists of originality.
His hardwork, ingenuity and his good behaviour towards clients and acquaintances led him to opportunities one after another which he championed a step at a time until he reached the top. And those opportunities, started with his first step taking that 292 miles journey to become a legend he is today.
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Shop your favourite Louis Vuitton’s at LUXURY CHEAPER.
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The Runway Faves
Guess what, we look everywhere and they are sold out! Of course, these bags are so lovely, that’s why!
They are sold for at least $2,500 but you can buy pre-loved here
photo: luxurycheaper.com
It’s limited edition, so it’s always a good investment. Limited edition pieces can double its price in few years. You can wear it as long as you want, sell it later.
This bag is sold around $3, 500 and $4,000 plus at some places.
But you can buy for less.
Photo courtesy of: luxurycheaper.com
We think its the crystal- encrusted bee ensemble that gave this bag an iconic look. Plus the bamboo handle!
Photo: luxurycheaper.com
Also sold out in most places despite of the whooping price of this bag to have cost around $3,000 to $4,000 brand new? A true luxury!
Check this out at a its best price.
Photo courtesy: luxurycheaper.com
Saddle bags and fringed detailed bags are back on the Trend chart this year! You can never go wrong with this one, because its Burberry!
Get the brand new at the best price here.
Photo: luxurycheaper.com
VERSACE Virtus
The baroque V metal ensemble on this beauty is dazzling. And right away gives this bag that instant jewelry effect.
Photo: italist.com
The Timeless Classics
Selling at around $9,000 to $10,000, but this bag is a sought- after luxury still. They are the timeless which price just keeps going up.
Photo: 1stDibs.com
This is every girl’s dream bag!
Sold at not less than $5,000, and interestingly enough the prices goes every now and then without further notice, but they are always sold out!
Good news, there are Pre- Loved of these beauties at lesser price. Get them here!
Photo: polyvore.com
This classic iconic bag made a great come-back this year!
Photo: harpersbazaar.com
Another iconic bag made for an icon. The LV Alma bag is making a dramatic comeback too this year!
This shop sells Almas at best prices!
Photos: luxtime.su
The late Princess Diana of Wales used to be seen carrying this classic on several occasion. It’s chic and minimalist, a timeless luxury design you can invest in.
Photo: vogue.globo.com
There is a special bond between women and their handbags. One may think of it as a mere fashion statement, or as a utility, or of status, but there is more to it. It is a complex relationship, and its personal. Do you ever wonder what one’s bag collection meant for them? It’s not only a passing fashion obsession, rather it is how they perceive and define themselves. What more could explain it, is by looking back at its history how a once- man’s accessory which dated back to the Pharaonic times to become a woman’s personal complement at the start of the Industrial revolution in the mid 1800’s till this day where it is regarded as the most essential fashion staple. And to date, women top the world’s demographics in the purchase of bags.
Considering how one’s choice of bags is determined by its benefits, functionality as well as how it builds status and make a fashion statement, there is no doubt why the giant bag manufacturers such as LVMH or Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci; to name a few, are the top choices of most fashionable women. These brands costs thousands and this is so true for anything that are made to last for life! They are worth the money! And apparently, they are the best pieces of luxury to invest on!
Here’s why. These bags can easily resell at a minimal deflation. Unlike other luxury items, designer bags don’t radically loose their value, because these bags are designed to endure the wear and tear. The truth is, some bags will gain more value over time. This is the reason why there is a lot of investment in the last 10 years on pre-loved designer bags because they are valuable and on high demand in the growing fashion- conscious consumers. Owning one these days is becoming easily at hand and designer bags are already within reach through pre-loved bag sellers who are now selling online at lower price. Although looking for a trustworthy company may be a challenge.
We spoke to one of the Top-Seller, Most-Trusted curators of pre-loved items that sells the iconic bags there are, called Luxury Cheaper. They are among the leading reseller/supplier of designer bags in the world today. What is commendable about them is their reputable honest service alongside their impeccable scrutiny when choosing only the excellent quality pre-loved designer bags they sell. You can be rest assured that the item you will be purchasing is as described, or your money back. Each item went through meticulous quality inspection and have only the licensed experts to authenticate the items.
To help us understand what type of bag you should be buying on your next purchase, Luxury Cheaper gave us a clue by this list of their personal favorite bags:
It is a classy everyday choice for women who likes to move to places a lot. Given its seamless design, the Neverfull is true to its claims! It gives plenty of room for your belongings, and no matter how much you put in it, it seems like, there is always a space for more. And because its LV, it is so durable that a single strap can hold up to 90 kilo loads. This is really the perfect carry-all bag for you. The bag itself is made of coated canvass this is why it is scratch- free and made to endure wear and tear for as long as 20 years. For busy women who needs to take their laptops wherever they go, or needs their cameras and gadgets, or books, or vanity kit, and so on; literally everything that you need the whole day, this bag is what you need. You can check it here; https://luxurycheaper.com/collections/handbags to find which Neverfull versions you like most.
This is a luxury favorite, even on the resale market and sometimes priced higher than the retail. The sleek shape makes it a versatile bag to wear with a formal outfit. The metal 22k-24k- plated brass chain detail is what makes this bag dressy. You can slip into a party gown with this on your shoulders. Its size is good enough to store your personal items such as your cellphone and beauty essentials for retouching. It is made of Caviar leather which is a textured leather made from calfskin; the perfect material for a bag that can resist scratches as it is durable. If you like the history part of it, this iconic bag was the first shoulder bag design that French women wore in 1950’s which changed the history of how women carry bags. It has other personal details such as the quilt design being inspired by jackets that male stablemen, whom she was fond of used to wear. This bag is an icon! Check out Chanel flaps here https://luxurycheaper.com/collections/all/chanel
Another versatile choice is this sleek shoulder bag that is perfect for everyday use because the size is handy and its minimalist shape and look can blend to anything you wear from jeans to skirts, to maxis, to suits. Gucci Marmont are durable, and like its designer bags counterparts in the small shoulder bags category, these are good for investment too. As for the style, there are several versions of Marmont that you can choose from to match your functions, from casual everyday wear to a formal event. Find out which Marmont do you like most here https://luxurycheaper.com/collections/gucci-handbags.
Now you have an idea what bag could be right for you, go on and explore www.luxurycheaper.com to start purchasing one today before your favorite is taken by someone else. You too can now get a luxury, cheaper!
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Louis Vuitton’s beginnings can be traced all the way to 1837. France was in the midst of an economic expansion, and that growth was attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the city of Paris.
A 16-year-old Louis Vuitton was one of them. He traveled 292 miles (Anchay to Paris) by foot to the French capital to work as a trunk maker's apprentice.
At the same time, steam-powered trains and ships were making travel more accessible, and the industry was booming.
Vuitton capitalised on this when he opened his first store (1854). In 1858, he debuted his new trunk design. It was rectangular, unlike its dome-shaped predecessors, making it easy to stack. The cotton canvas fabric was lightweight, durable and waterproof – ideal for travel.
Many call this design the birth of the modern suitcase.
In 1896, his son Georges Vuitton created the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram – a floral pattern with an interlocking L and V - in honor of his late father, who passed away in 1892.
From French royalty in the 1800s to celebrities in modern times, owning Louis Vuitton has a long history of being seen as a status symbol. Now you can find the famous monogram on everything - handbags, clothing, shoes, jewelry, even a toilet. The brand is worth a whopping $47 billion.
One reason Louis Vuitton products are so expensive is the high manufacturing cost. For example, the luxury brand produces its handbags here in France and shies away from outsourcing manufacturing to cheaper locations.
Its collections are handmade by experienced craftspeople in Europe and the United States using expensive materials. Despite advances in technology, the company says the most advanced machinery touching its products is the humble sewing machine.
But even the highest quality goods can lose value if there are too many of them on the market. That’s why Louis Vuitton suspends production of a product once it hits its sales target.
Often when brands produce too much of a product, they offload the extras by holding sales or selling them at discount shopping outlets. By controlling its supply, Louis Vuitton has managed to avoid both of those things. In fact, it claims to be the only brand in the world that never holds sales.
And while this helps the fashion house maintain its value, it also makes it a prime target for counterfeits. Louis Vuitton is the most counterfeited luxury brand in, the world. In 2018, its products made up over half of the fake luxury products found on the market.
Experts say there are many counterfeits because the brand’s classic style has virtually been the same for the last 150 years, giving those on the black market time to create near-perfect imitations.
The counterfeiting of goods from luxury brands has become so widespread that e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba have started cracking down. For example, Alibaba seized almost half a billion dollars ($536M) in counterfeit goods in 2018.
Although Louis Vuitton had its humble beginnings here in France, its developed marketing strategies to attract a large following in other countries.
These strategies have been especially effective in China, one of Louis Vuitton’s most crucial markets. The brand had its eye on this market as far back as 1992, when it became the first foreign luxury brand to open a physical store in the country.
China was still seen as an emerging economy at the time. Bernard Arnault, the man at the helm of Louis Vuitton’s parent company LVMH, even said there were more bicycles than cars at the time of the launch.
With China’s ascension as an economic superpower, its growing middle class and high net worth individuals have grown. That’s made the country a lucrative market for luxury brands.
Chinese consumers at home and abroad spent $115 billion on luxury items in 2018. That’s one-third of the global spend — with each luxury-consuming household spending an average of almost $12,000 (11,525) per year. By 2025, Chinese consumers will account for 40% of total global spending.
All of this demand is driving up price. In China, goods from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton are 21%i more expensive than the global average. That means the average Chinese consumer is paying an extra $420 dollars for a $2,000 handbag.
That adds up. So much so that some wealthy buyers have started hiring agents to purchase luxury brands for them overseas. Luxury goods go for 22 percent less than the global average in France and Italy. The same That means that $2,000 handbag would end up costing a Chinese buyer $860 less in France than if they’d bought it at home.
Despite being more than 150 years old, the brand is now focused on finding ways to appeal to younger, affluent audiences.
It’s brought on board influencers like Sophie Turner, Chloë Grace Moretz and Kris Wu. And while the actors appear in traditional Louis Vuitton ads, they also post photos of themselves wearing the designer on their Instagram or WeChat accounts.
Kris Wu has been the face of another strategic move – its streetwear collection. The streetwear culture - popularised by designers such as Virgil Abloh and Kanye West - was seeping into the luxury industry, and appealing to younger people around the world.
Louis Vuitton wanted to capitalize on this and in 2018, it announced perhaps the most influential streetwear designer, Virgil Abloh, as its creative director for menswear.
The company borrowed a distribution and pricing strategy from streetwear culture, the drop model, meaning it releases a limited number of items over a short time period.
For example, this pop-up space in London launched Abloh’s debut collection as Artistic Director. The collection was only available for a week. Because there were so few items and a time limit, consumers flocked to the shop, where hoodies were selling for as high as $ 2,395.
These strategies and of course the hefty prices have helped Louis Vuitton to hold on to its title as the world’s most valuable luxury brand. But as younger consumers begin to make up more of luxury purchases, it will have to keep evolving to hold on to its seat at the top.
This bag never out of style. Every Louis Vuitton lovers love to carry this bag. It's great for daily used and traveling.
According to Louis Vuitton: The Neverfull MM tote unites timeless design with heritage details. Elegant in Damier Ebene canvas with natural cowhide trim, it is roomy but not bulky, with side laces that cinch for a sleek allure or loosen for a casual look. Slim, comfortable handles slip easily over the shoulder or arm. Lined in colorful textile, it features a removable pouch which can be used as a clutch or an extra pocket.
Part of the LV Crafty capsule collection for Fall 2020, the Neverfull MM tote bag looks stunning in Monogram Giant canvas with a bold geometric print inspired by the world of graffiti. Spacious and practical, the bag features sidelaces that can be tightened for a sleeker look or loosened for a more casual feel.
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Early 1980's: Three numbers with the first two numbers representing the year and the last number(s) representing the month. For instance, the date code of a bag made in May of 1982 would read "825".
Early to late 1980's: Three numbers followed by two letters. The first two numbers indicate the year and the last number indicates the month. The two letters indicate the factory where the bag was made. So, a bag made in France in May of 1989 would have a date code with the letters for the French factory (see factory codes chart) and the numbers "895" (two letters for the factory will follow this number). A bag from the 1980’s can also have a date code in the from of four numbers followed by two letters. In this case, the first two numbers are the year and the last two numbers are the month of the year. For example, a date code that reads 8901 V.I. means the bag was produced in January (01) of 1989.
1990 - 2006: Two letters followed with four numbers. The letters represent the factory, the first and third numbers represent the month and the second and fourth number represents the year. So, a bag made in France in December of 2004 would have a date code that looks like this DU1024.
2007 and on: Two letters followed by four numbers. The letters indicate the factory. The first and third numbers indicate the week of the year and the second and fourth numbers indicate year. So, a bag produced in the U.S.A. on the 20th. week of 2010 would have a date code of FL2100.
DATE CODE MADE FROM WHAT COUNTRY:
France | A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, DR, DT, CO, CT, CX, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX |
Germany | LP, OL |
Italy | BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA, TD |
Spain | BC, CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB |
Switzerland | DI, FA |
USA | FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL, TX |
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According to Louis Vuitton " The Neverfull tote unites timeless design with heritage details. Made from supple Monogram canvas with natural cowhide trim, it is ultra-roomy but never bulky, with side laces that cinch for a sleek allure or loosen for a more casual look. Slim, comfortable handles slip easily over the shoulder or arm. Lined in colorful textile, it features a removable pouch which can serve as a clutch or an extra pocket." by: Louis Vuitton (https://us.louisvuitton.com/)
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
According to Louis Vuitton "Fashioned from luminous canvas, the Speedy is an elegant, compact handbag, a stylish companion for city life. Launched in 1930 as the "Express" and inspired by that era's rapid transit, today’s updated Speedy remains a timeless House icon, with its unmistakable silhouette, rolled leather handles and engraved, signature padlock. by: Louis Vuitton (https://us.louisvuitton.com/)
Louis Vuitton Alma Bag
According to Louis Vuitton " A timeless House icon, the Alma handbag is ideal for every day. Its structured lines recall the Art Deco original, introduced in 1934 and named for the Alma Bridge in Paris. Crafted from Monogram canvas, with hand-stitched Toron handles, natural cowhide trim and high-shine golden hardware, this signature model always looks elegant, carried by hand or on the elbow. by: Louis Vuitton (https://us.louisvuitton.com/)
Louis Vuitton Keepall Travel Bags
According to Louis Vuitton " An icon since the appearance in 1930, the Keepall embodies the spirit of modern travel. Light, supple and always ready for immediate departure, the bag lives up to its name: those adept at the art of packing can easily fit a week's wardrobe into the generously sized (and cabin-friendly) Keepall 55. Shown here in classic Monogram Canvas, with a strap for casual cross-body wear. by: Louis Vuitton (https://us.louisvuitton.com/)
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