I just dropped a few bags to the post office & was wondering what carrier you all use & why? From which service do you feel most special receiving a parcel?

Sizing Up a Birthday Present

This morning I received an email from a mother who was shopping for a birthday gift for her daughter. She had narrowed it down to the perfect Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas bag, but her dilemma at this point was size: Medium? or Large?

Oh my, how grateful I am that Louis Vuitton makes different size! But man, life would be easier with less choices, especially during gift time...don't you think?

In her email to me, this (awesome) mom requested further information about which size I thought a better choice.

As I wrote out my complete bag analysis, including carrying capabilities, pro's/con's of the functionality of each, I couldn't help but picture the woman's daughter in everyday life with each of the bags...

I saw her at the gym with her medium bag...carrying her sneakers and sports bra in hand (eew). I saw her looking a very un-put-together on a dinner date with her much too big bag! I saw her walking into work with the larger tote, neatly buttoned up, and every fitting just right. Then I saw her carrying her medium sized bag, cosmetic bag and novel tucked inside, laptop in its rightful case tucked under the other arm, and that looked just fabulous in my mind also (indeed, that's how I do it!)

And what did I come up with to tell the mother? I came up with the usual, same old answer...unfortunately...the same answer I have to hand out when women ask my opinion on picking a brand: It's personal.

I know lots of women who prefer a huge oversized tote any time of the day, any day of the week.

But me? Well I'll take a smaller Kelly box-sized bag, a Speedy 25, or a clutch. I feel more lady-like, more like Audrey or Grace or Jackie...but, that's just me...

What about you? Give me some input girls...what's your size preference?

If you could only have one bag, what would you have?

Alexander McQueen Dies

Rest in peace Alexander McQueen. A legend in fashion has died. McQueen, who was found dead today, in his home, has committed suicide, a week after his mother's passing. A designer who has been known for his classic, if slightly gothic, looks, seemed sad, but somewhat upbeat after his mother's death, sources say. McQueen's death is a shock to all who knew him, and truly a tragedy in the fashion community.

Posts on his twitter page revealed his struggle with his Mom's death...posts included references to an, "...awful week" and "hell's profilic demons".

Three years after the death of McQueen's close friend and muse Isabella Blow (who also committed suicide-by drinking weedkiller), Lee (Alexander) McQueen has now followed in her footsteps.

Alexandra Schulman of British Vogue recalls that he, "influenced a whole generation of designers,"

Designer Katherine Hamnett has commented that it is surely a, "tragic waste."

McQueen will surely be missed.

What makes you stand proud?

The other day I was in Macy's, walking through the jewelry department, and I passed a woman with a brown bob-tall in stature-in a pin striped black suit and a great pair of Tory Burch heels. Immediately I noticed that she was carrying herself quite elegantly, quite proud. She was browsing through some of the finer selections of jewelry of in the cases at Macy's, yet eschewing the sales people as they came up to her, nearly begging her attention. It was late in the day, and not many people were in the store. There were some casual stragglers, some people exiting through the store as they finished up through the food court, another woman I saw making a return of some costume jewelry, a few women trying out samples in cosmetics.

But this woman truly stood out to me. It wasn't the neatly pressed, probably Theory, suit she had on or the sueded stacked Maddie TB's on her feet. It was simply the confidence that swept around her.

As she turned around to leave the jewelry section, I glanced back at her one more time. And, to my shock, I saw on her shoulder, a replica Louis Vuitton Montogueil GM.

She had it slung over her, and her hand tucked through the strap, holding onto it, as if it was the most prized possession in her life.

My first thought was, oh my goodness, does she know it's a fake?? I should tell her!

And my second thought was, oh my goodness, does she know other's know it's a fake?

And then finally, oh wow, does she CARE?

What makes you stand proud? And why?

It is a common debate that I have with my significant other: WHY do women love designer bags? Some ideas for you to think about...

• Is it because it makes you seem stylish in front of your peers? Is it a way to be fashionable when you are unsure of what your own fashion statement truly might be?


• Is is because they are a status symbol? Is it a way of establishing wealth and success like a Rolex watch might be to some men?


• Or do you truly love the shape, the icons, the patterns, the design? Do you really respect and understand the brand and the designers vision?

I am the first to say that when a woman walks out of the house with a great bag on her arm, it can change the shape of not only her look and her outfit, but also her confidence level and self-image that day. I feel that authentic designer accessories can work some pretty great personal magic...

I know why they do it for me. But, why do they do it for you?

Is it because they are art? Or is it something else? Would love to hear...

And we're back...with more than just Vuitton.

Hi everyone!

Well, I have to say that I am sorry it has been so long since I have posted in my blog. I've just been so busy and caught up in the day-to-day work, that I haven't had a moment to sit down and write about it. But, as I am sitting in my house today and thinking about the past 6 months, I decided it was time to share about what happened!

Things at Bella Bag have certainly been exciting, that's for sure. I have been working hard to accumulate resources (and handbags) to grow this little business and make it better. Have you hopped over to the website Bella Bag: Authentic Pre-Owned Designer Handbags and Accessories? I worked with a great graphic designer named Jessica Cornelius to get that splash page looking so fab and fun, and the shopping cart is still a work in progress.

And, if you are looking for a real bargain, and maybe want to jump in on an auction in progress, why not click on one of our ebay auctions? You never know...you could pick up a great little bag there for a real steal! Personally, I love ebay, so definitely don't miss out on the Bella Bag Authentic eBay Boutique.

I know in the past that I've certainly led Bella Bag into a (and yes reasonably true) reputation for holding a majority of Louis Vuitton inventory. However, I want you to know that we're expanding our horizons and this month we've not only got lots of Gucci and Chanel too, but even some pretty amazing Bottega Veneta...I mean, an Intrecciato Oversized Nappa clutch T-D-F!

I am staring across the table at it right now...it is this huge envelope style clutch, and just beautiful, suede and leather and snakeskin weaves, and I am thinking that I may just steal it from the inventory myself...

Do you know what Bottega Veneta's old motto was? Let me tell you...

"Bottega Veneta: When your own initials are enough."

I told my mom this recently, and she just about keeled over, saying that she was now convinced that she had to have one...

So I'm just saying...if you don't see this Intrecciato bag on the website when you go to check out what I'm talking about...that's because I purchased it for myself!

A Great *starter* Video on Authenticating Louis Vuitton Handbags

The most common question we receive at Bella Bag is, "How do you know if a bag is real??"

Although it certainly does not cover every angle of authenticity, this is a great starter video on authenticating Louis Vuitton handbags: how to tell a real Louis Vuitton Bag from a fake Louis Vuitton Bag (video courtesy of videojug.com)

Check out Bella Bag for authentic Louis Vuitton bags!

Tamara Mellon and Christian Slater Part Ways

So long to the sweet (*true*) romance that was keeping fashion fanatics everywhere in tune! Tamara Mellon, president of Jimmy Choo (London) and Halston (US), has reportedly parted ways with her boyfriend of over 2 years, Christian Slater.

Although the two were seen together as recently as last Easter vacationing in Capri and rumors were flying that Mellon would soon be relocating to LA from London with her daughter Minty to be closer to Slater, sources have now confirmed that the pair have called off their relationship.

Britain's Daily Mail was told that, "We all thought Tamara and Christian were made for each other, but the pressures of their respective careers meant they were spending too much time apart..."

We love a strong woman at Bella Bag and, Tamara Mellon has been on our radar for years as one of the fashion's top contributors and female entrepreneurs. Not only is the dynamic lady responsible for turning Jimmy Choo into a lifestyle brand, but she has also revolutionized Halston over the course of the past 3 years as well.

"Tamara always puts her daughter first and with two businesses - her shoe brand Jimmy Choo and American fashion label Halston - to run as well, it's all been too difficult. Tamara speaks very fondly of Christian and I'm sure they will stay good friends," says the Daily Mail.

Interested in Jimmy Choo Shoes? How about the awesome Jimmy Choo Ring Bag we just got in (a new tote style twist on the Ramona...a day version of Choo's Grande Rio Evening Bag)? Check out all of our authentic designer bags, shoes & accessories.