Snob Essentials

The Charlie from Anya Hindmarch

Here is a typical conversation between Kelly and I when pondering new bag purchases together. “I like it, it’s cute.” “Kind of square though, is it stodgy?” “Hum, I don’t think so– the pony hair and patent contrast makes it hip and young. How does it feel on your shoulder though– does it fit or is it a top handle only.” “Hello, pay attention, it has both– the straps fold in so you can just use the top handle if you want or there is another long strap.” “Oh cool. I do like this bag, but should we get it?” “How much is it?” “It’s $1,595, but is it $1,595 cute or is it under a thousand cute?” “Well, it’s pony skin which is so nice. Will our laptops fit into it though?” “I think so, which would be so perfect. But I don’t need another bag.” “Of course we don’t need another bag, I think that question was answered like 180 bags ago.” “Should we both get it?” “If we do we should get different colors so we can swap.” “You always say that but we never do.” “I know, I mean it when I say it but I can never part with my bags.” “I like how it fits our laptops, I hate lugging around my computer bag and a regular bag.” “That back pocket thing is good, too. I like putting my cell and keys in outer pockets so I don’t have to pull out my laptop to look for things.” “I know, we should just get it. Plus it’s for work. And we won’t buy any more bags this month.” “But we said that yesterday when we were at the other showroom.” “I know but this time I really mean it, no more bags.” “Okay fine, ring it up.” Anya Hindmarch Charlie Tote at Net a Porter.com

(Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Kelly ordered the chocolate and I got the dark blue.)

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31 comments

  1. Strangely I find this bag suited better for older women. It lacks the charm of a new exciting bag. So once again, I´ll pass this one.

  2. haha, funny! I love this bag, I am always searching for bags I can take to work. Thsi works for the weekends, too. Nice!

  3. I have to agree with Mette. This is definitely a bag for the mid-30s-and-up set. Plus, I just find pony hair so ugh. I once saw a thong in pony hair and it’s just turned me off the whole thing. I will always see that leopard print abomination in the back of my mind when I think of pony hair. *shudders*

    You guys have good back and forth though, shopping with an enabler has got to be fun. 😀

  4. Fun post, Tina. I just don’t get it when people say “but I don’t think I can take this bag to work.” Where do they work? Kansas? Montana? I work in the Chicago suburbs and I’m a guy – and a gay one at that. I take big *ss Fendi man totes to work, LV damier bags to work, BV bags, Prada messengers (all leather, not the cheap nylon), etc. Just express yourself, what are you gonna do – get fired? not promoted? Of course, I live in a state where guys like me are protected, but I think that’s beside the point…

  5. haha, Manbag, you are funny! I mean i can’t take dainy little clutches to work because it won’t fit everything I need. I need big functional bags for my files and laptop. This one is great and the price is not bad either.

  6. Tina—sounds like a conversation I have with myself when I shop for bags…lol..(I know sad) I shop alone!! well not alone I have my kids..

    I LOVE the bag!!!!

    ManBag!!!! WELL SAID!!!!! =)

    B..xox

  7. Another great bag from Anya.

    Kayteh, not all leopard print bags are ugh and shudders, are they? 🙂 I would think they must have some kind of appeal and staying power since just about every designer puts one out every season.

  8. Yummy! I was just checking this bag out and now I have to get it. I need a new work bag!

    Kaytey – not to pick on you, but once you hit your 30’s you will realize how young you still are. Sixty is old, 30 is not (but it IS fabulous!).

  9. You know, I just banned Anya Hindmarch from my wardrobe. I had received a Raffia Embellished Clutch this summer, and during it’s debut use this weekend, a large stone fell off! Such shoddy workmanship. I called the store to have it replaced or at least fixe,d to which they rudely refused, since I received it as a gift!

    Sorry Kelly, I love your picks, but I have to share this with other snobs. And, the worst part? I loved my little clutch… 🙁

  10. Hi all- we are total enablers, it’s been like this since we were in college 🙂

    DK- how distressful! Please give them another chance, you should call the NYC boutique, they are quite friendly. If you are in London, call the Bond street boutique. I am certain Anya will take care of it. I will shoot them an email now.

    xoxo

  11. Love you Tina for trying, but I’m in LA, so I called the Robertson store. I so love her style and vision, but perhaps will email the web site as well. 🙂

  12. This bag comes in a tote style that is made of nylon with patent trim. That is the bag that I bought at the AY store on Robertson. It comes in navy blue, which is almost black, brown, and black. It is very chic and affordable.

  13. As a horse owner and avid equestrian, I find it abominable that you would ever consider using a product made of an equine. That is the most horrific thing I could think of! Please, reconsider featuring these monstrosities.

  14. G – oddly, I still like animal prints, but the pony hair thing has totally stayed with me. Maybe it was because I just can’t accept furry panties, or furry bags (even if it’s mostly smooth).

    Anonymous, Empress – Sorry, didn’t mean to insinuate that 30s = ancient, it’s just that this bag didn’t come off as “hip and young” to me at all. Sophisticated maybe, but not so much hip and young.

  15. BTW I´m a horse owner too and never,ever would buy anything made from horse,pony fur.UGH! This gracious animal should be left alone from fashion and by the way any other industry. When I said that I find this bag suited better for the older women´,I actually meant the 40-60 ones!

  16. Have yet to find an Anya H. bag that calls my name. I am in the late 30’s range but this does not really appeal to me. I don’t hate it though.

  17. Fab work bag girls…very versatile!! Shopping sounds so much fun with you two I can’t find a like minded shopper in my friends….hopefully one day!

    Talking of British designers what do you snobs think of the Smythson new bag that in the british press they are saying is going to be the next “IT Bag” its called the Maze! I did like there Nancy bag but never actually bought it as I was not sure I truely saw it as a was bag rather more of a chic shaped makeup bag!

    L.xo

  18. Hi Tina & Kelly,

    I actually have this bag (yeah they are sold in Asia already). Make sure you don’t carry it in the rain… as it is not rain durable… also, the pony already began to get curly before the rain and only after a few uses.

    I used to be a huge anya fan, but not any more, as I think the qualtiy of the bag has deteriorated (eg. the hardware/silver got all rusty after rain or after humid weather..), there has been way too many disappointing bags in the recent seasons and there are simply way too many people using the bags….

  19. Strange that your pony bag,K, curled in the rain. Horses are used to different climates and my alive ones don´t mind rain nor snow at all,same goes with sunshine. I usually carry a Longchamps bag along,just in case if it starts raining. Great for extra shoppings too. About the exotics: Does anyone know how they tolerate extreme climates? In Scandinavia we have 4 seasons,literally, it can be +30C to-30Celcius.

  20. Next time you two are having a similar discussion can you videotape it and post it on youtube. Would love to see it! Great post.

  21. Genevieve & Mette —

    The material is not ACTUAL pony hair. This has been a term that is used to describe a calfskin that has not been shaved which gives it a ‘ponyhair’ like appearance & feel. So no worries, a pony was not harmed in the making of this bag.

  22. K from Asia just confirmed my suspicions, which rose when I discovered that the Anya Hindmarch bags are actually made in China. I will only put my money on bags made in the traditional European countries, Italy, France or England. Which reminds me of Mulberry you Bagsnobs so fondly present; it no longer has the same quality as it did when the bags were made in England. Shame on you, You should be the snobby ones!

  23. Come on people, at this price point made in China is the only option. I don’t mind things made in China, their quality has been very good with certain brands.

    If it were made in Italy, it would be double the price, double the weight and the quality is not guaranteed. I had a Gryson bag that fell apart and it was made in Italy.

    None of my Anya bags have ever fallen apart.

  24. DK- please call the LA boutique again and ask for Lynn or Allison, they will help you with the missing stone! xo

  25. Dear Snobbers,

    I am writing to you BEFORE I receive my replacement bag from the lovely Lynne, as I would like to share my thoughts on what a wonderfully luxe experience I had with AH in Los Angeles.

    I would love for your readers to have an update on the blog, as I, think, too often we get caught up in the bag of the moment, without realizing what we are truly purchasing — the brand, the vision, and the service.

    Thanks to Tina’s e-troduction, Lynne got in touch with me right away and offered to have the displaced tiger’s eye stone from the Raffia Clutch repaired or replaced. Within 48 hours of receiving the damaged clutch, Lynne has offered to replace the clutch and send a new one to my attention. Now, that is the epitome of clienteling and service, too often lacking at these major prestige brands (hint, hint to Gucci & Prada).

    Now, before I go off on my luxury tangent, as I teach and work in luxury, from am unbiased eye, I am more thrilled to be a part of the Snob community, as never once have I heard or read of a blogger taking such impeccable care of their readers, whether they be the head of AH or an everyday subscriber. Kudos to you, Tina, for making me a believer in the spirit of AH, for life! For while Lynne’s service was second to none, my experience with the brand and blog would not have been possible without your support.

    My hats to both very talented ladies, for sharing the true essence of luxury — one of timeless style and grace.

    Sincerely,

    An Anya Hindmarch Fan for Life