Kooba Hadley Small Satchel

I’m in the wrong business. I make a pretty decent living doing what I do. I blog on the side for fun, and to engage with others who share my interests. And usually I don’t suffer from greener grass syndrome. And then yesterday I was surfing, looking for a cool bag to write about, and I found a Kooba. I wanted to read more about the brand, so I did a search—and found this. The creative director of Kooba, which has only been in business since 1998, recently bought a new house. In The Hamptons. For $6.1 million. Dollars. Now, I knew that the big name designers with big fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and a very long list of others make a lot of money. Millions every year. I mean personally, not the company as a whole. But Kooba? I mean, the bags are nice and all, but let’s face it. It’s not a name yet like Chanel or Vuitton. As far as fashion goes, they’re still new kids on the block. But apparently, even the newer brands are doing ok if one of their executives can buy a multi-million dollar home. And yeah, I know it doesn’t mean she handed over the full $6.1 million. I’m sure she got a mortgage. But do the math. A $6.1 million dollar mortgage paid over 30 years at let’s just say 6% interest gives you a payment of just over $36,000. Per month. Now, that’s also assuming no down payment, so if she put down the recommended 20 percent, that would bring the payment down to just under $30,000 a month. Well, now I can see how affordable it is! I just need to save up $1,220,000 for a down payment and I can live in The Hamptons too! I’ll get right on that. In the meantime, I’ll just admire it from afar, and keep blogging about the things I love, like the Kooba Hadley Small Satchel.

Don’t be fooled by the appearance. The Kooba Hadley Small Satchel is made from leather, but it’s only embossed to look like ostrich. It does give it a more sophisticated look, though. The Hadley features prism design stitching, and dual handles which give the bag a six-inch drop. Attach the shoulder strap, and that increases to 20 inches. Hmm…if only other things were so easily increased in size. I’ll leave that to Heidi Montag, though. Hey, what did you think I was talking about?! Get your mind outta the gutter! Ok, maybe I was. But still! Anyway, the interior of the Hadley is fully lined, and offers a back wall zip pocket and a couple of slip pockets. There are two additional pockets on the outside, concealed by the zipper detailing. I love this pale green, but it’s also available in bourbon, lava, turquoise, and yellow. You can get the Hadley for $545 at Endless.com. And now we know how the creative director over at Kooba afforded that house, don’t we?

Budget Saving Alternative 1

If you’re more like me and like to, you know, eat every day, you might want to spend a little less on a handbag. Or a lot less. But you still want to look good, right? So check out this Fossil Blackburn II E/W Satchel. The leather isn’t ostrich-embossed, but it is pebbled, for a nice textured look. Rather than dual short handles and a longer shoulder strap, the Blackburn compromises with medium length dual straps which give the bag a ten-inch drop. There are two exterior side pockets for easy access to things like your cell phone and sunglasses, and inside there’s a back wall zip pocket and a few slip pockets as well. The top zips closed, and the bag is adorned all over with silver tone hardware. I think this leaf green is perfect for spring, but it also comes in golden yellow, lily white, sky blue, and red. It’ll help you start saving for that mortgage since it’s only $128 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Save even more, but still get a kickass bag with the Rampage Glazed Leather Satchel. Made from Italian leather, it gives you a classy look without the usual Italian leather price. The glazing on the leather gives it a nice sheen that catches the light in just the right way, without being dazzling. The front pocket closure is embellished with a gold tone clasp, and the flap feature a scalloped edge. Inside, there’s a back wall zip pocket, and the top zips closed too. The thing I like best, though? The lining. It’s a bright, shiny turquoise fabric. It’s a beautiful contrast to the kiwi green. The Rampage satchel is also available in lavender and viola, and both of them have the same turquoise lining. It’s unexpected, much like the price because you’re getting an awful lot of style for what it will cost you. This satchel normally goes for $198, but it’s on sale right now for $108.90 at Endless.com.