1.05.2010

Tightwad Tuesday: Miu Miu Studded Mini Drawstring Bag for a Bargain

Darlings I know that your senses have already been romanced by the reticule, don’t even try to deny it. The vintage aesthetic which takes your ensemble du jour back to an era full of floor-length evening gowns sporting empire waists worn during the daylight hours; of pretty parasols held high above the well-coiffed heads of the wealthy; and lace gloves protecting one’s dainty fingers from the harsh cruelties of the outside world. Yet even with such history proffered, the reticule presents a very avant-garde styling to your person that is cutting-edge and antiquated all at once. A fact quite easily visible with a mere glance in the direction of Miu Miu’s Studded Mini Drawstring Bag.

While not capable of holding the magnitude of miscellany that so often finds itself situated within the confines of the oversized luggage I refer to as my handbag, the Studded Mini Drawstring Bag makes up for storage space via a dainty design contributed by the drawstring closure and tassel ends; whilst retaining an ever so slight ruggedness about its form courtesy of the polished goldtone, brasstone, chrometone, and silvertone studding covering its contours.

Let’s be honest dolls, it’s an accessory with the power to wine and dine your wardrobe; a piece harnessing the capability to create chic sophistication mingling with rebellious feminine mystique; an item to glam up your skinnies, bedazzle your basic tee, even captivate your sparkling baubles. But really, I have no right to become so spellbound with a carryall of such sublime sovereign; though it is not the bag itself that is the problem, rather it is the outlandish price tag.

At $716.00 the Studded Mini Drawstring Bag is the true epitome of bliss; but it is Free People’s Studded Side Sling Bag, and its $48.00 asking price, which is far more fabulous for the budget fashionista.

Like the Miu Miu marvel, Free People’s pretty presents the same type of tumultuous temptations, such as the drawstring closure, tassel ends, and studded embellishments, all in a pint-sized package that is pleasing for one’s wallet.

I’m dying to know dolls…will you splurge, or walk the trail of the tightwad?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Bluefly and Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Cozy Up to Shopbop and Ugg Boots Giveaway for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com.
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67 comments

FASHION SNAG said...

I have been stalking that Free People bag. I think it is so cute! xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

COCAMIA said...

SPLURGE!!! I am a bag fanatic! And I believe that the money you spend on an expensive bag reflects the quality long term! Some may disagree but I love bags made well and the big ticket price makes me want the bag even more! Thanks for showing us this great bag!

www.janetteria.com said...

WoW! I love this, but I have got a vintage studded piece from TheUrbanCollection and one of my fave piece...hihi. :-)


X♥X♥

M said...

I've been eyeing bucket bags for a long time now, not being able to decide whether they are a do or not. But, hmm, I guess they are! The Miu Miu bag is gorgeous! Having fallen in love with it, I'm not sure a knockoff would measure up....

I say splurge on this one! Saving money for food, rent and bills is overrated in my book. :)

Diane said...

i like the miu miu one better...but $716 is just so not in my budget. the free people bag is a fabulous alternative!

Stéphanie said...

Happy new year dear !

All Women Stalker said...

The stud pattern of the cheap one looks way way better. Great find, Erika. :D

Jen said...

I like the Free People version... but I LOVE the Miu Miu! It's divine!

daisychain said...

Oh, love both of those, but the miu miu has stolen my heart!

rachaelgking said...

This fits in perfectly with my "wear more bling" New Year's resolution!! Love.

ana said...

I'll definetely go for the Studded Side Sling Bag for 48.00! its so lovely!!! and I like the price much better ;) Happy new year darling!!!! best wishes for this new year to come...

Daydream Believer said...

If it weren't for the tassles, I'd like the cheaper one better!

Leah said...

I kinda prefer the studs in the Free People bag and I love that it has tassels too.

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Miu Miu...sigh so cute! The bag style isn't really for me though. I'm not really a cross-over fan.

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Miu Miu...sigh so cute! The bag style isn't really for me though. I'm not really a cross-over fan.

Aline said...

this is totally a save to splurge for me!!

Princess Liberty said...

I like the MiuMiu !

Catie said...

While I love both of them, I would go for the Free People version. I actually like it better b/c of the color of the studs. Also, I think b/c studs are definitely more trendy than classic, it's probably a good idea to go for the cheaper one so that you don't spend a lot of money on something that might be out of fashion in a few years.

Unknown said...

I've seen these bags around, and they're wonderful! I love the studs, and tassles, soft and sharp go well.

J'aime
www.tinominosquared.blogspot.com

Style, She Wrote said...

Great style steal with the free people bag! Loved, too, that you referenced reticules!!

Anonymous said...

I love the Miu Miu one so much more! It's gorgeous! xo

http://www.labelllefille.blogspot.com/

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I totally like the Free People one better. Me likey. Me like a lot!

Sharon Lei said...

Even though my bank account says not too... I would SPLURGE!! :) I've loved that Miu Miu bag for so long.. not sure if you read her blog.. but Allegra found a very similar bag to the Miu Miu one ( http://allegrabj.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-coincidence.html) I'm so jealous of her find... ha ha.

I hope you're having a beautiful day Erika!

Love & Aloha, S
www.elisharon.blogspot.com

Couture Carrie said...

Fabulous find, darling!
I will be a tightwad on this one!

xoxox,
CC

English Rose ♥ said...

That MiuMiu bag is to die for and I am so excited to finally see a picture of you!!! You are too darling for words and those boots are fabulous!!!

Thanks so much for the lovely comment

Happy New Year dearest darling!

Stay safe and chic
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

The Blonde Duck said...

That looks like the perfect handbag to dramatically smack a less than kind gentleman with and storm out.

K said...

Not really a fan of the style. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the purse of my dreams. Sigh...

K said...

Not really a fan of the style. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the purse of my dreams. Sigh...

SabinePsynopsis said...

Even though I might not splurge, I do love the MiuMiu; it's just so cute-cool! Sabine x

Sherin said...

*Gasp* That Miu Miu bag is too perfect for words! I just love it so much. But it definitely is a bit pricey. But I love it so much, that this week, I'm going to have to splurge.

Anonymous said...

I want. Both of those bags. Now.

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Great find! And drawstring bags are so in right now.

Margaux said...

I think I prefer the Free People one!

Denisa L said...

I like both of them but I think I can make one myself:-??

Sharon Lei said...

Hi Erika!! It's me again.. just wanted to let you know... I left an award for you on my blog. :)

Love & Aloha, S
www.elisharon.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Is that really Free People?!.. 'cause I've got the EXACT same one from forever 21, and it cost me only $16.00 !! honestly, it's the same! and I love it!

Melissa Blake said...

Why I am suddenly seeing all these beautiful bags that I WANT?!?!?!

The F Word Online said...

aw thanks so much for the sweet comment ! you totally made my day =) that miu miu bag is beautiful ! oh my gaaad i want it !

xx lue

Emily said...

anything with Free People has my name on it - all their stuff is beautiful!

Sandy said...

They're both great bags but I'd definitely go for the Free People bag ... it would go awesomely with those gladiator shoes LOL although I must confess I'm hugely lusting over a mid-tone purple and black reptile print handbag at one of our local shops. Not to mention the shoes that are a different purple ... I think I see a purple reptile bag in my future for the spring ...
awesome post btw ... have a GREAT day Erika!

bryna said...

wow. i could easily buy that miu miu!

Jen Hsieh said...

although the miu miu bag is stunning, i'd have to go with the free people bag. :)
nothing better than a great deal, am i right? haha
another great post, erika!

tricia said...

I love the fact that you can get great pieces, like this bag, at really affordable prices. I feel like so many people wouldn't be able to tell the difference if they didn't know the brands.

Rachel Scarlet said...

The MiuMiu bag is gorgeous.I would love to have that. I have never heard of Free People. I think I'll check it out. xoxo :)

S.Elisabeth said...

Ooh usually I like to save, but I think I might just splurge. I mean for a brand as big as Miu Miu 716 isn't completely outrageous (considering Balenciaga starts in the quadruple digits!)!

Anonymous said...

I m loving these adorable drawstring bags! they are so effortless and chic! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

a cherry tree said...

Happy 2010 gorgeous girl!
I love the new pic of you you've popped up - you're too cute <3, as lovely as your writing and comments :)
Ohh and I have a sweater just like yours, and am wearing it heaps at the mo - great minds, ha!

The Miu Miu is adorable and would shake up so many different outfits. I'm only just getting into Miu Miu, they're fun and so well priced.

I hope 2010 is a fabulous year for you!

<3 xxx

nicole said...

Oh god that Miu Miu bag is gorgeous. But on the other hand, I think the Free People one has a bigger capacity. I carry a lot of crap with me so I'd probably opt for that one. As sad as I am to turn my back on the Miu Miu one. If money were no object, you know which one I'd buy.. BOTH! Hahahahaah

Great post Erika!

Anonymous said...

ooo studs. i still can't get enough of them! handbags are something i'm definitely willing to splurge on in general, given that they have more timeless appeal than say, sequined shorts...

Unknown said...

My mother got a similiar louis vuitton one for Christmas, seriously considering stealing it!
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Fashion Court said...

thank you for the sweet comments darling! i am trying my besssst to keep up with my blog haha :P your blog is definitely one of my inspirations!

i absolutely adore embellishments. studs are kinda my weakness.

Treacle said...

Hmmm...this isn't really my style. Much too much hardware.

Allegra said...

I'm such a lucky girl. I bought a pretty pretty similar no-name bag in London, Camden Market. actually, I didn't know that there's a miu miu bag like this when I bought my "fake"..

Nina said...

Shopping ban, be gone .... I sooo lust over this!

Midtown Girl said...

Fabulous job of finding a budgetista version of this super cute Miu Miu bag!!

Since I don't have many embellished bags - I just may have to splurge on the MM's!!

Luv ya doll;-)
Amy

Joanne Faith said...

I actually have a much simpler studded draw string bag! It's black, with classic studs on just the one side. It was an absolute bargain too. I carry it everywhere!

glee said...

i first thought i like the first bag more, then abruptly changed my mind; but not to decide for the second, but to entirely not know which to take. i like the designs of both, i believe.

thanks a lot for the wishes girl. I miss you around, really. Whew, I was way too long not visible. Wish you the best of the year too ;)

Jessica said...

I'm a tightwad on this one. I prefer the stud placement on the inexpensive version more than the Miu Miu.

Anonymous said...

The free people one is just better in general, its practically the same, and free people is an awesome brand

You got an award on my blog!
check it out!

http://missneira.blogspot.com/2010/01/fab-award.html

Jennifer Fabulous said...

I love this bag! You always find the most fabulous stuff. I'm dying to go shopping with you. :P

KP said...

ooh really great alternative-I'd rock both. xoxox

Anonymous said...

I've been eying the same FP bag! The only thing is that I carry too much stuff! I absolutely love the Miu Miu bag, but it's out of my price range. :(

xo, Becs

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I actually love both of these bags. I love that the Miu Miu has different studs. It creates such an interesting look. But I do adore the Free People one. I think I'll have to take both! :P

Style, via Tia said...

Hi, It is so funny you did this post cause I was just checking out this bag(http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags&product_id=1070998901&Page=1) on forever21.com for $19.50. It is not quite as fabo as these but looks very similar. Great post!

Frannie said...

Darling these two bags are just too stunning! If I could I would buy the Miu Miu one but as I can't afford too (poor college student's mantra: duly noted) I will buy the to-die-for free people one instead. Thanks so much Erika!
xoxo

SC said...

FREE PEOPLE! Oh did I mention I'm a big ol' "tightwad"? haha.

ediot said...

i LOve the miu miu bag. so cute

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