The Bag Snob: Reviews of Designer Handbags, Authentic Designer Purses, and Leather Bags

Bag Snob Exclusive! Bottega Veneta Paillette Hobo

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:00 PDT

This bag has not been seen or featured in any other publication or website! Bottega Veneta decided to debut this latest must have with yours truly, Bag Snob. I mean, who else has the snobbiest and most discerning audience? =) It may look like a woven bag with sequins but don't let your eyes deceive you, the technique used to achieve this effect is mind blowing. Each leather square paillette is actually laser cut on the bag, they are not sewn on. The same process is used for each sequin. A layer of leather and sheet of acetate is adhered to the layer of woven leather. Next a laser precisely cuts the acetate into small square sequins. The same laser is then used to cut the underlying layer of leather into larger square paillettes. The panels are then carefully hand finished. Needless to say, not a lot were made, there is a limited run of only 250 pieces worldwide. This rounded hobo with the foldover closure is also a new style for Fall. It is absolutely perfect that such a novelty finish is done on a classic bag so that you can have glamour every day. And fit everything, at 12" high by 13.7" wide, you will never need another bag again! A brown version will be available shortly but the black is now in stores. You must go in to take a look in person, I promise you will be duly impressed!! Ask for Katherine at the Rodeo store in Beverly Hills 310-858-6533, and Joseph on 5th Ave in New York 212-371-5511, for $4950. They have not put it up on their website so we can have the exclusive for our readers but I'll let you know when it is available at Bottega Veneta Online.

Alexander McQueen Quilted Clutch

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:03:27 PDT

I actually teared up when I saw this clutch. No, really, I did. My heart pounding, I wondered if I should click buy and call it an early "Happy Birthday to me" gift. It is the perfect combination of sophistication and edgy cool. A girl who has been pairing Chanel jackets with bad ass studded booties and distressed jeans since college. In other words, Tina. The skull is not as hideous as I used to think, it's grown on me and how fab are the tiny embellished crystals on it? The silver quilting really makes it for me, it's at once lady like and trendy. Love! I may need to take a cold shower to refrain from clicking clicking clicking. Alexander McQueen Quilted Skull Clutch at Browns Fashion here

The Carlalala from Roger Vivier

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:01:15 PDT

Who knew Carla Bruni would clean up so well? Gone are the wild days of her past life, she has slipped into the role of the First Lady of France beautifully. And what fashion designer doesn't dream of a First Lady to dress with a body of a supermodel? Do you think supermodel turned wife of President will become a trend here? I can't think of any supermodel that could fit the role of First Lady of the United States except maybe Christie Brinkley but she's twice divorced so I don't know how that'd work. Anywho, getting down to bag business here. Check out the Roger Vivier haute couture crocodile bag custom made for Bruni-Sarkozy's wardrobe of Chanel and Dior dresses by Bruno Frisoni. Named the "Carlalala," proceeds from sales of the made-to-order creation will go to Bruni-Sarkozy's favorite charities. I'm just wondering if she paid for the bag she's carrying. Photo: instyle

Frugal Snob: Zara Cutch

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:00:00 PDT

My best friend's brother used to be business partners with Olivia Palermo's ex-boyfriend so I've heard a lot of gossip tales about her all of which point to her not being the nicest of people (something anyone who watched The City probably knows).

I've seen her a few times out and about in NYC and her possible-catty/bitchy-ness aside she always looks gorgeous -- like she spent 5 hours in hair and makeup -- but still gorgeous! I love her fashion sense and her ability to mix high and low. In the picture to the left she is wearing a Topshop jacket and shoes (mental note: must fit in trip to Topshop ASAP!), which she paired with a Zara clutch.

Loving this clutch especially with so many people being wary of spending big bucks on a YSL or Alexander Wang studded bag, I think this is a wonderful alternative. It wasn't until last season that I started turning to Zara for bags and shoes, they've really turned around their accessories division and you can find tons of great items for under $150. I actually made a comment to one of the sales people about how their offerings have gotten so much better these last few months and she told me they did an overhaul in their design team. Call Zara for more info:

What do you think about Zara bags? Snob or Slob?
For a list of Zara numbers and locations, click here!

Fashion dilemma: Keep it or Lose it?

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:00:49 PDT

My shopping partner in crime is none other than the Fashion Director of Us Magazine-- Sasha Charnin Morrison, it's not unusual for us to stay up til the wee hours texting about our current obsessions (who needs sleep when shoes and bags are at stake?!?!). Our readers come to us for advice and we generally pride ourselves on giving sound advice. Unfortunately all reason goes out the window when it's something we want. Which, by the way, we always (almost) get what we want. But what happens when what we want isn't all we expected? So we've decided to turn to you, our readers, to decide the fate of our latest acquisitions (sold out on net-a-porter by the way!). Sasha managed to snag the Alexander Wang Coco Duffel, we've both dreamt about this bag since it appeared on the arm of Mary Kate Olsen last Feb (she got the first sample as a gift from Alex). But when it arrived, the leather, the shape, something about it is just not what she'd expected. She's torn because she has wanted this for month but at the same time she's not even sure she'll wear it. So tell her, should she Keep it or Lose it?

I'm in a similar boat myself with the Balmain Triple Chain belt. I received it in the mail yesterday and was surprised how heavy the tiny box felt. I thought there'd be elaborate packaging, box etc but nope, the 2.5 pound I felt was the belt itself! I put it on and felt like I was weight lifting. I mean it is so heavy I am concerned I will throw my back out. However, it looks amazing on and the fit is to die. Because it is so heavy, it lays flat no matter where you put it. Balmain put the loop holes very close to the tip of the belt so you can adjust it from hip hugging low riders to high trousers, so versatile! My only issue is its 2.5 pound weight. So tell me, should I Keep it or Lose it? We have 14 days to return the items and will run the poll until this Friday 7/24 and announce our decision.

Katherine Heigl, Tod's Girelli Pochette at The Ugly Truth

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:54:01 PDT

Katherine Heigl is one of my favorite actresses, she has such natural beauty! I was really excited when I was invited to The Ugly Truth premiere, not only because I love her but these are my kind of movies. She was absolutely stunning!! She wore Lanvin from Fall '09 with metallic Louboutin pumps and the most amazing Tod's clutch, a gray snakeskin Girelli pochette. So amazing to contrast the nude with gray. And can I just tell you, Gerard Butler is freaking HOT! He's like dirty hot, you don't want to marry him but you'll sleep with him =) I was expecting a typical romantic comedy with all its trappings (I love them!) but this was surprisingly different. Sure, the it ends as expected, has funny girl / boy bantering and gratuitous nudity (Eric Winter shows his bare butt in the movie and the Sony executive who I got the tickets from asked him at the after party if he waxed for that scene! She thought she would get fired but didn't care, she needed to know. The answer, NO!! You have to see the movie just for that scene especially knowing he has a naturally smooth butt). The things Gerard Butler says in the movie are borderline shocking and very male-centric but hilarious. Which means, you're boyfriend/date/husband will enjoy it. Katherine Heigl was great as usual, and whatever people say about her pain in the ass behavior on Grey's Anatomy, her entire cast was there to support her (I saw her chatting with Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight and Kate Walsh). Definitely must see!!

Web Snob July 17, 2009

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Fab Sugar Bright-Ass Bag Alert!

Bag Snob loves the easy chic of the Easy Studded Tote from YSL!

Beauty Snob takes the Glowelle 30 day challenge!

Couture Snob loves this "killer" pair of Louboutins

Stiletto Jungle- Leanne Marshall's Bluefly line.

All Lacquered Up -nail polish she created with Shades by Barielle.

Allie is Wired covers Kim Kardashian's new Twilight look.

Bag Bliss adores Michael Kors' Hamilton.

The Daily Obsession 40 years of space travel.

I'm Not Obsessed-- 3 of Lindsay Lohan's favorite shoes.

The Jet Set Girls test drive MySkins Nude Lingerie.

KRISTOPHER DUKES Jimmyjane Ember Candles On Sale.

Second City Style-- Party With Poppy in Chicago!

Shopping and Info Angelina Jolie last week.

Vote for your favorite emerging designers at StyleBakery.com

Stylehive shows you had to take inspiration from Beyonce's "Sweet Dreams" music video.

The Beauty Stop attacks the "toner myth."

The Shoe Goddess chats with shoe designer extraordinaire, Ruthie Davis!

Tot Snob is wishing Trelise Cooper made the Kite Runner Skirt for adults.

eye4style is giving away AmorePacific's luxe Treatment Enzyme Peel.

Anya Hindmarch Bowery Bag

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:41 PDT

I love how the wicker weaving on Anya Hindmarch's Bowery bag is made to look like studs! Upon closer inspection you'll see it's merely the placement of the metallic weave. This is a fabulous choice for our 'mature' snobs who love the look of rock and roll studs but feel it is not appropriate for their age. I previewed this at the showroom over Fashion Week and it is even better in person because you can not get the wonderful details from a photo. Anya loves being organized and of course this bag has her usual hidden and zippered interior pockets and key clip. Slightly oversized at 16" wide, it slouches just enough when you carry it so that it doesn't overwhelm. If you are petite and love the look of big bags, make sure it has short shoulder straps like this bag, nothing worse than a giant bag with long straps hanging down to a girl's knees! Anya Hindmarch Bowery bag $1,350 here

Givenchy Ombre Tassel Messenger

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:00:00 PDT

You gotta love Givenchy for their continued onslaught of new designs each season. The Sacca was casual but still polished chic, this is way bohemian. The Sacca is NY, this is totally LA. It is a messenger without looking like a book bag, you have the option of wearing this as a hobo or with the long cross body strap. And although it is big (14" x 13"), it is flat so it won't overwhelm a petite frame. Besides, for cross body, it needs to be flat or it will be too bulgey and super annoying. OK, I have to talk about that ginormous tassel, can't really side step it. Yes, it is almost obnoxious in scale but it actually makes more sense being the full length of the bag so that is blends in rather than dangle around somewhere in the middle. The strips are also really thick so this isn't a wispy swishing tassel - that makes a huge difference. It kind of is like giving a wink with its subtle playfulness. Of course, the best feature is the wallet like pocket in the front. At Barneys New York for $1270.

Bag Snob Exclusive! YSL Easy Tote with Studs

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:00:37 PDT

I put the YSL Easy studded bag under our Fall Trends article as a must have for Fall and it seemed to be everyone's favorite bag of the feature. I requested the image from YSL and did not get it in time for the article (my SA at Bergdorf had to take a pic with his iPhone!). However, I finally received this image today and was told the YSL Paris office shot it just for Bag Snob. Now if that doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy inside I don't know what will! I wonder if they'd agree to shoot a Kate Moss for YSL Bag Snob campaign. Won't hurt to ask ;) Anyway-- back to this fabulous bag, I love the flat studded hardware-- it's subtle but makes a very powerful statement. Look how the light dances off the strategically placed flat studs. The logo Y is also less noticeable as part of this design, genius! The duffel shape is casual, timeless and functional for daily use. It is no wonder YSL is the King of Bags! Seriously, this is WAY better than the Coco duffel from Alexander Wang. The leather, the stud detail, on trend without being trendy. It's a bag that you can use for many seasons past this one. The size is 14"x9" and retails for $2,395. Yes, it's a bit pricey but there is a lot of workmanship involved and as they say, you get what you pay for and in the case of our beloved YSL-- the best studded bag of the season. It is not available online anywhere, you will have to call YSL in Beverly Hills to order-- 310-271-4110. Or call 212-988-3821 if you're on the East Coast. This is sure to sell out, call now!!! YSL also available at Saks.

Furla Adriana Hobo

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Yes, that's right, this is a Furla. Nothing wrong with that. But you generally go to Furla for a basic all around bag and you do take a hit on the style. Well, this bag seems to have all the bases covered - great shape, gorgeous color, interesting details (subtle piping and pleat) and amazing Frugal Snob price!! I love the cross body option and the hanging strap when used as a hobo does not bother me,but it is detachable. It has a fully zipped closure which is hard to find in a hobo. I think I am mostly falling for the cobalt but honestly, this is a fantastic bag, pebbled leather and all for only $495. At Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dior Croisette: Snob or Slob?

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:40:13 PDT

Dior's Croisette bag is the perfect example of good intentions improperly executed in design. The idea is to make an oversized, edgy bag that can be used for work or play but instead is an over sized bumpy mess of harnesses, studs and hardware. I picked this up the other day and the only thing it's good for is building biceps cuz it's heavy as hell! It is also very stiff and awkward and forget it if you have long hair like me-- mine got caught in the web of hardware-- ouch! The hardware prevents the calfskin from curving around your body, so important when the shoulder straps are that short and the bag that wide. You end up walking around like you're carrying a giant trunk full of bibles for sale. I would have just made the harness detail along the top, middle or bottom of the bag, not the entire thing. I find that a little goes a long way when it comes to studs. $2,550 at Bergdorf Goodman (hello! expensive!). What do you think, Snob or Slob?

Get the look: Lady Gaga clutch

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:50:28 PDT

Not that Lady Gaga is anyone to aspire to but I am fascinated by her bizarre get ups! I mean who would think of wearing a bunny mask out to dinner? In black lace!?!? You have to admit there is a widow chic appeal even though she looks insane. I am loving her clutch, though-- the graphic black and white pattern is sophisticated and striking.

If you like the stark contrast of black and white, you should check out Sang A's olivia bag in black and silver lizard. I featured the Olivia from Sang A before but thought you wouldn't mind looking at an elegant and gorgeous bag again. The round shape soften the geometric design and the perfect little swirls of lizard skin is absolutely dreamy. $1,390 at Sang A here.

Ask the Snob: Bottega Veneta VS Chanel, Python Face Off

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:12:30 PDT

I just got this email from Roe. I answered her, won't tell you what I said but you can probably guess, but I thought it would be fun for fellow Bag Snob readers to weigh in on her decision. Hello My Lovely Snobs, Hopefully you can help me decide. I have a friend that has a Chanel Pink/Black Python Flap that she would like to trade for my Bottega Veneta Python Sloane. As much as I love the Chanel Python Flap, I do like my Sloane. I also believe my Sloane is also a bit younger. Which bag is more "snob worthy". Should I trade? Please help. Best, Roe

Alexander McQueen Faithfull Tote

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:00 PDT

Faithful is what Alexander McQueen is known to deliver when it comes to cool chic. The brilliance here is a bags with a load of crazy details but it totally ROCKS! It's not for everyone - some like it plain but some like it HOT. Yes, that would be me =) (Just watched Some Like It Hot with my husband, he's never seen it, can you imagine?). It really does take a keen eye to strike that perfect balance when it comes to embellishments but when you get it right, it's magic. Even the cone shaped piping on the corners that look like Madonna cone shaped bras are awesome!! There is a naughty girl in all of us so when the mood strikes, this bag comes out to play. Looks aside, this bag is a kick ass organizer, pockets and zip compartment galore. The back of the bag has a zipper that makes it look oddly like ass cleavage (seriously, check it out). It is lined with red hot satin in case you didn't think it was sexy enough. The only drawback is the size, this bag is ginormous. If you're petite, forget it, at 16" x 14" and a deep 7", this will swallow you whole. At Net-a-Porter for $2,295.