I am starting to feel sorry for the retail stores, in all the years I've been avidly shopping for sport, I have never seen current season must have items go to 50% off BEFORE Thanksgiving! So sad but we must do our part ladies! We must prevail and keep our economy going!

Let's start with the online sale at Barneys New York, up to 50% off. The Balenciaga Cherche bag in chic smoke leather needs no introduction. All I have to say is $1,489 (was $2,475, 40% off). Get it here.

Next up is another Balenciaga-- the Rosso cut out lambskin clutch in red, perfect for the holidays! $599 from $995.

Jil Sander also offers up useful and stylish totes in multi colors and leathers. I love Jil Sander, you can never tell what season her bags are from because they are so simple and timeless. Some might say boring but hey, a boring tote is always useful! (Jump for more!)

Barneys private label is as good as any designer they carry. These adorable little satin clutches at $359 $595.

Guest Blog by Julia DiNardo of Fashion Pulse

Ever since we saw the pic of chic, pulled-together Katie Holmes toting around the super-sized Hermes Haut a Courrois (HAC) handbag we were immediately hooked; where can we find something similar that costs 1/20th of the price (the bag is approximately $10,000)? As the structured frame bag and satchels are gaining popularity as important bag trends, we thought it would be helpful to pull together our favorites, ranging in size from standard to large enough to carry three-five toy dogs.

Although nothing quite says oversized and luxury like the Hermes HAC, we found a few bags that are still good replacements at prices that won't require Tom Cruise to make another cheesy action movie in order to afford it. If oversized is the only way to go for you, we'd recommend starting with the Turnlock Doctor Bag, $68, from Urban Outfitters.

A new collection is always something to look forward to and when it is Bottega Veneta, you normally aren't disappointed. I was ready to be refreshed with a new collection only to be perturbed by more undesirables. Is this the end of an era? This intricately woven and intriguingly detailed Gorgiera Boston bag is a remarkable piece of work but all that effort is WAYYY too busy and not particularly fitting for a bag. Maybe like say, if it's the trim of a couture skirt or dress, it would be incredibly beautiful but as an overall design, it just goes overboard. That being said, the Knot clutch is slightly more acceptable and appropriate because of the smaller size but it still isn't mind blowing. It is in Karung (which is a type of snake, but it is a lesser snake skin) so the lace detailing has a bit more texture but my goodness, how much texture is too much? Wherever that gray line is, this surely goes over and beyond that point. I am a sucker for anything blue and this particular tone of Cobalt is the best thing going for it. It is vibrant yet perfectly neutral. I guess I could always go for a classic woven in this new color but I was hoping for some spectacular new shape. The Boston is on pre-order for $5860 and the Knot clutch in karung also pre-order for $2950.

One more Cruise Collection look after the jump.

I take back what I said about loving everything purple. Though I am far from a PETA card carrying member I am annoyed at the garish use of mink fur in this clutch. And as if looking like road kill is not humiliation enough, it has been dyed purple to further the assault. Yes, the style is not bad but purple fur? Not that killing a lizard is any better and I am aware that a girl with a closet full of leather and exotic bags should not be criticizing the use of another animal but I can't help hating this thing! Pellegrino Purple Mink clutch $1,695 at Vivre.com

What do you guys think? Snob or Slob?

Sorry for the late post all, I am exhausted lately. Trying to balance career and home life is getting the best of me and I've decided to cut back for the next few months and will not be hosting any more events in order to focus on enjoying the holidays and new year with my family (big thanks to all who came to Neiman Marcus yesterday!). But don't worry, the blogging will continue as usual! Now on to today's arm candy-- the highly anticipated Proenza Schouler bags (named PS1) are live at Barneys New York! The duo behind the uber cool line of ready to wear rarely disappoint and I know their following of urbanistas will be all over these gender bending bags as well. I am usually not a fan of utilitarian styled bags but these feel right to me. The straps are obviously going to be left open as I hate having to open and close any straps on my bags-- I need instant and easy access-- but that will just give it further effortless appeal. The python pouchettes are perfect for both jeans or fancy gown, I actually like to downplay a black tie dress with an edgy bag-- it just keeps things more interesting. As for the messenger bags, our man snobs will be able to carry them as well! It's all about unisex versatility right now, a couple on a limited bag budget can buy one of these PS1 bags and share it. The leather is soft and slouchy and that python is divine, go to Barneys to see for youself! Prices range from $895 - $4,250. 
Check out the entire PS1 collection here.

My search for a new clutch collection was helped along with the Marni sale that is going on. They are doing the presale now, the actual sale starts on Friday but they will let you take the stuff now. What they do is make you buy a gift card and complete the transaction on Friday when the sale actually starts. I don't care what they do really, I just want my stuff NOW at the sale price! I ended up getting this Zip Bag clutch because on sale it is $556.50 and because I always fall for Marni when it comes right down to it. The look speaks to me, it is simple but has slight details that make it different. I like subtle differences, it is much more interesting to me than blatantly trying to stand out. This simple metallic clutch has natural leather trim (very Marni) and a really cool clasp that folds over the frame. It's great for just about everything. I know this picture is not of the silver metallic that I got but you get the idea. The sale is on all the Fall ready to wear, shoes and jewelry as well as all the bags, except the classic balloon that never goes on sale. I am pretty sure their website will be on sale as well, but it's best to call (Theresa at South Coast Plaza 714-380-3155) or go in to a Marni boutique.

Beauty Snob has Spring 2009 hair trends
Couture Snob is consumed with Balenciaga Edition collection!
Tot Snob make your own picture board books!
Purse Blog - Be&D sample sale!
The Thoughtful Dresser - Teenagers save the economy!
Fab Sugar - Girls on Film, Lara Stone, i-D, November!

I am sitting at the Choo boutique (live blogging from my new G1 phone) and buying bags and shoes from the Fall collection, everything is 30% off! The large gray Saba is now $2100 and the purple eel peeptoes are now $770. It is on presale, the actual sale doesn't start until the day after Thanksgiving but Madlen will give it to you now, just call her 714 327 0644 at the South Coast Plaza store, or go to your local store and grovel to let you have the sale now!

We adore Alber Elbaz and are so excited for the launch of Lanvin online at Net-a-porter.com. It is a massive coup for any retailler to be able to stock the Lanvin brand online, the brand has been fiercely protective of its highly coveted collection which is frustrating for midnight shoppers but this partnership with Net-a-porter.com will allow readers around the world to have their Lanvin delivered straight to their doorstep! Bags will start arriving at the end of the month (just in time for Christmas!) but jewelry and shoes are available now! We will pray that Lanvin ready to wear will also hit cyberspace soon.......

I just realized we have not given away a Bag Snob t shirt in a very long time. Since the holidays are almost upon us, we are in a giving mood and will be running our Snob quizzes each week! Come on, pretend to be excited! Good, that's better. You all should know the drill by now but if you don't, jump to see the rules.

To win a Bag Snob T-shirt in the color and size of your choice-- tell us the designer of this awful mess of a bag. And here we thought Halloween was over!?!? It just looks so itchy!

Leave your answer in comments. US residents only, please. Quiz will end on Friday, November 21st at Midnight and winner will be selected via random computer drawing. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Have fun!