April 2007 Archives

Top: Chloe, Felix Rey
Bottom: Kate Spade, Valentino

If you have a boring little black dress that you want to vamp up, get one of these giant bow clutches to make a statement, although I'm not sure what that statement would be. Bows are cute, don't get me wrong, I think it looks really awesome on Hello Kitty. At first glance I thought maybe the Valentino bow clutch would be really great to liven up a formal event but then I came to my senses and realized how lame you would look having the bow extend out of the bag like it got unraveled. And don't even get me started on the Kate Spade fuschia clutch that looks rubber. The Chloe gold bow is just tacky with the contrasting stitching on top of the distressed leather. I suppose the Felix Rey satin Lola is ok, only because I like the foldover style, but the bow with the one sash hanging down still doesn't sit right with me. Valentino for $895 and Kate Spade for $245 both available at Neiman Marcus. Felix Rey for $200 at Shopbop. Chloe for $900 at Net-a-Porter.

Valextra Rigid Tote in white, $1,190 Small White Boston bag - $1,850 Exclusively at Barneys New York

Every Sleeping Beauty awaits a Prince to rouse her from slumber and Valextra was no exception. A luxury brand established in 1937, Valextra was once the ultimate in status bags and luggage; decorating the arms and yachts of Princess Kelly, Jackie O, Maria Callas, and Aristotle Onassis. By the '70s however, Valextra had drifted into what is described as a 30 year sleep by Massimo Suppancig, the exceedingly handsome CEO of Valextra, and the Prince who brought this beauty back to life.

Boston crocodile $8,600
I had the pleasure of meeting Massimo Suppancig at a private luncheon at Barneys New York Dallas last week hosted by famed art collector Cindy Rochovsky. After reading how much I love Valextra (can you believe my post made it to Valextra headquarters in Milan?), Massimo graciously agreed to grant me an interview after lunch. The minute I arrived I was mesmerized by the display of bags he brought with him from Milan. Valextra bags are like nothing I have ever experienced before, and you all know I am a girl with a 3 digit handbag collection. Valextra is often called the Italian Hermes and I can see why, the leathers are beyond heavenly and the workmanship is incredibly meticulous. I was like a little kid in a candy store, grabbing more bags than my little greedy hands could carry! There was a luscious taupe crocodile Boston bag($8,600!), an adorable fuchsia Punch bag ($1,600), and several other yummy concoctions that I was drooling over but the Boston bag in melanzana was the one that won me over. A vibrant purple (melanzana in Italian means eggplant) with rose pink stitching made of soft Franzi leather, it is one of the most gorgeous bags I've ever laid eyes on! The Valextra staff told me it was from the Fall 2007 collection and not for sale. I'd have to order it and receive it at the end of July or early August. I almost cried when I heard that I had to wait all summer for a bag that was obviously meant to be mine! But after a few minutes of pleading my case to Massimo, the bag became mine! In his delightful Italian accent he said "You are the only woman in the world with this bag. The rest of the world will wait until Fall delivery". Sweeter words have never been spoken to the Bag Snob!

I guess she really loves this bag and unlike her normally offensive taste, this bag is ok with us. But I can't say much about the rest of her look. Some celebs REALLY rely on their stylists cuz on her own she is looking like the roadie/groupie that she has become. Is it just me or has everyone else lost all respect for John Mayer? So what is this bag? First one to get it right wins a "Bagsnob" engraved bag hook. Please leave your answers in the comments.

UPDATE: The correct answer is Badgley Mischka, of course. The first to answer correctly was Cinthia. But Kiran specified that this was made to order so we will send a hook to her as well. Most of you got it right so I guess this was too easy. We will have a harder pop quiz next week.

I know in concept this probably sounded like a pretty good idea. But really it's not, I mean what's the purpose of the hanging clutch when you have an entire tote because it sure doesn't look good. This looks like a deformity to me, like a goiter that takes on its own personality and starts talking to you. This is on top of the really bad bunchy shapeless bag that would look totally stupid even without the clutch there (not that I would use the clutch on its own either, what is up with that crusty frame and oversize chain??). And the color - patinaed copper, seems to just miss the currently trendy turquoise that I'm assuming it was going for. $635 at Bergdorf's which has been disappointing of late. They used to have great new designers, it's where you go for amazing unique pieces but it's now full of the same stuff everyone else carries and once in a while they have ugly crap like this.

I am supposed to be on vacation this week but had to share this with everyone as I know you all love a good laugh. Fendi's "Loveletter" clutch is made of shearling, as in left over sheepskin from some old Pinto. And as if the fuzzy shearling is not hideous enough, they decided to write F E N D I in contrasting colors so there is no doubt who is responsible for this ghastly bag, can I even call it a bag? Cuz it looks like anything but one. I'm not sure who the love letter is to either, maybe to my cat? Every cat needs a nice scratch pad, but I can't decide if this is meant for my cat to piss on or to scratch on. Should you have an urge, (though I don't know why you would), call Fendi boutique to order one. 212-759-4646

The ultimate in minimal luxury, this Lambertson Truex in colt leather makes a great staple in your wardrobe, especially in sublime white. This is the answer to the many emails we get asking what bag to get if you can buy only one bag for the Summer. In fact, this bag is so classic and has such longevity, you can take it out year after year without looking like you're in a time warp. Of course, if you are into trends, this would not be your first choice but for the pragmatic girl who wants to add key pieces, there is no question. It is lined in their signature azure blue suede, has one zipper and two open compartments and a cell phone pocket. I am glad to see this with their simple push lock closure instead of the complicated double strap threading through buckle hardware closure that they have. At Saks for $1395.

This cheap thrill favorite is pure fun for us. I see Lauren Merkin bags all the time and I always pick them up and look at them because they are so cute and CHEAP!! For those who need to add to their clutch collection without going into their serious bag budget, these are the perfect additions. They come in a million colors and are so well priced you can get the crazy color that goes perfectly with that one dress. The Louise (pictured left) is just plain adorable and is great for sun dresses especially in this rose lambskin. And the Lola is a big party girl and wants to go out dancing with you. I love the gunmetal finish, it will get a lot of mileage and at $225 you won't have to worry about setting it down on wet sticky bars. Louise is $200, both available at Shopbop.com.

The Vivre catalogue has such unique products from all around the world so it makes sense to open a retail store at a destination resort. And last week they did just that, Escape at The Cove Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The store is big on handbags and jewelry and of course carries more vacation items like swimsuits, caftans and shawls. Who doesn't love buying specialty items when on vacation? Instead of buying knick knacks as a souvenir (no snow globes for me), I love buying accessories for my home and really great prints, either shirts or dresses. They are planning more locations so look for them on your next vacation at some exotic locale.

Photo courtesy of Zufi Alexander

It is officially Spring and that means cuteness is in! And how can you get any cuter than this Zufi Alexander tote with the adorable flower appliqué detail??? These bags are handmade so that means the quality is like no other, there are so many details inside the bag to make your life easier - there are 3 compartments with a center zipper compartment and pockets galore!! And of course, the outer pockets that we love so much. I can't decide between these two colors, navy is so great for S/S to set off the lighter colors but the subtle gold metallic is irresistible with the gunmetal trim. Zufi Alexander is on her way to being huge so you will be hearing and seeing a lot more of her (she was awarded the Best New Accessories Designer of the Year in 2005). The Eclair is available in navy and black for $1264 at Via Bus Stop, NYC Soho (212) 343-8810.

Still searching for that perfect white summer bag? Look no more, Bottega Veneta's "Julie" tote is all you need to get you through active summer days (this is also the bag of choice of fashion editors!). I can't tell you how easy this bag is to use. The signature braided handle is versatile and may be used as double handles or be pulled in to a single body strap. The supple Italian leather is handcrafted and gets softer with each use. I love the hidden zipper on the outer pocket, it's functional but does not detract from the simple lines of this bag. This is a bag that is unidentifiable as anything but a beautifully made bag, one that will last forever. I am continually impressed with the durability and functionality of Bottega bags. I have been putting mine through the ringer, at the gym, at the park with my son, etc. I am notoriously hard on my things but my gorgeous Bottega Campana bag is still in pristine condition. It's definitely a worthy and very chic investment. $1,350 at Bergdorf Goodman