May 2007 Archives

Some dames dig dogs, other kittens cuddle cats-Kristopher prefers glammy dead animals, like a vintage alligator bag.

Beauty Snob reports on the loss of honey bees due to cell phone radiation and the benefits of honey for our skin and health.

Fab Sugar makes some suggestions on what to wear when lunching with your boss.

eBelle5 discovers a handful of Marc Jacobs Designer Handbags that retail for under $65.

Second City Style is making beautiful music with the accordion...pleat this summer.

SheFinds - FINDS Chic Luggage for Chic Travelers.

Jewelry gets the bag as The Jewelry Weblog dicusses the idea of combining jewelry bling with hand bag function.

Girlawhirl - FitFlops are all the rage in London.

I usually do not take bag tips from guys but this particular guy (my friend Gigi's ex-boyfriend who met us for drinks at the London on 54th St. last night. I can not remember his name but do remember he is a Columbia B-school grad, his mother is really smart and was a recent guest on Bill O'Reilly) was so enthusiastic about the designer that I decided to do a little further sleuthing. I must admit I only started listening to him when he told me the designer, Kristin Holstein, is also a graduate of USC. Kelly and I are both Alums of SoCal and we support our own whenever possible. After browsing through the site and checking out the goods, I am happy to report Kage bags are not only snob worthy, they are very affordable! I am loving the Stormy tote in metallic Pewter, it looks effortless and easy and something I'd use daily. The distressed leather lends a vintage vibe to the bag as do the pleating details. At $550 you should pick up the dark green Surrey color as well! The Jackson clutches are just as yummy, I like the Poppy red and the Pewter, $360. Call Kristin to purchase 917-822-8028 or check the Kage website!

I like covering fashion for events like Cannes because people aren't as serious as awards shows so I feel like their true style really shows and interesting things come out. Chloe Sevigny (at the photocall for "Zodiac") who never fails to surprise us with something horrible is even scaring me with this overly puffed out puffy shirt and giant gold belt buckle. She looks like the court jester's wife. Diane Lane who is always so elegant and beautiful shows up to the premier of "No Country for Old Men" with the most horrendously unflattering boob sagger of a gown. It is made worst with all the beading and embroidered detailing on the empire waistband that further draws the eyes out. Did someone put a fun house mirror in her dressing room?? Helen Mirren is the class act she portrays in her movies and here at the "Chacun son Cinema" premier looks amazing.

I like the old school charm of Brad's hair, it really makes him look like a young Robert Redford. Angelina (at the premier of "A Mighty Heart") looks nice as always, I just wish she would smile sometimes. How much would you pay to have George Clooney kiss you? That honor went for $350,000 at the amFAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit (a 7 day Mediterranean cruise went along with it). And it was a real kiss on the lips! But the best part is that the lucky girl's boyfriend paid for it. Now that is what you call a good boyfriend. If I ever run into George Clooney I'll save my husband a few bucks by just attacking him.

Pamela Anderson poses at the photocall for "Blonde and Blonder". This picture is really inspiring - I am thinking of getting a breast augmentation and this would be a great picture for me to bring to the plastic surgeon. Except I would probably need to go bigger since I am taller than her and have broader shoulders. OK, we are getting a little bored here mid-season as we are lacking new bags to talk about but this is getting pretty low. It's just that we have to be so PC as Top Cops for US Weekly that I need to rant and rave and flush out my system. *Shameless plug alert* Check out this week's US Weekly for more Bag Snob Fashion Police coverage!!

Remember how our guest editor detested the mini YSL Downtown? Here it is on Kylie Minogue, she is tiny (5'1") and if the bag is so small she can't carry it over her arm, imagine how an average girl will look carrying it! Cute as she is and cute as the bag is, it's really just too small to be of any use, being that it's a tote bag and all. Seriously, all you'll be able to tote around is a few coins, spend the extra few dollars and get the mid size so at least you'll be able to make use of this fab bag.

Source: Celebutopia

The sales are starting and if you want to get the good stuff you have to get in early before someone else snags what you've been waiting all season for. We have a few choice finds here that might not strike your fancy at full price but on sale, we all know that's a different story. The Hogan Canvas (was $845, on sale for $634) tote with orange leather trim is great for the summer. I love the leather version of the bag but this summer tote is something you will be able to use every year. If you are looking for something less seasonal, the Botkier Essex is such a great price for $585 down from $780. The caramel leather with the signature horn hardware detail makes this hobo a fantastic all around hip bag. Both of these are at Bergdorf's.

This Derek Lam Large Tote is for the city girl who needs to have her gym clothes and going out clothes with her all day long, but is still stylish and feminine. It is without the ram hardware so you are not adding additional weight. $1189 down from $1990.

The Celine Anatomic is another practical bag for the everyday (just look at all the outer pockets!!). You know how much we love white bags for the summer so this is a great buy. You will be able to use this all season for work and play. Only $959, was $1600.

You don't need to be getting on a sail boat to make use of this
MICHAEL Michael Kors Marina Canvas. Picnic, beach, road trip - whatever your summer activities may be, this is the perfect bag to throw in your essentials. I love this in white but the navy is so much more functional for the wear you will be putting this through. And at $175 (from $248), you don't need to worry about spills, scuffs and stains. If you trash it, it is still worth it after an entire summer's use (although the canvas is easily cleanable and you will still be happy to see this again next summer). Happy shopping!

Kelly and I met Joy and Peter Gryson in New York not too long ago and they are the most adorable couple ever! Joy is the super talent behind Gryson's hot line of must have bags coveted by fashion insiders but Peter is the glue that holds the business together. We got a sneak peek at their showroom and fell in love with the entire Fall line! We ordered almost everything in sight, but since Fall delivery is months away, we'll have to get our Gryson fix from the current season. We are absolutely panting over this crisp green "Jessie" bag for summer, we've had our eye on it for weeks and just can't stop thinking about it! The saddle leather is deliciously sleek and the aged brass hardware gives it a fab golden touch. Green is one of the most underrated colors, it's actually very neutral and will go with just about anything! This is a very simple bag, the genius is in the beautifully executed stitching and flap. And of course, the price is also easier on the wallet than most designer bags, this is a can't miss buy! $725 at Neiman Marcus

Here is another travel tote for you jet setters out there. This Trovata canvas with cranberry color patent makes such a statement you will not get lost in the crowd at the airport with it in hand. The combo of the canvas and patent leather is practical and adds that element of style that makes it a must have. And it's on sale so you don't even need to get into the eternal debate of what you need vs. what you want. It is down from $595 to $359, that's like almost half off! Barneys just started their sale today and it was a total mad house with women yelling at each other, fighting over stuff! I mean, the sale wasn't THAT good. Of course everything I wanted was NOT on sale (DvF summer dresses, so many good ones!!). So I've totally gone off track here with the original topic. The canvas and patent overnighter - if you need one, this is it for the put together traveler. At Barneys.

Left: Elephant wicker bag by Lacroix Right: Green bag by Krizia

I love animals but that does not mean I want to carry a wicker elephant bag around (even if it is Lacroix). This bag has absolutely no point not to mention no functionality whatsoever. If it's part of your Halloween costume and you are dressed as a circus ringmaster then fine, it might work. I don't like kitsch of any kind, especially in handbags, keep it classic ladies and you won't go wrong! Like I always preach, you are what you carry and if you carry this whacky elephant thing around, what are you saying? The Krizia green suede bag with leather cutouts is not as bad but is still ridiculous not to mention kind of creepy as the leopard looks like it's about to eat it's baby. The pieces actually look glued on and a bit like the 3-D childrens' books our kids adore, they'd probably rip these silly cutouts right off! Come to think of it, that would be its only saving grace as it would at least become a simple green suede hobo bag. I have no idea where to buy these crazy bags and I doubt they were ever produced, most likely editorial samples made to create a buzz in the press. And look, it worked, I'm writing about them aren't I? Seriously, if you love animals, show your love by donating the money to your favorite animal charity instead of wasting it on these bags.

Source: Elle

I've had this bag for a month now and I cannot get myself to switch it out. I know, it's a crime to carry the same bag for a month straight (ok, for evening occasions I use a smaller bag) but this bag is so perfect for everything I need. First of all, I love Pierre Hardy and have been wanting one for a year now but I needed something that will go across the body when I am carrying around my wiggling toddler, so when they came out with this long shoulder strap version, I knew it would be the answer to all my yearnings and problems. The nude with the subtle metallic trim is so beautiful and the buttery soft leather is super ultra light (the entire interior is lined with the same leather and it is still light!). There are 2 outer pockets that I cannot live without, a smaller one in the back for my cell phone and the front with the flap for my daily planner. I love that being chic and stylish with this bag does not come with the price of losing a much needed arm and the heavy lifting of most of my beloved bags. Sure, it doesn't go with exactly everything but having a great bag on a non matching outfit still beats carrying around a messenger any day of the week. At Barneys for $1265.

Now that you have all the perfect bags for the summer it's time to shop for our favorite thing to wear - dresses! There is nothing better in the summer for cooling down and dressing up. Fashion Chateau has an amazing selection with designers like Joie, Tracey Reese, Catherine Malandrino, Da Nang, Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor, Rachel Pally, Sky, the list goes on with all our favorites! Here are a couple to get you started. If you haven't heard, we are obsessed with blue and this ultra lady like Twelfth Street Navy dress ($300) is easy but is tres elegant for your summer night dates with your honey. We love white but it is a bit harsh on the skin tone that is why a soft pale pink is the way to go to looking flush without having to run to the tanning salon. The Catherine Malandrino Eclipse Pleated dress (on sale for $378.40) can take you out all day and keep you out all night with the great cutout detail on the band and taupe satin straps. Bag Snob fans get 20% off with coupon code: Bagsnob (even on sale items!!).