May 2007 Archives

It seems like everyone is doing an environmental shopping bag these days. This one from Stella McCartney is due out this June for $495 and is made of organic cotton. Hermes is also coming out with one, the Silky Pop reusable bag for $960. It collapses
and folds up to a wallet size calfskin pouch. There is also a grocery tote from designer Consuelo Castiglioni of Marni for $843. I am all for being environmental and using less plastic bags - of course I love a fabulous bag even if it is for grocery shopping but there is something amiss with spending this amount of money for leaking poultry and juicy strawberries. In Europe everyone carries one of these around for stopping by the bakery or picking up oranges on the way home but in the US we just don't shop that way. I need at least 3 bags for a week's worth of groceries. I mean, at those prices it makes more sense to "reuse" my own has-been bags in my closet, like all my dozens of nylon Prada totes. Or why not buy any one of the hundreds of giant bags out there, like the Chanel patent Cabas garbage bag for $1000. It is really giant so you can fit a gallon of milk, an 8 pound chicken and 3 boxes of cereal with room to spare. And the patent leather makes it easy to clean for meaty spills. Or more realistically, get a Le Pliage from Longchamp for $115. I feel like economy should come into play when you're trying to be environmental because there are resources being used that could go to something more worthy (like a nice bag you can use for a lifetime instead of one that will get trashed in a few months) . At some point, it just doesn't make any sense.

Left: Barneys' Carryall $488 Right: Barneys' Classic Computer Bag: $525

My favorite department store on earth has it's own private label brand of products that are as luxurious as the designer brands they're displayed next to. I'm serious, I am a proud new owner of a Barneys' Computer bag made of Fjord leather, which is supple and reminds me of Hermes leather. I showed it to my friend who is an Hermes collector and she said, "When did Hermes start making computer bags?" Yes, that's how nice it is. But beyond the gorgeous leather, the details in stitching is also incredibly well made. There is a complete line of bags from totes to evening bags priced way below it's designer counterparts but they look just as nice (if not better in some cases)! In the Bag Snob age of anti-logo reverse snobbery, only you will have the satisfaction of knowing what your bag cost :) Go check it out for yourself. Barneys New York Bags online.

Left: Satin bag by Barneys New York: $485 Right: Resin handle bag $650

Can't get enough of Bottega Veneta? Take a trip to the Ginza district, Japan's answer to Beverly Hills, and you can shop to your heart's content in the largest Bottega boutique in the world! This five story 9700 sq. ft complex houses the full range of Bottega products, from bags, fine jewelry, to furnishing, it has it all! Backed by the Gucci group, Bottega is poised to take on the highly coveted Japanese market. Even though nearby luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are not faring so well in Tokyo, Bottega has been doing gangbuster business, sales are up 57% for the first quarter this year. According to Bottega's Chief Exec Patrizio DiMarco, the brand's low key no-logo strategy is appealing to the sophisticated Japanese buyer.(Probably our Japanese Bag Snob readers :) I love Tokyo and used to spend a lot of time there, I can't wait to go back and shop at this monster Bottega store! For now you can satiate your Bottega hunger with bags like the one below from Net-a-porter


White floral cutout bag, $1,980

Source: WWD

One of my favorite pastimes is shopping sales! I've been scouring the web for good deals on bags and the only place that has decent summer bags on sale right now is Saks. I love the YSL downtown, the purple patent is totally to die for but that can wait for Fall, how about it in raffia right now for Summer? Is it perfect or what? And it's only $906.50 from $1,295. I came across this really fabulously functional white buckle tote from Theory. It's not bad for the price, I mean I am obsessed with the fit of their pants but it is not a label that you need to spend your rent on for a bag. At $506.90 though, it is a great all around bag that will last for many seasons. Another favorite that is now on sale is the Tod's Novita that we featured not too long ago . It is only $770 from $1100. I know it's cutting it close but if your mom is a patient woman, all these make excellent Mother's Day gifts.

There are a ton of these foldover clutches but it is not something I want to spend a thousand dollars on, it is a novelty that would be fun and interesting for just a few bucks. It is not one of those things you spend money on. That is why I like this clutch from Goldenbleu, you get function, style and economy. The foldover feature is actually useful, when unfolded it becomes a giant long bag. There is a frame closure so you won't lose anything. This is great for stashing your cardigan or scarf when you are indoors - I mean how many times have you lost or forgotten something on a bar stool? And another great detail - there is a flat zipper pocket in the back! The patent leather in white is a great look for the summer. Available at Shopbop
for $317.

This is such a cute and lively bag and the clay red is the perfect neutral red for all occasions. The bag looks structured in this picture but it is actually a bit slouchy when worn, making it very hip and young. Look at the handle details, they are in segments to give it a more organic feel, kind of like bamboo - very cool, I like!! I really like the size, at 14"L x 10" W it is big enough for day but still small enough that you don't knock over drinks at the table at night. And for the price, you can't beat it. $685 at Otte (Not sure if I'm allowed to share this but there is a daily candy coupon for 25% off using code: dailycandy, which makes this $513 and you get free shipping!).

I am drooling over this gorgeous Valextra vanity case, it is the epitome of luxury! There are many compartments inside so you can keep your cosmetics with you to stay beautiful (cuz you never know who you'll run into inflight or at airport). This is such an elegant travel bag, I love how the girl carrying it is not carrying any other bags while strolling through the airport. The Valextra vanity case is the most chic thing you can carry on the plane so there is no need for anything else! But enough gushing abut this bag (which will be mine when I go to New York next week, it's Mother's Day and my husband insisted I treat myself- well, he didn't say that exactly but his words were "Happy New York Shopping" on my card this weekend for our wedding anniversary so I'm taking that as a "Shop to your heart's content" and you all know what a big heart I have so it's going to take a lot to fill it to the rim :) Can anyone guess who the celeb is carrying it? First person to get it right will receive a Bag Snob Bag Hook! Leave your answers in comments and we will announce the winner tonight before bedtime. And yes, this is an actual person and not a mannequin!

UPDATE: Congratulations to jennlajenn for guessing first that it's none other than Posh herself, please email us your address to receive your engraved Bag Snob Bag Hook! Sorry I didn't update last night, my dsl went out and Kelly is MIA. Here are some more photos for you to gawk at after the jump!

Can you believe we have something nice to say about a Marc Jacobs bag? Actually, we've always loved Marc Jacobs' bags, it's his atrocities for Louis Vuitton that we hate. Anyway, here is a tres adorable baby blue bag (yet another version of his popular quilted bags, but at least it is pleasing to the eye). The quilted Ryder bag is all feminine and girly girl chic, with soft lines and subtle outer pockets and very little of the clunky hardware he's known for. I love the placement of the one sided pocket, gives the bag a younger and edgier feel. The leather straps have hidden ruffles on the inside, which is surprisingly cute! It comes with a removeable gold chain that I do not like, it looks heavy and totally ruins the cuteness of the bag so I photoshopped it out of the picture :) Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Ryder $1,395 at eLuxury (Don't forget to take advantage of the free shipping for Mother's Day even if this is not for your mom)

No time to surf or shop the web? Here are a few sites we think you should check out!

Beauty Snob has a routine to keep your pregnant belly smooth and stretch mark free!

Fab Sugar discovers the glam vibe of Bollywood jewels by Ishayra!

On a budget? Check out this MICHAEL Michael Kors Ranger Shoulder Bag for under $300 for mom or yourself at eLuxury.

Net-a-porter - I am loving this Miu Miu dress from the runway, grab one before it sells out! $895

Forzieri- free shipping! This Blue Pebble Italian Leather Horsebit Shoulder Bag by Buti is the perfect complement to your jeans!

Now that we moved back to LA my predictable, low key, tech nerd husband has become surprisingly hip. He actually wanted to go shopping the other day and bought a pair of funky shoes. He's still about 5 lifetimes away from looking like this guy on the runway but I think he is ready to upgrade his travel gear from a backpack to this rock 'n roll hand painted duffle from Bottega Veneta. I know most man bags we feature are a bit metro-sexual but I think this is quite manly even though it is in white. The Creta print is so cool and masculine and I really think it will make any man look more appealing. Plus, he needs something to go with my Zufi Alexander weekender when we go on a romantic getaway. Don't want people thinking I am sleeping with my gardener. $2780 at Bottega Veneta in Beverly Hills (310-858-6533).