February 2008 Archives

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I wish I lived in the Jetson age so that I could've beamed myself to Milan earlier this week. I wanted to attend the Bottega Veneta show (what I actually said was "I want to come to the show and I want to have dinner with Tomas Maier" - I know, so demanding of me- but we think he looks like he'd enjoy a good dinner with a couple of Bag Snobs :) and was told "Come to Milan!" by their PR director whom I met at a dinner over Fashion Week. I was tempted to hop on a plane but having a three year old son makes it difficult to fly off at a moment's notice. As you all know by now, I adore Bottega and after seeing the Fall 2008 collection, I am kicking myself for not going to the show! Tomas Maier created another drool worthy collection of fabulous frocks, sumptuous coats, and beautiful bags (all you need for the ultimate Fall wardrobe!). Everything seemed so different yet familiar (Tomas is the master at reinventing the old without changing the integrity of its roots) even Bottega's classic woven details are blown to exaggerated proportions on a python clutch, making it fresh and fun while the iconic knotted clutch has been elongated for a more youthful vibe. Exotics ruled the runway once again (a yummy ostrich clutch wrapped in crocodile anyone?), and if you have not owned a piece of Bottega exotic skin, you are truly missing out. My anaconda bag fell into a tub full of bubbles (please don't ask, it pains me to even think about it but a three year old was the culprit) and I thought it'd be ruined. I really couldn't be angry with my son though, as he sweetly said "mama, you love bags right? I wash for you nice and clean." Uh, okay. I swallowed my tears and let the bag dry overnight, it was good as new, amazing!

This new bag from Celine is incredibly lady like and classic, that is what they are known for, but there is a flair about this one that I haven't seen from them in a while. I loved the versatile double tote but just one look and you can see that this Day One bag is way more respectable. The look of the moment is grandma-chic, young girls taking old lady styles and turning them hip and chic. And that is how I see this bag worn, it isn't entirely old lady but it isn't Marni either, there is no trace of trendiness about it. But yet, it is trendy. How ironic! The knot and tassel just gives it a little something something for our eyes to feast on, while the rest of the bag is perfect in its simplicity. The straps in the front continue around to the back so there is interest no matter how you turn the bag. This is all you need for the season, and one I would definitely recommend for those looking to get just the one (since people complained that the Chanel Caviar tote is too pricey). Celine Day One at Net a Porter for $1550.

I have been getting a lot of emails asking me about the perfect classic bag, the ONE bag to get this season and I know it seems obvious but my choice is this Chanel. In caviar leather (also comes in black) it is the most practical of all the leathers from Chanel, the textured surface is scratch resistant and easy to care for which means it will last as long as classics should last for - forever! Whether you are a mom, an office warrior or gal of leisure, you can use a bag like this. With roomy pockets that add to the youthfulness of the style, it is fashion meets function at its perfection! I prefer the updated look of the stitched in quilt pattern rather than the actual puffy quilting. I am not your typical Chanel customer, I don't wear Chanel jackets, my look is young and casual, that is why this bag is so appealing, this will take me from jeans to my nicest dresses (that's pretty much my range since I no longer wear suits, I used to love pant suits and wanted an office job just so I can wear them. I now realize how ridiculous that is!). But my point is, this is one of those bags that will be amazing on anyone - a classic you will cherish and rely on for as long as women continue to covet lovely bags =) $3,875 at your Chanel boutique or call Alexis at 214-520-1055.

Purple reigns for Spring 08 (and judging from what I saw on the Fall runways, the color remains strong through next year) and what better way to rock this trend than with a juicy little purple Prada bag? Kelly and I used to buy Prada bags for each other in college(with our parents' credit cards under the pretense that they were gifts for each other). Back then, Prada could do no wrong, whether nylon totes or leather bags, we wanted everything in the store. It has been a few seasons since Prada bags tempted us but we went to the SoHo boutique the other day and it felt like old times again. In addition to the artfully delightful Fairy Bag, we found many others that held up to the Prada bags of yesteryears. We even reached for the same little purple Nappa Stripes hobo bag and exclaimed, "how fun!" At 8"x7", this is a great bag for those who do not require their entire closet with them at all times. I love the vertical patchwork of the bag, it is much more visually friendly than squares patched together like Raggedy Ann's dress. The shoulder strap is also functional and flat so you do not have to spend all day or night pushing it back on your shoulders (have you done that with a glass of red wine in your hand? Not a pretty mess). There are rainbow color versions of this bag but we prefer the purple, it is subtle and chic and won't cause anyone a migraine when looking at you. Prada Nappa Stripes Hobo bag, $1,675 at Saks.com

I am planning the multiple trips I have coming up so this big carryall weekend bag from Jimmy Choo is of particular interest to me. I know I said canvas/linen is practical for being lightweight but sometimes you just want to look good at any cost (even to you back, shoulders and hands). But this is actually patent fabric so it is much lighter than patent leather but you get the same fabulous look. For a quick getaway to say, Las Vegas, how incredibly amazing would this be? I mean, anything you bring to Vegas is going to be small anyways so this will be all you need. I was thinking that this would even be good for the gym on those few occassions I actually shower there (I go to a nice gym and I still worry about germie shower floors, always bring flip flops!!). It comes with a shoulder bag that will be handy when traveling. At Net a Porter for $1075.

• Fab Sugar gives you the flirty and classy style of celeb Nicky Hilton.
• Jewel Snob reminds you to believe in love with a necklace from Max and Chloe.
• Beauty Snob shows you how to pamper yourself by Dusting Yourself in Diamonds!!
• Tot Snob presents an all natural line of bath and hygiene products from the Dr. Bobby Skincare line.
• Purse Blog featured a Diane Von Furstenberg Floral Tote for $45!

It is so much harder to do simple but it looks like that is Phillip Lim's special talent. This minimalist hobo with super subtle painted hardware and double exterior pockets is incredibly chic and functional. The perfect teardrop shape is comfortable on the body and the gathers on the bottom add dimenesion and shape - totally love how it looks on! It is sleek and totally not a sloppy hobo, which I hate. It is put together for a put together girl, crunchy granola this is definitely NOT. In smooth calfskin with suede lining - this bag for $575 is an easy choice as our Cheap Thrill of the week. This also comes in black but you want to go white or all is lost with the design here. It is the ultimate summer bag for beach, weekends and sidewalk cafe lunches. You can see from this picture that this is a good size bag but it does not take over the body. At 15" you can almost put a beach towel in there. Amazing! 3.1 Phillip Lim Mya Hobo at eluxury for $575.

Many of you went nuts over the YSL Majorelle when I first featured it last month, that is until you found out it is only available in patent leather from YSL boutiques. Well, check out what you can pre-order from Neiman Marcus right now, a pale gold distressed leather version! I already ordered mine (delivery not until late April in two months). It is the medium size at 15"x11" (15" being the widest part on bottom, the upper part is much smaller) which is still a bit big for me but I can swing it as it will be my fun and casual bag of the season. It costs a bit more than the patent leather version but I love the distressed leather in a shimmering gold shade called "Volcano" that will age and patina beautifully. As we have said many times, metallic is no longer a seasonal trend, it's here to stay! I can't wait to use this over the summer, how delicious will it be with sun kissed skin!?!?!? Order yours today before they sell out! At Neiman Marcus for $1895.

UPDATE- Hi all, I was told this morning the Hermes ostrich birkin is no longer available but I will be able to get another one in a few months. So, this means I will take the fabulous Oscar crocodile now. Thank you all for the great suggestions and support! xoxo, Tina

I am really good at making bag decisions for people and I do it on a daily basis (several times a day!), seriously- present a bag dilemma to me and I will find the solution clearly and quickly within minutes. I am also good at editing my own bag purchases and I rarely ask people for advice (who can give better bag advice than myself right?) but every once in a while, like today, I am presented with too many great options and I become over stimulated and confused. I know it's totally shallow to obsess and stress over handbag choices but as Kelly always reminds me, if this is the worst of my problems, I am a lucky girl. So, I found myself in the mood for a new bag today (gasp! such a rarity right?!?!). I currently have three choices available to me but only want to buy ONE. My choice are: Hermes Orange Ostrich Birkin with palladium hardware, the metallic python Chanel I've been thinking about since December, and an exquisite Oscar crocodile bag in blue (the exact shade as my J brand jeans!). The arguments for each bag after the jump!