One of the most fun things I do as a Bag Snob is visiting designers' showrooms to see new bags in person and meet the designers. We got to do a lot of that last week and we will share with everyone this week our adventures (you already saw our Oscar visit, 
seriously the highlight of my career). We have always been a huge fan of Devi Kroell (if you haven't noticed!) so she was definitely on our list of designers to see in NY. She is beautiful, graceful and so full of style, the room was almost too small to contain all of it (plus she is probably around 6 feet tall). She walked in with the large Roman in bone crocodile (not available for sale yet), totally to die for. She told us amazingly interesting things about her background, how and where she grew up and why she started a bag line. It's too much for one story so we will do a full profile on her later this week. For now, let's get to one of the bags we could not keep our eyes and hands off of.
It is so hard sometimes to give a bag justice in a picture and here is a perfect example of that. This frame foldover bag is new for Spring and in this taupe python and black patent trim, it is THE everyday bag to have!! It is so different and 
attention grabbing but not in an over the top, different for the sake of being different way. This bag, like all her bags, makes sense, is user friendly and is as chic as can be. The picture makes the bag have an odd shape, so I took a picture of this bag on Tina (sure, not as high quality as their professional studio shot but it does the job of showing how the bag hangs and the 3D look of the bag). It is a bucket bag, the bottom is perfectly oval so there is such a cool multi dimensional effect with the flat foldover frame flap and rounded bottom. The bag opens up to a giantly roomy interior, it is like a clown car, the bag itself is a normal size (might look a big on Tina but keep in mind she is teenie tiny) but because of the ingenious shape, it allows the bag the comfort for your arm to rest on but opens up at the bottom to fit everything you could possibly (and should) need in one day. There is a perfectly placed exterior zip pocket in patent trim right under where the flap ends. Totally smart design for such a roomy interior, and gives the contrasting it needs for the foldover layered effect. This is what we love about her bags, all the features incorporate style AND function. So I haven't even gotten to the best part of the bag yet, the color and skin! Devi is known for her gorgeous exotics and she does not disappoint here. This taupe python is so lush and rich and I love the use of patent with it, again for style and function. $2290 and will be available in March at Saks and Devi Kroell online, I cannot wait to get mine!!! And rumor has it they are going to give one of these to our readers for a giveaway!! Stay tuned =)
I'm dizzy from looking at all the bags in the world! I haven't carried a purse/handbag since high school, but since turning 40 I've decided to grow up and try it again. Backpacks and bookbags (I know, I know) are just not appropriate and women's clothing never have functional pockets (I wore a lot of men's clothing until the last few years). My problem is, I have no aesthetic or preferences about handbags and since this is my "first" handbag purchase as an adult, I don't want to invest hundreds (certainly not thousands) until I get a better sense of what I like and what works best. I'd like something versatile and stylish but not trendy, maybe in a brownish leather of some sort. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
I love this bag! And I do not feel teeny tiny after our "5 meals a day" week.
jw- have you looked into our Cheap Thrills section for bags high in style but low on cost?
http://www.bagsnob.com/cheap_thrills/
I love that color! It's like caramel... so yum!
I live with this bag glued to my shoulder! It's the perfect size for any occasion- not too small to hold everything i need when i go out, and not big like some other bags that weigh me down, digging into my shoulder. Also, its neutral color matches with everything!! Subtle yet uniquely striking, this bag has become a staple in my wardrobe.
(I even bought an extra one just in case i ever wear this one out!)