June 2008 Archives

There is nothing quite like indulging in Chanel while in Paris. This is the second bag I purchased, it's from the summer collection but I plan to use it in the fall. Summer hasn't even officially begun yet I am already buying my autumn/winter pieces.(I also found a fabulous black Chloe baby doll wool swing coat that I had to have!) I've been searching for the perfect black patent bag for a long time. I loved the tri compartment black patent bag from Chanel a few seasons ago but it was too big and the chain too heavy so I passed. Good thing because this season's version is smaller and has a new funky and lighter chain which is much better suited for me (but the bag is still quite large!). Check out how the leather is braided around the chain, very edgy and chic! The two cut outs on the front flap is also a clever way of showcasing the new chains. This will be my everyday bag in the fall, the front and back pockets are generously sized and easy to access but are secure with clasps. I can't wait to use it so I took it out for dinner last night, with an all white outfit, the contrast was crisp and modern. Maybe it will be my summer bag as well! The Patent Calf Flap bag is around 31 cm and cost 2275 Euro. Call Jessica 01-5305-9895 in Paris or Alexis in US to order 214-520-1055! Jump for more pictures!

Anyone who has ever looked at award show fashion has seen Mary Norton’s clutches. She used to design under the name Moo Roo (named for her 2 daughters Micah and Reilly), but Norton now designs under her own name and all of her bags are handcrafted in Italy and produced in limited quantity. I met Mary Norton in her showroom this week to preview her Holiday 2008 collection (available beginning November), and it was nothing short of dazzling! (More after the jump!)

Since I arrived in Paris 10 days ago, I've been obsessed with Gerard Darel. I bought this almost the minute I landed. Amidst my dozens of serious bags, the casually hip and slouchy "24 hour" Barcelona in python feels so light and fresh-- it is literally the lightest bag I have right now! The python skin is delicious in a metallic gun metal gray (new for Fall) and is so incredibly soft not to mention it curves to the body perfectly (it's around 14" wide but slouches and molds to the body so it doesn't look big on me!). The little ties on the side also may be adjusted, it makes the bag more feminine when tied tightly to create a bigger ruch. There is a Gerard Darel boutique around the corner from where I am staying in Paris and I've been stopping by regularly just in case a new bag comes in. I was super excited to find such great bags at low prices although my metallic python will be $3,400 retail when it hits the US, one of the priciest bags in the line. They told me it was the skin and the special way it was treated. So now I am contemplating the ivory with light brown details though I really don't want to repeat, but the colors are so unique they look completely different. I have another week to decide and may end up grabbing it since it's nearly impossible to find Gerard Darel stateside for some reason. I asked the boutique manager if she would be willing to ship to my readers and her facial expression was like "Quelle horreur, ship to America? Non!" Oh well, I tried. Those of you living in Europe can hop over to a GD boutique or to a department store to grab one. More photos after the jump!

Every time I come to Paris, I scoop up the latest Chanel bags because the Paris boutiques stock the best Chanel bags in the world, hands down. This trip is no exception, I purchased two Chanel bags so far. The purple one above is from the Paris-London collection and it is destined to be one of my all time favorite bags! I saw this "Petite" matelasse bag in black the other day and though I found it interesting, it didn't really strike my fancy. This purple one, however, seduced me at "Bonjour" and I grabbed it without knowing who what or where and shouted to my SA "Je le prend! Je le prend!" Chanel calls this "Sac Rigide" in petite matelasse and this gorgeous darling is in a subtle shade of purple, it is not patent leather but a beautifully glazed calf leather. It's such a happy and round shape, and the color will go with absolutely everything! It can be casual or can be dressed up, depending on your mood. I love the buckle on it, too, it's very modern and has four little buttons around the subtle logo. The "petite" quilt and the bowler shape makes this bag really youthful. Even the chain is subtle, I can tuck it in or leave it out which gives it a different look. The size is around 32 cm and the price is $3,600 USD.

A big thank you to the lovely Chanel SA, Jessica Barillere, at the rue du Faubourg boutique. From the minute I arrived until she sent the security man to walk up and down the street to flag a taxi for me, I was properly pampered. Much as I love my SAs in the US, the Europeans really know how to take care of its clientele. Call Jessica if you are in Paris or Europe, 01-5305-9895 to order. If you live Stateside-- Call Alexis at Chanel boutique in Highland Park- 214-520-1055 More pictures after the jump!

Marysia hobo, $750, now $275; Frankie clutch, $350, now $75

Everyone wants to know when sample sales are going on, well girls, here we are, it is sample sale season! Botkier is having an amazing sample sale starting tomorrow, June 19th through the 22nd but I would not wait, all the good stuff is going to go FAST! Some of the items at the sale are the Isis tote was $695, now $275, Kiss heels originally $475, now $250, Sofia wedges $395, now $250, Stevie $695, now $275, Lita $675 now $275. Sorry to those not in NYC, no phone orders =( Details below:

Date: June 19th- 22nd
Time: Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am -6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Location: 172 Mercer between Prince and Houston
Phone number: 646 747 4149

Beauty Snob has your solution for travel brushes with Me by Mezhgan Makeup Brushes!

Tot Snob loves the Foogos by Thermos for all your meal and drink travels with your tots!

Purse Blog has the inside on the Botkier Sample Sale!

Fab Sugar has the resort looks with Resort Trippin', Part III!

You can always rely on R&Y Augoutsi for their great affordable exotic clutches, they are easy to wear and mostly fall in the background but this one is a real statement piece. It is their classic clutch style but with the horn adornment and brass hardware detail, it is adds another level of exotic to exotic. The definite ethnic feel is the perfect accessory to set off either a plain LBD or I am thinking of wearing this with the ethnic inspired tunics and kaftans that I am obsessed with lately. I always feel something is missing when I am wearing an obvious "western" bag with those outfits but this doesn't go overboard into the costumey array. Like you don't want to look like something out of Mike Meyer's new movie the Love Guru. This beautifully tasteful clutch just has that touch of spice we all need in life. It is a perfectly functional size at 10" wide by 5" tall. At Barneys for $420.

Poor Minnie Mouse, her bow was stolen to make this clutch. And what a shame too because it is a sad excuse for a clutch at that. Other than looking like a ridiculous cartoon character, how the heck do you use this thing? Unless you just need to carry scarves with you, what can you possibly fit in there that can crumple in half like that? To make matters worse, I don't think the center of the bow unravels so you have to get the zipper to unzip under it. And if you think there is some saving grace to this bag, there is not - to add insult to injury, this comes with a shoulder strap so you can really look like a 3 year old with a toy but you pay full adult price at $1095. I truly cannot believe this has a Valentino label on it, it is not only ill-conceived, it is poorly made. It looks like the result of fidgety hands while on a shrinks couch. At Neiman Marcus.

UPDATE: Congrats to Katie- Samantha made sushi a fashion statement!
Love her or hate her, Samantha is a girl who lives by her own rules. And who can blame her? She favored Nancy Gonzalez bags in the film like the one on the left and toted them with great style. But what we will never forget is what she covered herself with, not carried. Tell me, what was her surprise for Smith on Valentine's Day? (even though he never got home to see it, it was a sight to behold!) Leave your answer in comments, winner will be selected via random computer drawing on Friday, June 20th at 11:59pm. US residents only, one answer per person. Have fun! Winner will win a Bag Snob T-Shirt!

At first glance you won't think this bag is anything worth mentioning but let me point out the details I'm digging on. First of all, this color is going to be ginormous for Fall/Winter, instead of the steel grey of last year, this taupey grey is warmer and much easier to wear. Those big pockets will not go away, we are seeing them everywhere but it is because they are just so darn practical! And the look is starting to grow on people so they no longer look oddly oversized. And when it comes to organization, there is no better than a zipped center divider but get this, this bag is 17 1/2" x 9 3/4" so guess what will fit in that center pocket? That's right tech geniuses, a laptop (at least a MacBook)! Not convinced yet? Let me get to the nitty gritty. This super minimalist design is perfected with the nitty gritty details, like the stitching that kicks boring in the butt and the subtle chrome hardware just gives that dash of oomph it needs, especially with the nipped pleats. The lining is also sublime, the red satin with this taupe are the colors of my fantasy cool, quiet lounge bar where I enjoy a perfectly made martini and I only need to talk to people I like. This is that bag you are only buying one this season. At
Couture Lab for $1430.