July 2008 Archives

We'd like to take a moment and introduce you to our newest advertiser, Couture Lab. It is the brainchild of one of the original founders of Net-a-Porter, Carmen Busquets. Couture Lab offers one of a kind, offbeat items that transcends time and trend. The site is not intended to please the masses, but rather, for the few who crave items that will tantalize and thrill. Like the Bea Valdes clutches made especially for Couture Lab. I am obsessed with the Marharlika evening bag. If it were any bigger, it would be garish but in a tiny size-- it's a glittering jewel of a bag. The beaded details are lavish but appropriate for an evening bag and the little tiny feathers add whimsy and fantasy. I am not one to love such embellished bags but these are so uniquely ornate that I couldn't help but admire the imagination and creativity it took to create.

Leave it to the genius behind Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, to make a traditional chain bag look fresh and new again! Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York told me that Alber is obsessed with embellishment, he wants to wrap us all up in pearls, chains and ribbons-- and who am I to refuse? I love love love this Rodeo bag from Lanvin this season! It's the ultimate feminine and sexy bag. A grosgrain ribbon is interwoven into half of the chain so he could tie it in a pretty bow which is sweet as can be but lest we feel too girly, he toughened it up with black patent-- so sexy! Dual turnlock closures and strap details are also different from his past chain flap bags. My chief complaint of the Hero bag is it's flatness, but he solved that by making the Rodeo nice and wide so it's actually functional, not just pretty to look at. $1,835 at Barneys New York. Or call Pam and Cory at 469-221-4807 (By the way, Barneys just went 75% off starting today-- so call them to get your hands on some serious discounted goodies!)

It looks like Bag Snobs are also the jet setter types because we have received a ton of emails asking for a good travel tote. It is imperative that while running through airports and boarding ships we have a chic travel companion that can keep all our goodies in place. The thing is, the poor bag take such a beating that it is downright sad to look at your brand new bag looking like road kill when you get home. My very light colored teal green Tod's softie is now laying at my foot looking pretty shabby after only one flight (I shove it under the seat and give it several good kicks to keep it there throughout the flight, it also got thrown in and out of the car and dragged through security x-ray). The thing to do is get a bag that will take that wear and tear but also make sure it is cheap enough so that you don't experience too much heartache. This tote is the answer, it is surprisingly chic and the plum leather with brown suede trim is truly divine. This will take a beating and look better for it, which is exactly what is called for! It has all the essential organizational pockets inside and measures 21" x 20" making it appropriately deemed "oversized". The Tufi Duek 'Helena' oversized tote is full price at $550 but is only $330 on Bluefly. Gotta love Bluefly!!

Lily Satchel $1400 at Neiman Marcus; Frame Doctor Bag from 2007

Dear Bag Snob,

I love your website and use the info from it on a regular basis. My question is in regards to Dolce & Gabbana bags. I don’t see anything listed on the site about them. A sales gal at Saks told me (she thought, anyhow) that they were a step up from Prada and Gucci. What do you all think of them? I am anxious to hear your response!

Thanks,
Lisa E.

This is the strangest bag I've ever seen, it looks like it could be an alien spaceship or something. But you have to imagine this under your arm and then it is not so strange after all but actually pretty darn cool. It is out there so alien spaceship still applies, it is just not the one bag you own (that would be a tote but come on, you do not come to this site for yet another bucket tote). The crescent shape fits under your arm perfectly and all you see are the giant pleats, which is dramatic, bold and definitely packs a punch when you want to make a statement. I only find the pleats interesting because this is calf leather and not satin (that would be way too obvious). The tonal hardware is especially effective on the black with the red (of course), it does not have the same impact on the burgundy although it is the better color for this bag. One last thought, you better pass on the scone in the morning as those upward pleats look like good crumb catchers. At Neiman Marcus for $1845.

Second City Style and Eva Longoria know that every girl should have K.Amato earrings!
Shrimpton Couture wants you to add a little JOY to your life! !

Beauty Snob has the lip balm of the summer, MAC's Tendertone Lip Balm SPF 15!

Tot Snob keeps meal time a little cleaner with Boon Mealtime Gear!

Jewel Snob loves Faraone Menella jewels!

Purse Blog gives their review on JT Italia HB Satchel!

The Thoughtful Dresser raises the question of skin deep beauty!

Fab Sugar has Cheap & Chic: Black High-Waisted Shorts!

$895 at ShopRumor.com

Check out the latest Gerard Darel creation featured in its Fall 2008 Ads starring Mamie Gummer, the Midday Midnight Bag! For noon or midnight, I just love the casual vibe of this bag. It's actually more Kelly's style than mine but I am ready to loosen up and have some fun as I get older. (Do not ask me why I loved mature and structured bags in my 20s, I wanted to be older than I was but now that I am finally "older"-- I am trying to be 18 again. Such is the irony of life!) But I am not the only one loving on the Midday Midnight bags, these slouchy and utterly boho chic bags are also gracing the arms of the cutest Hollywood celebs! If you live in Paris, run to a GD boutique and check out the purple or python versions, delicious! Stateside GD fans need not fret, jump to see where you can get it!

This is officially rag on Chloe week. Please help me out here because I am not sure what you're supposed to do with the Joan Python from Chloe, carry it or wear it? At first I thought it was a tube top or dress but then quickly and unfortunately realized it is a bag. I actually have a very clever idea (I know, I am full of clever ideas). Slash the bottom of the bag and wear it as a sexy tube top a la Carrie Bradshaw and rock it with skinny jeans and a pair of stiletto heels! I am serious, let's dissect this thing apart-- the useless belt across the middle? Perfect to cinch under your chest for that babydoll look (of course it would be best if you are flat chested but a little cleavage never hurt anybody so even if you are ample it will work). The long handle will also make a great halter strap!. Do you know how expensive python clothes are? $2940 is an outrageous price for such an ugly bag but as a sexy python top? It's a steal. See, I can find practical use for the most ridiculous of things. Chloe Joan python bag