September 2008 Archives

It was the Chinese Moon Festival this weekend, a time to celebrate the abundance of mother nature and life. The beginning of Fall is always a happy time for me; my son's birthday is coming up and I have so much to celebrate in my life! What more could a person want? Except maybe a nice Happy Partage bag from Lanvin, how happy will I be with this on my arm? Made of black embossed goat skin with velvet ribbon chain link straps and "Vintage" gold toned hardware, it is a vision of femininity. Zippered pocket at back of bag to hold cell or keys and flap over closure with turnlock cylinder in black finish off the look. Generously sized at 28cm and lined in sexy black satin.

But since I am on a major bag diet, I will just be happy looking and admiring it from afar. If you are looking for a bag to give you major bag mileage, look no further. This is a timeless look and the embossed goat skin gives it a modern touch. $1,495 at MyTheresa.com.

Oh how I wish I had this when I was traveling! Especially in New York for fashion week while I was in my sister's West Village apartment. I realize her place is big for NY but I am used to California living where my bathroom has a counter more spacious than her kitchen counter top. What boggles my mind is that her 1 bedroom apartment is almost the same price as my 3,000 square foot house in LA!! Anyway, my point is, I had no good place to apply makeup and had to tote my make up bag, brush pouch and toiletry bag around her apartment every morning looking for a good spot which usually was the dinner table. I guess I wouldn't really need this vanity case just for that very specific purpose but just look how decadent and divine it is! I would love to just keep this on my dresser as an accent piece to add some color (my husband prohibits any amount of pink in our sheets so I opted for an all white bed). It comes with all the brushes, sable of course, and has elastic pockets all along the sides for bottles and jars of goodies. But then again, would I spend the money on this rather than a nice bag I could take out on a daily basis? Cuz I would be crazy if I toted this around town .... or would I? Available at Smythson of Bond Street boutiques for $2500.

I love attending runway shows and am not afraid to show my excitement, I heard that there is a "no expression" rule with fashion editors at Vogue (no idea why, so people don't think you're actually like, having a good time?) but I am just not that cool. I get excited and want to ooohhh and aaahhhh over everything, I know- such an amateur! Anyway, going backstage before a show is just as fun-- you get to see all the action up close and play with the clothes/bags/shoes before they hit the runway!

We were invited backstage to the Derek Lam show and even though it was raining cats and dogs, we got there because nothing was going to stop us that day! We watched as design assistants ran around tagging last minute items, photographers stepping over each other to get their shots, and of course, Derek himself giving an interview. We went through each look carefully and snapped photos of what we found interesting.  (Jump for more!)

 

Who says lady-like can't also be a bit wild? This classic chain shoulder bag in pleated ruched python shows that you are a bit naughty even though you can put up a good facade. I love that exotics are so versatile now, the skin is no longer super sensitive to cracking from bending and molding into interesting shapes and designs. I give my pythons quite a beating and they only become softer and more loving from the wear. This treated python has already taken its beating and then injected with silicone to keep its shape so what you see if what you will have for life. It's sad to say but we are already bored with just exotic skin, now we want color, shapes, textures and finishes just like we expect from good 'ole leather. I know, it is so hard to keep us happy isn't it? But the good news is, python bags are dropping in price and although $2700 is still a bit steep, consider that a Chanel classic 2.55 flap is the same price for leather. And with that, you will be repressed and lady-like, because honestly, how many of us really is that serene and "classic"? Zagliani Notting Hill Pleated Python Bag for $2700 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hi Tina, I hope you can solve my bad (rain/snow) weather bag dilemma. Seems like weather in Chicago is getting worse and worse. All this rain and snow is killing my lovely bags. It's time for a patent leather bag/tote. I am considering Lanvin Rodeo, YSL downtown and YSL Muse. I also love Anya Hindmarch patent bags, but most seem to have suede accents, big no-no in the crummy weather. What do you think?

Thank you! Cannot wait for the next installment of the snob webisode. I am addicted to the snobs. xoxo, Julie
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Dear Julie, I was caught in the awful rain last Tuesday in New York and was thinking the exact same thing myself! A patent leather bag is definitely an option for rain/snow and though I usually do not like cloth interior I have to agree that suede interior for a bad weather bag is not the most functional. All of the bags you mention will work but I also I found another option for you, a patent tote from Stella McCartney ($1,395 above). In the long run, patent leather will also get water stains so a man made material like Stella's patent tote is the best option in the rain/snow. It has a zipper and flap over top to ensure your valuables stay dry. The interior is also functional with divided compartments (one side for wet stuff, the other for dry) and detachable purse. Stella McCartney Patent Tote at Net-a-porter.com

Thank you for your support and kind words! I hope this helps and let me know what you choose! Love, Tina

Please join me for a day of charitable shopping at Ralph Lauren in Highland Park Village this Thursday, Sept 18 from 10-4PM! Ralph Lauren has generously agreed to donate 15% of the day's TOTAL sales to our various charities including Heroes for Handbags-- an organization that offers financial assistance to families with children who are afflicted with cancer. It is such a great cause and I hope you can make it!

For out of State, Asia and Europe readers, you can join the shopping fun by calling Dana and she will gladly ship anything to you, tax free!  214-522-5270

There are so many yummy things this Fall from Ralph. My favorite is the Monaco convertible clutch (below), it's an oversized clutch (12"x8") with detachable strap that turns it into a chic shoulder bag.  The silver python ($2,895) is amazing and I find myself mesmerized by the deliciously rich purple suede version ($1,195), too!

There are also box clutches in sumptuous crocodile and python as well as a new crocodile bag called "The Bedford".  Jump for more details!

If you love your laptop as much as you love bags, you will want to step it up and leave the neoprene sleeves behind. This ultra sleek leather tote is the perfect companion for work and school - or even just keeping your laptop organized and well appointed sitting on your desk. This fits the MacBook perfectly and comes with a notepad, pen holder and file slot for documents. I have gone through countless laptop cases, all of which were too big and cumbersome to carry along with my bag, I need something to hold just the laptop and keep the toting to a minimum. I have been throwing my laptop in bigger bags but I don't always want the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink look. This is the perfect solution - simple, chic and compact. This is so nice, I might even use it without my laptop! OK, probably not, but my point is that it is so much nicer than any laptop case I've ever seen!! At Vivre for $475.

There is no other designer I anticipate more than Vera Wang during New York Fashion Week. I have always had an affinity for her artfully designed ready to wear but now I can add Vera Wang BAGS to my obsession! Are you as excited as I am? One of my favorite designers is foraying to bags! How awesome is that? As all things Vera does, she does in her own time and in her own distinct style. Eschewing the usual bubble gum colors that we saw on every other runway last week, Vera stayed true to her usual sober colors punched up with bright accessories and lightened with sheer slips and satins. For review of Vera Wang Ready to wear Spring 2009- go to Couturesnob.com

What caught my eye, of course, were the bags tossed casually on the models as they sashayed down the runway... (jump for more!)

After 3 weeks on the road I am feeling very practical and relish in the uncomplicated, which is exactly what this Longchamp shopper is. The patent bright nude shade is a friend to everything in your closet and of course patent is so easy to clean and maintain. The big zip hinge opening makes getting in a breeze and the 2 outer zipper pockets makes your life easy and organized. The price is also practical at $900 as with the style - perfect for city girls and suburbanites alike. I am loving everything simple and chic, my exotics will take a breather for the next month until I get my high maintenance legs back. Actually, I am quite low maintenance and being high maintenance is such a chore for me but is required when I leave the house and must look presentable. Oh no, did I just let the cat out of the bag? Bag Snob Kelly is actually a slob! Yikes. =) At Saks Fifth Avenue, but I think it is sold out online, you must make your way into the nearest Saks or order by calling 1.877.551.SAKS (7257).