September 2008 Archives

I am happy to finally see some new bags from Marc Jacobs as I'm sure we're all tired of the Stam by now. Big, bold accessories was in order for the show - wide belts, thickly stacked bangles, neck breaking necklaces, tongue shaped insoles on sparkly shiny strappy heels but of course what stood out were the bags. The multi-layering of various skins and prints were indeed bold but nothing is too risky for Marc, we have all come to understand that his outer limits are boundless, or actually non-existent. They were great runway pieces and for the proper fashionista who can pull it off without a hiccup, it could be fabulous. But on some level, he does aim to please so of course has bags that can walk out of the house without fanfare and entourage. The quilted totes with the sporty stripes on the flap are sure crowd pleasers. Not a huge departure from his usual but in a good way, he updates the basics and keeps us buying. The red and green quilted lady-like bag is a bit too Christmas-y for Spring but I'm sure it'll come in 10 different color ways. What I loved the most were the bangles! They were rustic tribal but entirely city chic!

Read the review for Carolina Herrera Spring 2009 runway show on Couture Snob.

Fall has not even officially begun but we are at Fashion Week in New York to preview Spring 2009!   As I warned you, I am about to embark on a major Loewe addiction. Stuart Vevers is getting up there as one of my favorite designers. His ready-to-wear is edgy yet wearable and of course his bags are oh so very fabulous!   Okay, so here are a few delicious arm candy you can expect from Loewe come Spring. Tomorrow I will have fabulous Nancy Gonzalez Spring 2009 bags for your to drool over. According to Santiago Gonzalez (President and son of Nancy Gonzalez), even Vogue has not seen the new collection, we were the first Press he received at his showroom today!  Jump for details of the Loewe Pre-Spring 2009 bags!

Oscar de la Renta, no need for further introduction-- the master of elegance graced us with an interview and a day we will never forget! We started backstage at 9am to watch the models get made up and dressed up, had a quick bite and hovered around Oscar along with his many design assistants who flitted about with last minute touches for the master's approval. We ended on the runway with Oscar himself for a few words before following him back to his workroom/studio. It was a magical day-- I was so in awe I couldn't stop grinning like a fool!! We'd like to thank CEO Alex Bolen and Retail Director Steven Mathieu for the access to all things Oscar. Now, sit back and enjoy the webisode. I know you will crave a few things when it ends so to make it easier--Order the Goya bag here.  We will be attending Oscar's Spring 2009 show on Wednesday and of course will give you the full report!

I know this is coming from a Diane von Furstenberg groupie but I believe I am being objective when I say that this collection was everything I've ever dreamed of. I can pretty much just order everything in my size and call it a day. As DVF put it herself, this collection is "an homage to Diana Vreeland who taught us we could be goddesses and rock stars". And she herself is proof that you can because obviously she is both those things. The look was very carefree, innocent and sweet. And as with all DVF collections, always confident. The look reminds me of Kate Hudson's Penny Lane character in Almost Famous, totally 60's, a bit rebellious but feminine. I loved everything but the two looks that wowed us and had me and Tina hitting each other in excitement during the show were the black plisse wrap dress with the layers of ruffled pleats and the spice purple plisse gown. They are elegant but easy, just the way I like it. You will definitely be seeing us with these dresses as soon as we can get our hands on them, we are contacting the appropriate people about that today!

I know the virtues of Chanel, so no need to preach me on the quality, its heritage or the allure of the brand. After all, I have been collecting all things Chanel for over 20 years and still make my regular rounds at Chanel boutiques from Paris, London, New York, Vegas, LA, Dallas etc (I know every boutique Director by name and have most on my speed dial). Suffice it to say, I am a Chanel addict. I am also a crocodile/alligator addict so when I saw this new chain bag for Chanel, I paused--if for a moment. Then I had déjà vu, this looked just like my Romanek midnight clutch except it's black, has chain straps and a clasp (and yes, I am fully aware that the full tail alligator clutch bag has been around since the '50s but let's not forget it was Brigette Romanek who brought it back to the limelight on the red carpet a few years ago). Anywho, I was marveling at the scales and thinking to myself that a black alligator Chanel chain bag is what's missing in my bag wardrobe until I got the email from Chanel that it was $39,450. I'm sorry, WHAT? Double the cost of a crocodile birkin and a gazillion times the cost of a Romanek Rock Star clutch? I know it does look a lot better but does it look $39,450 better? I'd understand if this thing was blinged out in diamonds and took 400 hours to construct but isn't this just a gator tail wrapped around itself? Granted, it is a very beautiful gator with perfect scales and fancy chains but I don't see the workmanship here nor the justification for this price-- even the Bag Snob has her limits and I draw mine right here! My recommendation is, if you like the look, head over to Barneys New York and grab a Romanek clutch for $2,195.

If you live in LA-- come party with us at the DVF Boutique on Melrose this Thursday, Sept 11 from 7-9pm! I'll be flying to LA from NYC for one night to host Tatiana Boncompagni's book signing party-- if you are in the mood for a juicy read à la modern day Edith Wharton-- order a copy of "Gilding Lily" immediately!

I first saw this clutch at Fred Segal and was going to buy it until I saw a pair of Prada shoes and got sidetracked. Just looking at the picture, you might not think too much of it but let me just tell you up front why this is so appealing, this alligator clutch is only $800. The reason for the low price is that it is not entirely alligator, the back and side panels, as you can see, is actually leather. But for effect, the clutch is seemingly an alligator clutch. I think it's brilliant. Everyone is doing exotic trim and that supposedly makes things exciting but this is way more than just a trim, the most important and focal point of the bag is alligator. The other interesting thing is that all the skins used are taken from old bags, thus the "vintage". So not only is this a fabulous classic envelope clutch in alligator for way cheap, it is also eco-conscious! Reuse, recycle, rejoice!!! =) This is a great size, too, it is 8" x 13.5" and has a 1" gusset so you can definitely use this during the day. The exciting thing for those who don't live in LA is that it is now available at Luxcouture! I told Sari at Luxcouture that this will sell out once I put this up so you better get moving!! Did I mention, it is only $800!!! You can thank me later for this scoop! =)

UPDATE- Congrats to Lauren, the winner, this is the gorgeous Molly Sims!

Kelly and I are off to New York this weekend to attend the shows and view bags at showrooms. To kick off Fashion Week, we're running a series of pop quizzes on Bag and Beauty Snob. We'll be giving away lots of goodies, including our Bag Snob Bag Hook-- today's prize! It's stylish, chic and of course will keep your precious bag off the floor. All you have to do to win is tell me who this front row babe is... hint, she can certainly rock that skirt in "Vegas"! US residents only. Leave your answer in comments with your email address. Winner will be selected via random computer drawing tonight Sept 5, at Midnight EST. Have fun!

Happy First Birthday!! Tot Snob's GIANT gift basket giveaway!!

Bag Snob kicks off Fashion Week with Snob TV and Diane von Furstenberg!

Beauty Snob has a lifting serum from Prescriptives to tighten and brighten!

Couture Snob Look of the Week: Love it or Hate it? Vote on Tina's white Rick Owens dress!

Fab Sugar - Anna Wintour's look, Love it or Hate it?

Second CIty Style- Saks Want It! List for Fall with Michael Fink.

Stiletto Jungle features work-chic pumps worth the splurge.

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating Post-Labor Day whites.

The Shoe Goddess-best ballet flats for your shoe collection!

StyleBakery.com- this season's most-wanted shoes!

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester was born in a jail! Allie is Wired.

Stylehive Hive5: Hive 5: Earth-Inspired Cocktail Rings.