Recently in Animal-Friendly Category

Okay, that proves it. Heidi Klum can make anything look fabulous, even a faux croco embossed bag with a giant butterfly on it. It's not that bad but just looks so... shiny. Thank god that butterfly key ring is removable-- it's a decent bag to run around with if you can get over it is PVC (vegetarians will love it)-- and it is very baby friendly (don't be a moron like me and keep baby bottles in your birkin, that did not turn out well for my Rouge H).

This is a super low price point so please don't bitch at me-- skip on to the 'latest snob' bags if you want luxury. I've been asked repeatedly to offer really inexpensive frugal snob bags and this is as frugal as I can get.  Unless you want those bags at Target for $39.99 which I've tried to write about but just can't bring myself to (yet).  This one was tough, too-- I'm just featuring it to show that when a gorgeous supermodel is asked to carry something, it will look fabulous.  It comes in 5 colors but when dealing with faux anything-- stick with black or a dark color (there is a green that is interesting).   
Design Guru for Curations Croco-Embossed Patent Tote here $139.99

Okay snobs, unleash it on me.  Snob or Slob?

I was really excited to find an adorable studded bag from Miu Miu under $900 to share with you until I realized it's made of plastic. Quilted eco-leather is what they call it but I call it a rip off. Since when did PVC become eco-friendly? It's animal friendly but certainly not human nor eco friendly. Such a bummer because the style is really hot. The sprinkling of studs along the stitching of the quilting is perfectly executed as is the subtle hardware ring details on the handle. $895 is a pretty penny for a plastic bag that can rip if bumped against a sharp object. I say Snob for style and function but Slob for price and material. What about you? $895 at Bergdorf Goodman

Miu Miu bags also at Net-a-porter.com

Now I've seen it all! A wool bag with a glass urethane antler (yup, you read it correctly) top handle from a company called "Rich in Craft". I actually like that they went outside of the usual design box and came up with something so unique but all I see when I look at it is "danger! danger!". I carry bags on the crook of my arm and I can just see this stabbing myself and my child not to mention innocent bystanders that get in my way. Come to think of it, this could be a good weapon to use at night. You single girls could use it to ward off unsolicited creeps, just stab them in the eye girls!

RICH IN CRAFT - GLASS URETHANE ANTLER TOP HANDLE $1800 USD/1300 euro
What say you my snobs? Snob or Slob?

Have a lovely weekend all!

Stella, can we talk? What is this business of making super expensive bags that look super cheap? I can appreciate a cute little bug on my metallic linen clutch but only if it's under $50. I mean it's cloth, that's not so expensive is it? Well, cloth trimmed in pvc, okay so that added a buck to the cost but it doesn't justify the other $764 you charge for this clutch. There was a period in my life when I was all about DIY (Do It Yourself)-- I think I can make this. My aunt had an old skirt of the same material and I swear I can find bug pins at garage sales similar for $3. As for the pvc trim, I'm sure I can find it on an old toy. I'll pay my tailor to sew it together, her labor will cost at least $100 which will bring my total to around $103. With the extra cash, I'll pick up a python D'Abo clutch from Kotur ($498) with crystal embellished pin and still have enough money to take my friends out for dinner to show off how clever I am.
Stella McCartney clutch $765 at Net-a-Porter.com

Stella McCartney is amazing, imagine how much creativity it took to make burlap look stylish and PVC scraps look like punk rock studs! I've been staring at this geometric bag and can't believe the studs are not metal and that the skin is man made material-- boy they are getting really good at this. Or maybe I just need to see this in person. Yes, $865 is a lot of money for a non leather bag but think about all the animals you saved. Not that I'm one to talk; 99.99% of my bags are leather or exotic, but I'm just saying-- if you are into animal rights and such, this is the bag for you. Or if you're just looking for a chic bad weather bag to tote around; this will work, too. But as much as I like this, it's not something I'd buy. PVC may be animal friendly but it's not very human friendly. But that's just me. What about you-- what do you think of man made materials? At Stella McCartney Bags at Net-a-porter.com

I am totally jealous that Kelly is lounging on a beach in Hawaii right now, as I sit and shiver in the cold front that has swept the country--30 degrees last night, which is so strange for this time of the year. What is going on? Hello Horton--can you hear us?!?! As I await my own upcoming beach vacation, I've discovered yet another guilt-free splurge. Net-a-Porter and Pucci have teamed up to benefit FTBC (Fashion Targets Breast Cancer) once again with a juicy citrus-hued beach bag! Purchasing this limited-edition Pucci beach bag directly supports Fashion Targets Breast Cancer WORLDWIDE in the battle to combat breast cancer. All net proceeds will be donated to FTBC, where they will benefit local breast cancer charities around the world in support of the on-going global campaign to find a cure. Now I just have to find a guilt-free excuse for the fabulous Hermes bikini and pink lizard sandals I saw the other day...
Pucci FTBC Beach Bag is $795 at NAP.

How fun is this cheap, chic and animal friendly patent fabric tote from Miu Miu? If you do not feel any holiday cheer and dread Christmas shopping, this bright red tote will definitely get you in the festive mood! It is 14" x 14" x 5.5" so you can use it as a shopper for the many trips to the mall you will make to check off your Christmas list but if you only shop online, it will fit your laptop nicely and make a great work bag too! The patent feature means you don't have to worry about getting it dirty or wet in the rain and snow (it wipes right off!). It has magnetic closure for easy access and criss cross stitching details with double handles. $575 at Saks.

This is for the serious collector who views bags as works of art and not merely accessories. Celestina is known for eclectic bags that may not fit in the daily scheme of life but has its place as a treasure to be used on special occasions. The cracked mirror clutch is so unique and stunning that it should be displayed when not used! It is not leather so won't wear out with age, a quick polish once in a while and it will retain its splendor for years. It is lined in micro suede and has magnetic closure to keep the lines of the silver tiled clutch clean. I have a friend who is an Art broker, she would love this little jewel! Celestina Cracked Mirror Clutch $1130 at Vivre.

The Ridged Clutch by Kotur is simple but beautiful, its art deco influenced design can provide an elegant accessory to a dramatic outfit or to a LBD. It's something you can grab without having to think too much about it and know that you'll look timelessly chic everytime. I love the vintage vibe of it, it looks like something from my grandmother's closet circa 1920's Shanghai! With all the gorgeously elaborate beaded cocktail dresses this season you need something simple like the Kotur ridged clutch to finish the look, not compete with it. $348 at Vivre.com.

Every once in a while I come across a bag that transcends time and design. Something that is so unique that it is hard to find words to describe it. Such is the case when I saw the sleek wooden clutch from Ports 1961. The smooth texture of polished wood resembles that of baby calf leather until you pick it up and feel the rigid structure of the wood. This is a clutch that could have traveled through time from the 1800's or from the future- I can see it on the arm of Jane Austen or Princess Leia. Its timeless appeal is what attracts me most. Creative Director Cia Tibani embraces a global and new culture that associates high performance with modern luxury, comfort and design. This beautifully crafted clutch is made of American black walnut in brown and shaped into a smooth-edged hand clutch with wooden strap clasp at center. Perfect and elegant for any occasion. Ports 1961 Wooden Clutch measures 11" x 6", $630 at Vivre.com.