Recently in Ask the Snob Category

I just got this email from Roe. I answered her, won't tell you what I said but you can probably guess, but I thought it would be fun for fellow Bag Snob readers to weigh in on her decision.

Hello My Lovely Snobs,

Best,
Roe

Dear Snob in training,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the YSL embossed lizard bags! As we always say, buy the best bag you can afford and if your budget allows you a lizard embossed suede Easy tote (17" medium is $1,195 and the 12" small is $995) and you love it, then you must get it!  The suede version is so lush and rich--  I love the iconic Muse but the Easy is more youthful and will see you through the school year and beyond. YSL Bags at Saks.  Good luck and enjoy your bag no matter what anyone else says, after all, you are the one working to buy it and you are the one carrying it! 

Much love, Bag Snob

Cheers,
Yanqin

Dear Yanqin,

Ahhhh, the Mombasa! My first YSL, I got it in Cognac when it first came out. Loved it to death - literally, the bag ended up in tatters from overuse!! We work with Yoogi's Closet, they are a very reputable retailer of authentic second-hand bags. You can even sell your old bags to them to pay for the new ones! I checked for the Mombasa and not surprisingly, they are sold out (for $595). Recently, there has been a revival of interest in the hobo as well as the messenger. This was one of the last bags Tom Ford designed before he left so it is as iconic as they come. The thing is, this bag never left, it is not extinct at all! YSL always carried is and has been since inception, they just keep it in the back in basic colors - black, brown and cognac. Now that there is this huge resurgence of interest, they will probably start putting it back up on the shelves. Mombasa Messenger is $895 at YSL, comes in black or brown. Call Will at YSL Beverly Hills for the Mombasa Leather Hobo, $895 for the small and $1100 for the large.

Dear Bag Snob,

Frustrated Snob,
Angela

Dear Angela,

Girl, I hear you!! I have to admit, I am pretty practical when it comes to electronics so I have just been using a neoprene sleeve as well (but it is hot pink!). Well, I have the perfect thing for you, finally a computer sleeve worthy of taking out and being seen! The Rebecca Minkoff Virginia Computer Sleeve in faux ostrich is quite fabulous. Not as nice as your Muse but certainly wouldn't be a drag when taking it out. It also comes with a shoulder strap so you can use any bag you want and just carry this along with you. At Shopbop.com for $150, totally reasonable if you ask me! I am so getting this for myself, as well. It also comes in black patent leather for $98 but is not as unique.

Love,
Bag Snob

Hi Bag Snob,

I am a faithful reader and I am hoping that you can help me with my recent dilemma. I am looking for a canvas tote/shoulder bag for my upcoming vacation and also to have for the summer. I am seeing a lot of bold prints and while I am not shy of flair and color, I was hoping to find something a bit more versatile for everyday wear and also reasonably priced.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Diana

Dear Diana,

We are all looking for that perfect canvas tote for the season and it is as if Anya Hindmarch herself is listening to us! If there is one thing she is good at, it is knowing what women need and desire. She has the appropriately named, Seasonal Tote in this season's boldest and brightest colors, electric blue and neon yellow. But as always, it is done with perfect taste so you won't be walking around like a glaring street sign. These totes have a super big gusset to fit just about anything you can possibly carry. And the price? It is also considerate to our needs, only $98 at Anya Hindmarch.

Love,
Bag Snob

Dear Bag Snob,

I have a question I thought only you guys could answer. I love love love my designer bags - Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs are particular favourites. However, the bags I have are not practical for work, as they're too small. I am a student but will be graduating and starting work soon. I need something classic and sturdy (black or brown would be best), that can comfortably fit A4 sized files, with room for cosmetics case, umbrella etc, and preferably quite cheap (only a couple hundred pounds maybe $300-400 dollars?!). I am currently using a Longchamp Le Pliage, as they are super practical, I can literally throw them around! But I'd prefer something smarter looking, in leather, while still being stylish, of course. I hope you can help!

Many thanks,
Pri

There were a lot of questions regarding ponyhair, haircalf or in industry terms, hair-on leather. What the heck is it? Is it pony? Is it cow? Well, it is most commonly cow, although it can be done with buffalo or any other animal for that matter (shearling is the sheep version of this) but it is usually not actual pony. Basically, it is the hair side of the animal. It is considered a "pelt", same as fur. The leather that we are most familiar with is actually the underside, the non-hair side of the skin. Haircalf (the most common term but in fashion pony hair is used to make it sound sexier) is more expensive than the average leather but the cost is in the finish of the hair, since it needs to be treated (chrome tanned is a process that gives the hair the super shiny sheen), most of the time it is cut down short (this is necessary for any use other than a rug, as in, in a cowboy's house), and it is dyed. If you've ever been to a farm, I don't need to tell you what the natural colors are - solid black, black and white, brown and white or tricolors of black, brown and white. It is dyed white first and any color or pattern can then be put on it, even metallic. As with leather, prices vary widely depending on how many of these treatments it has had. In general, the haircalf version is also more expensive than the leather counterpart because it is harder to work with during manufacturing. The care for haircalf is pretty simple. Don't get gum or oil on it and you can pretty much clean it nicely with a dry cloth. If you get something on it, use a slightly damp cloth but then dry it with a dry cloth immediately after. Always go with the grain of the hair! It can also be sprayed with the same silicone spray for suede but whatever you do, stay away from Scotch Guard, even their warning says not to use it on anything other than fabric. I guess the question you all want answered is now obvious. No, it is not considered exotic since it is just plain ole' cow. But if you are looking for an alternative to humdrum leather, haircalf is definitely more unique and bold.

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

Pierre Hardy 40% off at Barneys Dallas on May 5th for one day only! Call Pam or Cory at 469-221-4807 to pre-order!

Anya Hindmarch Oakley, Goyard Saint Louis, Pierre Hardy, YSL Downtown

Dear Bag Snob,

I have been looking for a big bag suitable to be used as a diaper bag for almost 4 years now (my oldest is almost 4 and second baby just turned 1). I am looking for something that is light (not heavy) in a spring color and big to carry all my baby items. I know you are not a fan of the Goyard bags, but they look like they could be used as handy diaper bags. I am referring to the Saint Louis bags. What do you think? Do you think they're worth what they cost?

Thank you!

Love,
Stephany

I was recently interviewed by the Dallas Business Journal and asked what bags I would pick for current candidates or candidates' wives. Kelly and I never discuss politics or religion on Bag Snob, but picking out bags is about fashion, no matter who it's for, right? So, here are my choices (The bags were chosen based on their fashion styles, and is in no way indicative of our political views.):

Who: Cindy McCain

Bag: Hermes Kelly

Why: She seems very ladylike and looks like she goes to many luncheons and teas. The Kelly bag is a stylish, but conservative statement. It is a classic that will never go out of style.

Who: Michelle Obama

Bag: Bottega Veneta Tri-compartment Tote

Why: She has young children, and a Bottega tote will be functional and stylish while campaigning and traveling with her husband or tending to her children. Bottega is the ultimate in quiet luxury and very appropriate for an aspiring First Lady.

Who: Hillary Clinton

Bag: Oscar de la Renta Doheny Clutch

Why: Because she doesn't seem like a woman who wants any fuss. The Doheny Clutch is a bold and powerful statement, but still feminine. It will carry her from luncheons to power meetings without missing a beat. It is large, and she'll be able to have her BlackBerry, notebooks, etc., with her at all times.

What about you? What bags would you choose for them?