Recently in Ask the Snob Category

Dear Bag Snob,

I'm a little embarrassed to ask, but I think most of us out here have the same question: What the heck goes in a clutch these days?! I'm not talking about the clutch you carry with your LBD. That's easy: cash, a credit card and lipstick! I'm talking about the oversized clutches for day that are everywhere now! Many of them are still envelope slim, though flexible. But what gives? Are there special wallets or card holders we need for these? I have a basic black leather oversize clutch with circle die cut-outs, and a red shiny alligator oversized envelope clutch. Love them both, but still am at a loss of how to use them on a normal workday. Does this look require an additional tote?

Thanks for your help!

Melissa

First, let me say what a tremendous resource you have been in helping me select truly timeless handbags for my wife. I deeply appreciate your insight. We are coming up on our 20th wedding anniversary and I have secured the opportunity to select from a group of 35 cm matte porosus Birkin bags. My wife owns primarily platinum and white gold jewelry, including a black with palladium 35 cm Birkin. The question is, is there a color combination to avoid in reference to leather vs hardware? The first two I will see are Havanne with palladium and gold hardware. Also, I wonder how you would rate the palette of Croc colors?

Warm regards,
MS

Or more precisely, nail polish remover struck it. I got this horrific picture from a reader, Linh, her niece spilled nail polish remover on her Chanel wallet and needless to say, she is devastated. Linh came to us for help and luckily there is hope. One of the biggest draws with buying from big major designers like Chanel is that they have an internal repair service with specialists that they call "Leather Surgeons" (I'm not making that up, it is their official title). If you are faced with a bag disaster, you need to send it back to the Chanel Boutique you bought it from (even if you did not buy it from their boutique, find the closest one to you and send it there. Neiman Marcus will not be able to help you). Once the leather surgeon takes a look, he will be able to tell you what he can do and how much it will be. There are options with damage like the one here with nail polish remover that has bleached the leather. Depending on the saturation level, if it is just surface damage, it is salvageable, if it is soaked through the leather, there may not be anything they can do. They can use the original dye and redye it black (if you have beige leather, your only option would be to go black). This could cost anywhere from $200-$500, but keep in mind a new Chanel wallet is only a few hundred more so it may not be worth it. The turnaround for repairs is around 8 weeks. We hope nothing like this happens to your Chanel bag, but if you need additional information or you do not know where to send your sick bags, contact the Managing Director of the Highland Park boutique, Pilar Hubbard at 214-520-1055.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say that your blog is fantastic! I didn't know a whole lot about bags before, but your site gives me a great starting point. I mean, you do most of the work for us. What's left is simply to decide: 1. Does it suit our own particular lifestyles and needs? and 2. Can we afford it? The latter, I am still working on!

My query is not a new one: I need a work/school bag. Something nice, chic, funky but classic, young and yet professional. I carry around folders and books and am tired of having to lug two bags - one practical (sack) and a nice handbag. I loved the chocolate colored Marc Jacobs Dr Q Delancy that was recommended a few years back. Alas I live in Australia, and well, access is somewhat limited. Can you offer some suggestions for 2008. And if possible, any websites that actually ship to Australia (that won't charge an arm and a leg!)?

Many thanks,

Linda A

Dear Tina and Kelly,

Bagsnob.com is simply awesome! Your verdicts are dead right and the sense of humor always makes us smile! Believe it or not, you are THE style queens who have a great influence on all our bag purchases... :) Could I ask you for a huge favor? My cousin and I do not like or buy LV at all, but the only bag that has caught our attention is the Mahina. The stores have been pushing it as a classic, but we look to you for advice. If one were to own only one LV bag (we absolutely hate the monogram canvas) could it possibly be this one? In other words, does it have your stamp of approval?

Wish you a wonderful and successful 2008 !

Warmly,

Rhea & Pia

Dear Bag Snob,

I wasn't sure who to ask amongst my friends so I decided to email you. In your professional opinion, would it be wise for me to order the Louis Vuitton Griet in the exotic dark red alligator and water snake trim? I am asking because I have never considered spending this much on a bag (9k), and would hate to have buyer's remorse. I wanted to purchase only one bag in this price range and I would like to have a timeless classic. So far, I have not found any LV bags that appeal to me as much as the Griet with the exotic dark red trim. I definitely love the contrast of the red with the usual LV brown and gold. Actually, I have never even purchased an LV monogram canvas simply because I do not like the look of the material with just the brown and gold. Any advice you would have would be greatly appreciated.

Love, Mimmi

Dear Bag Snob,

I am a young University Professor, I am looking for a bag that will carry all of my books and papers while still looking fierce. I don't want to look too young with a backpack, or too aged with a briefcase. What do you recommend? Thanks!

Shawna

Dear Shawna,

Love,
The Bag Snob

Dearest Bag Snob (hello Tina and Kelly!),

I just bought my first designer bag ever, the Lanvin Heroine in chestnut, which was massively on sale at Barneys and which I love love love and seems to match everything. Only problem is, I have discovered a mere drop of water will stain it. So what can I do -- other than carry a plastic bag everywhere in case it rains? That wouldn't be very elegant. Should I waterproof it? Ask at Barneys? Email Lanvin? Your advice would be very welcome. Thank you!

A Friend at WWD

Hi Friend,

Love,
Bag Snob
p.s.(We love WWD and read it everyday!)

Dear Bag Snob,

Marvelous, I will do just that. Thank you so much for the excellent advice.
Hope you guys are doing great. I really enjoy reading Bagsnob. Your judgment
is spot-on.

A Friend at WWD.

There have been some complaints that our man bag selections have not been appropriate for the average man who is not extraordinarily fashion inclined. So, for Father's Day, I am really going to help you gals out with ideas that are easier to handle for your beer drinking / Ultimate Fighting Champion watching honey, in all different price points.

Ted Baker Shaggy Canvas Overnight Duffle

No man will be telling me that this is too metro-sexual for his masculine taste. This canvas overnighter is the perfect gift for any man who is on the go, or maybe who just wants to look pulled together when going to the gym (I mean why go the gym if you don't care about appearances, right?). And don't worry about breaking the bank in order to lavish your man with great taste, for £65 (around US$140) you can still make it to dinner and order the nice scotch for him =) At Ted Baker online, or for US folks (they don't ship to the US???) try their shops. LA on Robertson Blvd, 310 550 7855; New York on Grand St. in Soho, 212 343 8989.

In case you don't win our fabulous Mother's Day Giveaway, here are a few things that I (as a mother) think your mother (or wife) would enjoy :)

Treat yourself: I am obsessed with Tom Ford's Whitney Sunglasses. He is just so incredibly good at sexy chic (forget the boring Bespoke suits Tom, go back to doing what you do best!) All mothers need a pair of stylish sunglasses to throw on in the early mornings of carpool and these are flattering on everyone. I am Asian and very petite and they fit perfectly on my small nose, they also look amazing on my girlfriend who is blond and 5'11"! I have the black pair but want the blue and champagne too, they are super lightweight and offer 100% UV protection. Go ahead, treat yourself!

From Husbands: Lanvin Kansas tote in Bronze . This is a great bag for the mother of your children, easy to throw on and big enough to tote around stuff for kids of all ages or just for her. I love the dark bronze color, it's not as flashy as the gold version and it's more versatile as you can wear it with more things (Kelly and I would each like a bronze one if anyone, especially those we bore children for, wants to get it for us). $2,030 at Barneys New York.

Jewelry is always a good idea, but if you have terrible taste, ask for help (her best friend, sister, etc) Perfume is good too, perfume in bottle of handmade crystal, 24k gold, and a diamond solitaire in center is even better (it was created for Queen Victoria, so fitting for the Queen in your life right?) Clive Christian No.1 Perfume $2,350 at Nordstrom. I would never spend that kind of money on perfume not to mention what a waste of a diamond but that's not to say my husband can't buy it :) Frugal husbands can go for the Clive Christian sampler set for $285, same great fragrance without diamonds and really, who needs that on a perfume bottle? I like my diamonds on jewelry I can actually wear. Both at Nordstrom ($5 shipping!)