Recently in Frugal Snob Category

If you live in the LA area, you probably already know about Fashionphile, they have a boutique at 9551 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills (as well as online) with hundreds of preowned designer bags. It is so much fun going through all the bags in there, especially the vintage pieces that you either reminisce about or surprised that you've never seen. It is one of my favorite things to do with a girlfriend on a shopping trip (even more fun after lunch and a cold glass of pinot grigio!). If you cannot wait, this is the place to go for an unquestionably authentic Birkin or Kelly. Most are in mint condition. The blue jean 30 togo in the picture above is $7995 - if you shop online, there are detailed pictures of every part of the bag. You will also find limited edition bags that is impossible to find anywhere else, like the Chanel Paris in NY Woman Handbag Tote ($2150) from the 2006 Fall collection that is brand new, the price tag is still on it! They also offer a consignment service for people who want to sell their bags. Last year's favorite bag can either continue to collect dust or it can help pay for your latest must have =)

My friend pointed out that the words "Frugal" and "snob" are contradictory but I beg to differ! Being a snob is not about spending money, it's a person with discerning taste, even if he/she is on a budget.  If you are a frugal snob looking for a bag that is well made with good quality leather-- look no further than Cole Haan's new Raleigh tote.  This is not for the girl who has a closetful of trendy designer bags.  It is for a sensible yet stylish girl who understands that her bag should be her accessory, and not the other way around.  If you are that girl, head over to Saks to check out Cole Haan Raleigh Triangle Tote for $348

Now here is a tote that makes sense and has good value, unlike the Valextra canvas tote for $1060. Yes, it is true you can get a canvas tote for $20 but if you look at the construction the breakdown in quality is obvious. This One Language tote is beautifully made, has a great design and is functional. It is 100% natural canvas with tight seams, perfectly turned corners, is sturdy and maintains its structure. It has a super wide gusset so is the perfect beach / pool bag. There is a smaller compartment for your laptop (comes with a laptop case that can be used separately), or for wallet and personal items. The interior is full of pockets for phone, sunscreen, keys, etc and unlike most totes, there is a covered flap that zips closed. Comes in 4 cute designs, I love the bicycle - cute, whimsical and epitomizes the carefree days of summer. At One Language Label for $110.

Midday Midnight $650, now $455 (30% OFF); 24 HR in purple $495, now $346.50 (30% OFF).

If you don't win our fabulous Gerard Darel giveaway this month, don't worry your pretty little head because Luxcouture has got you covered either way. They are having an incredible sale, up to 50% off (the black 24 hour is only $246.50) on Gerard Darel. Frugal Snobs rejoice, shop now!

This sale is really amazing, all the bags you've been waiting all season for are now up to 50% off. How can you beat it? I mean, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faridah Shoulder Bag was originally $450 is now $225. Uh, what else are you going to buy for 200 bucks? This is the perfect way to work red in to your wardrobe while getting major bang for your buck. And they say Marni Balloon Bags never go on sale. Well guess what? It was $1970 and is now $985. Get the white clutch you need for the summer, the Michael Kors Zip Patent Clutch original $495, Sale $247.50. The list goes on, even Bottega Veneta classic tote!!

Bottega Veneta Roma Intrecciato Tote Original $3080, Sale $1540

Jimmy Choo Maia Calf Hobo Original $1995, Sale $997.50

Stella McCartney Geometric Shoulder Bag Original $865, Sale $519

I have been buying M0851 for years now even though they are not the most hip and stylish bags out there but they are so incredibly practical and lightweight! Well, it looks they've heard their customers grievances and have put all their efforts into design. This saddle bag in all serious honesty is one of the BEST buys you will ever make. First of all, the price cannot be beat for something that you will use for many many years (my first M0851 was bought 10 years ago and it still shows up on my arms). It is $260 and looks like a $4700 Loro Piana. OK, the leather is not the same but I want to say that this is better, did I mention it is super lightweight? It is very thin leather and not lined (but surprisingly sturdy) so it does not have the lush leather of a $4700 bag but when you plan on cramming your entire life in a bag, you will forgo the expensive heavy bag and go to this. Every time (unless of course you have a live in porter). The straps, the oversize front pocket with double tab closures, the subtle contrasting colors, the structured slouchy-ness - just perfect! All I can say is, thank you for listening to our bitching to make cuter bags. Mission accomplished. Available for $260 at their Soho boutique on Wooster, 212 431 3069. Check the M0851 online store soon for the Fall collection (not yet up).

There have been a lot of Frugal Snob options lately that really are fantastic. OK, this may not be the most exciting bag, but for the price, $438, you get a nice designer label and soft supple leather in beautiful dreamy colors. The double strap adds the touch of interest on an otherwise "classic hobo" as the name suggests. You have to see it on otherwise the bag collapses into a scrunch, like the taupey one called "Pebble" seen here. This may be a problem if you tend to put your bags on the floor but for those girls I say, "Don't ever put your nice bags on the floor!!". You know how dirty the floor is and how stained the bottom of your bags can get?!!? EEEEK. You are not going to write home to tell all your girlfriends about this one, but for those who are looking for something affordable, stylish and functional, this has got all that. At Neiman Marcus for $438.

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I was excited to find a bag under $500 to report to you guys, this is probably the most requested price point from our readers but so difficult to find good bags at this range! The Lil' Riz bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs has the cute round shape reminiscent of the whimsical Miu Miu Coffer (remember that bag? I still love it!) in yummy summer colors.  Perfect for the warmer season, right?  WRONG!  Look at that giant logo plaque!  What was he thinking?  Has he gone logo 'loco' in his old age or is he brainwashed after all the years at LV?!?!   The Marc Jacobs I loved in the '90s was an anti logo rebel talent~ this looks like something Coach would design.  But at least Coach would only charge $200 for it.  If you can get past the awful name plate-- it's $430 at Net-a-Porter.com

Lambertson Truex filed for bankruptcy because they're not selling enough bags which I can understand because I have never bought a Lambertson and I can't say that I know someone who has. And that's pretty bad statistics. But this one seems ok. But then again, it's a canvas tote and the only one who can make an industry out of that is Tory Burch. This one is by far cuter and better though. The silver leather handles and the white canvas is so crisp and clean for the summer. The tote is not huge but the gusset is very generous so will still fit all your big summer items. There are nice side pockets and even comes with a shoulder strap. A nice gift for your mom if she needs one. At Saks Fifth Avenue
for $295

This is such a great bag for bag lovers of all ages and most budgets. The hobo is no longer a trend but a staple and must but recent renditions have more shape and details so it is not just a giant sack. This one especially, has all the trimmings you crave, the outside pockets are not only a time saver but make it chic and lovable. The large flap pockets are roomy and the slight pooch makes them super cute! There is also a zipper pocket so you most of what you need are on the outside! The grey is also the best neutral, much much better than black or brown because it will work for the summer. The Marc by Marc Jacobs logo is a bit annoying, it's got that special font which is hokey - can't believe I'm saying this but I almost prefer the metal plate. The price is incredible for such soft and scrumptious leather, only $548 but don't run out and get it just yet, sale season is upon us and everything will start to discount in the next few week, if not already. At Barneys New York.