Recently in Convertible Category

UPDATE: Sang A just sent me this coupon for our readers! She's having a private pre-sale at 30% off starting Monday (but if you call Joseph I bet he'll do it for you now!)  Code to purchase online is PRESALE09

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I've decided I am all about convertible bags for traveling from now on.  Ms. High Maintenance with 4 suitcases @ 200 lbs this last trip to Asia pissed off everyone who had to load and unload them (best friend's hubby, brother, cousin, housekeepers, etc).  So for my next trip, I'm downsizing (by at least half, hey it's an improvement!). Am contemplating this ingenius MEZZO Folding Shopper tote in black natural gloss python from our friend Sang A-- it's large enough by day for my small laptop and folded in half, it's the perfect oversized clutch!  Sang A is really in tune with what modern women juggling multiple roles as wife/mother/career girl need cuz she is one herself.  Her bags are never fussy-- chicness and simplicity rule, as do functionality.  It comes in multiple colors and skins but I prefer the black/white combos-- very sophisticated and will be easy to use while traveling. 12.5" x 9" (folded is 6.25"x9")-- $2,500.00 for the  BLACK NATURAL GLOSS PYTHON Here.  And $1,800 for the COOL WHITE VINTAGE PATENT LEATHER version.

BOTKIER is our go to source for casually chic bags that won't break the bank. The latest effort, the Michelle satchel, is a collaboration between Monica Botkier and Michelle Trachtenberg to benefit Oxfam International, a charity that fights poverty around the world. A portion of proceeds will be donated from your purchase of the Michelle! This is a great year round bag in a distressed blue denim lambskin with braided handle detail and large exterior side pockets--lightweight and functional plus you know how we feel about blue bags!  I love blue denim color but hate actual denim bags so this is the perfect solution for me.  And with Oxfam's involvement, how can you resist? Priced at $545 and sized at 14"x9.5", this is a great kick around bag and will get more lovable with use. See more details here.

The Michelle bags are estimated for delivery by 11/15. Please email Jinnie to place your pre-order.

A chic metallic fold over clutch is a must have for the holidays!  If you're not looking for a major investment, check out bridge lines like DKNY from Donna Karan.  I'm happy to see the brand offering simple bags at affordable prices (lord knows we can all use a heavy does of that!).  The convertible foldover clutch also doubles as a shoulder chain bag with the logo cleverly disguised on the zipper pull.  I've always loved zip top fold over clutches, you can stuff it full without worrying of spill out.  Happy weekend all.   DKNY Fold-over metallic clutch here $225

Some of my friends in NYC (the lower east side crew- yes you-- Caroline, Wendy and Audrey!) are trying to make me (as they say) "downtown".   Though I see nothing wrong with my uptown sensibilities I do love their street edge styles and would like to mix it up with my current stash of luxury bags.  That's when I turn to GRYSON bags.  No one is cooler and more downtown than designer Joy Gryson (hello, she designed and launched Marc Jacobs' bag line with the Venetia and Stella bags!)  For fall, Joy offers up the "Painted" bags (hand painted on soft leather or eel skin!).  A multi functional bag with adjustable straps (looks chic as a shoulder bag and very hip as messenger style), zippered pockets in front and back plus a sprinkling of grommet studs on the straps that lends the functional bag a healthy dose of current trend.  Sized at 14"x11" it is very wearable no matter your size.  And the price is amazing for the work-- it's hand painted!

Gryson Painted Violet Bag is $755 here

Gryson Painted Eel Violet Bag is $995 here.

We introduced you to the fabulous Stephanie bag from DVF back in January and much as I loved it I could not swing that size.  Good thing I waited because now it comes in medium in a rock star worthy black metallic!  You must see this in person, the woven leather is amazing and the metallic peeks through depending on the movement of the bag-- subtle yet sexy.  There is also a longer shoulder strap but I like the shorter handle, it looks more sophisticated.  The bracelet clutch is also tres adorable with long tassles and at a great price point!  DVF bags are a superb value for its functionality, design and glam factor-- just like her iconic wrap dresses!  I am anxiously awaiting  Hayworth in python (it's stuck in customs!). Meanwhile, you must check out the Stephanie styles!
 
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Medium Hobo $875

Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bracelet Clutch $395

How exciting to have not one but two bags named after me this season!  It's hard not to like a bag with my namesake but I have to admit this one is for a much much younger Tina.  One who enjoys her cigarettes (if anyone in my family is reading this, I never smoked!) and her vodka (on the rocks, with two lemons and an olive) while dancing til dawn (hence the body strap, very handy while dancing the night away!).  The current Tina, the one you know now, lectures her friends on the peril of smoking, is excited when she drinks two glasses of wine without passing out and likes to be in bed by 11pm after a game of Dance Dance revolution on Wii.  But at least I'm not too old to appreciate the edgy coolness of this square shaped camera bag with multiple zippers (the better to stash stuff in).  I just think it'd look better on Agnyss.  The price is not bad at $590-- Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch at Shopbop.com
What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Is Derek Lam on fire or what? His is one of the strongest bag collections of the season, every single bag speaks to me! A good friend of mine in New York asked me to find her a leopard bag recently; she works in PR and has a packed social schedule. Her specifics were "something cool, in a simple shape and for use from day to night". I immediately thought of the Kashmira clutch from Derek Lam. I tote around my Elsa python clutch while shopping in the day and at night for cocktails. Derek's urban and edgy clutches are generously sized without being monstrous, have functional multi-compartments to fit the million things we need and always have a feminine and whimsical touch-- perfection? Pretty damn close. The Kashmira clutch is made in Italy of hair calf and is 15" x 15" (unfolded as a tote) or 15" x 7.5" (folded) and is $1,295 (a bargain considering its size and multi convertible use!). Call Wayne to order and for more info-- 212-966-1616 or email him ! I ordered mine already and plan to wear it with my white Derek Lam dress with chunky gold jewelry.

Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch also available at Shopbop.com

UPDATE: Derek Lam also made this clutch in a luscious taupe/grey suede version for those of you who are too timid to do jaguar. It retails for $990 and has the same dimensions! Call Wayne :)

After chatting with Monica Botkier during her VPA I have new found admiration for her bags.  As a jet setting fashion photographer, Monica spent years searching for the perfect bag-- she finally gave up and decided to design her own.  Now that's enterprising!  Loving her Logan satchel in Cranberry for fall; the strategically placed zippers actually serve a purpose (it's how the pockets are attached) but also look very rock and roll trendy.  If you're less adventurous, navy is always a good bet! Botkier Logan Satchel $595 here.

Fall is about the contradiction of feminine styles and hard edges. Oscar de la Renta's Python Bow clutch embodies a refined sexiness that is both sophisticated and playful. Kind of like Oscar himself! I saw this at the boutique and fell in love with it, a real girly girl bag toughened up in distressed silver python. The metallic wash python has become a signature for Oscar de la Renta bags, we see it each season yet it feels fresh every time. This is one of few oversized bow clutches that have appealed to me, many designers have tried this silhouette but none as well executed as this. This version is whimsical and fun, a decorative accessory that is also functional (there is also a hidden delicate shoulder chain inside but I prefer it as a clutch). Sized at 11.5", the interior of the clutch is wide enough to fit a multitude of essentials. $2,590 at Oscar de la Renta here.

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