Recently in Convertible Category

I am attending a gala this evening (in a super fab blue Versace short flared dress) and am trying to decide what clutch to use. The awkward clutching while cocktailing is not the easiest feat to accomplish-- especially if one is also hungry and wants to swipe at the hors d'oeuvres trays passing by. I am really loving clutches with subtle convertible chains, so you can hang it on your shoulders leaving hands free to drink and munch (delicately of course). The rainbow sheen python clutch from Sang A would be the perfect bag for me this evening (but don't think Vivre does same day delivery). Not only do I love the 7.5" x 5" streamlined and geometric shape of the clutch, the removable rounded chain is not obtrusive nor is it heavy. I saw this at her showroom last spring and it has a soft pillowy texture to it so even if you want to actually clutch this rainbow hued python love, you won't feel scratchy or itchy. Sang A pillow python clutches $1,160 at Vivre.com

What about you, how do you cocktail clutch?

There is nothing more quietly luxurious than Loro Piana bags (kind of how Hermes was before the tabloids and Hollywood got a hold of them). I bought the Globe bag for Kelly's birthday 3 years ago in pale pink (and picked up a violet version for myself) and it's still one of my favorite go to globe trotting bags. It transforms from an easy city tote to giant hold all with multiple pockets (back, front flap, 2 interior zipped, one cell, one ipod and a small id pocket) so you stay organized no matter how jetlagged you are!  (30cm Mini globe $2,350 in leather).

I have compared the craftsmanship of Loro Piana with my Hermes bags and I have to say, it comes pretty damn close (and a helluva lot more functional).  But the price is still reasonable in comparison.

In addition to the 'Globe' bag (in crocodile above, $18,500) there are a couple more bags I am coveting-- Loro Piana bags transcend time and trend so I don't even think about the season its from!-- the 'Bellevue' in sunny yellow ostrich ($11,900) is making me re-think yellow bags and the 'Coral' bag (35cm, $4,195) in calfskin is a must have for summer and fall. The perfect shade of luggage, it will complement a pair of white shorts or a creamy cashmere sweater, Loro Piana natch. All at Loro Piana boutiques worldwide.  Please call Susan for more info 212-980-7961. 

I saw this Burberry bag and was like, "Oh good, Burberry is making cuter bags" and then I realized why I like it so much. It reminds me of the Proenza Schouler PS1. But now that I see them side by side, it is obvious who has got "it" and who doesn't. Seeing both together, I would never get the Burberry, it is so stodgy and stiff. This just proves how subtle and gray the line is between hip and dud. Koodos for Burberry for trying but it's back to the drawing board. Burberry convertible satchel for $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue and PS1 suede satchel at Barneys for $1595.

If you missed our live chat with Monica Botkier this morning don't worry. We will have the entire transcript up this afternoon for your perusal! Monica shared with us her story of balancing life as a female entrepreneur, designer, photographer and mother to two bouncing babes!

We will also have sneak peeks at many of Monica's favorite Fall bags later. But to satisfy your craving immediately, we highly suggest picking up the Venice Satchel. It's rocker chic at its very best! Monica told us in our virtual personal appearance chat: "I am so overwhelmed by the reaction to Venice. This was a group for SS09 that has just gone crazyy so we are bringing it back for SS10 in January. I felt like I needed to get in touch with my inner bad ass and feel cool so I wanted a lot of zips and tassels..."

Oh yes, we'd like to get in touch with our inner bad ass as well!   The Venice Satchel is available in three delicious colors for $595 each.  At Botkier website and at Shopbop!

I'm just basically in love with this mint green color but for a summer bag, it is super functional and cute. It is not very Mulberry like but in a good way. The textured pebbled leather is great for wear and tear, which means you can beat it up without worry. The shoulder strap comes in handy if you need it although as always, it ruins the look. At first I was annoyed with the rivets but it does add some much needed detail. You can also fold in the top and convert it into a smaller bag but it is totally pointless since I imagine the interior of the bag is now full of the top portion of the bag. Nice try as a convertible bag but like most convertible bags, it does not convert into anything functional. There are also side zips to expand the gusset. At Net-a-Porter for $625.

I am the eternal optimist and prefer to focus on the positive no matter how negative things get. All I hear these days is the gloom and doom of the economy and its detrimental effect on the fashion industry. On the contrary, I think the recession has made many bag designers more mindful of their designs-- they now think as much about what women want to carry as what they want to create for us.  I'd say that's a step in a positive direction!

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record but one of the most conscientious designers right now is Derek Lam. You will never find a denim/fur patchwork mess emblazoned with clownish logos from him. You will, however, find thoughtfully designed and beautifully made bags at reasonable prices. It's no wonder the last two bags I featured from Derek (Tod's purple python and the Elsa python clutch from his own line) sold out almost immediately!  When I saw him in LA last month, he excitedly showed me the restyled "D" bag, his latest creation for Tod's Fall 2009. A casually elegant tote made of the most sumptuous Italian leathers, "it will be for Tod's what the Kelly bag is for Hermes" Derek told me. I fell in love with it and custom ordered a gray one on the spot (similar to the one Diane Kruger carried at Cannes).  The one above in tan calfskin is another gorgeous option that will patina beautifully as it ages.  It also comes in a to die for crocodile-- the softest I have ever touched. 

A good bag wardrobe is one with solid foundation pieces like this that you can pull out to use season after season without worry of current trends.  Whether you are a novice bag snob learning to build your bag wardrobe or a seasoned pro, you can not go wrong with a timelessly chic Restyled "D" bag in your collection!  Available in 2 sizes, the Piccola (small 27cm- $1,345) and the Media (large 32cm- $1,445) ranging from 8-10 colors in three different skins-- patent leather, calfskin, and buffalo.

LA - Call 310-285-0591 or email Carla at Tod's Beverly Hills to order.
NYC- Call 212.644.5945 or email Farrah Vlosov!

Bag photo: Tod's/ Diane Kruger photo: Fab Sugar

We attended dinner at the DVF studio over Fashion Week in NYC (the Diva herself sat with us for over an hour, mainly because we were seated with her sister-in-law and family but we'd like to think it's cuz she loves Bag Snob *_* jump for video of the dinner) and got an exclusive peek at the Fall 2009 bags.  I was told DVF hired the bag designers behind Marni bags to revamp her accessories line and I am beside myself with excitement!  I've been holding back for 3 months and finally given the go ahead to post the photos of the to die for bag collection. You ready?   First up is the "Hayworth" python tote with gun metal studs worthy of a Rock Goddess. Do I even need to tell you why you have to order this bag?  Anyone with eyes and any sense can see this is going to be the MUST HAVE bag from DVF for Fall '09. I saw it in gold, pewter and black and have to say black is my favorite. A timeless yet edgy rocker chic style in the most luxurious python skin, it just screams Pat Benatar and everything cool about rock and roll!  The studs are also very subtle so it doesn't look trendy, notice it along the inside of the handles-- I almost passed out with excitement when they showed it to me.  The size is just at 14"/33cm wide in a classic style.  And the price, you are going to die when you find out how much it is, $1,950- for a large PYTHON tote!

I must have this bag and will not rest until it's MINE!  I've harassed everyone at DVF for months now and will continue until the Hayworth is dangling from my arm!

Email Laura Cook at DVF boutique in NYC (python prohibited in California!) and get on the wait list, like- pronto!  Make sure you tell her Bag Snob sent you!  Or call 646.486.4800. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the DVF online boutique here.

Forget all the silicone induced hype about Zagliani bags-- let's focus on this gorgeous luscious python shoulder bag/clutch in go with everything denim blue (I am obsessed with this dreamy color!).  This is a giant, I mean really really big bag but it's so squishy and lovable looking I want to cuddle it.  Love the triangle flap-- it properly shows off the pleats and the slightly puffed with pleated bottom is what gives it that flirty girly look!  It also has a leather and brushed gold chain handle you can hide and convert into oversized clutch or use as shoulder bag.  I personally think it looks better as a clutch, the chain is a bit too delicate for such a large bag but at least you have the option should you be at a party and want both hands free to toss back spritzers and munch on canapes at the same time.

By the way, if you have never touched a Zagliani bag you must go and feel its softness.  It will make you think differently about scaly bags forever!  ZAGLIANI - PYTHON FLAP SHOULDER BAG here. 1500 euro/ $2036 USD.  

I have one of these travel clutches for long oversea trips when there are lots of documentation, itinerary, various tickets, etc. - I even keep my Kindle in there! It is great to be so organized and is quite fabulous! But of course now they come out with an improved version, with a removable interior divider so when you get settled, you can use it as a clutch! OK, I was still using mine as a clutch but it was kind of awkward and makes it less fabulous when people realize you are using some sort of receipt organizer as a clutch =( There is a zipper pocket so is fully functional as a clutch and the ample girth is enough to hold a small wallet, phone and camera. And this Peppermint color is so dreamy! Perfect for beach vacations!! I want!!! I must!!!! At Smythson for $650.

We love Lauren Merkin for their affordable clutches that we can match to every different dress in our entire closet but this tote, practical and affordable for any lifestyle, is making me jump! Waterproof leather? All leather should be waterproof by nature, right? But I have water damage that clearly shows otherwise. Not only is the waterproofing a lifesaver but this expandable tote with zippers that add to function as well as fashion, is nothing sort of genius. I really can't say enough about blue bags, clearly. It really is the MOST usable color for bags, it is uber chic with black and for summer, beige and white are obvious compliments. And if you wear jeans, that's all I need to say. It goes with everything. Big enough for computer and files, but once unzipped, take this on the road for overnights and as a carry-on. At Neiman Marcus for $595. Also comes in orange, but puke, that ones no good.