Recently in Exotics Category

Unique does not even begin to describe this sterling silver minaudiere. The silver is individually cast using over a pound of silver and lined in American alligator! Everything is handmade in New York. The egg shape is ingenious, it's like a real alligator egg. It is worn with a hammered silver chain wristlet and feather tassel. It is super tiny at 5.25" x 3.5" x 2.75" so it is more of a pure accessory rather than functional for holding anything. But I am not bothered by any of that because this is like a piece of art to be ogled over. All their minaudieres are made to order and can be monogrammed and customized, as in finishes, leathers, colors, tassels, stones or in solid 18K gold!! Price for the silver with alligator is $22,200. For purchasing, contact Jessamee Sanders, founder/designer, at 718.300.2461 or you can email her.

We love a great cause and how great is Louis Vuitton donating 10% of ONLINE sales of select bags this month to The Red Cross??? Louis Vuitton has chosen four iconic monogram canvas designs to feature online and donate the sales of. The Keepall was originally created as a back-up bag included in the Louis Vuitton trunk and quickly became the ultimate weekend tote. The Speedy was created in 1930 but became famous when it was redesigned specifically for Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The Noe was invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton to perfectly hold five champagne bottles. The Alma was originally inspired by the Art Deco movement and has become a recognizable symbol of Louis Vuitton.  If you have been thinking of purchasing one of these timeless styles, this month is the time to do it!  Go here to shop!

I'm attending the opening of Louis Vuitton boutique at North Park this evening with the CEO of LVMH North America, Daniel Lalonde. What will I be carrying you ask? Why this lovely Minaudiere Tresor Crocodile below ($5,450) in the most spectacular shade of blue/green. Call the boutique 214-361-8566 to purchase the clutch but make sure you purchase the above bags online so 10% will be donated to The Red Cross!

One of my favorite exotic designers makes it on Gossip Girl and not just one bag but the entire collection! Maybe Eric Daman, Gossip Girl's wardrobe stylist, reads Bag Snob ;-) But seriously, Eric, if you do, please let us know!! Blake Lively is seen with my all time favorite from Maia N, the caramel ostrich bowler ($5000) - timeless and elegant but it's slouchy so when worn in and beat up, it becomes quite bohemian. Jessica Szohr has the Sam python clutch in violet with agate stone detail ($1350). She is seen with the larger size, which I prefer for day to night use, but it also comes in a smaller size. Maia N is available at Takashimaya and Henri Bendel. You can also order directly by emailing Joanna.

Go to jump page to see the other Maia N bags on Gossip Girl!

This is a serious tote. As in, seriously awesome!! When you get it just right, you don't need fancy dangling details. All you need is a classic shape, this one being a little more interesting than a typical doctor bag, and fantastically beautiful textured ostrich! I am a bit torn by the Prada logo, yes, this old school triangle logo is very "Prada" but for something this timeless, couldn't they just make an exception and use the embossed logo instead? I'm not sure what is going on with that slit on the top of the bag, seems strange but is intriguing. I am being nit picky about this bag because it is so close to being perfect and for this kind of investment, it has to be. Of course I love the cobalt but the mais is the better choice for longevity. At Neiman Marcus for $5,850.

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.

It was a bit of a Bagsnob reunion in Beverly Hills last Thursday, as Tina and Kelly (fresh back from Asia) and Liza (fresh back from the grocery store) convened at Bottega Veneta on Rodeo to check out the trunk show for Spring 2010. Liza spent much of her time in the dressing room trying to wrestle her way into samples of the chalky silk, Karate-influenced dresses (which were gorgeous, inventive and ingeniously constructed), but from what she could see through cracks in the doors, Tina and Kelly found plenty to add to their ever-growing Bottega wish lists. Of note: An insanely beautiful, bright blue crocodile doctor's bag ($24,000). Made from impeccable skin, the color strikes an ideal balance of electric vibration and aquatic depth. To ground the brightness, the bag is structured, simple, timeless, with a rigid top and double handles. The overall effect pulls focus from fifty feet away but somehow remains serene, drawing the eye with an almost centrifugal force. There are no images of the bag in that color, so you'll have to go see it in person for yourself (or jump to see the Twitter shot Tina took).

The Orchid Esperanza Ayers clutch (above left- $1,980), with brightly contrasting chartreuse zipper pull lends lightheartedness to the usual Bottega sophistication. The Ebano Intreccio Nuance Bag (above right--$1,480) is reminiscent of the Hermes Picotin, but much more supple and intricate with functional interior pockets. There is a larger size in perky yellow and white (Tina's note: but we think the smaller is much cuter).

The signature Cabat bags (which, in the large size, are truly ample enough to carry a large baby or medium-sized dog) come this season in a light straw color leather (Paille shiny calf $7,800) which was ingeniously treated by leather craftsman to sound (crinkles and crackles to the touch) and feel like... straw (except it's leather, kind of the reverse Stella thing). Come spring, it will be a nice stand-in on those days when you just don't feel like taking your Birkin to the farmer's market. Call Bottega in BH to order- 310-858-6533! Bottega bags also available at Net-a-Porter.com

We can't believe Oscar de la Renta is going to give away his favorite bag of the season-- the Taylor Python bag! He personally announced the giveaway this morning during the VPA after some serious pleading from our readers-- which makes this even more special (though we were all upset when chatroll crashed)! As Oscar told us, the python on this bag is pressed to give it a subtle sheen that makes it smooth and supple which will protect it from cracking or curling. The chocolate leather woven handle is interlaced with beading-- all handmade, it is the most fabulous detail for a handle we've seen. And by the way, this bag is worth $2950!!

Enter now to win by signing up to our newsletter (this list will be shared with Oscar de la Renta's team). Even if you already receive our newsletters, you will still need to fill out the form to enter this contest. Last day to enter is November 30, 2009 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected on December 1, 2009. Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email, so that we can contact you when you win. Good luck!! ENTER NOW.

Huge thank you to Oscar de la Renta for this amazing giveaway!!!

I might be in need of some perspective here but I think this is a great price for a big python tote, and a Gucci one at that. OK, fine it is $3800 but a Chanel leather tote is $3000! I am intrigued by the natural python markings kept on the skin, it has an ombre effect but it is natural and swirls around in an irregular pattern. Most python is dyed completely and I find this so much more interesting that more of the snake is retained other than just the scales. The loosely knotted ties at the end of the straps makes the bag less stiff and is a fun way to use the bamboo that they insist on. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3800.

We loved Adriana Castro Python Meissa Hobo when it debuted a few seasons ago and it's now become a classic shape for the brand.  For Fall, it's updated in a range of gorgeous colors and matte python skin: Black, Brown, Anthracite, Royal Blue, Natural Matte.  Many celebs are discovering the charm of Adriana Castro's bags as well-- the Meissa hobo is a fave of Jennifer Lopez!  $1900.00 is a bargain for such a luscious bag and what an amazing gift it will be for the bag snob in your life!  Bummer for those who live in California as python is prohibited by state law, you'll have to sneak it across the border like Kelly does.

You can order this bag online, place an order by phone 1.866.460.4484 or by e-mail.

The Purse Dress (modeled by Kara's daughter Avery) is a one-of-a-kind felted studded "Purse" dress made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements. The couture garment will be featured in the 5th Avenue window of Henri Bendel.

Weird as it may look, you have to admit the Purse Dress is damn ingenius from a creative standpoint.  Kara Ross created a dress with Swarovski crystallized Nox bag sewn into the side for her SS10 collection. Starting today, November 2nd, Kara Ross and her team will be at her Pop Up Shop at Henri Bendel.  There will also be a 5ft by 8ft Nox bag made completely out of broken glass pieces in the window display.

Please stop by Henri Bendel this week and check out the Kara Ross goodies!