Recently in Exotics Category

I am proclaiming this new "Helmut" tote from Tod's to be the perfect tote. If you are looking for longevity, chic without being trendy and ultimately functional there is nothing more snob worthy than a Tod's, this Tod's in particular. When choosing THE bag, your one and only, there are a lot to consider. First think about your needs and lifestyle because this will determine the size and features you'll require, like adequate pockets, interior organization, shoulder length, closure and material. And let's face it girls, size does matter! If you choose one that is too small for your needs or too big and cumbersome, you will end up shelving it and having to buy another. I always test out a new bag by emptying my bag's contents into it make sure everything fits where it should with room to spare for a cardigan or scarf! This bag has it all!! It comes in 3 sizes, in a variety of colors (in addition to the colors you see here, there is chocolate, shell, teal, magenta and army green) and in either leather or python. It has more organization than my entire life put together; outer pockets aside, the interior has 2 compartments with specific pockets for gadgets, makeup and everything else. The zipper closure opens all the way to the bottom so you get full view and full access. The shoulder straps are the perfect length and width to stay on, even with a coat on. What more can I say? Oh yes, the price of course. The larger tote is 17" x 14" for $1765, the smaller is $1595. The python is the smallest at 14" x8.5" and is $2525, which is incredibly well priced for a python! That small size also comes in leather for $1495. Call Carla at the Beverly Hills Tod's boutique at 310-285-0591 to purchase. A note on the name of this bag, there was a Helmut last season that looks nothing like this bag but for some reason, this is also called the Helmut.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!! I know it's the Year of the Ox but in fashion, it's definitely the Year of the Python! I have never seen more variety of (costly) python bags in one season; it's as if the recession isn't really happening. From YSL, Tod's, Ferragmo, Bally, Oscar, Michael Kors to Kotur and many many others-- it's all about the scales baby!  Man snobs will be excited to join in on the trend with Mark Nason's python messenger ($1,800). Even ready to wear and shoes are getting into the action.  Prices range greatly depending on the brand but we've got the best of the scaly bunch (jump for more!).  Tell me, what do you think of python?  Left: Ferragamo chain python bag $2066 Right: Derek Lam Jules python messenger bag $2590

Valentine's Day is just another excuse to get another gift. Lucky us!! And for you single girls, there is no better time to pamper yourself. You have to love yourself before you can love someone else, isn't that what they say? Before I got married, I never had a boyfriend during Valentine's Day or the lame ass somehow managed to break things up right before the "big day". But I always bought something really nice for myself! All reason and guilt flies out the door very readily around Feb. 13th. Peruse this wish list and please add your suggestions, Valentine's Day is the biggest girl fest anyways =)

The ultimate classic Chanel 2.55 in pink! No, you are not dreaming and yes, it is absolutely practical to have a pink Chanel. This lambskin with white metal hardware is in the classic size, 11" x 7.5, for $2695 (for some reason Neiman Marcus is more expensive, $2795). Call Alexis at Chanel at 214-520-1055 or inquire with their customer service to find one near you, 800-550-0005.

I loved this Nancy Gonzalez Small Crocodile Clutch in gray but in this bright fuchsia, it is to die for!! $1400 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Urban street wear brand Great China Wall launched its bag line recently and I am pleasantly surprised to see the simple construction of the collection. I was actually expecting the wild rock and rollin' style of its clothing line but with the exception of the multi skull shoppers, it's fairly tame. I am sure it will become the must have for young Hollywood as these bags will complement the rocker chic image they all strive for. Top of our list are the double handled python totes, roomy and funky with just a bit of rebel yell, they are a must have for our urban bag snobs. At Great China Wall website here.

White Python, $2530; Gray Python, $1550

If there was ever a time to shop smart, this is definitely it. Beat the recession blues with simple choices like alternative colors. These 2 bags are identical, one is the new spring white and the other is old fall gray but the price difference is over $1000. And honestly? The gray is WAY more versatile and has longevity, I like it so much better. With a classic python like this, there will always be fall next year if you absolutely will not use fall colors in warm months (but seriously, rules like no white after Labor Day is no longer in effect, in case you didn't get the memo). It sounds like the trend now is to buy only classics that will hold it's value, well, for around $1550 (price varies depending on daily exchange rate, it is £1010), this baby has staying power for sure! Collection worthy and a good investment if I ever saw one. This puffy balloon shape is so adorable and you can use it as a pillow when you travel =) Zagliani is a true luxury brand, not one of those exotic makers cropping up everyday, so you know you are getting a super high end bag at a really ridiculously amazing price. At Browns Fashion.

I indulged in the sales this season, how could I not do my part as a patriotic American? One of the treasures I found was at Michael Kors. I wrote about the python ID chain tote last month and then I walked in to the boutique and there it was in a creamy python version for 50% off. Plus I had a credit at the store so the bag was almost free! I love this even more than the brown python, it has matte gold chains but half are wrapped in cream leather-- very unique and really brings out the contrast in the bag. The drawstring function is also useful because when you pull it tight, it looks like a completely different bag! I never knew how meticulous Michael's bags were until I bought this. The interior is so tightly stitched you can turn it inside out and it's as well made as the exterior! It is a bit heavy due to the leather lining but oh so worth it. There is also a small detachable pochette so when you're traveling, you can just use this at night. You have to see this beauty in person, the coffee and cream python skin is so luxurious and very spring-like so I'll be using it through the summer as well! Was $2,895 now $1,447.50 at Michael Kors boutiques nationwide. Or call Whitney at 214-691-9200 to order! (Jump for more photos!)

When you find a gorgeous bag that is also functional, don't ask questions. Especially if it's in a gorgeous shade of blue, in butter soft python, AND 30% off. Did I mention it is featherweight yet super sturdy? That was what happened to me during one of my Christmas shopping expeditions. I walked into Tod's to pick up shoes for my son and a few small gifts for friends but this gorgeous bag stopped me in my tracks. I looked at it for about 10 seconds; sized it up (around 14" wide so it will fit my laptop, shoulder straps have a 6" hang), checked out the stitching and was about to ask how much when my SA smiled and said "it's on sale". Since then I've used it almost daily. Best bag I've bought in a very very long time! If you read our blog regularly you'll remember me coveting the leather version of Tod's Helmut early in the season, so glad I held out and waited, I got a python one for the same price! Was $3,175 now $2,22.50-- there are only 2 left in the company! Call Justin 214-363-6600.

As we head in to a new year, one of my resolutions (along with the usual dieting of course) is to edit my bag purchases. Even with all the advice I give about choosing wisely, I still end up buying emotionally and on whim, but hey I'm a girl and I am human so those things will be hard to amend. What I want to do this year is to make sure all of my bags fit these criteria: 1. fabulously stylish (always), 2. functional (this has been my worse mistake, I get awesomely cute bags that don't work with my lifestyle and are not comfortable and easy to wear) and 3. collection worthy (which is the hardest criteria since it seems that I have to majorly give up moolah and trends, but it is not true). Take a look at this Adriana Castro ostrich hobo, it fits all of these criteria, the hobo is the ultimate functional shape, the orange ostrich is more than just fabulously stylish, it is absolutely on trend (Heidi Klum has this in violet), this classic exotic is definitely collection worthy AND the price is such that I don't have to give up my arm, leg and head to have, at only $2680. It has a 8" drop on straps, replete with a hidden magnetic closure, interior zip and cell phone pocket as well as a polished suede lining. Get it at Adriana Castro online, best of all Bag Snob readers get 30% off any order with code "ACBAGSNOB", which means this timeless ostrich hobo is only $1876. So far, I am off to a great start for 2009!!

Check out what Santa brought to loyal Bag Snob reader and my good friend, Melinda A. Her hubby (we call him Araisan) is an obsessive shopper not unlike myself and I have a lot of fun shopping vicariously through him! This delicious grey ostrich is in a shade of grey I had not seen before-- I have the Etoupe and the Dove grey but this, this is a true steel grey, so fabulous! The size is 30cm, my fave and the most useful in my opinion. I'm just annoyed with Hermes' constant price hike. Last year my orange ostrich cost much less than this one. At this rate Hermes leather is costing more than diamonds.... But what is an addict to do?!?!? I don't even want to know what my matte croc in Graphite will cost when it finally arrives. I know Hermes only uses 10+ year old crocodiles so I suppose they're waiting for my baby to grow up. I am obsessing over the new bleu de prusse by the way...  would love that in ostrich.  Someone call my Santa and tell him!  (Jump for Hermes exotic details)

Merry Christmas, Melinda! Enjoy your ostrich birkin!!!

Let me put this delicately, even if this was the last bag on earth and free, I wouldn't carry it. I can't imagine what went through MJ's mind when he designed/approved of this awful thing (well, I can imagine but I'm not going to say it). I tried to make the photos as small as possible as to not frighten you with a nightmare before Christmas but it was necessary to show all the gruesome details of this ghastly bag. To make matters worse, it appears the entire cast of Escape to Madagascar were used for the bag (I adore that movie-- I like to move it move it!). The poor animals-- had they known this would happen they would have stayed in the NYC Zoo! I can't even tell how you're supposed to open the bag, or perhaps the bag is merely decorative!?!?! Will have to request sample to investigate further but we are not the most popular people at Marc Jacobs. Such a shame because I'd love to sit with him and just watch him at work. Then I can explain the madness genius to you all. MARC JACOBS - LAYERED SAHARA TOP HANDLE 1,749.00 EUR/2,438.33 USD at Luisa Via Roma.

Enough of what I think, what say you my lovelies? Snob or Slob?