Recently in Exotics Category

Who would think the skin of a bird's leg could be so beautiful? I eat chicken feet and although delicious, it is not the most pleasing to the eye. But leave it to Valextra to make something like leftover ostrich legs into something incredible and luscious. It obviously looks like exotic skin of some sort and at first it is indistinguishable as to what, which makes it all that more appealing. What could be better than exotic but mysterious exotic? The ultimately classic Boston style is iconic and chic and in this brown ostrich with a slight sheen, you can bet that this will take you to the grave and beyond. The price is also incredible, for $2850 you get a Valextra exotic, compare that with the crocodile version for $10,000! Even the soft vitello leather in medium boston is $2380 at Barneys New York. Valextra Mini Boston in Ostrich
at Luisaviaroma.com.

Mary Norton is known for her clutches on the red carpet but she has more up her sleeve than you think. This ladylike shoulder bag with adjustable chain handle is super fab - it is iguana painted in a current for now, but always classic amethyst. Of course it is embellished with a Jaipur Crystal, Amethyst, & Black Diamond Ornament, subtle is not her thing. You get the flash and bling but again, it is timeless. Just everything about this is so beautiful and elegant but then I find out that this is an online exclusive One-of-a-Kind. As if I needed more incentive, it is 50% off, was $1,495 but now it is only $747.50!! Hello, I just bought a stupid nothing fabric Marni clutch for $550, now I feel stupid for not waiting for this collector's piece for just 200 bucks more. It is tiny though around 6.5" x 5.5" (17 x 14 cm), my phone barely fits in it. I am into big clutches now that I'm used to having that luxury but if no one snatches this up by the end of the day, I am getting it for my mom. At Mary Norton for $747.50.

There is something about this clutch that is so intriguing, maybe because it looks futuristic and alien like but I love it. The iridescent green and purple is probably not the most wearable but it would be super fun and fabulous with the right dress. Or of course, the LBD always lends itself to crazy looking clutches. This clutch is not actually that crazy, it is just the color and the purple patent leather "V" that throws this off kilter just enough to make you look twice. That's what Pauric Sweeney is, fundamentally basic bags with some sort of twist. The box shape makes for adequate storage and I love how the flap just tucks into the slit although it actually has a magnetic closure - just simple and easy. Definitely a party bag, this is one of those things that could be really cool for a while, then it becomes so dated you can't show face but in 10 years it will be super cool again. Well, for the price, you better hope it keeps coming back. $1,525 at Browns Fashion.

I am back in LA but wanted to make sure I got this in. The Landmark shopping complex in Hong Kong is the most amazing collection of boutiques, not to mention the convenience of the location in Central. The subway stop is directly underneath, you walk out of the train and the stores are right there at the exit. A new Harvey Nichols just opened and there are the usual fare of international status symbol designers but there are also extraordinary high end specialty boutiques like Kwanpen, a Singaorean line of exquisite crocodile bags. These are a true lady's bag, the lines are clean and the size petite. Giant hobos are nowhere to be found in Asia, they are just not the thing there. The quality of these croc skins are perfect with large scales. You can see from these images that the scales are in perfect alignment on each bag and all of them are single panels. The details are meticulous down to the interior. Some of the styles have embellished jewel like hardware but I was drawn to the more minimal which gives more prominence to the incredible skins. Even the names of the bags are poetically thought out: the bag on the top left is called the Droplet because of the degradation of the scales but it also alludes to the touch of a woman, light but far reaching. Do you love that or what? I wish I had more time to bond with these bags but this trip was insanely hectic and I only had a moment to drool and then run. If you are in Hong Kong, you absolutely MUST visit this boutique. They also have watches, belts and shoes.

Guest Blog by Liza Powel O'Brien
Once I was shown the inside of a seemingly nondescript single-story brick house in my neighborhood. Inside, I found a double-height living room in the middle of which was suspended a smoothly modern staircase, and giant picture windows that framed the park lying below. Not another house in this very traditional suburban enclave was visible. I had seen that park every day of my life but never had it looked as it did from this view: velvety; exotic; private. The house had transformed its very environment, which is probably some stated aim of architecture or, indeed, of any kind of design.  Last night, I had a similar experience in a sleek modern apartment building tucked between Chinese launderers on New York's lowest side, at a trunk show for the fledgling handbag brand Hunting Season. (Jump for more!)

Dear Santa, I have not written you in ages and I know I should be more thoughtful and write you in say, July, just to see how you're doing. That way it won't seem like I only write when I want something but I saw a bag I must have at YSL (not to mention really need) and thought I'd make your job easier by sending it over. By the way, did I say I was over purple? Because clearly I am not! I am such a bag junkie (but you knew this already didn't you?!?!?) and it's been ages since I have gotten a new bag (almost two months to be exact) so I am having serious withdrawals. I have to have this Santa, it is such a gorgeous shade and I LOVE the name-- African-Violet, could you just die!? I can't believe I used to think ostrich was bumpy and scary in my youth, it's such a lovely and supple skin! The amazing Totem bag has no hardware, no logo, just buttery delicious ostrich skin that will drape against me when I carry it (and I promise it will be often!). Oh to have this luscious bag from you will make me the happiest girl on earth! You can hop over to the nearest YSL boutique or get it online here. Much Love, Tina (P.S. please send my love to Rudolph et al)

Leave it to Sang A to design a classic clutch with a twist! The horn buttons totally do it for me and the ergonomic crescent shape adds to the slightly off kilter but totally cool look. You can't really go wrong with a black python clutch but why not add a touch of off centered flare? The Sang A river tote has been seen everywhere, it was in the movie, The Women, and the larger tote was in Lipstick Jungle (it's not true that the show got canceled-- Tina saw Brooke Shields in Dallas who said the network ordered 12 more episodes!). Sang A is a favorite among fashion insiders who want fabulous without being obvious and you can see how this little clutch would fit the bill. If you aren't totally convinced, maybe the price will tip you over the fence, it is only $480, at LuxCouture.

We love Jennifer Alfano, the former fashion editor turned bag designer is one of the sweetest girls in the biz. Her new bags for Spring 2009 are a vision of color and supple skins adorned with jewels. Jennifer told me yesterday that "the kissing scarabs on the minaudieres were inspired by jewelry my mom had from the 70s--one of my favorite eras. The scarab beetle is an ancient Egyptian symbol of good luck--and I like the idea of having a good luck charm on your bag!" So do we! Jennifer further elaborates, "This is also a precursor to jewelry which I am working on for fall 09, in silver and plated silver with semi precious stones." Oh, exciting, we love jewelry and can't wait to see the collection. Price of clutches: Orange lizard with turquoise stones: $1595, Bangkok (ombre) lizard with chalcedony stones: $1595, Amethyst colored python with amethyst stones: $1495, Silver karung with hematite stones: $1395. The size is 6"x 3.5" x 1.5"--so they fit your cell, keys,lipstick and credit card. The python hobo Paloma ($3,295 or $1,395 in leather) is also a stunner trimmed in just a tad of fringe. Being a former Fashion Editor at Vogue and Bazaar, Jen knows where to draw the line when it comes to trends.

Available at Wynn Las Vegas, Jeffreys NYC, Josephs in Houston and Lux Couture in Boston.

Frugal Bag Snobs need not fret, Jennifer is having her sample sale this week in NYC! Prices $100 - $600!

I hate having to rag on one of my favorite designers but I know he will understand. Afterall, he told me if one can learn to take criticism, one can learn a lot from it. I want you to stare at this clutch for a minute... now close your eyes. Are amoebas crawling around in technicolor? I actually love the multicolored python, it's cheery and perfect for resort but those jewels on there look like bugs and give me goosebumps. They also look like an afterthought, the design team should have left the clutch alone. Sorry Michael, I love you but this isn't doing it for me. The blue tunic, however, has Tina written all over it! Michael Kors Jeweled python clutch at Net-a-porter.com $1,495

I am in a very structured mood. I've been snapping up pieces from RM by Roland Mouret and love the architectural details in these dresses. It is harder to get it right with structured bags because bags risk being too stiff or too bulky which is why structured clutches are the best bet if you like the look. Brigette Romanek hits the mark with the supple origami clutch bag for Spring 2009. Its clean lines and perfectly pleated origami details are simple and elegant, a beautiful complement to a pair of jeans or a little black dress. Notice the clever use of python skin on the clasp, the lack of hardware keeps the clutch sleek and uncluttered. Gorgeous! Retail around $3,100.