Recently in Exotics Category

A new collection is always something to look forward to and when it is Bottega Veneta, you normally aren't disappointed. I was ready to be refreshed with a new collection only to be perturbed by more undesirables. Is this the end of an era? This intricately woven and intriguingly detailed Gorgiera Boston bag is a remarkable piece of work but all that effort is WAYYY too busy and not particularly fitting for a bag. Maybe like say, if it's the trim of a couture skirt or dress, it would be incredibly beautiful but as an overall design, it just goes overboard. That being said, the Knot clutch is slightly more acceptable and appropriate because of the smaller size but it still isn't mind blowing. It is in Karung (which is a type of snake, but it is a lesser snake skin) so the lace detailing has a bit more texture but my goodness, how much texture is too much? Wherever that gray line is, this surely goes over and beyond that point. I am a sucker for anything blue and this particular tone of Cobalt is the best thing going for it. It is vibrant yet perfectly neutral. I guess I could always go for a classic woven in this new color but I was hoping for some spectacular new shape. The Boston is on pre-order for $5860 and the Knot clutch in karung also pre-order for $2950.

One more Cruise Collection look after the jump.

Sorry for the late post all, I am exhausted lately. Trying to balance career and home life is getting the best of me and I've decided to cut back for the next few months and will not be hosting any more events in order to focus on enjoying the holidays and new year with my family (big thanks to all who came to Neiman Marcus yesterday!). But don't worry, the blogging will continue as usual! Now on to today's arm candy-- the highly anticipated Proenza Schouler bags (named PS1) are live at Barneys New York! The duo behind the uber cool line of ready to wear rarely disappoint and I know their following of urbanistas will be all over these gender bending bags as well. I am usually not a fan of utilitarian styled bags but these feel right to me. The straps are obviously going to be left open as I hate having to open and close any straps on my bags-- I need instant and easy access-- but that will just give it further effortless appeal. The python pouchettes are perfect for both jeans or fancy gown, I actually like to downplay a black tie dress with an edgy bag-- it just keeps things more interesting. As for the messenger bags, our man snobs will be able to carry them as well! It's all about unisex versatility right now, a couple on a limited bag budget can buy one of these PS1 bags and share it. The leather is soft and slouchy and that python is divine, go to Barneys to see for youself! Prices range from $895 - $4,250. 
Check out the entire PS1 collection here.

Interesting, all purpose clutches are always in demand - the small size of a clutch leaves room for some flair but you also require multi-duty so that you don't end up with a drawer full of one offs. This Katherine Flemming does just that with the exquisite python in the criss-cross design. The various shapes and trims really catches the eye but because they are all small pieces of skin, it makes the clutch quite affordable. Ingenious, I say! Of course a one piece design is more valuable but there is also merit in well thought out design and execution. This takes advantage of the texture and variation of the python. It is a roll clutch so it is super utilitarian, good enough for day even. I actually don't have enough clutches, well I do but like I said, they are so specific that they only go with the one dress or gown I got it for. No more, I am on a hunt for clutches that will serve me through thick and thin and I'm starting with this one. Next, I will need a really subtle metallic, I am thinking crocodile for that one. This is available at Barneys New York for $1300.

I love jewelry and Kara Ross' jeweled clutches are lust worthy must haves. The Luxus lizard clutch with hematite is sleek and utterly chic. I have a hematite cuff from Kara Ross and though it is not expensive, it is one of my favorites. I always feel like Wonder Woman when I wear it! Hematite is known for its healing properties (or so I've been told), something about the magnetic nature of the iron oxide; it reached the height of its popularity in the Victorian era but in the last 50 years has been embraced by Americans, particularly Native Americans. I have no idea if what they say is true but I love the look and I do feel good when I wear so I'm just going to go with that. I can't wait to get this clutch, it's on sale at Lux Couture for $940. Look closely at the lizard skin, it's pearlized and has just a hint of glimmer. Fabulous! 7"x3" is a great little evening size for date night when all you require is your lip gloss and your most sexy dress.

 

Paige Gamble is the new "it" girl, she is the sexy secretary with an alternative twist. A lot of designers are trying to walk the tight line of this edgy ladylike look, Nanette Lapore totally failed in the Fall 2008 collection, everything just looks like fuddy duddy secretary. But bright eyed and fresh Paige Gamble hit it dead on by pairing her ultimately classic exotic pieces raw cut gems and great colors for a bold twist. The Pink Stingray clutch has natural suede gussets, you can't see it in the picture but the subtlety makes a huge difference in making this clutch totally stand out. The Ink Alligator with Pyrite is my favorite clutch from her collection. She uses alligator for its perfection and she selects only full grown mature alligators for the full sized scales and size of skin - all her bags are made from one piece of skin, there are no seams on this clutch, the skin wraps all the way around. Crazy! And she throws a knock out punch with the raw cut pyrite that takes this bag from any ole clutch to clutch of the moment. Who wants beads and crystals anymore? For evening and formal events, throw out the bejeweled numbers, this is the new look when you want "fancy". The best part is, she is only at select stores so you will have a one of a kind (actually, all her clutches are one of a kind because of the stones). The Pink Stingray is $1400 and Alligator with Pyrite is $3200. A small selection is available on the Paige Gamble website, but you can order anything directly through her.

Don't miss the jump page for the pièce de rèsistance.

I am so loving the cool and interesting shapes and styles crocodile is coming in. On one hand, I am feeling the need to go vintage classic with the ladylike look (the sexy secretary is THE look now) but for anything to be fun and interesting there has to be a dichotomy, thus the urge for funky and edgy, like the blue tote in the middle here. The others are classic styles but there is a certain decadence to buying big bright colorful crocodile bags. One thing for sure, you will stand out with your over indulgence but at these prices, you are getting the envy at a discount! These bags are only $2500 for each of these styles, now that is a price I can deal with, seeing that some leather bags easily go for that. Why not go bold and dramatic on a crocodile as my seasonal trend bag? And who knows, these bags are so funky, they might just stick around for years to come. The Spring line will be available at Laguna Online early in 2009.

We loved the Pauric Sweeney python totes but I am on the fence over this little half moon crescent shape. It's cute in theory and would make a great disco bag but the handle looks stiff and the bag is too small to use during the day. I do love the python, Pauric uses ultra soft skins on its bags but still, something about this shape is off to me. Or maybe I am in frugal mode and do not want to shell out $1,595 for a little disco bag?!? Someone please call my hubby and tell him I am being frugal!!! At Net a Porter

But what do you guys think? Worth it or not? In other words, Snob or Slob?

I know, I know, enough with the python and the purple but I had to show you this one, and it will be the last one (for a while). I normally just bypass Roger Vivier and the signature Pilgrim buckle on all the bags but this one, as you can see and agree, is a refreshing take on putting the signature on the bag without putting an actual signature on it. Not only am I obsessing over exotic and purple but my latest obsession is with classic lady like shapes and this one does it beautifully with a modern twist. I only want bags that will last through the recession but I also want something unpredictable, you know other than the tried and true Chanel 2.55 and Birkin which are great investments, but I need something with a kick on most days and the uber duber timeless classics can wait another day. I cannot stop looking at this bag, it is cute, charming, sweet, elegant and fun! You kind of wish the big rectangular frame weren't there but that is what is drawing the eye in, without it, it would be borrrrrrr-ing!! And just another doctor frame bag. I love that the python only comes in purple because if you're going there, why not go all the way? The python is $3700, a leather version in either black or red is $2795 at Roger Vivier in New York, call Samad at 212-861-5371 to purchase. Or find the boutique nearest you.

Dressing up for Halloween is not just for people anymore - designer bags get in on the fun as well. At least that is the only plausible explanation for some of these bags. In the spirit of ghastly fun, here are some of my favorites.

JIMMY CHOO SAVANNAH AS POCAHONTAS

I love Pocahontas, I have an obsession with Native Americans, but still, I would rather buy an authentic "Savannah" bag at a reservation than this from Jimmy Choo for $1650. At Net a Porter.

Sparkle all year long in the palladium metallic Elaphe by JIMMY CHOO! I will never tire of metallic or exotic so this is a classic in my book. It's all about buying wisely right now my friends, we need choose investments pieces that will last beyond the current season.

The distressed python will patina beautifully and you'll find yourself using this through spring and summer. The delicate chain adds just the right touch of contrast and balances the gold bar closure. Toned down with the black front flap which makes it daytime ready as well but tuck the chain in at night and you're ready to rock with a fabulous clutch. Who can't use a bag for day, for night, for always? Especially when lunches sometimes run into cocktail hour to dinner to late night (I had an 8 hour lunch with Heidi the other day, I could have used this bag when it turned dark outside!)

The metallic snakeskin Elaphe retails for $2,195 but for you budget minded frugal snobs, there is a gold leather version on Jimmychoo.com for $1,450. I'd pony up the extra $600 for the exotic though, but that's just me. Have a good weekend all!

Image courtesy of Jimmy Choo