Recently in Exotics Category

What is happening over there at Gucci? They are making Tina and I swoon like no other!! I walked in to Gucci last week only to discover that I am need of $15,000 to buy everything I want in there. I have seen the Jockey in leather but in an exotic, it takes on a whole new meaning. The one I really want is the ostrich but I can't get a photo of it so I guess I will have to sneak in there and take one myself. It is dreamy butter and oh-so-soft!! The python is also outrageous with the ginormous scales and every seam, detail and hardware is done with absolute perfection. And for this quality and a stand out bag that will always be cherished, $3550 is not that bad. But the ostrich is $10,000 so it's a bit out of reach. Did I mention it is dreamy?? It's been a while since I had a Scarlett O'Hara moment when I consider lying, cheating and stealing as a viable option to get what I want =) The python is available at Gucci online for $3550, I saw the ostrich at the Boston store when I was there so I know they have it, call 617-247-3000.

I am back from my Martha's Vineyard vacation refreshed and uplifted! I missed the Obamas by a day but did see secret service helicopters circling around. While on vacation mode (dressed in bathing suit cover up, summer dress or pajamas the whole time and shopping for lobster chotskies and canvas totes) I was completely removed from anything fashionable and stylish. And that's a good thing. Gives me perspective! It's great to fall in love with outrageously pricey impractical bags and shoes because it shows you have passion but when it comes to actual purchases, it's good to have your head on straight. Like this python tote from Anya Hindmarch, which I saw at Fall Preview earlier this year and after all this time, I am still in lust and it will be a must. It has all the glam you need and want (although in person it is not as shiny as this picture) but the bag is super lightweight and handy as a carry all for everyday life. It is definitely more pewter and less gold than it is showing here, which means, it can go with either! It uses small scale skins and not the belly side, but for the price I can totally live with that. At Anya Hindmarch online for $2645.

Each season, I choose an Oscar de la Renta bag (or two... or three...) to add to my collection. This fall, I'm eyeing the "Taylor" python hobo. The bag itself is a simple classic shape that Oscar has done time and again but the handle offers a naughty twist-- it's hand woven from leather and metal chain! I know, total rock star worthy (and you should see the studded knee high boots!  Why Oscar, I had no idea you loved studs like me!).  The details and workmanship in the handle is purely haute couture (Oscar's specialty!)  But don't worry, it's not heavy because python skin is super lightweight and is the best skin to combine metal with.  This particular python skin Oscar used is really sublime and comes in delicious shades of frothing cream and coffee.  The "Taylor" python tote is $2,950 at Oscar de la Renta boutiques-- Call Mindy at 214-346-0400 -- I think there are only 2 left!!!

This may just look like an ultra classic lady-like frame but that's why it is so brilliant and well done. You get the longevity of a true classic but the subtlety in the details make this updated and lusciously chic! First of all, Nancy Gonzalez crocodile is soft and pliable which makes it stand out from the rigid vintage croc that you're used to seeing. The shape is slightly rounded on the sides and it's more rectangular than square. Also the finish is a slight gloss instead of a big shine, which makes a huge difference, a total matte finish may look cool today but a subtle gloss is what you want for the long term. The foldover hinge closure is my favorite part, it is the perfect touch to polish off this eternal beauty. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2100.

Woah, who knew yellow and python could look like a chintz pillow? And who'd think it'd be okay to stick cheap nylon shoulder straps on a $4,200 bag!?!? I guess that would be none other than Marc Jacobs. I generally like Katherine Heigl's style but a shiny blue cocktail dress is not the first thing I'd think of wearing the bag with. Was it the only bag she traveled with? It's just so blindingly bright and... spotty. I think my real problem with it is not the color or pattern though, it's that it looks really cheap yet is outrageously priced. Nylon? Really? I'm perplexed. The Memphis Python tote from Marc Jacobs is at Barneys New York here.

I've never met Issac Mizrahi but from seeing him on TV I feel like he is a super fun guy who loves life and is inspired by everything he experiences. That's exactly what this bag is, it is big and fun and has a bit of everything that is good. It has a taupe texture panel on one side, bright orange leather with just one strap on the other side, cotton canvas sides, the dangly fob is bright cobalt lizard and the trims are crocodile. Whew!! That sounds like a buffet of a bag but it all works so well together. It's like a Thanksgiving turkey dinner plate, everything is running into each other but delicious all mixed up!! It is a special order item which would only make sense because it does take a special someone to make this her own. If you can pull this off, it would certainly be your signature bag. At Vivre for $2250.

After chatting with the lovely Adriana Castro we thought you'd be itching for one of her fabulous and well priced croc bags! This lovely is called the "Lola" and is new for Fall, loving the rich berry shade.  We can all use a brightly colored tote to brighten up our fall wardrobe! Made of Caiman fuscus crocodile with double top handles (7" drop), it's a stunner of a shopper, a basic with a twist-- one that you'll use over and over.  It's sized at 12"H x 15"W x 6"H and priced at $2,750  At Adriana Castro online here.

I don't think I've ever loved Gucci as much as this, EVER! Not even during the heydays of Tom Ford. And trust me, I bought plenty of Gucci bags back in the day and was pretty damn proud of them. This divine and pristine python on a gorgeous classic shape - major LUST!! Not sure it is a must at $3500 but that has nothing to do with its worth (it's a personal budgetary matter!). If you can, do it! I haven't even gone into the details that make this a super spectacular special piece. There is a small chain that hangs on the bottom, which is all it takes to convey refined edgy chic. And the handle looks like chain but it is interlocking braided leather. You need fine details like that for an investment piece, which this is without question. This might get pushed up to the top of my list for Fall purchases, but that means I have to let some other things go. But what a lovely decision that is to have to make =) At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3500.

I'm going to sound like a total stalker here but it is no secret that I am in love with Jennifer Lopez. She is just so beautiful, how can you possibly deny that? Anyway, we are on the same wave length. I loved Ben Affleck and she loved Ben Affleck. Now I love Adriana Castro and look here, she has been seen EVERYWHERE with her Meissa Hobo in natural python. She loves Adriana Castro, too!! Tina and I have been gushing over Adriana for a year now and we are so happy to see her designs on a comparable beauty!

We gave away the Meissa hobo in purple ostrich back in January. Who wants to win this exact bag, the one Jennifer Lopez is seen with? We can start a propaganda campaign and I'm pretty sure Adriana will be more than happy to offer one up for a giveaway!

Also, don't forget to sign up to our Facebook fan page for a chance to win an Adriana Castro Colette clutch!

Photo courtesy of In Touch magazine, see this photo and more in their next issue.

Snob alert! I was told this bag was made in limited editions (only 4-5 will be available!) Get your name on list now-- I believe all are spoken for but if you want one they will try to order more from Italy but no promises!!!

I am in love with the Henrietta tote from Derek Lam in lush suede and supple python and think it may be the one for me this season (I just read that the economic crisis is actually driving women to buy luxury bags!  Now I have a legitimate defense when my hubby complains about my bag habit.  "Honey, don't stress me out with talk of bad economy, I'll have to buy another bag!").  This gorgeous tote is as luxurious as a bag can get.  If you have ever owned an exotic from Derek you know that he uses top quality skins with meticulous stitching and workmanship-- look how the python blends seamlessly with the suede, it's as if they were always one.  The Henrietta tote is a timeless style with Derek Lam's signature edginess-- at once soft and tough, framed by minimal hardware.  The front pocket with functional side flap is another Derek Lam signature as is the tassle that lightens up the bag-- it's saying, take me to work if you must but don't forget cocktail hour! 

Derek's Fall 09 bags are generating lots of attention-- every time I open a magazine I see one dangling off the shoulder of a young starlet (they seem to be staring back at me and taunting me with "look what I have and you don't").  Well I'm gonna get this before anyone, I've got my name on the first one that comes through the door at the Derek Lam boutique!  So, take that girls! 

Call Wayne at 212-966-1616 or email him about this to die for bag (around 14" wide).  Oh, and do you want to know how much it is?  A mere $1,750.  For a beautifully made python and suede bag!  Total bargain, I know.  Hurry and call Wayne before it sells out and ends up on Kate Moss' arm.  (Don't forget to help me choose my birthday dress from Derek Lam!)