Recently in Exotics Category

I have been loving Celine lately so you'd think if they come out with any exotic, I would go ga-ga and be all over it. Yeah, you would think, unless it looks like a forest monster. Or the mouth of a whale. Those fringes on both sides look like baleen. What exactly is hiding behind it? The hobo has a great classic shape and of course the gray python is exquisite but to ruin it with the messy hairy fringes is a travesty. Look at the back of the back with the cool straps, that would have been great controlled detail. The gunmetal hardware and the onyx jewel clasp (I don't think it's real onyx) are all so incredible and would have been enough! At some point, you gotta just stop yourself, step back and be like, ok this bag is done, stop throwing more crap on it. And the price, hello, $4200!! But what am I talking about, this bag is sold out at Net-a-Porter!! The only amazing thing about it.

Who knew Carla Bruni would clean up so well? Gone are the wild days of her past life, she has slipped into the role of the First Lady of France beautifully. And what fashion designer doesn't dream of a First Lady to dress with a body of a supermodel? Do you think supermodel turned wife of President will become a trend here? I can't think of any supermodel that could fit the role of First Lady of the United States except maybe Christie Brinkley but she's twice divorced so I don't know how that'd work. Anywho, getting down to bag business here. Check out the Roger Vivier haute couture crocodile bag custom made for Bruni-Sarkozy's wardrobe of Chanel and Dior dresses by Bruno Frisoni. Named the "Carlalala," proceeds from sales of the made-to-order creation will go to Bruni-Sarkozy's favorite charities. I'm just wondering if she paid for the bag she's carrying. Photo: instyle

Katherine Heigl is one of my favorite actresses, she has such natural beauty! I was really excited when I was invited to The Ugly Truth premiere, not only because I love her but these are my kind of movies. She was absolutely stunning!! She wore Lanvin from Fall '09 with metallic Louboutin pumps and the most amazing Tod's clutch, a gray snakeskin Girelli pochette. So amazing to contrast the nude with gray.

And can I just tell you, Gerard Butler is freaking HOT! He's like dirty hot, you don't want to marry him but you'll sleep with him =) I was expecting a typical romantic comedy with all its trappings (I love them!) but this was surprisingly different. Sure, the it ends as expected, has funny girl / boy bantering and gratuitous nudity (Eric Winter shows his bare butt in the movie and the Sony executive who I got the tickets from asked him at the after party if he waxed for that scene! She thought she would get fired but didn't care, she needed to know. The answer, NO!! You have to see the movie just for that scene especially knowing he has a naturally smooth butt).

The things Gerard Butler says in the movie are borderline shocking and very male-centric but hilarious. Which means, you're boyfriend/date/husband will enjoy it. Katherine Heigl was great as usual, and whatever people say about her pain in the ass behavior on Grey's Anatomy, her entire cast was there to support her (I saw her chatting with Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight and Kate Walsh). Definitely must see!!

Not that Lady Gaga is anyone to aspire to but I am fascinated by her bizarre get ups! I mean who would think of wearing a bunny mask out to dinner? In black lace!?!? You have to admit there is a widow chic appeal even though she looks insane. I am loving her clutch, though-- the graphic black and white pattern is sophisticated and striking.

If you like the stark contrast of black and white, you should check out Sang A's olivia bag in black and silver lizard. I featured the Olivia from Sang A before but thought you wouldn't mind looking at an elegant and gorgeous bag again. The round shape soften the geometric design and the perfect little swirls of lizard skin is absolutely dreamy.  $1,390 at Sang A here.

I just got a swatch book from Adriana Castro to order my Tina clutches from-- it has more colors than you can imagine and in multiple treatments of crocodile skin. I am so overstimulated I had to lie down after going through the book. I have zero self control and really want every single color in there but then I may have to get a real job so I am going to keep it to two crocodile Tina Clutches.

Apparently Eva Longoria is also a fan, she's been seen with this sleek and chic Annie clutch from Adriana Castro with her other arm candy, sexy hubby Tony Parker.

The Tina clutch for Spring 2010 will be available in 8-10 weeks but the Annie clutch is attainable this minute on Adriana's website or at Bergdorf Goodman for $985 in python or ring lizard. There are two sizes for the Annie Clutch. The one that Eva Longoria is carrying is the Small Version: 5"H x 11 3/4"W x 1/2"D. Retail Price: $1,095. The Large Version: 6 1/4"H x 14 1/4"W x 1"D. Retail Price: $1,300

Want to stay on trend this Fall?  Check out the four key trends for the season-- 1. Metallic, 2. Rock-n-roll, 3. Classic, 4. Exotics!  And there is nothing wrong with shopping your closet first for these looks!

1. Shine on-- metallic has a long shelf life and will not be going away anytime soon. 

L: Anna Vince Deco Clutch $223,C: Michael Kors Metallic Tote $695, R: MK Heidi Satchel $1,295

Left: Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Nikki Hobo, Right: Botkier Metallic Rio Tote

2. Rocker chic: Think studs, chains, zippers and anything that is Pat Benatar worthy!

Left: YSL stud Easy bag 14"X9" $2395 (email Eddie Curtis!), Right: Gucci metal studs clutch $1,490.

3. Ladies First -- For our classic snobs, anything framed, draped and pleated will suffice!  Double points for bows.

Left: Valentino Vertigo Satchel $1,995,Right: Y-Bow Suede Bowler $1,695

4. Exotic fever- Last year's python, croc or ostrich will work but if you crave something new there are plenty of styles to go around, even embossed versions!

Left: Zagliani Python Pleated Shoulder Bag, Right: Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile hobo $3600

Stingray is the Frugal Snob's best exotic option, but only those in the know, know that it is inexpensive because it looks super exotic with its amazing details. Most people choose it purely for the look, regardless of price. Jamie Lynn Sigler wore it to the premiere of Entourage. I used to love the show but it is getting so boring with the same exact theme. Not sure if I'll tune in this season. Anyway, you can see how versatile this clutch is but still has distinction - a tiger-like print can only go with one thing, simple black clutch, but the stingray does not fight with the print and stands up on its own instead of fading to the background. Other celebrities seen with this clutch are Sienna Miller, Leighton Meester and Sophia Bush (go to jump page for photos). The shape is a simple barrel roll clutch, which is what you want for this exotic. At Madison for $530. (Note: Madison's website calls this "Stringray", I confirmed with the designer, this is real stingray, I think it is a typo but can't explain why it is in "quotes").

I am not a Britney fan but always rooted for her comeback. If anything, I felt sorry for her. The pressure of being in the public eye would take its toll on anyone, let alone a young woman adjusting to the life of motherhood.  God knows what the camera would have caught us doing post partum.  It looks like Brit is finally back on track, personally and professionally.  She's also done some serious shopping on her European tour-- she's carrying the new Mulberry "Daria" bag in cerise ostrich while holding her younger son, Jayden.  The hobo shape is casually slouchy and the braided handle is a nice touch but I wish that giant logo wasn't there.  Placing it smack dab in the center of a luscious ostrich bag just doesn't make any sense to me!  The "Daria" hobo is 16"x18" and costs $3,150 retail at your local Mulberry store.
What do you think?  Snob or Slob?  (the bag, not Britney) 

I'm obsessed with the Runway clutches from Michael Kors for Fall! Not only are clutches still in vogue, they are stronger than ever this Fall thanks to designers like Kors who keep tempting us with sleek and chic designs that are timelessly and wearable. Of course the snob in me wants the crocodile version ($4,000) but the sensible girl is shouting, why not get all the colors in leather ($595) for the price of one croc!?!? The neon colors are fierce and very on trend with the love affair we are having with the 80's. I am way too old to be running around with neon bright sneakers and matching off the shoulder sweatshirts like I did in junior high but an elegant neon clutch? Bring it on! Clutch it like a supermodel and check out the actual runway looks here! There is also a python version of the 8"x15" clutch. See Michael Kors Runway Clutches here starting at $595. My absolute fave of the collection is the zippered version below. Combining rock and roll attitude with luxe croc skin is genius and sums up my generation in one perfectly shaped clutch. Zippered Crocodile clutch $6,000 at Michael Kors.com.

Hayden Panettiere wore the Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch with self covered grommets on MTV to promote her movie, I Love You, Beth Cooper. This clutch is not out yet (we did a Fall Preview of this clutch back in April), but Tina and I both have it, we were the first to get our greedy little hands on this most kick ass clutch Nancy Gonzalez has ever made. So much so that both of us re-ordered in other colors as soon as we got the first ones! Hayden has the purple, which as you can see is phenomenal - it is the same as the one we saw in the showroom, perhaps the exact same one, maybe she got it on loan? I got it in gunmetal gray and Tina has it in liquid black, which is a sueded crocodile with a textured metallic gold finish. This clutch does not get left alone, I almost don't want to take it out sometimes because I am constantly being accosted! It is $1500 and should be in stores by the end of the month (I will confirm). Shop for Nancy Gonzalez at Saks Fifth Avenue.