Recently in Exotics Category

Check out Rachel Bilson with the latest Jimmy Choo arm candy, the Kiki bag.  Many bag designers have jumped on the Tribal Safari trend this season (remember the MJ mess?) but Jimmy Choo's version is softened up with tortoise shell chain strap which gives it an elegant touch.  Keeping the wild safari tone mostly on the flap also makes it versatile-- if you get tired of it, simply flip the flap over and leave open(jump for photos)!   I'm not a patchwork safari bag girl but if you love this trend, this bag is the one for you.

Thankfully Rachel understands that one should not compete with a bag as extravagant as this and keeps her outfit simple and basic in black.

What do you think of the Kiki bag, Snob or Slob?

Check out Jimmy Choo bags here

Photo: Justjared.com

I haven't even seen all the Fall bags yet and it doesn't really matter cuz I am all set and decided for; These are the 2 bags I want. I knew I should not have gone to the Bottega Veneta Fall trunk show because I can never resist the Bottega temptation, but I HAD to, you know for work =) The manager at Rodeo Drive showed me around and I did a once over before I asked to see the crocodile tote and she was like, "I was wondering how long it would take you to spot that". It is truly the creme de la creme of any Bottega Veneta ever made. The shape is classic, simple and versatile, even a bit on the younger side, which is great. The skin is so soft and pliable, the most incredible and pristine crocodile I've ever seen. There is one man at Bottega who cuts all the exotic skin, he is the only person to have ever cut all the exotic skin for Bottega since its inception and he is now in his 60's. When he is sick, the worldwide production of exotic bags come to a halt. You can tell this man is OCD. The other bag that fulfills the other end of the spectrum is embellished and fun. The pleated origami karung is intricately folded into ribbons. The handle is ostrich and the base is woven leather. The sides of the bag folds and converts to a whole new trapezoid shape bag that looks a bit vintage but totally cute!! Serious love going on here. I am most happy to see the optimism of a Fall collection that is decadent and ornate. The crocodile is $26,500 and the pleated ribbon karung is $5500. Available in July/August but you must put in your order now, there are only 2 of these croc totes made and one is already spoken for. Call Katherine at 310-858-6533 to inquire.

On April 23rd Carlos Falchi celebrated 30 years at Bergdorf Goodman with a retrospective exhibition. Not only were there gorgeous pieces dating back to the 70s on display, but Falchi designed 10 one-of-a-kind bags for the occasion. The designer himself was there and explained that five of the limited edition handbags were inspired by styles from his archives and five were inspired by New York City. When I asked Falchi about his favorite he said that they were all his babies and he couldn't choose, but if forced to pick he pointed to the Blue Python Signature Satchel ($3,940) pictured above along with its original sketch. More images after the jump!

Oversized clutches are handy but this is "handy" on a whole other level. Literally handy, many many hands with rings and bracelet on to boot. Wow. This pushes the outer boundaries of ugly. I might have to take back everything good ever said about Carlos Falchi. Only the hands are of python, the rest is textured cracked leather, which is an interesting choice because they usually use snake or crocodile on lotion commercials to represent dryness. This is not even funny and costumey for special dress up occasions like Halloween, it's just bad. Maybe this is the "Why can't we all get along" version of patchwork to work in different patterns, colors and textures. But I am being lenient and kind flexing all my might to find an explanation and bright side to something that defies all rationale. At Bergdorf Goodman for pre-order, $1510. Thankfully, this is not allowed to be sold in California.

The new Neiman Marcus Last Call outlet opened in Camarillo! Finally, one that is close to me so I don't have to keep hearing Tina go on about how she bought something that was a million dollars for pennies. Although she does always shop for me so I shouldn't complain. She got me a dress the other day for $137 that was originally $2000. This is a brand new store so the stuff is amazing! The bag selection was particular good (although I did find Loubies for $195, in my size!!!). There was a YSL Muse in purple for $648 and my Marni new Balloon also in purple for $629, not everything there is purple =) They even had Chanel bags but they were strange designs that you really wouldn't want. But what really got me going were 2 bags sitting in special shelves behind the jewelry counter. The Zagliani crocodile in the exact color I would buy, putty, for $5217, that is 55% off, it was $11,595! And in perfect condition!! And the Fendi ostrich in a silver metallic that just has a hint of sheen, so beautiful!! I love the woven handle, the contrasting textures between that and the ostrich is really striking. It is also 55% off at $3987, originally $8860. These are already the 2nd markdown and probably will be gone before the weekend if over. If you are in the area, definitely worth a field trip. Located at 600 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo , CA 93010, 805-383-5769.

I went to a totally fun party at the Royal-T Cafe and Art Space in Culver City, it was a dress up circus themed party called Cirque Du So Lame. I love clever puns like that!! I host Oscar parties where everyone has to bring a dish inspired by Oscar nominees, such as City of Cod, Catherine Ziti Jones, Gosford Pork, Spamdog Millionaire, etc. I have very creative friends =) Anyway, the owner of the Royal-T bought a limited edition Richard Prince LV bag. This is pink pony hair that has the LV monogram laser cute in the fur and the image was hand embroidered. It is a really cool bag to look at as a novelty item, as you can see this was displayed in a museum case for such purposes. I don't know how much was paid for this but it is obviously not something you should buy to use. But of course I'm wrong because there are 21 other women out there with this bag that is shaking their smug fingers at me.

I've obsessed over the magenta purple Helmut python bag that Gwyneth Paltrow's been showing off all over town for months now but was not able to locate it for myself. Why, you ask? Because Tod's felt it was too expensive for the American market (we are in a serious economic crisis afterall) and Gwyn got the only one in the US! So unfair right? Luckily, I found something even better-- the Tod's hobo in purple python! It's a big slouchy fabulous bag with the most functional and aesthetically pleasing outer pocket I have ever seen on a bag. Most outer pockets stick out like sore thumbs and have annoying flaps but Derek Lam designed this one to function like a pocket on a pair of trousers (I just love that word "trousers"-- it rolls off the tongue so chicly, though I don't love wearing them). It's so easy to slip your hand in and pull out anything you want discreetly (lipgloss, cell, you phone number for hot guy at bar!?). It's quite large at 35cm but it slouches and appears smaller when carried on the shoulder. I traveled with it to LA (we're attending the Tod's Beverly Hills party with Derek Lam later today) and have been stopped constantly by fellow bag snobs who just wanted to touch it. It's super lightweight with a silk lining and has 3 large pockets for blackberries/iphones/and whatever gadgets you fancy. I was prepared to pay big bucks for this when I saw it but the price tag inside surprised me-- $2,350 for a GIANT gorgeous PYTHON bag!?!?! Email Connie Dieb at Neiman Marcus immediately to try and get one before they sell out. Tod's Handbags also available online here.

A neutral biscuit colored clutch is a fabulous addition to your spring/summer wardrobe (actually it will work in the fall with rich browns and sumptuous creams!). Kara Ross is known for her exotic "jeweled" clutches-- the jewelry designer combines semi precious stones with luxe python and croc for the ultimate accessory! I already have a million outfits I want to use this clutch with; especially for Easter luncheon this weekend (I love Easter and will be wearing pink/green/orange-- all at once)! When you wear sherbert colored clothes, it's best to neutralize and tone it down with a nude color like this gorgeous and versatile biscuit clutch. I'm also in love with the turquoise version of the clutch, it's the shade of the Caribbean sea-- swoon! If you want to rock it with jeans go with the darker shade, the cream will pick up the denim blue dye and trust me, not a pretty sight! And hello, did I mention this is only $725-- for python and the amber jewel?!? See Kara Ross Gemma Clutch in Biscuit here.
Check out the Turquoise Gemma here

We love Anya Hindmarch for designing bags that totally fulfill a woman's needs of style as well as function. It's easy to do one or the other but no other designer consistently does both so effortlessly and unerringly. This Nadja clutch demonstrates this talent perfectly. It is a classic clutch with subtle details that are part of the functionality, like the gold "V" which is actually slot for the flap. But the mind blowing feature - the clutch is reversible and in a way that is clever and seamless. It is a long flap with a pouch compartment connected to it, you flip it one way to reveal the leather side and the other way to reveal the python side and then you insert the envelope flap in the "V" which has a magnet to keep it closed. The flap also has a slot pocket, so it is fully functional and not just a piece of material (the pocket is on the back of the clutch but when flipped around it is on the inside and the other pocket is on the outside). I know my description is confusing, but trust me, it works well, in fact it is ingenious. Once it is in the configuration you want, it works like any other clutch, nothing awkward or weird. It is really really smart! There are a ton of combos but basically there are 2 sizes and come in leather/suede, python/leather or satin/leather (the cranberry seen here is amazing!!). They are incredibly well priced, the large size in leather/python is $895 (I got this in the Fumo color pictured here) and the small leather/satin is $495. This is a Fall preview so it will not be available until July or August.

Anya Hindmarch is running an Eggs-stravaganza promotion this weekend, starting today at all their boutiques. You pick an egg from the basket for a chance to win a bag on the spot! If you are going to be near a boutique, make sure you stop by for a chance to win.

I had a total senior moment the other day. I was carrying my favorite YSL Marjorelle and had my 2 tots with me so there was a ton of stuff in there, the thing weighted a hundred pounds. At the end of the day, I was feeling tired and out of sorts and this thought entered in my head, "When am I going to stop torturing myself with these bags? I just want something lightweight and easy!". But I didn't go as far as thinking that I didn't really care what it looked like cuz that would be ludicrous!! =) Then yesterday I went searching and saw this Carlos Falchi giant hobo. It weights nothing for its huge size!! It opens up like an accordion. The lining is a really god awful printed fabric but the rest of the interior is super awesome. There is a center divider with a zipper pouch and tons of little pockets on one side and a hook for your keys! Love it!! The shape is slightly structured so it isn't a sloppy slouchy hobo and it sits super comfortably against the body. The woven straps add a nice detail but also have good grip so they stay on. I mean, is that practical enough for a senior or what? But of course, it is still ultra fab and I can still feel good about being fashionable!! At Neiman Marcus for $2450. It says not available in California but python is sold here, I've seen them and bought them.