Recently in Exotics Category

Finding a chic exotic skin clutch that combines neutral beige shades with stark black is no easy task. Especially in a patchwork style which runs the risk of looking pieced together with leftover scrap leather. Oscar de la Renta's Lizard Lightening clutch, however, is a stunning example of how to do patchwork right.  The skins not only look perfectly cut for the design, they look seamlessly pieced together.  It also has a vintage-y 70's vibe that I always find appealing.  I don't know why I like the look of old stuff.  When I was in my teens I only wanted the shiniest and trendiest of new things but now, give me the retro!  The 9.25" x 5.5" clutch has invisible magnetic closure and 6" inside pocket with zipper closure, a 6" pouch pocket with lizard trim and dark brown leather interior.  $2,990 at Oscar de la Renta.com 

Nuti's PR office in Milan sent me this image today and I just had to share!  What a genius use of all parts of the ostrich! The quills are most popular of course and most widely used but the ostrich leg (very sturdy) is receiving a lot of love lately from designers looking for an unique addition to their bags. The Nuti Gitana tote in bougainville (a lovely shade of violet purple) is the perfect example of how to showcase the ostrich leg without looking cheap; it is in perfect proportion to the bag and doesn't look pieced together haphazardly.  The Gitana is 3,050 euro (roughly $4,239) I'm waiting to hear the US boutiques who currently carry this but meanwhile-- Get your Nuti fix here! (Jump for close up details!)

Left: Roberta clutch in turquoise satin $895; Right: Jordan clutch in metallic lizard $795

UPDATE: Congratulations to our winners, Sharon Cramer who won the Roberta clutch and Sharon Kaminski, the Jordan.

Who is the most popular Red Carpet Bag designer? Why it's Mary Norton of course! These are the most coveted clutches on celebrities during award season and it is easy to see why, her styles are timeless, chic and elegant. The Roberta clutch in turquoise satin is perfect to set off a neutral gown and the colorful feather tassels are a bold touch to go along with the fun and fabulous event you are attending. It can also be removed for a different look. Features Swarovski crystal closure and detachable shoulder chain. The Jordan baton clutch in metallic printed lizard is sure to complement anything in your wardrobe, sublime and refined for truly formal occasions! The tassel with Jelly Bean cabochons is detachable.

Enter to win one of these fabulous clutches by signing up to our newsletter. If you already receive our newsletters, you will need to sign up again to be entered in to this sweepstakes. One entry per person please. US residents only. Sweepstakes ends May 1, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. We will select two winners through a random computer drawing, the first will receive the Roberta and the second will receive the Jordan.

A great big Thank You to MARY NORTON for sponsoring this giveaway.

We've received many bags for the Heroes and Handbags lunch today. The event benefits Heroes and Children (an organization that provides financial aid to families of children battling cancer) and we would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated! Special thanks to Alexis Fallah who donated a fabulous $3,100 Lisette ostrich bag all the way from Italy!!!  The Lisette in ostrich (above) will surely fetch big dollars for our event; its utilitarian chic style is one that we all need in our bag wardrobe.

While having traveled extensively for work in fashion and film, Alexis Fallah Abram is an American designer based in the hills of Tuscany, Italy for the last 10 years. While researching leathers and artisans in Tuscany she found herself inspired by the old world traditions and the dedication to excellence that the Florentine artisans continue to uphold. She has collected a team of highly regarded, Italian artisans to develop her line of handbags which are 100% Made in Italy. The unique designs are emphasized by handcrafted hardware and luxurious hides and skin. The Alexis Fallah line of couture handbags is based off vintage style but with modern, first class elements. The "Lisette" (named after a character in Tuscan composer Giacomo Puccini's opera La Rondine) in ostrich: $3,100, and in saffiano calfskin: $900. To purchase or view the entire collection you can make an appointment with Alexis. She can be found in Florence, Italy or New York City. To reach her call +39 0574.893.0890, email her , or visit her website here.

This clutch was designed for Queen Elizabeth II of England by London based designer Notting Hill, which is why this is known as "The Queen's Clutch". I can see her with this very classic frame but doesn't she always carry a little bag with a short top handle strap? I'm sure the strap was put in for her if she wanted it. Did you see that special on Oprah where they went behind the scenes preparing for a dinner at Buckingham Palace? They measured all the settings on the table and the chairs with sticks to make sure they were properly spaced apart (meanwhile at my house, I practically throw forks across the table at people). The Queen gets a specially prepared meal that is extra good. Why don't they make every meal extra special and good? I don't care though, I just want to be invited! The Queen's clutch is in black metallic but this lilac python is fresh and girly and pretty. The best part about this clutch though is not the fact that the Queen has it, cuz honestly, I don't exactly want to model my style after hers, I am in love with the interior coin holder! How ingenious, I now require all my clutches to have this super nifty center compartment. The clasp is topped off with Swarovski crystals for formal affairs but in lilac, you can definitely use this during the day. At LuxCouture for $1700.

Are you so pissed that you can't walk into a store and buy as many Gerard Darel bags as you'd like? The French would like to keep it that way, for a while longer anyway (because this summer you'll be able to find GD bags and clothes at Bloomingdales!). You've been asking me the scoop behind the brand so here it is. Eva Longoria was introduced to Gerard Darel by her mother-in-law, who is best friends with the owner of the brand. The two French ladies took Eva to lunch in Beverly Hills a few years ago when she was first dating Tony and asked if she'd help market the brand. She took one look at the amazingly chic bags and said "uh, yeah!". So there you have it, the power of celeb made this French chain (it's like BCBG in Paris and on every street corner) one of the most coveted bags in America. Except Americans can't buy it readily, yet.  Our friend Sari at Lux Couture managed to place in an order during her last trip to Paris-- check out the 24 hour and Midday bags here.  And Shop Rumour will be stocking many new items soon.

So there, that is the scoop. I'll keep you posted on the arrival of the GD python bags. Until then, read it and weep-- check out Jessica Alba's fabulous natural python version (I am kicking myself for not getting that one when I was in Paris, it's softer than my metallic python and 30% cheaper).

I have been going to a lot of events lately so I am on a clutch fix. Like on Monday I went to a UNICEF fundraiser hosted by Nicole Richie. I was having one of those days - I banged up my new manicure as soon as it was done, when I got home I realized I had nothing to wear because the day before I decided to send everything to the dry cleaners and while doing my makeup I stabbed myself in the eye and all the tearing smeared the mascara so that I had to start over. I was a mess and obviously late by then but when I picked up my awesome YSL clutch and put on my Jimmy Choos, I knew I was OK. And that's the kind of clutch this python from Bottega would be. Whatever I'm wearing, this would pull it all together. As with all clutches these days, it's got to fit as much as a small day bag, which makes this clutch all the more alluring. There are 3 separate compartments inside and it is loose and unstructured so it will hold a lot. The asymmetry of the lines give additional oomph if the gold bronzey python isn't enough but it is still a great all around classic. At Bottega Veneta online for $4100. A slight ouch but this will stick around way pass any meltdown.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Worse than getting pinched is being caught in something pukey green and hideous. Personally, I love green and would wear green all month long if only I had enough in my wardrobe to last that long. Here are some choices that are not only fun but totally chic. You would be surprised at how green will brighten you outfit especially if you contrast it. Actually, you should never go all green =)

The Lanvin Assouan Flat Sac is not only great for the occasion but studs are the call of the season. $1840 at Barneys New York.

The Christian Louboutin Watersnake Hobo is actually a bag I would seriously consider getting for the summer. The style is elegant and classic and the green is very neutral and extremely easy to wear. With watersnake, you get the look of exotic without the hefty price tag. And speaking of heft, watersnake is super lightweight!! At Neiman Marcus for $2895.

Are you tired of my Fendi bashing?  It does feel like I pick on the brand more than any other but know that the criticism comes from a very loving place.  I have more Fendi baguettes than I can count and am obsessed with Fendi ready to wear.  But ask me the last time I bought or coveted a Fendi bag and I will pause... for a long time.  I actually can not recall-- perhaps I need to go through our archives because I'm sure I liked something from Fendi in the last two years... or have I?

Take this tote, it's python, which I love, it's a simple shape, which I like.  But it just doesn't work.  You can not take scraps of python skin, throw it together in mismatched patterns and call it a bag.  And the handles look as small as my baby birkins, which means anyone over 100 pounds will have to carry it with their fingers.  The design just does not make sense to me!  Nor does the price ($5,250!?!?!)  Yes it's a large bag at 17" but it's not even one giant piece of python-- you can see the seams clearly and it's the back of the snake, which is not as sturdy as the belly though some will argue it is more beautiful and unique.  My advice is to grab the Tod's python bag at $2,850 and put the rest of the money in the bank.  Fendi Large python tote at Net--aporter.com.

OMG! Just as I decide that I'm done buying bags this season, Carlos Falchi comes out with a Python Slouch Hobo in an electric blue color that I don't know if I can resist. It has all the elements of the season; an effortlessly slouchy hobo shape, deliciously luxe python skin, all wrapped up in a fabulous bright shade of blue. I'm in love and must have this if it's the last bag I buy this season!!! The ultra luxurious hand painted python is a worthy investment-- you'll be able to use this year after year after year. It's also a very functional tote-- the single strap will keep it from sliding off the shoulder plus two interior pockets and an interior zippered compartment will keep you organized. It's huge at 20" but when I picked it up at Saks last week it didn't look very big-- the slouchy and soft python molds to the body and did I mention it is super lightweight? I believe this is the very first Carlos Falchi bag I have ever wanted so badly! It's made in the USA so I'll be helping the economy and the labor force with this purchase. What better argument can one have for buying a bag? This gorgeous python tote is $3,595 at Saks Fifth Avenue.