Recently in Exotics Category

I reached out to all of you to ask for bag donations on behalf of one of my favorite charities, Heroes and Handbags, and one of the first people to step up to the plate was Adriana Castro. She sent a beautiful Coco crocodile clutch in the most luscious purple-ish lavender color that I know will fetch top dollars at the auction.  The Coco clutch has a unique horn closure that opens with ease to a large and boxy interior, the closure also keeps the flap closed so your lip gloss doesn't fall out as mine often do. I love the design of the flap, it gives the clutch an extra dose of style.  The one above is genuine Python (can not be shipped to California), has bull's horn detail on closure and Interior open pocket with suede lining. 7"H x 12"W.

I knew Adriana had a big heart from her offer but I had no idea how adorable she was until I had dinner with her and her hubby in NYC last month!  She is probably the cutest (and youngest) bag designers around.  It's no wonder her line has a youthful and fun vibe.  If you want to get your hands on one of these fabulous clutches, Adriana is offering a 20% discount for Bag Snob readers with code ACBAGSNOB that is good for 7 days! Price: $1,120.00 Bag Snob Readers Price: $896  Get yours here!  Coco croc clutch ($1,350) also available at Henri Bendel's, the python version is new and available for pre-order on Adriana's website.

Whew! I am still catching up from Fashion Week and then coming home to another whole host of more events. I am finally settling down to cover all the bag showrooms we visited while in New York. We were able to preview the Fall 2009 Nancy Gonzalez collection and although we were told to hold off on showing everything, this one bag I can not keep under wraps! It is just too fab and we were also the first editors to visit so as always, we like to have the scoop on anything amazing. Nancy Gonzalez does edge the only way she knows how - classic and hardware free. The grommets are covered with croc and the front and back panels are python while the side gussets are crocodile. This liquid gray finish and color is so divine I was dying to get one in my hands immediately!! There are 3 compartments, the front and back python panels are large slide in pockets the entire width of the bag, and the center opens generously to a compartment full of the essential pockets and zips. The price will be $3100, most likely will be available at Bergdorf Goodman but buyers haven't even seen this bag yet! And look at the tiger print behind it, it is the same bag but in printed pony hair. There is a belt like that that I have to have!!

Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster hosted a party at Mr. Chow to benefit the Make a Difference network on Oscar night. I was honored to be invited by Glam Media to help make a difference and also to have fun while doing so! The night began with a lovely dinner during the Oscar viewing and was followed by a tented party in the back. There was free flowing Patron luges, which accounts for my headache, and performances by Olivia Newton-John and Michael Buble but it was Charise who brought down the house. She is the 16 year old Oprah discovered and if you have not heard her sing, go to You Tube immediately and prepare to sob. Of course all the A-Listers were at Vanity Fair but this party got its fair share of celebrities including Jessica Biel who showed up in Oscar de la Renta right off the runway. When I saw her I was like, that gown looks so familiar and then I realized I saw it just last week in New York!! Amazing choice, she should have worn this to the show instead of the Prada. Also in attendance were Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Laila Ali, Mario Lopez, Alfonso Ribeiro (who has not aged well but was entertaining to watch as he did his Michael Jackson dance), Mellisa Gilbert, Rex Lee and Forest Whitaker, who I had the pleasure to meet. I wore the most amazing 3 piece gown by Eduaro Lucero who made me look slim and sexy! And my VBH Manila Stretch Shiny Alligator clutch was insanely fabulous, it was a deep burgundy red with a black satin trim. Jump for a picture.

I was at Mr. Chow's Oscar party (coverage of that later) which I am actually still recovering from so excuse the delay of this story (and yesterday was my birthday so there is a lot to recover from, mainly my age!!). I am happy to see that people are paying more attention to the clutch and using ones that make their own statement rather than blending in and resorting to the beaded box miniaudiere, although that is still the majority of what we saw. It need not be said that Meryl Streep is the most loved actress of our time, not just for her talent but for her grace and effortless beauty. She has the perfect clutch to set off the tonal Alberta Ferretti chiffon gown. She said she wore this because she put it on and it fit. I am sure there was more to it than that!! Angelina Jolie looked happy and was quite chatty on the red carpet! I loved loved loved her striking contrasting emeralds she wore with the sleek black Elie Saab and she topped this off with the Lana Mark Cleopatra, whom she resembles doesn't she? Everyone's favorite comedian is way hotter than she portrays herself to be, the Zac Posen champagne gown is deceptively modest but the plunging neckline and hip hugging curves gives it all up. She chose the VBH Martini clutch in laminated silver python, which shows that she is the animal on the inside that we've always suspected. Such a fabulous clutch!!

I saw this Miu Miu Python bag on Net-a-porter.com last Thursday and made a mental note to write about it-- upon returning home from NYC a few hours later, however, I discovered it had SOLD OUT! Now this made me feel really good-- it's so great to see that our bag snobbers are shopping as usual. You go girls, buy it if you can afford it! So if you are lucky enough to find this hot python hobo from Miu Miu, you must grab it immediately. It's a bit pricey but it's also huge-- 17" wide (I can only imagine how many pythons it took to make)! Generally you buy exotic for the luxe skin but in this case, you're getting Miu Miu's funky design as well. The hobo shape is of course back in a big way and this one also has functional outer pockets, convertible shoulder strap, and crystal embellished handles. Why am I telling you about it if it's sold out? Because then you will want it more and I know you can track it down! $3,950 at Net-a-Porter.com

This Chloe Sally Python just sold out within hours this morning on Net-a-porter.com, too. Luxury lives! What about you? Will you invest in luxury during tough times?

OK, now, I don't want to hear any complaints about how we only care about how you look and we never look out for your savings account! If you didn't get everything you wanted and needed at all the sales, there are still a lot of great deals to be had. Luisa Via Roma has a great selection of bag on sale and the prices range from ridiculously cheap to pretty good deal if you still have money to blow.

STELLA MCCARTNEY - SHOPPING TOTE for $271.92 - great for the summer in the oh-so-popular purple. This can be your weekend getaway bag or gym bag (yes, it's bikini time ladies, so you better hit the gym. For me, it is NEVER bikini time but I still need to go to the gym.)

ANYA HINDMARCH - PATENT POCKET SHOPPING TOTE for $140.83, you cannot let this pass you by. Who does not need a tote like this? I would list all the practical needs for this bag but you would get bored around #209. Look at the price again, it is $140!!!

GIVENCHY - LARGE MELANCHOLIA SHOULDER BAG for $906.75. Take anything Givenchy that is on sale, that is an order! Classic, ladylike and totally affordable. Need I say more?

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI - PYTHON EMBOSSED TOTE for $1081.17 - because green is huge and python is huger. Fine, it is not pennies but a thousand bucks for a python? If you want a quality python, here is your chance, otherwise don't start bitching when we feature the next python for $6800. UPDATE: Sorry, this is not python, it is embossed python as the name states.

I'll be upfront, I am not the biggest Gucci fan, especially after last season's stud farm from hell collection. And this is not studs of the manly kind, those I don't mind in abundance. I am merely pointing out the fact that there is a pleasant lack of studs this season and although the pared down look is not a lust and must, it is a step in the right direction. This messenger style in python with the simple and cute heart logo is rather nice. And for python, $2695 is not a terrible price, considering that some of their leather bags are over $3000. This is not a raving review but I like to give props when props are due. If I needed a messenger and I am a Gucci lover, this might be the thing for me. Gucci Python Tribeca Shoulder Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue for $2695.

If you missed out on this bag last time around, here is another opportunity to order the Chloe Paraty Python bag at Saks.com-- $3,850.

I know, I know, really pricey-- even for python but what can you do? This is a hot bag and probably won't make it to sale. If you're feeling guilty, let me put it in perspective for you: 7,000 people were laid off from Macy's yesterday and more companies are expected to follow suit because people are no longer buying. So if you have the cash, go for it.

On another note, have you guys noticed how expensive everything seems to be lately? Balmain is peddling $2700 shoes and $2600 tank tops and Balenciaga has a pair of $870 flat summer sandals. It's almost like a "Let them eat cake!" attitude that designers are taking right now. But hello, with most of the fabulous and trendy out of work, who is going to buy this stuff?

What do you think of the ridiculous prices of late?

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kathy D. of Shelby, N.C. for winning the Annie clutch and Frank P. of Dallas, TX for winning the Meissa Hobo.

Thank you Adriana Castro for the sponsoring this fabulous giveaway. Bag Snob readers get 30% all merchandise with code "ACBAGSNOB".

Maia N is really making a name for herself with a very strong Spring 2009 collection. I swore that I was not going to buy anymore bags for a while but after seeing these beauties, I may need to un-swear. I have an easy justification - these are definite classic collection worthy pieces that will last for generations. I'm over purple but that is a personal preference because it is still a very strong color. I just love the simple shape of this frame that has absolutely no other details except the beautiful croc! The Bibi frame croc is $7400.

The one that I actually will end up buying is the Ostrich Bowling bag. The bowling style is making a fierce comeback, it is a very easy style for everyday and the shape is functional. All that is basic and boring until you add in the ostrich! This is the only bag you will need, especially in this camel color. Oh, I don't think anyone can talk me out of this one. It is $5000 which sounds a bit steep but this is something that will last a lifetime. And did I mention this will be the only bag I'll be buying? ;-) To order, email Joanne at Maia N. You can get custom orders of these bags in other colors as well.