Ask V. Bruce Hoeksema if a bag can be at once devilishly sexy and alluringly sweet, and he’ll answer you with a confident yes. And then he would show you the Ballerina, VBH’s latest incarnation of the eternally seductive python clutch (now if only they could ship it to us Californians!).

Think hourglass-inducing corsets and spine-tingling bondage. At least, that’s what lacing like this brings to mind. But then you consider the clutch’s name, and point-shoe connotation invites an innocent new context. Whether you have a dirty mind or you’re as pure as the driven snow, this shapely little bag has oodles of appeal. The silhouette itself looks alert, curvy, and cinched, and in that shade of petal-pink, complemented by taupe, it’s as if the clutch is blushing just a bit. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,900.

Pair with: Don’t go for a literal ballerina slipper but a strong mixed-material pump from Jil Sander. This wedge blends linen, wood, and leather, and the wrap-around ankle-strap gives a nod to toe shoes. At Barneys New York for $550.

Go right ahead and cuff me! Normally when I utter those words, I’m hoping to get my wrist buckled in with something along the lines of Hermès or Givenchy, but who needs a cuff bracelet when your seductive clutch comes complete with one of its own?
I have been eagerly awaiting Lanvin’s Partition clutches to hit stores, and now here they are, right in time for my inevitable late-spring shopping bonanza. Sharp and edited, the rectangular lines of this confident pochette make the ideal complement to a curving wristlet. I’m rarely one to resist pale-pink python ($3,145), this one the shade of a delectable summertime rosé, but there’s something uncompromisingly chic about ivory leather ($2,150), set off by rose gold and a contrasting strap. It’s neutral yet as powerful as a bright hue. Black ($2,290) or chestnut brown ($2,290) will prove tempting for those who like their bags to tread easily into fall, and no matter which texture and color you pick, it’s a win-win situation. For your wrist and your wardrobe.
Available at Barneys New York for $2,150-$3,145.

I guess popping a pillbox over your shoulder is better than popping pills all day, but is it really much chicer? Parisian designer Olympia Le Tan hit the big time by converting classic novels, like On the Road, Lolita, and The Catcher in the Rye, into kitsch clutches. Now she’s turned her attention from the bookshelf to the medicine cabinet.

Brozac, anyone? It “helps your friends put up with you”! Indeed, her wordplays invite loads of conversational fodder. While the “Wiagra” variation (it literally says: “will give your man a massive hard-on,” which, even as a snob, I have to admit is pretty hilarious) is sold out at Colette, and the “Eveprofen” box flew off the shelves on Net-a-Porter, I can’t say I’m taken with handmade jokester bags. Felt appliqués and embroidered twill will never do much for me, even if it’s a clear novelty purchase. There’s a difference between cheeky fun and overdosing on a gimick. Which side do you think this controversial prescription leans towards? On Net-a-Porter for $450.

The Parton sandal may have a lot of elements going on – snakeskin-texture, a variety of straps, a stacked-wood platform – but it’s as smooth as can be. So smooth, I can see this sandal going anywhere you want it to and blending right in. Think of the Parton as the laidback version of the Bonnie – a chunkier heel means more opportunity for wear, especially in the daytime.
It also means a higher level of comfort. I love a heel you can actually wear without your soles aching after ten minutes, and even though this heel will give you nearly 6” of added height, the layered platform means you certainly won’t feel it. And in graduated shades of brown, it’s as neutral as they come. Brown is the black of summer shoes, and this could easily be your ultimate summer sandal.

To Enter to win, all you have to do is:

1. LIKE the Rachel Zoe Collection on Facebook.

2. Tell us in the comment section (of this post) where you would wear these summer-tastic sandals.

The versatile Parton makes a great day-to-night shoe. I would wear them out to a festive lunch with friends, with a brightly print sundress and chain-strapped clutch. Then I’d segue them into evening cocktail hour, ideally at a casual-cool outdoor patio on a hot summer night. The winning snob will be selected at random. Good luck!

The Parton is available at Neiman Marcus for $325.

Rarely is a bag so suited to its name. No, it doesn’t get any more “fierce” than a flashy power clutch topped with the head of a threateningly sleek panther. The cylindrical shape keeps the look from going to hardcore – it’s fierce, but not entirely unapproachable.
This is not your average evening bag. The Stark line, which is founded upon ultra-sparkly, leopard-print boxes and sexed-up cuff straps, reeks of confidence. And I do love a clutch with some conviction. British designer Petra Stunt was inspired to make bags by her favorite artist, the edgy and controversial Tracey Emin (one installation, called My Bed, featured dirty sheets, among other unmentionables). Petra has taken that sense of rebellion and added her own searing vision of glamour, designing for the young fashionista who demands to be noticed. The Fierce clutch is like a golden bullet of chic-ness. In delicious shades of python, crystal, and alligator, from the glittering Beverley Drive variation to the white-snake Lynx, this could be the beginning of a dangerous new bag addiction.
Available for $3,447 – $4,789 at Stark.

It’s official: Marni is good again. Which is great news for me, not so great for the old pocketbook. Time for a budget adjustment! Their specialty (when they’re on a roll) is super-fun bags I love at first sight – and then forget about not terribly long after purchasing. But just as it goes with men, you know it’s the fast-burning flames that are the most exciting.

Like this net-effect top-handle. Despite the manic desire I’m experiencing right now, yes, I would recommend to wait for the sale. Too bad by then, the lust will have surely faded. Luckily, I have reason to believe this one might be playing for keeps. After all, it is black. It’s just the perforation that’s making me feel like it’s trendy – although, this is of-the-moment in a good way. Plus, this vintage shape probably has some staying power. I’m going to trust my heart, and jump on it. Let’s hope this Marni piece makes it the long haul. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,365.

Pair with: This will look daytime-deluxe with summer’s newly sleekified flatforms. Like Stuart Weitzman’s wicker sandal ($385), Lanvin’s python-print leather ($855), or Pour la Victoire’s bright-green sole ($250).

Available at Oscar de la Renta for $2,695.

I need this bag. Everyone needs this bag. Whether life serves up a hectic, busy day or a fun, relaxing vacation, both will benefit from the freedom this sling brings. Of all the crossbody bags out there – and in my ongoing quest for ultimate convenience, I focus on a lot on them – this has the sophistication and carefree kind of chic we all want.

Smythson has been stepping up their game lately, but this is virtually perfect for its genre. The importance of a simple closure, essential for such a bag, cannot be over emphasized. I love my Valextra Isis, but that closure is super annoying; it requires both hands and full attention to operate. That’s a huge no-no when it comes to bags those of us with hectic lifestyles (and that’s basically all of us!) need. This hinge closure is as straightforward as can be, and so is the flap of grained leather. No muss, no fuss: just the way I like my on-the-move day bag. At Barneys New York for $830.

Pair with: I’ll be toting this while wearing a glam pair of flats, like Yves Saint Laurent’s leather Tribute ($695) or Fendi’s metallic-patent multi-strap sandals ($560).

The lovely Shiva Rose is as well known for her eclectic-vintage LA style as she is for her longtime marriage to actor Dylan McDermott. Since the divorce, she has not just been keeping herself busy, she’s proven herself to be a veritable renaissance woman, with a refreshing lifestyle site, The Local Rose, and roles in several upcoming feature films.

Her exotic allure is not just a result of a worldly upbringing (she was raised in Iran by bohemian parents until the revolution forced them to leave their homeland), Shiva is one of those lucky women who is lit from within. Now that she has fully embraced nature, it’s even more apparent; with a passion for the healthy and holistic (without sacrificing glamour!), her site focuses on this ongoing search. Though she’s a natural beauty, she refuses to compromise her passion for style.

I met Shiva Rose in Santa Monica at the Lucky FABB conference, hosted by Lucky magazine, a couple of weeks ago. She was carrying a fabulous bag: the Céline box in black calf. I can spot a bag snob a mile away and immediately asked her to participate in our Five Essentials feature. Read on for her classy-cool picks!

Clare Vivier La Tropézienne: For the Tote bag I really am loving Clare Vivier’s eco-tanned brown leather tote. She has really wonderful totes in other colors as well (the red is great too) but I am seeing the brown, rustic tote for spring with some brown leather sandals.

T. Anthony Weekender: For travel, I love this luggage line called T. Anthony. Jackie O used to use this classic beautifully designed luggage for traveling. The Weekender in tan and black is timeless!

JADEtribe Samui Stripe Beach Bag: Another great travel beach bag is by JADEtribe. I like this for stuffing towels and beach things for summer days. The Samui Stripe bag comes in such fun happy colors.

Celine Box Bag: For the treasure bag, I must say it is the Celine Box Bag. I have been coveting one for years now and finally on my birthday i took the plunge and bought a black one. I love the brown as well which I’ve heard wears in well. I have quite a lot of vintage bags so this was a big step for me buying such an extravagant piece, however I have worn in every day so it must be worth the cost! I like that it is so classic yet modern at the same time. Phoebe Philo is indeed a talent!

Chanel Classic Flap Bag: Another treasure bag which I regret having sold a few years ago (what was I thinking??) is the small classic Chanel quilted bag. I just fantasize about that decadent dark red interior.

Kendall Conrad’s Salamanca Franja: For the trendy bag I like Kendall Conrad’s Salamanca Franja fringe bag for more of an upscale boho look.

Clare Vivier Flat Clutch: For the clutch I tend to use one of the many vintage snake ones I have, or a Clare Vivier clutch in a bright spring color.

If it’s a well-priced minaudiere brimming with personality you’re eyeing, there’s a high chance it’s by Kotur. Fiona Kotur takes the consumer to heart with her take on the evening bag, and it’s paying off. She’s also takes a pleasingly lighthearted approach when it comes to brocade. Nothing stuffy or overly mature here. Just airy yet geometric prints that look as good with soft neutrals as they do with shocks of color.

I just love the look of latticework for summertime. The Margo brocade clutch ($395) is pretty; a bit of shimmer is always a welcome cocktail addition, but it’s the bolder Breen ($450) that’s beckoning me. Woven with raffia, it’s got that extra element of intrigue. For these prices, I might have to snap up both little bags and have my garden parties and outdoor weddings already covered for the season. Both will take the place of winter’s stark black clutches. Whether I’m going to a formal function or an impromptu candlelit dinner, these picks are lighter and so much more summery than stiff leather.

Pair with: Smartly clutch these with Charlotte Olympia’s Love Dolly pumps. Ivory twill gets a shot of sassiness, courtesy of a leopard-print calf-hair stiletto. On Net-a-Porter for $1,050.

As promised, Roztayger is continuing with the month long giveaway and this week, it is one of my favorites from the boutique brand, Ro. A classic functional snake print bag in gorgeous olive, this is what dreams are made of. The Ro Python Print Zina tote has a retail value of $530. A bag that will outlast the latest fads.

To ENTER, you must LIKE the Roztayger Facebook page AND the Bag Snob Facebook page. You will be the first to know about the most amazing new bag designers that only Roztayger carries.  If you entered last week, you can enter again this week but only one prize per person will be awarded. At the end of the week, we will choose one winner via a random computer drawing. Each week in May we will have a new bag and a new chance to win!

Thank you Roztayger for this fabulous giveaway!

Another case of the reoccurring bag-snob dilemma: frugal or top snob? Both of these practical bags are fabulous, but, of course, The Row’s has got a hefty price tag. Yes, it’s sleek, delicious, and lets you choose between flashing leather and suede. And I did fall for it months ago. But it was more of a conceptual love affair. For the love of my laptop – and my bank account – I elect DKNY. A bag like this is bound to get beaten up and well-worn. Why worry about the functional bags? I’m already exhausted caring for my treasures. And while my MacBook is something of a treasure in itself, it will be well taken care of in DKNY’s camel-leather tote. The triangular metal touches at the handle add pizzazz and the easy-access front pocket brings the convenience I desire. Both available on Net-a-Porter.

The Row Twin leather and Suede Laptop Tote, $3,700.

DKNY Pocketed Leather Tote, $425.

Dries Van Noten Metallic Clutch
At MyTheresa for $855.

ShoeSnob is giving away another shoe from Rachel Zoe’s latest Collection!

The Beauty Stop explains how to score beauty discounts and freebies via Facebook.

Stiletto Jungle explains five common self-tanning mistakes and how to avoid them.

Allie is Wired has a look at Terry Richardson’s pictures from the opening night of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball Tour.

The stress of traveling can be greatly reduced with something as simple as a brilliant set of pouches. TotSnob now lives by the Züca Packing Pouches.

Coquette’s still in the mood for white and chooses her favorite white heels and sandals for spring and summer.

The Aussies have a delightfully irreverent way with fashion and an quirky take on the high-low mix. The girls Down Under also know how to flaunt what they’ve got up top – without showing off all the goods. CoutureSnob shows you how to flaunt yours like a snob.

Talking hair: More fromThe Jet Set Girls interview with Zooey Deschanel!

Second City Style wonders If Your Ex-Boyfriend Was A Pair Of Shoes… because nothing captures a lady’s heart more quickly than truly fabulous footwear.

Find out what JewelSnob has to say about the Aurélie Bidermann Cités d’Or Feather Earrings.

Shopping and Info loves the David Yurman gold cuffs and bracelets for an arm party this summer.

When it comes to drugstore mascara, L’Oréal has always been BeautySnob‘s favorite, but does the L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara keep the eyes on the prize?

This Boy’s got a fancy new attitude! Appropriately released for Fall 2012, plush velvet softens the sternly shaped Boy bag, for a slightly more feminine approach. It’s the perfect way to introduce Chanel’s classic quilting to the once all-smooth Boy – this way it still feels mint. The strong, even badass spirit, of the bag is maintained – the chains and leather, rustic closure, angular piping, and uncompromisingly rectangular silhouette – but it’s a little more approachable now.
Plummy shades like these (deep violet, midnight cobalt, and forest green) and lush, regal material go hand-in-hand; it’s a no-fail combination. Finished off with the covetable interlocked-Cs, toned down for the modern girl, there’s just no way you can avoid craving a new Boy.
Even if velvet will never be your bag, so to speak, Lagerfeld has also unleashed a fresh leather edition. As geometric as ornate tiles, but a whole lot softer, this quilted pattern mimics much of the detailing on Chanel’s fall furs. Boy meets world!
Velvet Boy Bags, $2,750-$3,000, and Leather Boy Bag, $3,300, available at Chanel.

What does Mom want? A bag of course! But not just any bag will do for Mom, which is why we are giving away the JET SET tote bag from Michael Kors! In slick lacquered pink saffiano leather with subtle gold hardware, this oversized tote is the perfect summer bag!

TO WIN:

1. “Like” Michael Kors on Facebook here

2. “Like” Bag Snob on Facebook here

3. Leave a comment that you’ve liked us and tell us why you or your mom should win! (If you already likes us, leave a comment to enter!)

Winner will be chosen on Saturday, May 12th via random computer drawing from the COMMENTS entered on this post! Good luck

Thank you, Michael Kors, for this awesome giveaway for Mom!

Which one do you prefer?!
Bid on the one-of-a kind Hermès Passe-Guide bags on Christie’s.com

How do you reinvent a classic? A bag we have seen time and again, in every possible shade of the rainbow? By tweaking a few details to re-stimulate the eye. No, these are not bags you’ve never seen before. But they are refreshed, much like the renaissance your spring wardrobe is experiencing as of late. These newest incarnations may not change everything, but they might change your mind for the moment.

1. Balenciaga Arena Classic Toile Raye City: Sure, the style is yesterday’s news. But I’m digging this nautical twist, especially with brown accents. It reminds me of a seaside cabana…gone city.
At Barneys New York for $1,495.

2. Christian Louboutin Colorblock Sybil Reversible Tote: We’ve seen it in metallic leather and variations of pony-hair, too. Now the Sybil has a preppy makeover that begs for a day in the sun. Let the blocks of color shine or flip it to solid leather for total simplicity.
At Barneys New York for $1,495.

3. Akris Ai Braided Leather Tote: The Ai bag is an on-the-go staple – the expandable feature is not to be missed. Now that it’s in airy, wicker-like braided leather it’s a summer must that feels brand-new.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,490.

4. Proenza Schouler PS1 Raffia Pochette: What a difference some raffia makes. The classic Proenza clutch takes on a summery new meaning with a woven body, totally offsetting that leather flap we know so well.
At Barneys New York for $995.

5. Givenchy Painted Python Medium Nightingale: You’ve seen the Nightingale on the arm of every celeb worth her salt, but have you seen it look this awesomely kaleidoscopic? Multicolor-painted white python is a feast for the eyes that doesn’t quit.
At Barneys New York for $4,525.

We are giving away FOUR pairs of Rachel Zoe Collections shoes! I have tried several different styles of the RZ collection shoes and they are as comfortable as they are fabulous. Also a favorite of fashion editors! Currently up for grabs are the Parton stacked heel sandals- aka the perfect summer shoe.

GO ENTER HERE!

I used to wear nothing but black. Now I dread wearing black! Maybe it’s a phobia of looking like the Grim Reaper. Or maybe I’m just getting more in touch with my need for flash with age. Either way, Vegas is beckoning! In spirit, that is. Balmain’s brilliantly blingy Arielle clutch is calling my name. Actually, each one of its, I don’t know, thousands of white rhinestone-esque jewels and gold studs is speaking to me.

I’m just not sure if demure “Arielle” is the right name for such a sensational white-leather pochette. It should be called Cher or Elvis (circa 1971) – this thing has showmanship. Yes, there’s a fine line between showgirl-chic and just plain showy, and this bag walks it, but who ever said indulging in some ostentation is a crime? At Barneys New York for $3,395.

Pair with: Shy now, are we? I’m going full-force with a pair of boots that belong on the big stage. Christian Louboutin‘s 20th anniversary-edition of the Highness Tina boots (the revamp of the Tina includes a platform and a peep-toe) put all other suede shoes to shame.
On Net-a-Porter for $2,295.