Recently in Hobo Category

I am aghast at what they've done to the gorgeous 360 bag in black sequins!!!  Why does it need a tuxedo? And a flowered one at that!?  All that extra embellishing has made a glamorous bag into a garish one.  I'm embarrassed for the bag and I'm certain the bag is embarrassed for itself.  The only consolation is that it's slightly less expensive than the all black version but it's so atrocious I don't recommend showing up in public with it.  Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote $4495 at Neiman Marcus.

Halloween is over and done with so why is this bag dressed up like a cat?  Very creepy and I swear I can almost hear it purring.  I'm no PETA supporter but I must say this is a real waste of fur!  Actually, most fur bags are a waste-- we are always perplexed by the use of fur on bags, our wallets do not get cold so what's the point?  I know Nina Ricci is hoping the horseshoe logo will take off like the Gucci horse bits but chances are slim-- it's just not that interesting.  Nina Ricci Fur Embroidery Hobo at Barneys for $3,900.

I gave the black coffee Olivia Harris Round sac to my BFF in Taiwan, Kelly Lin, for her birthday last month (yes, being my BFF means you get lots of great bags as gifts!). I was going to wait for spring to get myself a dirty white but saw this grey version today on Olivia Harris' new online shop and had to have it!  The grey is so perfect for fall and as many of you know, it is one of my absolute favorite colors. Bag Snob Kelly (it gets confusing when your two BFFs are both named Kelly) used hers all over Taipei and on our flights, it's such a light weight and easy to use tote and we can't tell you how handy that giant zip pocket is!  You must check out the site for many other new styles that Joy Gryson has come up with for the line. 

Olivia Harris Zip Pocket Round Sack $395

It's hard for me to get excited about bags lately, not enough interesting designs and really, after thousands of bag reviews-- I feel like I'm kind of bored of bags lately(gasp)!  This often happens to me at the end of a season, and when it does, I turn to Devi Kroell.  She is innovative and forward thinking, you will never see her following the current trends!  The minute I saw the Twist bags, I perked up again!  What a creative and interesting way to present a classic tote!  The black tote with sea snake handles is of great interest to me-- very subtle but the handles give it a luxe touch.  The silhouette is really sexy and who would ever describe a bag as such??? Classic Twist Bag in Waxed Python is $2,590.00-- not that bad for such a large sized (15"x26") tote and the cranberry color is delicious for the holidays.  If you are looking for a basic-- check the black leather Classic Twist Bag in Leather and Sea Snake  $1,490.00.  Italian made and I can personally guarantee the quality of Devi's bags, we turn them inside out and can never find a flaw-- her bags are really amazing!  If you are in NYC, go check out her store on Madison!  717 Madison Avenue
between 63rd and 64th Streets, or call 212.644.4499.

We can't believe Oscar de la Renta is going to give away his favorite bag of the season-- the Taylor Python bag! He personally announced the giveaway this morning during the VPA after some serious pleading from our readers-- which makes this even more special (though we were all upset when chatroll crashed)! As Oscar told us, the python on this bag is pressed to give it a subtle sheen that makes it smooth and supple which will protect it from cracking or curling. The chocolate leather woven handle is interlaced with beading-- all handmade, it is the most fabulous detail for a handle we've seen. And by the way, this bag is worth $2950!!

Enter now to win by signing up to our newsletter (this list will be shared with Oscar de la Renta's team). Even if you already receive our newsletters, you will still need to fill out the form to enter this contest. Last day to enter is November 30, 2009 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected on December 1, 2009. Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email, so that we can contact you when you win. Good luck!! ENTER NOW.

Huge thank you to Oscar de la Renta for this amazing giveaway!!!

We loved Adriana Castro Python Meissa Hobo when it debuted a few seasons ago and it's now become a classic shape for the brand.  For Fall, it's updated in a range of gorgeous colors and matte python skin: Black, Brown, Anthracite, Royal Blue, Natural Matte.  Many celebs are discovering the charm of Adriana Castro's bags as well-- the Meissa hobo is a fave of Jennifer Lopez!  $1900.00 is a bargain for such a luscious bag and what an amazing gift it will be for the bag snob in your life!  Bummer for those who live in California as python is prohibited by state law, you'll have to sneak it across the border like Kelly does.

You can order this bag online, place an order by phone 1.866.460.4484 or by e-mail.

I totally understand and am in agreement with Stella McCartney haters because of the prices on her bags. Hollywood aside, I think I am making a fair generalization by saying that most environmentalist are not fashionistas. There is no "Crunchy Granola" department at Neiman Marcus. If you're spending close to $1000 on a bag, you're probably a meat eater. First of all, the word "recycled" to me is synonymous with "affordable" since less resources were expended for it. This shape with the ribbon detail is super cute and totally snob worthy but for $785, I insist that some animal was harmed during the making of it. At Bergdorf Goodman.

I am loving about this new Smythson hobo. With a Smythson, you stand out with a unique bag, trust me, I have never run into another person with the Smythson Nancy when I carry it. But the distinct quality and the style give away its luxury status. The Erica is easy and understated, the denim does all the talking - how fabulous is this color?! This is a hobo with a flap and magnetic closure, you don't see that everyday. The clasp is an Italian briarwood called Erica Arborea, thus the name. The sides unzip to expand the bag. My favorite detail of a Smythson bag is the satin lining, always in a bright unexpected color and this denim has a malachite lining that is an explosion of vibrancy. At Smythson for $1460.

I've been looking at this bag for weeks and it is slowly growing on me-- it's still not something I'd buy but I can see the appeal to many. At first I cringed at the studs overkill but the pyramid shape at least makes it interesting.  I see this on a slightly older bag snob who does not see studs as a passing fancy but part of her staple wardrobe (as it was for her in the '80s).  Wait, that sounds like me!  It also feels very Halloween to me for some reason... what do you think?  Is this a Trick or a Treat? Jimmy Choo Ramona studded leather bag $3125

It is Friends and Family discount season! If you plan wisely and get your shopping done early, you will save grief and money. Or maybe you just want to shop for yourself =) Shopbop is doing a 2 day sale, Oct. 20 and 21 only, all full priced merchandise is 15% OFF with code INTHEFAMILY15. Get the basics like the Mulberry Mabel Hobo for $825, $701.25. Another great everyday bag is the Alexander Wang Brenda Zip Bag for $725, $616.25, it looks way cooler in person, very London chic! If you want to gear up for the holidays with some clutches that wows, the Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch that I've had my eyes on for a while now can now be mine with less guilt, $1290, $1096.50. Another amazing party bag is the Diane von Furstenberg Belle Clutch with Studs for $595, $505.75. Sale ends Wednesday, October 21, at 11:59pm PDT.