The Bag Snob: Reviews of Designer Handbags, Authentic Designer Purses, and Leather Bags

Celine Racer Stripe Tote

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Since Phoebe Philo has taken over at Celine, their bags have improved significantly but they were still trying to hang on to traditional Celine. Well, hello! Look at this tote, I did a triple take when I saw the label!! It is nothing like the horse and carriage theme that I associate with them. This is so new and different (for them that is, this reminds me of Anya Hindmarch actually) - no monogram, no horse, and no catering to the middle age. The rest of the Spring collection still has their key monogram pieces but it is just good to see this reinvention. At Barneys in Beverly Hills for $1500, call 310.276.4400.

Valentino Shiny Flower Tuxedo Tote: All dressed up and no where to go

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:52 -0500

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.

Anna Lynn McCord in 2enlight10 Aspen

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Anna Lynn McCord rocked a 2enlight10 Aspen Clutch at a Macy's event recently. The line offers-up a handful of simple clutches in a variety of colors and they all retail for $225. I'm not particularly in awe of the colors McCord picked, but the clutch she's wearing comes in neon as well which I think would be fun for going out or spicing-up a conservative, monochromatic outfit. I have to say though -- and this is not because I'm a New Yorker and therefore bias -- but I love the 2enlight New York clutch! Yes it's a little kitschy, but I'm kind of dying to get it just for fun so I can hail a cab with it!

What do you think of the 2enlight10 line?

Web Snob November 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

Things are getting 'curiouser and curiouser' this season. eye4style's looking forward to the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows! Fab Sugar has the attendees and winners from the CFDA/Vogue's Fashion Fund Awards. Beauty Snob has Illamasqua, a UK line that just launched in the US, that features a HUGE range of products including some of the most vibrant shades we've ever seen. The Jet Set Girls see Dita Von Teese bare it all at the Crazy Horse in Paris. Tot Snob has an absolute must to kick start the curiosity of young minds ready to soak in and accept knowledge. 55 Secret Street checks out legendary supermodel Iman's Global Chic. Stiletto Jungle shows how to wash cashmere like an expert. Allie is Wired covers Oprah's decision to end The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011. Bag Bliss Exclusive Event: Linea Pelle Handbag and Belt Sample Sale. Get the invite! Coquette loves the many ways you can wear Donna Karan's Infinity Dress Fashion Pulse Daily was there opening day and wonders was Jimmy Choo for H&M Worth the Wait? KRISTOPHER DUKES is wanting, wearing, and hating cashmere jumpsuits. Second City Style met the legendary Albert Maysles where his Signature Style Gets Framed at Barneys. Don't pack up your skirts and dresses - SheFinds found all the best patterned stockings and tights to keep your legs stylishly warm this winter. Shopping and Info loves the black wedge suede books by Dolce & Gabanna. StyleBakery is completely obsessed with sequins for day and night Stylehive has spotted a pair of party-perfect sequined pumps, just like Badgley Mischka's but at a fraction of the cost... The Beauty Stop addresses the hype surrounding MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. The Shoe Goddess still loves funky platforms, but lately she has had her eye on more classic shoes like this Yves Saint Laurent Pump!

Laudni Vidni TWO bag giveaway! Join our Facebook pages to win!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:04:18 -0500

To kick off the holiday season, we are giving away lots of fabulous bags! We first featured Laudi Vidni custom order bags in August and have seen several samples of the bags since-- the leathers are as sumptuous as advertised (my favorites are the metallic distressed versions!) and the quality superb considering they are very well priced (most are at $350). The company offered to give Kelly and I a couple of bags each but we do not accept gifts in exchange for editorials so we asked them to give the bags away to our readers instead! You will love this process, they can send you leather samples (that you'll have to return) or you can just order via their website. Their software is very user friendly and will alllow you to customize the silhouette of the bag, the skins, the colors, the hardware and the interiors. So fun! We will be giving away TWO Laudi Vidni custom bags this month.

To win, you must become a Fan of the Bag Snob Fan page and a Fan of the Laudi Vidni Fan Page. One winner will be chosen randomly from each group. It's that simple! Jump for complete rules.

And don't forget to follow us on Twitter for updates!

Anya Hindmarch Marano Metallic Croco Clutch

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:46 -0500

I am going to call this clutch "Almost Frugal". It is not cheap by any means but compared to the 4 figure clutches we've been seeing lately, it feels like a real bargain. The croc printed leather looks amazingly luxe in the season's (again) must have pale gold hue. Love it or hate it, metallic is here to stay (at least for this decade). The Marano silhouette is a staple in Anya's line and one that many of us here at Bag Snob love. Remember Liza's shagreen version at the Emmys? 8"x4" is a generous size but still clutchable (is that even a word?) and yes, my iPhone fits in it. Anya Hindmarch Marano metallic croc-print clutch here $425

Miu Miu Stage Bag: Snob or Slob?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:16 -0500

Had Gabrielle Chanel (aka Coco) ran away with the circus instead of becoming a cabaret singer perhaps the Chanel classic flap bag would have resembled something like the Miu Miu Stage bags (Resort 2010) instead. Yes yes, a little embellishment never hurt anyone but very large, very cheap looking, and very ugly rhinestones are total eyesores and my heart actually aches for the brand. I don't know what happened to Miu Miu bags, I used to covet its bag each season but overnight (specifically Spring 2008) the bags just went way south of hideous. Stores stopped carrying the line and it all but dropped off my radar until these showed up. Nothing wrong with paying homage to Chanel bags but let's try not to insult them, either. What do you think? Snob or Slob?

Chanel Bag and Jewelry Sales Event!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Get an extra 10% off on Chanel bags and jewelry today from noon - 5pm EST on Portero. This pearly gold Chanel jumbo flap bag is perfect for the holidays! And if you like matchy matchy, there is the gold and pearl drop earrings. Or maybe just get those for your mom. To get the Now or Never Chanel Bags and Jewelry Event discount, use promo code: SNOBCH at check out. Chanel Light Gold Quilted Lambskin Leather Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag Portero Price: $2,565 Sale Price: $2,308 with promo code Chanel Faux Gold Pearl Drop Clip-On Earrings Portero Price: $417 Sale Price: $375 with promo code

Miley Cyrus in Fendi Borsa Forever Messenger: Snob or Slob?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:14 -0500

I don't totally blame Miley Cyrus for all of her poor fashion choices. She's only a teen after-all and who knows how much say she even gets in what she wears. On the left Cyrus is pictured wearing the Fendi Borsa Forever Messenger bag which I think is completely hideous both in terms of shape and design (if you can even say there was designing involved in the conception of this bag). That said when I think back to being Miley's age, while I do remember being obsessed with Moschino and D&G (I had this hideous bag from them that at the time I LOVED -- it was plastic, pink, and had sheep stamped all over it!), I also wore Kate Spade bags and Prada nylon ones all the time (in other words bags that don't offer much when it comes to design, but are basically just a status symbol to show-off to classmates). I can't imagine myself wearing anything with a logo or label so blatantly obvious these days, but thankfully I've grown into a more secure person than I was back in High School! So my vote is Slob on this messenger, but an understanding Slob!

What do you think? Snob or Slob?

Susan Lucci Fendi Python

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:24:32 -0500

I was at the Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon benefiting Lupus LA just now. I was in a huge bidding war with 2 other women over this totally amazing vintage Fendi python in mustard with contrasting red leather shoulder strap. I was about to go very far with the bidding but my silent auction rival, Barbara, gave me this sob story of how she's been a Susan Lucci fan since she's been in the 7th grade so with one minute left for bidding, I decided to let her have it. Damn it!! Should not have given in!! Next time I have to just be heartless.

Fendi Twins Straw Tote

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

I am ready to plan for Resort, as in, a warm vacation somewhere! Maybe that's why this Fendi straw tote is fascinating me so. I am reminded of a tropical Asian country because this design looks like seat mats that you always find in places like that. You know, like in cabs. It is unique for a bag to have this woven design with straw but I am comforted by its familiarity. It is obviously meant for a beach holiday but I think it would be brilliant to use this for work so you can pretend you are going off on vacation every morning. Or is that just more brutal when the mundane reality comes crashing down? I don't know, it's been a while since I've been in an office setting =) I have one final reservation and it's not a small one, the price!! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,560. Is there a world shortage on straw??!!

Judith Leiber Sunburst Clutch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:18 -0500

Either I'm getting old or Judith Leiber bags are getting hip. I find myself gravitating to the line of sparkling beaded bags lately. Yes, I still abhor the stupid animal and cupcake shaped clutches but am in love with this architecturally inspired Sunburst clutch. The art deco influenced design reminds me of one of my favorite books, Atlas Shrugged. If you stare at it long enough you will find the pattern becomes 3 dimensional. Or maybe it's just that I need glasses. Judith Leiber Sunburst crystal-embellished clutch ($2295-- still very expensive, will need to ask about that when I meet the 85 year old iconic designer next month!) at Net-a-porter.com

Victoria Beckham in Quentin Mackay Persia Two Handle Bag

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

The only thing I like more than Victoria Beckham's bag in this photo are her Loubies! I'm making a mental note as I write to add some Loubie booties to my Hanukah wish list! As for the bag, Beckham took a break from her usual Hermes in favor of the Quentin Mackay Persia Two Handle Bag (£1695). I like this bag a lot, but I can imagine that many may find the detailing creepy. There is a Cartier-esque quality to the claw hardware, but I think that the way it's done is so delicate that from afar you don't even notice that there are long claws. The bag's lining is red suede (wonder if VB purposefully wore her red-soled booties in light of that!?), and there are two interior pockets and one interior zip pocket. The piece was obviously very intricately constructed and is certainly a bag that will last for years.

What do you think the Quentin Mackay Persia Two Handle Bag? Snob or Slob?

Manhattan's New Costco Carries Chanel

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:03:28 -0500

UPDATE: I contacted CHANEL and got an immediate response from their PR office:
"Chanel has not sold or distributed to Costco and they are not an authorized dealer of Chanel products. We are investigating how they obtained the Chanel bag and whether or not it was authentic. We always recommend customers buy from an authorized Chanel retailer. Costco is not an authorized Chanel retailer. "

Not surprised at all that the bags are contraband but am now wondering what or if Chanel will do anything about it. I don't have a problem with Costco in general but I find bulk buying a total waste for my family of 3 (and it's actually not cheaper if it goes to waste!). I love Target and spend a lot of time there-- but would I buy a Chanel bag from Target? Hell. No.

I feel like a total snob when I say this but why in the hell is CHANEL being sold at Costco??? Can you say, random? I've only been to Costco a few times (the first time was surreal, I had no idea things came in such large bulk) and hope to never return but may have to make a trip to see if these bags are authentic! So, you pick up a side of beef, two tons of paper towels, 4 dozen bagel dogs and oh yeah-- that CHANEL 2.55, too. That is just soooo wrong! I am emailing the PR peeps at Chanel today, will let you know what they say when I hear back.
Photo Courtsey of NBC New York Blog

Saks Fashion Fix 50% off sale: 24 hours only!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:11:09 -0500

Saks is having a 50% off sale for 24 hours only-- the fabulous Zagliani clutch in python is now $750 (was $1,500) go ahead and treat yourself before the holiday madness! Go here to shop Saks 50% off sale! !