Cameron Diaz in Chanel Cocoon Bag

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First of all, how cute is Cameron Diaz? Having interviewed and interacted with her in the past, I can say without a doubt she is one of the most perky, easy-going and multifaceted actresses in the industry. I've noticed that while she's fully embraced the relaxed, comfort-chic California vibe when it comes to dressing off-camera, it's all about her accessories. Nothing punches up humdrum tees, jeans and UGG boots than a punctuation mark in the form of a discreetly conspicuous handbag (yes, such a thing does exist). To wit, check out Chanel's Cocoon handbag (the one Lily Allen modeled in the Chanel campaign last fall), which Cameron was spotted sporting on a recent errand run. How much do you love that she chose a fiery red over boring black? Aside from a subtle CC logo emblazoned on the handle, nothing about this bag screams Chanel--which is to be appreciated in these economic times. Money aside, this lightweight nylon-and-lambskin bag, secured by a metal clasp on top, is as practical as it stylish: inner pockets galore, super soft handles, waterproof and easy to wipe down! (It also doubles as a fabulous pillow in case you were wondering). If Chanel made the Cocoon in a larger messenger style, it would be the perfect diaper bag. The best part? For those days you want a more subtle approach, the Cocoon fully reverses to a subdued navy with red trim.

$2395, available at Chanel boutiques

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Tory Burch Bijou Tote

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I am surrounded by pregnant friends lately; I just hosted a baby shower this weekend for my former assistant (remember Bag Snob Allison?), my attorney is pregnant, I have a friend due this Thursday and Kelly's sister just had a baby.  So even though my own son is 5 years old, I am constantly on the look out for chic totes that can pull double duty as diaper/baby bags as well.  I came across Tory Burch's Bijou tote the other day and instantly thought, now why didn't I have that when my son was still a baby?  It's a stylish tote with just a touch of chain detail and great extras like the side pockets that are perfect for, yup you guessed it-- bottles!  No more spillage inside your bag!  It also looks Chanel-y (without the price tag) but has a casual chic-ness that is distinctly Tory Burch.  And when your babe grows out of bottles and nappies, it will hold your sunglasses, iPhone and the Flip camera you'll want to keep handy to capture moments.  TORY BURCH BIJOU TOTE comes in a navy snake print leather ($565) which looks very luxe but it's the cognac Cognac leather BIJOU TOTE ($495) that I love!  What do you think of Tory's bags of late?  I say total Snob!

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Akris Debut Bag Collection

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When I first heard Akris designer Albert Kriemler was delving into the accessories world--having so masterfully conquered the art of tasteful dressing--I had my doubts. "Was it really necessary?" I thought. Having recently previewed and learned about the bags at the Swiss company's Manhattan showroom, the answer is a resounding yes. Not only does Daphne Guinness front the couture-like line in the current spring campaign, but Akris has really gone against the grain of trend in favor of expanding its heritage. In one way or another, the bags all incorporate nomadic Mongolian horsehair in ranging from the handle to a full façade courtesy of Comtesse, an 80-year-old German firm specializing in the manufacture of woven horse hair (no animals were hurt in the process, which is really comparable to getting a haircut). Akris is no stranger to the material: it's been used to line garments and coats and horsehair is even utilized in its stores worldwide.

What I appreciate most about the collection--which ranges from a "Mini Ai" evening bag with long jewel strap to the "Alba" top handle made of seamless horsehair, "Allegra" hobo, "Amata" clutches and "Ai" carryalls--is their lush, unadorned sentiments. I particularly like the "Amata" bag because of its sheer practicality: not only is the clutch frame detachable for convenient cleaning, but the larger version features a convertible version that snaps on just like that! Frumpy Swiss Misses stay away; with nary a logo in sight save for the subliminal "A-shaped" hardware or the quilted trapezoidal pattern available on select models, they're a must-have for the ladies who love Jil Sander, Balenciaga and Yohji Yamamoto. What's more, for pre-fall, Akris is experimenting with new fabrics like Dalmatian and cashmere. Simply put: these bag are something to yodel about.

The collection ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 and is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Akris boutiques
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Snob Worthy Links February 2, 2010

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snobworthy_feb2.jpgdvfaritadress_snobworthy.jpgIf you buy only one dress this season, make it the DVF Arita Jersey Mini Dress available at Couture Snob.

Nitrolicious has the fun for the summer Gucci rubber flats.

Jewel Snob - The Woods Fine Jewelry, a stunning collection of diamonds and natural elements.

House of Harlow 1960 Valentine's Jewelry Giveaway at TheFind.

Paint It Black - FabSugar's 30 Day Fashion Challenge! Laid Black!

A great way to keep your tot's room tidy and conserve space without sacrificing necessary piece of furniture at Tot Snob.

Recessionista Blog shows you how to be a haute head during the cool winter months.

Test your winter skin with this SPF30 Sunscreen at Beauty Snob.

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Nancy Gonzalez Ruched Crocodile Tote

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I have this bag in python and now looking at the crocodile I wish I got it in croc!!! But I love love love my python, it is the only bag I've had in years that I use continuously for weeks at a time without changing (except for clutches at evening functions). It is gorgeous, I can wear it with anything and it fits all of my things beautifully - for once I can answer my phone on time and find my keys without fishing around, every time!! In croc, it has all the same function and it is even more luscious and luxurious. The shape conforms perfectly to the body, the loosely twisted straps give it interest and stays on the shoulder, the size is large but the bag is lightweight (even in croc it is very light but of course python is lighter) and there are serious organizational pockets galore inside - zipper pocket with a medium loose patch pocket on the same side (where I put my keys), the other side has a large patch pocket for your smart phone with 2 slim pockets for either pens (actually, don't ever put pens in your nice bag) or lip gloss (I put lip glosses in both). If there is such a thing as the perfect bag, this one would come very very close!! Ruched Crocodile at Saks Fifth Avenueicon for $3,750.

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Roger Vivier Carla Bag

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Delicate simplicity has become terribly underrated in the frenzy that is the accessories market. That said, I was refreshed to see that Roger Vivier's Carla bag--first seen on the arm of its namesake First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy--has made its way from the French brand's outré-expensive couture line into the ready-to-wear collection for spring. Ladies, universal appeal this bag does not have (it gravitates toward a professional, elegant woman--age notwithstanding) but those who do find themselves armed with this framed bag will undoubtedly want to channel a modern version of Jackie-O and her trademark pillbox hats. This bag, available in small and large sizes, won't fit much (its dainty leather strap practically guarantees that), but then again, with your driver in tow--and women who carry this bag almost always will--you won't need to. I'm particularly attracted to the bag's slim buckle on the front--a quintessential emblem of the brand--while in back, the profile of the buckle appears subliminal (sewn in, one could say). Available in a wild range of textures, from uber-chic pony skin & crocodile to garnet-red washed leather or black patent, go ahead and pick a color: your Prince Charming awaits.

Small: $1,725-$13,100; Large: $2,525-$13,100, available at Roger Vivier boutiques

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Herve Leger Crystal Clutch

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This clutch reminds me a bit of the Prisme from Roger Vivier but not so much where I'd accuse it of being a total copy so let's just say it's 'inspired' by the geometric shape that Vivier is known for.  It's a cute little thing but I'm a bit perplexed by the price of it.  I've paid $1,298 for a Leger dress in the past but I'm not convinced the brand known solely for its skintight bandage dresses can get away with charging four figures for a 4" suede clutch covered in crystals.  Yes, it's made of pale gray suede-- beautiful as it sounds, sweating hands clutching it will not be a pretty sight.  Herve Leger Crystal Clutch here $1,298

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Sergio Rossi Chain Detail Hobo

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Nice bag, great details and everyday usable. But from Sergio Rossi, creator of lavish and extravagant shoes that I adore, I expect more. How many hobos are there with this exact shape? And the hardware buckle detail on the side is a total Gucci rip off. But still, all in all, a great bag that is easily liked. And that's the problem, like but not love. The shoes make me love beyond reason, why can't they put some of that mojo into their bag? At Neiman Marcus for $1900.

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Valentino Laceland Tote

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I'm sorry, did someone say Graceland?  That's where this giant doily bag belongs, on a table where Elvis used to eat his fried banana/peanut butter sandwiches.  Valentino has been on a roll lately with slob bags-- the latest, the Laceland tote, is made of lasercut leather with layers of lace and eyelet detailing.  I don't mind lace but there are three too many layers on this bag for me and it is way too fussy what with all the ruching on top of the lace and handles.  I vaguely recall owning a dress like this when I was 7 years old.  It had layers upon layers of eyelet lace and a super flounciness that I loved.  Clearly my taste has evolved.  What about you, do you snob it or slob it?  Valentino Laceland Toteicon $3,495

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Bulgari Chandra Bag

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Is it just me, or are jewelry houses itching to get a share of the multi-billion dollar pie that is the handbag industry? Not many Place Vendôme jewelers have had success with their attempts into the category--Cartier's stylish Marcello is the one exception it seems--but Bulgari may have something on its hands. I recently checked out their new Chandra bag line--which Julianne Moore is featured prominently with in Bulgari's spring campaign--while up at the showroom and I'm impressed. I particularly love the leather-and-chevron-canvas version (pictured here) available in two sizes, both of which can slip over the shoulder or the latter, which features a shoulder strap. The leather is smooth yet sturdy, the canvas makes it incredibly lightweight and it sports just enough subtle accent hardware to make a statement. The bag, which also features discreet adjustable straps on either side, closes with a top spring lock and has two c onvenient inner pockets. Its most prominent feature, however, is the flap-over leather buckle with two affixed Bulgari light gold dials (reminiscent of the brand's iconic Bulgari Bulgari watch) on full display. Take this on your next Roman holiday!

$1,300 &1,650 available at Bulgari store nationwide or at www.bvlgari.com
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