I walked by Gucci today and saw a few bags that are definitely snob worthy.  There was a gray/white python one that stopped me in my tracks for a minute and almost convinced me to pull out that Amex card I've semi-retired.  Luckily I came to my senses and moved on, that's when I came across the Bamboo Bar Leather tote.  Now this is not a bad looking bag, I actually like the shape, the leather and even the very discreetly placed strip of embossed logo leather.  What is puzzling is the flimsy (though stylish) handles and all the unnecessary little pieces of straps that render the bag sloppy.  So the bag is almost cute but definitely expensive ($1,895 for leather).  Gucci Bamboo Bar Leather Tote here.

Jump or click here for the transcript of our chat today! Don't forget to sign up for the Oscar de la Renta Taylor python bag giveaway!

US RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE

One of my favorite exotic designers makes it on Gossip Girl and not just one bag but the entire collection! Maybe Eric Daman, Gossip Girl's wardrobe stylist, reads Bag Snob ;-) But seriously, Eric, if you do, please let us know!! Blake Lively is seen with my all time favorite from Maia N, the caramel ostrich bowler ($5000) - timeless and elegant but it's slouchy so when worn in and beat up, it becomes quite bohemian. Jessica Szohr has the Sam python clutch in violet with agate stone detail ($1350). She is seen with the larger size, which I prefer for day to night use, but it also comes in a smaller size. Maia N is available at Takashimaya and Henri Bendel. You can also order directly by emailing Joanna.

Go to jump page to see the other Maia N bags on Gossip Girl!

I don't think I could name more than two movies that Kate Bosworth has been in, but style-wise she's one of my favorite actresses. Above she's pictured in a classic Tod's Girelli Clutch ($875). You can't tell from the image above, but it comes with a removable chain. It's a black satin bag with lizard tejus and double polished silver metal knobs. I love that the shape is original, but yet there's something so classic about this clutch. Tod's made the Girelli in a variety of materials and this one is on the pricier side, with fabric ones going for about $200 less -- still though what a great price!

Are you adventurous when it comes to your clutch bags' shape or do you go more traditional?

For the girl who has every bag, here is one she can eat! A sinfully yummy chocolate cake with caramel toffee buttercream and chocolate buttercream - almost as decadent as a birkin =) And almost as pricey for what it is. The cake is $235 with a $29 shipping charge, but for today only, you get 25% off and $50 off with code GOURMET, which makes it only $126! If you have a Bag Snob birthday girl around the corner, here is the perfect party favor! Exclusively at Neiman Marcus, serves 10-12.

This is a serious tote. As in, seriously awesome!! When you get it just right, you don't need fancy dangling details. All you need is a classic shape, this one being a little more interesting than a typical doctor bag, and fantastically beautiful textured ostrich! I am a bit torn by the Prada logo, yes, this old school triangle logo is very "Prada" but for something this timeless, couldn't they just make an exception and use the embossed logo instead? I'm not sure what is going on with that slit on the top of the bag, seems strange but is intriguing. I am being nit picky about this bag because it is so close to being perfect and for this kind of investment, it has to be. Of course I love the cobalt but the mais is the better choice for longevity. At Neiman Marcus for $5,850.

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

I featured the Smythson Travel clutch ($680) recently on a segment for NBC's LX TV and can't get it out of my mind.  I travel a lot that it makes sense for me to eventually get one.  The removable center is just genius plus you'll have a clutch to use on your trips.  I was told there will be a beautiful Mediterranean blue clutch out next spring so I will hold out for that.  Meanwhile, just saw this Smythson Basic leather travel wallet ($340) and now can not decide if I should just get this to use exclusively for travel or wait for the blue clutch with removable pocket dividers.  The sizes are fairly similar, the wallet is 9"x5" and the clutch is 9.75"x6".  The wallet is less versatile of course but I do love the color. And really, when I travel I'm using a big tote, I would not be carrying the clutch inside of it, I'd most likely take the pocket dividers out to use individually but then my stuff would fall out of the sides.
So I think the wallet wins. What about you, which do you prefer?  Smythson Basic leather travel wallet here. 

Of all the rocker trends, I love zippers best.  It's less in your face than giant studs yet still lends that rocker chick vibe without looking like a total drip fashion victim.  Even the tassel pulls don't bother me, I mean they actually serve a function here.  I can't recall the last time Foley + Corinna came out with a new bag shape.  They had that one hit wonder and ran with the silhouette for years.  Nice to see they went back to the design board and came up with this, not that it's any brilliant bag but for the price, a nice trendy tote.  Foley + Corinna Zipper Bag $389, 13"x16" at Shopbop.  What do you think?  Worth the $400?

There is a mermaid in all of us, the desire to be gorgeous and free of earthly evils. Just make sure you peel your lobster before you eat it =) Jewels of the sea, namely coral and pearls, are so wholesome and pure. The organic shape of coral is intriguing and beautiful and is the perfect addition to this little pleated clutch. Perfect for the holidays but this is something you will want to keep using, especially when the world has gotten you down. At Luisaviaroma for $2690.60 (includes import fees and shipping for the US).