Recently in Metallic Category

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

Left: Mat quilted leather bag ($1,915) Right: Leo embellished shoulder bag ($2,920),

We have been waiting to share these photos with you for weeks! BALMAIN bags will launch on Net-a-porter.com on Monday, October 19th but we have the exclusive photos now so you can choose what you want and buy the minute they appear on the site!  My faves are the Mat quilted bag and Leo embellished bag above.  If you look closely-- the Mat quilting is not symmetrical, giving the classic quilt pattern a modern twist and at $1,915 it's not that unreasonable (though not cheap either).  I have to admit I was expecting 5 figure bags considering the cost of Balmain RTW but the bag prices (for the most part) are acceptable.  The suede punk rock studded bag below left is the star of the collection at a whooping $3,925 but the workmanship is amazing!  I'm not usually a fan of multi hued studs but this one is strategically designed and feels very haute couture, detailing that Decarnin is known for.  The original leather bag (white) has to be seen in person to be appreciated, the whimsical fringes add fun and pizazz to the simple shoulder bag.   

BALMAIN Bags at Net-a-porter.com on Monday morning!  Happy weekend, all!  I'm still home in Asia and having a blast.  Lots of new photos to share with you soon!

Left: Punk suede shoulder bag($3,925) Right: Original leather shoulder bag($2,315)

A chic metallic fold over clutch is a must have for the holidays!  If you're not looking for a major investment, check out bridge lines like DKNY from Donna Karan.  I'm happy to see the brand offering simple bags at affordable prices (lord knows we can all use a heavy does of that!).  The convertible foldover clutch also doubles as a shoulder chain bag with the logo cleverly disguised on the zipper pull.  I've always loved zip top fold over clutches, you can stuff it full without worrying of spill out.  Happy weekend all.   DKNY Fold-over metallic clutch here $225

We introduced you to the fabulous Stephanie bag from DVF back in January and much as I loved it I could not swing that size.  Good thing I waited because now it comes in medium in a rock star worthy black metallic!  You must see this in person, the woven leather is amazing and the metallic peeks through depending on the movement of the bag-- subtle yet sexy.  There is also a longer shoulder strap but I like the shorter handle, it looks more sophisticated.  The bracelet clutch is also tres adorable with long tassles and at a great price point!  DVF bags are a superb value for its functionality, design and glam factor-- just like her iconic wrap dresses!  I am anxiously awaiting  Hayworth in python (it's stuck in customs!). Meanwhile, you must check out the Stephanie styles!
 
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Medium Hobo $875

Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bracelet Clutch $395

Amongst the veritable miles of luscious leather that line the walls of each Bottega Veneta boutique you will find almost every possible incarnation of size, shape, and neutral shade of the iconic Veneta bag, along with scores of other styles--woven and plain; soft and structured, in everything from lambskin to crocodile--all masterpieces of handcrafting. The Veneta is, in fact, so iconic that it may be hard to find a spot in the world where at least two women in the same room are not carrying some version of the luxe and slouchy bag. Not so, though, for the limited edition knot clutch--a perfectly-sized minaudiere that comes both in a range of subtly-colored satin or, for the less quotidian option, a limited production of unusual materials--exotic skins, precious metals--that only come around once in a lifetime. For example, this season features, among others, an antique silver version that gives new meaning to the term "treasure box." Made by hand-weaving together strips of sterling silver, this piece is so labor-intensive to produce that only a few were made--and only a handful of those are still available in the U.S.

Antique Silver Knot, $7700 at bottegaveneta.com or call the fabulously helpful Krista at 310-858-6533 to hunt down more elusive pieces.

I actually teared up when I saw this clutch. No, really, I did. My heart pounding, I wondered if I should click buy and call it an early "Happy Birthday to me" gift. It is the perfect combination of sophistication and edgy cool. A girl who has been pairing Chanel jackets with bad ass studded booties and distressed jeans since college. In other words, Tina. The skull is not as hideous as I used to think, it's grown on me and how fab are the tiny embellished crystals on it? The silver quilting really makes it for me, it's at once lady like and trendy. Love! I may need to take a cold shower to refrain from clicking clicking clicking. Alexander McQueen Quilted Skull Clutch at Browns Fashion here

There is a lot to be said for simple chic-- even more so when it's punched up in a sparkling champagne finish.  I'd say most of you wouldn't even think this is a Choo bag given its subtle style and lack of logo and hardware-- kudos to the brand for keeping up with the times.  And for the logo obsessed, they did leave a small dangling plate so you can show off, trimmed in leopard print no less!   This is also lined in leopard print, very slouchy glam.  There is also a plain black version but me, I'm a champagne and sparkle freak.  Jimmy Choo Metallic Hobo $1.095 (a designer bag right at thousand bucks is few and far in between!)

All this talk of "tea bagging" in congress apparently has inspired Mark and James to make a tea bag bag but in a literal way. It is in the hip and cool disco beads but why this shape? All it needs is a tag at the end of the strap for the full effect. It is not that bad but still, you'll walk around looking like you're looking for a big pot of hot water. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $465.

When have I ever loved a Dolce & Gabbana bag?  Uh, like, never!?!?  But this is so reasonable (as in not trashy, scary, hideous or a general mess as their previous attempts have been) and functional that I felt I must feature it.  So it's a tad boring but it's okay to go with a boring bag sometimes!  You can get adventurous with your clothes and shoes instead.  Yes yes it's just a plain hobo shape you say but look at the subtle pleating, flattened shoulder rest, magnetic closure (removable logo tag) and convertible long strap-- the D&G team deserve kudos for not giving in to the urge to bedazzle or add crazy ruffles to this bag.  And I love the day to night bag idea, when I travel I sometimes do not have time to go back to the hotel to change and my bag should be chic enough for meetings and for dinners.  Okay so that doesn't happen often because I like using clutches at night but still, if pressed for time, this would be fab!     

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Night and Day Metallic Hobo is 18"x13" and retails for $1,850

The Ferragamo Marisa in Mercury with hand braided and knotted detail is possibly the first Ferragmo bag I've liked in about 15 years.

In my mid-20's I went through a period where I wanted people to think I was much older so I wore Chanel jackets with either Chanel bags or top handled Ferragmo bags (the Kelly looking ones with the giant buckle). I came to my senses finally when I saw a photo of myself that looked like a little kid playing dress up.  I passed my Ferragamo bags on to my older aunts and never gave Ferragamo a though again. This gorgeously crafted bag, however, is making me re-think the classic brand.

The knotted details look striking in the metallic washed leather and the braiding on top flap and bottom corners further lend the bag interest.  Unfortunately it's still very mature looking-- beautiful as it is, it's not hip or edgy.  But then again, I am finally mature enough to wear Ferragamo which is probably why this appeals to me.  Call Sarah at the Ferragamo boutique for more details! 214-234-0596