Recently in Metallic Category

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

After that lecture about rational shopping, I better follow it up with a Frugal Snob option! But this is not just something I put up because I needed a Frugal option because as you can see, this tote is HOT and super useful for the summer. There are endless options but for me I plan on using it for the gym, beach, shopping, going to the park with my kids, travel carry on, road trip snacks and magazine holder, yoga and pilates class, and yes, as an everyday tote to add some spark to my day. These colors are super on trend as they are very 80's. The foil treatment on calf leather has a different look than metallic, it reminds me of GEM, she is totally outrageous, remember her? The slight detail of the straps give it character but more importantly, the one piece strap makes the construction extremely durable. Go ahead, see how many magazines you can pack in there as well as your giant bottle of water - this thing will hold up! My favorite color is the blue but all the colors are fantastic, silver, gold or green. Has 2 interior pockets, tote size is 13" x 13" with a generous 7¾" drop in the shoulder strap. It is on sale at Vivre for only $285, was $475.

JT is still my favorite newcomer with the most original designs and now with this nylon collection, I can lay my only concern to rest, the weight. JT's beautifully made bags with all leather lining are incredible but with all that precious material comes the inevitable weight. The on-trend bright blue nylon tote with all the details and style of the leather counterpart is super fabulous with the metallic blue leather trim. There is a bit of disco in that color, I kind of want an entire outfit in that! It has the signature red edging which is the perfect contrast and gives definition to all the lines and curves. This tote is all I need to complete my look on those lazy days when I am really counting on my bag to take the load - like today, raining, gloomy, and recovering from the Grammy's (yes, I was there! It was really great, I'll have fashion coverage on Couture Snob later today). JT Mercury tote from the Spring Summer collection for $2450 will be available at LuxCouture.

Yes, it is a hairy coconut or worse, whatever nasty image your mind can handle. This clutch made entirely of metal and chains is the most ill conceived piece of work I have ever seen. I get that fringe is in but fringes are only appealing (which they're not but let's pretend) because they are wispy and will move around softly with you. Metal however does not have those qualities and unless you are hiding piranhas in that thing, there is no other reason for it. Metal is also heavy and apparently a rare commodity because this clutch is $4550. Even if you're ok with that, what about what it looks like? How do I say this politely? Um, there are certain anatomical parts on a man that frankly I can do without EVER seeing much less have it replicated in a larger form using material that is prickly and looks even more scraggly. And then what? I prance around town with it in my hand? No thanks. You must pre-order at Jimmy Choo. And who the heck is Christy? I'd hate to be the muse for this one.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!! I know it's the Year of the Ox but in fashion, it's definitely the Year of the Python! I have never seen more variety of (costly) python bags in one season; it's as if the recession isn't really happening. From YSL, Tod's, Ferragmo, Bally, Oscar, Michael Kors to Kotur and many many others-- it's all about the scales baby!  Man snobs will be excited to join in on the trend with Mark Nason's python messenger ($1,800). Even ready to wear and shoes are getting into the action.  Prices range greatly depending on the brand but we've got the best of the scaly bunch (jump for more!).  Tell me, what do you think of python?  Left: Ferragamo chain python bag $2066 Right: Derek Lam Jules python messenger bag $2590

At first glance I really liked this distressed metallic bag. I love Donna Karan and it has really pained me (really!) to rag on her bags. So this bag popped out and I was like, "okay, I can get on this, I can give this a glowing review and then she'll grant us an interview and we'll be BFFs forever and ever and ever". But then I noticed the price; hello- YSL could have gotten away with charging $1,695 for a trendy hobo but they wouldn't have done so-- they would have charged $1,150. But Donna, she who has not even made a dent in the handbag world, she wants $1,695 for a bag that looks like it's been dragged through the gutter? Granted the distressed look is very of the moment and that crystal key chain is really cool but seriously? Who'd spend this kind of money on a not so memorable bag? That said, it's a fairly cute bag and if you've got the dough to blow-- go for it. Oh, and I just want it on record that I adore Donna Karan clothes-- I bought a navy jacket with gold and pearl buttons, white collar and matching white pleated skirt to the very first business meeting I'd ever had after graduation when I was 22 years old because Donna Karan was my yardstick for chic back then. That jacket cost a fortune and I still have it for sentimental reasons. Which is more than I can say for this bag-- unfortunately this is the type of bag I'd carry for a month and then give to the resale shop. $1,695 at Net a Porter

But enough about me, what do you guys think? Snob or Slob?

There is something about this clutch that is so intriguing, maybe because it looks futuristic and alien like but I love it. The iridescent green and purple is probably not the most wearable but it would be super fun and fabulous with the right dress. Or of course, the LBD always lends itself to crazy looking clutches. This clutch is not actually that crazy, it is just the color and the purple patent leather "V" that throws this off kilter just enough to make you look twice. That's what Pauric Sweeney is, fundamentally basic bags with some sort of twist. The box shape makes for adequate storage and I love how the flap just tucks into the slit although it actually has a magnetic closure - just simple and easy. Definitely a party bag, this is one of those things that could be really cool for a while, then it becomes so dated you can't show face but in 10 years it will be super cool again. Well, for the price, you better hope it keeps coming back. $1,525 at Browns Fashion.