Recently in the Metallic Category

Gianfranco Ferré is not the first brand that comes to my mind when it comes to bags-- which makes this bag such a delightful surprise! I saw the ad above last week and could not stop thinking about the casually elegant gold bag carelessly tossed on the model's shoulder.  The overall slouchiness lends a devil may care attitude and the size and shape makes it perfect for work or play.  After a bit of detective work, I found out the bag is called P 24/7 from Gianfranco Ferré.  It's a functional and multi-use bag with torchon handle that also converts to over the shoulder strap, may be worn on the wrist or be carried by hand like a shopper.  You know we love multifunction bags and this one also has many hidden interior compartments to boot!  When I found out the price, however, my enthusiasm dampened.  The brown suede version is a whopping $5,170.00 and the gold one I'm panting for is $4,435.  That's right, and in case you're wondering, that's in US dollars. At Gianfranco Ferré on Rodeo Drive (310) 273-3211

What do you think of it? 

Congrats to Gracie W of Indiana - you won the Brooke Metallic tote!
Congrats to Ann F of Cerritos- you won the Kristin tote!

TO WIN: You must be a fan of our Facebook Fan Page and follow us on Twitter.  We will select TWO WINNERS TOTAL.  One winner from Facebook (The Brooke tote) and one winner form Twitter (The Kristin tote) on January 1st at midnight via random drawing.  US Residents only please!

And please leave us a comment and tell us what you think of the latest Coach bags!

Are you done with holiday shopping?  If you are procrastinating it's probably for those on your list who are notoriously difficult to shop for. That's why I have chosen a theme this year, catered to the jet-setting set. Travel gifts are thoughtful, fun and pragmatic.  There are extravagant options but most are absolutely affordable but still fabulous!

The highlight is this Bottega Veneta Ebano Intrecciato Beauty Case for $4200, for the girl who cannot decide if she is a bigger Bag Snob or Beauty Snob.  I am imagining myself sitting at the hotel vanity, happily and methodically putting on my makeup getting ready for whatever faraway city that awaits me.

I've been taunting Kelly with photo text messaging of the deals I'm finding at Neiman Marcus last call and Off Fifth/Saks (70-80% off furs, bags and shoes!) but now she'll be able to shop to her heart's content, too at Vivre's 75% off sale. Michael Teperson's lush suede and crocodile clutch (above left) is now only $670 from $1,675 (plus free shipping and tax free)! Anya Hindmarch's striking gold/black Murano clutch is also on sale for $230-- now this will make an amazing stocking stuffer for a lucky girl! I ask no questions when it comes to deep discounting but in the back of my mind I am a bit concerned. Where is this all going?  Probably an outrageous inflation when the economy recovers!

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