If white is not for you, metallic silver is what you need for the hot weather. And it does in fact go with more and can get you through the rest of the year. This "slashed" leather adds a modern twist and the lining is stretchy so it will flex with the bag, good thinking! The bow is always a cute detail to make the bag go from ultra fem to serious office. The magnetic closure, double outer pockets and compartmentalized interior make this a handy companion you won't need to switch in and out of for weeks on end. They also have the peep toe Lawson wedges ($650) that you absolutely must have!! I have trouble with stilettos, the years of living in cobble stone Boston has left me weary of the ankle hazard, so the wedge and chunky heel trend comforts my heart and body =) The Jimmy Choo Keeya Tote at Saks for $1450 and the brand new Jimmy Choo boutique at Two Rodeo, 310 860 9045 (it is gorgeous and huge, with a great selection of everything Choo!).

Exotics- Don't be stashing that python/ostrich/crocodile bag just yet. Exotics are hotter than ever and with prices rising faster than crude oil, you better recycle all the exotics in your closet! Extra hot are exotics in bright colors!

This fun coin purse or what I call a clutch pouch is what everyone needs when using their favorite clutch. I talked about the floating cards and bills in clutches yesterday and this is the perfect solution for that. I used to use a card holder for my cards, but what about the money? You put it in the zip pocket (if there is one) but it still has a good chance of falling out. And is not the most organized. This pouch does not have card slots, it is like an envelope but it is big enough for all your cards and a pretty good size wad of cash (plus it holds coins which causes problems in a clutch). It makes using your clutch a totally streamlined operation. These come plain without the YSL Paris flagship address but I just find it so kitchy and cute because it is shaped like an envelope. It is $195 and comes in anthracite (which I got), black and metallic gold. There is a larger size but it will be too big for traditional size clutches (those are $245). This is only available this season and they are selling out fast so if you want one call Fatima at YSL Rodeo Dr. 310-271-4110.

After all the debate over Kate's Mulberry custom made (or bespoke) green alligator bag I thought we should look into Mulberry's bespoke bag service for you guys. Basically you choose one of the core Mulberry styles in the skin and hardware of your liking, it is also personalized with your initials engraved on the postman’s lock on the front of the bag to further confirm its owner (you know, in case you are at the SoHo House and some bimbo tries to sneak off with your bag!). The lock-free Calder will be specially fitted with a Mulberry branded plaque on the back of the bag that can be engraved with your initials. In addition, leather initials can be ordered to hang from the handles of the bag and make it truly personal and unique. As for Kate's bag with the missing exterior front straps that confused so many of you, our Mulberry source said it was an aesthetic decision based on the alligator skin (just as I thought!). Though you are not actually designing a whole new bag, this customization (or bespoke) service allows you to choose the leathers and hardware that best fit your personality and taste! The cost is not that much more and you have to admit, having your own initials on a bag is quite appealing. (More info after the jump!)
See Mulberry styles online!

Many of you went nuts over the YSL Majorelle when I first featured it last month, that is until you found out it is only available in patent leather from YSL boutiques. Well, check out what you can pre-order from Neiman Marcus right now, a pale gold distressed leather version! I already ordered mine (delivery not until late April in two months). It is the medium size at 15"x11" (15" being the widest part on bottom, the upper part is much smaller) which is still a bit big for me but I can swing it as it will be my fun and casual bag of the season. It costs a bit more than the patent leather version but I love the distressed leather in a shimmering gold shade called "Volcano" that will age and patina beautifully. As we have said many times, metallic is no longer a seasonal trend, it's here to stay! I can't wait to use this over the summer, how delicious will it be with sun kissed skin!?!?!? Order yours today before they sell out! At Neiman Marcus for $1895.

There is something so great about this mirror bag from Anya Hindmarch, the sleek lines and simplicity really lends itself to the flashy bling bling super shine. But what I really love is that Anya's bags are always so easy to use, totally functional with pockets, zips, compartments inside and out. No need to suffer for style, you know there are those amazing bags you love but can't use everyday because you can't ever find your keys or phone and everything just sloshes around on the bottom and gets all scrunched up. I find that when I use my practical everyday bag, I won't switch it out for a week. But my all style and no function bags, I use for a day and the next day I grab the user friendly one again. I just want one bag that is fabulous beyond belief AND has all the features I need to avoid the frustrations of constantly digging around. Outer pockets!!! Please!!! We don't always practice function over fashion but how is it that I have so many bags but none are exactly perfect? Just sheer mathematics should ensure that at least one of my bags fit all my criteria. I guess if this mythical bag existed, we would all stop buying bags. Ha, NOT!! But still, I would like a bag that has everything and this one is close to being there. Only if it were in some sort of exotic and really really light weight. At Net-a-Porter for $1150.

So my big question of the day is what will you be toting on your arm as you welcome 2008? (who cares what you wear as long as you have a fabulous bag right!?!?) I have no idea what I am going to wear but I know I'll be using my YSL Muse lizard clutch! If you are still on the hunt for an evening bag, run to Saks immediately for one of these lovelies to help you ring in the New Year in perfect style:

Black- the perennial classic choice for evening.

Metallic Shine- Make a glamorous statement with a shimmering bag.

We'd like to wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and to thank each and every one of you for another great Bag Snob year! We look forward to entertaining you in 2008!!!

At first glance, Chanel's limited edition python bag (only 25 made!) is everything I need in a bag. The gorgeous python skin (special flat scales that resemble lizard skin so it will never curl like regular python, it's amazing!) in antiquated metallic finish makes it a modern classic that will never go out of style and the three luxuriously quilted interior compartments allow for total obsessive organization. I wanted it the minute I saw it but then I tried it on and almost sprained my shoulder from the weight of the very heavy and very large chains! The chains must weigh 5 pounds and it is so bulky it wouldn't stay on my shoulders properly. I tried putting it on my arm but then the chains are long so it dangled too low and did I mention it is really heavy? Needless to say, I was devastated! A few years ago I would have bought it regardless but I am now a seasoned pro and I knew this would sit in the box more than it would be used as I would be scared to throw my back out and that would be a shame because this beauty needs to be showed off! If you are tall and have broad shoulders or have a back of steel, call Alexis to find out more about this lovely limited edition bag. 214-520-1055

It is totally shocking that I would like a Burberry bag! They have really made an effort to design their bags as bags rather than a lame interpretation of their clothes, which is as imaginative as Uggs pawning off their boots as bags by putting a strap on it. It's not that I am not a fan of Burberry in general, they have great basics, but I lived in Boston and apparently no trench coats other than Burberry are sold in that city. I went to an event and seriously every single person, man and woman, walked in with a Burberry coat. I was like, what the hell? Did a Burberry delivery truck turn over and dump their entire shipment outside? This travel bag is devoid of all tartan and actually has current stylish details. It is brilliant to have a travel bag in canvas to lighten the load - the metallic finish makes the bag of the moment especially with the dark leather trim and handles to contrast. The loose pleat makes the shape super cute and extra roomy inside. It has a magnetic closure which is really smart for a travel bag. Of course this will be a carry on if you're flying but traveling requires easy access to so many things that usually zippers remain unzipped, which totally defeats the idea that having a zipper closure is safest when traveling. I do realize that this is very similar to the Pauric Sweeney but for the price and the fact that this is made of canvas (light and painless when destroyed) I actually prefer this. I mean, who needs the hassle of being all precious with a travel bag? $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Free shipping with any order with code "HOLIDAY7" (I've been taking advantage of all the free shipping and finished all my Christmas shopping without once entering a mall. OK, I had to go to Best Buy. Those annoying men are so hard to shop for!).

I thought it fitting to feature Roger Vivier's latest from the "Pilgrim" line (named for the pilgrim inspired square buckle) of bags on Thanksgiving. I bet the Pilgrims had no idea they would be such a source of fashion inspiration when they stepped off the Mayflower on Plymouth rock! The "Pilgrim de Luxe" is a fusion of old world glamour with modern technology. Gold brocade fabric may be more suitable for your mother or grandmother but gold brocade leather? Now that's pure modern decadence fit for any age! I really like the latest innovations in textiles and leather; fabric jackets are made to look and feel like leather (like Chanel's distressed version from 3 seasons ago) and leather is made to resemble fabric. It is quite imaginative and offers consumers an altered way of looking at things.

Petit "Pilgrim de Luxe" clutchin brocaded gold cordoban leather with diamante buckle at Bergdorf Goddman- size: 10.5"x4.75". $2,500 Call my girl Carla Cinco for more info or to purchase! (212) 753-7300

This reminds me of Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Scarface with her heroin chic appeal (it was cocaine actually which makes it so much more 80's). This clutch would be perfect with everything she wore in that movie - the glistening metallic suede, gold hardware, even a wrist strap so she can properly seduce men on the dance floor. First you get the money, then you get the power and THEN you get the bags!! But you certainly don't need to resort to drug dealing for this bag, it is only $995 (petty theft maybe but nothing major like organized crime). Seeing that this bag is able to bridge the gap between the 70's, 80's and today (this bag's personality is too clear and collected to be 90's), it is a safe bet that it will let you get along for quite a few years more with it. And who says this has to be strictly an evening affair? I would love to run around during the day with my girlfriends being carefree and chic without my giant tote with laptop weighing it down like a ton of bricks. I wish I had used clutches more before I had kids and a job, because now I feel like it is such a luxury when I do get to use a cute little feather light clutch (even giant clutches are light to me, anything less than 10 pounds is considered light). But I guess it just makes me love it and appreciate it so much more when I get a chance to use them. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995. Free shipping with code HOLIDAY7.

Here is a Cheap Thrill selection that is certain to come in handy for everyone. You want to add punch and glam without over spending? You get it all with this beauty from Elliot Lucca - style, trend and function all for $198. There are so many things I love about this clutch, the cut out handle makes it interesting, the shape makes it functional (it even stands on it own with feet hardware on the bottom, how often do you see that in a clutch?), silver is my favorite metallic as it goes with everything, and of course woven leather is the style du jour. Another important fact to point out, no annoying logos anywhere! You don't have to baby this baby too much as you spill drinks and cocktail sauce on it and the quality is totally acceptable for a bag that will get you through one season of use at this price. Jennifer Garner has been seen with the Elliot Lucca Bettina all around town so you are not compromising a bit here with this Cheap Thrill because we know she doesn't have to (now that her husband is working again). Get it at Nordstrom.

I am impressed with Jimmy Choo for continuing to design bags that are current and good for everyday. This metallic suede may be trendy because metallic is hot now but honestly, metallic is not going away any time soon - it is a long lasting bag that can be worn for many seasons and pretty much can go with anything. It is perfect for those who only need (or must) buy only one or two bags a season. One thing though, I wish designers would start making all chain bags with leather at the shoulder, you still get the full chain look when it's on and the comfort and ease makes all the difference in the world. Plus, this is suede, perfect for non slippage so why not go there? That's just my $.02. The simplicity of this bag makes me really like the chain even though I'm not normally a chain lover, it's fitting with the hardware and makes the bag come together very naturally. The silver metallic with the gold hardware is very much of the day so you are really getting an all around bag that is keeping up with the latest. I admit this is not a raving review but I see this as suiting the needs of someone who wants a bag they don't need to think about on a daily basis, it is a grab and go bag. At Net a Porter for $1695.

Halloween is the ugliest holiday. There is no need to decorate your house with spider webs and dead people, it is absolutely disgusting. I saw Martha Stewart today making glitter bones and skulls and she was like, "Isn't this pretty?". Uhhhh, NO!! I don't care if you encrust diamonds on bones and skulls, it will be a waste of diamonds and most definitely not pretty! And that is how I feel about this clutch. I know the Thomas Wylde line is all about the skulls but a giant bad Halloween decorative skull on a clutch is totally uncute and not uncute in a "cool" way either, it is just bad. This skull is totally scary looking and combined with the cracked distressed bronze leather, it just creeps me out. And this is not a small clutch, it is 12.5" x 10" so that skull is at least 2 inches! I guess it is very pirate themed which is popular with the kids, but I don't know any grown woman who would think this is cute or fashionable. But Happy Halloween everyone! At Net a Porter for $1495.

I went to the Chanel Resort trunk show last week and was impressed yet again over the many creative incarnations they manage come up with each season of the classic 2.55 bag. There were so many great bags to choose from but the "Ice Cube" caught our eye because it's so different and fun (okay, we really picked it because we loved the name)! (My assistant of the day was my beautiful friend Christine Handy who patiently took notes on style names and prices on all the bags I liked. We had a lunch and shop date but ended up working with no lunch. Thanks honey, I owe you one! My friends all know they may be called into action at a moment's notice and they all comply without complaint!)

Made of clear vinyl "cubes" placed on metallic lambskin leather to resemble the iconic Chanel quilting, the "Ice Cube" manages to maintain the classic flavor of the 2.55 bag while being completely modern and charming. On any other bag the look risks being absurd and tacky but on Chanel, it works. For Chanel addicts who crave something young and fun, the "Ice Cube" is it! The price is also budget friendly (for a Chanel bag that is!) at $1,650. Call Alexis, our fave Chanel SA at 214-520-1055 to order.

So my birthday was back in August and Christmas is still two months away, but that doesn't mean I can't start planning gifts now! Check out what I crave from Vivre, the fabulous web boutique that delivers luxury goods to your home so you can stay in bed, eat bons bons and sip champagne while you shop online! So what are you waiting for? Crack open that bottle of Cristal Rose you've got chilled... you've been saving for the right occasion and this is it my darlings! Go shopping!

Going on a date with your knight in shining armor? Well, go in matching style with this chain mail clutch! Seriously, why else would you need a chain mail clutch? Michael Kors did a chain mail bag for when you go diving in shark infested waters but this clutch (at 8.75"x 4.25") is hardly big enough for scuba gear . The Kors bag weighs 8 pounds, this clutch is probably lighter but honestly, after a night out you are still going to get carpal tunnel from clutching. Besides, the novelty of chain mail is not enough to make a fashion statement - this bag is just pointless when it comes to style so it's not like you are suffering for the sake of fashion. A good use of chain mail would have been an updated 80's inspired frame clutch with a cute clasp, that would have been subtle and chic. And at $1430, who would bother? Available at eLuxury Dior Boutique.

Here is another totally cute bag to make you happy. This practical and versatile little addition to your life will perk up anyone's day. I love the clean lines yet it is full of wonderful features and details. There are pockets galore and the interior is ultra organized with more pockets and zips. The bag closes with a zipper to keep everything secure and in place making this is the perfect city bag for girls who use the subway (you'll never have to search thru the bag for your subway card with that convenient front pocket!). The thick shoulder strap is so comfortable and non-slipping and we all know how important that is! Even though the bag is totally utilitarian, it is way chic and stylish on. You are definitely not trading in any style points for function. I love the indigo but of course the metallic is key for Fall. Either way, you can't lose here. At Bergdorf Goodman for $428.

This is the most interesting clutch I have ever seen! It is totally useless but at least it is a conversation starter. It is shaped like a fan, as you can see, and the rounded part comes together with a zipper and a clip closure that attaches to the ring. But the sides remain slightly open, which can lead to the loss of many a things if you are out drinking and being careless. As a whole this clutch is totally impractical. I am all for looking cool with fabulous accessories but there is a point when fashion can come between you and a good pee. I just came home from seeing a movie and I brought a clutch with me because it is easier to hold a little clutch rather than find an empty seat next to me for my bag (god forbid if my bags ever go on the sticky floor of a theater!) This all worked out great until I had to go to the bathroom. This clutch (which shall remain nameless) did not have a strap so I had no way of hanging it in the stall. I held it while going, which was fine, but when it came time to pulling up my very tight jeans, I needed 2 hands and didn't have a place to put the clutch. I tucked it under my chin and during my struggle with my jeans I was afraid my ostrich clutch was going to fall to the gross bathroom floor! I vowed right then and there to never buy another clutch without straps!! I am even going to look into getting straps put on this lovely clutch of mine so it can come back into rotation. So there you have it, even for the Bag Snob, function comes before fashion. Leather fan clutch at Browns Fashion for $432.

There is something about this bag that makes me want it even though it is so unlike anything I would use. The general shape of this bag is a very typical hobo but the giant bow changes everything and adds an element of fun style. It is very usable even though it may appear costumey - it is great with jeans for a quick dress-me-up and the deep shoulder drop is especially handy for bulky winter coats and sweaters. Don't you hate it when your bag keeps slipping? There is nothing more annoying!! When I was pregnant during the winter in Boston I had to use an across the body bag to go over my huge coat for when I used the subway. Wow, I am so glad to be back in LA to the land of cars and good weather!! That was miserable but at least for those in that situation you can get a cute bag to get you through anything. $1895 at Bergdorf Goodman.