Recently in Oversize Category

It was a bit of a Bagsnob reunion in Beverly Hills last Thursday, as Tina and Kelly (fresh back from Asia) and Liza (fresh back from the grocery store) convened at Bottega Veneta on Rodeo to check out the trunk show for Spring 2010. Liza spent much of her time in the dressing room trying to wrestle her way into samples of the chalky silk, Karate-influenced dresses (which were gorgeous, inventive and ingeniously constructed), but from what she could see through cracks in the doors, Tina and Kelly found plenty to add to their ever-growing Bottega wish lists. Of note: An insanely beautiful, bright blue crocodile doctor's bag ($24,000). Made from impeccable skin, the color strikes an ideal balance of electric vibration and aquatic depth. To ground the brightness, the bag is structured, simple, timeless, with a rigid top and double handles. The overall effect pulls focus from fifty feet away but somehow remains serene, drawing the eye with an almost centrifugal force. There are no images of the bag in that color, so you'll have to go see it in person for yourself (or jump to see the Twitter shot Tina took).

The Orchid Esperanza Ayers clutch (above left- $1,980), with brightly contrasting chartreuse zipper pull lends lightheartedness to the usual Bottega sophistication. The Ebano Intreccio Nuance Bag (above right--$1,480) is reminiscent of the Hermes Picotin, but much more supple and intricate with functional interior pockets. There is a larger size in perky yellow and white (Tina's note: but we think the smaller is much cuter).

The signature Cabat bags (which, in the large size, are truly ample enough to carry a large baby or medium-sized dog) come this season in a light straw color leather (Paille shiny calf $7,800) which was ingeniously treated by leather craftsman to sound (crinkles and crackles to the touch) and feel like... straw (except it's leather, kind of the reverse Stella thing). Come spring, it will be a nice stand-in on those days when you just don't feel like taking your Birkin to the farmer's market. Call Bottega in BH to order- 310-858-6533! Bottega bags also available at Net-a-Porter.com

It kills me every time a girlfriend says "I don't get it" about Valextra bags. What's not to get? Just look at the bags! Turn it inside out, stomp on it (if you get thrown out of Barneys, tell them Bag Snob told you to do it), put 10 pounds worth of junk in it, throw it in a packed suit case, let your kid drag it across the park-- it will be fine! Why? Because it's one of the best made bags in the world. So there are no logos nor frills but that's the appeal of its simply and beautifully made bags. I love the new bags styles this season, especially the Namaste hobo-- a supple and casual option for those who don't like the structure of its rigid bags. The very short and very flat handle fits right on the shoulder and the bag under the armpit snugly.  So comfortable and secure and won't slip no matter how fast you're running to catch that cab. All through Fashion Week Kelly and I griped about needing more over the shoulder bags (as we lugged around our fabulous but heavy birkins in the crook of our arms) to leave our hands free (so she can carry her coffee and so I can twitter incessantly). I saw this at Barneys and grabbed it, inspected it, carried it, and almost walked out with it. It was just a tad on the large side for me or it'd be sitting in my closet right now. I know they will make a smaller version so I will wait for that. 14.25" x 19.5" for $1,680 at Barneys.com here.

Am experiencing major obsession over VBH bags lately, specifically the shoppers above.  There is nothing extraordinary about an elongated tote but from VBH, it's anything but ordinary.  First, the materials used are of the very best (I put them up there with Hermes and Bottega) and the craftsmanship, unquestionable.  But what I really love is the design of this shopper called the "Nap Sac", when carried on the shoulder, it becomes an extension of you and languidly wraps itself around you.  The genius of the tote is that it looks amazing both on Kelly and myself (two very different body shapes).  It's because of the way the handles fit right under the armpit or the crook of the arm-- the snug fit will allow the supple bag to mold itself on you, no matter your size.  Even at 35cm it looks like it was made for me because of its softness.  The Nap Sac is a mainstay in the VBH collection but it's far from boring.  Each season it's updated with either chains, studs, or just luxurious python.  Me, I'm all about the black with subtle sprinkling of studs.  What about you? 

VBH Leather Shopper with Stud Detail $2,650

VBH Python Shopper 40cm wide, $4,250

Is Derek Lam on fire or what? His is one of the strongest bag collections of the season, every single bag speaks to me! A good friend of mine in New York asked me to find her a leopard bag recently; she works in PR and has a packed social schedule. Her specifics were "something cool, in a simple shape and for use from day to night". I immediately thought of the Kashmira clutch from Derek Lam. I tote around my Elsa python clutch while shopping in the day and at night for cocktails. Derek's urban and edgy clutches are generously sized without being monstrous, have functional multi-compartments to fit the million things we need and always have a feminine and whimsical touch-- perfection? Pretty damn close. The Kashmira clutch is made in Italy of hair calf and is 15" x 15" (unfolded as a tote) or 15" x 7.5" (folded) and is $1,295 (a bargain considering its size and multi convertible use!). Call Wayne to order and for more info-- 212-966-1616 or email him ! I ordered mine already and plan to wear it with my white Derek Lam dress with chunky gold jewelry.

Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch also available at Shopbop.com

UPDATE: Derek Lam also made this clutch in a luscious taupe/grey suede version for those of you who are too timid to do jaguar. It retails for $990 and has the same dimensions! Call Wayne :)

Each season, I choose an Oscar de la Renta bag (or two... or three...) to add to my collection. This fall, I'm eyeing the "Taylor" python hobo. The bag itself is a simple classic shape that Oscar has done time and again but the handle offers a naughty twist-- it's hand woven from leather and metal chain! I know, total rock star worthy (and you should see the studded knee high boots!  Why Oscar, I had no idea you loved studs like me!).  The details and workmanship in the handle is purely haute couture (Oscar's specialty!)  But don't worry, it's not heavy because python skin is super lightweight and is the best skin to combine metal with.  This particular python skin Oscar used is really sublime and comes in delicious shades of frothing cream and coffee.  The "Taylor" python tote is $2,950 at Oscar de la Renta boutiques-- Call Mindy at 214-346-0400 -- I think there are only 2 left!!!

I came across Laudi Vidni's website recently and was immediately drawn to the sleek and high tech site. The user friendly software allows clients to customize their own bags-- what a great idea!  You start by choosing the silhouette of the bag (there are 8 styles including shoulder bags, clutches, hobos and functional totes with prices ranging from $125-$850) and then go on to choose from 40 imported Italian leathers, ranging from style essentials like patent leather or classic croc, to more daring choices such as "floral velvet," a metallic blue calfskin with a subtle floral pattern of faded gold, greens and purple.

Luxurious sateen linings are available in six different colors and hand-brushed Italian hardware is available in silver and gold. Overall, there are more than 10,000 possible style combinations! Totally brilliant! I actually spent almost an hour playing on the site, I chose a simple daily tote in metallic black trim with black pebbled grain leather that came out to $495 and a cute clutch in gold with distressed gold trim for $231.  Fun!  I was sent leather sampls and can tell you that the leathers are supple, rich and sublime.

Go check out the site here and customize a bag for yourself (or as a gift!) 

I love how the wicker weaving on Anya Hindmarch's Bowery bag is made to look like studs! Upon closer inspection you'll see it's merely the placement of the metallic weave. This is a fabulous choice for our 'mature' snobs who love the look of rock and roll studs but feel it is not appropriate for their age. I previewed this at the showroom over Fashion Week and it is even better in person because you can not get the wonderful details from a photo. Anya loves being organized and of course this bag has her usual hidden and zippered interior pockets and key clip. Slightly oversized at 16" wide, it slouches just enough when you carry it so that it doesn't overwhelm. If you are petite and love the look of big bags, make sure it has short shoulder straps like this bag, nothing worse than a giant bag with long straps hanging down to a girl's knees! Anya Hindmarch Bowery bag $1,350 here

Molly Sims looking effortlessly stylish while out shopping for sunglasses. Her casual look of leather jacket with jeans was capped off with a rocker chic bag by Fullum & Holt (a name you need to know about). Crafted from supple lambskin, Fullum & Holt's "Oversized Spiral" retails for $600 and is available in black and cream as well as a smaller version, the "Half Spiral" which retails for $575 (they look like pillows and I kinda want to cuddle).

The collection can be purchased online at Fullum Boutique here, as well as at select retail outlets for $480 - $720.

About Fullum & Holt designer: Recognized for his eccentric leather cuts, his sophisticated tailoring and his outright fascination for everything that's unconventional, Denis Gagnon is, without a doubt, one of the most important Canadian designers in this day and age.

Photos: BNC

A few readers emailed me that they got the Jimmy Choo Blythe for work and that it fits everything but the kitchen sink. I say, you will make it to CEO soon (if you aren't already) with such a hot bag. It shows you are above the curve and possess exceptional decision making skills. The buckles show you are on the cutting edge but you know exactly when too much is too much. Four buckles on each side going half way up is the perfect amount. The classic shape is uber pragmatic and the all around zipper that opens the bag entirely gives it extreme functionality as you slide your laptop in and out with ease. There are 2 separate compartments, one larger than the other. You will never be caught fumbling through your bag. Including looking for your keys because it comes with a detachable key ring that can be clasped to the interior loop. Too chic for the office really, but you always impress! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1895, also comes in taupe.

I really have no words for this ball (spare tire holder?) bag from Bottega Veneta.  It's 18" around so I don't know how one is supposed to carry it, balanced on your head?  Clutched to your middle like a pillow?  Yes, I know when you pick up the all leather version it slouches like a ball but this one is more structured and holds its shape as a flying saucer.

I imagine the crochet technique is very difficult because they are charging $5,200 for this thing. Wait, I just thought of more uses for it-- moon cake carrier or a pizza delivery bag but hello, five grand?!?!?

I am quite concerned-- with news of Prada losing $50 million a day you'd think everyone else would be scrambling to produce bags that people will actually want to buy and use (not to mention afford!).  At Barneys New York.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob?