Recently in Patent Leather Category

I am not saying that I like this bag but I do have some commentary (obviously). I saw this in the Versace store window and literally did a double take. I stopped and looked up at the store sign to make sure it was in fact Versace I was standing in front of and not some store selling Kooba or something. It is such a shock to see something so subdued and underwhelming. It made me kind of sad, I expect Versace to do hideous and crazy, it keeps things interesting. What's not interesting is this practical tote with a reasonable amount of detailing. It's as though Britney Spears married a nerdy nice guy and became president of her kids' PTA or something!! And then I find out the price and I became even more disappointed - it would have been a really great punchline to say, but this bag is $5000!! But it is a tolerable $1300 for the large. The only thing totally objectionable is the Medusa head emblem but even that is small and non-obtrusive. Call the Rodeo Two Versace boutique to purchase, 310-205-3921.

I am totally pleasantly surprised with this incredible buy from Badgley Mischka. Well, I don't know why it is called a clutch when it is clearly the most prototipycal handbag shape of all handbags, and it is kind of big at 16"W X 11"H but anyway, I can get over all that very easily because this bag totally kicks ass and the price is a sight to behold at $375. Yeah, that's right, hello!!! Ok, it is nylon lined which is "ehh" and the construction is a little odd, the cool shape is achieved by simply folding in the sides. You can kind of see it bunching and I am not sure how long this origami design will hold its shape. I mean, those aren't necessarily deal breakers for me but it does explain the cheap tag. The upsides do make up for the chintz though. The patent leather in this olive is so hot for Fall, the handle is removable so it does actually become a clutch (dual function cuts the price in half, right?), and the shape is totally retro especially with that pushlock clasp. Is anyone watching Mad Men? You have to just to see the fashion and the bags are awesome! I mean, they are all the same but seriously amazing in its daintiness and ultimate ladylike appeal. This BM is a bit too modern to fit in to the 60's but I love the feel! Helena Patent Envelope Clutch at Saks for $375.

Yeah, we all know Chanel can do classic but there is more than one customer out there and they know it. In an attempt to do cute and funky they ended up with child-like and furry. Let's start with the child-like bag which is actually named "Candy-like". Through astute observation, they see that their core shoppers act like kids in a candy store at their boutiques, but they are taking this a little too literally. Observations need to be analyzed and processed not just regurgitated. We act like kids in a candy store but we don't actually want "candy". Even for the sake of the argument, let's say we do - this arm "candy" does not at all function well or is remotely cute. The chain is attached to one corner so it dangles oddly at your side, hanging like a giant Christmas ornament from your wrist, all the while spinning uncontrollably as you walk. When you put it on your shoulder, the pyramid / triangular shape does not conform to a human figure whatsoever and just sits away from you with nowhere for your arm to go. It comes in 2 sizes, the larger is $1295 and is about 12" at the base of the triangle, the smaller is $1150 and is around 8".

The other major misstep this season is the "Tibet", which I find offensive to the Tibetans who work so hard for their dignity. What it looks like is a Maltese. It is a classic lambskin flap with what looks like straggles of shearling fringes that were badly injured by a crimping iron. Save the shearlings for my coats, please and spare my bags of superfluous trimmings off random animals. Keep in mind you can get a python classic flap for $3400, this thing is $4995.

After 3 weeks on the road I am feeling very practical and relish in the uncomplicated, which is exactly what this Longchamp shopper is. The patent bright nude shade is a friend to everything in your closet and of course patent is so easy to clean and maintain. The big zip hinge opening makes getting in a breeze and the 2 outer zipper pockets makes your life easy and organized. The price is also practical at $900 as with the style - perfect for city girls and suburbanites alike. I am loving everything simple and chic, my exotics will take a breather for the next month until I get my high maintenance legs back. Actually, I am quite low maintenance and being high maintenance is such a chore for me but is required when I leave the house and must look presentable. Oh no, did I just let the cat out of the bag? Bag Snob Kelly is actually a slob! Yikes. =) At Saks Fifth Avenue, but I think it is sold out online, you must make your way into the nearest Saks or order by calling 1.877.551.SAKS (7257).

Jil Sander Ashanti Pocket Tote $1295; Lanvin Padova Sac$2160

I did not have bags as cool as this when I was going to school, but then again we also didn't have wireless internet (yes, that's right, go ahead and make fun of how ancient we are). I didn't think to be very practical so my nice bags couldn't function going to class. Well, you will now benefit from my new found wisdom =) I chose bags that are practical but above all else, totally hip! I kept all the colors dark/patent so that these can wear well after you graduate and can go right into your professional life. These are also big enough for your laptop, if they are under 13" wide (like a MacBook). And all are big enough for notebooks - I never walked around with text books and I doubt they will fit but for your backs' and bags' sake, I would just not read them (just kidding! .... but not really).

My first pick is the Jil Sander Ashanti Pocket Tote. Well, just look at the big outer pocket, I know how you kids love to chew gum and pop breath mints - you gotta keep them handy when the hottie football player comes to chat. It is also has that bit of edge you want to maintain while you're young and full of attitude. Love it! And if you are the fierce fashionista on campus, you MUST have the Lanvin Padova Sac in patent Marine. How fabulous is this? I mean, forget school bag, this bag will rock any girl's wardrobe.

Leave it to the genius behind Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, to make a traditional chain bag look fresh and new again! Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York told me that Alber is obsessed with embellishment, he wants to wrap us all up in pearls, chains and ribbons-- and who am I to refuse? I love love love this Rodeo bag from Lanvin this season! It's the ultimate feminine and sexy bag. A grosgrain ribbon is interwoven into half of the chain so he could tie it in a pretty bow which is sweet as can be but lest we feel too girly, he toughened it up with black patent-- so sexy! Dual turnlock closures and strap details are also different from his past chain flap bags. My chief complaint of the Hero bag is it's flatness, but he solved that by making the Rodeo nice and wide so it's actually functional, not just pretty to look at. $1,835 at Barneys New York. Or call Pam and Cory at 469-221-4807 (By the way, Barneys just went 75% off starting today-- so call them to get your hands on some serious discounted goodies!)

Has enough time gone by for us to do yet another Chanel bag? Well, you have been warned, Chanel has a strong collection this Fall so start saving, girls! Nice evening bags do not have to be exclusively clutches, I mean, we all know the drawbacks of clutches - nowhere to put it down in the bathroom, can't hold it when dancing and drinking. But this can also work for nice formal events, which is the beauty of this beauty. Go across the body for big nights out with big drinking involved and keep it at your side on the shoulder for wine sipping events. It is patent calfskin with oh-so-Chanel metal and strass jewel details, there are a few bags for Fall with this detail but I love the youthful fun of this one. The new Robertson boutique in Los Angeles has the best selection of bags I've seen and they are all the cute young bags that are meant as the centerpiece of your outfit. The store is already full of tourists, but that is to be expected on Robertson these days, that is why a lot of designers are leaving the street and opting for Melrose Place instead, which I love. The quaint and quiet street is conducive to serious shopping and it is of course the most beautiful street in LA. But Chanel is too huge for there, they need the big exposure - like the other day I was in the Rodeo store and Usher walks in, bringing along with him a gaggle of female fans. He was very very nice and took pictures with all of them but he was not able to do much shopping (too bad because I really really wanted to see what he was going to buy). Gotta love Chanel! This bag is $5,495, call (800) 550-0005 to them locate it for you.

While Tina is in Europe, I am here in good ‘ole Alabama visiting family. And not in a city or town either, I am on a farm, like there are cows outside my window (and not to get too political on a fashion blog, but there are also Confederate flags everywhere). People here just don’t find anything in my world relevant so I am a bit lost in a foggy state of fashion hell. The only thing I could do to stay sane is shop online, thank god for internet!! So in my quest for civilization, I did come across something good, not blow your savings good but hey, I will settle for good enough at this point. But that is not fair to say because Celine has been climbing the bag designer hierarchy by the season with hip bags like this. Their quality has always been there, they have been around for over 60 years but they are no longer the frumpy house of horse carriage toile and tassels (although I am not opposed to tassels in general). This bag will not impress your trend whore friends but is for you gals who go in the office and show them who’s boss. I am not a lawyer but I do believe this would be perfectly appropriate for court, except you will have an extra bounce in your step showing up with a candy apple red patent leather bag instead of a dull black leather briefcase (but of course not our bag snob lawyers). Celine is staying true to their clientele of professional women but it is refreshing to see them do something that is not only beautifully made but fashionable, as well. There is a flap in the front that opens to a compartment big enough for documents and a center zip compartment in the main cabin that will fit a laptop. The chain is removable. Although I am in love with the red patent, the incredibly beautiful and lush steel grained leather is probably a better choice for serious professionals. This appropriately named “Watch me work” bag is at Net a Porter for $2100.

YSL Marjorelle $1395, Lanvin Python Pochette $1830
Bottega Venta $2780, Miu Miu Matelasse $1590

Are you ready for summer? Well, first things first, you gotta get your white bags on! Here are our favorite bags in white for the summer. And who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Total non-sense, especially when we are talking about fabulous classic bags that are appropriate for all seasons and occasions. The YSL Marjorelle has become one of my favorite bags this season (I have the blue but now am wishing I had waited for this white!!). The Lanvin pochette in python is a steal for $1830 and is the perfect bag for your tiny summer dresses or even a hot evening out with a tropical cocktail, umbrella and all. For the practical gals, the tri-compartment Bottega Veneta breezes from work to weekends. And if you are in between hip and pragmatic, the Miu Miu is genius for all events in your life. It has stood the test of time so even though it is a trend bag, you will be able to use it for many seasons to come. Like with everything else, before anything can get started, you must first have the perfect bag!

By the way, the Lanvin and Miu Miu is 40% off at Barneys Dallas for one day only! Call Pam or Cory at 469-221-4807

How incredibly cute is the Julie foldover clutch from JALDA? I am featuring a lot of indie designers this week, with bags under $500 because great bags are to be had at every price level! As we all know by now, price is not indicative of one's style or taste. :) I spend hours going to stores to see the latest in bags, and I always find myself drifting away from the Prada, Gucci and Fendi counters to the corners of the department--that's where the real finds are and is how I first discovered Jalda last year! The lovely bag designer from the Netherlands has done it again this season with a flirty pleated, foldover clutch, The Julie. I love a puffy clutch. It holds more stuff and has a girly vibe that all of us could use at one time or another. This one is generously sized at 10.5"x8"x2.5" which means I can fit my giant Hermes Kelly wallet in it (It's been a nightmare fitting that wallet in my clutches and Chanel bags!). I love the signature polished, bean-shaped handle--it fits the curve of your hand perfectly, so you can tote it around or clutch it depending on your mood! At $350, I want to get one in every color, especially the sky blue on top. At JALDA at Saks and Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Jalda. Jump for more!