Recently in Pochette Category

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Chinese New Year this weekend than sharing the fabulous Chanel Paris-Shanghai collection with you!  My grandmother grew up in Shanghai during the height of its glory in the 1920's and 1930's, or as she calls it-- the chicest city on earth (other than Paris, she will admit).  Boy does she have great stories of her life as a young Shanghainese socialite (but I'm saving that for my book)!  I'm certain she'd approve of Chanel's beautiful homage to her glorious hometown (great excuse for me to pick up several bags so I can show them to her!)-- starting with the adorable plexi and enamel Chinese doll clutch above.  It's so exquisite and beautifully made that I will most likely have a glass case made to display it, taking it out for only the most special of occasions.  The sparkling sequined classic flap bags below are also very Chinese, we love anything shiny and anything red-- especially for Chinese New Year (I wear red underwear during the entire 2 weeks of celebrations-- sorry, is that too much info?).  The Paris-Shanghai collection is coming soon to a CHANEL boutique near you! This is a special sneak preview for Bag Snob readers, I will have more info for you soon!  Happy "Hu" Year everyone!

Images provided by CHANEL

Had Gabrielle Chanel (aka Coco) ran away with the circus instead of becoming a cabaret singer perhaps the Chanel classic flap bag would have resembled something like the Miu Miu Stage bags (Resort 2010) instead.  Yes yes, a little embellishment never hurt anyone but very large, very cheap looking, and very ugly rhinestones are total eyesores and my heart actually aches for the brand.  I don't know what happened to Miu Miu bags, I used to covet its bag each season but overnight (specifically Spring 2008) the bags just went way south of hideous.  Stores stopped carrying the line and it all but dropped off my radar until these showed up.  Nothing wrong with paying homage to Chanel bags but let's try not to insult them, either.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob? Miu MiuBags at Net-a-porter.com

Apparently Alien parasites inspired this YSL logo mini bag.  You know, as in the creepy crawly things growing under one's skin in sci-fi movies.  It's rare for us to rag on YSL but there ain't nothing charming about this mini charm bag (7.5"x5") and hello, $455 is not cheap!  I do appreciate creativity but it should also be aesthetically pleasing which this obviously is not.  A more subtle way to incorporate this into the leather would be hot pressing, at least it won't make me gag when I look at it.   

YSL logo mini bag here.

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

The first days of Fall brought with it a welcoming chill but I am already missing the warm days of summer (like my husband says, there is just no pleasing me!).  However, I am not missing summer for the temperature but for the colors-- I dread the dreary shades of autumn!  Browns and pumpkin shades are just not for me, I prefer the happy bright colors of spring, all year long.  Luckily, my favorite color (that would be pink if you're new to the blog) is the preferred hue of spring/summer 2010.  Even Anya Hindmarch takes a walk on the pink side (a departure from her usual muted shades!) with the "Gracie" Shoulder bag in Fuscia Pink calf leather ($850)-- it is the must have shape in the shade of the season.  Each season Anya updates her shoulder chain bag-- this time it's in a graduated vertical pleat that lends elegance to her classic silhouette.  The chain is lightened up and the shoulder strap is lengthened-- Anya certainly listens to her customers!  The "Rochelle"clutch is also a gorgeous burst of color in purple raffia ($295), this will be amazing on summer nights.  The Spring 2010 collection will be available starting next February at Anya boutiques near you.  You can also shop Anya Hindmarch bags here.

Anya Hindmarch is the queen of organization, ever since she was a little girl she obsessed over being organized and made little paper purses with multiple pockets! We love her latest stylish and functional bag, the Three Pocket Bag. It has Anya's signature hardware in her classic shape but instead of heavy chains, she lightened up this one with a simple flat shoulder strap.  I played with this at the showroom back in Feb and it's lightweight and easy to use.  The front pockets are so useful for receipts, cell, valet tickets and anything else you need to access quickly.  I love how she did the pockets in different yet complementary colors, now that's form and function!  Anya Hindmarch Three Pocket Leather Bag $995 here.

To say I am disappointed in Halston bags would be an understatement.  I don't know why I had such high expectations but I guess I fell for the hype and it's really my own fault but still, am disappointed.  When I hear Halston-- images of glamourous girls in silky lightweight jersey gowns and flowing hair comes to mind.  I was hoping to see some rockin' bags worthy of these girls; something with attitude, panache, style,,,, anything-- but this saggy lump of a sack called the Zai ($2,495) and the Jimmy Choo knock off chain style bag called the Hannah ($1,895 is the same price for the Chanel Lady Braid in purple-- I suggest you go for that instead!).  These bags are not terrible but they are not the sophisticated creations I have been hoping for (and all in suede?  Yuck!  I only like suede as accents on my bag, it just looks cheap when it is all suede!).  I mean if you are a casual college student or an intern at a fashion house I can see the messenger bag working but $2,495 for a no shape no style sack?  I have a dreary feeling about the revival of this brand... already besieged with rumors of strife and fighting (Rachel Zoe supposedly forced the departure of Creative Director Marco Zanini), I am wondering who's collection will walk down the September runways (his?  Or Zoe's interpretation?)  What do you guys think?  Are these bags worthy of the Halston name? Halston Zai messenger bag
Halston Hannah bag

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

This lilac python from the Cruise collection is giving me heart palpitations from lust and sheer joy from seeing something so incredibly beautiful and perfect. I seriously must have this and what a smart investment it will be, Chanel is eternally classic and the flap style in python is worthy of the snobbiest of snobs. I love that the double C clasp is also python instead of plain silver hardware, it totally makes up for the fact that the C's are bigger than normal. And the color, oh my, can you just die? It was made in white, light grey (that would have been super fab), dark blue, purple and black but the stores only picked it up in lilac and with good reason. Other than the light grey, this would just be another Chanel flap but this color is so special it's something you build your wardrobe around. This is of course perfect for Spring/Summer but you should also wear this with darker colors to bring out the soft delicate hue. Last year their python bags were $2500, should have would have could have but I didn't, but now even at $3250 it is still an incredibly good buy compared to other random soon to be obsolete bags out there. Plus this is limited quantity so you won't encounter the shame of having the exact same bag every other girl on the street has (i.e. Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs). And this will never go on sale so you won't be kicking and cursing at yourself when your full priced purchase is now an additional 30% off at Neimans. Surely all this is worth a few hundred dollars more. But most importantly you will have an estate piece that will be treasured for life and beyond. By order only, call Chanel at 800-550-0005 to have the nearest boutique that is carrying this bag contact you. I made sure to wait until mine was secured before I dished about it! Selfish, I know, but a girls got to do what a girls got to do to get the good bags!!

I can not remember the last time I saw a Chloe bag that was half decent and did not make me cringe (actually, it was probably before Phoebe Philo's departure). Anyway, here is a semi-decent, though not fabulous bag from Chloe. The Eddie is a small bag at 7 inches wide but has a long 20 inch drop from shoulder straps which seems to be quite popular with the club hopping underwear-less crowd. I do like the taupe color and the clasp is interesting, I just wish it was slightly larger to balance the heavy chain and thick strap. I am still waiting for Paulo Melim Andersson to find his groove because I refuse to give up the vision that was Chloe as created by Gaby Aghion and interpreted so brilliantly by Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo. Chloe Eddie leather shoulder bag $1525.