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Could this be!?!? The Snobs post two glowing reviews of Gucci bags in one week!?!? Gucci has been catching our eye lately in a good way (and not the omg I'm ashamed I ever carried/wore anything with GG on it way).  First the large Lucy clutch and now the Iconic bag with horsebit hardware.  Very impressed with the use of the brand's iconic horsebit as the zipper pull, it makes a strong "I am Gucci" statement without compromising on design or resorting to the overkill of logos.  The pleated detail softens the hobo and lends a fresh young vibe to the aging brand.  I am all about the RTW this season from Gucci, too.  Frida Giannini's latest efforts will soon have people saying, Tom who?   Gucci Iconic Bag (15.7"w) at Saks for $1,950 (if they can drop the prices a wee bit they'd have a major hit here!)

I am always on the prowl for interesting bags like this Jil Sander multi zip tote.  At first it appeared sloppy but like everything Raf Simons does, there is a precise method to the slouch.  Unlike other ruffly bags, this is actually very functional.  Its softly draped folds each have a structured zipper opening allowing one to hide different treasures accordingly.  This is especially useful while traveling.  I am having many senior moments and often forget what and where I hide my things when I travel because I have so many little boxes and containers!  Having all the secret pockets in one single bag will help me with my forgetfulness. Once again, Jil Sander delivers on style and functionality and I've come to expect nothing less from the brand.  What do you think of the multi zip tote?  JIL SANDER - MULTI ZIP TOTE $2,593/ 1920 euro.

Lauren Bush launched the newest FEED bag, the FEED 2 Kenya bag exclusively in store at Bergdorf Goodman. Each bag pays to feed 2 Kenyan children for 1 whole year, with $100 of the bag's proceed going directly to the United Nations World Food Programme's School Feeding operations in Kenya. Did you know every five seconds a child dies because he or she is hungry? Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined. Not only does the money go to feed children, the bag itself is handcrafted in Kenya by a coop of women so you are also supporting women artisans.

The FEED 2 is much more stylish and fashionable than the first version, each bag is exquisitely hand-beaded and has leather handles and shoulder strap for everyday wear or farmer's market shopping. Wear it across the body as a messenger for busy days running errands. The bags are $195, exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, in store. Click for more information on the FEED project.

My expectations of Prada bags are so low nowadays that I'm excited just to see a boring old hobo with a zipper on it (even though it disturbs me how much it resembles Tod's hobo).  This is a basic that won't let you down, even if it's raining cuz if it's one thing I trust in Prada bags are its leather and durability.  The glazed calfskin (not patent) will age beautifully!  I've been buying Prada bags for 20 years and not one has fallen apart on me.  The easy hobo style comes back every year so it's also a good investment if you're looking for a bag under a grand.  Nice flat shoulder straps with secure zipped outer pocket and it opens to a big ol' bucket of a bag.  I'm leaning towards the sumptuous luggage brown but strongly suggest you use it with the backside facing out cuz that logo spelled out is almost as annoying as the triangle plate.  I know, I'm hard to please.  12.5"x10" will allow you to take it out at night without looking like a real hobo -- Prada Vitello Hobo at Saks $995.  Have a snob weekend everyone!  xoxo

I was really rooting for Hannah MacGibbon to rock Chloe's world back to Pheobe Philo's glory days but what I'm seeing lately is making me cringe! What is this thing?  Suede, studs and way too many chains going on.  It looks like macrame craft project gone bad. 

Delivery for this bag is not until September, so perhaps there is time to salvage this.  Let's start with removing the studs (and this is from a stud addict)-- it makes no sense whatsoever to have the two rows of studs there alongside all of that chain detail unless it's removable and converts to a belt in which case it makes perfect sense (not).  The chains framing the studs need to go, too.  That leaves the actual chain that holds up the bag and the chain down the center.  Now you have a chic bag with chains.  But I have no idea when suede and chains became so expensive, the bag is 2,662 euro/$3,685USD!  What do you think?  Snob or slob?

CHLOE for women from LUISAVIAROMA

This is a leather bag made to look like a paper shopping bag. When I first saw it, I thought, what idiot would buy such a thing? And then I went to a Lakers game and saw Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's wife, with it. I don't mean to beat on her for no reason, she is just not a nice person and apparently does not know how to shop either. A friend of mine lives in their gated community in Laguna and saw her screaming at the gate guard after he greeted her with, "Good evening Mrs. Bryant". She stopped the car, turned it around and went back to shout, "DO NOT EVER TALK TO ME!". I mean, it's not like he said, "That bag of yours is ridiculous" or something. Which is what I thought but was polite enough to keep to myself (to her face, I mean). So now this bag is laden with all sorts of negative associations for me. But not like it was ever a good bag so, so be it. Oh, I should have mentioned, it's $2525 (same price for both styles, both come in black or white). There is also an even more ridiculous little pink one. Contact Chanel (800) 550-0005 or Alexis at 214-520-1055.

One of our readers sent me a tweet on Twitter recently: "What is the "It" black bag for fall? I need one that can be used for work AND play!"

I gave her several suggestions before discovering this beauty from Jimmy Choo. The Odette bag has all the elements of an 'it' bag while still retaining a classic feel in black grainy calf leather. It has top handles with silver rings and a Y-strap detail on front with a subtle sprinkling of studs that is on trend without rendering you a fashion victim.  It actually reminds me of something YSL circa Tom Ford years would have come up with!  Totally acceptable for work, the unique stirrup style strap makes it edgy chic for play as well.

The Odette is the coolest bag I've ever seen from the House of Choo!  It's from the Fall collection and will not be available until September at Bergdorf's for $2,095 (you can pre-order!).

If you missed our live chat with Monica Botkier this morning don't worry. We will have the entire transcript up this afternoon for your perusal! Monica shared with us her story of balancing life as a female entrepreneur, designer, photographer and mother to two bouncing babes!

We will also have sneak peeks at many of Monica's favorite Fall bags later. But to satisfy your craving immediately, we highly suggest picking up the Venice Satchel. It's rocker chic at its very best! Monica told us in our virtual personal appearance chat: "I am so overwhelmed by the reaction to Venice. This was a group for SS09 that has just gone crazyy so we are bringing it back for SS10 in January. I felt like I needed to get in touch with my inner bad ass and feel cool so I wanted a lot of zips and tassels..."

Oh yes, we'd like to get in touch with our inner bad ass as well!   The Venice Satchel is available in three delicious colors for $595 each.  At Botkier website and at Shopbop!

I previewed one of the most exquisite Chanel collections I have ever laid eyes on at the Fall 09 trunk show yesterday. It was an elaborate celebration of culture, art and fashion-- one that only the Kaiser (and the Mademoiselle herself) could have executed so perfectly. The Paris-Moscow collection is a collector's dream-- many pieces are by custom order only (three month delivery) which make them even more collectable. Glittering jewels, exaggerated pearl/beaded belts, embellished leather motorcycle jackets, embroidered cashmere coats, ornate dresses, handpainted and laser cut leather bags, matryoshka doll minaudieres-- everything was fit for a Tsarina!   The Paris-Moscow collection will be one remembered as the moment Chanel brought luxury back!

Beyond the theatrics, however, there were more than a few gorgeous and very functional bags.  I ordered the "Portobello" tote in black below (also available in grey and brown).  The zipper detail is not merely decorative-- it has two uses- to zip up the front pocket and to use as adjustable strap!  It's around 32cm and will be my daily easy tote!  (jump for more!)

(The must have bag from Chanel Fall 09-- The Portobello-a distressed lambskin tote that may be buttoned into a lady like bag or left open and casual. $2,375 call Alexis 214-520-1055 to order)

Chloe is slowly but surely making its way back into our hearts.  It was my friend Connie's birthday yesterday and we chipped in to buy her the Chloe Paraty in chocolate python.  We have a "birthday" group of girlfriends-- there are 4 of us and we have been celebrating each other's birthdays together for 5 years.  There is always champagne involved of course (and a LOT of dessert), sometimes the lunches end at dinner time!  The birthday girl gets to pick out whatever gift she wants!  We decided a long time ago that we're too old for surprises (unless it's from our hubbies and involve any kind of diamonds and of course anything made by our kids!) so it works out for everyone!   

If you're looking for a gift for a girlfriend or for mom, here is another Chloe worthy of consideration.  The oversized Ethel tote (15x15) in delectable berry is cheeky bright with a flash of brilliantly contrasting orange leather-- an edgy detail that makes the simple tote more interesting.  Thankfully Chloe is over the heavy hardware of the Paddington days, the subtle gold tonal hardware is very understated and the lambskin with goatskin trim make the tote super lightweight to boot.  Really a fab summer tote to travel with and play with-- I'd never thought I'd love a purple bag trimmed with bright orange but hey, never say never, right?
Chloe Ethel tote $1,395 at Nordstrom.com - get free shipping!