Recently in Shoulder Category

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?

I have been taking a much closer look at Versace because they are sponsoring the Hollywood Bag Ladies' Luncheon that I am on the committee of (imagine 600 women fighting for 300 luxury bags at the biggest silent auction ever!). While at the Rodeo Drive boutique, I became mesmerized by this Socialite shoulder bag. It is exactly what you want from Versace, edgy and flashy and completely different from anything else out there. The "bow" is Donatella's own interpretation of a bow and is nothing short of genius (and I don't say that about her very often!). The blue and purple are sold out everywhere but Beverly Hills has one dark gray left for $2895. Call Versace Beverly Hills (310) 205-3921.

This is a rather odd and stiff shape for Lanvin.  I don't mind boxy bags but this one is almost too boxy, to the point that I'm uncomfortable looking at it.  I do like the bar hardware detail, I guess Alber Elbaz is taking a new mod direction away from his pearls, lace and chains.  Those who prefer sleek lines should take a liking to the bag but it's really expensive at $1,995!  And it's lined in fabric!  I don't know, not feeling Lanvin bags of late.  Lanvin Novo Leather MM Shoulder Bag here. 

What about you?  Feel it, or not?

We love a great cause and how great is Louis Vuitton donating 10% of ONLINE sales of select bags this month to The Red Cross??? Louis Vuitton has chosen four iconic monogram canvas designs to feature online and donate the sales of. The Keepall was originally created as a back-up bag included in the Louis Vuitton trunk and quickly became the ultimate weekend tote. The Speedy was created in 1930 but became famous when it was redesigned specifically for Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The Noe was invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton to perfectly hold five champagne bottles. The Alma was originally inspired by the Art Deco movement and has become a recognizable symbol of Louis Vuitton.  If you have been thinking of purchasing one of these timeless styles, this month is the time to do it!  Go here to shop!

I'm attending the opening of Louis Vuitton boutique at North Park this evening with the CEO of LVMH North America, Daniel Lalonde. What will I be carrying you ask? Why this lovely Minaudiere Tresor Crocodile below ($5,450) in the most spectacular shade of blue/green. Call the boutique 214-361-8566 to purchase the clutch but make sure you purchase the above bags online so 10% will be donated to The Red Cross!

I walked by Gucci today and saw a few bags that are definitely snob worthy.  There was a gray/white python one that stopped me in my tracks for a minute and almost convinced me to pull out that Amex card I've semi-retired.  Luckily I came to my senses and moved on, that's when I came across the Bamboo Bar Leather tote.  Now this is not a bad looking bag, I actually like the shape, the leather and even the very discreetly placed strip of embossed logo leather.  What is puzzling is the flimsy (though stylish) handles and all the unnecessary little pieces of straps that render the bag sloppy.  So the bag is almost cute but definitely expensive ($1,895 for leather).  Gucci Bamboo Bar Leather Tote here.

I gave the black coffee Olivia Harris Round sac to my BFF in Taiwan, Kelly Lin, for her birthday last month (yes, being my BFF means you get lots of great bags as gifts!). I was going to wait for spring to get myself a dirty white but saw this grey version today on Olivia Harris' new online shop and had to have it!  The grey is so perfect for fall and as many of you know, it is one of my absolute favorite colors. Bag Snob Kelly (it gets confusing when your two BFFs are both named Kelly) used hers all over Taipei and on our flights, it's such a light weight and easy to use tote and we can't tell you how handy that giant zip pocket is!  You must check out the site for many other new styles that Joy Gryson has come up with for the line. 

Olivia Harris Zip Pocket Round Sack $395

I'm getting kind of bored with Fall bags already, it's the end of the season and everything is starting to look alike to me. One way to get out of the funk is to shop vintage. This Chanel with the swirl stitching is so edgy and cool because it looks vintage, and you get a great price for it! A win-win if you ask me. Portero is better than going to vintage shops because they authenticate all their bags and it is less time consuming to shop online. Sure I love sorting through random things to find the gems and that's fun while on vacation but honestly, who has time to do that on a regular basis? Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Leather Swirl Stitch Envelope Shoulder Bag is $588!! Shop Chanel at Portero.com.

Congratulations to our winners: Michelle C., Bass Harbor, ME and John M., Riverhead, NY

We are extending the giveaway for one more day! Last day to enter!!! Good luck!

We are greedy bag lovers so to kick off Fall, we are giving away two bags for October! There will be 2 winners for the season's most coveted trends, bright red and animal print. Trust me, you can not make it through the season without having these in your rotation. A little pop is all you need to wow up anything drab to fab.

Sign up to receive our newsletter to win either the Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma GM Pomme D'Amour bag (retail value $2,520) or Sang A Loren Oversized Leopard Clutch (retail value $1,150). The LV Alma is pre-owned and is in perfect condition courtesy of Fashionphile. The Sang A is brand new and is a sheen leather with leopard print. If you already receive our newsletters, you will still need to enter your email address to enter the contest. Last day to enter is October 31, 2009 11:59pm EST. Two winners will be randomly selected on November 1, 2009. Good luck!! Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email, so that we can contact you when you win. ENTER NOW!

Thank you Fashionphile and Sang A for sponsoring this very special giveaway!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

PEPE LE PEW
Do you smell something?  Oh right, it's Halloween!  And that's when the crazies come out to play.  And really the only time the skunk, otherwise known as the Curella de Ville look, would be cool and fun.  FENDI SKUNK FUR PEEKABOO ROLL BAG at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1970.

MUST HAVE ACCESSORY FOR YOUR MICHAEL JACKSON COSTUME

You know you're dressing up as Michael Jackson this year.  Everyone else is.  But you will be the real MJ, not that red leather jacket with excessive zippers MJ.  Deep down he was a true Balmain man.  Respect him.  Balmain Punk Sueded Stud Bag at Net-a-Porter for $3925.