Recently in Shoulder Category

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.

If you're looking for a lazy slouchy bag to hang around with this weekend, grab Costume National's ruched hobo.  It has that sloppy-I don't care what I look like- chic but the ruched sides give it plenty of structure as well or it'd be just a giant blob and that would not be cute at all!  You won't need ripped jeand and Doc Martens with them, however, a feminine little white dress will beautifully contrast with this delightfully urban guerrilla bag.  I am quite impressed with the unique design of Costume National bags-- a simple shoulder bag with folded details also caught my eye.  Prices are quite reasonable-- check out Costume National Ruched Leather Hobo $1125 here and Costume National Folded Leather Shoulder Bag here.

My friend pointed out that the words "Frugal" and "snob" are contradictory but I beg to differ! Being a snob is not about spending money, it's a person with discerning taste, even if he/she is on a budget.  If you are a frugal snob looking for a bag that is well made with good quality leather-- look no further than Cole Haan's new Raleigh tote.  This is not for the girl who has a closetful of trendy designer bags.  It is for a sensible yet stylish girl who understands that her bag should be her accessory, and not the other way around.  If you are that girl, head over to Saks to check out Cole Haan Raleigh Triangle Tote for $348

An old favorite in a new finish-- kind of like seeing a friend who just had a visit to the derm/plastic surgeon.  You notice she looks better but not sure if you like the change.  I do find the woven leather interesting and have always had a soft spot for the baguette, the 'it' bag that started all copy cat 'it' bags on SATC.  Its shape and strap makes it easy to use in the evenings, a clutch with a handle if you will.  And it sits under the arm just so without fuss.  I am leaning towards a Snob for this one (and it's $880, did prices decrease?).  What about you?  Snob or Slob?  Check out Fendi Woven Leather Baguette here.

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

I love the idea of a Harley Davidson but I'd be lying I ever said I would get on one. I would need it to be a little more comfortable, safe and posh. A pared down version, if you will. And the same holds true for motorcycle jackets. I don't want a Hell's Angel motorcycle jacket, I want like a stylized version from Balenciaga. You know what I mean. Well, this bag is like that. It has all the cool motorcycle style details but it fits right in to everyday life in the burbs. It is a boring bag without the little details, but that's all it takes to make hip and urban - a few grommets, zipper pulls and beat up chocolate leather. Sounds easy but the subtlety is where it gets tricky. At Browns Fashion for $930.

I saw this Burberry bag and was like, "Oh good, Burberry is making cuter bags" and then I realized why I like it so much. It reminds me of the Proenza Schouler PS1. But now that I see them side by side, it is obvious who has got "it" and who doesn't. Seeing both together, I would never get the Burberry, it is so stodgy and stiff. This just proves how subtle and gray the line is between hip and dud. Koodos for Burberry for trying but it's back to the drawing board. Burberry convertible satchel for $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue and PS1 suede satchel at Barneys for $1595.

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!