Recently in Snob or Slob 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've been looking at this bag for weeks and it is slowly growing on me-- it's still not something I'd buy but I can see the appeal to many. At first I cringed at the studs overkill but the pyramid shape at least makes it interesting.  I see this on a slightly older bag snob who does not see studs as a passing fancy but part of her staple wardrobe (as it was for her in the '80s).  Wait, that sounds like me!  It also feels very Halloween to me for some reason... what do you think?  Is this a Trick or a Treat? Jimmy Choo Ramona studded leather bag $3125

I walked into the Cavalli boutique last week and was shocked that I wanted more than few things in there!  What?  I don't own a single piece of Cavalli because I'm not into tacky floral with animals prints which is what I've associated with Cavalli for years!  But instead, I found sleek suede pants with chic little fur boleros!

The bags were not bad either! A total improvement from the past season, though this little clutch number is just a bit too much. Had they stopped with just the two rows of studs (without the different sizes, round studs and multiple hued metals) it'd be so much better. I'm not sick of studs, never have and never will but this is even overkill for me. I do love the heavy chain with the suede though. Could work with a lot of stuff in my closet right now but seriously, a bit overpriced. Roberto Cavalli Studded Suede Clutch $1,115 here.

What do you think? Too much or totally slammin'?

This is a puzzing clutch from Halston, it's going for the cool deconstructed look but literally falls short.  The exposed suede portion is completely out of place and the wristlet strap is strange to the point of distraction.  I know this is supposed to be a grab and go clutch but I just don't jive with it.  What about you?  Snob or Slob?  Halston Henry Ponyskin Clutch

How exciting to have not one but two bags named after me this season!  It's hard not to like a bag with my namesake but I have to admit this one is for a much much younger Tina.  One who enjoys her cigarettes (if anyone in my family is reading this, I never smoked!) and her vodka (on the rocks, with two lemons and an olive) while dancing til dawn (hence the body strap, very handy while dancing the night away!).  The current Tina, the one you know now, lectures her friends on the peril of smoking, is excited when she drinks two glasses of wine without passing out and likes to be in bed by 11pm after a game of Dance Dance revolution on Wii.  But at least I'm not too old to appreciate the edgy coolness of this square shaped camera bag with multiple zippers (the better to stash stuff in).  I just think it'd look better on Agnyss.  The price is not bad at $590-- Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch at Shopbop.com
What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

BCBG's latest bag for Fall 2009 bag, the Femme Fatale, is almost the exact replica of my blue python Tod's Helmut Tote from Fall 2008.  Granted, it's only $398 compared to a $1200 leather Tod's bag but still, it's really no bargain.  This brings up the question of being inspired by and blatantly copying.  Where do we draw the line here?  DVF sued Forever 21 for its wrapped dresses, does Tod's have a case here against BCBG?  What do you think?

BCBGMAXAZRIA Femme Fatale Leather Satchel $398 at Saks.

No, these are not kitschy bags from Chinatown for $10.99, they're actually Marc by Marc Jacobs bags (must have been some trip!).  What do I make of all this you ask?  Have no idea but am guessing he was inspired by Japanese anime cartoons.  These are not totally hideous, just kind of weird and the deformed animals are scary.  That cat is freaking me out.  Don't look at it, just take my word for it.  The tote seems like it's from some sort of bizarre animated flights of fancy dream sequence and is kind of cool if I was in, say, junior high school but at $450 a piece they're just a bit overpriced. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cat Leather Shoulder Bag here. Marc by Marc Jacobs Flights of Fancy Leather Shopper here.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

I am very impressed with the latest Tory Burch bags.  Will be totally honest and admit that I have never been a fan of her bags but the latest crop show a lot of promise!  The studded tote is simple with just a touch of studded detail at the handles, great for college or for work.  It does look a bit cheap for some reason but still a nice basic with a bit of sass.  I like the Efram Hobo bag with studded details on the sides more than the tote, especially in luggage brown.  The triple row of flat studs are a chic contrast and even the signature T logo is not obtrusive or annoying.  I saw these at the Tory Burch boutique and they look even better carried on the shoulder.  Check out Tory Burch Studded Tote $495 here

Tory Burch Efram Hobo Bag $550 here and Tory Burch Efram Hobo Bag $550 here.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

I just can't get on the Ferragamo bagwagon, I don't care if Jen Aniston is carrying one, it's still a frumpy line for the elderly. I visit the boutique often, always full of hope that something will catch my eye and 'click'. And most bags do at first glance but upon closer inspection something is always 'off'. Like this braided leather tote. Nothing is really wrong with it except everything.  It just doesn't work.  The braided handles are stiff and ropey when you pick it up while the Ferragamo logo clasp look like Christmas wreaths.  The pleating was a cute good idea but looks wrong, does it not remind you of a cross eyed elephant?  A college professor may find use for its 18.5"x11" size but the price is a bit steep even for those with tenure.  I will give it a nod for its craftsmanship, impeccable braiding and detail, go check it out at the boutique and you'll see what I mean.  Salvatore Ferragamo Braided Leather Tote   What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Dior's Croisette bag is the perfect example of good intentions improperly executed in design. The idea is to make an oversized, edgy bag that can be used for work or play but instead is an over sized bumpy mess of harnesses, studs and hardware.  I picked this up the other day and the only thing it's good for is building biceps cuz it's heavy as hell!  It is also very stiff and awkward and forget it if you have long hair like me-- mine got caught in the web of hardware-- ouch!  The hardware prevents the calfskin from curving around your body, so important when the shoulder straps are that short and the bag that wide.  You end up walking around like you're carrying a giant trunk full of bibles for sale.  I would have just made the harness detail along the top, middle or bottom of the bag, not the entire thing.  I find that a little goes a long way when it comes to studs.  $2,550 at Bergdorf Goodman (hello!  expensive!). What do you think, Snob or Slob?