Recently in Suede Category

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'?

Snob alert! I was told this bag was made in limited editions (only 4-5 will be available!) Get your name on list now-- I believe all are spoken for but if you want one they will try to order more from Italy but no promises!!!

I am in love with the Henrietta tote from Derek Lam in lush suede and supple python and think it may be the one for me this season (I just read that the economic crisis is actually driving women to buy luxury bags!  Now I have a legitimate defense when my hubby complains about my bag habit.  "Honey, don't stress me out with talk of bad economy, I'll have to buy another bag!").  This gorgeous tote is as luxurious as a bag can get.  If you have ever owned an exotic from Derek you know that he uses top quality skins with meticulous stitching and workmanship-- look how the python blends seamlessly with the suede, it's as if they were always one.  The Henrietta tote is a timeless style with Derek Lam's signature edginess-- at once soft and tough, framed by minimal hardware.  The front pocket with functional side flap is another Derek Lam signature as is the tassle that lightens up the bag-- it's saying, take me to work if you must but don't forget cocktail hour! 

Derek's Fall 09 bags are generating lots of attention-- every time I open a magazine I see one dangling off the shoulder of a young starlet (they seem to be staring back at me and taunting me with "look what I have and you don't").  Well I'm gonna get this before anyone, I've got my name on the first one that comes through the door at the Derek Lam boutique!  So, take that girls! 

Call Wayne at 212-966-1616 or email him about this to die for bag (around 14" wide).  Oh, and do you want to know how much it is?  A mere $1,750.  For a beautifully made python and suede bag!  Total bargain, I know.  Hurry and call Wayne before it sells out and ends up on Kate Moss' arm.  (Don't forget to help me choose my birthday dress from Derek Lam!)

Dear Bag Snob,
I am saving to buy the YSL lizard embossed Easy or Muse bag, do you think it is snob worthy?  I love the look of exotics but can not afford to buy the 5 figure version. I am still in college and will pay for this bag with my summer job. It will be my only bag purchase this year so I don't want to make a mistake!  I like the Easy a bit better but will it last like the Muse did?  I am grateful for any advice!
Respectfully, Snob in training

Dear Snob in training,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the YSL embossed lizard bags! As we always say, buy the best bag you can afford and if your budget allows you a lizard embossed suede Easy tote (17" medium is $1,195 and the 12" small is $995) and you love it, then you must get it!  The suede version is so lush and rich--  I love the iconic Muse but the Easy is more youthful and will see you through the school year and beyond. YSL Bags at Saks.  Good luck and enjoy your bag no matter what anyone else says, after all, you are the one working to buy it and you are the one carrying it! 

Much love, Bag Snob

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 have been eyeing Bally bags for a year now and am quite impressed with Brian Atwood's efforts thus far.  I am even swayed by this floral hobo... a bit.  It's not really my style but I see the appeal in the beautifully embroidered flowers and the gorgeous colors for a boho chic girl.  This could have been really tacky but Bally really pulled off the look without offending the senses.  Even the price is fairly reasonable at $1,173 considering the handiwork!

It's a large suede hobo which is usually best in Fall but the spring flowers will allow you to rock this all year long.

I saw Bally everywhere in London and Paris on the arms of the nonchalantly chic.  I'd love to carry this with a whispery white summer dress. See BALLY - FLORAL EMBROIDERED HOBO SHOULDER BAG here.

What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Please join me for a day of charitable shopping at Ralph Lauren in Highland Park Village this Thursday, Sept 18 from 10-4PM! Ralph Lauren has generously agreed to donate 15% of the day's TOTAL sales to our various charities including Heroes for Handbags-- an organization that offers financial assistance to families with children who are afflicted with cancer. It is such a great cause and I hope you can make it!

For out of State, Asia and Europe readers, you can join the shopping fun by calling Dana and she will gladly ship anything to you, tax free!  214-522-5270

There are so many yummy things this Fall from Ralph. My favorite is the Monaco convertible clutch (below), it's an oversized clutch (12"x8") with detachable strap that turns it into a chic shoulder bag.  The silver python ($2,895) is amazing and I find myself mesmerized by the deliciously rich purple suede version ($1,195), too!

There are also box clutches in sumptuous crocodile and python as well as a new crocodile bag called "The Bedford".  Jump for more details!

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

It looks like Bag Snobs are also the jet setter types because we have received a ton of emails asking for a good travel tote. It is imperative that while running through airports and boarding ships we have a chic travel companion that can keep all our goodies in place. The thing is, the poor bag take such a beating that it is downright sad to look at your brand new bag looking like road kill when you get home. My very light colored teal green Tod's softie is now laying at my foot looking pretty shabby after only one flight (I shove it under the seat and give it several good kicks to keep it there throughout the flight, it also got thrown in and out of the car and dragged through security x-ray). The thing to do is get a bag that will take that wear and tear but also make sure it is cheap enough so that you don't experience too much heartache. This tote is the answer, it is surprisingly chic and the plum leather with brown suede trim is truly divine. This will take a beating and look better for it, which is exactly what is called for! It has all the essential organizational pockets inside and measures 21" x 20" making it appropriately deemed "oversized". The Tufi Duek 'Helena' oversized tote is full price at $550 but is only $330 on Bluefly. Gotta love Bluefly!!

I absolutely love Phillip Lim and it thrills me that he is making bags that are snob worthy. This suede camera bag in evergreen is the perfect neutral shade of green that will still give the splash of vibrant color for Summer. It is loose and casual but never sloppy! You could actually use this for a camera, I imagine it would be a video camera since regular camera these days are quite slim, but the full openness is great for finding things in a hurry. You open the bag and everything is laid out before your eyes. There are lots of pockets for the little things so it is more organized than my desk, that's for sure! I'm shocked every time I need to find something and actually do. Maybe that's why bags with lots of compartments appeal to me, I am in need of order! We get lots of emails from you asking for bags under $600, well this is $685 but everyone's budget can fudge just a little. This is such an amazing bag for that price, especially for the younger girls who want to stay ahead of the fashion curve. At Barneys New York.

This reminds me of Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Scarface with her heroin chic appeal (it was cocaine actually which makes it so much more 80's). This clutch would be perfect with everything she wore in that movie - the glistening metallic suede, gold hardware, even a wrist strap so she can properly seduce men on the dance floor. First you get the money, then you get the power and THEN you get the bags!! But you certainly don't need to resort to drug dealing for this bag, it is only $995 (petty theft maybe but nothing major like organized crime). Seeing that this bag is able to bridge the gap between the 70's, 80's and today (this bag's personality is too clear and collected to be 90's), it is a safe bet that it will let you get along for quite a few years more with it. And who says this has to be strictly an evening affair? I would love to run around during the day with my girlfriends being carefree and chic without my giant tote with laptop weighing it down like a ton of bricks. I wish I had used clutches more before I had kids and a job, because now I feel like it is such a luxury when I do get to use a cute little feather light clutch (even giant clutches are light to me, anything less than 10 pounds is considered light). But I guess it just makes me love it and appreciate it so much more when I get a chance to use them. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995. Free shipping with code HOLIDAY7.