Recently in The Holy Grail of Bags Category

So you saw the dark blue Valextra Crocodile that Kelly talked me out of because she said it was too much to spend our hard earned Bag Snob money on. Well, I walked in to the Bottega Veneta boutique right after only to be tempted by this beauty (I really should just stay home as my husband often suggests, but since I buy bags with money I earn from Bag Snob, he really has no say does he?). I was hypnotized not only by the unique gray/taupe color but the gorgeous Anaconda skin. This is one of those times when I just did not care how much it was going to cost, I had to get it. (Of course any bag would seem like a bargain after seeing the crocodile price!)

The minute I put the bag on my shoulders, I knew it would be mine because the design is beyond brilliant. The straps are adjustable by 5 inches so you can either carry it as a top handle bag for luncheons and dinners or lengthen it to a slouchy shoulder bag for days of running around! It doesn't stop there, it is actually a structured frame bag with a soft body so it will never, ever, lose it's shape! Now we all love a good frame bag but it can seem kind of stuffy for certain occasions but the unstructured body of the Lucida bag makes it more casual for daily wear. I can not tell you how perfect this bag is. I really think I have found THE BAG OF THE YEAR. The color, named Limo, changes depending where you are, in the store it had an elegant dark gray sheen but in the sun, it was light and taupe-y. It absolutely will go with everything I own! The interior is lavender suede, can you say delish?

When Jasenka, the Supervisor at BV Dallas told me it was a special edition and not available in large quantities, I wanted it even more. I called Kelly again and persuaded her to buy a BV bag as well so I would not feel guilty (we share our Bag Snob money equally :). So our day of extravagance left us both with brand new bags from our favorite designer du jour. You'll have to wait a while before she can share hers with you as she is officially on maternity leave. Bottega Veneta Anaconda Lucida Lux bag in Limo available at select Bottega Boutiques. Email Jasenka for pricing and details or call her at 214-265-0136 .

Valextra Crocodile Boston Bags $10,160 at Barneys New York

It's officially gator day at Bag Snob since it is all I can think about today (that and Kelly giving birth in the hospital right now as I write!). Though I've amassed several Valextra bags this past year, I held off on the fabulous taupe crocodile Boston as I kept thinking I'd buy it in the Fall with Bag Snob income but now that it has been increased from $8,600 to $10,160 I am kicking myself! I know I know, I should practice what I preach; I predicted six months ago that Valextra bags would see an increase as they were a bit underpriced for the luxury bag market and I urged a few friends to buy them before the price hike and those who didn't listen are now whimpering (including me). I still think Valextra bags are very well priced and predict that they will continue price increases every season until it is at par with Chanel and Hermes prices. I don't blame them really, they were selling meticulously handmade bags for just over $1,000 while Louis Vuitton was selling random plastic bags for $4,000. Where is the justice in that? So I am not upset over the price increase, I am just upset I did not grab a crocodile Boston while I could!

So do not keep waiting, go treat yourself to your favorite color Boston bag before they increase prices again! (there are so many to choose from this Fall! I suggest the Melanzana, a deep purple that is actually quite neutral and will work with winter whites and browns.) For Fall they also added a scrumptious dark blue crocodile that almost tempted me to hand over my Bag Snob Amex without thought when I saw it yesterday at Barneys even with the price hike (but sensible Snob Kelly talked me out of it, had she gone into labor yesterday instead of today, that gorgeous blue croc would be sitting in my closet right now!). The color is the exact shade of the blueberries I picked with my son last month which brings such sweet memories; it is also incredibly chic yet understated and yes, ultra luxurious. This is one of those colors that will look amazing with anything, including your daily uniform of jeans and t-shirts! $10,160 at Barneys New York. Call or email Christy. 469-221-4725

So here is Posh with one of my dream bags, the Hermes birkin in pink ostrich. Can you say jealous? I ordered the moon dress from RM by Roland Mouret in dove gray last week which I think is much more chic than her pink version so I don't envy her for that. However, the pink ostrich birkin is just what I need to go with my gray dress (I would never match it the way she did- pink on pink is no good unless you are a Barbie twin on a Playboy photo shoot). Ok ok, I am being bitchy because I REALLY.WANT.THAT.BAG but come on now, being so matchy matchy just lacks style and taste. Alright, fine, I'll be nice. Her sunglasse look very nice on her. There, my weekend random thoughts as I wait for my son to wake from his nap. Have a good one! (Kamo has a good point, Posh is known for her cheeky humour, this could be her "Hello America- I am your new Barbie statement.)
photo source: CU

The ultimate status bag, the Hermes birkin, is at the top of every girl's wish list. But to truly appreciate the birkin in all its beauty and to be worthy of its fabulousness is to be knowledgeable on everything about it. We all know Hermes bags are crafted by hand with the most amazing skins in the world. And by now even my housekeeper is aware of the secret blindstamp and craftsman id on the strap. But it is not just the Hermes stamp and logo that makes one a "Bag Snob"! There is so much about Hermes bags that make them the finest in the world. First, the tissue paper. I have had many conversations with various Hermes Managing Directors and they all love talking about the tissue paper. Apparently there are special tissue paper craftsman who spend their entire lives folding tissue paper for Hermes bags! They make little pillows for the birkin to rest upon and layers of "blankets" to protect it. It is suggested that you keep the bag exactly as the day you opened it, sleeping on the little pillow will allow it to keep its shape for life!

Some people collect paintings from great masters such as Monet and Degas, others prefer sculptures from Rodin, for the Bag Snob, it is handbags.

This bag is one of those prized possessions where your opportunity to get one comes around only once. Or more accurately, once a year around Christmas time when Neiman Marcus publishes their Christmas Book. This is American white alligator dyed in silver. Available in The Book for $18,500.

Wish you lived on Wisteria Lane with the Desperate Housewives? How about settling for handcut leather wisterias on the latest version of the Spy bag? This bag is beyond fabulous and next to impossible to get but definitely worth trying. We suggest calling the Fendi store and ask to be on the wait list. Or start praying to the Bag Angel.

Have money to blow on a Hermes Birkin but can't get your hands on one? Here are a few tips for Bag Snob fans.

What's better than a Black Croc Birkin? A Black Croc Birkin with bling! Earlier this year, Doyle New York auctioned off this black crocodile Hermes Birkin customized with a clasp and lock featuring 14 carats of pave diamonds that sold for $64,800. So in the world of bags, this officially is the ultimate in the Holy Grail of bags. This same auction had 11 Hermes bags in total, including (pictured in order below) a royal blue ostrich Birkin bag that sold for $15,600; an Etrusque crocodile Kelly bag that sold for $13,200; a black crocodile Kelly bag that sold for $12,000; and an anthracite crocodile Kelly bag that sold for $10,200, all from a single owner. So in the world of snobs, she is officially the ultimate “Heather”.