Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

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It was a bit of a Bagsnob reunion in Beverly Hills last Thursday, as Tina and Kelly (fresh back from Asia) and Liza (fresh back from the grocery store) convened at Bottega Veneta on Rodeo to check out the trunk show for Spring 2010. Liza spent much of her time in the dressing room trying to wrestle her way into samples of the chalky silk, Karate-influenced dresses (which were gorgeous, inventive and ingeniously constructed), but from what she could see through cracks in the doors, Tina and Kelly found plenty to add to their ever-growing Bottega wish lists. Of note: An insanely beautiful, bright blue crocodile doctor's bag ($24,000). Made from impeccable skin, the color strikes an ideal balance of electric vibration and aquatic depth. To ground the brightness, the bag is structured, simple, timeless, with a rigid top and double handles. The overall effect pulls focus from fifty feet away but somehow remains serene, drawing the eye with an almost centrifugal force. There are no images of the bag in that color, so you'll have to go see it in person for yourself (or jump to see the Twitter shot Tina took).

The Orchid Esperanza Ayers clutch (above left- $1,980), with brightly contrasting chartreuse zipper pull lends lightheartedness to the usual Bottega sophistication. The Ebano Intreccio Nuance Bag (above right--$1,480) is reminiscent of the Hermes Picotin, but much more supple and intricate with functional interior pockets. There is a larger size in perky yellow and white (Tina's note: but we think the smaller is much cuter).

The signature Cabat bags (which, in the large size, are truly ample enough to carry a large baby or medium-sized dog) come this season in a light straw color leather (Paille shiny calf $7,800) which was ingeniously treated by leather craftsman to sound (crinkles and crackles to the touch) and feel like... straw (except it's leather, kind of the reverse Stella thing). Come spring, it will be a nice stand-in on those days when you just don't feel like taking your Birkin to the farmer's market. Call Bottega in BH to order- 310-858-6533! Bottega bags also available at Net-a-Porter.com

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.

We can't believe Oscar de la Renta is going to give away his favorite bag of the season-- the Taylor Python bag! He personally announced the giveaway this morning during the VPA after some serious pleading from our readers-- which makes this even more special (though we were all upset when chatroll crashed)! As Oscar told us, the python on this bag is pressed to give it a subtle sheen that makes it smooth and supple which will protect it from cracking or curling. The chocolate leather woven handle is interlaced with beading-- all handmade, it is the most fabulous detail for a handle we've seen. And by the way, this bag is worth $2950!!

Enter now to win by signing up to our newsletter (this list will be shared with Oscar de la Renta's team). Even if you already receive our newsletters, you will still need to fill out the form to enter this contest. Last day to enter is November 30, 2009 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected on December 1, 2009. Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email, so that we can contact you when you win. Good luck!! ENTER NOW.

Huge thank you to Oscar de la Renta for this amazing giveaway!!!

I might be in need of some perspective here but I think this is a great price for a big python tote, and a Gucci one at that. OK, fine it is $3800 but a Chanel leather tote is $3000! I am intrigued by the natural python markings kept on the skin, it has an ombre effect but it is natural and swirls around in an irregular pattern. Most python is dyed completely and I find this so much more interesting that more of the snake is retained other than just the scales. The loosely knotted ties at the end of the straps makes the bag less stiff and is a fun way to use the bamboo that they insist on. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3800.

I totally understand and am in agreement with Stella McCartney haters because of the prices on her bags. Hollywood aside, I think I am making a fair generalization by saying that most environmentalist are not fashionistas. There is no "Crunchy Granola" department at Neiman Marcus. If you're spending close to $1000 on a bag, you're probably a meat eater. First of all, the word "recycled" to me is synonymous with "affordable" since less resources were expended for it. This shape with the ribbon detail is super cute and totally snob worthy but for $785, I insist that some animal was harmed during the making of it. At Bergdorf Goodman.

I am in red carpet mode - I went to the premiere of "Precious" at the Grauman's Chinese Theater last night. It was the most memorable premiere I have been to (and I go to a lot of these!) for the star power but mainly because of the movie. It was painful and hard to watch but it will stay with me forever to remind me that the power of love and hope can help the human spirit overcome even the most unimaginable horrors of abuse and isolation.

I was standing next to Mariah Carey (I talked to her!!) at the after party watching Mary J. Blige perform at the lobby of Chateau Marmont. Oprah, Russell Simmons, Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Macy Gray, Gayle King and Sidney Poitier were all standing a few feet from me because this room was the size of a living room. Mo'Nique was mind blowing as Precious' abusive mother, she brought such rage to my soul that I feared I might punch her if I saw her, good thing I didn't run into her at the party! Mark my words, she will win an Oscar for her performance. And since I have to tie this bag in to my rantings here, Mo'Nique had on a gorgeous gold gown that would have been perfect with this Celestina copper filigree clutch. At Net-a-Porter for $1325.

I am loving about this new Smythson hobo. With a Smythson, you stand out with a unique bag, trust me, I have never run into another person with the Smythson Nancy when I carry it. But the distinct quality and the style give away its luxury status. The Erica is easy and understated, the denim does all the talking - how fabulous is this color?! This is a hobo with a flap and magnetic closure, you don't see that everyday. The clasp is an Italian briarwood called Erica Arborea, thus the name. The sides unzip to expand the bag. My favorite detail of a Smythson bag is the satin lining, always in a bright unexpected color and this denim has a malachite lining that is an explosion of vibrancy. At Smythson for $1460.

How does Givenchy keep doing this? Design a bag that is so simple yet utterly amazing!! OK, forget everything I said about any other one off bags, if you are looking for just one all around great piece for the season or for the year, this is it! The sides unzip to add room in the gusset but this is also very trendy now to have exposed zippers. But, it is not so out there that is will be outdated anytime soon. Magnetic closure, canvas lined and the handle drop is 4.5", so make sure this works for you because that is a bit on the tight side. The bag itself is a good size, 12.5" x 16". At Barneys New York for $1750.