Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

OK, fine, these are not the biggest A-listers but young Hollywood starlets are the ones to watch because they are not so predictable. The Cole Haan Phoebe is young, hip, practical and easy on the budget. The soft thick straps are incredibly comfortable and the knotted finish is super cute. It's details like that and the interesting piping that are subtle but really make this bag Snob and Celeb Worthy. The best part though is the function - there is the main center zipped compartment and 2 open side compartments that are the width of the entire bag. Other (slightly bigger) celebrities seen with the bag are Jordin Sparks and Paris Hilton. At Cole Haan for $598.

The classic beauty of Maia N. bags is safely established now that Queens of state (Jordan, Spain, Saudi Arabia) and fashion (Carine Roitfeld) are loyal fans. But seriously, even if they weren't, how can you deny that this bag is nothing short of I-will-eat-only-bread-and-water-for-a-month-must-have-amazing? Or quinoa and water, if you're counting carbs and worried about lack of protein. The use of crocodile back for the straps is not only waste-free croc use but the look is bold and unique. Not to mention, super sturdy. The foldover top closure is my favorite, easy and chic. I love natural python but it is for hardcore python lovers, the red clay is perfect for Fall, it has a pop of color but is still muted enough to coordinate with Fall colors. This bag is already selling out, it may still be available at Intermix stores in NY but is sold out online. You can also order by emailing Joanna at Maia N. The price is great for such a high quality timeless python, $2880.

Everyone is looking for the one perfect all around bag these days. I will be the first to admit that it is damn hard to choose just ONE! Well, the criteria for "the one" has to be classic, a neutral color, functional shape that can be used everyday but still stylist as ever. As impossible as all this might seem, this Christian Louboutin Marianna hobo is that one, or one of the ones, it might not be for everyone. But you have to admit, although this is your average hobo, it's got some nice details, like the triple chain strap, the outer zipper with cool bold zipper pull and of course the signature red interior. The chains are all stuck together so it won't be a headache wrangling with them but it also helps it stay put. Louboutin's bag collection has definitely found its stride and has the same philosophy behind the shoes, no trends - just beautiful classic pieces. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1595.

Did I say I am not a messenger bag girl? Well that's because no messenger bag has ever appealed to me as much De Couture's asymmetrical messenger bag-- a chic example of how a lady can rock the messenger style without looking like a delivery boy. It's all in the subtle details and the triangular asymmetric flap is the singular element of this bag that makes it for me. The juxtaposition of delicate chains with a slouchy bag is unique and unexpected, like the designers themselves.

The forces behind De Couture bags are Belgian designer Vinciane Stouvenaker (The Belgians know how to push the envelope without going too far) and Massimo Marriati-- combining their love of experimentation and design, they sought to create an haute couture line of bags in De Couture. I find almost everything in the line drool worthy but this is spectacular in its edgy chic design! It is made of utterly soft lambskin bag in a to die for neutral butternut color-- and it's ultra lightweight! The multi chains are like a piece of jewelry attached to the bag (for only $853/€637.00!) The size is large at 49cmx32cm but it's so slouchy and soft that it will wrap its self around your body. This is possibly the best travel bag I've seen all year and at under a thousand dollars you can not go wrong! I am placing this on the top of my summer wishlist! DE COUTURE - ASYMMETRICAL SOFT SHOULDER BAG at Luisa Via Roma here. (Jump for more photos!)

I haven't even seen all the Fall bags yet and it doesn't really matter cuz I am all set and decided for; These are the 2 bags I want. I knew I should not have gone to the Bottega Veneta Fall trunk show because I can never resist the Bottega temptation, but I HAD to, you know for work =) The manager at Rodeo Drive showed me around and I did a once over before I asked to see the crocodile tote and she was like, "I was wondering how long it would take you to spot that". It is truly the creme de la creme of any Bottega Veneta ever made. The shape is classic, simple and versatile, even a bit on the younger side, which is great. The skin is so soft and pliable, the most incredible and pristine crocodile I've ever seen. There is one man at Bottega who cuts all the exotic skin, he is the only person to have ever cut all the exotic skin for Bottega since its inception and he is now in his 60's. When he is sick, the worldwide production of exotic bags come to a halt. You can tell this man is OCD. The other bag that fulfills the other end of the spectrum is embellished and fun. The pleated origami karung is intricately folded into ribbons. The handle is ostrich and the base is woven leather. The sides of the bag folds and converts to a whole new trapezoid shape bag that looks a bit vintage but totally cute!! Serious love going on here. I am most happy to see the optimism of a Fall collection that is decadent and ornate. The crocodile is $26,500 and the pleated ribbon karung is $5500. Available in July/August but you must put in your order now, there are only 2 of these croc totes made and one is already spoken for. Call Katherine at 310-858-6533 to inquire.

I'll say it upfront, I am mostly in love with this color, it is like a refreshing tropical drink that you order by the pool while on vacation. My drink of choice is a mojito on such occasion, the mint and the lime is sublime when all I want to do is relax and feel breezy. And on this vacation, maybe I bring along this Martine Sitbon oversized tote, in what they call Turkey Blue, which is odd since I've never seen a turkey this color. Or are they referring to the country? Not that that makes any more sense. This is the perfect travel bag, it is lightweight in embossed snake leather and the shape is the exact shape of magazines! And once you get home, I guess you can throw your laptop in there and call it a work bag. The contrasting brown leather handles makes the bright blue pop and the braided knot is not only cool looking but makes it more durable. There are patch pockets on both ends and several pockets inside. At Shopbop.com for $515.

           

A clutch is a super versatile accessory, sometimes its fun to wear a clutch that looks and feels like a piece of jewelry. There is nothing more exquisite than a non-traditional material and I know we always go on about exotics, not because we have some strange fascination with reptiles but it is because the skin is different and interesting and has textures and markings that is not found in leather. But ebony has those same qualities, the markings and lines of the wood makes each unique and is amazing for its natural characteristics. It is naturally dark, almost black and can be polished to a high shine. Even the studs are special, instead of typical crystals, these are tagnipis shell that are bevel cut to look like stones. The contrast between the shells and the ebony is incredibly beautiful. Sure this can't hold much but how much stuff can your necklace or bracelet hold? At Net-a-Porter for $755.

I didn't think anything of this bag at first when I saw it in a picture but when I carried it around at Barneys, I was suddenly in love. There are many details that is overlooked in the picture, like the side pocket and the fact that it is a drawstring looking bag but actually does not require you to adjust the drawsting after you achieve the slouchy-ness you want. There is a magnetic closure that keeps everything in place. The leather shoulder piece keeps the chain strap on the shoulder and the chains are surprisingly light. Also, the length is just long enough to fit over the arm so there isn't a lot of excess chains hanging all over. I hate putting down my chain bags and having this giant pool of chains piled up. Also comes in a beautiful gray but I wanted to show the beige to reveal all the details. Derek Lam Romina Bag is 14"x15.5" in size and available in beige or grey for $1,695 at Shopbop.com here