Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

Just saw this at Barneys yesterday and I love it so much more than last season's Eclipse. Just like the new Sacca, the strap is leather woven chain, so you get the chain look but with the leather to add grip on the shoulder. Also, the textured leather is so much better than patent for a hobo, which is by nature slouchy - patent works better on a structured bag so it doesn't get all crinkled. There is so much texture on this leather it almost looks like buffalo but of course much much lighter. They have really gotten it right this time with the way it sits against the body and the shape, amazing! The best one off-bag you can get this season. Comes in black or subdued purple (get that one!) at Barneys for $1430.

I am not a big Goyard fan so this is a real statement here - I am in love with this clutch! What is amazing about Goyard is their history of making steam trunks, so how cool is it that this boxy clutch with wood trim is reminiscent of that! The white is the only way to go with this, it also comes in black (blah) and powder pink (pukey). The thing though is, white is way more expensive that black. Black and red is their most produced colors and every other color comes at a premium, this clutch is $2015 in white and $1580 in black. At $1580 I am almost there but at $2015 it had to go back on the shelf. I was having fun thinking of the great colors I can do with their custom striping, like raspberry and orange or even turquoise and pink! Something really bright that will pop! And instead of the stripe going down the middle, I would do it off to the side (or I should say would have). Of course Goyard has nothing online so you will need to call Barney, 310-276-4400 ext 5593, ask for Mirjam.

I finally watched Valentino: The Last Emperor and I was moved to tears.  Valentino, you get me and all women... WE JUST WANT TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL!  I'd like to forget all of my rules of functionality and practicality for a moment and just follow my heart. I want a bag to thrill me, excite me and to put a smile on my face every time I look at it. I don't need it to carry toys, sippy cups, iPhones or any of the things that I'm boggled with in my daily life. I just want it to be fabulous!  Impractical if necessary but as long as it is beautiful, I don't care! I know the Emperor is no longer at the helm but this bag, the 360 bag covered in embroidered sequins, represents to me everything that is Valentino, wrapped up in one glittery and glamorous bag. Even the giant bow is insanely fab, like the topping to a delicious cake. At Valentino boutiques worldwide. Retail price $4,895 (crazy expensive but the workmanship of each embroidered sequin is something to be seen!)

Call 214-750-5707 to order. Valentino also available at Saks.

For a fanny pack, this is on the short list of acceptable ones. The pouch itself is so small and with the flower applique, it almost looks like a belt, which makes it super cute! What better way to step out in the night, hands free, with an accessory that functions as both belt and bag? And flip the belt up and it becomes a shoulder bag! Wear it low on the hip with a big loose sweater over leggings or a simple shift dress that is in need of a belt! There are so many ways to wear this which is always so fun to play with. At Shopbop for $290.

One of our favorite stops in New York is always the Nancy Gonzalez showroom. Imagine, the Bag Snobs in a room full of exotic bags in bright colors!! We act like we are shopping for ourselves even though we are supposed to be doing a preview for the blog. Luckily for us, sometimes the two are the same =) There a new shapes, always new colors and new techniques used with the skins for Spring 2010.

Jump to see our favorite pieces.

We were intoxicated by the scent and sight of so many amazing Bottega bags but I zeroed in on the San Marco lilac gold karung twisted bag and have been dreaming about it since returning home. The gold karung is twisted and interwoven into the body of the bag in a circular pattern and is an exemplary example of the Four Cornerstones of Bottega Veneta:

1. Contemporary functionality 2. Outstanding craftmsmanship 3. Innovative design 4. Highest quality materials

I love that the brand continually challenges itself in innovation and design each season. I'm constantly surprised and will never, ever tire of Bottega! The San Marco Lilac/Gold Karung is $3,600 at Bottega here.

A totally great Frugal Snob option! This hobo with cool pleat details has the big name designer look without the price tag. It almost looks like a Louboutin bag but just in feel and in no way is a knockoff of an actual design. There is true luxury for this price point which is always exciting to discover in a new designer. The leather and craftsmanship is tip top and from what I can see, you are getting a real value here while this brand establishes itself. There are some concessions though, the lining is fabric and not the perfectly crisp. The 8" drop on the handle may be a problem for some but should be ok as long as you are not wearing something heavy and bulky. At Neiman Marcus for $360.

Marchesa showed their Spring 2010 gowns with a new clutch collection! As well as drop dead to-die-for jewelry from Garrard, which you can see on the hands of the models. Garrard is the English jeweler who makes the Crown Jewels for the English Royal family. Fancy! They showed 9 clutches, all evening of course, and absolutely stunning. I loved that they did a presentation so that I can go up close and personal to inspect the intricate details of each clutch. And the models are so nice and cooperative - they held them out for me as I ogled each one. All are box clutches in satin with pleats and flowers, all over beaded and one in alligator. The closures are like jewelry, either one giant piece of crystal or crystal embellished hardware clasps.

Go to the jump page to see all the pictures.

Am experiencing major obsession over VBH bags lately, specifically the shoppers above.  There is nothing extraordinary about an elongated tote but from VBH, it's anything but ordinary.  First, the materials used are of the very best (I put them up there with Hermes and Bottega) and the craftsmanship, unquestionable.  But what I really love is the design of this shopper called the "Nap Sac", when carried on the shoulder, it becomes an extension of you and languidly wraps itself around you.  The genius of the tote is that it looks amazing both on Kelly and myself (two very different body shapes).  It's because of the way the handles fit right under the armpit or the crook of the arm-- the snug fit will allow the supple bag to mold itself on you, no matter your size.  Even at 35cm it looks like it was made for me because of its softness.  The Nap Sac is a mainstay in the VBH collection but it's far from boring.  Each season it's updated with either chains, studs, or just luxurious python.  Me, I'm all about the black with subtle sprinkling of studs.  What about you? 

VBH Leather Shopper with Stud Detail $2,650

VBH Python Shopper 40cm wide, $4,250