Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

Amongst the veritable miles of luscious leather that line the walls of each Bottega Veneta boutique you will find almost every possible incarnation of size, shape, and neutral shade of the iconic Veneta bag, along with scores of other styles--woven and plain; soft and structured, in everything from lambskin to crocodile--all masterpieces of handcrafting. The Veneta is, in fact, so iconic that it may be hard to find a spot in the world where at least two women in the same room are not carrying some version of the luxe and slouchy bag. Not so, though, for the limited edition knot clutch--a perfectly-sized minaudiere that comes both in a range of subtly-colored satin or, for the less quotidian option, a limited production of unusual materials--exotic skins, precious metals--that only come around once in a lifetime. For example, this season features, among others, an antique silver version that gives new meaning to the term "treasure box." Made by hand-weaving together strips of sterling silver, this piece is so labor-intensive to produce that only a few were made--and only a handful of those are still available in the U.S.

Antique Silver Knot, $7700 at bottegaveneta.com or call the fabulously helpful Krista at 310-858-6533 to hunt down more elusive pieces.

The safest bag in the tents this week is Chanel. Followed very closely by Hermes which Rachel Zoe opted for at every show (black 35 Birkin). Nobody can be offended and it is beyond politics when you have on a true classic. Or you just avoid the whole thing by leaving your bag in the car like Anna Wintour and Nina Garcia (although she told me she has a Nancy Gonzalez "of course!!"). Well, I wish I could have gotten my hands on this high marks and no risk Chanel pleated flap for this week. It is sold out in LA, NY and everywhere else I called. This is the classic flap in calfskin for the Fall/Winter Twisted Theme, which is the heavy trend in ready-to-wear. Loose pleated skirts and dresses galore this season and continuing in a major way for Spring 2010. But with a Chanel flap, it'll be "vintage" and never out of style. Take a look at the Chanel site but you better call 800-550-0005 to have them track it down for you if you are really serious about having it. It is $2625.

The first of Joy Gryson for MCM bags have arrived at Saks!  Though modernized and sporty, Gryson retains the flavor of the classic brand with the Sportivo Satchel.  Instead of an entire bag emblazoned with the MCM logo, Gryson opted instead to give subtle tastes of it on the embossed leather on the sides and outer corners.  A brilliant way to cater to those who love the logo and those who prefer discretion.  The simple pebble grained leather satchel gets a nice twist by adding the belted gathering on corners. Adjustable shoulders will allow you to carry on shoulder or crook of arm.  Can't wait to see the rest of the collection!  MCM Sportivo Satchel at Saks for $975.

This is a bit of a departure for Marni but I am loving it! They lost their uber talented designers which was totally obvious last season, nothing was remotely good, but it looks like they are heading on an upward trend again. This hobo has two zippers that go all the around the gusset to make the bag bigger but also the exposed zipper give it a rock 'n roll edge without shouting "I want to be Chrissie Hynde! (but less wrinkly)". There are two adorable bows at each end to soften it up and the way it zips allow the bows to be shown in either configuration. The leather is sooooo incredibly soft which makes the bag really light and pillow-y, I wanted to lay on it! There is a toggle closure so all your stuff doesn't fall out. And another huge bonus, the handle is reinforced so it is cushy AND stays on the shoulder. Great great bag and the price is right, too! At Net-a-Porter for $1350.

Our Bag Snob Winner is Barbara N., Lexington, KY

Yes, that's right, we are giving away a Chanel to celebrate the start of Fashion Week!! One of our favorite options during this depressing economy is going to shops like Portero.com for authentic luxury bags that are pre-loved =) It is also a great way to sell your bags to get cash for new bags! Either way you cut it, it is a win-win. And for a real win-win, we are giving away a Chanel Jumbo 12" Classic Single Flap Bag with Silver Hardware in Black Caviar Leather (from 2002-2003) from Portero.com. It is in excellent condition and the retail value for this bag when new is $3,000. This bag has been authenticated and is certified to be the real deal.

Enter to win this most classic of all bags by signing up for our weekly newsletter. If you already receive our newsletter you will still need to sign up to be entered to this giveaway. Last day to enter is September 30 at 11:59pm EST. Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email so that we can contact you when you win. ENTER NOW!

Thank you Portero.com for sponsoring this very special giveaway!

Thanks a lot Tina for ruining this for me!! Yes, of course I remember seeing the skunk version from Fendi's Fall 2009 runway show, but I was going to ignore that until you brought it up. I love the Peekaboo bag but what I need is a bag with shoulder straps so I was all excited about this Peekaboo Roll with the super handy straps instead of the top handle. The divided compartments, the cool tab details, the slightly rugged styling with a bit of an artifact look like something a female Indiana Jones would use - all good things that I am loving!! They always ruin bags with some furry monstrosity rendition so I am not going to let that stop me!! The shoulder straps are adjustable and can become really long (up to 24"), perfect for traveling and it would have been the exact thing I needed for Fashion Week. I like to be practical in NY when running around. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1460.

I mean if there was ever a case that a great bag can save your outfit, this is it.  Even her simple little brown (boring) dress looks glam with the hot pink tote!

Love how the iconic Bottega weaving is done in patches, too.  Jump to see it up close and personal....

Just because the summer is over, it doesn't mean you no longer need to hit the gym. Did I just say that out loud? That was a mental note to myself as I was clicking this bag in my shopping cart. I have been looking for a gym bag, one that I won't cry over if it gets ruined (have been using regular leather bags. yikes!). But of course, I am not about to go Lululemon and be like every other soccer mom at the gym. Also, I need something, anything, to motivation my ass to the gym! A friend of mine always says, (she's been married for ages), sex is like going to the gym, once you're there, it is really fun! Well, I don't feel that way, I wish I thought going to the gym was like sex!! ;-) This light blue jersey gym bag is so cute and I won't even mind taking it out to the market, shopping and what not before and after the gym. Here's the best part, it is only $115!! At Net-a-Porter.

Cute and affordable. Not a major raving review because I am frankly tired of studs but there are only a few and I do love the structured hobo, a much appreciated function driven trend. At least this is on the fence with these studs, enough to show that you are aware of the trend but few enough to get away with it when the trend is over. The multi-purpose style is also nice on the budget, it might not be the height of fashion but those bags tend to be pricey and easily dated. This, however, is good all around day to night and is only $475! At Saks Fifth Avenue.