Recently in Top Handle Category

I'll be the first to admit that I am not the biggest Jimmy Choo fan. Not even the shoes, especially the shoes because they are beautiful and they do not fit my feet. Fine, I am a bitter woman. But the bags are a different story, there hasn't been one that was a must for me. Not that I am running out to make sure this bag becomes a part of my life anytime soon but at least it is warming the cockles of my heart. Of course it is my Marni loving side that is digging the wooden handles, the dark tone with the white bag is truly divine! The roomy shape and plethora of interior pockets make this an easy every day bag. The one not so minor detail that is derailing the consumerism in me is the middle zipper option. I hate the way it looks when closed, it should never be closed (supposedly to save room and make it smaller but the difference is so insignificant it makes it even lamer). I like the pleated look with the pocket in the middle so if they were actual pleats instead of the zipper, I would make this mine. So why not just leave it open and pretend those zippers don't exist? Because these things matter to me and I can't overlook details I hate. These are the kind of things you can overlook at 70% off but at full price of $1995, it pretty much needs to be perfect in my eyes. And 70% off isn't so far off these days. At Net a Porter.

There has been thoughts that the Snobs should be more sensitive to the economic crisis at hand and should feature more sensible options for our readers. Well, we tried, and to heck with that idea - it's no fun for us and that is not why you read Bag Snob! You want sensible, go to Target and buy toilet paper and laundry detergent. You want and expect extravagance, decadence and excessive self indulgence from us!! And we have the same expectations of celebrities and their wardrobe. Ashley Olsen was seen all over NY during fashion week with this lush and gorgeous gray croc from Maïa N. It is making me swoon the way only my husband can (I am feeling extra romantic because he said he will buy this for me for our anniversary that's coming up! Now I feel guilty so I have to say no. He already gives me so much, I feel like getting extravagant gifts on top of it is being exceedingly greedy). Sorry, you don't care about my personal life, let's get back to the bag. It is puffed croc, kind of like Zagliani croc but I am not sure if they inject it with silicone. I'm certain I will get an email from them later today to give me full detail, when I do, I will update with the info. The puffing makes it supple and eliminates that dead and dry look. And with the high sheen, it is full of vim and vigor! ARRLLLLLL (I'm trying to make that sex bomb tongue roll, in case you're wondering). You might think it looks totally old lady and way too classic, but look at Ashley, she is as young as they come and she is rocking it with her clean cut mess look. The one she has is 40 cm and roughly $7,775 (roughly because of the exchange rate), there is a smaller 35 cm that is around $7400. Look at how the scales are perfectly uniform and large! This is super high grade croc so the prices are reasonable for what you are getting.

One more awesome bag after the jump:

Left: Cole Haan tote $425  Middle: Balenciaga Classic $1,095 Right: YSL Muse $1,395

I receive a fair amount of emails each week from readers who would like me to recommend bags under $500. This is a tough question because there are a lack of good bags at this price point. You're either relegated to Coach, Cole Haan or Juicy Couture; all popular brands but do you really want to look like every other mall rat out there?  And we won't even go into the quality of these bags. I say if you can afford a $500 bag or two each season ( 2 to 4 bags for $1,000 -$2,000 a year), you should buy a nice $1200 bag that will last you all year long. This makes so much more sense to me. But then again, my hubby says I have no sense when it comes to bag habits and that I am out of touch with reality.  Hello- this is my reality!

What do you guys think? Settle for cheap or save for chic?

See a bag you like but not in the color or material you want? Now you can customize the color and material of your bag with Design Guru Bags! If you are PETA freak (notice they slyly put up an ad through blog ads, don't click on it unless you want to lose your lunch) you can choose a man made material instead of leather. You start by choosing one of four bag styles.

The bags are nothing to write home about but they are simple and functional. Sometimes you just want an easy tote to look nice without making any kind of statement or fuss. You can choose one color or add a contrasting second color in addition to choosing an interior color. Lastly, you can personalize it with a symbol for the lining of the bag (each represent a different meaning-- peace and harmony or vitality, etc). It's kind of fun just to play around with this software. It shows you exactly how the bag will look! Gotta love modern technology. Prices are reasonable at $495 for the Mini Mapmaker (shown above left), $695 for the Mapmaker above right (14"x12"), $795 for the Stadia (shown below) and $695 the West Wind for laptop/work (10"x13" shown below right). Go to Design Guru now and have fun customizing your own bag! Jump for more photos!

If you are looking to invest in one piece this season to take you through the depression crunch, YSL has the answer in its latest creation. A simple and chic black tote bag is always in style-- the gleaming shiny leather (not patent!) and unique shape keeps it from being yet another boring tote. You always ask us for bags that take you from work to play, this couldn't be more perfect! I love the rolled handle details and the minimal hardware, you can dress it up with a scarf or add a bit of whimsy with a lip gloss charm. It's like the little black dress and will be the piece you build your bag wardrobe around. $1,684 at Matchesfashion.com

It appears Spring 2009 will be the season of Fendi bags! I am as shocked as you that I love these bags but I do. Style.com called it the "kangaroo pouch" and WWD called it the "undone birkin"-- but I call it "Tina's spring bag purchase". Fendi's new lovely comes in every color and material imaginable; crisp white crocodile, black patent, textured lace, woven toile, and what appears to be lizard-- each with a contrasting interior. I love the carefree and effortless look of the bag; the side pouches may be left undone as shown on the runway or pulled up and attached to the turn lock. To me, the only resemblance to the birkin is the square shape; the top and hardware is completely different and a refreshing change from Fendi's usual. The peekaboo see thru woven clutches are also incredibly chic and subtly sexy. I can't wait for the Spring look book to be sent to me. Thanks to reader Man bag for alerting me of the collection!

images: Style.com

After 3 weeks on the road I am feeling very practical and relish in the uncomplicated, which is exactly what this Longchamp shopper is. The patent bright nude shade is a friend to everything in your closet and of course patent is so easy to clean and maintain. The big zip hinge opening makes getting in a breeze and the 2 outer zipper pockets makes your life easy and organized. The price is also practical at $900 as with the style - perfect for city girls and suburbanites alike. I am loving everything simple and chic, my exotics will take a breather for the next month until I get my high maintenance legs back. Actually, I am quite low maintenance and being high maintenance is such a chore for me but is required when I leave the house and must look presentable. Oh no, did I just let the cat out of the bag? Bag Snob Kelly is actually a slob! Yikes. =) At Saks Fifth Avenue, but I think it is sold out online, you must make your way into the nearest Saks or order by calling 1.877.551.SAKS (7257).

Marc, we loved your pink ostrich stam but in purple, you have really stolen our hearts! This electrifying violet purple shade is just the kick we need in our bag wardrobe.  Yes, the Stam has been done to death but we can't help loving its classic shape especially with the supple and utterly sensual ostrich skin.  Now that you're sober and coherent, you might finally live up to your brilliant talent.

And when you do, the Bag Snob Girls will be right behind you with bells and whistles to cheer you on.  Until then, however, we must remind you that $5,500 is a wee bit much for your audience.  As we said with the pink version, one can acquire a Bottega ostrich for the same amount, why would one turn to MJ?  At Neiman Marcus.

We can't wait to see what you come up with next, Spring 2009 bags were looking good!   Love, The Bag Snobs

I just saw someone today with a ponyhair bag that was so furry I thought it was going to bite me. Pony needs to be shaved down really tight to be a part of fashion, otherwise you are just a caveman. So, having said that, this Philip Lim furry moss is great and I love it! The color of course is amazing for Fall and the zipped tote style is versatile, casual and hip. The circular handles are really cool looking but I do fear the practicality of it being that it is such a big bag at 21.5" x 13.5". When I get a big bag, I want to fill it up, if I didn't, I would just use a clutch, right? That is the one downside to this that I can foresee. Another warning, moms, don't even think about getting pony as a baby bag, caked in mess and stuck together fur is really nasty. Everything else seems so perfect, the zipped top makes this a perfect day time partner for city dwellers and can be used as an overnighter for those who have that need (wink wink). I even love the strange and oddly random bracket hardware, it adds an element of surprise and youthfulness. The price point is on the high side for Philip Lim but it is pony, $2375 at Browns Fashion.

Marc Jacobs goes back to the classic Stam bag and updates it in luscious pink ostrich. Yes, not only am I saying something nice about MJ, I am saying I love this bag. You all know I am a sucker for pink, and pink ostrich-- swoon! The new pleated front detail is funky and interesting but then you flip it around and presto, simple elegance. I've always liked the Stam but it was soooo heavy in quilted leather-- now in ostrich, it is lightweight and did I say already it is fabulous? The only annoying thing is the price. For $200 more I can have the Bottega Noce ostrich with crocodile trim. And who in their right minds would choose MJ over Bottega? I will have to admire this piece of arm candy from afar. Marc Jacobs Stam ostrich tote $5,500 at Net-a-porter.com