Really? Was this necessary? Do we need yet another incarnation of the formerly iconic but now over done, over exposed Arena bag??? A bag designer (who shall remain nameless) marveled at Balenciaga's ability to cash in on a single bag silhouette for almost a decade and expressed a desire to create something that has the same shelf life. From a business standpoint that is the ideal of course, make one bag over and over and over again!? Why not!? But at some point you have to ask your self, am I a designer? Or a factory? Yes, I agree that the Arena was the ultimate cool bag in its day (having 2 of them myself) but seriously, if you are running out of ideas-- it is time to move on. This patchwork version lacks imagination, style and any sense for that matter. Chanel did this with the classic flap bag once and it didn't bode well for them, either. I'm not saying I hate the Arena bag, I'm just saying I hate this one. I know, such a strong word and I discourage my son from using it but right now it's the only way I can express how I feel about this hideous bag. Look closely, the patches are of every color of Arena ever made so I guess I should give them points for recycling scrap leather. At Barneys $2,345.
Recently in Top Handle Category
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
Congratulations to our winners: Michelle C., Bass Harbor, ME and John M., Riverhead, NY
We are extending the giveaway for one more day! Last day to enter!!! Good luck!
We are greedy bag lovers so to kick off Fall, we are giving away two bags for October! There will be 2 winners for the season's most coveted trends, bright red and animal print. Trust me, you can not make it through the season without having these in your rotation. A little pop is all you need to wow up anything drab to fab.
Sign up to receive our newsletter to win either the Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma GM Pomme D'Amour bag (retail value $2,520) or Sang A Loren Oversized Leopard Clutch (retail value $1,150). The LV Alma is pre-owned and is in perfect condition courtesy of Fashionphile. The Sang A is brand new and is a sheen leather with leopard print. If you already receive our newsletters, you will still need to enter your email address to enter the contest. Last day to enter is October 31, 2009 11:59pm EST. Two winners will be randomly selected on November 1, 2009. Good luck!! 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 Fashionphile and Sang A for sponsoring this very special giveaway!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
PEPE LE PEW
Do you smell something? Oh right, it's Halloween! And that's when the crazies come out to play. And really the only time the skunk, otherwise known as the Curella de Ville look, would be cool and fun. FENDI SKUNK FUR PEEKABOO ROLL BAG at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1970.
MUST HAVE ACCESSORY FOR YOUR MICHAEL JACKSON COSTUME
You know you're dressing up as Michael Jackson this year. Everyone else is. But you will be the real MJ, not that red leather jacket with excessive zippers MJ. Deep down he was a true Balmain man. Respect him. Balmain Punk Sueded Stud Bag at Net-a-Porter for $3925.
BOTKIER is our go to source for casually chic bags that won't break the bank. The latest effort, the Michelle satchel, is a collaboration between Monica Botkier and Michelle Trachtenberg to benefit Oxfam International, a charity that fights poverty around the world. A portion of proceeds will be donated from your purchase of the Michelle! This is a great year round bag in a distressed blue denim lambskin with braided handle detail and large exterior side pockets--lightweight and functional plus you know how we feel about blue bags! I love blue denim color but hate actual denim bags so this is the perfect solution for me. And with Oxfam's involvement, how can you resist? Priced at $545 and sized at 14"x9.5", this is a great kick around bag and will get more lovable with use. See more details here.
The Michelle bags are estimated for delivery by 11/15. Please email Jinnie to place your pre-order.
Big sparkly clutch, a la Judith Leiber, I am not into, but something subtle and tasteful like this jeweled chain evening bag from Darby Scott is divine. You don't even have to be attending a Southern Gala with big hair to wear it, if you are having a nice lunch, this will dress up a simple dress. But if you are going a glitterazzi event, this embroidered bag with quiet embellishments will set you apart. These top handle little bags are making a huge comeback, thanks to Mad Men and the mad styles that I am craving. Well, I'm mostly craving the comeback of full body curvy women. Hello, how did that sexy trend ever go out?? Floral Embroidered Mini Evening Clutch in silk chiffon and grey agate toplock and brazilian stone in chain handle at Darby Scott for $1950.
My cat dragged this in as a surprise for me. It's sweet of her but still, quite scary and mutilated looking. What the heck is going on? Is Givenchy doing a Halloween collection or something? This could be cute if it was a different shape but this long 1980's cell phone case is just odd and awkward. I'm all for furry and poofy but let's leave that for the boas. At Luisaviaroma for $1816.30. I know, seriously? At least they are now including import fees and shipping in their price so this price for the US.
Wow, bags from L.A.M.B that don't make me gag? I'm so excited to have something pleasant to say about the line (because I LOVE Gwen Stefani!). I was told she is very involved with the design process, never made much sense to me until this collection. I do admire her loyalty to her own line though, she is often seen in L.A.M.B items in public. The L.A.M.B. Deco Keaton Hobo ($495) in black above is something I would not be embarrassed to be seen in. Nice deco influenced lines (you all know I'm a sucker for anything deco) and tonal black on black which adds an interesting touch to the bag. The L.A.M.B. Deco Clara Lambskin Hobo ($325) in metallic gold is also fun for an evening out though I am not as crazy about the green stripes mixed with black patent. With the metallic added it looks just a tad busy. L.A.M.B. Deco Fisher Lambskin Clutch
($245), however, can carry off the look cuz it's such a small dose of it. Okay, so this is not exactly a raving review but at least I'm not calling them any names. What do you think?
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.
