Recently in Top Handle Category

Zagliani is known for innovation in material and skin so it is entirely appropriate for them to do a novelty bag like this one with lace detail. Look at the intricacy and precision of how the leather is folded and turned and sewn to get the perfect lace effect. I mean, as a whole, the bag is a bit too busy and frou frou for my taste but it is incredibly impressive to look at. Like a museum piece, you ohh and ahh but wouldn't exactly have the need to take home a marble statue of a naked man (but that's just me). I just can't believe the technical craftsmanship of this bag! At first I surely thought it would be actual lace! But of course it would fall apart if you got it caught on something. Even with this one though, you should probably heed extreme caution when using it. At Browns Fashion for $5,875.

Dear Marc,
I worship you (I really really do, even when I'm ragging and raging on you it comes from a place of love). I never know what I'm going get from you, but I always know it will raise my blood pressure. I rant in agitation over the atrocities you deem acceptable for consumption but I also bow when I see greatness. The Kasia is the most original and beautiful bag you (and your brood of young designers) have designed in ages!  I love it, everything about it speaks luxury to me without the ostentation of logos. In its place, strips of beautifully cut leather stitched in sensuous waves-- with no apparent pattern-- allowing the imagination to freely roam.  It is at once soft and strong, feminine and graceful.  The gently curved outer pocket is perfectly executed and yes, genius.  When the leather becomes well worn and curl up at the ends, it will just give it dimension and character.  I love you.  But please, don't freak me out with another patchwork mess.  Kasia bag will be available in July 2009 and is 16" x 9.5" (40cm).  Comes in taupe (above), grey, black, dark brown and bordeaux for $1,750. There are two other versions called the Lita and Bruna in smaller sizes. Call Lorena at 212-343-1490 to order! 
(Jump for more photos!)
The Lita is a small and cute version of the style. Looks quite nice in black!

A few readers emailed me that they got the Jimmy Choo Blythe for work and that it fits everything but the kitchen sink. I say, you will make it to CEO soon (if you aren't already) with such a hot bag. It shows you are above the curve and possess exceptional decision making skills. The buckles show you are on the cutting edge but you know exactly when too much is too much. Four buckles on each side going half way up is the perfect amount. The classic shape is uber pragmatic and the all around zipper that opens the bag entirely gives it extreme functionality as you slide your laptop in and out with ease. There are 2 separate compartments, one larger than the other. You will never be caught fumbling through your bag. Including looking for your keys because it comes with a detachable key ring that can be clasped to the interior loop. Too chic for the office really, but you always impress! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1895, also comes in taupe.

I love cats, especially the big kind. Saw a jaguar the other day and instantly bonded with her, the staff referred to her as, "the queen-- she comes and goes as she pleases, we have a garden for her on the roof and can not force her to come down to the cage". She was a beauty, confined to a glass cage at the Dallas World Aquarium but still mighty and regal in her demeanor as if she were strolling freely through the jungle. I really wanted to pet her but was scared she'd have me for lunch. I'll have to settle for petting the new Muse Two from YSL-- it looks remarkably like the diva cat I saw, which is in itself creepy but rest assured, this is mere calf hair (they call it pony skin but it's most definitely not from ponies!). You may remember 4 years ago when I was not into leopard print of any kind. I guess I am showing my age and have become an old lady because now I can tolerate most of it and even own a few key pieces but this one, I'm passing on.  YSL Leopard Muse Two Bag $2295 at Net-a-Porter.com.  What about you, how do you feel about leopard print?

Please forgive me for yet another studded tote. I am truly obsessed and it's not just because it's on trend this season. It's just that someone is pushing 40 and is sorely missing the good ole' days of the 80's! Bally's studded top handle hobo is an eye catching rock star worthy bag but I do worry about its weight. 36cm is fairly large for a leather tote but add to it a pound or two of studs and I may have to hire someone to carry it for me. I spend a lot of time in private Pilates sessions to undo the damage from my bags and very high heels-- now a reasonable and sane woman would just stop carrying heavy bags and wearing stiletto heels but hello-- no one has ever called me sane or normal! I guess an alternative would be the Bally zippered tote (I'll share that later) but it just doesn't have the same oomph as this one!

Bally Studded Top Handle tote is 1,800 euro/ $2,484 usd here.

Enough of what I think, what do you think? Snob or Slob?

There is nothing more quietly luxurious than Loro Piana bags (kind of how Hermes was before the tabloids and Hollywood got a hold of them). I bought the Globe bag for Kelly's birthday 3 years ago in pale pink (and picked up a violet version for myself) and it's still one of my favorite go to globe trotting bags. It transforms from an easy city tote to giant hold all with multiple pockets (back, front flap, 2 interior zipped, one cell, one ipod and a small id pocket) so you stay organized no matter how jetlagged you are!  (30cm Mini globe $2,350 in leather).

I have compared the craftsmanship of Loro Piana with my Hermes bags and I have to say, it comes pretty damn close (and a helluva lot more functional).  But the price is still reasonable in comparison.

In addition to the 'Globe' bag (in crocodile above, $18,500) there are a couple more bags I am coveting-- Loro Piana bags transcend time and trend so I don't even think about the season its from!-- the 'Bellevue' in sunny yellow ostrich ($11,900) is making me re-think yellow bags and the 'Coral' bag (35cm, $4,195) in calfskin is a must have for summer and fall. The perfect shade of luggage, it will complement a pair of white shorts or a creamy cashmere sweater, Loro Piana natch. All at Loro Piana boutiques worldwide.  Please call Susan for more info 212-980-7961. 

I went to the Tiffany / Vogue party for the introduction of the new Key Collection. I covered this event on Jewel Snob (yes! we have brought back Jewel Snob and it is all new and super exciting!!). I met Melissa George (Sadie Harris on Grey's Anatomy and Laura on In Treatment) at the party and she had the most stunning and adorable crocodile bag with ash colored topaz beaded strap. I was totally amazed when she told me it was by Taryn Rose. I only know of Taryn Rose for their sensible comfortable shoes, not their bags! If only their shoes were as cute at this bag, I would be able to walk and look good at the same time!! It is a simple flap bag with no logos or detail other than the strap, which of course makes the bag. I am in the process of contacting Taryn Rose to bring you more information about this bag and possibly an entire bag collection. I will do an update when I find out more!

Midday Midnight $650, now $455 (30% OFF); 24 HR in purple $495, now $346.50 (30% OFF).

If you don't win our fabulous Gerard Darel giveaway this month, don't worry your pretty little head because Luxcouture has got you covered either way. They are having an incredible sale, up to 50% off (the black 24 hour is only $246.50) on Gerard Darel. Frugal Snobs rejoice, shop now!

I got a sneak peek at Derek Lam's resort collection yesterday and am obsessing, majorly.  My two favorite bags of the season from Derek are the white Penelope Bauletto tote ($1,495) with tassle detail and front flap pocket and the Elsa cluch ($790) in bubblegum.  I can not tell you how much I love my Elsa clutch in grey python; not only is it chic-- it fits both my kelly long wallet and my very full make up bag plus all the other junk I like to carry around (like my mini hand powered flashlight, very handy as it does not require batteries. Just the squeeze of your grip!). I'm really excited Derek is continuing the Elsa clutch for Resort '10, in pink no less!!! It's like he made it just for me :) Actually, the entire collection is so me I think I want everything!  Check out the collection at Couture Snob.  For details and delivery dates, call 212-966-1616 or email Wayne (my lovely SA) at the Derek Lam Boutique at 10-12 Crosby St at Howard.

I read at Bryan Boy (he says he's so gay he sweats glitter-- it's true, I hugged him at Marc Jacobs and had glitter all over me for DAYS!) that Esteban Cortazar will be parting ways with the house of Ungaro due to disagreements of marketing strategies (I'd take a leap if Lindsay Lohan was offered up as my muse, too). Such a shame as his Fall 09 bags are really kick ass. Whereas he showed a tough girl edge for Fall, Summer at Ungaro is all about feminine style. I am drooling over these bags with soft bow and studded detail. Who knew bows and studs could look so good together!?!? I'm leaning towards black (after years of rainbow colored bags I'm back to black) but there is a delicious violet, a classic camel and a soft baby blue-- seriously something for everyone. At $1,450 it's also a helluva a deal. At Ungaro.com

Hopefully the talented Cortazar will start his own brand. I'll be first in line to buy!