Recently in Tote Category

Since Phoebe Philo has taken over at Celine, their bags have improved significantly but they were still trying to hang on to traditional Celine. Well, hello! Look at this tote, I did a triple take when I saw the label!! It is nothing like the horse and carriage theme that I associate with them. This is so new and different (for them that is, this reminds me of Anya Hindmarch actually) - no monogram, no horse, and no catering to the middle age. The rest of the Spring collection still has their key monogram pieces but it is just good to see this reinvention. At Barneys in Beverly Hills for $1500, call 310.276.4400.

I am ready to plan for Resort, as in, a warm vacation somewhere! Maybe that's why this Fendi straw tote is fascinating me so. I am reminded of a tropical Asian country because this design looks like seat mats that you always find in places like that. You know, like in cabs. It is unique for a bag to have this woven design with straw but I am comforted by its familiarity. It is obviously meant for a beach holiday but I think it would be brilliant to use this for work so you can pretend you are going off on vacation every morning. Or is that just more brutal when the mundane reality comes crashing down? I don't know, it's been a while since I've been in an office setting =) I have one final reservation and it's not a small one, the price!! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,560. Is there a world shortage on straw??!!

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.

We love a great cause and how great is Louis Vuitton donating 10% of ONLINE sales of select bags this month to The Red Cross??? Louis Vuitton has chosen four iconic monogram canvas designs to feature online and donate the sales of. The Keepall was originally created as a back-up bag included in the Louis Vuitton trunk and quickly became the ultimate weekend tote. The Speedy was created in 1930 but became famous when it was redesigned specifically for Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The Noe was invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton to perfectly hold five champagne bottles. The Alma was originally inspired by the Art Deco movement and has become a recognizable symbol of Louis Vuitton.  If you have been thinking of purchasing one of these timeless styles, this month is the time to do it!  Go here to shop!

I'm attending the opening of Louis Vuitton boutique at North Park this evening with the CEO of LVMH North America, Daniel Lalonde. What will I be carrying you ask? Why this lovely Minaudiere Tresor Crocodile below ($5,450) in the most spectacular shade of blue/green. Call the boutique 214-361-8566 to purchase the clutch but make sure you purchase the above bags online so 10% will be donated to The Red Cross!

I walked by Gucci today and saw a few bags that are definitely snob worthy.  There was a gray/white python one that stopped me in my tracks for a minute and almost convinced me to pull out that Amex card I've semi-retired.  Luckily I came to my senses and moved on, that's when I came across the Bamboo Bar Leather tote.  Now this is not a bad looking bag, I actually like the shape, the leather and even the very discreetly placed strip of embossed logo leather.  What is puzzling is the flimsy (though stylish) handles and all the unnecessary little pieces of straps that render the bag sloppy.  So the bag is almost cute but definitely expensive ($1,895 for leather).  Gucci Bamboo Bar Leather Tote here.

One of my favorite exotic designers makes it on Gossip Girl and not just one bag but the entire collection! Maybe Eric Daman, Gossip Girl's wardrobe stylist, reads Bag Snob ;-) But seriously, Eric, if you do, please let us know!! Blake Lively is seen with my all time favorite from Maia N, the caramel ostrich bowler ($5000) - timeless and elegant but it's slouchy so when worn in and beat up, it becomes quite bohemian. Jessica Szohr has the Sam python clutch in violet with agate stone detail ($1350). She is seen with the larger size, which I prefer for day to night use, but it also comes in a smaller size. Maia N is available at Takashimaya and Henri Bendel. You can also order directly by emailing Joanna.

Go to jump page to see the other Maia N bags on Gossip Girl!

This is a serious tote. As in, seriously awesome!! When you get it just right, you don't need fancy dangling details. All you need is a classic shape, this one being a little more interesting than a typical doctor bag, and fantastically beautiful textured ostrich! I am a bit torn by the Prada logo, yes, this old school triangle logo is very "Prada" but for something this timeless, couldn't they just make an exception and use the embossed logo instead? I'm not sure what is going on with that slit on the top of the bag, seems strange but is intriguing. I am being nit picky about this bag because it is so close to being perfect and for this kind of investment, it has to be. Of course I love the cobalt but the mais is the better choice for longevity. At Neiman Marcus for $5,850.

I gave the black coffee Olivia Harris Round sac to my BFF in Taiwan, Kelly Lin, for her birthday last month (yes, being my BFF means you get lots of great bags as gifts!). I was going to wait for spring to get myself a dirty white but saw this grey version today on Olivia Harris' new online shop and had to have it!  The grey is so perfect for fall and as many of you know, it is one of my absolute favorite colors. Bag Snob Kelly (it gets confusing when your two BFFs are both named Kelly) used hers all over Taipei and on our flights, it's such a light weight and easy to use tote and we can't tell you how handy that giant zip pocket is!  You must check out the site for many other new styles that Joy Gryson has come up with for the line. 

Olivia Harris Zip Pocket Round Sack $395

Of all the rocker trends, I love zippers best.  It's less in your face than giant studs yet still lends that rocker chick vibe without looking like a total drip fashion victim.  Even the tassel pulls don't bother me, I mean they actually serve a function here.  I can't recall the last time Foley + Corinna came out with a new bag shape.  They had that one hit wonder and ran with the silhouette for years.  Nice to see they went back to the design board and came up with this, not that it's any brilliant bag but for the price, a nice trendy tote.  Foley + Corinna Zipper Bag $389, 13"x16" at Shopbop.  What do you think?  Worth the $400?

It's hard for me to get excited about bags lately, not enough interesting designs and really, after thousands of bag reviews-- I feel like I'm kind of bored of bags lately(gasp)!  This often happens to me at the end of a season, and when it does, I turn to Devi Kroell.  She is innovative and forward thinking, you will never see her following the current trends!  The minute I saw the Twist bags, I perked up again!  What a creative and interesting way to present a classic tote!  The black tote with sea snake handles is of great interest to me-- very subtle but the handles give it a luxe touch.  The silhouette is really sexy and who would ever describe a bag as such??? Classic Twist Bag in Waxed Python is $2,590.00-- not that bad for such a large sized (15"x26") tote and the cranberry color is delicious for the holidays.  If you are looking for a basic-- check the black leather Classic Twist Bag in Leather and Sea Snake  $1,490.00.  Italian made and I can personally guarantee the quality of Devi's bags, we turn them inside out and can never find a flaw-- her bags are really amazing!  If you are in NYC, go check out her store on Madison!  717 Madison Avenue
between 63rd and 64th Streets, or call 212.644.4499.