Recently in Tote Category

I am always on the prowl for interesting bags like this Jil Sander multi zip tote.  At first it appeared sloppy but like everything Raf Simons does, there is a precise method to the slouch.  Unlike other ruffly bags, this is actually very functional.  Its softly draped folds each have a structured zipper opening allowing one to hide different treasures accordingly.  This is especially useful while traveling.  I am having many senior moments and often forget what and where I hide my things when I travel because I have so many little boxes and containers!  Having all the secret pockets in one single bag will help me with my forgetfulness. Once again, Jil Sander delivers on style and functionality and I've come to expect nothing less from the brand.  What do you think of the multi zip tote?  JIL SANDER - MULTI ZIP TOTE $2,593/ 1920 euro.

This bag give me hope that decadence will once again reign. Not that this bag is particularly fabulous or to die for but a giant bag encrusted with sparkling stones for 3 grand can only mean one thing - disposable income. And lots of it. Everything for fall is all about over indulgence and glamour and to me, that is pure joy and optimism. I prefer the frame, it makes more sense going over the top with a smaller evening look. Kaleido Tote for $2995 and Gemme Frame for $2980. Both at Bergdorf Goodman. I also want to pay tribute to Michael Jackson with a bag that is representative of his aesthetic of flash and fantasy. And a flash he was, he is gone before his time. He will be missed but he left us with a lot of memories and incredible music that has been the soundtrack to many of our lives.

My friend pointed out that the words "Frugal" and "snob" are contradictory but I beg to differ! Being a snob is not about spending money, it's a person with discerning taste, even if he/she is on a budget.  If you are a frugal snob looking for a bag that is well made with good quality leather-- look no further than Cole Haan's new Raleigh tote.  This is not for the girl who has a closetful of trendy designer bags.  It is for a sensible yet stylish girl who understands that her bag should be her accessory, and not the other way around.  If you are that girl, head over to Saks to check out Cole Haan Raleigh Triangle Tote for $348

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!

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?

           

I have been busy the last hour shopping Net-a-Porter's sale! So much stuff, so little time and even less free cash on hand. But the discounts are major so either way you justify it, you are still getting a lot more for less! I saw the Marc Jacobs Studded Tote a while back and walked away from it but now that it is 60% off, only $518, HELLO!! Such a deal! Clicked it right into my cart. Another great buy is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch for $588. I already have this bag, which I paid full price for, so even though I'm a bit bitter, I will still point you toward the deal =) Shop all Net-a-Porter Sale Bags.

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 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.

This is a leather bag made to look like a paper shopping bag. When I first saw it, I thought, what idiot would buy such a thing? And then I went to a Lakers game and saw Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's wife, with it. I don't mean to beat on her for no reason, she is just not a nice person and apparently does not know how to shop either. A friend of mine lives in their gated community in Laguna and saw her screaming at the gate guard after he greeted her with, "Good evening Mrs. Bryant". She stopped the car, turned it around and went back to shout, "DO NOT EVER TALK TO ME!". I mean, it's not like he said, "That bag of yours is ridiculous" or something. Which is what I thought but was polite enough to keep to myself (to her face, I mean). So now this bag is laden with all sorts of negative associations for me. But not like it was ever a good bag so, so be it. Oh, I should have mentioned, it's $2525 (same price for both styles, both come in black or white). There is also an even more ridiculous little pink one. Contact Chanel (800) 550-0005 or Alexis at 214-520-1055.

I've been getting a lot of man bag requests. To be honest, I've kind of given up because man bags are for the most part really boring and the ones that are actually cool and exciting are apparently too feminine. But for Father's Day, I went through them all and came up with some less boring ones that are super functional and others that are quite amazing that are even marketed as man bags. I mean, that is pretty much the most fun aspect of man bag shopping, being baffled by the inappropriateness some of these are for men.

My favorite of all the ones I've seen is this Varvatos Calfskin Tote for $1595. It has an urban edge and is rugged enough for even the manliest of manly men. I don't know about carrying this every day but for weekend, travel and even for work, this is one uber cool bag.

The conventional option is this Prada Saffiano Tessuto Tote, $1495, for everyday office use. It isn't as boring as a briefcase and has all the niceties of a Prada so for the straight edge dad, this is still quite stylish.