Recently in Tote Category

I might be in need of some perspective here but I think this is a great price for a big python tote, and a Gucci one at that. OK, fine it is $3800 but a Chanel leather tote is $3000! I am intrigued by the natural python markings kept on the skin, it has an ombre effect but it is natural and swirls around in an irregular pattern. Most python is dyed completely and I find this so much more interesting that more of the snake is retained other than just the scales. The loosely knotted ties at the end of the straps makes the bag less stiff and is a fun way to use the bamboo that they insist on. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3800.

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.

Check out Kristin Davis (Charlotte) with a Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote while filming scenes in NYC for Sex and the City II. Davis accessorized her green dress and turquoise suede heels with a $3,380 turquoise Nancy Gonzalez tote.  I love this shade of turquoise and ordered a hobo for Spring 2010 in the same shade!  It's so fresh and pretty, we are raining cats and dogs with Typhoon weather in Taipei right now and seeing this brightly colored bag makes me so happy!  There is a black version of the Nancy Gonzalez tote here if you're not into the color.

It was love at first sight for me and this Bottega. I love their classics but it's the classic with a twist that I always end up buying. This has the signature woven leather but the border and handles are lined with grommets adding an updated hipness. This one giant tote with no interior compartments, great for those times when you need to throw everything you own in it, such as sweater, books, extra shoes (flats for relieving those stilettos) and if you have tots, you will be the hippest and most prepared mom EVER! The pourpre (red) is a muted brick / clay red, not a bright red, so it is neutral enough to throw on with almost anything. The color is beautiful and absolute perfection. I am so in love with this bag, I can't even tell you how I am agonizingly counting the minutes until I get it. Yes, of course I ordered it already!! At Bergdorf Goodman for pre-order for $2,350. Will ship in February but it always comes much sooner.

You gotta have a red bag for the Holidays. But if you can't commit to a high ticket item, why not go frugal and hip instead? This Kooba Jagger tote is super saucy and the zipper detail is way cool. It does not require a rock 'n roll attitude (cuz honestly, how many of us do?) just your own style. The easy and functional bag is perfect for everyday, goes from office to dinner to weekends seamlessly. The zipper does work but the trapezoid shape aftermath is not desirable. Pretend it's just an aesthetic detail and keep it unzipped. At Neiman Marucs for $595.

It's hard to find a sporty bag that is also stylish but YSL hit the balance perfectly with its new perforated leather tote. Never thought I'd be a fan of perforated leather but it makes this elongated doctor style bag so much more modern and interesting (not to mention very youthful and athletic). The number one complaint from women about elongated totes is that it's hard to dig up things from the bottom of the bag (drives me nuts when I miss a call after frantically looking for my phone!). I've always said this is a problem easily solved with a larger opening which is exactly what YSL did-- the zipper opening spans from middle of the bag on each side so you an actually see inside your bag. YSL Perforated Tote at Saks here $1,495

I came across a great line of handbags when I was in Munich a few weeks ago. The line is called Kaviar Gauche and most of the bags retail for under 700 euros. It's the best feeling when you come across a new brand when you're abroad that you know none of your friends are familiar with. Not that I'm knocking the beauty of sporting an Hermes, Miu Miu, or Givenchy, but sometimes it's nice to have a bag that people don't recognize right away. I love the shapes and detailing of the styles in this line -- so original! Plus they're soft, yet sturdy enough to carry any heavy loads. My favorite is the Motorcycle Shopper (565 euros -- left). In the middle is the Lamella Bag (419-499 euros), and on the right is the brand's Oyster Bag (790 euros).

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?   

Jimmy Choo launched their PEP Collection to benefit Project PEP with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This project supports the funding of the Simelela Centre in South Africa and 25% of net sales from this limited edition collection will go directly to this effort. Jimmy Choo has a dedicated site "Jimmy Choo 72" to host this project as well as hold a competition called "You, Your Shoe Size and 72". The Vibrant Capsule Collection features a distinctive and collectible punk rock motif print representing Jimmy Choo's passionate and individualist spirit. The number "72" is key because after exposure to HIV, victims of rape have just 72 hours to visit the Simelela Centre and start a course of potentially lifesaving PEP treatment. This effort along with the Elton John Foundation ensures this clinic stays open 24/7 for the crucial PEP treatment. The complete accessories collection includes this tote, a clutch, jewelry, shoes, scarf, belt and phone tag (a strap). The super cool and high energy tote is $995 for large tote and $795 for smaller tote.