Dear LA Readers: Please join us for a night of glamour and fun!
Who: The Bag Snobs, Lou Lou de la Falaise, Eliza Bolen
What: Baubles, Bags and Bubbly
Where: Oscar de la Renta Boutique 8446 Melrose Place
When: Tuesday, May 20th. 5:00pm-8:00pm
Why: Because all girls need a lot of Baubles, Bags, and Bubbly!
NET-A-PORTER now has the newest FASHION TARGETS BREAST CANCER (FTBC) exclusives, so you can look fabulous all summer and feel even better knowing that all net proceeds from the sale of the products will benefit local breast cancer charities around the world. These latest items are part of the global partnership with The Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Foundation Inc. Check them out, they are perfect for the hot weather right now. Love the DvF dress!!
I'm Not Obsessed shows hot to get Helena Christensen's look for under $125.
Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle contemplates Yummie Tummie.
All About the Pretty is really enjoying her custom Bobbi Brown Palettes.
Coquette gets crafty for the DIY Paper Hermès Kelly Bag.
Fashiontribes travels to the Age of Discovery on a sexy Steampunk time bender.
KRiSTOPHER explores Tokyo.
Papierblog looks at the wisdom behind Banana Republic Monogram stores.
Second City Style asks who wore it better: Celebrity Fashion Smackdown.
Straight to the Closet or Leave it On the rack? You decide at Shrimpton Couture.
Pinching your pennies? 200 cheap chic online finds at StyleBakery.com.
Stylehive's Next Big Thing: Cassie Kogler of New York Couture.
Stylenotes chats with Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway's Season 4.
The Shoe Goddess dishes about Christian Louboutin.
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com chatted up celebrity stylemaker and hairstylist Adir Abergel to get the 411 on Christina Ricci's Met Costume Institute Gala sleek pony!
The obsession with Lanvin will not end. Not as long as they keep surprising us with new incarnations of the things we love. The subtle but distinct detailing of Lanvin, like the strap and hardware detail here (similar to the Kentucky that we love love love) gives this highly functional but generic shape a beauty lift. And not only is the strap in a contrasting leather, it is patent and adjustable. It is lined in Lanvin jacard fabric which is good because it makes it much lighter. There are 2 organizational pockets inside that are a must have for a big bag like this and of course the side zip pocket. I have always complained that Lanvin bags are not the most user friendly, the chains are great looking but get kinked up (and we've heard of many breakages) and the pochettes are nearly impossible to get in and out of. But they have pulled out all the stops here (and maybe have been reading Bag Snob!) and made the perfect bag. This is definitely one of those bags you only need to buy one of and keep using it until you buy another next year, in a new color. It is $1,855 at Barneys and I hear they are going to have a 40% OFF the entire store sale, one day only. Keep your ears peeled - you do not want to let this one pass you by!
Diane von Furstenberg wants you to look chic this summer and carry a fabulous bag, she is giving away a $1500 shopping spree and a wrap bag!!! Enter to win by signing up for the DVF newsletter. So easy! Good luck!!! Enter to win HERE!
Day 5: Rushing off to airport now. Can't wait to see my baby boy!
I think one of the biggest debates here at Bag Snob is Louis Vuitton: to buy it, or not? There are the die hards who will never give up their collection of LV bags and who will buy whatever the brand serves up. The former fans (like myself) who will keep their set of vintage luggage from the '70s and the LV bags collected throughout the years but will not invest any more time or money on the trendy bags of late. And then there are those who consider its recent collaborations with Marc Jacobs as the whoring out of the classic label and brand. Which one are you? Let me know because I am off to a Blogger Breakfast with Louis Vuitton's CEO of North America. (Thanks to Lesley of Fashiontribes for the introduction!) I am very interested in what he has to say about the brand and how it will continue its exclusive appeal considering it's mass global campaign. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Just got back from the breakfast. It was an eye opener to say the least. (Read more after the jump!)
New York native Monica Botkier is an ex-fashion photographer with a keen eye for details. I have often admired her bags at stores, not only for its urban appeal but the price point. It would not be far fetched for me to say that she is one of the best brands in the under $500 market and her bags are made of good quality Italian leather, not canvas. I saw the St. Tropez the other day and liked the way she expanded the top handle so that you can actually slip it over your arm, not merely clutch it. Most Botkier bags depend on creative design and are not burdened down with heavy hardware, which is the case with the St. Tropez satchel. I am loving the gold version, which really shows off the streamlines of the bag. The beauty of the St. Tropez is in its simplicity, with this on your arm you're chic no matter what outfit or hour. $495 at Neiman Marcus
All in DVF dresses. Tina and Kelly in DVF for H. Stern knot necklaces and bracelets.
We filmed for almost 10 hours yesterday. Wearing Louboutins for that length of time is taxing to the feet to say the least. LOL. I am only going to tell you about one of our guests, her friends call her "Dee-ahn", her staff calls her DVF, her fans simply call her Diane. Yup, the legendary designer and princess, Diane von Furstenberg! She was the most lovely woman. She swept up to me and said "Are you Tina the Bag Girl? I have heard so much about you!" and then showered me with kisses. She then turned to Kelly and did same. She is so regal and has the most amazing energy! Talk about aging gracefully; DVF is beautiful, natural, and ageless! I even got a tour of her apartment above her studio, I want to move in! Can't wait to start another day of filming!
Softy Tote was $1800 now $1080, Plateau Sasha Sandals $595 now $357
Tod's is having a once in a lifetime sale, 40% off of everything in the Spring collection!! I guess the bad economy is affecting all of us - we can now enjoy massive savings!! =) I have been wanting the softy tote all season, they come in amazing spring colors and I am getting the light teal. I have been waiting for it to go on sale but I never expected 40% off!! It is so soft, like a big pillow, and is uber comfy and easy to use. I got the matching driving moccasins which makes for the ultimate duo for suburbia life (city life, I pay full price for!). This is a private sale for their loyal customers but call Carla at the Beverly Hills boutique at 310-285-0591, tell her Kelly Cook from Bag Snob sent you and she will let you have whatever you want! The private sale is May 15-17, after that the sale opens to everyone, but by then all the good stuff will have sold out, especially if you want shoes.
Beauty Snob stays refreshed with Arcona's Triad Pads!
Tot Snob is excited about the hip children's collection from Chloe!
Purse Blog doubles this Adriana Castro Wallet as a clutch too!
Fab Sugar is crazy over Carrie Bradshaw's Dior shoes!
There are those days we all need to be proper and ladylike - what can be more appropriate for that than this Nancy Gonzalez croc and python bag? It is eternally classic but the gold metallic python trim certainly spices things up a bit. The much needed pleating and the ruched python band definitely updates an otherwise traditional shape. I saw this bag on someone (at the Barneys Christian Louboutin personal appearance, everyone there had fabulous bags!) and immediately jumped her to get all the info on it. She had it in chocolate but I love the silver to make it a bit less serious, brown croc is the ultimate classic color for croc but it does make it kind of old lady-ish. And I don't ever like black croc because you can't see the detail in the skin. Of course, the best thing about Nancy Gonzalez is the fantastic price point. It is $3650 (for a mostly croc bag!!) at Bergdorf Goodman.
Oh my gosh, I just woke up and it's 6am! Usually we schedule our entries and I never wake up before 8am. Hair and make up and then it's camera time! We have a super packed schedule today, can't wait! xoxo
Erotokritos Handbags Taupe Patent Basquet Bag $621
Erotokritos Handbags Blue Metallic Basquet Bag
Paris based Green/Cypriot designer, Erotokritos, is just the breath of fresh air I've been looking for in Cheap Thrills! Check out his line of funky wrinkled patent-leather bags with zipper pocket at front and knotted strap detail at sides. This is what young and hip Bag Snobs should be toting around the city! Your early 20's are the time of self expression and individual style (not that there is anything wrong with high end designer bags)-- tote this on your arm and instead of hearing-- "oh I have that bag" you'll hear "where did you get that bag!?!?"
The bright blue metallic version is extra cheeky and will guarantee you lots of attention! I like how he uses rolled leather as anchors to keep the bag's shape. It looks really square in the photos because they stuffed it full, it actually flattens out when you carry it under your arm. Now it won't pass muster with our seasoned Bag Snobs but hey, the young'uns gotta start somewhere! I also love his line of casually hip clothes, especially this adorable little blue sweater-- how sweet will that be with white jeans (I should mention I have a sick white pants obsession)? Bags $629 at Shopbop, clothes at Net a Porter
. 11"H x 15"L x 5"D. 6" strap drop. Made in Italy.
Continue reading "Erotokritos: Cheap Thrills of the Week!" »
We just arrived in New York City (well, I arrived at 2pm but headed straight for the Oscar de la Renta boutique and Barneys!) and will start filming tomorrow AM with a very fabulous style icon and a bag designer everyone is panting for. I am not going to tell you who they are, it will be more fun when you watch it yourself. You'll never guess because neither have been profiled on our site before :) Anyway, please forgive us if this week's posts are a bit slow. We have grueling film schedules, 7am calls til the sun goes down! But we are filming with half a dozen of our favorite designers so it won't be like work, it will be fun! I haven't done this in 10 years, am excited but also nervous. Wish us luck!! xoxo
By the way, the Hermes Lindy bag is an A++ traveling companion! The side pockets fit airline tickets perfectly and the long strap goes around the body so I can run around all day long. Am definitely going to get more colors!
Didn't get what you wanted for Mother's Day? Shopbop.com
is going to take care of you with a one day only 20% OFF coupon code, "MYDAY08". I love their contemporary sportswear selection, tons of great dresses and t's for the summer. And you can get 20% off on bags like this adorable Kooba, already a cheap thrill for $600 but now you can get it for only $480!! Or the Martine Sitbon Metallic Shopper Bag, it is a fun bag for the summer to throw around, was $319, and is only $255. Shop around for other fun stuff. Shopbop, MYDAY08
. Regular priced items only and no Designer Boutique items =( Coupon code good until the end of the day at 11:59pm PST.
By the way, Dana from Ralph Lauren just alerted me of their private 40% off sale with an additional 20% off starting today. Call her asap 214-522-5270. Don't even bother asking her for another white alligator Ricky, all four have sold! More photos after the jump!
I just had to share this with everyone. How fun is it to do a craft project that will actually produce something you want? Now everyone can have their very own little Kelly that they've made themselves, out of paper! Or you can be really crafty and involve some leather! On the Hermes website, you can download the template of 7 different designs, or you can get the blank one and create your own masterpiece (when you get to the site, you must click on the picture of the Kelly cutout to get to the the exact page, it is just right of center). I am not good with stuff like this (it involves glue and cutting within the lines) but I did download it and plan on seeing if I might have a career in handmade bags. I am pretty sure that I will discover that I am better suited at the buying of handmade bags instead =) I am surprised Hermes would do this but I guess they are taking a page from the marketing books of Phillip Morris, train them young so they can grow up to be addicts!
UPDATE- Congrats to Tory- Kelly wears a size 40 and is damn proud of it :)
Kelly and I have been waiting for these shirts forever (well, our own fault for being lazy but we finally found an assistant who followed through- thanks, Allison!) - after testing several brands and styles, we found the perfect t-shirt for summer! It's the perfect texture- not thick but not see through at all, the perfect length- hits right at the hip (well, it's a bit long on me but I am tiny!), and the perfect softness. We know you will love them as much as us! We'll be selling them in our Snob Shop this summer but until that's set up, we'll be giving them away in our pop quizzes! Today's pop quiz is really easy, so easy that you are going to laugh but what the heck, it's Saturday, I've been sitting on the beach every day with my son and am completely relaxed and happy :)
Tell me, what size shoe does Kelly wear? (hint: she recently mentioned them in a feature with the oh so fabulous God of shoes :) We'll choose a random winner via computer drawing on Sunday night at 11:59pm EST- the answers will be revealed at that time to be fair to all participants. The winner will choose the size and the desired color. More photos after the jump!!!
Continue reading "Bag Snob Pop Quiz- Bag Snob Shirt Giveaway" »
Fashion Indie & Maurices announces Winner of Project Handbag, Christina Oertel
Fab Sugar digs the chic style of Diane Kruger!
Beauty Snob learns how the Material Girl stays 50 and Fabulous!
Make your own special monster with Tot Snob!
KRiSTOPHER shops the best black on sale.
Stiletto Jungle has discovered no-slip strapless bras.
Coquette finds fresh Summer looks in the color green.
Bag Bliss’ Fantastic 14 List: Fourteen Fabulous Bags under $140!!!
My Fashion Life catches Giorgio Armani during his whirlwind tour of NYC.
Shrimpton Couture weighs in on the Costume Institute Gala.
StyleBakery.com's tips for finding the right swimsuit for your figure.
Celebs Spill to Stylehive at the Met Costume Institute Gala!
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com wants you to VOTE for Look of the Month April!
Papierblog looks at the greatest fashion entrepreneurs and who is missing from the list.
Second City Style shows you how to get Spring Runway looks the vintage way.
Oscar de la Renta is considered an International Fashion Designer but we Americans prefer to claim him as our own (For the record, Mr. de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic, part of the Americas. He also resides predominantly in New York City, actually, he IS New York --so yes, we win). I wonder if the 18 year old boy from the D.R. who followed his dream to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid knew that he would one day become one of the most influential designers in the history of Fashion. I don’t think there is a woman alive today who has not heard of Oscar de la Renta! 
Every one of my girlfriends has an “Oscar” story-- the first time they obsessed over one of his beautiful creations.
I remember the first Oscar piece I coveted, it was a shimmering champagne colored frothy gown worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in 2001 (I still have a photo of it from Vogue in my desk, not kidding). I was planning my wedding at the time and was determined to wear it as my wedding dress (so it was a bit see thru and it was not white-- but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and I wanted it!). Unfortunately, I was not the lucky fashion blogger that I am today with a direct line to the Oscar folks and was unable to locate the gown. But my love affair with Oscar de la Renta began, and it has grown to epic proportions ever since I met the iconic designer this spring. Tell me, do you remember the first time you fell for Oscar?
Continue reading "Oscar de la Renta: The Master of Elegance" »
