Recently in Frugal Snob Category

I'm getting kind of bored with Fall bags already, it's the end of the season and everything is starting to look alike to me. One way to get out of the funk is to shop vintage. This Chanel with the swirl stitching is so edgy and cool because it looks vintage, and you get a great price for it! A win-win if you ask me. Portero is better than going to vintage shops because they authenticate all their bags and it is less time consuming to shop online. Sure I love sorting through random things to find the gems and that's fun while on vacation but honestly, who has time to do that on a regular basis? Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Leather Swirl Stitch Envelope Shoulder Bag is $588!! Shop Chanel at Portero.com.

Rare Pristine Vintage Red Epi Leather Giant Clutch and Limited Edition Oskar Waltz Runway Bag in Ostrich, Lizard & Snake

We are really excited to be working with Portero. They carry authentic pre-owned bags and most are in pristine condition, some have never even been used! So why not save some money if you're getting what you want anyway? Because Bag Snob readers are so special, they are allowing you to get in on their "Now or Never" sales, which means for a limited time frame, select bags are are additionally discounted. Today from noon - 5pm EST, there is a Louis Vuitton sale with an additional 10% off. Click on this link here to shop the sale and use code SNOB.

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 is Friends and Family discount season! If you plan wisely and get your shopping done early, you will save grief and money. Or maybe you just want to shop for yourself =) Shopbop is doing a 2 day sale, Oct. 20 and 21 only, all full priced merchandise is 15% OFF with code INTHEFAMILY15. Get the basics like the Mulberry Mabel Hobo for $825, $701.25. Another great everyday bag is the Alexander Wang Brenda Zip Bag for $725, $616.25, it looks way cooler in person, very London chic! If you want to gear up for the holidays with some clutches that wows, the Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch that I've had my eyes on for a while now can now be mine with less guilt, $1290, $1096.50. Another amazing party bag is the Diane von Furstenberg Belle Clutch with Studs for $595, $505.75. Sale ends Wednesday, October 21, at 11:59pm PDT.

A chic metallic fold over clutch is a must have for the holidays!  If you're not looking for a major investment, check out bridge lines like DKNY from Donna Karan.  I'm happy to see the brand offering simple bags at affordable prices (lord knows we can all use a heavy does of that!).  The convertible foldover clutch also doubles as a shoulder chain bag with the logo cleverly disguised on the zipper pull.  I've always loved zip top fold over clutches, you can stuff it full without worrying of spill out.  Happy weekend all.   DKNY Fold-over metallic clutch here $225

In love the the Olivia Harris Round Sac? I have kids and a lot of running around to do so that has been my go-to bag for hectic days. Now I am hooked! And this Ball Hobo style is another one of those that will make life less stressful - financially and pragmatically. This viola color is perfect for the fall, the gray trim is absolutely perfect for contrast and cool detailing. The pockets and adjustable strap are key to its functionality. The leather is so buttery soft and lightweight - everything about this bag is just right. Especially the price! $395 at Luna Boston.

Wow, Gerard Darel bags are still difficult to find stateside but apparently Hollywood stars don't have any problems locating them.  Halle carried her soft leather satchel (Besace Pom, $529 at select Bloomingdales) both Thursday and Friday, while Jessica sported the same Gerard Darel bag in dark grey suede on Monday night. Spotted boarding a yacht in Australia yesterday, Kristen accessorized with a black fringe messenger bag.  For me, the Besace Pom wins as Gerard Darel's best of the season.  What about you?

Okay, that proves it. Heidi Klum can make anything look fabulous, even a faux croco embossed bag with a giant butterfly on it. It's not that bad but just looks so... shiny. Thank god that butterfly key ring is removable-- it's a decent bag to run around with if you can get over it is PVC (vegetarians will love it)-- and it is very baby friendly (don't be a moron like me and keep baby bottles in your birkin, that did not turn out well for my Rouge H).

This is a super low price point so please don't bitch at me-- skip on to the 'latest snob' bags if you want luxury. I've been asked repeatedly to offer really inexpensive frugal snob bags and this is as frugal as I can get.  Unless you want those bags at Target for $39.99 which I've tried to write about but just can't bring myself to (yet).  This one was tough, too-- I'm just featuring it to show that when a gorgeous supermodel is asked to carry something, it will look fabulous.  It comes in 5 colors but when dealing with faux anything-- stick with black or a dark color (there is a green that is interesting).   
Design Guru for Curations Croco-Embossed Patent Tote here $139.99

Okay snobs, unleash it on me.  Snob or Slob?

Some of my friends in NYC (the lower east side crew- yes you-- Caroline, Wendy and Audrey!) are trying to make me (as they say) "downtown".   Though I see nothing wrong with my uptown sensibilities I do love their street edge styles and would like to mix it up with my current stash of luxury bags.  That's when I turn to GRYSON bags.  No one is cooler and more downtown than designer Joy Gryson (hello, she designed and launched Marc Jacobs' bag line with the Venetia and Stella bags!)  For fall, Joy offers up the "Painted" bags (hand painted on soft leather or eel skin!).  A multi functional bag with adjustable straps (looks chic as a shoulder bag and very hip as messenger style), zippered pockets in front and back plus a sprinkling of grommet studs on the straps that lends the functional bag a healthy dose of current trend.  Sized at 14"x11" it is very wearable no matter your size.  And the price is amazing for the work-- it's hand painted!

Gryson Painted Violet Bag is $755 here

Gryson Painted Eel Violet Bag is $995 here.

We introduced you to the fabulous Stephanie bag from DVF back in January and much as I loved it I could not swing that size.  Good thing I waited because now it comes in medium in a rock star worthy black metallic!  You must see this in person, the woven leather is amazing and the metallic peeks through depending on the movement of the bag-- subtle yet sexy.  There is also a longer shoulder strap but I like the shorter handle, it looks more sophisticated.  The bracelet clutch is also tres adorable with long tassles and at a great price point!  DVF bags are a superb value for its functionality, design and glam factor-- just like her iconic wrap dresses!  I am anxiously awaiting  Hayworth in python (it's stuck in customs!). Meanwhile, you must check out the Stephanie styles!
 
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Medium Hobo $875

Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bracelet Clutch $395