Recently in Fashion Category

The Fendi Baguette (with the help of Carrie Bradshaw) singlehandedly launched the "it" bag phenom 10 years ago so it is fitting that we pay tribute to "it" on its 10th anniversary. I still love my Fendi baguettes and take them out once in a while to admire or use; beaded, whip stitched or embellished, I have several that I will never give up! The shape is just so perfect, fits right under the arm and holds anything and everything you need for a proper night out or a lunch with the girls. It is one of the all time greatest bags! From Fendi's Spring Runways, several modern incarnations of the baguette appeared in squishy oversized clutch versions which are no less fabulous than the original. With the Sex and the City movie currently being filmed, don't be surprised to see Carrie reunited with her beloved baguettes as well.

Tomas Maier does it again with a collection that is wearable but ultimately glamorous. If Coco Chanel was the Queen of Beige, Tomas is the King of Muted but don't think that makes his collection any less spectacular. If anything so subtle can cause fireworks go off in my heart, this is it. The bags were no less impressive, there were so many new styles I actually started looking at my financials for next year to make sure I can get all the bags I want!! Of course, exotics are still strong for the foreseeable future and Tomas kept those simple to show off the skin. The woven gathered tote will be a huge seller for them, it is a loose casual bag that screams Bottega!!! I am most in love with the woven frame in white, how lovely can one be? So ladylike and elegant, it makes you feel like a million bucks just being close to something like this. I am calling in to order this like right now!!

During Fashion Week I met the very lovely and very stylish Brigette Romanek, designer of Romanek line of bags. We went for drinks at Pipas, a cute little tapas and sangria place in Chelsea and bonded from "hello". We had so much fun talking about everything under the sun; from bags to babies (we each have one, a boy for me, a girl for her- we're setting them up!) that I almost forgot to ask her the list of questions I had prepared for her profile! We even ran off poor Debra, who set up the meeting, she couldn't get a word in between our gabbing and left early for another appointment but B and I? We hung out as long as possible before reluctantly going off to our other obligations later that evening.

Known for her "Rock Star" clutch, Brigette is no stranger to rock stars herself. Wife of Mark Romanek, one of the top Music Video and Film directors in the industry, and daughter of legendary singer Paulette McWilliams (who sang with Rufus until she introduced him to her friend Chaka Khan and left the group), Brigette was a successful singer in her own right until her career as full time mother and bag designer took over. Brigette's rise to bag stardom is one of Hollywood dreams, in two short years, her Rock Star clutch has become not only an iconic bag coveted by rock stars (Sheryl Crow), movie stars (Demi Moore) and super models (Kate Moss) alike, it has also made it to an exhibit at the Pasadena Museum! So where do you go from designing an instant "it" bag on your first try? Why, design an entire line of drool worthy bags of course!

Dior Shoes At Saks Fifth Avenue

Are you green with envy? You should be, Dior's bow pleated platform is one hot shoe and in green, it's on fire! They arrived at Saks.com this week and I just ordered mine, hurry and get yours before they sell out! The fuschia, black and brown versions tempted me a while back but none were as seducing as the green python and lambskin beauty. We keep getting requests from our readers for a shoe site and though we do not have plans for a site dedicated to only shoes, we plan on launching Couturesnob.com in November which will review both ready-to-wear and and snob worthy shoes! Dior Python Bow Platform at Saks Fifth Avenue

I thought the Emmy's was really entertaining last night. I love awards shows so I might be biased but I though the pace was good and that people were pretty funny and Ryan Seacrest not as annoying as I was certain he would be. America and Katherine Heigl won, yay!!, The Office didn't win, boo!! but who cares right? You want to know what people wore so let's get to it.

Jaime Pressly wore St. John, bad choice for anyone under 50, I don't care that Angelina Jolie's image is supposed to make it more hip, it is better saved for old age. The black and silver print combo always yells "old person trying to look dressed up!", waist down it was fine, Jaime has that weight lifter body, but the bust area looks like oversized breast feeding floppy boob attire. America looked really great and slim, the draping was extremely flattering on her, unfortunately the color and the waist band made it very prommy.

After a week of beaded, pleated and sometimes over embellished, it was absolutely refreshing to see a collection of sleek and pretty clothes from Luca Luca. Don't get me wrong, I love fancy and glamorous clothes but what I need for everyday are easy pieces that allow me to live my life. Clothes to wear while lunching, shopping or doing the multiple errands I do to keep my world spinning and that is exactly what Luca Orlandi offered for Spring 2008.

The fashion extravaganza of the week was the spectacular show put forth by Oscar de la Renta on Monday. Despite heavy traffic and scattered rain, Victoria Beckham and New York's most high profile social girls paid their respects to the man who has reigned over classic womenswear for the last four decades. Star studded as it was, however, no one made a grander entrance than Anna Wintour with US Open champ Roger Federer. Arriving mere minutes before the show began; Wintour and Federer received a round of cheers and applause as they wound their way through the room to their seats. I was confused at first and had no idea why everyone was clapping until the pair walked past me. Ms. Wintour showed off her favorite tennis champ grinning from ear to ear and looking like a proud mother! The show was held outside the tents at the 583 ballroom on Park and 63rd, the gorgeous former Georgian style church that provided the perfect back drop for a stunning collection. A total of 67 looks floated down a circular runway formed through the room with performance by the funky choir group the Polyphonic Spree, I have never seen such a grand show!

Ken Downing- Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus and Bag Snob Tina

I have been running into friends from Dallas all week; including the fabulous Ken Downing, Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. Ken has been heralded the most influential man in fashion not to mention the hardest working. I saw him at every show I attended, fiercely focused on each look floating down the runway and taking notes on the pieces that will end up on the glossy racks at Neiman Marcus stores by next February. So what does the man who decides what women will wear each season think of the latest bags? I caught up with Ken in midst of his busy week for a quick Q & A.

For Spring 2008 Diane von Furstenberg journeys into the wild with exotic kaftans, safari shorts, pant suits and ethereal gowns with romantic ruffles and intricate beading, all worn with Louboutin shoes for DVF and DVF for H Stern jewelry. The brightly hued collection made me want to go on holiday, especially after fashion week! DVF is a staple in my wardrobe and I was thrilled to see an addition of bags to the line, most notably a bright blue oversized tote worn with a yummy mango knit polo shirt dress. I find it interesting to see safari trends on many of the runways, perhaps to go with the exotic skin bag trend? Which brings me to the question of what comes first, the bag or the clothes? You all know my answer but would love to hear yours! This was a fun filled collection and show, the impossibly chic Ms. von Furstenberg took her turn down the runway at the end of the show causing the crowd to go wild. As for me, seeing one of my all time style icons in the flesh was the highlight of the day!

Bag Snob Picks: Mango Knit Polo Dress, Dip-Dyed Jersey Tank Dress, Chiffon Pirate Wrap Dress, Parachute Silk Flag Dress

Color Palette: Guava, Mango, Kiwi and Papaya

Michael Kors proves once again why he is a favorite amongst celebs and social girls with a crowd pleasing collection of sexy and chic clothes. "The juxtaposition of romance and athleticism....strident sexy American style with a sporty edge... sleek sunkissed glamour" is what Michael Kors strove for and he did it with perfection. I loved the sleek dresses and easy pullovers, all items I must have in my closet immediately! And the bags, the best bag collection he's shown yet! Oversized and glittering, fab little clutches with hand straps, it all worked flawlessly.

Bag Snob Picks: Flamingo Crystal Jersey Dance Dress, Black Crystal Jersey Halter Jumpsuit, Guava/Apricot Silk Chiffon Jersey Empire Gown, Lime Cashmere Lurex Pullover with Flamingo Silk Lame Pleated Skirt.

Color Palette: Warm tones of Flamingo, Iris, Sunshine, Tangerine, Lime, Crisp Navy, Black and Khaki with bold punctuations of White.