Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

Since Phoebe Philo has taken over at Celine, their bags have improved significantly but they were still trying to hang on to traditional Celine. Well, hello! Look at this tote, I did a triple take when I saw the label!! It is nothing like the horse and carriage theme that I associate with them. This is so new and different (for them that is, this reminds me of Anya Hindmarch actually) - no monogram, no horse, and no catering to the middle age. The rest of the Spring collection still has their key monogram pieces but it is just good to see this reinvention. At Barneys in Beverly Hills for $1500, call 310.276.4400.

I am going to call this clutch "Almost Frugal".  It is not cheap by any means but compared to the 4 figure clutches we've been seeing lately, it feels like a real bargain.  The croc printed leather looks amazingly luxe in the season's (again) must have pale gold hue.  Love it or hate it, metallic is here to stay (at least for this decade).  The Marano silhouette is a staple in Anya's line and one that many of us here at Bag Snob love.  Remember Liza's shagreen version at the Emmys?  8"x4" is a generous size but still clutchable (is that even a word?) and yes, my iPhone fits in it. Anya Hindmarch Marano metallic croc-print clutch here $425

I am ready to plan for Resort, as in, a warm vacation somewhere! Maybe that's why this Fendi straw tote is fascinating me so. I am reminded of a tropical Asian country because this design looks like seat mats that you always find in places like that. You know, like in cabs. It is unique for a bag to have this woven design with straw but I am comforted by its familiarity. It is obviously meant for a beach holiday but I think it would be brilliant to use this for work so you can pretend you are going off on vacation every morning. Or is that just more brutal when the mundane reality comes crashing down? I don't know, it's been a while since I've been in an office setting =) I have one final reservation and it's not a small one, the price!! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,560. Is there a world shortage on straw??!!

Unique does not even begin to describe this sterling silver minaudiere. The silver is individually cast using over a pound of silver and lined in American alligator! Everything is handmade in New York. The egg shape is ingenious, it's like a real alligator egg. It is worn with a hammered silver chain wristlet and feather tassel. It is super tiny at 5.25" x 3.5" x 2.75" so it is more of a pure accessory rather than functional for holding anything. But I am not bothered by any of that because this is like a piece of art to be ogled over. All their minaudieres are made to order and can be monogrammed and customized, as in finishes, leathers, colors, tassels, stones or in solid 18K gold!! Price for the silver with alligator is $22,200. For purchasing, contact Jessamee Sanders, founder/designer, at 718.300.2461 or you can email her.

I have been taking a much closer look at Versace because they are sponsoring the Hollywood Bag Ladies' Luncheon that I am on the committee of (imagine 600 women fighting for 300 luxury bags at the biggest silent auction ever!). While at the Rodeo Drive boutique, I became mesmerized by this Socialite shoulder bag. It is exactly what you want from Versace, edgy and flashy and completely different from anything else out there. The "bow" is Donatella's own interpretation of a bow and is nothing short of genius (and I don't say that about her very often!). The blue and purple are sold out everywhere but Beverly Hills has one dark gray left for $2895. Call Versace Beverly Hills (310) 205-3921.

One of my favorite exotic designers makes it on Gossip Girl and not just one bag but the entire collection! Maybe Eric Daman, Gossip Girl's wardrobe stylist, reads Bag Snob ;-) But seriously, Eric, if you do, please let us know!! Blake Lively is seen with my all time favorite from Maia N, the caramel ostrich bowler ($5000) - timeless and elegant but it's slouchy so when worn in and beat up, it becomes quite bohemian. Jessica Szohr has the Sam python clutch in violet with agate stone detail ($1350). She is seen with the larger size, which I prefer for day to night use, but it also comes in a smaller size. Maia N is available at Takashimaya and Henri Bendel. You can also order directly by emailing Joanna.

Go to jump page to see the other Maia N bags on Gossip Girl!

This is a serious tote. As in, seriously awesome!! When you get it just right, you don't need fancy dangling details. All you need is a classic shape, this one being a little more interesting than a typical doctor bag, and fantastically beautiful textured ostrich! I am a bit torn by the Prada logo, yes, this old school triangle logo is very "Prada" but for something this timeless, couldn't they just make an exception and use the embossed logo instead? I'm not sure what is going on with that slit on the top of the bag, seems strange but is intriguing. I am being nit picky about this bag because it is so close to being perfect and for this kind of investment, it has to be. Of course I love the cobalt but the mais is the better choice for longevity. At Neiman Marcus for $5,850.

There is a mermaid in all of us, the desire to be gorgeous and free of earthly evils. Just make sure you peel your lobster before you eat it =) Jewels of the sea, namely coral and pearls, are so wholesome and pure. The organic shape of coral is intriguing and beautiful and is the perfect addition to this little pleated clutch. Perfect for the holidays but this is something you will want to keep using, especially when the world has gotten you down. At Luisaviaroma for $2690.60 (includes import fees and shipping for the US).

Not that I'm trying to make up for my loss of goodwill for the Stella McCartney Recycled Hobo post (but maybe I am), because truly, I am conscientious of the environment and animals. But we live in a confusing world - although I adore my pets and enjoy frequenting the zoo, I still eat meat (just not pet meat) and love my lovely exotic and leather handbags. I do what I can but seriously, how can anyone be perfect about environmentalism? I mean, other than Ed Begley Jr., no one is peddling a bike to make electricity for the laptop they're using. But when something like this fund drive for the ASPCA comes along, I jump at it. Envirosax (yes, I bring my own reusable bags to the market) is donating $1 for every pouch set sold to help shelters deal with animals abandoned due to home foreclosures. You kill 2 birds with one stone! Or is that an inappropriate idiom to use here? Keep these in mind for holiday gift giving. There are 10 designs to choose from, each pouch set of 5 is $37.95. Get your Envirosax pouch and help give these abandoned pets a second chance.

It's hard for me to get excited about bags lately, not enough interesting designs and really, after thousands of bag reviews-- I feel like I'm kind of bored of bags lately(gasp)!  This often happens to me at the end of a season, and when it does, I turn to Devi Kroell.  She is innovative and forward thinking, you will never see her following the current trends!  The minute I saw the Twist bags, I perked up again!  What a creative and interesting way to present a classic tote!  The black tote with sea snake handles is of great interest to me-- very subtle but the handles give it a luxe touch.  The silhouette is really sexy and who would ever describe a bag as such??? Classic Twist Bag in Waxed Python is $2,590.00-- not that bad for such a large sized (15"x26") tote and the cranberry color is delicious for the holidays.  If you are looking for a basic-- check the black leather Classic Twist Bag in Leather and Sea Snake  $1,490.00.  Italian made and I can personally guarantee the quality of Devi's bags, we turn them inside out and can never find a flaw-- her bags are really amazing!  If you are in NYC, go check out her store on Madison!  717 Madison Avenue
between 63rd and 64th Streets, or call 212.644.4499.