Recently in The Latest "Snob" Bags Category

Left: Mat quilted leather bag ($1,915) Right: Leo embellished shoulder bag ($2,920),

We have been waiting to share these photos with you for weeks! BALMAIN bags will launch on Net-a-porter.com on Monday, October 19th but we have the exclusive photos now so you can choose what you want and buy the minute they appear on the site!  My faves are the Mat quilted bag and Leo embellished bag above.  If you look closely-- the Mat quilting is not symmetrical, giving the classic quilt pattern a modern twist and at $1,915 it's not that unreasonable (though not cheap either).  I have to admit I was expecting 5 figure bags considering the cost of Balmain RTW but the bag prices (for the most part) are acceptable.  The suede punk rock studded bag below left is the star of the collection at a whooping $3,925 but the workmanship is amazing!  I'm not usually a fan of multi hued studs but this one is strategically designed and feels very haute couture, detailing that Decarnin is known for.  The original leather bag (white) has to be seen in person to be appreciated, the whimsical fringes add fun and pizazz to the simple shoulder bag.   

BALMAIN Bags at Net-a-porter.com on Monday morning!  Happy weekend, all!  I'm still home in Asia and having a blast.  Lots of new photos to share with you soon!

Left: Punk suede shoulder bag($3,925) Right: Original leather shoulder bag($2,315)

Marni bags have changed completely since they lost their designers, it took a season to get back on their feet and although the bags this season aren't all winners, there are a couple that are good staples. And that may be a change for the positive since their bags used to be uber trendy. Great for some excitement but unfortunately the joy only lasts for that season. This messenger style cross body is one of those "need but don't love" bags that you end up buying out of necessity. The South Coast Plaza Marni (in Orange County, CA) is participating in a charity in which they will give 20% off, so with that win-win in mind, this might turn out to be a very good buy after all. It looks more like a school bag but if you are young, bringing this to work is absolutely appropriate. If you can't make it to South Coast Plaza, the bag is also available at Net-a-Porter for $1655.

Go to jump page for details on the charity event.

Big sparkly clutch, a la Judith Leiber, I am not into, but something subtle and tasteful like this jeweled chain evening bag from Darby Scott is divine. You don't even have to be attending a Southern Gala with big hair to wear it, if you are having a nice lunch, this will dress up a simple dress. But if you are going a glitterazzi event, this embroidered bag with quiet embellishments will set you apart. These top handle little bags are making a huge comeback, thanks to Mad Men and the mad styles that I am craving. Well, I'm mostly craving the comeback of full body curvy women. Hello, how did that sexy trend ever go out?? Floral Embroidered Mini Evening Clutch in silk chiffon and grey agate toplock and brazilian stone in chain handle at Darby Scott for $1950.

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

We were starting to get sick of studs until we saw this Be & D Studded Horizontal Satchel ($1390) on Taylor Momsen.  She just turned 16 but has a very street wise and edgy style.  There is just something very appealing about her-- the over processed and bleached hair, micro minis and a trashy chic style makes her akin to  Blondie for the new generation. 

The bag is total overkill with the large studs on the straps and I would have liked it better to only have the smaller studs but on Taylor, it works.  And surprisingly, it's a lot lighter than it looks.  So if you're still seeking an attention grabbing studded number, this is the one.  Be & D Studded Horizontal Satchel at Nordstrom.

This reminds me of the new Hermes clutch that has the briefcase closure on it. It is so nice!! Except the Hermes is $5500 and this YSL is $1195. Of course it is not the same but it's the look I'm after, a simple elegant clutch with cool hardware to snazz it up. I mean, this is still YSL so it's not like I'm making such a huge sacrifice and honestly, I've got to start spending less on bags. I know that sounds like blasphemy for the Bag Snob but everything has its limits. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1195.

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.

This was just another python bag until I saw it in person! Wow! It is so super amazing. This is the kind of bag I can use without changing out for months. Which we can't exactly speak to in realistic terms or my husband will really start to wonder why I need so many bags =) But seriously, buy wisely and invest in a few great bags and you will save yourself some money. This large tote style hobo / messenger, as the description suggests, is extremely versatile. Python is great for being lightweight but even with leather lining, which is lush, it is still incredibly easy on the shoulder. The cross body strap makes it feel like feather. It comes in various colors, which you can custom order, but I love this natural python with a taupey hint, it'll not only wear well but will wear with everything! Exclusively online at LuxCouture for $1750.

I've always maintained that certain bags are a better investment than stocks. Take this CHANEL vintage gold bar clutch for an example. I'm sure at full retail it was no more than $2,500 (and that is a generous estimate).  And now, used, it's $4,180.  Not all bags enjoy this kind of return but certain ones (especially limited edition items) from the best brands will always be worthy of investment!  CHANEL's gold bar clutch not only resembles a gold bullion bar, it is the size of one (not the weight nor price thankfully-- a kilogram of pure 99.99% gold cost roughly $33,000, now that's another commodity worthy of investing in).  I don't know, I'm not that into this look and really at that price you've maxed out on this investment.  And if there is one thing I learned from my finance classes at USC (yup, I was a nerdy International Finance major) is buy low, sell high.  Which seems these people have.

WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Gold Bar Clutch $4,180.

What do you think of investment bags?  Worthy or not?

As you can imagine, I have seen A LOT of bags. But I have never seen anything like this! Tattoo on ostrich!! Is that insanely brilliant or what? The hand-engraved and one of a kind tulip tattoo is set against matte vanilla ostrich for contrast and impact. This is not just drawn in, this is actually done like a tattoo where the ink is put into the skin. It is then brushed down to prevent rub off but you still get the buttery finish of the ostrich. It is elegance meets edgy done just right. Fabulousness at this level gives me the ultimate high, I love what I do so much!!! This "folio" is a large clutch and the best part is that it's big enough for work papers so you can be the coolest person in the office. It has a magnetic closure that is amazingly tight yet really easy to open. It measures 13.25" long x 8" tall. Each piece is custom made and requires 3-5 weeks to deliver, email Paige to order, $3400. Take a look at Paige Gamble's website.