Maia N. Crocodile Tote ($7500) Giveaway

This is without a doubt our biggest giveaway to date, I am bubbling over with excitement to be able to bring this beauty and joy to our beloved Bag Snob readers. This Maia N. 40 cm Crocodile Tote, worth $7500, is the most coveted bag in the fashion world right now. Last month we featured the Grey Puffy Croc tote that Ashely Olsen was seen with but in matte royal blue it is the most divine of anything that can be conceived - it is every day wearable but is electrifying with its allure. Each panel is made from one piece of the highest quality of center cut crocodile, there is nothing better as far as quality goes. The size of scale and uniformity is as perfect as they come. This is a bag you will cherish, love and use for life and one lucky Bag Snob reader will be calling it "mine".

To ENTER just fill out the sweepstakes form with your active email address (we must have a working email address to contact you when you win!). This will also sign you up for our weekly newsletter so that you will be kept up to date on all Bag Snob stories. Even if you already receive our newsletter, you will need to sign up again to be entered in this sweepstakes. The contest will end on November 30, 2008 at 11:59pm EST. Only one entry per person please. Good luck! Sign up now, you do not want to let this one get away!!! Tell all your friends to sign up!

Thank you to Maia N. for the amazing sponsorship! To order this bag and other beautiful exotics from Maia N. you can email them directly or go visit Luxcouture.

Whitney Bag

When I first laid eyes on the Miss Sixty Whitney Bag, I felt somewhat nauseous. From a distance, it appears as though the bag is perforated. But upon closer inspection, I realized that this bag was actually made of faux ostrich. And when I saw this picture on Revolve Clothing’s website, I was impressed by how well the photographer made this bag look. Is it the lighting? I’m not really sure. To tell you the truth, the bag actually looks pretty good in the picture. But in real life, I’m not too impressed. For starters, this bag is made of polyurethane, not leather. I want to say that this bag is comparable to something from Nine West or Guess. So when I saw the price tag, I was floored. This bag retails for $228. That is a lot considering it is made of plastic. Therefore, I really can’t picture myself buying this bag (sorry, I just can’t help but love my leather handbags). However, it might be nice option for a vegan handbag lover. For you guys, the polyurethane might make an excellent selling point.

The Miss Sixty Whitney Bag is available in Navy. It measures 20″ x 14″ x 6.5″ and has a 7″ strap drop.

Spanish leather crafting

Lodis was established approximately 35 years ago with a first collection in the U.S. retail market using the time-tested skills and quality of Spanish leather crafting. A quick scan of its website confirms a classic, tailored aesthetic with the exception of the Lucca Collection of which some are pictured here. Ironically, it’s the more contemporary fare that colours the Lucca collection that I find appealing. They seem to hold their own; I doubt that they will get lost in the background of any casual ensemble. Actually, the glazed calf leather elevates the slightly Prada inspired shapes that they can be worn with business wear.

Prada Leopard Calf Hair Bags

I’ve been having an animal print moment lately, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it started several months ago when I saw that gorgeous Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf, or maybe some innate part of me just wants to spruce up the sheer enormity of my collection of black clothes (last count of black day dresses: over a dozen). I recently bought a pair of leopard print flats from Nordstrom to replace a boring pair of black office shoes that had finally met their maker (seriously, they smelled like feet) and today I find myself strangely entranced by the Prada Leopard Calf Hair Large Bowler Bag. The shape is very simple, the trim and hardware are almost nonexistant, and it’s all done in print. It’s not leather, so normally I’d keep right on looking for something interesting to write about, but today, I think I could use a little calf-hair leopard in my life. Buy through Bluefly for $2,376.

Prada Soft Calf Tote

Left: Pearl Ivory; Right: Silver

Is this boring? Maybe, but in this economy you have to go with practical and classic. Besides, isn't that why we all fell in love with Prada in the first place? For the clean simplicity? I love the big pleat detail and the subtle buckles on the side. But it's the colors that I am really in love with. Pearlized ivory and silver are so lovely for the winter and I don't need to point out the obvious fact that it goes with absolutely everything. The slight shimmer is just what you need for a bit of flash while staying perfectly neutral. It is kind of like nude lip gloss - you can't go nude nude unless there is some shimmer. I have been off Prada for a long time but their shoes is what got me back in favor and oddly, it is spilling over to the bags. I don't like the metal letters logo, I wish they would go back to the embossed logo but I am ok with it, I have to be, I have no choice. But I definitely draw the line at the "Prada" on their shoes, who the heck wants stuff written on their shoes? Tote available at Neiman Marcus for $1695.

Valentino Shopping Couture Bags

Valentino has a new spring handbag collection called Shopping Couture. Designed by (Accessories designers and the new RTW designers) Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, it is a series of 10 different handbags that are each unique and elaborate. They range from hand pleated leather with studs and grommets to a tote entirely covered with peacock feathers. These luxurious totes incorporate all the iconic Valentino Haute Couture details like the roses, embroideries, ribbons. The bags will be in stores beginning late November and a few will be released every couple of months through April. Prices range from $2995 to $5895.

We've gone back and forth on Valentino bags, some we love, some we don't. But whatever our opinions, the brand keeps us engaged and interested. The tote above is called the Soleil - one of the 10 Shopping Couture handbags - a graphic design draws the rays of a couture sun, the curling element is secured by noticeable hand-stitching; transforming an artisan process in a detail. I am intrigued by this tote, it reminds me of the Maison pintucked bag but is even more intricate in design. Maybe it's because I am an August baby and ruled by the Sun but I love it! $3,395 at Valentino boutiques and Neiman Marcus. What do you think?

Yves Saint Purse

Like many, I adore Yves Saint Laurent handbags for the quality and classic appearance to last years without becoming outdated.

The Emma is dressed in a high-gloss patent pebbled leather and accessorized with brass hardware. This fabulous piece also features a chain-link strap with a 18.5″ double chain shoulder strap with 7.5″ drop, a secure front flap with magnetic snap closure and topped off with the ysl signature padlock. The interior of this purse features what most should - a fabric lining with dual patch pockets; includes mirrored plate with logo engraving. Overall size measures in at a comfortable 9.5″ at widest x 6″ tall at center x 2.5″ deep.

What I love most about this bag, besides the size and glossy patent, is it’s the perfect going out after work accessory. This is definitely a great example of an ideal day-to-night piece.. go shoulder during day, then at night just tuck in the chain strap for a more dressy look.

And now for the price - - $1,116 <- that’s 20% off retail (orig $1,395). Surprising huh? This bag is on sale!!

END NOTE: Today get an extra 10% off everything over at Bluefly! Everything, for today only. Which means this bag will be 30% off for today only. New price at checkout.

John Galliano's 'Evening Gazette'

This is one of those bags I just can't decide about. I like it because it's different and quirky and fun, but, at the same time, isn't it kind of... ugly? I just don't know.

It costs $927 from Styledrops. What do you think?

Handbags of style

From the By Nica collection at Littlewoods.

The Kyle Tote

Well it is that time again…time to find a new fall bag. I have to admit when I first started thinking about what kind of bag I wanted to get I pictured the beautiful leather bags by Kooba and Rebecca Mikoff. But I just can’t do anymore…I can’t carry around a heavy leather bag. Maybe it is fine if you live/work in the burbs and your main walk is from the car to the parking lot inside, but I have to stand on a crowded subway for 30min each morning and I need to be comfortable and carry a light weight bag.

The Kyle Tote caught my eyes a couple months ago when I was visiting the Fifth Ave store. Nylon and lightweight: check! Its also super big with some great pockets that would be perfect for carrying all my crap. Any what really makes this bag stand out from the crowd is the contrasting patent leather details and the nickle hardware. I also like the two different straps, which almost make it seem like two different bags.

I’m now checking the Cole Haan web site daily *hoping* for a sale…

Cruise Collection Preview at Net a Porter

Top Row: Chloe, Jimmy Choo, Anya Hindmarch, Miu Miu Center: Marni, Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Burberry Bottom: Lanvin, Celine

I am ready for some new bags to come out already. It's so exciting at the beginning of each season while I wait for new bags to arrive daily and then it's like, ok, I'm done, next! But there is still sale season, which is great, but of course I've seen all the bags already so it's really boring. We've done some Spring previews so when those come out, it's like, been there, done that. It's really hard to keep a high maintenance shopper happy! So for the time being, I am being entertained and semi-indulged by the Cruise Collection that is about to be available at Net-a-Porter. I am immediately drawn to the cute little green clutch, which is not surprisingly a Marni. The satin Lanvin clutch with rosette embellishment is great for cocktail parties and I like the bright blue Anya Hindmarch tote, super fun and happy and perfect for vacations on a cruise, I suppose. But Miu Miu has been quite disappointing these last few seasons, I mean, what is up with the Gucci knockoff bamboo handle? Uh-uh, no. The new Celine though is something that tugs at my wallet, the line quite young and hip these days but the functionality is all there so if you're in the market for a good black basic, this might be a very good bet. Coming soon to Net-a-Porter. We'll let you know, of course, when it hits!

Canvas Messenger handbags

As you may, or may not have noticed, the PurseBlog got a makeover and is now flying its brand-spanking-new summer outfit. Version 3.0 was getting boring to look at, and I’ve finally motivated myself to get the work done to recreate, renovate and redo the ol’ hag. Let me know if you like it! Do I get a cookie now?

Ok, I’ll pass on the cookie. Aside from the redesign, I’ve come to the conclusion that my bag arsenal totally sucks, especially for a guy who sits at the helm of interweb’s biggest site dedicated to… bags. A shame really. Before you suggest for me to indulge myself with some lady bags, I need to preemtively announce and I don’t fly lady bags. While other guys may respectfully disagree with me, I just don’t see myself ever wearing a Speedy, for example (although Megs claims that her recent aquisition does look good on me… yikes). On the search of a genuinely good looking man bag, I stumbled across the Hugo Boss Havana Canvas Messenger Bag, which, surprisingly, only goes for 275 dollar Americano. Not bad for a bag from Boss, I would have expected it to go for at least twice as much. The bag offers a sleek, sophisticated everyday style that I really see myself sporting every day. The flap over the front covers two large pouch pockets with magnetic snap closures while the flat pocket on the back is perfect for magazines or papers. Now I just have to figure out if the messenger fits my 17 inch Macbook Pro and I am ready to kick the Samsonite backpack in the dust.

New Bags Arrived

My bags from Korea and Taiwan have just arrived! And I'm so excited about it. I didn't even have the time to have a proper photography done up like the previous bags posted yesterday. So, Siling, my friend cum the photographer for my collection came all the way down to the shop, snap and design it on the spot! Thanks Siling, so sweet of you eventho it was at such short notice! BIG HUG!

Code: BAG 1001 (Silver)

Dimension: To be measured

Retail Price : SGD $31.00

Online Price : SGD $28.00

Code: BAG 1002 (Black / White)
Dimension: To be measured

Retail Price : SGD $28.00
Online Price : SGD $25.00

Code: BAG 2002 (Black / White)
Dimension: To be measured (Hot item! Stylish School/Casual Bag!)

Retail Price : SGD $30.00
Online Price : SGD $27.00

Wholesale Coach Handbags

One of the great misconceptions about Coach Leather is the availability of wholesale coach purses & Handbags.In reality, the Coach Company does not sell to wholesalers. Coach handbags and accessories are traditionally only available through Coach retail stores or through authorized retail outlets such as department stores.

However, it is possible to find great deals at and clearance prices on eBay. You can find new Coach handbags and purses on eBay at significant discounts compared to retail stores. However, the very best deals are found by looking for gently “Used” Coach items. Coach leather is extremely durable and wears remarkably well.

Would you carry a UPS-branded bag?

I receive a lot of books, often by UPS and I always love it when that giant brown and gold truck pulls up in front of the house. It’s just so imposing, it makes me feel important. (It’s the little things…)

While I love the UPS branding, I’m not sure I love it enough to carry this bag.