Saks Sale

Saks Sale Time! Remember these beauties? We’ve mentioned them previously. Thanks to the crummy economy, better bags than usual are getting sent to the sale section, and you’d be wise to revisit these bags at their new, lower price tag:

The Foley + Corinna Jet Set Jr. Tote: A favorite of our Gossip Girl heroines, the Jet Set Jr. is luxe without being showy and big enough to carry all of your everyday stuff without losing its shape or its chicness. Was: $528, Now: $369.

The Marc Jacobs Sunburst Stam Bag: This is a personal pick of mine - the Stam shape we all know and love, reworked in beautiful grey without the expected quilting and gold chain. Instead, MJ goes with subtle pleating and a silver box chain, changing up the look just enough to make us all revisit this classic bag. Was: $1395, Now: $976.

The Longchamp Medium Legende Patent Shopper: This color is freakishly, remarkably gorgeous. There are no two ways about it. Why is this on sale? Was: $900, Now: $630.

The Anya Hindmarch Cooper Mirror Bottom Hobo: The fact that this bag made it to the sale rack should make us all fear for the state of the economy. The shape is perfect, the color and texture combination is interesting while still being grown-up, and it positively oozes taste. This bag was great at it’s original price, and even better at the new one. Was: $1195, Now: $836.

oversized yellow tote bags

Having just glanced outside and been met with a gloomy grey sky, I was really quite pleased to come across this bright yellow shopper by Roberto Cavalli just now. So bright it not only conjures up feelings of sunshine and lazy days at the beach, it possibly even beams out some actual UV light too!

While Net-a-Porter recommends it as a "holiday tote" (and yes, it would be a pretty nice addition to your bikini-outfit), I also think the yellow leather would look great with your black wool winter coat (and perhaps a spot of red lippie too, to really perk things up). It's £680, so having it become a summer and winter tote makes that price much more justifiable.

Louis Vuitton/ Damier Azur Berkeley

Louis Vuitton
Damier Azur Berkeley

* Damier azur coated canvas
* Name refers to Berkeley Square, located in a chic London neighborhood
* Natural cowhide leather trim with yellow topstitching
* Red edge dyeing
* Shiny golden brass hardware
* Adjustable rolled leather handles with buckled belt attachments
* Golden "Louis Vuitton Inventeur" plaque on the front
* Leather bands encircle bag
* Side patch pockets
* Round studs throughout
* Double zipper closure
* Fine textile lining
* Interior patch pocket and cell phone pocket
* Protective metal feet
* 12.4"x 8.7"x 5.5"

'Trigger' handbag

I don't know why you'd name such a smart and sophisticated handbag after the most gormless character in one Britain's best-loved sitcom, but both Alexander McQueen *and* Botkier have done it so I must be missing something.

I don't like Botkier's 'Trigger' very much, but I completely love this bag. Great shape, good size, nice vintage styling and just all round lovely. Oh and not shown on the picture is the gold and black plaited rope detail, but it's detachable and should certainly be detached (and then binned). It costs $2,345 from Net-a-Porter.

a geeks dream

Zara Rabinowicz writes...

I'm a bit of a sucker for geek chic, and when I saw this handmade purse I simply couldn't resist sharing it with you.

It reminds me of the days when I'd actually create an authentic mix tape, listening to the radio and clicking stop every time the final chords/annoying DJ's voice started. It's made of fabric and the cassette appliqué detail is delightful! £17.99 from Betty Joy.

[via Shiny Shiny]

Become a Convert

We love convertibles — both the cars and bags. We love convertible bags because they are so versatile and can be used in more than one way. They are like the Transformers of the fashion world, and we have several new ones that you will love.

Melie Bianco Convertible Chain Tote

The Melie Bianco Convertible Chain Tote goes from large and deep tote bag to a smaller handbag that fits underneath your arm.

Chinese Laundry Convertible Backpack Tote

The Chinese Laundry Convertible Backpack Tote also has more than one use. If you want something a little smaller or more elegant in order to take this bag out with you shopping or even to work, then you fold it over and make it into a whole new bag.

Chinese Laundry Convertible Button Tote Tote

The Chinese Laundry Convertible Button Tote has a natural, leafy green color mixed perfectly with a dark brown color that makes for a very zen like appearance. The bag also has extra straps so that you won't have any trouble at all making sure you can carry the bag any way you like.

As with all our bags, there are discounts to be had the sooner you order, with free shipping for totals over $100.

your shangri-la

I love Oprah, but, having had a look at The Oprah Store, now online, I realise I don't love Oprah quite as much as I thought. It is chock-full of products personally chosen and endorsed by the Big O herself, but practically everything in the shop is adorned (or ruined) by the "O" logo.

The logo is more subtle on these metallic make-up bags - it's relegated to the zipper pull - and they're rather nice, I think. They come in pewter, blue, bronze and green and cost $36 each.

socialites prefer a Gucci Bag

Recently, as Nicky Hilton landed in one of the renowned Airport, she was seen to carry a Gucci Bag…as camera focused its vigilant eyes; it easily recognized the stylish belonging of Nicky. People were attracted because of its delicate design and sleek style. Gucci Bouvier bag, Bowler bag and Chain bags are some of its varieties.

Guccio Gucci of Florence invented the Gucci in the year 1921. Gucci is at present considered to be a fashion icon. It is preferred by most celebrities. In the recent review that was conducted by the Business Week Magazine, Gucci was among the Top 100 Brands; it took the 46th position. Perhaps this is the reason for Gucci’s recent sale records. It is the second best selling bag after LVMH. Gucci designer purses and bags are a great favorite for fashion loving people. The Gucci bags and designer purse is also considered to be a mark of an elitist. It distinguishes you from the rest. Made exclusively with top quality leather, these bags are extremely fashionable. The bags are also very durable. It comes in snaky style, the soft fluffy style and the formal. The House of Gucci which is also called Gucci is actually a label of Italian fashion and leather goods.

Gucci is an Italian brand and is operative in 425 stores located worldwide. It sells it goods through franchisees and upscale department stores. Gucci bags with its sparkling style and excellent design have won the heart of millions. Perhaps the reason why Nicky Hilton loves it the most!

Fancy Rabbit Field Bags

I'm 37 and all these years I've been looking for a 'field bag' featuring a picture of a rabbit wearing a top hat and a monocle and I've finally found one!

By Deadworry, it costs $22 from Shana Logic and also features, they're excited to point out, an "inside zippered pocket!" Woo-hoo!

Haute Handbag

Juicy Couture velour baby satchel with leather trim, embellished with goldtone hardware and embroidery accents. Includes detachable adjustable shoulder strap, changing pad, bib and burp cloth .

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…