The Bag Snob
I just found one of my old Loewe bags from 15 years ago in my mom's closet, I was so excited to be reunited with this adorable little red bag, until I opened it up to find the mess that the lining has become. I have no idea what happened to it but the two sides stuck together and when I pulled it apart the entire lining became cracked and is now peeling off all over my hands. I am pretty sure it is some sort of synthetic material, although when I spoke to Loewe they insisted that it is leather. I have never seen leather do this before, it is not patent leather that would stick. I was told I can take it back to have it replaced which I am happy about but am still distraught that this would happen. The outside is still buttery soft and the leather is in perfect condition and just as lovable as it was 15 years ago but I can't get over how poor their lining quality is. Why would you end the superior craftsmanship at the zipper? Based on my conversation with them, I am sure this problem has been corrected for their current bags. But if you have this problem, at least they stand by their product and will fix it for you.
 We love Jennifer Alfano, the former fashion editor turned bag designer is one of the sweetest girls in the biz. Her new bags for Spring 2009 are a vision of color and supple skins adorned with jewels. Jennifer told me yesterday that "the kissing scarabs on the minaudieres were inspired by jewelry my mom had from the 70s--one of my favorite eras. The scarab beetle is an ancient Egyptian symbol of good luck--and I like the idea of having a good luck charm on your bag!" So do we! Jennifer further elaborates, "This is also a precursor to jewelry which I am working on for fall 09, in silver and plated silver with semi precious stones." Oh, exciting, we love jewelry and can't wait to see the collection. Price of clutches: Orange lizard with turquoise stones: $1595, Bangkok (ombre) lizard with chalcedony stones: $1595, Amethyst colored python with amethyst stones: $1495, Silver karung with hematite stones: $1395. The size is 6"x 3.5" x 1.5"--so they fit your cell, keys,lipstick and credit card. The python hobo Paloma is also a stunner trimmed in just a tad of fringe. Being a former Fashion Editor at Vogue and Bazaar, Jen knows where to draw the line when it comes to trends.
Available at Wynn Las Vegas, Jeffreys NYC, Josephs in Houston and Lux Couture in Boston.
Frugal Bag Snobs need not fret, Jennifer is having her sample sale this week in NYC! Prices $100 - $600!
Actress Hayden Panettiere, star of hit series Heroes, introduces her signature Hayden Clutch designed by the actress today, December 1, 2008. The bags are available at Dooney and Bourke New York, Las Vegas, Dallas, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Costa Mesa, White Plains, Old San Juan, Japan, and Macau. The Dooney and Bourke spokes-model was given the opportunity of a lifetime to create her dream bag with Peter Dooney. The Hayden Clutch is fashioned from Italian calfskin with a 24 carat gold plated lion head closure, inspired by her astrological sign, Leo. It has a fully lined interior, outside back pocket and is available in black, white, red, royal blue, hot pink and purple. The clutch retails for $295 and is available exclusively at Dooney and Bourke stores nationwide during the month of December.
Uh, generally we laugh at attempts by actresses to 'design' bags but in this case, I have to say not bad! Maybe I'm biased towards Leos but the logo is not totally obtrusive and the fun colors are making me excited for the holidays. I am loving the blue and red and am looking forward to seeing the hot pink. I love the price point as well, $295 is reasonable for Italian calfskin with 24 carat gold plated hardware. I've never been into Dooney and Burke, too conservative for me, but this collection may just change my mind. What about you, what do you think of the Hayden clutch?
 I've been on Facebook for almost a year but never paid attention to it until a month ago-- now I am a junkie and check it via iPhone or computer throughout the day. In addition to connecting with long lost friends from junior high school (it has been so fun catching up with everyone-- a shout out to Herbert Hoover Jr. High alums!); I am discovering new bag designers who contact me directly via my profile and/or Bag Snob group. I am not going to mention any names but many of these designers should really keep their day jobs. A few designers, however, have caught my eye; one of which is Carnce by Chance Jackson. The Merino Cera leather bag is a new "staple" addition that is anything but ordinary. It comes in grey or black with black leather accents and has buttery softness while showcasing detailing that would make the Rolling Stones jealous. This hobo-esque bag is everything I need to get through the holiday shopping season.
 My rigid bags did not fare well this weekend; standing in line in a giant snow globe to meet Santa while while holding a wiggly 4 year old in one hand (he was trying to pull all the fake snow off the trees to make snowballs) was not my idea of Sunday afternoon fun. But then I had to balance my bag in the other hand along with shopping bags and cookie/bottle of water. I kept thinking to myself, "self, why are you in a structured mood with these hand held bags? You need to find a hobo bag to throw over your shoulder and not worry about water and crumbs spilling in it". And this would be it. It retails for $400 and is available at www.carnce.com
 I am on a family trip to Taiwan and thought it would be fun and interesting to throw in a few gems that I find here. I could do the basic Gucci, LV and Chanel which are everly so popular here but how boring would that be? People here line up out the door to the Gucci boutique just to buy the GG canvas bags by the balefuls! Maybe if they start rioting I could get a story =) I was at the new Sogo yesterday, it is the big department store that has boutiques for Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga, Marni, Mulberry, etc. but none of those caught my eye like this one did. Among all the international designers was this local line, I am embarrassed to say I don't read Chinese so I can't tell you what the brand is, but it is spectacularly wrong. I think it is a pirate skull with a tiara, but look at the earrings - knife and fork I am reserving my judgment, I will let you decide what you think of this very interesting bag. The price tag at least is bearable, around $200 USD. But then, you would have to own this bag and what would you do with it?
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