Marie Turnor bases a bag on brown paper lunch bags

Growing up, I had my lunch made for me every morning by my mom. In a brown paper bag, she meticulously packed healthy foods that no one wanted to trade for at lunch (thanks mom, you were ahead of the curve!). My childhood was filled with brown paper bags, and for this reason the Marie Turnor Picnic Bag called out to me from the first time I stumbled upon it.

You can’t tell me there is not a tinge of nostalgia you feel when you see this bag. Whether you had an awesome hard case lunchbox or bought lunch everyday, the brown paper bag was part of all of our lives in someway or another. Marie Turnor uses this design to give us a pouch-like bag that can easily work as a clutch or be placed inside of a larger bag to hold some essentials.

The best part after the design is the price. For only $175, the Picnic Bag holds plenty of items at 8″ x 8″ x 2″. The Italian calf leather looks luscious and soft in the photos, so I hope it will not disappoint in the flesh.

If I bought this bag, it would end up getting most use as an organizational pouch thrown in a larger bag. The design rolls at the top and closes with a magnet, though I do not believe there are any organizational pockets on the interior. This bag could offer an easy accessory to the inside of your bag. There are many colors, but my vote hands down goes to the tan version.

Bottega Veneta gets pretty tough with metal lace

Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch, $3980 via Bottega Veneta

One of my favorite parts of fashion is the gift of imitation. I remember being blown away by the pleats printed on the flat skirt of a Prada dress when I was younger, and the ability to trick the eye and make something expected out of something totally unexpected is one of the best visual treats you’ll find. It’s the kind of creativity that reminds us all why we pay these prices.

That’s exactly the kind of reaction that I had to the Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch when I first saw it. On initial visual inspection, it just looks like regular black lace overlaid on a cream-colored fabric; a nice clutch, but not a particularly fascinating one. The reality, though, is much more interesting.

You’ve probably already caught on that the “lace” is actually finely honed metal, shaped in a way that’s just as intricate and detailed as anything I have hanging in my closet. The underlying material is cream satin, and the combination of metal over satin with karung lizard trim is making me absolutely salivate. It would have been easy for Bottega to cut a corner here and there – use a throwaway trim for the metal lace, or use regular lace and market this bag as a very straightforward evening option. Instead, Bottega gives you double-barreled luxury. (Not to mention, the most interesting clutch at the party.)

SmartThreads 1=1 College Couture

Hey college snobs– how many college sweat shirts do you own that remind you more of your pajamas than couture?!  Well I have the solution for you– this Emily jacket from Smartthreads

Yves Saint Laurent Large Leather Tote Bag: All About Yves

Oooh! Yves Saint Laurent, you’re putting me in a Bag Snob quandary. Now I can’t decide between this and the Muse Two Cabas. Decisions, decisions. This large north-to-south south tote is much easier and offers more longevity. But with this functionality means you lose out on the nice details (tab and zipper closure, yummy hardware, intriguing, though more restrictive, colorblocking) of the Muse Two Cabas.

Felix Rey New Golden Child Diaper Bag Guest Blog by Joanne Tsai

Guest post by Joanne Tsai

All my dear girl friends are having babies these years in a row, like a relay race. No more single nights out, but high tea with dress-up moms and babies is still fabulous. As the only single (left-out) noble, I admit that the privilege of owning branded diaper bag is the only and urgent desire for me.

Gotham Magazine:

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Sequoia Yearling Shoulder Bags: The Year of the Yearling

designer Daniel Sisso met Pierre Hardy shortly after deciding he wanted to change the way women carry bags. It looks like it was meant to be!

Bag Snob x DKNY The Trendy bag on Tulisa Contostavlos

I can not express the joy, excitement and gratitude I feel right now.  Joyful that a celebrity would choose to carry a bag we designed, excited to see the press recognize it, and immeasurable gratitude to the DKNY team for believing in us.  My friends, I give you– the Trendy bag from the Bag Snob x DKNY 5 Essentials collection as seen on Tulisa Contostavlos of The X-Factor!  Made of genuine ponyhair in gray leopard and leather, the Trendy is the most versatile bag in the collection.  It may be worn as a clutch, a belt bag, shoulder bag, and cross body (we like options!)  Retail $325.
Images courtesy of the Daily Mail

Elliot Mann Indie Bag

I adore the rich ethnicity vibe you get from these hippie inspired/bohemian pieces. If you don’t know much about Elliot Mann, he is the brain behind bringing together global fabrics and patterns that are highly accessible in New York City, hence the headquarters of his one-of-a-kind accessories. So unless you can afford to travel the world and collect your own international embellishments, Elliot Mann is a renowned name that can bring you that highly influenced bohemian style the world of fashion highly admires.

The latest Elliot Mann eye candy that grabs attention is the generously oversized Indie Bag. The knotting textile features layers of braiding, ribbon, antique beading and coined charms throughout the upper portion of the tote. Such a lovely array of colors and trinkets gives off an authentic hippie inspired feel. The most visible aspect is the fishnet body that is heavily fringed and made of cotton. This piece arrives in two different warmth tones of yellow or orange, both versions varying in unique materials. You can sport this large exotic by means of its double leather handles that conveniently adjust to your length preferences.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet Regine Bag

I love Marc Jacobs! And I love his diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs! His designs are always so fun and quirky. Season after season, I love checking out his latest creations. Nothing really surprises me anymore and very rarely do I see something I don’t at least sort of like. What can I say, his quirkiness kind of grows on you! Unfortunately, this appears to be one of those rare occasions. Yes, I definitely found myself raising an eyebrow when I gazed upon the handbag you see pictured here. Meet the Marc by Marc Jacobs Regine Velvet Drawstring Bag.

What we have here is a classic drawstring bucket, something I would normally say you can’t go wrong with. But something about this bag just isn’t doing it for me. Perhaps it is the color palette that is throwing me off. Or maybe it is the velvet. I don’t know, for some reason I just picture an old rug that has been unraveling. This bag definitely isn’t for me! However, that doesn’t mean someone else won’t find it charming. To pull this bag off, I’m thinking it would fit in best with a 1970’s retro look. Perhaps a floaty top in the same color scheme and a pair of broken in bell bottoms will bring out that Marc by Marc Jacobs charm I have come to know and love!

Tory Burch Audra

Tory Burch is currently one of my favorite designers. Anything the brand styles exudes sophistication and class. The brand also does an amazing job at pairing up black leather and gold hardware, which happens to be my favorite color combination when it comes to fashion.

At the moment, I’m absolutely loving the Tory Burch “Audra” Mini Bag. Before I even took a glimpse at it the name caught my eye. In my handbag collection, I have a Louis Vuitton Multicolor bag that was also named “Audra”, so it was interesting to see a bag by a different designer with the same name. When I took a look at it, it looked nothing like my Louis Vuitton in fact it looked like the total opposite! It was as if the handbags could be “Audra” the night and day collection.

The “Audra” by Tory Burch looks pretty small but it sure is fabulous and would be an amazing bag to carry around all year long. What I love about it too is that I can pretty much wear anything with it. It’s one of those bags that looks kind of casual but then it looks like it could be an elegant bag. I would carry this bag around while wearing a pair of shorts or an evening dress.

My favorite feature of the bag are the chain links! Chain links always catch my eye and boy do they look stunning on the “Audra”. Such a beautiful bag and would be an amazing addition to any handbag collection.

Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson Messenger

I have always loved Gryson handbags. I think it was my Gryson Skye Satchel that got me hooked on the designer. But recently, Gryson handbags seem to have fallen off the face of the planet. What the heck happened? Oddly enough, there doesn’t seem to be a lack of Olivia Harris handbags out there. This is Joy Gryson’s other handbag line, which is named after her daughter. It is known for being a little younger and edgier than the original line. How Olivia Harris compares to Gryson, I don’t know. But after seeing the Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson Oversized Collar Stud Messenger, I am definitely eager to find out!

What do I find attractive about this bag? For one, messenger satchels are HOT! This piece has all the features of a messenger satchel that most people find appealing. The semi-structured shape, the flap closure, the strap/buckle detail… everything. Plus it has something that you don’t see too often with this style. Rich, pebbled leather! It looks so yummy and it gives this piece a little bit more of a casual feeling. I think it would make a great, everyday handbag and a cornerstone to a casual wardrobe. Carry it in hand or on your shoulder, this is one versatile piece!

Cleobella Tuko Pamoja Bag

This bag is not only beautiful but a hefty percent of the proceeds are donated! With your purchase of this Tuko Pamoja bag, Cleobella will help the nonprofit organization Support for International Change (SFIC) a program supporting HIV/AIDS awareness in Tanzania.

The Cleobella by Angela O’Brien hand-sewn Tuko messenger is created of pebbled leather and features antique hardware buckled strap closures at the front flap, Velcro pockets under the flap, and whipstitch detailing along the edges.

Fendi Sample Sale

Fendi handbag and shoe sample sale brought to you by RueLaLa this Thursday August 4th at 8: am PST / 11: am EST sharp! For those of you who don’t know what a sample sale is, well you’re missing out. It’s an online sale offering you 60-70% off designer items – limited supply and limited time so things tend to sellout pretty darn fast.

Happy sample saling!

CoutureCandy Promo Code

If you’re a first time customer to CoutureCandy they have a promotion running where you can save 15% off your purchase with the code LOVE.

Handbags, clothing, accessories by designers like Diane von Furstenburg, Rebecca Minkoff, Halston Heritage, and much more.

Enjoy the savings!

Chloe Carmen Dotty Bag

As I grow older, I see that I’m more into fashion that’s classy but yet sophisticated at the same time. I do love my rocker chick look, but a majority of the time I love to dress to the 9’s and look glamorous from head to toe. I guess a woman reaches a point in her life where she realizes she has to go for more of a grown up look.

I absolutely love when I can find handbags that look as if you are on your way to the office. By that I mean, purses that look very business attire or even like a briefcase. Best part is though, is that you aren’t on your way to work and more on your way to having a stylish high fashion day.

The See by Chloe “Carmen Dotty” Satchel is a perfect example of a a stylish looking work bag. What catches my eye about it, is that it looks very profession which gives it some versatility. This is definitely the type of handbag that you can easily carry all day long. Whether it’s to work, or for play it’s a bag that you can carry around everyday out of the year. With that much versatility it’s a great bag to add to any collection!

House of Harlow Handbags

I will admit that I am not Nicole Richie’s biggest fan. When it comes to her jewelry collection, however, it is an entirely different story. I love House of Harlow 1960! The designs are a blend of bohemian, flower child, and tribal influences. So cute and great for topping off just about any casual look. But what I like even more is that Nicole Richie actually wears her own designs! Not all celebrity designers do that, so I think that is very refreshing! That is why I was excited to learn that handbags have been added to the House of Harlow collection! I knew I had to check them out!

So what did I find? I can safely say I wasn’t disappointed! The handbags have that same aura about them that the jewelry does. Mostly clutches for now, I am hoping to see some more shoulder bags added to the collection. That being said, here are a couple of my favorite pieces so far!

Lulu Guinness is launching luggage

Lulu Guinness is set to launch her first collection of travel bags next week, and to celebrate the launch, she has released the above video in collaboration with British filmmaker Vicky Mather. I only wish that all of my handbags danced around so happily, not to mention that lips seem like a pretty good way to make sure your suitcase stands out at baggage claim.

I think that the Proenza Schouler PS11 will be my next bag

Proenza Schouler PS11, $1850 via ProenzaSchouler.com

Nothing makes me happier than stalking my next purchase. With most things in life, I’m an impulse-buyer, but when it comes to handbags, I like to take it slow. Let the romance develop. Whisper sweet nothing to my new bag over candlelight before I make it mine.

Ok, this is getting weird quickly. I apologize. Pretend I didn’t say that awkward stuff about the candles. ANYWAY. I like to plot my purchases, and I often do it with Megs, because she understands this whole weird bag thing better than basically anyone else on the face of the planet. She and I were talking the other day, and I think my next bag is going to be from Proenza Schouler. The Proenza Schouler PS11, to be specific.

For a while, I thought I’d be getting a PS1. I’ve liked the bag since it debuted, and it seems like a functional choice that I’d really enjoy having in my closet. The PS11, on the other hand, took some time to gain my affection. I didn’t love it immediately, but it grew on me by leaps and bounds and I’ve been in love for what seems like a year. Not to mention that I rarely carry more than my keys, billfold, sunglasses and phone in my purse, which means that this bag would be the perfect size. I’ve got you on my list, PS11, and I’m coming to get you.

Kate spade nadine snake-print crossbody: Classic Twist on a Trend

The kate spade new york nadine crossbody combines three of my most favorite elements of handbags into one: Classic shape, the edginess of skins, and the crossbody feature that makes bags oh-so convenient. This versatile piece mixes the luxury look of snake-print with the functionality that is missing from so many of the more formal bags. The top handles give it the kate spade look we’ve come to know and love yet mix it up with the longer strap and chain detail. The final result is a formal, elegant yet useful and completely wearable bag that can go form day to night and form fancy affair to soccer game. Pair this with anything from a Calvin Klein work dress

Roberto Cavalli Croc-Effect Leather Tote: The Real Deal

Nothing beats the real thing, but this comes pretty close. Of course, I would love to own a real croc shopper like this big rectangular tote, but what the hell! Roberto Cavalli’s stamped leather looks amazing, and I can save my money for an adventure in the Amazon instead. This is about as good as crocodile-effect can get

Roger Vivier “Missive” Pochette: Jessica and Roger Make a Sweet Match

she carried herself with ease and grace in a tiered Dolce & Gabbana maxi-dress and tumbling updo. Best of all, a sleek and modern Roger Vivier pochette completed her look.

An embellished bag would look silly against such a spirited star patter, so this slim, square clutch, adorned with nothing but fine craftsmanship and a simple tab closure, is the answer to a flowing look. While Jessica wisely chose the black leather version, the blue patent is great for a shot of shine. At the same price of $795, both variations are as easy on the wallet as they are on the eyes. Whether you go for colorful pop or timeless neutral, boxy clutches are a must for the season, and Vivier’s

Proenza Schouler “Book Bag”: Rational Desire

If there were one bag out there to be deemed perfect for all my needs, this would be it. Proenza Schouler’s satchel, fresh out of their Fall 2011 line, has it all. I’m not messing around anymore: I am strictly a shoulder bag girl now. I love the function, and I require organization. This has all that in spades, as well as a ridiculous amount of style.

It’s got the cool and whimscal ease of a half-hazard strap with a buckle down the middle and the convenience of a pouch under the simple flap – such a luxury, the accessible front pocket. With tailored leather and neutral hardware, varying textures and a splash of fresh color – the whole thing makes me swoon, but in a totally sensible way. It’s bags like these I actually buy, the ones packed with practicality that fits into my real life and stirs up excitement that entices my senses. So, what more could you want in a bag? Well, one that actually exists. Barneys will have a variation of this bag that’s smaller and sans the front pocket under the flap. What!?!? I need to talk to their buyer. The not-as-good version available at Barneys in September for $1,595.

Pair with: I plan to wear this bag with just about everything (as soon as I can get my hands on it!), but a pair of platform hiking boots by Alaïa would radiate surprising chic. Spotty printed calf-hair and a lug sole put a whole new spin on an already perfect satchel. On Net-a-Porter

Valextra “Namaste” Big Hobo: Divine Intervention

guess which bag I’ve been using non-stop this week? The beauty of its clean lines is absolute perfection and its functionality cannot be matched. Now in crocodile? Large-scale crocodile, all one luxuriant panel, topped with a lustrous sheen? Seriously, I might hurt myself from excitement.

Imagine how many skins Valextra needs to go through to find the perfect piece (with the right pattern and graduation, no less) to fit this large-sized hobo. This is the highest quality of crocodile you will find

Marni Perforated Pocket Messenger: Call it a Comeback

Marni is back, ladies and gents. After a long dry spell of bags that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, Marni has made a triumphant return with an assortment of drool-licious satchels. Like this perforated messenger: smart, pulled-together, and fabulously slim. Expandable sides and an easy-access front pocket make this discreet yet heady little bag actually usable. Compactly tailored lines and not much more than a zipper and buckle in the way of hardware let you know this bag is all about clean. But clean doesn’t mean dull

Ginger McGann “Dita” Purse: Ginger Takes On

Visual Renaissance woman Ginger McGann is no stranger to the fashion scene (remember the high-necked black lacy number worn by Julia Roberts in

Prada Square Totes: It’s Hip to Be Square

Basic geometry defines a square as a four-sided regular polygon with all sides equal and internal angles at 90º. Bag Snobs define a square as a perfectly chic, smart, and snappy shape for a tote. And it looks like Prada agrees! Showing off a new collection jam-packed with alluring squares, they just might be the biggest proponent of the square bag this fall, taking it from trend to possible revolution.

A few months ago, I came to the shocking realization that a python Prada was missing from my exotic bag wardrobe. This new berry edition, lined in lambskin, is just the antidote to all bags light, pure, and dull. Just in time for fall, this python sparkles like a garnet (and has a jewel-worthy price tag)

Anya Hindmarch “Roslyn” Clutch: Shirred Genius

to be on-trend? Anya Hindmarch’s shirred leather has all the trimmings of a furry bag, but it’s somehow so much chicer. Besides, you’re getting an unusual bag that won’t seem stale once all the fur fuss dissipates.

I’ve never been too fond of fringed bags, but this goes above and beyond. When leather has been artfully razored for an all-over effect, bring it on! The metallic finish shows off the depth and mysterious texture.

Bottega Veneta Large Hobo Bag: You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me

But bags like this make it so hard! Please just look at this hobo and tell me how it is not just earth-shatteringly amazing?

One might think they would have run out of ideas by now, but their ability to reinvent that weave and conceive new details for those seams is nothing short of genius. Yet again, they have presented us with a simple yet obsession-inspiring hobo with every bit of functionality you need (albeit on the heavy side, but I prefer more Bottega to less, anyway). The shape is a loose trapezoid, which holds your interest and your stuff. In rust, you get the vibrancy you want but the subdued shade you need come fall. The seams have been meticulously razored and turned loose for a neat yet wild look, like sharp little petals opening up all around the bag.