Top 5 Non-Exotic Exotics: What’s in a Skin?
Call it the thrill of the hunt. Sometimes it’s almost more fun – it’s definitely more satisfying – to sniff out a good bargain. And you’re likely to end up dressing with more character, as your forced to use some innovation. A Frugal Snob isn’t cheap – she is someone who is savvy, not financially strapped. We all know savvy is more than just financial sense; it tends to spill over into style, too. Looking like you’ve got “it” is all on the inside, and flaunting “it” is in your posture, not your bag.
With that knowledge in your back pocket, you can freely rock out bags others might foolishly pass over, just because they’re not on the ground floor of Barneys. Here’s a toast to the Frugal Snobs, and the top five bags that speak their language!
1) J. Crew “Edie” Purse in Italian Calf-Hair:
I love my animal prints, and I will wear them anyway they come. As long as the spots are spot-on, you won’t hear me complain. Still, who knew J. Crew could allure me with such a cute bag? They’ve got ladylike down pat, a turnlock closure doesn’t hurt, and using calf-hair for the flap does justice to the spots. At J. Crew for $448.
2) Diane von Furstenberg “Tonda” Ostrich Embossed Leather Convertible Clutch:
Faux or fake, I love the texture of ostrich. When it’s in a juicy bright with a unique clasp, like Diane von Furstenberg’s blackberry clutch, it has my name written all over it. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $375.
3) Carlos Falchi Metallic Microfiber Tote:
Falchi has been making snakeskin-effect microfiber totes for ages, especially in foil-like metallics. But in the right style – laid-back and no fuss – this mega-watt silver is majorly hot, especially with the contrasting straps. If the lightning-bold hue doesn’t grab you, the price should. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $220.
4) Rebecca Minkoff Washed Denim Cheetah “Cherish” Tote:
Denim on denim is delightful when your bag is in a peppy cheetah pattern. Pairing this oversized Minkoff tote bag with casual everyday jeans would be way chic. On ShopBop
5) MICHAEL Michael Kors Printed Shiny Python Shopper Tote:
A tote so sleek and slim is just the right size for my laptop or iPad (not both at once – too heavy to lug!). With a simple sheath and flats, in neutral shades of camel or black, you might as well audition to appear in Michael Kors’ next ad. On Luisa Via Roma
In the Bag
It’s almost that time again!
It happens every year. First you can’t believe that the kids are out of school for the summer. Then before you know it they’re heading back! Besides the usual school clothes, notebooks, and pens and pencils, one major item that almost every kid needs each year is a backpack. It doesn’t matter if they’re in middle school or starting college, students need something solid for lugging their books, laptops and everything in between.
Fortunately, we found some great backpacks at eBags, and picked out three for you based on customer reviews, rather than price. (This seems to be one area where skimping will just put you in the position of replacing the bag by mid-semester.) Each of these has a customer rating of 10 or close to 10. (P.S.- all bags qualify for free shipping!)
The Bellino Backpack has an unusual shape, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out. The canvas bag is accented with dark brown leather and has padded shoulder straps for added comfort. Zippered front and side pockets provide plenty of places to tuck away pens, keys, cell phones and calculators. This smart-looking bag would work for a boy or a girl, and you can get one for $99.99.
Next up is the Mobile Edge 17.3” Premium Laptop TrackPack. Love the checkerboard pattern which, again, would work for either sex. This bag will carefully hold your laptop in its Superior SafetyCell protection compartment. And there’s even a media pocket with a headphone SoundPort, and plenty of pockets inside and out for phones, CDs and portable games. It’s only available for a limited time, but right now you can pick it up for $84.99.
Last but not least, the DAKINE Factor Pack is a great bag at a great price. There are a number of colors and patterns available, even one that’s about $10 less because it’s a discontinued shade of blue. This standard backpack is perfect for school but could do double duty on a hiking trip or bike outing. Plenty of zippered pockets, a side mesh pocket, and even a fleece-lined compartment for your sunglasses are key features of this simple bag. At just $44.95, there’s bound to be one that suits your kid’s taste.
Fendi Mia Dégradé Lambskin Leather Shopper
I like the layering of colors on the Fendi Mia Dégradé Lambskin Leather Shopper, but the colors themselves? The combination of fleshtones with the lambskin texture just gives me the creeps. Rather than a classic investment bag, it registers as Buffalo Bill’s pièce de résistance. I do support the general structure of the bag; it’s very architectural, a little retro, and at a hefty seventeen inches wide, it’s cut out for those days you’ve just gotta haul it all. Maybe we’ll meet again, Mia Dégradé, in another colorway. It’s $2,300 at Nordstrom.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Turnlock iPad Case
If you’re going to invest money in an iPad, then why not invest a little more in a sleek and sexy designer case like this chic Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Turnlock iPad Case? I love the patent pebbled leather and signature goldtone turnlock embellishment; they are what promotes this case from classy to classic. It also features a secure zip top closure and and a soft faux fur-lined interior. Find it at Barney’s for $158.
Hobo International Vintage Wallpaper Lauren Double Frame Clutch
I promise I’m not knocking the Hobo International Vintage Wallpaper Lauren Clutch when I say that it’s a little spooky. Its print is definitely reminiscent of old wallpaper, but less like something your grandma has up and more like something you’d find in a haunted house – but this only makes me like it more. It’s a little somber and serious, but still classic and maybe even a little romantic. It’s $85 at Nordstrom’s anniversary sale through the end of the month.
Milly Flap Front Shoulder Bag
I love the quirky details of the Milly Flap Front Shoulder Bag. The shiny buttons, the faux-tortoise chain, and the oversized “M” charm all make it just a little bit out of the ordinary. However, I’m pretty distracted by how those buttons make the purse look like a robot face. I think I’d spend my days moving the flap up and down to have robot conversations with it. Even though you probably can’t see anything else when you look at this bag now, it’s still a cute fall handbag in any of its three autumnal colors. It’s on sale through Sunday at Nordstrom for $256.90.
See by Chloé ‘Funny Love Bow – Mini’ Crossbody Bag
This dainty See by Chloé ‘Funny Love Bow – Mini’ Crossbody Bag is such a sweetie! I’m not sure what I could actually carry in it other than my driver’s license, a fifty-cent piece, a single stick of Trident gum and maybe an extra hair tie or two. Nope, I don’t see this bag as being logical for really any outing, but it is pretty darn cute. It has a magnetic snap-flap closure, plaid print lining, golden hardware and that petite bow and logo embellishment on the front. If you think you might have a use for it (and please share what use that is in the comments section below), it’s currently on sale for $216.90 at Nordstrom.
Coach Madison Patent Sophia Satchel
I’m always a little embarrassed when I’m drawn to a purse because of a visceral “oooh, shiny!” reaction, but what can I say? Sometimes the girly girl comes out. The Coach Madison Patent Sophia Satchel goes beyond just shiny and goes full-tilt femme with its outrageous magenta shade, and I have to say, it calls to me. If you’re like me and your everyday wardrobe is pretty basic, this would make a fabulous pop of color for livening things up. Available at Coach for $358.
M Missoni Coated Crochet-Knit Tote
I’m not sure whether I’m more attracted to this Coated Crochet-Knit Tote because I love the way it looks, because it’s different from any of my other totes, or because I have a tendency towards being a bag lady and I could really pack this baby full. No matter how big a bag I get, I can find things to fill it with until I swear I hear the threads unraveling from the straps. While I’m not a big fan of crochet, the plastic coating gives this colorful purse a bright and shiny outlook. And there was one other reason I was drawn to this bag… oh yeah, it’s on sale for 75% off! Any time I can pick up a well-made versatile bag that was originally $1165 for $291.25, well, need I say more? If you’re attracted to this trendy tote go to The Outnet and order one for yourself.
Versace Medium Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag
The texture on Versace’s Medium Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag is pretty dazzling. Ornate and a little Greco-Roman (but not in an overly literal way), it makes the bag unique. However, there’s something a little wrong about the metallic finish. Even though it’s not exactly out of style, something about the whole bag looks a little dated and cheap. And the longer I think about this bag, the tackier it gets; my mind wanders to Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, and eventually Showgirls. Versace was Nomi Malone’s favorite, after all. I hope this bag turns up in a more natural shade, but if you’re into the metallic, it’s $2,975.