If you have not entered to win our Botkier giveaway (TWO bags from Fall 2010! ) you need to do so asap! We are giving away two rocker chick worthy bags to ONE lucky winner: The Ava hobo in black ($595) is one my top faves from the collection. A unique messenger shape glammed up with sleek chain, it exemplifies the mood of the season– be an individual! There are so many little details you can not see from the photo– quilted side panels in the gusset, eyelets and chain handle. The Sofia hobo in silver powder ($575) is another must have from Botkier– as Monica Botkier says herself, metallic is the best neutral to have in your bag wardrobe! The Sophia is also dressed up with a sprinkling of studded details so you can take it from work to play seamlessly. 

To Win: Simply sign up for our newsletter here. Yes, it’s that easy!

Special thanks to Botkier for this amazing month of giveaways!  Check out our Shoesnob.com giveaway: Winner will choose a pair of $650 Botkier Fall 2010 shoes!

I freaking love this Alexander McQueen handbag! It came out in khaki colored canvas and then in nude leather, both great bags, but this version in deep purple leather is fabulous. The skull impressions on the bag are more subtle, for a muted rocker chic ‘tude.

This designer handbag is purple leather with all over skull impressions. It has dual chain straps with leather padding for comfort, and platform bottom with feet to protect bag when set down. There is a inside magnetic snap closure and interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. This bag measures 19 1/2″ wide x 5 1/2″ deep x 16″ high. $1,069 Available here.

Who’s that girl with her Salvatore Ferragamo handbag?

Katie Holmes is! Spotted on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Katie Holmes carried a dark brown leather Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2010 hobo handbag with a braided handle and metal gancio detail. Katie is always a fan of classic designs and this Ferragamo bag suits her personal style perfectly. Along with it, Katie paired Christian Louboutin shoes, a pair of jeans, and a military green colored jacket. More info via Ferragamo online.

The Tod’s Ivy Sacca Media Shoulder Bag is just that – a beautiful, simple object that performs its essential function without fuss or bother. For those who love Hermes but simply cannot afford to spend Hermes prices, a Tod’s bag like this one is perhaps the best alternative on the luxury mass-market.

I make the Tod’s/Hermes comparison because of this design’s emphasis on the beauty of the bag’s material. The putty-colored, pebbled Italian leather takes center stage, just as the unique and detailed leathers do on so many Hermes bags. And when you’re using leather as nice as both brands generally do, there’s no reason to guide the emphasis elsewhere. Tod’s isn’t innovative, but it makes beautiful, functional bags that don’t need any innovation. Buy through Saks for $1495.

This is a bag you make your lifelong friend. It is your signature, the leopard ponyhair that tells others that you are an individual and you are comfortable with yourself. Ponyhair is so great when worn out, it shows such character and style. Our Man Snob Jim has a lovingly worn Prada pony bag that is so incredibly chic because the fallen out hair now create the shape of Africa. Lena Erziak has been a great supporter and sponsor of Bag Snob and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to feature one of their bags. They are well priced and the quality and the details are incredible. The interior has all kind of bells and whistles to make your life easier, like a keyring that you can attach your keychains to. I am really in love with this classic Sean bag, and this leopard is calling out to be mine!! Available at their Ludlow store in NY, call 646 484 5895 or email to purchase, for $858.

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in July! Yes Virginia, Christmas is just five months away and now is the best time to take advantage of end of season sales and stash away a few goodies. Every year we make a promise that we are going to start shopping earlier – so let’s do it! There are always items that everyone needs but why not buy gifts that the people on your list wouldn’t normally buy themselves? And why not get them at a great deal? Here are a few to get you started (these are so good I may do a Christmas in August sequel).

6pm.com is a great place for designer shoes, bags and accessories. They have incredible deals all the time and change them every week. While at this site I found a beautiful black patent leather crossbody from J. Renee (shown above). It retails for $75 and is currently on sale for $14.95. At this price you can get one for yourself too!

Betsey Johnson is known for her unique style so now is a great time to pick up one of her bags at 54% off. You can get the Betseyville Blingin’ Lips N/S Tote for just $50.60 (originally $110) at 6pm.com.

If you have someone on your holiday list that loves leopard prints (maybe it’s you) the Jimmy Tote by Jessica Simpson has a different look that makes it more than just a regular animal print bag. Regularly $118 you can pick it up for just $59.80.

Looking for something unusual?  Take a look at the Prezzo Acrylic Photo Box Satchel at eBags. This acrylic box tote comes in three different colors but the most charming are the ones that have a pattern of high heels and purses. The uses for this bag are endless and the best part is it’s currently on sale for $26.99 (reg. $40).

Okay, if you are looking for a great gift for the handbag lover on your list you can pick up a basic black Kate Spade bag for under $100! Brooklyn Heights Tina normally goes for $195 but is now on sale for just $97. Perfect for any occasion, get there before they sell out. Go to KateSpade.com for this and other great bags on sale.

This French Connection Fanfair Clutch is an absolute cutie-pa-tutti! O.k. so maybe it’s slightly more sophisticated than “cutie-pa-tutti,” but seriously it’s a doll! It just doesn’t get any better than a bag with a concealed press stud fastening, an internal pocket with zip closure, and scalloped edges! Oh, and how fun is the name of the color; Bitter Blue? Charming right? This little looker is also available in Pewter Metallic, for the less adventurous among us. Snag yours at French Connection US for $78.

Who needs an expensive designer purse when you can get something cool, functional, and well made for less than $200? That’s what the makers of Saltbox believe, and their sassy-yet-affordable bags, like this Saltbox Plaid Carryall in Spencer, are just what the doctor ordered when your money tree is experiencing a dry spell. Made from high-quality weighted canvas, this Saltbox tote has been treated to prevent stains and water damage. Available at Saltbox for $140.

Summer isn’t the best time to lug around a bag roughly the size of your upper body, but some of us just can’t help it. It doesn’t help that there aren’t half as many stylish bags of smaller stature available. That all changes now, with the release of this chic Marc Jacobs Debbie Quilted Nylon Crossbody Bag. Small? Cute? Functional? Check, check and check. It meets the “everyday essentials” requirement, which means it can hold your basics with ease. If you’re an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type, though, it could pose some issues. Otherwise, prepare to pack a punch with this vibrant purple bag. Anything that makes nylon look glamorous has got to be a winner! Available for $495 at Nordstrom.

With its khaki canvas and chocolaty brown leather this J.W. Hulme Co. Carry On Weekender clearly says “I know how to party”. It’s classic but rugged and the perfect size for a quick getaway. A travel bag this size keeps your packing in check – when you only have so much space, you have to pack smart. You can lug around by the top handles or sling it over you shoulders so you can dash to catch the 1:20 train to Prague. Pick it up at Shopbop.com for $506.