Adriana Castro Mini Carriel Crossbody: Get Carried Away
The elusive perfect shoulder-to-crossbody bag is something to cherish. One that is cute and divinely exotic comes around only once in a blue moon. Adriana Castro has just made a little magic happen.
Although, surprisingly, my “blue moon” bag will not be blue. I can’t decide between the natural python – versatile and timeless (worn expertly with coordinating sandals and a palette of neutrals and pastels by Shakira) – or red-hot crocodile that will light up even the cloudiest of summer days. You really can’t go wrong here. This bag is so good, I’m getting greedy and want both!
Her carriel has it all: the adjustable strap transitions your style from shoulder to crossbody. The adorable rounded shape is adorned with an easy tab closure. And it’s a mini that isn’t so mini after all – this is the perfect-size bag for essentials. Lightweight and compact, I may not give it up for another bag for months. And the prices! Too good to be true – whether you go croc or python, for an exotic this is a steal. In python, $985, and crocodile, $1,390, at Adriana Castro.
Pair with: Mimic the curved shape of the satchel with Philip Crangi’s delicate Shield necklace. His blackened steel and 14-karat gold pendant has a charming padlock effect. On Net-a-Porter
Top 5 Sporty Exotics: Sport of Queens
Who says a deluxe exotic has to be all fancy-schmancy? That’s a misconception that designers are out to banish this season. Python and crocodile skins have been whipped into shape, most literally speaking. Some of my new favorite exotic bags are sporty, with athletic and casual touches – like stripes, canvas, slick lines, and blocks of color – that turn luxury skin on its flexible head.
1) Lanvin Miss Sartorial Metallic Python Clutch: Addictive metallic skin gets revved up by a lightly athletic take on racing stripes. Va-va-vroom! On Net-a-Porter
2) Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Canvas Printed Python Satchel: The tried and true PS1 is nearly unrecognizable in faded striped canvas. Chestnut python trim glams it up, but this bag is a scamp at heart. At Barneys New York for $1,825.
3) Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Messenger Bag: This bag didn’t leave Kelly’s side all summer and for good reason: this croc is made to move. Now in textural taupe and gold, it’s the lushest take yet on the speedy messenger style. At Bergdorf Goodman
4) Diane von Furstenberg Sporty Drew Embossed Python Bucket Tote: Embossed leather still does the job of an exotic, especially when you’re considering a toss-around day tote. The hot-pink rolled handles introduce athletic edge. On ShopBop
5) Marc Jacobs Python Khaki Tote: Just a splash of flash makes this keenly colorblocked tote a sport-influenced winner. Marc Jacobs is back with stylish agility. At Barneys New York for $3,795.
Web Snob February, 3rd 2012
CoutureSnob‘s top 5 printed dresses are so gorgeous you can practically hang them on your walls.
Allie is Wired checks out Rihanna’s new blonde hair, courtesy of Elle magazine.
Stiletto Jungle explains how to shop (and score) at off-price retail stores.
Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! Brightening Makeup not only glides on as light as air, it looks like skin! At BeautySnob.
From posh blazers to darling cupcake liners, gingham’s checkered pattern makes a colorful splash this spring, according to Coquette.
The Jet Set Girls get the look from the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012 show.
Glitter is a must for any self-respecting and princess-loving girl – old or young! TotSnob found the perfect glittery shoes for your tot!
Second City Style thinks adding some tropical brights and rich jewel tones can be a good way to wake yourself up and says Good Morning, Winter Sunshine.
Fendi’s Spring shoes are fantastic! It looks like the house has adopted a carefree attitude – not typical for them. At ShoeSnob.
Angelina Jolie’s black halter dress from Jenny Packham is not availablebut, the Halston Heritage version Shopping and Info found IS available for Valentine’s Day..
Ax + Apple is all for “making things like they used to.” And the result is super-cool, antique-y jewelry with an Indian vibe. At JewelSnob.
The Beauty Stop spots some great Valentine’s Day beauty deals.
Top 5 Cobalt Bags: I’ve Got the Hots for Blue
Cobalt blue has been used for centuries on Chinese porcelain, but only recently have we seen it appear on some of our favorite bags. Not to mention, on style snobs in every form, from blazers to leather pants. What’s not to like about this brilliant hue? Nothing. It’s so bold it actually borders on a neutral, it makes an impact without being overtly feminine (or masculine, for that matter), and it packs a major punch. Here, the coolest cobalt numbers of the moment:
1) Reed Krakoff Atlantique Tote: Reed’s insanely vivid take, a blending of python and crocodile, and metallic, for a tote with futuristic edge. At Reed Krakoff for $5,900.
2) Jimmy Choo Candy Acrylic Clutch: I want candy! Jimmy Choo’s flirty little clutch is a no-brainer party topper – wear it with a colorful cocktail dress and make them stare. On Net-a-Porter
3) Maison du Posh Bite Me Medium Suede Hobo: I just fell hard for their “Bite Me” clutch. Now it’s in everyday hobo form…in rich cobalt?! The jagged little jaws at the corners put this over the edge of cool. On Luisa Via Roma
4) Milly Mina Ostrich-Effect Leather Satchel: A softer take on the shade, for those who don’t want to go all out. Milly’s frugal find is a classic style that will inject a measured dose of color into your look. On Net-a-Porter
5) Emilio Pucci Marquise Nappa Solid Shoulder Bag: Electric blue doesn’t get better than this. The slinky, linked chain strap is unabashed glamour; the frame of ringed piercings is hardcore with a delicate touch. On Luisa Via Roma
Ports 1961: Color Shock
I love surprises! Who would have thought this pumped-up Spring collection is by Ports 1961? I’ve come to expect strictly natural elements from their designs (like their wood clutch) – not peachy-keen fluorescence that turns up the heat.
I’m glad they took the risk. The on-trend juxtaposition of red and orange does it for me. This mix-up of such similar colors is like a refreshing papaya smoothie, especially welcomed in the warm weather, and structured design sets it off nicely. The top-handled accordion bag will add zest to your work wardrobe ($1,650), while the itty-bitty box clutch is adorable ($350). Take the matching flatform sandal while you’re at it ($389), and shake up the old-fashioned concept of bag-shoe coordination!
Alexander McQueen Ocelot Haircalf Satchel: Untamed Heart
You already know that Alexander McQueen stands for beauty that can’t be tamed. This satchel takes their savage style to new levels – it’s so very tribal and aggressive. From the wild ocelot-print (as in the adorable dwarf leopard) calf-hair to the in-your-face buckles to the hard-as-nails hardware, this isn’t for the faint of heart. The spikes topping it off even look like a nose ring!
Despite all the details adorning this shoulder bag, the closure is actually just a simple flap with magnets. The bountiful buckles and handle hanging upside-down are purely decorative. The result: a look that’s incongruous and slightly unsettling. Which is why McQueen-loving wildcats will be wild over it. It’s a bag that demands attention and on the right girl, will be incredibly chic and obsessively cool. At Saks Fifth Avenue
Pair with: Fighting spirits will enjoy stomping around in Rick Owens’ wedge ankle boots, in a bronzed metallic leather that can take some scuffing and creasing. On Net-a-Porter
Top Equestrian Bags: Horsing Around
Glance to the ranch for inspiration this season! The equestrian look is one that’s close to my heart – and my home. I live in horse country; the names of the streets in my neighborhood are Chuck Wagon, Buggy Whip, Saddleback, Flying Mane, Pinto…you get the idea.
Not that I dress in Ralph Lauren all the time, but suffice to say, I’m appreciative of the trend whenever it comes back around. Especially when it’s not too literal. These aren’t bags you would actually go riding with. Designers have appropriated the idea, so you can take them to the streets. And, of course, you must have the Hermès Paddock Selle saddle charm to top off the look (at Hermès for $620)
1) Ralph Lauren Collection Mini Suede Shoulder Bag: Naturally, it starts with the man who founded the trend. Lime-green throws this saddle bag right off its pony – in the best way possible.
On Net-a-Porter
2) Chloé Large Marcie Hobo: When is the last time a giant horseshoe looked this chic? Probably never. Chloé was smart enough to realize the curved shape suits a hobo perfectly.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,795.
3) Gucci Stirrup Medium Top-Handle Bag: Gucci is well-versed when it comes to injecting glamour into the horse-bit. Instead, this sleek bag toys with the idea of the stirrup, making a strap the clean focal point.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,390.
4) Vanessa Bruno Shoulder Bag: Woven detailing takes this pebbled-leather bag down into Santa Fe, for a rustic vibe that will work famously with chunky silver jewelry.
On ShopBop
5) Proenza Schouler Evening Clutch: Giddy up into the evening with this triangular clutch, a sophisticated take on earthy brown for the cool night rider.
At Barneys New York for $1,175.
6) Jerome Dreyfuss Python Small Momo Saddle Bag: Who are you calling a cowgirl?! The saddle bag has gotten a chic urban makeover in jet-black python.
At Barneys New York for $735.
FEBRUARY Giveaway: TWO “Meant to B” Ostrich Messenger Bags!
In honor of the second month of the year, we are so excited to give not one, but two fabulous ostrich messenger bags to TWO winners! Meant to B is an obsession-worthy line offering gorgeous bags in every shade of ostrich-skin under the sun. A big thank you to designer and founder Bernice Angelique Oehl for generously offering up two of her luscious bags! Growing up in South Africa, she garnered a deep appreciation for ostrich – where her designs are handcrafted by artisans. And now two snobs have the chance to make Meant to B their own!
International readers are welcome. Remember: to enter, you must sign up for the newsletter again.
Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic: Absolute Citron
I cannot get enough of yellow bags, especially when they’re extroverted in neon-citrus hues! I was torn between a few different ones, but now that Proenza Schouler has unleashed this baby on me, I know it’s THE one!
I’ve used the hell out of my black PS11 over the last two years and was just thinking I need a bright colored one for summer. Looks like Jack and Lazaro read my mind (it’s not the first time). At 9.5″ wide, the PS11 is the most perfect size of all the mini, shoulder-style bags. Plus, it has both front and back exterior pockets to easily access your cell phone and keys.
Now that it’s in this fusion of lemon and lime, mustard and mint? It’s almost too good to be true. This subtle color-blocking will not be ridiculous once the trend passes. Proenza’s use of softly varying shades of citron, instead of loudly clashing primary or neon colors, will ensure it looks juicy-fresh each season. At Proenza Schouler for $1,675.
Pair with: Anyone in the mood for a little Citron and soda? Me too! I’ll be sporting this with
Marc Jacob’s transparent pump, in clear PVC with an icy Lucite heel. On La Garçonne for $595.
Rose Byrne Wears Lena Erziak: Everything’s Coming Up Rose
Rose Byrne made a bold move at the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards on January 29th. Be-sequined white lace makes a statement any day of the week, but in gutsy jumpsuit form it’s downright adventurous! Let’s thank Elie Saab for tailoring it with just the right fit and drape. And let’s really hand it to Lena Erziak for pulling Rose’s look together (complimented by Chanel fine jewelry and a perfect, sharp bob – seriously, not a hair is out of place!) and fine-tuning it with finesse.
The sleek oval shape and shot of gold of her exotic minaudiere added just the right kind of strength to a playful-glam ensemble. Seventies flavor with modern polish – I think Rose’s risky business pays off in spades! How do you feel about her leisure-meets-red carpet look?
Go for a similar aesthetic with Kara Ross’ Jovita minaudiere, in textural stingray-wrapped lizard. Just a dash of gold puts this incredible exotic over the edge of chic. At Bergdorf Goodman
