My obsession with winter white continues with Chanel’s latest luggage and accessories in, what else, snowy white calfskin of course! How chic will you be exiting your private jet upon arrival in Aspen or Gstaad with this to die for set of luggage from Chanel? The trolley bag, carry on travel bag, and flap bag are all made of aged calf skin so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear cuz it’s been professionally done for you already. The matching zip around wallet and CD case (carrying an iPod is so last season) are also a must as is this fabulous mink hat with glass stone pin. If you really want to rock it on the slopes, get the satin ski jumpsuit with matching quilted leather skis. Fierce! All at Chanel: SoHo 212-355-5050 or Highland Park 214-520-1055

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti knows a thing or two about luxury, she grew up in Switzerland and has traveled the world since she was very young (her favorite childhood memory was of emptying toiletries from first class cabins and from maid’s carts in hotels). After graduating from Barnard in 1990, she worked as an investment banker but it wasn’t until she recognized the need to introduce European luxury goods to American women that Vivre was founded. And now, 10 years later, she is one of Vogue’s Top Ten Stylish Women in Fashion and was dubbed “mail order magnate” by Time magazine.

Eva feels that Vivre is not about shopping or fashion, “it’s about the beauty in life and the discovery of things you’ll love more tomorrow than you do today”. She finds treasures from around the world to share with her clients and sells one of a kind limited edition items along known brands. “There is a story and an inspiration behind each product”, says Eva.

It’s the season of parties and Galas and the question is not, “What am I going to wear?” the real question is, “Which bag will I use?”. For the Bag Snobs, this is always the first question of the day and outfits are built around our daily bag of choice. And it is no different for formal affairs. That is why this Roberto Cavalli Satin Print Clutch is so appealing to us - it is especially easy to build an ensemble around and unless you’re in Chanel couture, this clutch will be the highlight of whatever you have on. Black and white is hot this season and the gold details makes this bag exquisite and lush. Yes, there is a big snake on this but I like it, it reminds me of something from Guiseppe Zanotti, my fave shoe designer for special occasions. But for the holidays, a little embellishment is acceptable, as long as they are not snowman, snowflakes, reindeer, trees, ghosts, pumpkins, etc. on sweaters (or any other article of clothing for that matter). Roberto Cavalli satin print clutch at Net-a-Porter for $1065.

This was shown to me yesterday at the Chanel boutique and I almost passed out from excitement. It is one of the coolest crocodile bags I have ever seen! It’s a perfect shade of gray that will go with everything, the skin is absolutely flawless with not a single pinhole size mark (this was obviously a friendly crocodile that did not get in to many skirmishes with other reptiles), and the unstructured shape is totally casual and chic. I also love the chunky silver chain, which gives the bag a younger appeal. Excuse the blurry camera phone photo as I did not have my camera. I must start carrying my camera with me at all times like the paparazzi, but since I am casing bags not celebs does that make me a bagarazzi?

There are only 4 left in the US and at $13,800 it probably won’t sell out anytime soon but with Paris and Nicole back shopping together as BFF and buying everything in sight, you better move quickly. Call Alexis at the Chanel Boutique in Highland Park should you be interested and have lots of money to blow. 214-520-1055

The ever brilliant Karl Lagerfeld struck gold with Spring’s youthfully exuberant collection at Chanel, literally and figuratively, upping the bling factor with stacks of gold bracelets and chunky gold chains(borderline tacky but it is Chanel so we’ll forgive). There were also ultra mini skirts, skin tight jeans, and baby doll dresses shown with platform shoes. All looks that young trophy wives of gazillionaires will embrace. Chanel loyalist need not worry though, there were plenty of classic tweed jackets and little black dresses, just shrunken to mini-me proportions. We also loved the few bags that were shown on the runway (Chanel is fiercely protective of bag designs, do you blame them with knock offs everywhere?) 2.55 bags were downsized, trimmed in chains, and embellished with Coco’s signature charms. All in all, a cheeky and fun collection that won’t go down in fashion history but will satisfy the young socialite pret-a-porter clientele that the House of Chanel loves courting.

Dear Bag Snob,

I love the black and gold bags that are popular for fall but am not sure which one I should buy. I was thinking I should get the Marc Jacobs bag, the quilted one with the gold details. What do you think? And how will it look with my couture clothes?

Love,
Stella Benett

Left- Marc Jacobs stam bag $1275 Right- Miu Miu coffer bag $1445

Dearest Stella,

A woman of your social status and vast bag collection should definitely consider how well a trend will translate into your couture filled wardrobe. While the Marc Jacobs stam bag you spoke of is not our favorite, it is the trendy bag right now. So you have to ask yourself this, make like a teenage actress and go for it? Or buy a bag that has more substance? There is always the Chanel gold chain bag, this year it is in the form of distressed patent double flap that has a wait list a thousand miles long. Or you can check out miu miu’s coffer bag in black and gold. It’s more original and quirky (as you told me, quirky is the new hip) and will go well with all the one of a kind Prada items you have (I’ve seen both bags in person and the leather quality of the Miu Miu bag is far superior to the MJ bag).

So after a whole week of fashion reviews, you bag snobs out there must be craving bags so here is a rundown, with detailed love it or hate it chatter to come. Big bags are here to stay, along with the big belts. We are seeing metallic for Spring, which makes us happy because honestly, who doesn’t love shiny things?

The most anticipated bag designer of course is Marc Jacobs. We were harsh on him but he is good at coming back with what works, which makes it boring for us cuz now we have nothing new to say, but good for buyers who won’t have to use their brains. Yes, more quilted Chanel style chain bags. This cream with larger quilting will be something we will be seeing a lot of. He also had some largely embellished bags, which are super fab, but didn’t Prada do that a while back? We do love the chunky blocky with giant flower accessories on the runway.

We are quite pleased with Oscar de la Renta’s relaxed tote. The blue is truly to die for and it is going to make me buy an entire closet of ice blue for Spring. This tote isn’t quite slouchy which we are tired of, the structured handles gives it the polish Snob girls look for. If the New York Times say designers are describing this season’s look as “collapsed”, then I would call this the “collapsed” Birkin.

Michael Kors’ collection is not what critics are used to but I like it. Why can’t he change it up a little? He’s got a TV career now - he doesn’t have all that time to tailor suits. It’s very 80’s; off the shoulder, layers, he still likes the leggings which I’m concerned about, but there were a few dresses that were cute enough to warrant an overall love it review. As for his bags, I’m only mentioning it because these are the kind of bags that everyone will be using but nobody talks about. It’s utilitarian with enough style to make it through the day, which says a lot if you are a regular person who just needs to carry stuff around.

I saw this at Neiman Marcus and I became disoriented for a moment. I thought I was in Tokyo at a Sanrio store but I turned and saw that the Chanel boutique was still behind me so I was sure I was still at Neimans. This is a serious and loud WTF, even for Judith Leiber. I thought only old ladies bought Judith Leiber? But it’s funny and cute and if it wasn’t $1895, I would get it as a gag gift for my Bag Snob partner, who is the only person I know young enough to still handle Hello Kitty but adult enough to have functions that require a glittery clutch. At Judith Leiber.

Stella McCartney has some great bags for Fall. This quilted Appaloosa bag is reminiscent of Chanel but it has a much younger feel for those of more recent births =) The chain is of course a big thing for fall and the color is a perfect all around camel, making it a great “only” bag purchase for the season (with the exception of sales and impulse buys of course).

The Boston bag is great because it is a classic design and a red patent bag is such an amazing look with toned down monochromatic pants and sweater. It makes life so much easier when you have a bag that does all the work for you. And for the vegetarian monks or maybe just budget conscious bag lovers, Stella has a really cool slouchy bucket hobo that is faux leather. Call the New York boutique (212) 255-1556 or email for more information and to order.