I love the whimsy of Marni as much as anyone. Those adorable kelly green patent totes? Funky and chic! The balloon bag that set off a thousand imitators? Fabulous! But this, I don’t get. Inspired by Esther William’s swim cap, it looks like it was made by a three year old on arts and crafts day. Seriously now, a thousand bucks for dozens of pieces of hearts made of cheap fabric stuck on a canvas bag? Charo would love it, or a 12 year old. Those of us in between should stay away unless going to a Halloween costume party. I guess some of you will argue it is artsy and could work with a simple black dress, but it is still, way overpriced and why go there at all when there are so many other great bags to be had? Marni Ruffled Hearts Bag $970 at Net a Porter. What do you guys think? Snob or Slob?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. What’s the fun of life if you can’t enjoy a fun and happy Marni bag? This bag is perfect for those days when the weight of world is about to crush you but it doesn’t because you are uplifted when you look at your bag. The cool strange shape, the patent leather in vibrant green and the black bar frame (straps pull through it) make this bag intriguing and ultimately chic! And of course there is the signature natural leather strap that rounds out the bag for that bit of sophistication (but never too much!) I feel like I need to have this bag just to remind myself that fashion is about how it makes me feel, not the status of it or how much it is. And this Marni just make me smile =) Maybe I am feeling stressed lately, but this is my therapy right here, being able to ramble on about a bag I am passionate about. How great is that? At Net a Porter for $1265.

I saw this bag a few days ago and I really hated it, I thought it was too strange looking but then I saw it again today and I had a total change of heart. Sometimes my conservative side get the best of me and I shut out things that are out of the ordinary. That is why this bag is so supremely chic, it is different and fun (because it is a Marni and yes, there is a bit of an obsession with Marni this week). It is a medium size bag (14.5″ x 11″) so this is not your evening tiny pouch, which makes it a plus because sometimes you still need a normal size bag in the evening and your choices become limited. It is a bit too hip to get all traditional black tie on it but this would be great fun with an outfit you want to dress up. The drop of the handles aren’t meant for it to go on the shoulder but even if you can, I would not recommend it. The tinsel is quite itchy - they really do stick out and are all over the place. At Net a Porter for $1250.

I love this bag and I have been saving it for today so that I don’t get pinched =) Of course, Marni is going to have the best green bag and in patent it is super hot for Spring. How can you not just smile when you see this bag? I know it looks boring but in person it has so much more personality. The inset handle adds to the slick patent leather and the simple bold shape. The bag opens easily with the accordion gusset all around so do not fret about the flatness - you can put your whole life in there without the fear of bulging and misshaping the bag (and it is a good size at 15.5″ x 14.5″). The coolest part is that the handles are magnetic so the whole thing snaps shut. I played with that for about 5 minutes until the salesgirl came by to get me out of the trance by saying, “yes, isn’t that a cool feature?”. Get it at Marni’s website for $1175. As a side note, did you know St. Patrick’s Day this year was actually March 15? The first day of Easter landed on March 17 so the Catholic church changed it. Why do I know this? I am married to a Catholic and my brother in law knows everything. Whew!! Too much information!! Now go yourself an apple martini (or 3!).

Hi Bag Snobs, 

I’d like to take this opportunity to say that your blog is fantastic! I didn’t know a whole lot about bags before, but your site gives me a great starting point. I mean, you do most of the work for us. What’s left is simply to decide: 1. Does it suit our own particular lifestyles and needs? and 2. Can we afford it? The latter, I am still working on!

My query is not a new one: I need a work/school bag. Something nice, chic, funky but classic, young and yet professional. I carry around folders and books and am tired of having to lug two bags - one practical (sack) and a nice handbag. I loved the chocolate colored Marc Jacobs Dr Q Delancy that was recommended a few years back. Alas I live in Australia, and well, access is somewhat limited. Can you offer some suggestions for 2008. And if possible, any websites that actually ship to Australia (that won’t charge an arm and a leg!)?

Many thanks,

Linda A

This new bag from Celine is incredibly lady like and classic, that is what they are known for, but there is a flair about this one that I haven’t seen from them in a while. I loved the versatile double tote but just one look and you can see that this Day One bag is way more respectable. The look of the moment is grandma-chic, young girls taking old lady styles and turning them hip and chic. And that is how I see this bag worn, it isn’t entirely old lady but it isn’t Marni either, there is no trace of trendiness about it. But yet, it is trendy. How ironic! The knot and tassel just gives it a little something something for our eyes to feast on, while the rest of the bag is perfect in its simplicity. The straps in the front continue around to the back so there is interest no matter how you turn the bag. This is all you need for the season, and one I would definitely recommend for those looking to get just the one (since people complained that the Chanel Caviar tote is too pricey). Celine Day One at Net a Porter for $1550.

I love Marni, the aesthetics and feel fit my personality - whimsical, doesn’t take itself too seriously, always stylish and up to date but never outlandish (I’ve outgrown that urge). Sure, this is not the classic we always talk about but you didn’t really think our entire closets are filled with stuff we plan on wearing until we’re 80 did you? I just got a bunch of stuff from Marni, including the cutest balloon top in a splashy print. So, getting back to the bag, don’t you just love it? A square bag is sooo Marni!!! Don’t let this picture fool you, it isn’t a useless tiny clutch, it is 7″ which is a good size for your essentials. I love the mushroom with the black trim and silver hardware, literally will go with every color. I would wear this with bright colors though as it will get easily muddled with neutrals. Like in the picture they are showing on Net a Porter on the model, gotta talk to the merchandiser there, that is not the ideal way to show this bag! I love the clasp, so cool, hip and cute. You don’t have to be totally on the edge of avant-garde and give up the cuteness, that is why Marni is my best friend when I’m feeling trendy. At Net a Porter for $639.

1. Shade of Gray

Gray was the new Black of 2007! The YSL Uptown was our favorite bag this year and in gray, it tops our list as the ultimate for 2007.

Another stunner from YSL that will appeal to snobs of all ages and tastes, the Catwalk bag in Nubuck embossed crocodile in a subtle glimmering shade of gray. Currently the object of obsession for many fashion editors, it is also one of my favorite bags of the season. The 70’s influenced flap bag is enhanced by a flat edge shoulder strap ensuring the bag stays where it belongs, on your shoulder. I am so conflicted this season, there are so many amazing bags tempting me and I want it all! Kelly and I ask each other to edit our purchases (someone has to control us as we have no self control! And no, our hubbies definitely have no control nor say over our purchases, we do what we please when it comes to bags, they know to keep quiet and stay out of the way.) and I will have to ask her to talk me out of this one as I have talked her out of the purple Marni patent she is yearning for (why do we have to control ourselves you ask? Because we have more bags than our little arms have time to carry and if we buy every bag we review, we would need to buy a warehouse to store all of it!). But those of you who don’t have the same problem and are looking for the bag of the season that will last you for many years, this is the one for you! $1,595 Yves Saint Laurent at Saks Fifth Avenue.

UPDATE: This is a Marni! Love it, don’t you? Congrats Judy, you are our winner.

I totally love this bag, it is perfect for back to school. It is an adorable book bag that is sophisticated enough for post-graduation for your very first job! To win a Bag Snob engraved bag hook, be the first to tell us what this bag is! Please leave you answer in comments. Complete rules after the jump.