Exotics

My first reaction when I looked at the Dolce & Gabanna Miss Sicily Snakeskin Handbag was that it didn’t look anything like a Dolce & Gabbana handbag. At least not the ones that have come out most recently – they’ve all looked like ruffly garbage bags or been in various color of lamé. I won’t say that’s a bad thing – I kind of like the ruffly garbage bags – but it’s certainly different than what we see here. The Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Snakeskin Handbag Miss Sicily is the exact opposite of a ruffly anything. Its lines are so rigid, just looking at it makes my back hurt, and I’m pretty sure that I could fend off an attacker with it quite quickly. That’s not to say I don’t like it, because I do; it would dress up jeans and a white button-down quite nicely, and snakeskin is my favorite neutral material of all time. Go ahead, try and think of something snakeskin, in one form or another, wouldn’t match. And this skin in particular is gorgeous – it’s textured with tons of tiny scales that really deserve some time spent with Nordstrom’s zoom feature. Seeing this makes me really wish that Hermes would consider expanding their snakeskin offerings in the future. Pre-order through Nordstrom for $2475.

Sometimes you want a dainty, understated bag. Sometimes you want something delicate or subtle that won’t draw too much attention. And then, other times, you just want a big ol’ shiny animal skin behemoth of a bag. For those times, consider the Ted Rossi Python Shoulder Bag. Hardware? None. Pockets? It doesn’t have any of those either. What it does have, however, is several square feet of of black python skin with a great shine to it – almost patent, but without the thick texture that often comes with it. The snakeskin still looks supple and textured like a natural skin should, and the addition of a bit of metallic draws the eye even more to the differentiation between every scale. If you’re going to own a python bag, after all, you might as well own one that makes everyone go, “Hey, look how awesome that enormous, shiny python bag is!” On the practical side, I imagine it’d hold everything you could want to carry around on an average day (and probably more) and be super comfy to wear – python is notoriously light as a feather, and the wide straps would distribute the weight of all your loot evenly on your shoulder. So, what are you waiting for? Buy through Singer 22 for $2495.

Adriana Castro Modish Clutch

One of our new favorite designers here, who lives just down the street, is Adriana Castro. We recently reviewed her Vibora clutch and you all loved it. And while I loved that clutch, there is a different clutch from this Colombian beauty that I adore even more, the Adriana Castro Modish Clutch. Now this is divine! And while there is a gold and black version, the natural unbleached version 100% has my vote. This clutch is designed with Caiman fuscus crocodile, from her own crocodile farm in Colombia. But the love that I have for this clutch is the sleek modern look and the natural feel. Actually, this is one of those clutches that I don’t have much to say about, not because I can’t think of it, but the only thing that comes to mind is love. The inside has an open pocket and suede lining. Dimensions are perfect to be handheld, and wide enough to give you ample carrying space, 8”H x 16”W x 2”D. So here I sit, quite close to where this young talented designer lives, and I am wondering if I can find a way into her showroom and nab one of these beauties. This is one of those situations where I say ‘buy it because I said so’, kind of like a mom would tell a kid, so just believe me. Buy through Adriana Castro for $1595.

Today I got an email with a complaint about us covering Gossip Girl on Purse Blog. Ok, I see your point. This is a handbag website and covering a TV show that is not about handbags may seem a bit off topic. But you must give it to Gossip Girl for having some of the most bold, fun, young, hip, and daring styles! And one of the things that Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman does best is accessorize the characters.

This week we found Blair Waldorf, Leighton Meester, carrying around a classic yet hip crocodile tote. This tote is one of my favorites, as it is a Sang A Bag. We have covered Sang A on Purse Blog before and I have loved her different uses of materials, modern lines, and sleek styles. The River Tote has been the bag on my lust after list (in YELLOW PYTHON!). Blair Waldorf carried a different version of the River Tote, and I must admit that I am in love!

The Sang A River Tote in African Crocodile was the bag of choice for character Blair Waldorf as she made her way onto Yale’s campus. The bag signifies tradition, elegance, and class while being able to be worn by a young 20 year old and not look old. The bag worked perfectly for all of her outfits and I am officially in love with Sang A bags all over again! The River Tote is a staple for Sang A and is available in a wide variety of colors and materials. The specific bag Blair was seen carrying retails for $9,440 at Sang A online.

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Nuti Ostrich Frame Clutch

So this handbag has it all for me. Exotic skin, grey color, and a clutch. Right there are three things that I absolutely adore in a handbag, and this baby has it all! We have covered bags by Nuti before, and really, from quite some time back I have been a fan. And now we have this beautiful little number, the Nuti Ostrich Frame Clutch, which is sleek and stunning. The clutch features paneled ostrich and is finished up with a modern silver clasp and snap closure. There is orange satin lining and measurements are 9″W X 6″H X 1½”D. I almost feel like there is no explanation necessary, I mean really, could this have my name all over it more or what? The only little Debbie Downer, the price is a big high for a clutch. But these days, prices on bags are astronomical, so it should not come as a huge shocker. Buy through Saks for $1,595.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to sign up now for our giveaway sponsored by Vivre this month! Vivre is not your ordinary online e-boutique. Not just handbags, not just some clothing, not just some accessories, but there are the most stunning home goods. In fact, part of my weekend regimen is to sit in front of the TV and go into my dream world; where money is no object and I can buy anything I want for my dream home. Vivre is one of the first stops in this dream of mine, as they have the most stunning and interesting pieces.

Something else they have is their own line of products, including handbags. One of their signature bags, that they design in an array of materials and colors, is their Allegra Tote. The version that has my attention right now is the Gold Lizard Allegra Tote by Vivre. This tote is perfect for a few reasons. First of all, when I look for a metallic I can never opt for a large tote. Too much color on too large a space. But this slim carryall is different. It is slim enough that it is does not attract too much attention or cause too much blingage (yes, I made that word up). I love the metallic gold on the lizard skin, it just pops! There is soft suede lining and an interior pocket. Dimensions are 14 1/2″ x 11. Other major perk, the price. Buy through Vivre for $525.

So what if my sister and I are clutch obsessed? I really am just handbag obsessed across the board, which of course is why Purse Blog exists today. You know how there are people that own a warehouse full of cars? I want a closet that is warehouse sized full of bags. No, I would never be able to carry them all. But I would peruse the aisles and pick up and marvel at each and every bag. The warehouse of bags was an exaggeration, maybe just a large walk-in closet?! And all I would have to decide is if I wanted to separate the bags by designer or silhouette. Again, if I had that warehouse I could do it by silhouette from designer, but I am trying to be much more realistic. I think by shape. So there would be my clutches, glorious clutches! My holy grail clutch/wallet is my Hermes Kelly Long Wallet in alligator (I am obsessed!!!!). I have a few python clutches, I need an ostrich clutch, and the leather array is large. But I need a funky modern clutch, and I found the perfect fit for my someday closet full of bags.

The pink, beige, and black python skin stands out and makes a statement on the Anya Hindmarch Burton Python Clutch. This clutch is an attention grabber, a talk of the party, but still a stunning elegant piece. The shiny python will stand out and grab light from all directions and the framed top will give a polished finish. The inside is lined with black suede and has a small pouch pocket. Again, for my clutch section of my future dream closet, there will be a spot for this Anya Hindmarch bag. Buy through Net A Porter for $995.

The new kid on the handbag block is fitting in perfectly, being highly sought after and not as widely available in the US as we (by that I mostly mean me) would like. Gerard Darel Bags are not new by any means, but their popularity in the US is blowing up. On my last trip to Spain, I was on a hunt for a Gerard Darel Bag. I left empty handed. But my yearning for this brand has not ceased and after getting a shipment of Gerard Darel Bags to review, I am hooked. Read the full review...

It’s Monday. Again. I don’t know about you, but I seem to always have a case of the Mondays. This being the case, I figured, what better way to ease back into the work week than to drool over this gorgeous Zagliani Python Puffy Bag? I have just recently become interested in exotic bags (thanks Megs!!!). At first, I guess I had a hard time justifying spending so much money on a single bag. However, as I began to learn more, I can truly say I would have no problem saving my pennies for a bag like this. First of all, just look at it! Amazing, huh? I am sure the image doesn’t come close to doing the bag justice, but I am awestruck. The shape, texture, and overall aesthetics officially have me yearning to own this bag.
As Megs mentioned, I am fairly new to TPB (today is my one week anniversary, yay). However, one thing you will learn about me, is that I make many of my decisions about life, happiness and bags based on a holistic approach. To me, when I think about the bag, if nothing else, it needs to “feels right”. The turn lock closure, inside compartments (including a zip pocket and cell phone holder) plus the python exterior and suede interior all add to my initial, first-glance love of the bag. Furthermore, I can think of several outfits this Zagliani bag could accompany. I don’t see any reason the bag couldn’t be carried around during the day while running errands and then used again later in the evening as I head out to meet some friends for a couple cocktails at a local hot-spot. So, as you can see, I tend to try and justify my purchases. Do you think I’ve given enough reasons yet? Can you think of any others (other than the typical, “I just NEED it!!!”)? If you share my desire to add this bag to your collection, you can buy it through Saks for $2,900.00.

*Thud*

I think I just passed out.

Or my head exploded.

Or something.

Because, on saks.com under ‘New Arrivals,’ there is a piece of metallic python so resplendent that it makes me wish I hadn’t written about the Zagiani python clutch so recently. Because this? THIS IS WAY BETTER.

It’s still Zagliani silver python. BUT IT’S A HOBO. That means the Zagliani Python Z Bag contains about a thousand times more beautiful pewter snakeskin surface area, plus I could buy it and wear it every day for the rest of my life, and that? That would make Amanda die happy. I would sit this bag next to me on the couch and have conversations with it. It would watch Project Runway with me (and agree that Blue Cup Dress was easily the best last night and Michael Kors can STFU about coffee filter bodices). I’d hang it on the control board of the elliptical machine at the gym, and it would cheer me on. I’d take it everywhere, and people would ask me what it was and where I got it, and I’d just stick my tongue out and say “I’m not telling! You’re not cool enough to have one! Isn’t that right, beautiful python hobo?” And it would nod solemnly and turn up it’s little metallic nose at all those that THINK THEY COULD HANDLE IT. Because they can’t.

I think I need to go lie down.

Buy through Saks for $4,290.