Exotics

The Hermes Kelly Pochette is the perfect clutch from the Hermes family, offering a small structured bag that can be hand held and offers a sleek sophisticated punch. Available in various leathers, this pochette is also available in suede, lizard, and crocodile. Victoria Beckham has sported both suede and lizard, which are both stunning, but the lizard has a very special touch. One of our members of tPF, Sus, is the new lucky owner of the Hermes Kelly Pochette in Ombre Lizard. Only two of this specific bag were circulating the world at the time, and Sus scored big with this stunning Kelly Pochette! The price is $5,350 at Hermes. Inquire at your nearest Hermes boutique.

  

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While we were in New York, Vlad and I made it a priority to stop into the Bottega Veneta store, which is their flagship. The store is huge, and beautiful (and undergoing renovations). We were greeted by a great SA who showed us and informed us about so many meticulous details of Bottega items. With many luxury houses losing their luster, Bottega Veneta is one of the few luxury houses that has retained their luxury. The weave is perfected at the house of Bottega, and many do not realize the degree of perfection they implement with their exotics. If you are looking for alligator, Bottega uses a specific gator from Madagascar that leaves a raise after each scale. The raise gives the bag a stunning dimension, as the dye darkens around the raised edges to really make the exotic skin pop. And there is another process to treating their alligator; involving soaking the skin (belly only) in water, then having the artisan hand treat the skin by pounding it out and then hand brushing each scale. The result is divine, which leaves the exotic skin feeling as if it is suede. You have to touch it to believe it, because it seems unreal. And then there are their python skins, lizard skins, ostrich, and of course the divine weave that they implement. So if you are looking for an exotic, the house of Bottega may be perfect for you. Make sure to stop by your local boutique to feel and indulge in the perfection of their processes.

And while I wished to leave with a piece of exotic perfection, I had a different bag in mind. So I settled with the stunning Bottega Veneta Ballet Flats in Carmino ($570 at Saks).

Below is a compilation of exotic (and intricate woven leather) items Bottega Veneta offers. Check them out if you are looking for utmost luxury and attention to detail!

Check out a beautiful array of Bottega Veneta handbags and shoes below!

Today has been a day of croc, including the lush and stunning Hermes Croc Birkin I saw while at lunch today. After showing both Britney and Eva with their croc Hermes bags, the Hermes gods must have thought they would tempt me just a tad more. As I carried out my new Birkin (pics coming soon!), there was a head-to-head game of handbag chicken. Yes, we walked towards one another, my leather Birkin began to show off her gleaming palladium hardware while the croc Birkin shined in our faces, showing off her beautiful skin. The croc Birkin (and her owner) looked at me and my Birkin with utmost respect, and we went on our merry ways. But I felt a little bit of croc lust, and wandered to the handbag department of Saks searching for croc. There was an array of Nancy Gonzalez bags, looking me in my eye, hoping to catch my attention. Well, they already got it. I am a huge Nancy Gonzalez fan, for her use of divine colors on exotic skins and prices that are not sky-high (with all things being relative). The clutch that is top on my want list is the Nancy Gonzalez Flap Croc Clutch, which is a winner because of its chic structured shape and beautiful peony, pearl white, or black caiman fuscus crocodile. This bag is to die for, just lush and luxurious, without killing you on the price. There is a top flap closure and suede lining along with a cell phone and zip pocket on the inside. I really hate the option of a shoulder strap with this, because it makes a clutch become a small handbag, which takes away from the beauty that exists. So grab this clutch, and wear it as a clutch. My only problem is the color. What color to choose?! Buy through Saks for $1,150.

Today is a game of ‘would you or wouldn’t you?’

The house of Gucci has only had me cringing the past few seasons. It is unfortunate to walk by a luxury store and literally walk as far away as possible. Then, when I feel a little bad, I go into the store and peer around. But the end result is the same, I am bored and ultimately not drawn to anything. Even a few weeks ago when we were in NYC there was a celeb in Gucci. We were allowed in to look around (more like look to see who was there), yet it was so painful to be in the store that we left and could not have done so quick enough. But their cruise ‘08 line has a handful of bags that I actually am liking, well so far they are ok. The shape on the Gucci Pop Bamboo Handle Bag works great if you need to lug a large amount of goods around and offers a removable shoulder strap for ease of use. Like the name says, there is a bamboo handle top, which makes this bag great for cruise collections but not easy to wear year around (unless you live in the tropics). Gucci is banking on this shape being a hit, hence they have designed three versions of this bag for everyone to choose from. So take a look at the bags, and let us know would you or wouldn’t you?

1. Gucci Pop Ostrich Bamboo Handle Bag. $9,590 at Saks.

2. Gucci Pop Patent Leather Bamboo Handle Bag. $1,890 at Saks.

3. Gucci Pop Python Bamboo Handle Bag. $2,990 at Saks.

Simplicity at its finest, this handbag looks so chocolately I could just eat it up. I have a thing for ostrich. And I think many people either love or hate ostrich. The leather is very distinct, yet in the right color and high quality skin the combination is divine. Upon first glance, I was lured into the Carlos Falchi Ostrich Clutch because the espresso color on the ostrich leather is smashing. The clutch is ultimately simple, merely offering a front flap on a rectangular body and an optional chain strap. It is great that some clutches offer the optional chain strap, but many times it simply is not needed. Many clutches look leaps and bounds better being carried in hand or under the arm, rather than dangling from a chain. This would be one of those clutches. The inside features a zip pocket and dimensions are 5 1/4″H x 11 3/4″W x 1 1/2″D. This bag is simple, but it works. Buy through Saks for $1,270.

I have settled into spending most of my handbag money on timeless classics. Whether it is the brand or the shape, handbags can be an investment. Stay away from the “it” bags, or limit yourself to them, because they will go out of style. While one handbag may be all the rage for one season, for the next season it becomes a dust collector in your closet. For many, one of their grail bags may be a crocodile bag. And while a Hermes Crocodile Birkin is my dream, the price tag is not even close to doable for me right now. And it is not doable for most people. Yet there are beautifully made exotic handbags that are much more affordable, designed beautifully, but do not have the huge fashion house name. There has been a huge buzz surrounding the Zagliani Crocodile Tote which implements a design that will carry over season after season in a beautiful exotic matte crocodile skin. On the inside there are many pockets (phone, camera, pen, cards, and a zip pocket), which means this large tote is very usable. The Zagliani handbag line is designed by dermatologist Mauro Orietti-Carella. With a background in dermatology, Mauro injects the exotic skin with silicone which results in a completely supple buttery soft feeling. And on the inside, there is just as luxurious of a feel, with suede lining. This bag is exclusively online at Saks, and you better nab it while you still can. Just a stunning piece of exotic work, perfect to pass down for generations to come. Buy at Saks for $11,300.

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An exotic clutch for under $500?! Well that is a bag deal if I have ever seen one. Even better is that these clutches are made beautifully, and are finished off with an edgy appeal. The Jalda Python Clutch is available in either the pearl/black combo or the natural/silver combo sporting python and lush Italian leather. The brass hardware adds an elegant touch, especially with the modern metal handle at the bottom of the front flap. On the inside you will get a splash of color, with turquoise bengaline lining. Dimensions are 5 1/2″H x 9 1/2″W. And at this price, I can not figure out what I prefer- he black or the silver. Then again, at this price, might as well take one of each. Through Saks for $475.

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If you were worried that you missed your chance at the stunning and totally drool worthy Mulberry Ostrich Bayswater Bag, never fear!!! Net A Porter has just received more stock of this stunning bag. So go quick, grab it while you can, and the rest of us will envy you for years to come!!! Via NAP for $3995.

Typically, the natural python look is not for me. I suppose seeing it on many horrid looking cow boy boots tainted me. Don’t get me wrong, I love python skin, but I prefer it dyed. Yet the coloring on this Ramona is beautiful. Perhaps it is because the suede trim offsets the natural python perfectly and breaks up the pattern. Either way, the Jimmy Choo Ramona Snake and Suede Bag radiates beauty. Jimmy Choo uses exotic whip snake and pairs it with taupe suede trim and golden hardware. The overall look is killer, expressing a style that uses lush products that are bold enough to stand on their own, yet implementing a soft touch for the finish. The inside is lined in suede and features a zip and open pocket. This handbag makes a statement, so if you buy it be sure to tone down the rest of your outfit and let this handbag do all of the talking. Buy through Saks for $3495 (also available in a black and silver snake and suede here).

When splurging on a high end designer handbag, go for something that will hold its style and is classic. Bottega Veneta handbags are known for their timeless appeal and their meticulous craftsmanship. A piece from Bottega Veneta’s exotic closet will only have you even more enamored. The Bottega Veneta Crocodile Luxanil Handbag showcases luxurious exotic shiny crocodile in a practical and sophisticated shape. The wrapped detail on the top handles adds a touch of refined style, and the outside flap pockets give this bag an edge over the rest. This handbag screams timeless, carry it today or carry it in ten years and it will hold its refined style. The inside is lined with lush suede lining. Dimensions are much larger than one would imagine (especially for the price), 9½”W X 6¼”H X 3″D. Beautiful at Saks for $5,900.

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