Save, Spend, Splurge: Neutral Python

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Python is huge for fall. I haven’t been an overwhelming proponent of many of the season’s python looks, but it’s hard for me to turn down a good, natural, neutral python bag. For me, the beauty of python is in the skin’s inherent texture and pattern, and depending on the bag, straying too far from that can spoil the fun. That’s why for our latest Save, Spend, Splurge, we’ve picked three python (or python-embossed) bags at three different price points to show off the material’s natural beauty.

Save

Lauren Merkin Allie Embossed Python Clutch, $250 via Neiman Marcus
Naturally, the best way to buy into a trend at a reasonable price is to get a clutch, and Lauren Merkin is the queen of affordable evening bags. Stash it inside your day bag and then take it out after work.

Spend

Kate Spade Nadine Snake Print Crossbody, $695 via Neiman Marcus
I’ve rarely seen a faux python bag as lovely as this one – the pattern is right, the tone is right, and it’ll fool a lot of people who aren’t exotic skin experts. (And really, who is an exotic skin expert? Not many people.)

Splurge

Prada Python Frame Tote, $4450 via Neiman Marcus
Ok, so this is a big jump in price from the Kate Spade option, but that’s what happens when you go from embossed leather to the real thing, particularly in a season when python is the thing everyone wants to have and Prada was one of the material’s strongest proponents on the runway.