About Bags – Cool, Funky & Unique Bags

Simply gorgeous. Polished and perfect. Dainty and ladylike. Giuseppe Zanotti champagne sandals, a pair that can glide miraculously from bridal wear to normal wear at Shoe Snob.

Shopping and Info loves the fuzzy eco friendly Mongolia Prada garden tote for summer parties.

It looks like the “Project Runway” co-hosts share a taste for sleek style, on and off the show. Heidi Klum carried Michael Kors‘ “Gia” bag, a black python version from Pre-Fall 2011, in New York two days in a row last week (you know a celeb really loves a bag when it gets multiple outings!). It just reinforced the fact that his clean and structured tote is all the rage.

This is the day bag you carry if you want to look instantly sharp and polished – it dresses up both Heidi’s flowing maxi and cotton sheath without looking out of place or overdone. Python (or crocodile-embossed leather, which is also available for more pleasant price) is timeless and so is the shape – hard but not stiff and ready to hold all your gear for a day’s worth of errands. It is also the ultimate bag for the modern lady: all-American and all-fabulous.

Anthracite Python. At Neiman Marcus for $2,195.

Crocodile-Embossed Plum. At Neiman Marcus for $895.

Python-Embossed Desert. At Michael Kors for $2,195.

Just when I thought I had seen everything when it comes to clutches (glow-in-the-dark! handcuffs!), leave it to wildly creative kook Christopher Kane to throw us for a real loop. The self-proclaimed neon-lover has just taken things to a new liquid level. That’s right. These clear PVC clutches are filled with colorful gel, for a super-squishy effect that begs to be squeezed. Which kind of scares me – if this bag turns on you, you’ve got neon liquid all over your ensemble.

In pale green (it almost looks like slime a comic book villain might ooze out) or bright red (I’m seeing Snow Cones and slushies) tinged with blue, these look more like items you might find in my son’s playroom rather than couture clutches. But there’s a fine line between frivolity and fashion, and there’s always a place for novelty! I just don’t know if that place is my hands. What do you think: children’s toy or irreverent conversation piece? On Net-a-Porter for $720.

I love to adorn myself in chic stones – so why shouldn’t I expect my clutches to feel the same way? Sometimes we’re in minimal moods (I’m more of a sleek and simple kind of girl at the end of the day), but every once in awhile there is no denying more is more – precious stones and crystals and beads galore. Here’s a roundup of the top five be-stoned, bejeweled, and bedecked bags of the moment.

1) Fendi Jeweled Stingray Clutch:

Deliciously textured stingray is the skin of the moment. When Fendi does it, by setting it in an angular Art Deco shape with inverted sides, and best of all, nine semi-precious cabochons of different hues, it’s thoroughly lust-worthy. At Neiman Marcus for $4,260.

2) Judith Leiber Python and Pave Crystal Clutch:

Snakeskin looks like a work of art when it’s framed by lustrous ridged silver and a multitude of pave white Austrian crystals. This is strong glamour and potent, not prissy, sparkle. At Neiman Marcus for $1,695.

3) Gucci “Broadway” Jeweled Clutch:

Black satin clutches often have a way of feeling so antiquated (and not in a good way), but the massive, lightning bolt-like cluster of jewels embroidered on this Gucci fold-over clutch packs a razor-sharp punch. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,190.

4) Alexander McQueen Feather-Fringe Skull Box Clutch:

Calling all drama queens. Shagreen-embossed nappa leather has been decked out in all kinds of crystal stones, not to mention a theatrical dusting of feathers. A decadent gypsy of a bag. At Neiman Marcus for $2,720.

5) Valentino Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag:

This chain-strap clutch is as delicate as the dainty rose who will likely carry it. Covered in Strass crystals and pearls (my current jewel of choice), with intricate floral and butterfly embellishments along the frame, it ensures that your bag is more bedizened than most women. On Net-a-Porter for $4,195.

Pearls are back at Jewel Snob, in a big way! Not that they ever went away, if we’re talking about that certain Barbara Bush crowd, but now they are genuinely hip!

How to Dress Up Your Shorts at FabSugar!

Coquette loves Coach’s classic leather handbags that are now available in a new range of colors for a limited time.

Amazing beyond words, in breathtakingly delicate patterns with motifs like “Deer and Butterfly,” “Peacock,” and “Under the Sea,” paper eyelashes at Beauty Snob put Shu Uemura to shame!

Fashion Pulse Daily conducts an exclusive interview with handbag designers Lisa Goldstein and Romy Jagid of ROMYGOLD.

Hartstrings’ fleece jacket for toddlers and little boys at Tot Snob, with its daring navy and mustard stripes against a baby blue background, is fetching and eye-catching.

A boned bodice with sheer insets lays the foundation for wafts of pleated fabric, but it’s the hypnotizing patterns of this dress at Couture Snob, that steal the show.

Shopping and Info needs this amazing Ralph Lauren Collection Cashmere Sweater Coat for Fall 2011.

Just imagine these Alexander McQueen’s boots at Shoe Snob peeking out from your pant legs; it would be a sight as exhilarating as flashing forbidden skin!

StyleBakery says cobalt is the color of the moment. Check out their bright blue picks.