Blogger Babble: The Bag Snob

By Felicity Loughrey
May 30, 2010

“We’ve always been obsessed with bags,” says Kelly Cook (right), who launched theBag Snob in 2005 with good friend Tina Craig(left). “My husband suggested we start a blog after listening to a 10-minute voicemail Tina left talking about a bag she saw. He was like, ‘Damn, who knew there was so much to say about bags?’ After five years, we are not even close to being done talking about bags," says Cook, who was recently named the 7th most powerful style blogger by fashion news siteStyleite.

On their popular flagship site (which boasts a whopping 240,000 unique visitors per month, according to the company), Texas-based Craig, California-based Cook and a small network of contributors review carryalls likeStella McCartney’s accordion bag or Prada’s painted leather clutch with crystal clasp—“a fabulous clutch with elements of old Prada,” writes Cook of the latter. “People respond to our blog because our posts are very conversational,” Craig says. “We’re not the typical editors who dictate what people should buy.” Cook chimes in: “Women think of us as their girlfriends. We speak to them and give advice the way a very honest and straight-forward best friend would. No holds barred!”

This attitude extends across their blog empire, which has grown to include Jewel Snob, Beauty Snob, Tot Snob and finally, Couture Snob. And they have plans to roll out Man Snob soon.

So what do the two covet for spring? “I love cross-body, messenger-style bags right now,” says Craig, whose first designer tote was a matching Gucci bag and wallet she had in high school. “It made me feel very grown up and gave me a sense of the power of the purse.” Meanwhile Cook, who adores Birkin bags but is leaning towards more casual carryalls, is thrilled with her new-season purchase: a Bottega Veneta Superlight Hobo in yolk. “Yellow is the color of the season,” she declares.

On eBay, the Bag Snobs search for—what else?—handbags. “Surprise!” jokes Cook, whose other favorite eBay finds include a vintage Hermes belt and a sold-out Chanel leather jacket. For Craig, “eBay is a great resource for fashion that’s not currently in stores. Sometimes I get something in my head that I must have, and eBay is the only place I can find it.”

On their list of bag designers to watch, Craig suggests Valextra, Proenza Schouler and Trussardi, while Cook votes for Nancy Gonzalez, Paige Gamble, JT Italia and Zagliani. “I can appreciate any style,” Cook (right) says, “as long as it’s well designed and elicits an emotional response.”

And their eBay secret: “If there’s a bidding war,” Craig (left) says, “I wait until the very last three minutes to bid! Why let the other bidders know there’s heavy competition?”

Bag it! Tina Craig and Kelly Cook find bags of style on eBay.

Cook's picks:

Roll over items for details

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Tote

“Crocodile lasts a lifetime, so it's one of those pieces that make sense to buy pre-owned. This bronze is flashy yet not ostentatious—perfect for everyday.”

(buy it now price, $1,995)

Pierre Hardy Patent Leather Editor’s Bag

“Pierre Hardy is one of my favorite bag designers. The bags are unique and you will never see anyone else wearing one. This is a particularly special find because it is even more unusual with the geometric design. Love, love.”

(buy it now price, $1,299)