Valentino Shoulder Bag: Rustic Leather Strikes Gold

Valentino has a way of jazzing up just about anything. Usually they do it with bows, embellishments, and appliqués; clearly, they are thinking progressively at the moment. Disco-chic mesh juxtaposed against casual luggage leather certainly seems like a strange combo, but they’ve just proven it works. Think urban surfari, for the girl who needs a bag with tough-enough leather to take a minor beating but won’t sacrifice her penchant for the forwardly glamorous.Putting the “glam mesh” only on a single side of the bag (leaving the other unadorned, save a Valentino’s plaque and textured skin) is the right choice for this well-sized (12” by 7”) shoulder bag. Adjustable straps, along with a convenient front pocket, give a nod to your practical side. Boxy yet soft, this offbeat amalgam is a winner – I even came close to taking it home with me. Perhaps rugged chestnut leather is just the thing shiny gold chain mail needs to look sleek and modern, rather than a blast from the retro-past. At Valentino for $1,795.Call?(214-750-5707) or e-mail Justin?at Valentino to order.Pair with: A little leopard is necessary when exploring the urban jungle. Tory Burch‘s spotted calf-hair “Jude” pumps, with slick gold heel embellishments, are high-glam for a Frugal Snob price. ?On Net-a-Porter for $325.