Tina Craig (better known by her blogger alias “Bag Snob”) is one of those OG fashion ~influencers~ whose taste—be it in beauty, home, and especially bags—we follow closely with the secret hope that should we absorb enough intel, we too (someday) will carry a bright fuchsia Kelly bag or, as demonstrated in a recent @bagsnob Instagram, an outfit made seemingly entirely out of glitter. So when a little birdy told us that Craig was launching a bag line in collaboration with Italian designer Gianfranco Lotti exclusively with Net-A-Porter (available next week and launching with a bigger-in-Texas party in Dallas tonight), we quickly got her on the phone to hear what it’s all about. As we expected, it was begging to be photographed.
And this is how we wound up on the pool deck of the Peninsula Beverly Hills crashing Craig’s girl time with friends Jennifer Meyer, Kelly Gores, and Nikki Erwin while they lunched (Craig is all about the “turkey burger and fish tacos”) and played with the blogger-turned-designer’s brand-new bags.
As it turned out (okay, so it was planned), the location was appropriate. The line was inspired by Craig’s childhood growing up in L.A. “I spent many years of my youth in Southern California,” she told us. “It made for a carefree childhood, and when I think back on it I remember roaming around on my beach cruiser and exploring the shores and boardwalks. I wanted to capture that sense of exuberance and freedom that seems to be lacking now and make it tangible, whether you grew up in California or in Connecticut.”
And the bags reflect that versatility, so while they’re all fun, quirky, and bright (exactly what you’d want from a bag designed by Craig, tbh), you can also mix and match the straps as you please. “The straps can be used on our bags or also with your own bag in your closet! I love using them on my camera,” said Craig. “If you’re not ready to give up your old faithful black tote, you can add our strap to it and refresh your style.”
As it is, we have a very special place in our hearts for L.A., but seeing the city through Craig’s lens as she hung out with her girlfriends is another thing entirely. Which is why we’ll be maxing our credit cards on some hand-cut and -sewn calfskin in the very near future.
How to Do L.A. the Bag Snob Way
Stay
“I love how intimate the Peninsula Beverly Hills is, which can be hard to find in L.A. I feel like it’s a second home! A second home with really great restaurants—there are so many dining options, whether it’s afternoon tea with bubbly in the Living Room, Sunday brunch in the newly refinished Belvedere restaurant (my favorite brunch in L.A.!), lunch poolside in the Roof Garden, or dim sum in the Club Bar. And I’m all about the jalapeño margarita! It’s a must when you’re lounging poolside. Otherwise, it’s champagne for brunch and the spiciest Bloody Mary in town when the mood strikes.”
Eat
“My friend China Chow just took me to Croft Alley off Melrose Place, after shopping for fresh organic produce at the farmer’s market. Their vermicelli salad with a side of turkey sausage banh mi is to die for! It’s so full of flavor and super healthy. They also make an insane hot sauce—with no sugar added.
“I also love Connie and Ted’s. The seafood is so fresh I feel like most of it is still moving when served. They’ve got the best uni I’ve ever had; it was so fresh it almost crawled off the platter.
“Go to Din Tai Fung in Arcadia for insanely yummy Shanghainese soup dumplings, and Night + Market on Sunset is the best for Thai street food. Then there’s BCD Tofu House in Koreatown for kimchi soup.
“Ricky’s Fish Taco Truck is ideal for a taco fix (you have to find out where he’s parked via Twitter). I think Madeo in Beverly Hills has the best Italian food, but it’s not really a secret; it’s an iconic L.A. institution. Go to Son of a Gun because it’s both hip and delicious, a rare combination. My Father’s Office has the world’s best blue cheese burger.
“And then there are the well-known popular spots: Craig’s, Sunset Tower for a great steak, Freds at Barneys for lunch, The Nice Guy, and The Little Beach House in Malibu.”
Do
“If you want the best facial in town, go to Arcona Studio. Make sure you stock up on the Wine Facial Oil and Eye Dew Plus Eye Cream. Go to BAO Foot Spa for foot massages on South Beverly Drive.
“I love the new What Goes Around Comes Around vintage store in Beverly Hills on Brighton Way. I collect souvenir jackets from there.
“I just worked out with my goddaughter’s trainer and have been sore for a few days. Maya Arusi is a surfer and former Olympian Tae Kwon Do champ, and she will kick your ass.”