Oscar and Anna has launched its debut handbag line, called Take Me Out. The collection invites us to do just that as it’s made to hold ballet flats, and the high heels we’ll replace them with as the evening wears on.

The label’s creative director and founder Anna Zefferys said she came upon the idea when none of her own handbags held her shoes and looked the part.

“Everything I owned was either too small, too big or too casual,” she explained.

The Take Me Out handbags feature two separate compartments: an upper section for holding essential items like wallets, cosmetics, and gadgets, and a lower space for carrying footwear. If you’re planning on sticking to the same shoes all night you could alternatively use this compartment for a cardigan, a tablet, or even a bottle of wine.

While the Take Me Out line is functional, it doesn’t forget about fashion. The purses are made from high quality Italian leather. There are three styles to chose from: A Shoe In, Clandestine, and Has Been. The A Shoe In is currently available through the Oscar and Anna website, while the other bags can be pre-ordered ahead of their official releases.

While the Oscar and Anna label’s started small, it has big plans for expansion. While the functional footwear purses will always be a staple, the company plans to introduce variations on those styles and limited edition items.

[Source: PR Web]

Dooney & Bourke steps away from its usual youthful fare for something a bit more grown up with the Cork Equestrian Bag.

Its name is a bit of a misnomer, as this bag isn’t made from any cork at all. Instead its pretty green body is crafted from coated canvas. This everyday material is made a little more luxurious with the addition of pale tan leather trim. I really like the contrast here, but if you prefer something more subtle you can find the same bag in all-over black or brown.

This equestrian bag has a classic, almost predictable style, but don’t accuse Dooney & Bourke of complacency. Its plethora of practical perks exceeded my expectations before I even looked inside. The exterior looks clean at first glance, but turn it over and you’ll find a discreet slip pocket. Inside there’s the usual zip and slip pockets, along with a handy key hook.

Admittedly $218 is probably more than we should pay for a bag predominantly made from canvas. However this Cork purse is so stylish that I’m still sorely tempted! Think of it as an investment in a few years of fashion and you might see value here.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Coated Canvas Equestrian Bag

• Tuck-in latch flap closure
• A single strap with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 4 x 8 inches

Get this Dooney & Bourke Cork Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Dooney Bourke Cork Equestrian, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Bargain Marketplace Store eBay store to see if this Dooney & Bourke bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Cork Drawstring bag, a great alternative to this equestrian bag.
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay

Marion Cotillard continues to spruik Christian Dior, this time in the label’s latest short film. The Academy Award winning French actress stars in the playful flick which is cleverly titled L.A.dy Dior.

Just like the latest print ad, the film is set in Los Angeles. So it’s only fitting that Cotillard plays an actress. However I’m sure the part is nothing like the sophisticated French beauty. Unable to deal with the pressures of the film business, Cotillard’s character dramatically loses her cool on set.

The other star of the piece is undoubtedly the Lady Dior handbag that acts as Cotillard’s constant companion. Its multicolored crocodile finish is so striking that it threatens to outshine the French beauty!

John Cameron Mitchell, the creative visionary behind cult classics like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, directed Christian Dior’s latest cinematic effort. He was a bold choice, but also one that doesn’t really gel with the label’s current aesthetic. In my mind the short film should complement Dior’s current print campaign, but the pieces feel like polar opposites.

Do you prefer the sophistication that Steven Klein brought to the print advertisements, or the more flamboyant filmic touch of John Cameron Mitchell?

[Source: Catwalk Queen TV]

Christian Dior Lady Dior Bags on eBay

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Donna Sharp encourages us to show some team spirit with this Purdue University Utility Bag.

This practical Utility bag features the distinctive black and gold colors of the Purdue University Boilermakers. However unlike so much sporting memorabilia, it’s executed in a very subtle, chic way. Its body features retro golden spots against the black fabric, and a subtle Purdue University logo above the pockets.

While the black and gold colors are likely to suck the fans in, the Utility Bag’s design should help it become a wardrobe staple. It’s not flashy, but Donna Sharp bags never are. However it makes up for that with a plethora of practical features. They don’t call this a Utility Bag for nothing!

There are pockets in the front and back, and plenty more inside. The main compartment is generously sized, with a flat platform base to help it sit up straight. The collection of straps is a bit confusing to me though. The short ones seem too short for easy carrying, and even if you wanted to use them the long ones would get in the way. Personally I’d forget about those and stick to the longer shoulder straps.

At $80 this Utility Bag is a good buy for anyone who puts function first, particularly those Purdue fans!

More Features of This Donna Sharp Spotted Utility Bag

• Zip closure
• Polyester lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 14.5 x 14.5 inches

Get this Donna Sharp Purdue University Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Donna Sharp bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donna Sharp bags on BagBunch
• The Donna Sharp University of Kentucky Utility Bag, a great alternative to this college sports bag.
• Searching for more Donna Sharp bags on eBay
• Other Donna Sharp Purdue University bags on eBay:

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Donald J Pliner’s created a great everyday hobo in the Logan.

In many ways this is a hobo like so many others, but there are a few key details that have turned my head. I love the way Donald J Pliner has taken the classic hobo shape and given it more volume. This puffed up silhouette isn’t only more interesting than your average slouchy hobo; it also affords us more storage space.

Then there’s the glazed leather finish, which almost has a shimmering quality to it. I’m rarely dazzled by brown leather, but the gentle sheen on this skin makes it extra alluring. The mother-of-pearl buckle on the flap is a great complement to the eye-catching surface.

I’m also pleased to see that buckle is just for show. While it looks the part, the magnetic snap hidden underneath is much easier to work. When your cell phone is ringing, you don’t want to fuss with a fiddly clasp. Alternatively you could stash it in the rear zip pocket so it’s always close at hand!

At $575 this hobo is no bargain, but it’s also a lovely example of the style. We all know that you get what you pay for, and here’s that’s first class style and quality.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Glazed Leather Hobo

• Shimmering fabric lining
• A single shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 16 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Donald J Pliner Logan Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Donald J Pliner Logan hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Nicole’s Overflowing Closet eBay store to see if this Donald J Pliner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Donald J Pliner Reflection hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Donald J Pliner bags on eBay

There’s a new It bag in town, and unlike most status handbags it’s friendly to finances. These days leading style makers are embracing tote bags that are free, or close to it.

Sadie Stein, the deputy editor of The Paris Review, loves the simple tote issued by her own magazine, and the complimentary one commemorating the 100th anniversary of New York smoked fish mecca Barney Greengrass. Independent art curator Alison Gingeras adores the free totes she’s snagged at Hamster Wheel and Nate Lowman shows. Public relations entrepreneur Cary Leitzes, of Leitz & Company, is still besotted by the tote Alber Elbaz gave away at his Halloween party last year.

These totes boast about connections and culture, rather than bulging bank accounts. You’ll need to know the right people and be at the right place to score them, but when you do you’ll walk away with a handbag that’s unusually desirable and budget-friendly. It’s really the encapsulation of psychologist Daniel Gilbert’s theory that happiness comes from experiences rather than financial outlay.

It also might be the latest manifestation of our current fascination with all things 1970s. After all, that’s when the fabric Le Bag tote made it big, and the current crop are really just a modern take on this. They’re just as environmentally friendly as their predecessor, and they also rely on bold graphics rather than opulent elements to attract attention.

Don’t underestimate the appeal of the next tote bag you receive as a free gift. It might attract admiring glances before you can say Hermes Birkin!

[Source: The New York Times]

Limited Edition Fabric Totes on eBay

[phpbay]fabric limited edition tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Dolce & Gabbana brings out the best in zebra print with this chic Miss Charles Clutch.

Surprisingly the fashion house manages to do it with a material I usually loathe: ponyhair. All too often this material seems out of place, but here it passes for genuine zebra hide. Of course that’s not likely to please PETA, especially since Dolce & Gabbana doesn’t detail exactly how it sources its ponyhair, but the soft striped fur is striking.

The zebra stripes are bold, but Dolce & Gabbana gets away with them by keeping the Miss Charles’ body very simple. We’ve seen this flap-over style so many times, but the classic animal stripes make the purse feel fresh.

The Miss Charles is slender but spacious, so with some careful packing it should hold everything you need on an evening out. No one buys a clutch purse expecting true functionality, but with its generous dimensions and detachable chain strap the Miss Charles is smarter than most.

At $1808 the Miss Charles is a pricy proposition, but no one expects a Dolce & Gabbana purse to come cheaply. Happily though, this one will look at home with jeans or a little black dress so you’ll get some wear from your investment.

More Features of This Dolce & Gabbana Zebra Clutch

• A detachable chain strap with jewel detail
• Measures 5.7 x 11.2 x 1 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Handbag:

• Available to buy at Luisaviaroma
• Check TheHomeCollection eBay store to see if this Dolce & Gabbana bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Philomena bag, a great alternative to this zebra bag.
• Searching for more Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay
• Other Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles bags on eBay:

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Joy Gryson has released her new line of evening purses just in time for holiday parties. The Capsule by Joy Gryson range combines classic silhouettes with exotic materials and semi-precious stones.

Gryson’s taken the path less traveled and passed over familiar exotic skins for shark, stingray, and wooly astrakhan and karakul pelts. The unusual materials are married with frames crafted from ebony wood, rhodoid, and metal. Semi-precious stone clasps made of opal and mother-of-pearl complete the elegant purses. The Capsule line features two distinctive evening bag silhouettes and an earthy, on trend color palette.

I really like the traditional clutch purses at the bottom of the image, but I also find myself drawn to the evening purses above. Clutches are everywhere, so it’s exciting to find an after-five  accessory with a different shape and style.

Gryson said she created the collection as an alternative to the “pristine stuffy stuff” so prevalent in the luxury sector. The range features the kind of purses you’d probably carry on a dinner date or a night at the theater, although I imagine they’d work just as well on the red carpet.

They are expensive though, although I wouldn’t call them exorbitant for bags made with such opulent materials. You’ll find the Capsule by Joy Gryson collection priced from $850 to $2,700 at selected boutiques.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Joy Gryson Clutch Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Joy Gryson clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

DKNY takes colorblocking from retro to refined with this Luster Shopper.

The warm orange-camel colored panel brings personality to the Luster’s basic black base. Another label might have brought the orange hue back in the straps or fringed tassel, but DKNY keeps the rest of this purse quite neutral. It might not be as exciting right now, but it ensures the Luster will remain charming once the colorblocked fad has passed.

The functional design is another feature that ensures longevity. This is the kind of purse you’ll want to keep using thanks to its spacious dimensions and selection of carry straps. In an ideal world the cross-body strap would be wider, but if you don’t overload the satchel it shouldn’t dig too deeply into your skin.

At $425 the Luster is well priced, particularly for a bag that so cleverly blends contemporary style with enduring elegance. It looks right on trend now, but its quality and design ensure you’ll be just as happy carrying it after a few seasons.

More Features of This DKNY Colorblocked Satchel

• Exterior zip pockets
• Polished hardware accents
• Secure top zip
• Protective feet on the base
• A single handle with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 6 x 13 inches

Get this DKNY Luster Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]DKNY Luster shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cache Designers 4 Less eBay store to see if this DKNY bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More DKNY bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Luster Leather tote bag, a great alternative to this shopper bag.
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Diesel takes me back to my old scouting days with this Underpatches Nickname Backpack.

This knapsack looks set for braving the great outdoors with a few friends. It’s made of military style khaki nylon and covered with the kind of cloth badges we used to earn as eager kids. The look is a bit messy, but it’s also brimming with nostalgia.

The Underpatches Nickname doesn’t just look the part. It’s also got everything you really need in a knapsack. Its main compartment has plenty of space for water bottles, snacks, and guidebooks. It’s fairly basic, but we’ve got the small pockets up front for keeping valuables separate and organized. The shoulder straps are also padded and fully adjustable for the most comfortable fit.

The only real disappointment for me is the drawstring closure hidden underneath the compression buckle. It’s not as secure as a zip would be, it’s a bit fiddly to use, and it doesn’t look very clean. Honestly I’m struggling to see any advantage at all!

I can’t imagine swanning about the city streets carrying this backpack, but if you prefer the wilderness you’ll enjoy this backpack. You’ll need to be serious about hitting the trails though, because at $295 it’s far from cheap.

More Features of This Diesel Cloth Badge Backpack

• Lined interior
• Dual straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 7 x 18 inches

Get this Diesel Underpatches Nickname Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Diesel Into the Fold Upright Backpack bag, a great alternative to this drawstring bag.
• Searching for more Diesel bags on eBay
• Other Diesel backpacks on eBay:

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