Italian fashion house Braccialini has teamed up with Warner Bros for its new Looney Tunes handbag collection.

It seems a strange step for any European fashion label to create a range so whimsical, but Braccialini is known for working outside the box. The new handbag line features traditional shapes and styles married with the images of Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester and Tweety Pie, and other cartoon favorites. The bags are casual but their high quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship point to their Italian heritage. It’s worth noting that the leather-like versions are made from a synthetic alternative rather than the genuine article, but if you’re not a fan of the man-made skin you can choose one of the cotton accessories.

The fabric and eco-leather Looney Tunes Braccialini bags are available from the company’s boutiques in Europe, the United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong, and the United States of America. Alternatively shoppers can buy the limited edition bags through the label’s website.

It’s fun to see a brand embracing its silly side, but I’m not sure I’d carry such novelty bags. Perhaps this Braccialini line is strictly for the most ardent of Looney Tunes fans. What do you think?

[Source: Become Gorgeous]

Braccialini Looney Tunes Bags on eBay

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Coccinelle’s shunned the traditional box shape for something more modern with this Lona Tote.

A wide belt cinches the Lona in at the center, giving it an unusual hourglass silhouette. It’s a testament to the quality of the glazed leather that the skin has soft pleats around the belt rather than awkward puckering. I’m not sure the unusual styling will resonate with traditionalists, but I think it looks fun and fresh.

While it appears to put fashion first, the Lona is also as functional as we expect a tote to be. It’s spacious without being unwieldy, and fitted with an array of leather trimmed pockets. Its handles look smart but they’re a shade too short to be truly practical. That’s no deal breaker though, as we’re also given a longer attachable strap for our busiest days. White leather typically makes me pause, but at least there are metal feet to protect its base from stains and scratches.

The price is tempting me further. At $575 it won’t matter too much if it shows wear after a season or two. That’s not cheap, but it’s far from unreasonable for a bag of such quality.

More Features of This Coccinelle Belted Tote

• Zip top closure
• Striped lining
• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 14.5 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Coccinelle Lona Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coccinelle bags on BagBunch
• The Coccinelle Lona hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Coccinelle bags on eBay
• Other belted tote bags on eBay:

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Alice Huang combines Eastern traditions and Western sophistication in her new handbag line Mei Vintage.

My favorite Mei Vintage handbags are handcrafted from authentic vintage kimonos. The approach allows us to enjoy the gorgeous embroidered patterns and silky finish to the fabric while also keeping the items out of landfill and minimizing the usual production carbon footprint. By using deconstructed kimonos rather than traditional reams of fabric, Huang ensures these Mei Vintage bags are true originals.

Other Mei Vintage accessories take a more typical Western approach. I appreciate the buttery soft Italian leathers and fashion-forward designs, but these bags don’t make quite the same impact. Mei Vintage is at its best when it’s marching to the beat of its own drum rather than following the lead of other fashion houses. At least the bags maintain their green credentials as they’re made with leather remnants rather than brand new skins.

Mei Vintage’s commitment to sustainable design isn’t just skin deep either. The label’s handbags are lined with a hemp cotton fabric, which is much greener than traditional alternatives.

Mei Vintage’s collection features hobos, satchels, and cross-body bags for daytime wear alongside as clutch purses and wallets. The purses are made in limited quantities, which make them feel that much more special. They’re currently available at selected American boutiques and Mei Vintage’s website. European and Asian fashionistas can look forward to the label launching on their continents soon.

[Source: PR.com]
[Image Source: Mei Vintage]

Kimono Bags on eBay

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Coach might be one of America’s most enduring brands, but its accessories haven’t always been to my taste. I found its earliest signature printed purses dull, and much of its youthful Poppy line too vibrant to find a place in my wardrobe. So I’m happy to see the label’s found some middle ground with its Madison Gathered Leather Wallet.

Black leather is timeless but also a bit pedestrian, so I’m thrilled to see Coach jazzing it up a little. The intricate pleating creates a hypnotic wave effect which is just so striking. It’s a shame the golden Coach logo has to break into the design, but at least it’s small.

It really seems a tragedy to keep such a head-turning purse tucked away in a larger tote, but I’m not sure its accordion style interior lends itself to use as a clutch. It’s a space that really puts finances first, with twelve credit card slots, four open pouches for paper money and receipts, and a zippered compartment for coins. If that’s all you need on an evening out you’re set, but most of us will probably want space for a cell phone, keys, and cosmetics. And like most wallets there also isn’t a drop-in chain. Perhaps it’s time to nix the notion of it serving double duty.

It’s a shame because this really is the kind of purse you’ll want to show off, especially at a not so cheap $248. I could justify that hefty price for clutch with the same finish, but on a wallet I’m just not sure.

More Features of This Coach Gathered Leather Wallet

• A wraparound zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Coach Madison Handbag:

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

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• Check the Sfsaleusa eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Madison Hippie shoulder bag, a great alternative to this classic leather bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay

Victoria’s Secret has opened the doors to its first Beauty & Accessories concept store. The boutique at the Macau Sands Casino in China’s Macau Peninsula is the first of 55 stores of its kind scheduled to open around the world.

The 1,470 square foot space offers Victoria’s Secret fans the label’s beauty products and accessories. These include fragrances like the iconic Bombshell and its new Gorgeous scent. There are also exclusive Victoria’s Secret branded travel bags, day bags, and small leather purses.

The expansive new boutique has a modern, glamorous feel which creates a shopping environment that’s been described as “sexy, sophisticated, and forever young.” There are black and white images of Victoria’s Secret’s stunning supermodels on the walls, and an installation of the large angel wings featured in the label’s famous fashion shows.

Victoria’s Secret’s lingerie tends to grab all the headlines, so it’s refreshing to see the fashion house showing us a different side. Hopefully this will also lead to some more exciting handbag releases from the label in the coming years.

I really like the concept of these new stores, and wonder where we’ll see them next. It’s rare to see one boutique launched without any whispers of other prospective locations. Where would you like to see one of Victoria’s Secret’s new Beauty & Accessories stores?

[Source: The Moodie Report]
[Image Source: Gary Tamin/Wikipedia Commons]

Victoria’s Secret Bags on eBay

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Cleobella delivers the handbag equivalent of Cousin It with this Electra Fringe Hobo.

When used well fringing can create a fun western or bohemian vibe. But too much, as we see here, and a bag just seems hairy. The accents dominate the design rather than enhancing it, which is disappointing.

I thought if the fringe didn’t work we could at least find something else to excite us. But try as I might, I just can’t see the appeal. The interior has a couple of pockets, but they don’t do enough to keep such an enormous bag organized. That’s especially poor as there are no additional security measures. A zip or even a magnetic clasp would have made all the difference.

If I was feeling generous I suppose I could point to that shoulder strap. It’s long and made from soft cotton, so it should feel amazing on our shoulder, no matter how full the hobo gets. The label’s also successfully channeled the free and easy bohemian spirit that hobos are famous for.

This hobo isn’t all bad, but it is too expensive at $130. It’s a simple bag made from cotton after all. Sorry Cleobella, but you haven’t impressed me this time.

More Features of This Cleobella Fringe Hobo

• A single shoulder strap with a 16 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Cleobella Electra Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cleobella bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Ray hobo bag, a great alternative to this fringed bag.
• Searching for more Cleobella bags on eBay
• Other fringed hobo bags on eBay:

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High end designers like Mulberry and Prada aren’t the only ones thriving in these tough financial times. More modest accessories label Vera Bradley is also enjoying its share of success, with a big 32% sales increase in the third quarter of the financial year. Sales amounted to $121.1 million, compared with $91.6 million at the same time in 2010.

These sales figures helped the company’s net income grow by 45% to $13 million, up from $6 million last year. On the stock exchange its shares rose to 32c, up from 17c in 2010. The results bettered analyst predictions of the shares fetching 28c.

Vera Bradley chief executive officer Michael C. Ray said it was “pleased” with the results. He attributed the success to the brand’s strength, its distinctive portfolio of products, its employees, and of course its loyal customers. Understandably he said he was “optimistic about the long term prospects for Vera Bradley.”

The label expects a modest increase in the fourth quarter of an estimated $125 to $130 million in sales. However Randal Konik, an analyst at Jefferies & Co., was even more positive, suggesting that Vera Bradley could stand to make $130.6 million in the year’s final quarter. He pointed to the way customers have embraced Vera Bradley’s winter prints and new holiday gift ideas as reasons for optimism.

Personally I’ve been really impressed by the more modern bags we’ve seen from Vera Bradley this year. I’m glad the riskier designs have paid dividends for the beloved American label, aren’t you?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Vera Bradley Bags on eBay

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With the holidays approaching, my social calendar is beginning to get crowded. These events provide a perfect excuse for splashing out on a dramatic evening bag, something like this Rosa tote from Clara Kasavina.

This eye-catching top-handled purse makes a nice change of pace from classic clutches. That gently curved handle works with the soft sway of the body to give the Rosa a vintage vibe. However this is a thoroughly modern creature. I can’t imagine any designer of old daring to use so much metal! The silver is softened somewhat by the silk organza underneath and a liberal application of sparkling Swarovski crystals.

The organza doesn’t just provide a contrast to the metal. It also adds a little mystery and keeps our essential items safe. We don’t get a lot of storage space to play with, but our vital party pieces should fit inside.

The Rosa really is everything I’m looking for at far too high at price. At $1300 I’d have to forgo Christmas presents this year to indulge. Surely my family members won’t mind missing out, right?

More Features of This Clara Kasavina Crystal Decorated Evening Bag

• Hand sculpted frame
• Floral magnetic top closure
• Measures 8 x 4 x 1 inches
• Comes with a protective silk dust bag

Get this Clara Kasavina Rosa Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Clara Kasavina bags on BagBunch
• The Clara Kasavina Gardenia Puff bag, a great alternative to this flower decorated bag.
• Searching for more Clara Kasavina bags on eBay
• Other Swarovski crystal bags on eBay:

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The accessories industry is reaping the benefits of a smartphone shopping boom. Digital market reporter comScore said that 38% of smartphone users have made at least one purchase from their device, and of those 37% purchased accessories or apparel items.

The clothing sales are only bested by sales of digital content. Sales of MP3s, eBooks, television programs, and movies accounted for 47% of smartphone purchases.

Sales are only one part of the total shopping picture though. Around two-thirds of smartphone users performed other shopping related tasks on their devices, including comparing products and their prices, snapping pictures of products, locating retail stores, and searching for coupons.

While smartphones are handy for accessing information on the go, 56% of smartphone shoppers made their purchases at home. 42% made their purchases at work or while enjoying leisure activities, while 37% took the opportunity to shop during their daily commute.

The rise of smartphone shoppers hasn’t done away with the need for bricks and mortar stores though. More than a third of shoppers made purchases while in stores, perhaps after making price comparisons and trying on apparel to be sure of just the right fit.

The success of the accessories industry in this brave new frontier highlights the way this sector is successful engaging its customers with the new medium. Customer experience analytics firm ForeSee recently reported that websites selling apparel, footwear, and accessories provide the most satisfying customer experiences, while sites hawking computers, cell phone accessories, and other electronics need to lift their game.

I must admit, I can’t imagine indulging in a handbag before feeling its leather and slinging it over my shoulder, but perhaps it’s time I embraced this new technology. Have you?

[Source: TMCNet.com]
[Image Source: Kartik Malik/Flickr]

When I think of Christian Louboutin I think of whimsical evening purses and those striking red soled shoes. But with the Rino the label shows it can make day bags with the best of them.

Needless to say, I’m enamored with this chic satchel. I love its sexy curved shape, and the way those lines are emphasized with the stitching. Look closely and it appears like a footprint, something that the footwear king knows an awful lot about! However it’s so stylized that it doesn’t appear at all gimmicky.

Open up the zipper across the top to reveal red signature lining mimicking the soles of those iconic shoes. The interior is generously sized but slender, which makes it look so sophisticated. The trio of interior pockets doesn’t exceed our expectations, but I’m grateful for them. I’ve seen too many high end designers taking a more minimalist approach lately, and I’m glad Louboutin has bucked the trend.

Christian Louboutin also offers a choice of two carrying straps. The dual handles look the part, but they’re not ideal if the bag is full. That’s when the longer shoulder strap comes in to play.

Perhaps it’s my smitten heart talking, but $1395 doesn’t sound like a bad deal for this bag. It’s well made and timeless thanks to its brown leather so if you’ve got the money, why not?

More Features of This Christian Louboutin Leather Satchel

• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 13.5 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Christian Louboutin Rino Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Check the Shopdesigner611 eBay store to see if this Christian Louboutin bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Carla Mancini Jackie satchel bag, a great alternative to this stitched bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin bags on eBay
• Other nappa leather satchel bags on eBay:

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