Alexis Hudson Launches Holiday Handbags | Shoulder Bags & Clutches for Christmas

Posted on: Dec 6

Alexis Hudson Holiday ClutchAlexis Hudson has released a glam new accessories line just in time for hard days spent at the mall and our yearly Christmas parties. The label’s holiday collection features a selection of day purses and evening clutches.

The line looks to be a bridge between the styles from the current season and the trends we’ve seen recently on the spring 2012 catwalks. Its shoulder bags all feature either envelope or flap closures, two finishes we’ve admired at the world’s fashion weeks. Many of the range’s clutches, including its centerpiece called the Bette, also have an on-trend versatility which helps them work during the day and when the sun sets. These fashion forward details ensure that we can wear these new handbags during the holiday season, through the New Year, and beyond.

Alexis Hudson bags are favorites of celebrity style makers including Eva Longoria, Heather Graham, Kate Hudson, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. However you don’t need a Hollywood size bank account to own them. The entire range is priced well under $1000 and many bags, including that versatile Bette clutch, cost less than $300.

Alexis Hudson’s 2011 Holiday Collection is available now from a range of retailers including the accessories house’s website.

[Source: Examiner]

Alexis Hudson Bags on eBay

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Bulga Bunt Satchel | Classic Ruched Orange Leather Carry-All Bag

Posted on: Dec 6

Bulga Bunt SatchelBulga serves up classic good looks with a modern twist with the Bunt Satchel.

It seems strange to ever call an orange handbag with such unusual details classic, but somehow despite the quirks Bulga makes sure this satchel is reserved. The color is unexpected, and so is the shape. I love the way it flares out around the top and the pleats created by the gusseted pockets. Yet despite these details the design is very clean. By avoiding studs, sequins, or other flashy accents Bulga’s ensured this bag will never look out of place.

That versatility means you might want to carry the Bunt everywhere, and Bulga obliges with several functional features. Its accordion style shape gives us plenty of storage space. It might even seem daunting if not for the array of organizational pockets. These are trimmed with leather to help them last.

The only real disappointment for me is the straps. They’re a little too short for easy carrying, and as there’s no detachable cross-body strap we’re stuck using them. A few extra inches here would have made all the difference.

I’d struggle with the straps if the Bunt wasn’t on the expensive end of the purse spectrum at $795. That price isn’t exorbitant, but it’s still more than I’d want to spend on a handbag that will ultimately prove frustrating.

More Features of This Bulga Ruched Satchel

  • Zip top entry
  • Printed plainweave lining
  • Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 15 x 4 inches
  • Made in China
  • Also available in gray

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Bourne Stephanie Clutch | Sequin Covered Black Flower Accented Minaudiere

Posted on: Dec 5

Bourne Stephanie ClutchBourne delivers glitz and glamour in a convenient hand-held package with the Stephanie clutch.

Love it or loathe it; there’s certainly no ignoring this purse. Its egg shape is eye-catching, particularly as it’s covered in tiny glittering sequins. And if we still weren’t paying attention, there’s an oversized flower accent with a flashy beaded center. It’s bound to be too showy for many girls but I think in basic black Bourne might just get away with the design. I’m not so keen on the aubergine and smoke varieties, but I’m sure there are girls out there who’ll appreciate their more daring color combinations.

No one buys a bag like this expecting practicality. The egg shape we love limits storage space even more than a traditional box clutch. And don’t even think about overstuffing it. Its clasp will pop open defiantly if you try and stash extra items inside.

At $172.50 the Stephanie costs a bit more than I like to spend on an after-five accessory, but if you’ve got a busy holiday season you might see value here.

More Features of This Bourne Sequin Covered Clutch

  • Made of satin
  • A chiffon flower accent
  • A detachable serpentine chain strap
  • Made in China

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Dee Ocleppo Creates Handbags | Tommy Hilfiger’s Wife Launches Design Career

Posted on: Dec 5

Tommy HilfigerDee Ocleppo is following in the footsteps of her famous husband Tommy Hilfiger and launching a handbag collection.

The idea for Designs by Dee Ocleppo came about when she was helping her beau on his forthcoming Home Shopping Network line. If she could inject some creativity into his diffusion line, scheduled to hit the television shopping channel in March 2012, why not launch her own label?

Ocleppo is starting small with just four core bags: a framed clutch purse, a satchel, a shoulder bag, and a tote purse. However as customers can choose their own handles and fabrics from an extensive range, the possibilities are endless. There are 13 coverlet choices in all including casual denim and quilted nylon, contemporary leopard printed canvas, and chic coral patent leather.

Ordinarily we pay a premium for a personalized handbag, so I’m thrilled to see the Designs by Dee Ocleppo will be attainable for most fashion fans. Prices start at just under $100 and go up to $250 for some of the more expensive finishes. That top end is still relatively affordable in fashion circles.

Ocleppo said it was important for her to keep prices low.

I’d like to offer what’s trending and what people have and what’s in fashion now and not break the bank,” she told Women’s Wear Daily. “For a bag these days, it’s pretty affordable. You don’t have to mortgage your home. I think it’s unique, it’s accessible and affordable for everyone – and it kind of makes you the designer. It gives you control.

There’s no word yet on when the Designs by Dee Ocleppo handbags will hit stores, but with Ocleppo’s vision for chic yet affordable style I’m sure the accessories will be popular when they do!

[Source: Contact Music]
[Image Source: Saloca/Wikipedia Commons]

Tommy Hilfiger Bags on eBay

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Bottega Veneta Belly Bag | Sophisticated Woven Navy Leather Hobo Handbag

Posted on: Dec 5

Bottega Veneta Belly BagIt’s got a silly name, but this Belly Bag from Bottega Veneta oozes sophisticated style.

The cute moniker perhaps stems from this hobo’s softly rounded shape. If we use our imaginations I suppose we could see it like the portly tummy of a jolly old man. However that comparison soon fades as we run our hands over the elegant woven leather finish. Bottega Veneta is a specialist at creating this kind of surface. I suppose critics might accuse the fashion house of staying in a fashion rut, but when it continues to weave leather this lovely that seems unfair. I’d rather have a thousand timeless bags just like this than some more trend conscious accessories.

I’m getting a little tired of high end designers taking such a minimalist approach to their interiors though. It’s almost as if they think that anyone who can afford their purses can also pay for assistants to take care of menial tasks like keeping personal items in order. This handbag certainly won’t do it for you. The allure of all that storage space is lost when we’re only given a single pocket to keep it organized.

It’s the lack of functional features that makes me hesitate to spend $2000 on this hobo. The intricate weaving is certainly worth the money, but the bag’s functional limitations are hard to ignore.

More Features of This Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo

  • Made of lambskin
  • Top zip closure
  • A single handle with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 10 x 17 x 2 inches
  • Made in Italy

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eBay’s Oryany Handbag Sale | Fashion Vault Discounts Purses for Christmas

Posted on: Dec 5

Oryany Zip Detail HoboYou promised it’d be different this year, that you’d start earlier and have the season all wrapped up before December rolled around. However now there’s just 20 days until Santa comes a-knocking, and your tree still looks bare. Thankfully eBay has come to the rescue with its latest Fashion Vault sale.

The popular auction site has opened the doors to its vault to sell Oryany handbags at a fraction of their retail value. You could save up to 65% on some of the contemporary label’s most popular designs including the Contrasting Trim Satchel, the Medium Size Tote, and the Zipper Detail Hobo pictured.

The Fashion Vault only opened its doors this morning, but I wouldn’t wait much longer before getting your order in. While the vault will technically be open until 7:59 am Pacific Time next Monday, the Medium Size Tote with black leather accents has already sold out. This sale is a lot smaller than many of eBay’s others, with just 13 styles on offer, so I don’t expect them to last until the end of the sale period. Browsing now and placing your orders early is the best way to avoid the disappointment that comes with missing a bag bargain!

[Source: eBay Fashion Vault]

Oryany Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Oryany, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Botkier Eden Satchel | Retro Colorblocked Pink Cowhide Purse

Posted on: Dec 5

Botkier Eden SatchelIt’s too bright to suit everyone, but I’m tickled pink by this Eden Satchel from Botkier.

I haven’t always embraced the colorblocked trend, but I love the combination of bold pink cowhide and bright red lambskin. It’s an unconventional color palette, and one which will probably divide fashionistas, but I appreciate its unique looks. Happily Botkier also accommodates girls with more conservative tastes with all-over black and butterscotch versions. There’s also a navy satchel with a pop of verdant green on the sides.

No matter which Eden you pick you’ll enjoy all the features Botkier offers. The interior is on the small side but the label’s made the most of the space, kitting it out with a zippered pocket, a pair of open pouches, a pen slot, and a handy hook for carrying keys. The rolled handles give the satchel a playful retro air but they’re not so convenient for days on the go. However Botkier’s also provided a longer shoulder strap for those busy outings.

The Eden’s mid-sized stature may scare some girls off, but personally I think Botkier’s offering plenty for our $495.

More Features of This Botkier Retro Satchel

  • Two front patch pockets
  • Magnetic snap closure underneath front flap
  • Gunmetal hardware
  • Zippered main compartment
  • Fully lined interior
  • Dual handles with a 4 inch drop
  • A detachable strap with an 18 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 14 x 5 inches

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Traditional Woven JADEtribe Handbags | American Designer Collaborates with International Artisans

Posted on: Dec 4

JADEtribe BagKimberly Hartman brings the craftsmanship of Asian artisans to the western world with her accessories label JADEtribe.

The Texan born designer developed the label in 2009, after she spent time traveling the globe. Inspired by the creative pieces she saw on her journey, she began to collaborate with craftspeople in India and Southeast Asia. JADEtribe showcases their handcrafted purses, jewelry, and homewares.

Hartman buys woven textiles from traditional artisans for a fair wage. She then takes these materials to other craftspeople, who in exchange for more fair wages transform the fabrics into eye-catching handbags.

JADEtribe handbags are also eco-friendly. As each one is crafted by hand, they generate a much smaller carbon footprint than those that fall from factory production lines. The vibrant colors come from natural, organic dyes and many of the materials are also repurposed. The use of genuine leather accents won’t impress anyone who take a hard line on animal cruelty, but at least the skins are used sparingly.

The label’s unique approach has seen it recognized by many key fashion magazines including Vogue, Lucky, and Marie Claire.

JADEtribe handbags, homewares and jewelry pieces are available from a range of stockists around the globe and the label’s online store.

[Source: Magnifeco]

JADEtribe Bags on eBay

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Bodhi Avenue B Cross-Body Bag | Chain Decorated Black Leather Handbag

Posted on: Dec 4

Bodhi Avenue B Cross-Body BagBodhi takes its cues from New York’s East Village with this Avenue B cross-body bag.

Just like the Alphabet City street that shares its name, this cross-body bag oozes modern attitude. It almost looks like someone’s taken a switchblade to the flap, an edgy detail which is complemented beautifully by the punk rock chains draped casually across the pebbled leather. The combination of black skin and gleaming silver metal is very rock and roll, but the chains are just delicate enough to ensure the look isn’t overdone.

We get more metal and chains in the cross-body strap. The way the leather winds its way through the silver links calls to mind high class Chanel purses. That tempers the bag’s rebellious spirit a little, ensuring we can carry it to a good restaurant or the theatre without attracting the wrong kind of attention.

For those evenings out I’d probably leave the strap behind and carry it like a clutch. It’s a little larger than most bags of this ilk, but it’s slender enough easily tuck underneath your arm or hold in your hand. And that extra space will never go astray when you’re hitting the town.

The Avenue B’s versatility helps make its $488 price tag seem like a pretty good deal.

More Features of This Bodhi Chain Decorated Cross-Body Bag

  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Measures 6 x 10.5 x 2 inches

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Michael Kors Plans Stock Market Trade | Label Readies New York Listing

Posted on: Dec 4

Michael KorsMichael Kors is cementing its reputation as a fashion house to be reckoned with through its latest plan to trade on the American stock market.

Fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily claims the company is plotting an IPO which will see it trading under the name of KORS on the New York Stock Exchange. The modern fashion label is optimistic that it can sell approximately 48 million shares, including over allotments, at between $17 and $19 each. The idea of owning a portion of the esteemed fashion house for less than $20 is very tempting, isn’t it? We certainly don’t see any of its handbags or apparel items priced so low!

If those predictions come true it’ll see Michael Kors Holdings valued at close to $3.62 billion, which while not close to the Louis Vuittons and Pradas of the world is still pretty impressive. And as it spends time in the stock market, the label should only grow. That growth will be assisted by the label’s plans to open hundreds of stores in the coming years in Japan, Europe, and North America.

Michael Kors is one of only a handful of designer fashion firms to go public in recent years. Do you think it’s a smart move? And would you invest in the stylish company?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

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