Only a few hours ago I fell hard for Balmain’s Abroad shoulder bag. Just like that lovely purse, the Kaira has silver chains decorating its dark leathery skin. However while they’re similar on paper, this satchel sadly comes off looking like the poor cousin.

Perhaps that’s inevitable at this price point. While the Abroad is $865, this one costs merely a fraction, just $138. Sacrifices are bound to be made to keep the bottom line low. And so we see synthetic rather than that plush calfskin and a bare base where the protective metal feet might have been.

But my problems with the Kaira are about more than that. The chain decoration is so chunky, and it cheapens the satchel’s image more than the synthetic. The design itself is also fairly pedestrian. BCBGeneration seems to rely on the chain for attention, but it’s not interesting enough to really inspire.

It’s a shame because the Kaira is certainly more usable than the Abroad. It’s enormous but designed so well that the space only ever seems like a plus. The interior is well laid out with its open pockets and secure zippered one. Its handles are long enough to sling over shoulders, but you might find the longer cross-body strap easier to use if you’ve got a distance to travel.

It’s unfortunate that the Abroad stole my heart first, because while the Kaira isn’t as sophisticated it’s far from a bad bag. If your budget can’t stretch to accommodate the Balmain, or you’re just craving more space, it’s a decent compromise.

More Features of This BCBGeneration Chain Strap Satchel

• Zip closure
• Measures 15 x 5 x 10 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Also available in mocha and red

Get this BCBGeneration Kaira Handbag:

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

[phpbay]BCBGeneration Kaira satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More BCBG Max Azria bags on BagBunch
• The BCBGeneration Kaira shoulder bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more BCBG Max Azria bags on eBay

Feeling glum after the news that Versace’s next H&M line won’t be available in the United States? Perhaps it’s a good thing. It means you’ll have more to spend on the retailer’s forthcoming collaboration with Marni!

The line features suits, dresses, footwear, and statement accessories, many of which can be seen in the video above. The collection seems to take things down a notch when compared to the Versace diffusion line, with prints and colors that are eye-catching but not over the top.

Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni said she took the opportunity to revisit some of her label’s favorite pieces in signature materials and patterns.

“As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements,” she added.

She has assured Marni’s loyal fans that the forthcoming H&M line has the same level of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that we’d expect from the brand.

The Marni for H&M apparel items and accessories will hit H&M stores everywhere on March 8. H&M seems to be pumping out the designer collaborations lately. Are you starting to tire of the limited edition lines, or will you be lining up to secure some affordable Marni goodies?

[Source: Fashionista]

Marni Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Marni, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Balmain abandons its typical taste for the avant garde for styling that’s actually easy to wear with this Abroad Chain Shoulder Bag.

It seems like Balmain has taken its foot off the pedal a bit here. This clutch is much more relaxed than the haute couture accessories the label usually creates. Personally I appreciate its subtlety though. I can’t imagine ever finding the right occasion for a clutch bordered by safety pins or even one plastered in different colored studs. However I’m already imagining how the Abroad would work with all of my favorite outfits.

Balmain says this clutch is made from black leather, but the hue is far softer than black tends to be. It’s closer to a charcoal gray really, and it has a soft weathered finish to it that’s so endearing. The worn in leather is perfect for daytime use, while the chain edging and whipstitching along the flap dresses it up for after five.

Of course if you want to wear it during the day, you’ll need to travel a little lighter than you’re used to. I wouldn’t call it small, but it is slender. However with some careful packing I think it’s possible to stash away everything you really need for making the day to night transition.

Our $865 doesn’t buy us a lot of purse but it does buy us quality craftsmanship and versatile design. Balmain bags never come cheaply, but this one represents a better investment than most.

More Features of This Balmain Chain Decorated Shoulder Bag

• Fabric lining
• Interior zip pocket
• Metal feet on the base
• A chain strap which can be worn doubled up or extended
• Measures 9.5 x 11 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balmain Abroad Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Balmain bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Quilted Leather Chain bag, a great alternative to this chain decorated bag.
• Searching for more Balmain bags on eBay
• Other whipstitched bags on eBay:

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Today Gucci will open the doors of its latest store, located in the Westfield shopping mall in the heart of Sydney, Australia.

The flagship store is an expansive space taking up two storeys and 7500 square feet. Its décor is just as luxurious as the stylish items it sells, with plenty of marble and rich rosewood. The Sydney digs will house the entire Gucci range including silks, children’s wear, fragrances, apparel, and of course, handbags.

A few limited edition Australian accessories are sure to get customers through the door. There’s a cute range of Gucci monogrammed key chains featuring iconic Australian animals. Shoppers can choose a koala, a crocodile, or a cute kangaroo. There is also a selection of signature handbags proudly emblazoned with heart-shaped Australian flags. They’re a bit kitschy for my tastes, but their limited edition status should see them sell anyway.

So often designers use these limited edition ranges to line their own pockets, so I’m thrilled to see this Sydney collection is for charity. All proceeds from the sales of the exclusive key chains and handbags will benefit the Australian Childhood Foundation, a non-profit organization which looks to stamp out child abuse and help victims rebuild their lives.

Will you stop by the new Gucci store to do your Christmas shopping?

[Source: The Vine]

Gucci Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Gucci, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I must admit, it’s been a while since a studded accessory turned my head. But Bally’s managed to do it in style with this Mylla wallet.

The golden studs help make this simple wallet something special. Its shape is quite ordinary, and while the calfskin leather is lush in brown it’s also a bit pedestrian. Or at least it would be if it weren’t covered in gleaming golden studs. I often feel an assortment of studs overcomplicates a design, but by only varying the size Bally’s made the Mylla interesting but not overdone. Bally’s cut no corners here, applying the metal to the front and back for a look that impresses from any angle.

The Mylla is small but serviceable with a selection of credit card slots, a zippered compartment, and a full length open one for paper money, checks, and receipts. A magnetic snap ensures your bits and pieces stay safely inside.

At $550 the Mylla is much more than I’d ordinarily contemplate spending on a wallet. It’ll spend most of its life hidden away inside a larger bag after all. But if you’ve got the cash to spare this would be a lovely way to spend it.

More Features of This Bally Studded Wallet

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 5.5 x 1.25 x 3.75 inches

Get this Bally Mylla Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bally bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Joss wallet bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Bally bags on eBay
• Other studded wallets on eBay:

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Balenciaga’s ditched its signature hardware for a much sleeker, chicer look with this Edition Ottoman Dupionne tote.

Its name is a bit of a mouthful, but its design is much less complicated. Its curved body and round cut-out handles give it a fun, retro feel. The warm glossy red leather is gently contrasted with a much cooler, matte red on the handle. The combination of colors is unusual, so it probably won’t suit everyone, but I appreciate its uniqueness.

The Edition Ottoman Dupionne is generously sized, so it should hold everything you need on a day out and then some. However if you need more space you can simply expand it by opening the snap fastening on the side.

It’s tempting to make use of all that space, but the striking handle doesn’t really lend itself to that. Cut-outs like this are always awkward to manage, but even moreso when there’s some weight underneath it. It’s also disappointing that such a large bag has just a single interior pocket. So if it’s practicality you’re after, this tote probably isn’t worth its significant $1550 price tag. However if you’re prepared to struggle a bit for style, this tote makes a compelling case.

More Features of This Balenciaga Retro Tote

• Pale gold-toned hardware
• Graphic print fabric lining
• Measures 15 x 17.75 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balenciaga Edition Ottoman Dupionne Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Balenciaga bags on BagBunch
• The Salvatore Ferragamo Maia Gancio bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Balenciaga bags on eBay
• Other Balenciaga tote bags on eBay:

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We were all sweating on it, but it seems Marc Jacobs is definitely not heading to Dior. A source close to Jacobs has told Fashionista that while LVMH approached him in July about the position, he declined it sometime in mid-November.

The source said that negations between LVMH’s CEO Bernard Arnault, Dior’s president Sidney Toledano, and Jacobs disintegrated over money matters and the restructuring of Jacobs’ team. Jacobs reportedly wanted to take his Louis Vuitton crew to Dior and “transfer the aesthetic from one house to another.” However as Phoebe Philo was unwilling to leave Celine to replace Jacobs at Dior, it would have left a gaping hole at the lucrative Louis Vuitton label.

Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, and even Tom Ford have been bandied about as the latest possible replacements for John Galliano, but honestly we’re all still in the dark and playing the guessing game. Perhaps this latest turn of events will see temporary replacement Bill Gaytten staying at the helm for a while longer, although his collections have faced such widespread criticism that this doesn’t seem a preferable option.

I’m sure we’re all getting a bit tired of the speculation without confirmation, but it seems we’ll have to be patient for a little while longer!

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

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Baggu takes an uncharacteristically upmarket approach to design with this leather tote.

The label is most famous for its ripstop nylon shoppers. Those totes aren’t very luxurious, but they’re incredibly handy for the grocery runs or a spot of errands. So I must admit, I was surprised to see the label dabbling in leather. Perhaps it hoped to attract a new high class audience by this departure, but I’m afraid it’s missed the mark.

While it uses a more opulent material, at its heart this is still a stock standard Baggu bag, with no frills or features to speak of. Fashionistas who love minimalist design might be drawn to its clean lines, but I find the whole thing lacking, especially for the money.

We also miss out on the things that attracted us to Baggu in the first place. We can’t scrunch this tote up into a tiny ball until it’s ready to use. We won’t be taking this shopper out in showers, or popping it in the washing machine once it gets stained.

At $150 this is also much more expensive than Baggu’s previous offerings. I don’t mind spending that amount on an interesting leather handbag, but this is frankly dull. Perhaps Baggu would be better served sticking to what it does best.

More Features of This Baggu Basic Tote

• Open top design
• Two short handles
• Measures 15 x 14 inches

Get this Baggu Leather Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Baggu leather tote, 2, “”, pouch[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baggu bags on BagBunch
• The classic Baggu bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
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Bally’s spring 2011 campaign sees the label celebrating its Swiss heritage. Australian beauty Miranda Kerr stars alongside Julia Stegner, Cedric Bihr, Robert Konjic, and a few mountain goats.

Norman Jean Roy shot the dynamic advertisements against a backdrop of snow capped mountains. These alpine peaks make the ad feel a little more winter than spring, but I appreciate the way the label’s stepped outside the studio and embraced its Swiss roots.

The goats are also a curious choice, but Bally co-creative director Michael Herz insists that it “felt right” to include the label’s animal emblem.

“We wanted the images to feel charming and make you smile,” he added.

Mission accomplished! I love the touch of whimsy that these inquisitive farm animals bring to the commercial. They really make the ad special.

I’m also taken with Kerr’s ensemble of a blue floral strapless dress with a matching tote bag. The pastel blue coat and nude bow decorated pumps set things off nicely. Stegner’s clutch also looks darling, although it looks difficult to maintain modesty wearing such a short dress. Perhaps she would have appeared less awkward standing, although I’m sure Norman Jean Roy had his reasons.

What’s your take on Bally’s spring 2011 advertising campaign?

[Source: FashionEtc]

Bally Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Bally, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Baggallini’s created a clutch to take us from a coffee catch-up with the girls to a dinner date with the Monaco.

Like the rest of the label’s range, the Monaco is free from frills or frippery. But there’s something refreshing about its minimalist design. Its styling is clean and contemporary, with a brushed silver turn-lock holding the curved flap closure in place. I like this dark graphite gray as an alternative to more traditional black, but the purse is also available in silver, bronze, and champagne if you prefer a lighter hue.

The exterior is simple, but inside it’s a different matter. Baggallini seems to have thought of everything here, including some things I hadn’t even considered. The main compartment has a trio of credit card slots, a lipstick holder, and a zippered pocket. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll find an extra zip pocket hiding underneath the flap. We also get a long cross-body strap and a wrist loop for the times we feel like traveling hands-free.

The Monaco isn’t luxurious, but its nylon crinkle body makes it perfect for everyday use. Once it starts to show stains you can simply pop it in the washing machine, and it’ll come out good as new. The fabric is also lightweight and water resistant, two big pluses in my book. It also sees the Monaco priced at an affordable $54.95. It might not attract envious stares, but it represents great value.

More Features of This Baggallini Turn-Lock Closure Clutch

• A detachable 52 inch cross-body strap
• A detachable 6 inch wrist loop
• Measures 1 x 12 x 6 inches

Get this Baggallini Monaco Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Baggallini Monaco, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baggallini bags on BagBunch
• The animal print Baggallini Monaco bag, a great alternative to this matte bag.
• Searching for more Baggallini bags on eBay