The X Factor judge and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger is the new face of London Fog. The singer has been tapped for the fashion house’s winter 2011 and spring 2012 marketing campaigns.

The deal will see Scherzinger fronting print, online, instore, and billboard advertising for London Fog’s apparel, handbags, and other accessories. She’ll also make a number of personal appearances on behalf of her new employer.

Scherzinger is enthusiastic about her new role as she’s a longtime fan of the label, particularly the trenches and coats which she calls “timeless.”

“They have been around for decades but the styles always have a fresh look,” she explained. Such a ringing endorsement will no doubt please the bigwigs at London Fog!

Scherzinger will follow in the footsteps of other high-profile London Fog ambassadors including actresses Christina Hendricks and Eva Longoria, and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen.

Personally I’m a bit disappointed to see Hendricks given the boot, as I really enjoyed her advertisements for the fashion house. This sneak peek of the new advertising campaign seems a bit too staged and awkward for my tastes, although perhaps it’s too soon to really judge.

Do you think Nicole Sherzinger is the right woman to front London Fog’s latest batch of advertisements?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

London Fog Bags on eBay

[phpbay]London Fog, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The only thing missing is the streamers on this Button Party Bucket Bag from Betsey Johnson.

The designer has a lot of fun with fashion here, pairing hot pink leather with an array of buttons and grommets. It’ll be too much for conservative beauties, but I can’t help admiring its sense of frivolity. Paired with the right neutrals this bucket bag would be a real show stopper.

While the exterior is flamboyantly fun, the interior means business. There’s enough space but not too much, and just the right amount of pockets. The open pouches are also gusseted to securely hold a cell phone or sunglasses. It’s a small touch but an effective one.

The chain link drawstring cleverly moves into the shoulder straps, but it’s not the perfect closure. It’s fiddly to use and not very secure. I wish there was a magnetic clasp as back-up at the very least.

At $228 this Button Party bag is probably a bit steep unless you can somehow manage to work it into your everyday wardrobe. That’ll take some doing for a bag so pink, but it’s sure to make you the center of attention!

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Drawstring Bucket Bag

• Fully lined interior
• Dual straps with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches

Get this Betsey Johnson Button Party Handbag:

• Available to buy at 6pm
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Betsey Johnson Button Party bucket, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the vs_pinkangel4u eBay store to see if this Betsey Johnson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Betsey Johnson bags on BagBunch
• The Kensie Girl Cute as a Button bag, a great alternative to this button decorated bag.
• Searching for more Betsey Johnson bags on eBay

British handbag label Radley is offering something for the lads this season with the launch of its first men’s range, Radley Man. The luxurious new collection consists of three lines: Banbury, Belvedere, and Hampton.

Banbury takes its inspiration from Britain’s famous summer music festivals. While its casual, its use of nappa leather and handcrafted whipstitched accents give it a luxurious twist. The line features a large carry-all, cross-body messenger bags, an iPad case, wallets, and a credit card case. It’s only just hit stores and it’s already been featured in GQ magazine! Prices start at £29 for the credit card case and top £249 for the large holdall.

The Belvedere is a regal range featuring messenger bags and briefcases. The combination of smooth and mid-shine leather in black and chocolate brown shades gives the accessories a refined, sophisticated finish. Prices start at £139 for the smallest messenger and top £229 for the largest briefcase.

And finally there’s the Hampton, a collection which, as its name suggests, is made for jet setting. The travel bags are lightweight yet durable, with a sporty and smart feel. They’re available in gray with brown leather trim or a complementary black on black color scheme. They start at £89 for the medium cross-body messenger and reach £149 for the large hold-all.

The Radley Man collection is currently available in the fashion house’s standalone stores and website.

[Source: Fashion United]
[Image Source: Radley website]

Radley Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Radley, 2, 63852, Hillary[/phpbay]

Fossil provides a rugged alternative to all those stuffy office bags with the Dean Briefcase.

While its flap-over design is familiar, the details make the Dean seem much more relaxed than a regular briefcase. Pale brown cotton twill is laid underneath the distressed leather flap, grounding this briefcase firmly in the working class.

The fabric isn’t very luxurious, but it makes this briefcase much lighter than leather alternatives. When we’re navigating commuter trains or busy city streets, the last thing we want is to feel weighed down. That pale material is complemented by a tightly woven brown strap. The earthy colors are a perfect choice for a bag that screams middle class.

The Dean might look casual, but its interior is still ready for business. There’s a pair of compartments so we can separate our laptop from our important documents. The tech section is padded too, so we needn’t worry about damage in transit. There are also small organizational pockets inside and another on the back for the items we like on hand.

The Dean’s rugged looks will suit laidback offices but they’re likely to look out of place in a boardroom. I’d gauge your workplace carefully before laying your $161.14 down.

More Features of This Fossil Cotton Canvas Briefcase

• A push lock clasp and zip closure
• A short handle with a 1.5 inch drop
• An adjustable, detachable strap with a 15.5 to 30.5 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches

Get this Fossil Dean Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Transit Vertical briefcase bag, a great alternative to this briefcase bag.
• Searching for more Fossil bags on eBay
• Other Fossil briefcase bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Fossil briefcase, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Guess gets old school with this Prep School Bowler.

I haven’t always been a fan of this fashion house’s logo-heavy accessories, but I think it gets the balance right here. Of course the Guess logo is placed up front and center, but its scrolling script is more fun than its usual branding. The type works will with the bowler’s retro shape and quilting, making the accessory feel like it’s stepped out of the 50s. With the fashion world embracing the styles of decades gone by, this nostalgic design is surprisingly on trend.

The Prep School is a great size for everyday use, and it’s got the features to match. While most labels offer a pair of gadget slips, Guess goes one better and gives us three. The trio is complemented by a large zippered pouch for valuables. Another zip running along the top of the bowler ensures our cargo stays just where we left it. The hot pink accents on the chain decorated straps look a bit tacky, but at least they’re long enough to easily sling over our shoulder.

At $110 this Guess bowler is on a par with most of the label’s accessories, but its superior styling helps separate it from the rest.

More Features of This Guess Retro Bowler

• Silver-toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Dual straps with an 11.5 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 9.5 x 6 inches

Get this Guess Prep School Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Guess Prep School Bowler, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Brands Palace eBay store to see if this Guess bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Guess bags on BagBunch
• The Guess Prep School tote bag, a great alternative to this bowler bag.
• Searching for more Guess bags on eBay

Law graduate Chantelle Clough rejects the modern notion of “fast fashion” with her unique evening purses.

During her time at Durham University she attended many formal events, and found the small range of evening bags frustrating. Soon she began to notice that most people were carrying the same cheap clutch purses. But not Clough, who set about creating her own.

Clough took basic bags and added vintage accessories to complement her outfits. Soon the accolades from fellow students began to roll in and the idea for her business, Vintage Recast, was born.

Vintage Recast’s online store features simple clutch purses accented with vintage brooches. She sources the accents from a variety of locations, and does her research about their origins.

“Some of the vintage brooches may have been mass produced in their era, but as the brooch is incredibly old they have not all survived to this day,” she explained.

While Vintage Recast’s collection is extensive, Clough also offers a bespoke service. Through this initiative customers can be assured their new purse matches their favorite outfit.

Clough has earned the attention of some fashion heavy hitters including Grazia, Rubbish Magazine, and Cosmpolitan. While the business is growing from strength to strength, Clough says she will commence training as a solicitor in the New Year. However she’s still committed Vintage Recast, which will continue to thrive as she studies.

[Source: Vintage Recast website]

Vintage Clutch Purses on eBay

[phpbay]vintage clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Valextra’s created the sort of handbag I dream about with this mini Boston duffel.

I’ve always found the classic styling and clean lines of a Boston bag a bit boring, but Valextra’s made me reevaluate my stance. The secret is that luxury alligator skin, genuine of course. PETA might not be pleased, but the scaly skin is absolutely gorgeous. I can’t imagine any embossing job could look quite as opulent. A coat of glaze over the top makes the skin really shine.

Valextra knows how special this material is, so it’s fitted the platform base with protective metal feet. They’ll ensure the pale surface doesn’t quickly show signs of wear and tear. The rest of the bag may be a different matter as white fabrics often become stained, but hopefully the glazing will protect it a little.

This Boston has some serious limitations. It’s on the small side, so while it might suit evening use we’ll struggle with it during the day. Its handles are short too. That’s not the worst thing on a small bag, but most of us prefer a hands-free carrying option. And the big drawback, this Boston’s price. At $9330 it’s far too expensive for most of us to consider. But goodness it’s pretty!

More Features of This Valextra Alligator Duffel

• An exterior side pocket
• Measures 5.5 x 8.25 x 4.5 inches

Get this Valextra Mini Boston Handbag:

• Available to buy at Barneys New York
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Boston bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Armour Stud Sling bag, a great alternative to this alligator bag.
• Searching for more Valextra bags on eBay
• Other alligator bags on eBay:

[phpbay]authentic alligator, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Cha Cha challenges the notion that leather handbags can’t be green with its sustainable accessories collection. Canadian designer Lori Chalmers handcrafts her purses from recycled leathers.

The leathers are carefully chosen from flea markets, vintage stores, and anywhere else where Chalmers inspiration takes her. These leathers provide the catalyst for creation. Only when they’re found can Chalmers draft her design. The leathers are cut by hand and handsewn to minimize the impact on the planet. And by using recycled leathers, Cha Cha keeps these fabrics out of landfill and gives them a new lease on life.

Cha Cha prides itself on bags that are as green and as beautiful inside and out. They’re lined with natural canvas, which is hand-dyed with vegetable pigments and silk screened with unique graphics.

By using reclaimed materials, Cha Cha ensures that every bag is a true original. It also produces its styles in small quantities, so you shouldn’t worry about crossing paths with someone carrying yours. And if you’d rather not take the risk, Cha Cha is happy to create a customized bag to your specifications. You can even send Chalmers your own leather garment to deconstruct!

Cha Cha handbags are available directly from the label’s website.

[Source: Cha Cha website]

Recycled Leather Bags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Dooney & Bourke abandons its usual bright colors and youthful designs for something subtler with this Panama Barrel Satchel.

There’s a summery charm to the Panama’s beige coated linen, which is dressed up with black leather trim. However the design is also pretty bland. There’s nothing wrong with a classic satchel, but I wish this one had a bit more flair.

I can’t fault the Panama on a functional level though. It’s not too large and not too small, and filled with all the pockets we love and a key hook to boot. A zip runs across the top to keep all your precious cargo inside. The dual handles are a shade too short, but we can always attach the longer strap if we’ve got any distance to travel. All those straps are also too skinny for my liking, but their delicate dimensions at least look right on this design.

At $185 the Panama satchel isn’t very expensive, but I think it’s still too much to pay for an accessory that’s so uninspired. I never thought I’d say it, but this barrel bag has me craving the colorful Dooney & Bourke of old.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Linen Barrel Satchel

• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches

Get this Dooney & Bourke Panama Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Dooney Bourke Panama barrel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cammadali 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 Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Linen Satchel bag, a great alternative to this linen satchel bag.
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay

Foley + Corinna gives the baguette a cool casual makeover with this Bridle bag.

Fendi popularized the style with its high-class small structured purses. This is a very different beast; the essence is still there but it’s been reinterpreted with a more relaxed touch. Fashion purists may disagree, but personally I appreciate this reinvention which makes the style much more versatile.

The soft pebbled leather slouches in all the right places, giving the style an everyday sophistication. Stirrup like hardware and belting gives the bag an equestrian feel, not in a buttoned up polo club kind of way but a much more organic sense.

The Bridle isn’t enormous but it’s much larger than the average baguette. The main compartment is lined with durable plainweave fabric and finished off with a secure zip. We’ll make good use of the storage space on offer, particularly when we attach the shoulder strap. We can carry it clutch-style if we prefer, but I think it’s much more practical this way.

At $345 the price of this Bridle is just right. It’s hardly a bargain, but it’s also reasonable for such a versatile purse made from such high quality materials.

More Features of This Foley + Corinna Slouchy Baguette

• A detachable shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 13 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Foley + Corinna Bridle Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Foley + Corinna bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Bridle satchel bag, a great alternative to this baguette bag.
• Searching for more Foley + Corinna bags on eBay
• Other leather baguette bags on eBay:

[phpbay]leather baguette, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]