Lucky Brand brings back patchwork with this fun La Brea Tote.

Mustard and burgundy swatches are laid over the tote’s brown leather body to create a modern Art Deco design. Perhaps it’s the writer in me, but I can’t help thinking of apostrophes and commas when I look at these colored panels. That’s not entirely a bad thing, but I do wonder exactly what Lucky Brand intended.

Musing about the design helps to distract me from the leather, which frankly isn’t the best. Its finish is too shiny, almost like a cheap synthetic, and the pleats only emphasize its stiffness. It’s disappointing that these are all the flaws we find in bad man-made materials. When leather is this cheap and nasty, why not just use PVC and save us a few dollars?

I appreciate that Lucky Brand has gone the extra mile inside though. Rather than sticking with the traditional zip pocket and pair of pouches, Lucky Brand has added an extra open slip. It’s a small touch, but one that gadget lovers should appreciate.

I really like the patchwork and the practical design, but the quality of the tote’s leather lets it down. The La Brea’s $219 price tag isn’t exorbitant, but it’s too much to spend on a bag that looks this cheap.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Patchwork Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 14 x 2 inches

Get this Lucky Brand La Brea Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Lucky Brand La Brea, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

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Lulu Guinness is a British icon, so it’s surprising to hear that she’s just opened the doors of her first central London store. The brand new boutique is located in Burlington Arcade, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.

Guinness said she was particularly attracted to the history of her new location.

“The Arcade itself is like a film set, and the store is very small, which has allowed me to put a lot of my personality into it,” she told Elle UK. “It is a jewel box and perfect for displaying my smaller items: notebooks, tea set, top zips and key rings, which all look perfectly in proportion!“

The boutique features two floors joined by a brand new spiral staircase. It’s worth scaling not just to view the handbags on the first floor, but the stunning views out over the Arcade. Guinness encourages her shoppers to “look out below and soak up the atmosphere.”

To celebrate the launch of her new London digs, Guinness has created a new limited edition Burlington Arcade purse. The black handbag, which is entirely handmade, features a sketch of the historic arcade. If you want one I wouldn’t think too long on it though, as only 40 were made. Each one is numbered to make them feel a bit more exclusive.

Lulu Guinness’ empire is expanding at a rapid rate at present. She opened a store in the South Korean capital of Seoul last week, which is the first of five new stores in the country opening soon. Fans in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong can also expect new Lulu Guinness outlets soon.

[Source: Elle UK]
[Image Source: Lulu Guinness website]

Lulu Guinness Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Lulu Guinness, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The design talents of mother-daughter team Fati Mahdavi and Sara Naghedi help make this Atlas hobo from Deux Lux both classic and contemporary.

The soft, slouchy shape is familiar to hobo lovers. It’s not quite the classic crescent, but it’s nice and relaxed, with plenty of storage space. A contemporary touch comes from the studding around the base, although by keeping the metal delicate Deux Lux has ensured the bag won’t date. A wide rippled panel sets off the tiny studs beautifully, adding a little dimension and drama without dominating the design.

We’re treated to a whole lot of space, but not a whole lot of features. Offering only a single zippered pocket seems downright stingy. You’ll need to work hard to keep this hobo organized.

The Atlas is made from PVC rather than real leather, but its natural-looking grain helps it appear close to the genuine article. It also sees the Atlas priced at an affordable $142, which is very reasonable for an everyday handbag. However the lack of pockets would make me pause. If you’re naturally neat you might manage just fine, but this interior minimalism is a deal breaker for me.

More Features of This Deux Lux Bronze Hobo

• Golden hardware
• Zip top closure
• Polyester lining
• A tubular top handle with rings
• Measures 15 x 14 x 5 inches

Get this Deux Lux Atlas Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Deux Lux Atlas hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Deux Lux bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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Prada has put its clutch purses front and center for its new Resort advertising campaign. French actress Lea Seydoux carries more purses than anyone would need on an evening out in the latest campaign.

It seems Prada is pretty enamored with the actress at the moment. She recently starred in the fashion house’s commercials for its latest fragrance, Candy. While that ad was lighthearted and uncharacteristically goofy by Prada’s standards, this image shows the actress’ more solemn side. I’m not sure how she manages to be so serious while she’s overloaded with clutch purses, but she somehow makes it work. Perhaps she’s concentrating on keeping them all at hand!

While Seydoux does her part, photographer Steven Miesel must also be credited for this beautiful advertisement. He’s brought out the best in both Seydoux and her accessories, although when you’re dealing with such raw beauty the task’s got to be a little easier.

While the handbags are the focus, it’s also worth noting the eye-catching necklace and cuffs Seydoux sports. They’re part of Prada’s new jewelry collection, which will be the label’s first.

Just quietly, I’m a bit jealous of Seydoux’s Prada purse collection. I’d kill to get my mitts on these evening bags, particularly that red crocodile embossed purse. Which one has caught your eye?

[Source: Fashionista]

Prada Clutch Purses on eBay

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

Matt & Nat takes us back to the 80s with this fun Jools clutch purse.

I can just imagine Madonna in her Suddenly Susan garb carrying this purse down the red carpet. Its pyramid studs give it just the right amount of edge, although their regular formation ensures things never get too wild. The bone color also tempers all that heavy metal. This neutral can so easily appear bland, but on a purse with such edgy accents it provides the perfect balance.

With its large dimensions and rebellious personality the Jools would look at home with a pair of jeans or a playful evening outfit. We can leave our wallets behind as she has a generous array of credit card slots, billfold sections, and even a change compartment. However with all of those financial features, we’re not given a lot of space for other items. Some might argue that we need little more than a credit card to enjoy a good night out, but I’ll let you be the judge.

At $120 perhaps this purse doesn’t need to be perfect. That’s very affordable for a clutch with so much personality, even one that’s not made from genuine leather.

More Features of This Matt & Nat Studded Clutch

• Antique brass hardware
• Snap flap closure
• Fabric and faux leather lining
• Detachable chain wristlet
• Measures 8.75 x 4.75 inches

Get this Matt & Nat Jools Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Matt Nat Jools, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cash in the Closet eBay store to see if this Matt & Nat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Matt & Nat Yacht bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
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Cole Haan proves the old adage that good things come in small packages with this Ali mini crossbody bag.

The deep blue patent leather has really turned my head. It’s so dark that it’s almost navy, and polished to perfection. Its heady sheen is a lovely complement to Cole Haan’s discreet signature logo and those silver zips. This logo is a new twist for this modern Ali, and one that’s much more sophisticated than the scrolling script on the old model.

The blue Cole Haan Ali bag’s my pick as it’s so easy to work into a wardrobe. However it’s also available in the jewel tones of green, magenta, and purple if you prefer.

Whatever shade you pick you’ll be impressed by the way this mini purse is organized. You see the zippered pocket in the front, and the slide pocket on the back. There’s another slide pocket inside to help us stay organized. Storage space is limited, but it should be able to handle the bare essentials.

We get quality materials but not a lot of them, which makes the Ali’s $98 price tag seem just right. If you want to travel light, this mini bag will help you do it in style.

More Features of This Cole Haan Patent Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

• Top zip closure
• Nylon lined interior
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 7.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Get this Cole Haan Ali Handbag:

• Available to buy at Lord & Taylor
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Cole Haan Ali mini, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Off the 34th Street eBay store to see if this Cole Haan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Cole Haan Ali wallet, a great alternative to this mini bag.
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The Cambridge Satchel Company has joined forces with Comme des Garcons‘ creative visionary Rei Kawakubo for a collection of limited edition handbags.

The satchels are quite traditional and they’ve got a pared back aesthetic that makes them timeless. Such simple designs appear a bit pedestrian in classic mattes like black, brown, and white, but they feel almost futuristic in the metallics. I think this shiny silver one is my favorite, but it’s also available in bronze if you prefer. Each color is available in two different sizes to satisfy girls who love to travel light and the packrats.

They’ve only just hit stores, but those lucky folks in the industry have already been enjoying these satchels for some time. Many lucky stylistas were spotted carrying the bags during London Fashion Week, so perhaps these aren’t the purses to carry if you hope to stand out in the crowd. Yes ladies, we may have some It bag contenders on our hands.

Prices start at £200, which is quite reasonable for a limited edition line. They’re available exclusively through Dover Street Market in London. Hopefully Rei Kawakubo’s boutique will add the handbags to its e-store soon to save international fashionistas a trip across the pond!

[Source: View on Fashion]

Cambridge Satchel Company Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Cambridge satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

American West takes a walk on the wild side with this modern Crossroads shoulder bag.

For a while I wasn’t sure it was created by that American West. This shoulder bag is a world away from the hand-tooled countrified leather accessories the label ordinarily creates. The tooling is gone and so is the leather, traded in for a much more fashion forward, budget-friendly approach.

While the Crossroads doesn’t have the quality of American West’s usual fare I actually like it better. The diamond pyramid studs really pop against the black leatherette. They cut a contemporary figure as they dart this way and that in diagonal lines across the shoulder bag’s surface. Equally striking is the contrast stitching which mimics the metal hardware.

By using synthetic rather than real leather American West has kept the cost down, but it’s also sacrificed longevity. This shoulder bag doesn’t come with American West’s lifetime guarantee, which is very telling. However while it does last we’ll love the serviceable mid-sized interior, grab and go strap, and plethora of pockets.

Personally for a measly $69 I don’t mind sacrificing substance for style. If your budget is tighter you may disagree, but I appreciate American West’s unexpectedly fashion forward approach here.

More Features of This American West Studded Shoulder Bag

• Fabric lined interior
• Metal feet on the base
• Top zip closure with a fold-over flap
• An adjustable strap with a 15.5 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 3.5 x 9.5 inches
• Also available in cherry red

Get this American West Crossroads Handbag:

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

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• The B. Makowsky Barbara bag, a great alternative to this studded flap bag.
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Cosmetics e-tailer Beauty.com is treating its shoppers to an early Christmas present. Anyone who spends $100 or more at the website during the promotional period will receive a free sample-filled Issa London Safari beauty bag valued at more than $175.

The plastic coated canvas purse gets its name from its cute elephant pattern, the same one which decorates Issa’s signature dresses. The label’s designer and creative director Danielle Helayel says the Safari bag encapsulates Issa’s “effortlessly chic vibe.”

The Safari is stocked with 15 samples from some of the beauty industry’s top names, including Nick Chavez, Amika, Oscar Blandi, and Smashbox. It also comes with a $5 Beauty.com gift voucher, and a $20 discount card for Beauty.com’s Sunglass Hut e-store.

Beauty.com’s president Kathleen McNeill said her company was “excited” to offer the Safari bag to its holiday shoppers.

“The Issa Safari Bag is great way to sample a variety of new products, but it also makes a great gift – especially for the jetsetters on your list.“

While the Safari is intended as a cosmetics purse, you could also use it for storing a wet swimsuit in a beach bag, or as a supplemental organizational pouch for a larger tote. That versatility makes this free gift seem like a pretty great deal!

[Source: MarketWatch]

Pretty floral accents help set this Pretty Petal Shopper from Nine West apart from the purse pack.

This shopper is made from a soft woven textile, which is given more personality with the addition of pretty flowers and leaves. The floral appliqué is lovely, although I think it gets lost in this particular color scheme. While there’s something to be said for neutrals it seems a shame for the flowers to simply fade into the background.

It’s also disappointing to see the shopper’s plain back. It’s not unusual for budget labels to keep the decorations on the front, but it’s still disappointing to see this kind of corner cutting. I didn’t need to see the intricate garden we found on the front, but a few carefully positioned blooms would have made the rear a lot more appealing.

This shopper is enormous with enough space for new purchases and everyday essentials. The interior is well organized too, with a large zippered pocket in the center dividing the space into smaller, user-friendly compartments. The flat base makes it easy to pack and unpack, while the straps are just the right length for slinging over your shoulder.

As with all Nine West bags, this shopper isn’t luxurious or especially well made. It’s here for a good time, not a long one. However its affordable $109 price tag seems reasonable for a bag so practical and as its name suggests, pretty!

More Features of This Nine West Large Shopper

• Synthetic patent leather trim
• Magnetic snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 14 x 16.5 x 5.25 inches

Get this Nine West Pretty Petal Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nine West Pretty Petal, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Boykano eBay store to see if this Nine West bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Nine West Neves bag, a great alternative to this flower bag.
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