Vans helps us get in touch with our inner children with this fun Hello Kitty Collage Backpack.

Any bag featuring Sanrio’s cartoon cat could easily appear a bit juvenile. But by using the outline of the character’s face to create a kind of collage, Vans has cleverly made the Japanese cartoon a bit more grown up. I’m not sure sophisticated women will embrace it, but it should become a favorite amongst older teens and twenty-something college kids. And they’re likely to be the only ones wanting to carry a backpack anyway!

This Hello Kitty Collage Backpack isn’t the best of its type on the market, but it ticks all the major boxes. Its main compartment is amply sized for textbooks, lunchboxes, and school supplies. And if you’re still craving storage room, there’s that generously sized front pocket. I can’t imagine using the grab handle on the top of the bag, but I love those adjustable and padded shoulder straps.

Its cotton polyester blend shell isn’t the most luxurious, but it’s a hardy fabric that should survive daily punishment. And really that’s the best we can hope for at this price. At $38, this fun backpack is a real bargain.

More Features of This Vans Cartoon Backpack

• Polyester lined interior
• Measures 12 x 4.5 x 16 inches

Get this Vans Hello Kitty Collage Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Vans Hello Kitty Collage, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Boarder Deals eBay store to see if this Vans bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vans bags on BagBunch
• The Hello Kitty Quilted Head bag, a great alternative to this Hello Kitty bag.
• Searching for more Vans bags on eBay

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent handbags and other items are set to become even more covetable as the fashion house ushers in a new era.

Christos Garkinos of iconic vintage fashion boutique Decades says pieces from past seasons always become “more collectible” when a label hires a new creative director, as Yves Saint Laurent has done with Hedi Slimane. But when a label completely rebrands in the wake of such an appointment, as Yves Saint Laurent is doing with its shift to Saint Laurent Paris, those vintage lines are bound to increase exponentially in value.

“I strongly believe that the makeover of the brand will increase the value of neo-vintage [from the] Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati era as well as true vintage [from the] Yves Saint Laurent era,” Garkinos predicted.

His business partner Cameron Silver agreed, adding that investors should look for items displaying the original YSL or Yves Saint Laurent logo. Promotional pieces or unusual objects like table art and costume jewelry featuring these marques should be especially valuable. However apparel items are not expected to show any real growth, as these pieces rarely show prominent logos.

It sounds like enterprising fashion lovers should start watching eBay now for some investment pieces. Once that logo changes, those prices will undoubtedly start to rise!

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Anthony Thomas/Stock.xchng]

Yves Saint Laurent Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Yves Saint Laurent, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Vanessa Bruno’s created a bag that’s the epitome of bohemian chic with this Havane hobo.

There’s nothing flashy about this purse, but it channel’s seventies hippie style beautifully. The white and red stitching pops against the gentle brown leather. The Havane has a casually cool silhouette, but by using leather Vanessa Bruno’s ensured it doesn’t have too much slouch. The skin dresses the style up and makes it look more sophisticated than your average boho accessory.

It’s a shame Vanessa Bruno hasn’t paid much mind to practicalities though. The Havane’s a generously sized bag, which really needs more than just two pockets to stay organized. There’s one for a cell phone and another secure one for valuables, but that’s less than most designers offer. The tie top fastening suits the seventies style, but it’s fiddly and not very secure. Sometimes those practical concerns are more important than the aesthetics.

Personally I think the Havane costs too much at $699, but if your wardrobe veers towards the bohemian you might carry it enough to see value.

More Features of This Vanessa Bruno Bohemian Hobo

• Canvas lined interior
• A single handle with an 8.1 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 4.3 x 15.6 inches

Get this Vanessa Bruno Havane Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Vanessa Bruno bags on BagBunch
• The Vanessa Bruno Large Laser Cut tote bag, a great alternative to this boho bag.
• Searching for more Vanessa Bruno bags on eBay
• Other stitched hobo bags on eBay:

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Athens International Airport is now home to Europe’s first Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories store. The brand new concept store was launched in partnership with local Greek distributors Agora Trading and Hellenic Duty Free Shops.

The store will sell a range of accessories available exclusively at the Beauty & Accessories concept store, including Victoria’s Secret handbags, suitcases, passport covers, cosmetics cases, bangles, key fobs, and small leather goods.

Travelers can also shop for a range of casual cotton underpants and more glamorous lingerie, perfect for honeymoons or romantic weekends away. In addition the store will sell a range of Victoria’s Secret Beauty products, including its Fantasies body care range and Bombshell fragrance collection.

Athens’ Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories Store has a modern and glamorous feel, with black cherry fixtures, an image gallery, and a video wall which displays footage from Victoria’s Secret runway shows and modeling shoots. The fashion house says the boutique is “sexy, sophisticated, and forever young,” although hopefully it’ll appeal to older ladies too. Goodness knows they’re likely to be the ones with the greatest disposal income and travel plans!

The opening of the Athens outlet follows the launch of the label’s Beauty & Accessories Store in China last December. Victoria’s Secret is planning some 55 stores like it around the world. Where do you hope the next concept store pops up?

[Source: The Moodie Report]
[Image Source: Mark Hillary/Flickr]

Victoria’s Secret Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Victorias Secret, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Valentino has long embraced its feminine side, but that tends to come from soft pastels and delicate rosettes. Those accents are lovely, but it was starting to feel the label might be in a bit of a rut. So I’m glad to see it having a bit more fun with this Lacca Bow Dome Bag.

The Lacca is still feminine, but it’s got more sass than many of the fashion house’s creations. The oversized bow is flirty and fun, and the red patent leather finish is incredibly sexy. However I’m not sure the patent was the best material to use here. It looks gorgeous when it’s smooth, but at the gathers it falls awkwardly. Calfskin leather or goatskin probably would have looked a bit richer, although these soft skins might not have made such bold impressions.

The Lacca isn’t the most practical bag on the market, but it gets the job done. Its handles have the right retro look, but they’re not easily manageable when the bag’s full. Valentino offers a removable cross-body strap, but the Lacca doesn’t look quite as smart when it’s attached.

The Lacca’s a nice bag, but it doesn’t wow me as any accessory worth $1295 should. It makes a strong style statement, but it doesn’t have the substance to support it.

More Features of This Valentino Bow Satchel

• Top zip closure
• A zip pocket and two open pouches inside
• Cotton lined interior
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 5.25 inch drop
• A removable strap with a 15 inch drop
• Measures 12.75 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Valentino Lacca Bow Dome Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Check the Love Couture Inc. eBay store to see if this Valentino bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Valentino bags on BagBunch
• The Valentino Aphrodite bag, a great alternative to this bow bag.
• Searching for more Valentino bags on eBay
• Other Valentino Lacca bags on eBay:

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Accessories queen Rachel Roy’s teaming up with HSN for a capsule collection. Her forthcoming label Rachel Roy line is set to feature handbags, footwear, jewelry, and apparel items.

Handbag lovers can look forward to clutch purses, satchel bags, and totes in bold colors. These are set to complement rounded wedge pumps, dramatic statement jewelry, and satin and jersey dresses in fashion forward seasonal prints.

Rachel Roy said she decided to launch her new collection through HSN as it’s “become such a trusted voice in fashion.”

And it seems like HSN is just as excited about working with Rachel Roy. John Bosco, HSN’s senior vice president for apparel, accessories, and jewelry, said he regards Roy as “one of the most watched American designers in fashion today.”

“Rachel Roy takes pride in the details, hand selecting fabrics and prints to give label Rachel Roy a modern and cool viewpoint,” he added.

The label Rachel Roy collection is set to make its debut on July 7. The pieces will be affordable too, with the low end costing just $36 and the most expensive pieces still attainable at $148. They will all be available for order through HSN’s phone lines and the HSN website.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Rachel Roy Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Rachel Roy, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Everyone is embracing the colorblock trend this season, including Ugg Australia! Here it abandons its usual wintery shearling details for a playful warm weather look.

If I didn’t know better, I’d never guess this was an Ugg bag. That’s a bit of a double-edged sword really. I appreciate the label trying something new and offering a more fashion forward design. However by forgetting its trademarks, the fashion house also loses its identity. I’m not sure Ugg’s fans will embrace this bag, which runs with the pack rather than making a mark, but it might just attract some new followers.

Ugg Australia offers two colorblocked palettes, but these warm look called sako are my favorite. Gentle beige contrasts beautifully with the more daring orange tone. I also love the way the leather handles and accents dress up the casual canvas.

This spacious tote stays organized with four interior pockets, far more than I expected to find. However with the pockets exceeding our expectations, it’s surprising Ugg hasn’t added any kind of closure. While the flat base should ensure our items don’t spill when the tote’s set down, security is still compromised.

Its leather details drive the price up to $170. That’s a bit more than I’d like to spend on a canvas tote, but it’s also not unreasonable. Look for it on sale and you should see real value.

More Features of This Ugg Australia Colorblocked Tote

• Dual leather straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 13 x 8 inches

Get this Ugg Australia Canvas Handbag:

• Available to buy at Lord & Taylor
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ugg Australia bags on BagBunch
• The Nine West If the Tote Fits tote bag, a great alternative to this colorblocked bag.
• Searching for more Ugg Australia bags on eBay
• Other colorblocked tote bags on eBay:

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Yves Saint Laurent’s newly minted creative director Hedi Slimane seems determined to shake things up. He’s led the push to rechristen the fashion house as Saint Laurent Paris.

Notably press surrounding the name change has pointed to the shortened moniker being adopted for its forthcoming ready-to-wear line, which makes us wonder whether it’ll be rolled out to other sectors of Yves Saint Laurent’s business. The logo with the interlocking YSL is so recognizable that it seems risky to change it. Yves Saint Laurent’s handbags have also featured the letter Y prominently in recent years. With the fashion world moving away from obvious branding, the clever way the letter became part of the Cabas ChYc and Easy Bag’s designs was inspired.

It’s uncertain how the newly christened Saint Laurent Paris will handle the transition. Perhaps the shift to the new name will be gradually rolled out beyond the label’s apparel line. That’ll give consumers some time to adjust, but it may also prove confusing. Perhaps Saint Laurent Paris is simply better off starting fresh with the brand new name utilized in all areas of the fashion house.

If you love those Y-focused Yves Saint Laurent bags, perhaps you’d better snap one up soon. Goodness knows how long that letter will be the centrepiece of its accessories range!

[Source: Purse Blog]

Yves Saint Laurent Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Yves Saint Laurent, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tylie Malibu takes inspiration from one of the world’s most influential writers with its Kerouac Tote. What a shame it has none of the individuality displayed by the man who brought us On the Road.

Jack Kerouac’s writing defined a generation and continues to inspire authors today. He was a pioneer, yet this tote that shares his name simply runs with the pack. It’s available in the most predictable of neutrals, either black or sable brown. Its shape is also ordinary, and while the suede border around the top looks pleasant enough it still doesn’t add any real spark.

The Kerouac works well enough as an everyday handbag, but it doesn’t wow us on the practical front either. It’s got an adequate amount of space and pockets, a perfectly functional magnetic closure, and straps that are long enough for over-the-shoulder toting.

It does the job, but using it we can’t help but think of what might have been better. A paler lining would have helped us see what we’re carrying. Wider straps would have been more comfortable. And the addition of metal feet would keep those inevitable scratches at bay.

When a bag costs an affordable $399.99 we probably have no right to make such demands. For that price it still represents good value. But anyone with a love of literature will likely be disappointed with the Kerouac. No accessory bearing such an esteemed name deserves to be so ordinary.

More Features of This Tylie Malibu Leather Tote

• Plainweave lined interior
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 17.5 x 6 inches
• Made in China

Get this Tylie Malibu Kerouac Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tylie Malibu bags on BagBunch
• The Tylie Malibu Kerouac Stud Tote bag, a great alternative to this suede trimmed bag.
• Searching for more Tylie Malibu bags on eBay
• Other black leather tote bags on eBay:

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We don’t have a lot of need for microfilm and old school 16 mm film in this modern world of DVDs and digital cameras. But Julie Yu is putting the retro materials to good use with her accessories label, 2nd Draft Designs.

Yu launched the business in 2007, when she came across 80 reels of the New York Times microfilm from the sixties and seventies at a vintage craft store. She snapped up all the film, unsure what she’d do with it but certain it could prove useful. She played with the materials for the next three years before settling on the pieces she’d sell through 2nd Draft Designs.

Yu uses the old technology to decorate her handbags, cuffs, and decorative light towers. I love all the pieces, but predictably find the purses the most compelling. The baguettes and clutches feature dramatic shapes and glossy patent leather finishes. The designs are quite classic, but the addition of the rows of microfilm and 16 mm film gives them a quirky retro appeal. I’m sure that you’ll spark quite a few conversations when you step out carrying one of these babies!

2nd Draft Designs accessories and homewares are available from selected American boutiques and the label’s Etsy store.

[Source: 2nd Draft Designs Etsy store]