Cleobella’s accessories haven’t always hit the mark for me. They often seem so concerned with being fashion forward that they are destined to date quickly. But by taking a more unusual, pared back approach, Cleobella’s ensured its Wenona clutch is a keeper.

Its vibrant aqua color gives the Wenona a Southwestern feel which is complemented by the purse’s Native American inspired golden feather accent. But Cleobella stops short of making this the kind of kitschy tribal purse we’ve seen released so often lately. It’s done that with bags like the Hudson and the Mexicana, and it sees no reason to retread the same ground. Instead it finishes the Wenona with casual, almost haphazard horizontal pleating. The relaxed pleats work well with the Wenona’s supple leather, creating a soft finish that’s ideal for making the day to night transition.

That versatility is helped by the Wenona’s generous dimensions. There’s space for more than evening essentials, although you’ll need to pack it carefully. Cleobella doesn’t offer us a shoulder strap, so we’re left to do all the heavy lifting by hand. Fill it too full and it’ll become difficult to manage.

I always hesitate to spend more than $100 on a clutch, but when it’s as versatile as this one it’s another matter. At $259 the Wenona is no bargain, but it is good value for a purse with so much substance and style.

More Features of This Cleobella Pleated Clutch

• Magnetic button fold-over closure with zip
• Cotton fabric lining
• Interior zip pocket
• Measures 11.5 x 7 x 1 inches

Get this Cleobella Wenona Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cleobella bags on BagBunch
• The Cleobella Mirela bag, a plain alternative to this flap bag.
• Searching for more Cleobella bags on eBay
• Other pleated leather clutch bags on eBay:

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British handbag brand Radley has teamed up with the Victoria and Albert Museum for an artistic inspired handbag collection.

The purses see Radley reworking some of the museum’s most famous prints. You’ll find handbags decorated with William Morris’ floral “Wey” wallpaper and “Dancing Ladies” and “Champagne Bubbles,” two prints from the gallery’s archives. Radley has also re-appropriated a symmetrical floral print it found in the archives for its “Fab India” pattern, and turned an old 1930s dress fabric into the playful design now known as “Circus Dog.”

The prints are intricate, but they’re balanced by Radley’s classic accessory styles. The round cross-body bags, traditional totes, classic satchels, wallets, and travel bags have clean designs and smooth lines so things don’t get too fussy.

The hand-painted artistic patterns are the collection’s biggest selling point, but Radley’s soft leathers should also please fashion fans. Each bag also features Radley’s new gold-toned signature Scottie dog, a more discreet and elegant alternative to the large Scotch Terrier hang tags of old.

The prices are reasonable considering the quality and unique artistic influence of the collection. They start at $56 for the small cosmetics purses and top $398.40 for the large grab bag with the “Wey” design. They’re all available from Radley boutiques, including the label’s online store.

[Source: The Bag Lady]

A sweet round shape and sumptuously soft leather make this Pierson purse from Pour La Victoire a real show stopper.

The leather used on this purse really is stunning. It’s buttery soft and smooth and it has a lovely gentle grain. Really we couldn’t ask for more in a leather, especially one on such an affordable bag. The skin works well with the Pierson’s striking round shape.

Such a silhouette isn’t entirely practical. A round purse will never hold as much as a rectangular one will. This purse is already on the small side, and its shape means much of the room we do have isn’t usable. The array of interior pockets helps us make the most of the room we’ve got on offer, but we should be prepared to leave a few of those items we usually call essentials behind.

While I’m griping, the range of color options is also a little lacking. This apricot shade is perfectly pleasant, but not as interesting as it might have been. The taupe and army green colors are also a bit boring, but at least they shouldn’t clash with our outfits.

It’s got a few niggly flaws but for $285 I can see real value.

More Features of This Pour La Victoire Round Cross-Body Bag

• Dual zip entry
• Plainweave lined interior
• A chain strap with a 24.5 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 8 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pour La Victoire Pierson Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More round bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Deb bag, a great alternative to this round bag.
• Searching for more Pour La Victoire bags on eBay
• Other round leather bags on eBay:

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With the launch of its latest designer collaboration looming, H&M has released images from its new line with Versace.

Versace’s creative director Donatella Versace says the affordable new range captures “the essence” of her famed fashion house. H&M’s creative advisor Megeta van den Bosch was equally enthusiastic about the collaborative line, dubbing it “a moment in fashion.”

The range looks like it might be H&M’s most head-turning yet, with its loud colors and bold signature prints. It’s also brought back some of the daring cuts from Versace’s fashion vaults, and the familiar Greek key design. Sadly the handbags look like some of the weakest items in the range, but thankfully there are some gorgeous leggings and belts to distract us. And in a first for a H&M designer collaboration, we’re also treated to a selection of homewares.

The prices should help the range appeal to stylistas of all budgets. You can pick up a ring for $19.95 or spend a little more on a $49.95 choker necklace. The silk scarves are a lot cheaper than any signature Versace ones at $29.95, while the leggings cost $69.95. As expected we’ll pay a bit more for the leather items, for I don’t think shoes from $129, belts from $49.99, and handbags for $199 are unreasonable.

The Versace for H&M collaboration hits selected American H&M outlets on November 19. Make sure you get there early if you hope to get your hands on the pick of these diffusion goodies.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Versace Handbags on eBay

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Zara Terez channels the laidback vibe of Greenwich Village with this Bleecker Cross-Body bag.

This boho-inspired purse is a real departure for the label which is most famous for its feminine clutch bags. It shows us a new side to Zara Terez, one that’s much more relaxed yet no less sophisticated. While many flower power bags are made from hemp and cotton canvas, Zara Terez opts for more luxurious suede. The tie-dyed panel takes its cues from bohemian culture, but the plain suede parts keep everything in balance. Make no mistake, the Bleecker isn’t as simple as it looks.

We find more of that suede reinforcing the zippered pocket inside the medium interior. It’s a small touch, but one that should keep this purse together much longer. I think the size of this purse is just right. It should hold everything we really need without tempting us to carry the things we don’t. It’ll also keep our outfit in our proportion as it’s slung casually across our body.

As suede wears badly I always hesitate to spend money on it. However $375 is relatively affordable for a cross-body, no matter what its material. Is the Bleecker the bag you need to unleash your inner hippie chick?

More Features of This Zara Terez Suede Cross-Body Bag

• Magnetic closure
• Sequined knit lining
• A cross-body strap with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 inches
• Made in the USA

Get this Zara Terez Bleecker Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Zara Terez bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Coachella bag, a great alternative to this tie-dyed bag.
• Searching for more Zara Terez bags on eBay
• Other suede cross-body bags on eBay:

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Zac Posen gets patriotic with this Americana shoulder bag from his affordable Z Spoke label.

Frankly I’m not really sure why Posen’s bestowed such a moniker on this bag. It thankfully avoids stars and stripes, or obvious patriotic motifs. It’s available in a navy blue, but we’re spared red and white shades. It’s home grown, but its sophisticated styling wouldn’t look out of place in any of the world’s fashion capitals.

The Americana is on the small side, but I think that works to our advantage. Storage space is limited, but its Inca yellow color doesn’t get a chance to overwhelm our ensemble. Instead it provides just a pop of color, perfect for livening up winter neutrals.

It might be less expensive than a purse from Zac Posen’s signature range, but at $325 I still wouldn’t call this bag a bargain. We’re not getting a lot of purse for our pennies here, but what we have is timeless and well made. Those important qualities might make it worth the splurge if you’ve got the money to spare.

More Features of This Z Spoke Leather Shoulder Bag

• Front flap closure
• Interior slip pocket
• Fully lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 14 inch drop
• Measures 8.25 x 6 x 2 inches

Get this Zac Posen Americana Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Zac Posen bags on BagBunch
• The Reed Krakoff Kit bag, a great alternative to this colored leather shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Zac Posen bags on eBay
• Other yellow shoulder bags on eBay:

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Karl Lagerfeld is expanding his empire with the launch of a new affordable collection, and the re-launch of a familiar high end line.

Frugal shoppers will be pleased to welcome Karl, a budget range with pieces starting from $95 and topping $450. The range will feature accessories and apparel item emblazoned with a brand new logo, a stylized image of Lagerfeld’s famous sunglass-wearing, ponytail-donning profile. Expect to see plenty of leather and denim in the collection which Lagerfeld calls “rock” and “street.” Those adjectives suggest the range is skewed towards a younger demographic, one that can’t afford those high-end Chanel purses. However Lagerfeld insists Karl will be an “ageless” collection. Net-A-Porter will stock Karl exclusively from January 25 before it’s rolled out to Karl Lagerfeld’s website on February 28.

We last saw Karl Lagerfeld’s high end line at the end of 2010. It’ll be back again next year, although it’ll now be called Karl Lagerfeld Paris. It’ll be all over Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia, but American fans will need to hunt for it in selected stores. Prices aren’t too bad for a high end collection, relatively speaking. We can pick up the cheapest item for $411, and the most expensive costs $3,425. Just don’t tell Lagerfeld it’s affordable. He insists that he doesn’t “work in that direction.” Duly noted Mr. Lagerfeld!

You’re certainly not going to miss the launches, as Lagerfeld has planned plenty of events to celebrate. Pop-up stores will appear in fashion capitals around the world, including Paris. We’ll also see Lagerfeld “experience” outlets selling the Karl and high-end lines as well as other Lagerfeld goodies. Lagerfeld’s website will enjoy some renovations, and a brand book will also hit shelves.

Expect to hear a lot more about Mr. Lagerfeld as we enter 2012!

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Christophschaefer/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Purses on eBay

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Even Yves Saint Laurent seems to be questioning its design decisions with the Y Now hobo. Why now? I’m wondering why ever!

Perhaps I’m being a bit hard on Yves Saint Laurent here, but it’s only because this bag had so much potential. It’s used goatskin, a sumptuously soft leather, to create this purse. It’s capped it off with a stunning stingray handle. Yet this handbag appears less than the sum of its part. Despite its luxury materials, it’s incredibly bland. Timeless and sophisticated perhaps, but bland nonetheless.

Of course we have all the lovely little extras we expect in a high end handbag. Metal feet protect its buttery soft base, and the generously sized interior is lined in lush suede. We even find a cute zippered coin purse tucked away inside.

But I’m finding it hard to muster any enthusiasm, particularly when I look at the price tag. It might have some serious designer pedigree, but no bag so boring should ever cost $1895. Yves Saint Laurent is capable of so much better than this snorefest.

More Features of This Yves Saint Laurent Goatskin Hobo

• Magnetic snap top closure
• A stingray strap with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 14.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Yves Saint Laurent Y Now Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Yves Saint Laurent bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Multy hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Yves Saint Laurent bags on eBay
• Other Yves Saint Laurent hobo bags on eBay:

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Fashion’s Night Out might be over for most of the world, but style lovers in Japan still have their 2011 event to come. The Tokyo celebrations, to be held on November 5, will see many fashion firsts including the launch of Michael Kors‘ new limited edition leather goods collection.

Kors will present his new accessories, including a revamped version of his Hamilton bag, during the celebrations. As with most limited edition lines we don’t expect the bags to come cheaply, but that’s good news for Japan. All proceeds from the collection will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society, a group that is still working hard in the aftermath of the March’s tsunami and earthquake.

I suppose Kors can afford to be generous, as his visit to the Japanese capital will coincide with the opening of a new store there. While the limited edition line won’t line his pockets, the ongoing success of this new boutique should do the trick.

Kors will also be celebrated at a special Japanese event to be held in his honor. American ambassador John Roos will host the night in his home, while Jennifer Hudson will provide the entertainment.

All of that news should be enough to ensure Michael Kors is the name on every Tokyo fashion lover’s lips next month.

[Source: Belfast Telegraph]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Michael Kors Hamilton Handbags on eBay

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Add a little feminine flair to your daytime meal with this fun Tulip Lunch Bag from Yak Pak.

The label’s always created bags that put practicality over style, so it makes sense that it’s made one that’s all about function. Its pink and white tulip print gives it a bit of personality, but you’d hardly call it a looker.

What it does do though, it does very well. Yak Pak’s favorite polyester is tough enough to survive daily use. It’s lined with insulated fabric which will help keep your sandwiches and water bottle cold until noon rolls around.

It’s not very large, but it should hold everything you need to get through a school day or your nine to five grind. That petite size is also perfect for easy handling, especially with the adjustable strap on hand to help out.

And as with all Yak Pak accessories, this Tulip bag is very cheap. $18 doesn’t seem like a lot of money to spend on any accessory, let alone one that will so easily slot itself into your everyday.

More Features of This Yak Pak Lunch Bag

• Zip top closure
• Measures 6 x 8 x 6 inches

Get this Yak Pak Tulip Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Yak Pak bags on BagBunch
• The plaid Yak Pak lunch bag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more Yak Pak bags on eBay
• Other Yak Pak lunch bags on eBay:

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