Stone Mountain encourages us to keep a smile on our face with this Be Happy hobo bag.

The design isn’t quite as cheery as I’d expect of a hobo bearing this name. However the bright red color should really pop against the drab gray background of winter and the braided zip pulls bring a real sense of fun.

It’s an unusual hobo bag, with more of a structured bucket shape than the regular crescent. However I think that works in our favor. Its refined design makes it easy to pack and use during the day, and its longer than average strap allows us to wear it across the body and over our shoulder. Its interior is spacious but slender. It should be able to hold everything we really need, so long as those items aren’t too chunky. And don’t forget those front and back pockets for holding the things you need on hand.

At $153, the Be Happy is also very affordable for a bag made of genuine leather. Its style won’t date in hurry, so we should see plenty of value for our investment. That should make frugal fashionistas everywhere smile!

More Features of This Stone Mountain North-South Hobo

• Silver-toned hardware
• Top magnetic entry
• A single adjustable strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 12 x 2 inches

Get this Stone Mountain Be Happy Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Cove Corner Drygoods eBay store to see if this Stone Mountain bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stone Mountain bags on BagBunch
• The Stone Mountain Buckle Up hobo bag, a great alternative to this red hobo bag.
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Steve Madden channels Southwestern style with this casual BJanessa bag.

Knitted bags are perfect for the wintery weather approaching, but I’ve never seen one quite like this. It looks like it was crafted from Mexican ponchos, which isn’t altogether a bad thing. I love the way the black synthetic complements the knit’s distinctive print, and the structure the piping gives.

The drawstring closure is a bit of a double edged sword. I’m always a bit down on these clasps, as they’re fiddly to use and not very safe. However there’s no denying that this one looks the part. There’s also a magnetic closure to support the tie, and a long zippered pocket inside, so we’ve certainly got enough places to keep things secure.

The long straps are the piece de resistance. They’re flat, so they’ll sit easily on our shoulders without sliding off. And as they’re so long, you can simply grab them as we’re running out the door!

The BJanessa is definitely a bag for the hippie chicks. Ordinarily we pack our boho items away once summer ends, but this is a great way to wear the look in the cooler months. And at just $78, we won’t mind if it spends half the year in the closet.

More Features of This Steve Madden Polyester Tote Bag

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 13.5 x 6.5 x 12.2 inches

Get this Steve Madden BJanessa Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Steve Madden bags on BagBunch
• The Proenza Schouler Mochila bag, a great alternative to this Aztec bag.
• Searching for more Steve Madden bags on eBay
• Other Aztec print bags on eBay:

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Burberry continues to defy the current financial climate after it posted a 30% sales increase for the first half of the year. Total revenue for the first and second quarters rose to 830 million pounds, or roughly $1.29 billion US dollars, up from 641 million pounds in 2010.

These results came as a surprise to fashion analysts, who predicted the company would enjoy sales of 818 million pounds in the period. However it outperformed those estimates thanks to strong retail sales. Demand for Burberry’s luxury products increased in key markets, including New York, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Taipei.

The results are outstanding considering the troubled state of the Eurozone economies and concerns that China’s luxury goods market may be slowing down. Analysts say Burberry’s latest posting prove that despite the world’s finances, luxury goods are as popular as ever. This isn’t just good news for Burberry; it has positive implications for all prestige fashion labels. It seems that while times are tough, people are investing in high-end goods rather than wasting their limited resources on throwaway items.

Burberry hopes to capitalize on its current success by opening at least 10 stores in the second half of the financial year. We can expect to see new Burberry boutiques in Paris, China, and Latin America.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Koonisutra/Flickr]

Burberry Bags on eBay

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I admire Stella McCartney’s commitment to animal free products, but I don’t always admire the accessories she creates. While I can’t fault their sentiment, the synthetics she chooses tend to look a bit shiny and cheap. She does her best work when the manmade materials are kept to a minimum, as they are with this Prince of Wales shoulder bag.

This small bag is unassuming, but its checked tweed body has a gentle charm. That faux leather I’ve criticized sets off the plaid nicely, and as there’s only a splash we don’t notice its quality, or lack thereof.

This shoulder bag is small but well designed, with three internal compartments and a convenient slit pocket. There’s no excuse for disorganization with such a clever shoulder bag on your arm.

This Prince of Wales purse just begs to be paired with cute cardigans and pleated skirts. Sadly though, you probably won’t have the cash for those cute ensembles. At $1045 it’d be expensive if it were made of real leather. For a purse so small and made of tweed, it’s ludicrous. Stella McCartney’s name might carry some weight, but not that much.

More Features of This Stella McCartney Tweed Shoulder Bag

• Snap fastening
• A long adjustable strap with a 21 drop
• Measures 8 x 6 x 4 inches

Get this Stella McCartney Prince of Wales Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

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• More Stella McCartney bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Cory bag, a great alternative to this tweed bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney bags on eBay
• Other tweed shoulder bags on eBay:

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JCPenney is currently in the process of purchasing Liz Claiborne brands from Liz Claiborne Inc. in a deal which is estimated to be worth $267.5 million. The transaction should be finalized in the next 30 days.

The deal makes a lot of sense, as JCPenney has held an exclusive license for the brands’ apparel and accessories since August 2010. It is part of a ten-year agreement, which gives the department store the option to buy the fashion house out. The retail chain decided to purchase the fashion label sooner rather than later to alleviate Liz Claiborne Inc.’s substantial debts.

The deal will see JCPenney scoring the international rights and intellectual property for all Liz Claiborne Inc. brands, including Liz Claiborne, Claiborne, Liz & Co., Concepts by Claiborne, Lizwear and more.

It should be business and usual for the folks at Liz Claiborne too, with JCPenney indicating it intends to retain the fashion house’s design team.

Liz Claiborne hasn’t made a profit since 2006, but hopes to reverse its fortunes by focusing on its specialty high-end brands, which include Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand, and Kate Spade New York. It also plans to change its corporate name to reflect that new direction.

While Liz Claiborne Inc. might have said goodbye to its signature collections, I’m hopeful they will go from strength to strength under JCPenney. Do you think the retail chain is the right company for the job?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Mike Kalasnik/Flickr]

Liz Claiborne Bags on eBay

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Spiegel serves up the handbag equivalent of a Sharpei dog with this unusual Frame Bag.

I can’t help thinking about the wrinkly canine as I look at this ruched purse. Each one’s skin is haphazardly pleated, although the pooch has a bit more fuzz. Spiegel lets the ruching do all the talking here by keeping the shape and shade neutral.

I must admit, I’m a little puzzled by the frame though. This purse is all about letting it all hang loose, and frames love structure. The rigid top doesn’t quite fit here, but it’s not a deal breaker.

The clasp opens to reveal a spacious and well appointed interior. Its array of pockets does the trick without going overboard. I also appreciate the soft braided handle, which is both functional and full of flair.

We’re not getting real leather here, but at a mere $55 that doesn’t feel like too much of a compromise. That’s a steal for a purse with so much original style, especially when it comes with this many smarts.

More Features of This Spiegel Ruched Shoulder Bag

• Golden hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 17 x 13 inches

Get this Spiegel Frame Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Spiegel bags on BagBunch
• The Bally Caryne bag, a great alternative to this ruched bag.
• Searching for more Spiegel bags on eBay
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If The Row’s $39, 000 alligator backpack can sell out, then perhaps this style of bags isn’t strictly for students after all. Sonia Rykiel’s clearly counting on it with the release of her Ligne Penelope.

This certainly isn’t in The Row’s league, but there’s a real sophistication to this quilted nylon knapsack. Its taupe color is elegant, and the hue sets off the golden rivets beautifully. The chocolatey calfskin looks to dress things up a bit, but I’m not sure we really need it, especially considering how it affects the bag’s bottom line.

The use of nylon makes this backpack very light and easy to keep clean. Its design is very smart, with two patch pockets inside the generous interior, two flap pockets on the sides and a zippered pouch hidden underneath the front flap. Its shoulder straps are adjustable for just the right fit, and padded too for comfort.

Frankly though, at $540 it’s just too expensive. Not The Row expensive, but still too pricey for a bag with only a little genuine leather. Look for this one on sale or you’ll never see enough value for your dollar.

More Features of This Sonia Rykiel Quilted Backpack

• Quilted lining
• Measures 16 x 13 x 7.5 inches

Get this Sonia Rykiel Ligne Penelope Handbag:

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

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• The Lily Waters Becky bag, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
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Hot on the heels of their Sears collection, the Kardashian sisters are launching a new accessories range exclusively in Australia. Some 67 purses will be available through David Jones department stores.

The release is part of the sisters’ global deal with designer Bruno Schiavi and his fashion firm Jupi Corporation. Jupi teamed up with local distributor Bagsac Design for the Aussie launch.

While the Australian bags still reflect the style of the Kardashian sisters, they also look to appeal to customers in the Southern Hemisphere. The sisters have all visited the country, and those travels informed the new range.

“We have had plenty of opportunity to experience Australia’s fashion/accessory market and based on trends and seasons we adapted our designs accordingly,” Khloe explained. “We really wanted to make sure to create a line that was targeted for Australian women and their unique taste and lifestyle.“

To celebrate the launch of the Kardashian Kollection Handbag Range, Kim Kardashian Humphries and Khloe Kardashian Odom will appear at Sydney’s David Jones store at 10:30 am on November 3. The first 200 punters in the queue who purchased a Kardashian Kollection bag between October 29 and November 3 will meet the sisters and receive an autographed photo.

[Source: Nine to Five]

Kardashian Bags on eBay

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Sonia Kashuk puts functionality above flash with this duffle bag, part of the designer’s affordable range for Target.

Lookwise, this duffle is pretty underwhelming. Its brown nylon body is drab and its synthetic black handles and trim appear cheap. The color choice of these accents is also disappointing. Only the best designers can make black and brown look good together, and Sonia Kashuk just doesn’t have what it takes.

It’s very easy to take pot shots at the way this duffle looks, but to focus on that means you’d miss some of its perks. It’s got many more pockets than most mid-sized bags do, including the practical front pocket. Its long zip around design ensures we can use all of the space it offers, and easily locate the items we’ve stashed away inside it. Its nylon body looks a bit cheap, but it’s also easy to take care of.

It’s too dull to ever turn heads, but for $19.99 this is a cheap and practical way to get your items from Point A to Point B.

More Features of This Sonia Kashuk Nylon Bag

• Nylon lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Measures 6.5 x 11.5 x 5 inches

Get this Sonia Kashuk Duffle Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sonia Kashuk bags on BagBunch
• The Jil Sander duffel bag, a great alternative to this simple bag.
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It’s been a long time coming, but the handbags from California-based accessories label Cuore&Pelle are finally available to the public.

Fashionistas were given a sneak peek at designer Maria Park’s range during a private trunk show in February, but it’s taken months for us to get our hands on them. Now that they’re here though, it seems it was worth the wait.

Cuore&Pelle, which is Italian for “heart and leather,” uses only the finest Italian leathers to craft satchels, shoulder bags, mini cross-body purses, totes, and small wallets and wristlets. Some pieces showcase the natural beauty of the skins, while others are given an exotic touch with crocodile and python embossing. Park names the purses after the strong women in her own life. Considering their quality I’m impressed with their reasonable price points. You can pick up one of the small purses for just $79, and the largest and most luxurious for $600.

The current collection will be available from a range of high end retailers across America soon, but if you just can’t wait you can snap them up now at the Cuore&Pelle website.

There’s more to come from Cuore&Pelle too. Park hopes to expand her accessories empire with the release of belts, laptop cases, men’s wallets, and key chains early next year.

[Source: PR Web]