Samsonite takes colorblocking back to the 1990s with this retro inspired Lax Throwback backpack.

It’s refreshing to see an accessory that is unashamedly a fashion throwback. All too often designers looks to reinterpret the styles that came before in new modern ways, but this backpack is happy living in the past. That is likely to polarize audiences, but those of us who remember fondly watching Blossom while wearing Hammer pants will probably love the nostalgic design. The combination of purple, mustard, and teal is jarring, but on such a simply designed backpack I think Samsonite gets away with it.

As we’d expect from Samsonite, this Lax Throwback backpack isn’t just about the look. It’s made from tough 600-denier polyester, which is as easy to keep clean as it is strong. It has plenty of pockets inside and out for storing small essentials, and a generously sized main compartment. And padding in the back panel and shoulder straps ensure it’s comfortable to carry even when filled to the brim.

If you’re tempted by the nostalgia but still uncertain, perhaps the price will make your mind up. At $39.99 it’s a steal for any backpack, particularly one that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

More Features of This Samsonite Colorblocked Backpack

• Zip closures
• Measures 17 x 12 x 7 inches

Get this Samsonite Lax Throwback Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Samsonite bags on BagBunch
• The Loop NYC Design Audio Couture bag, a great alternative to this retro bag.
• Searching for more Samsonite bags on eBay
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H&M is preparing to launch its latest Conscious Collection. The eco-friendly fall line features sheath dresses, woolen coats, tunic-style blouses, ankle boots, and handbags.

The whole collection has a very old world fairytale feel to it with its feminine lace, elegant embroidery, and floral prints. H&M’s head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson says it was inspired by the “sweet romance of Swedish folklore,” which seems a pretty apt description. “The silhouette is feminine and the pieces are luxuriously embellished,” she added.

It doesn’t have the hippie vibe of many sustainable fashion collections thanks to its high quality materials. H&M has used organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, silk, and recycled wool, cotton and polyester to create the range. These fabrics have been cleverly chosen to see the Conscious Collection priced similarly to H&M’s signature range. With so many eco-friendly lines costing a bit more than less green alternatives, it’s refreshing to see that H&M can create one that’s every bit as competitive.

H&M first introduced a Conscious Collection this February. Clearly it continues to be successful for the affordable brand, as it wouldn’t make more sustainable products if they weren’t selling. No doubt those comparable price points are helping H&M’s cause.

The Conscious Collection hits selected H&M stores this Friday.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Eco-Friendly Handbags on eBay

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If you asked me what a Betulla would look like, I’d describe a hefty and awkward looking girl, a nice person at heart but a bit of a wallflower. I’d never imagine that ugly sounding name would belong to this beautiful accessory.

Salvatore Ferragamo really has outdone itself this time. It’s got such sophisticated clean lines, and its gentle purple leather is one of the loveliest shades I’ve seen. Salvatore Ferragamo calls it cemento; I just call it heaven. If you’ve always thought there was no place for purple in your wardrobe, this pale hue may be the one to change your mind.

All too often designers focus on the exterior but forget about functionality. Not Salvatore Ferragamo though, who makes us feel really pampered here. The generously sized interior is divided with a large central pocket. There are smaller pouches in the walls to keep your valuables and gadgets organized. Metal feet help protect that lovely leather when you set the bag down, and the leather centers cushion our shoulders when they’re carrying those stylish chain straps.

Predictably though, we pay a premium for all those perks. However that heady mix of practicality and poise leads me to believe the Betulla is a great investment at $1250.

More Features of This Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Shoulder Bag

• Exterior side pockets
• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 11 x 5.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Salvatore Ferragamo Betulla Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Salvatore Ferragamo bags on BagBunch
• The Nina Ricci Patchwork bag, a great alternative to this pale purple bag.
• Searching for more Salvatore Ferragamo bags on eBay
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Coca-Cola is marking its 125th anniversary with the release of a brand new fashion collection. The range, which was designed in collaboration with Jack Spade, features tote bags, iPhone covers, baseball caps, T-shirts, and posters.

The limited edition collection goes back to the vault with some of Coke’s most memorable slogans from the past, iconic images, and even an old Coke logo from the 1910s. I particularly like the totes featuring images of iconic American foods like pretzels, burgers, and hot dogs. The back of each bag features a picture of a Coca-Cola can, reminding us that “Things go better with Coke.”

Jack Spade’s vice president and general manager Cuan Hanly said the collaboration is a natural fit as both companies have a history “in design, pop culture, and whimsy.” It’s also not going to hurt Jack Spade any to partner with the most recognizable company in the world. The fashion label’s far from a household name right now, but if some of Coke’s power can rub off it might be before too long.

The capsule collection is available now from Jack Spade stores, including the label’s website. Prices start at $40 for the iPhone cover and top $225 for the chic “It’s the Real Thing” Coal tote bag.

[Source: Fashion Indie]

Coca-Cola Tote Bags on eBay

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Roxy shows us it’s still kicking with this Still Alive cross-body bag.

This looks like a bag that puts practicality first. An array of pockets dominates the finish, leaving little room for stylish accents. I wish Roxy had used more creativity when integrating these pockets into the design, but that’s not my biggest concern. More problematic is that they’re not as practical as they first appear. By including so many exterior pockets, Roxy’s had to make each one smaller than we’d like. Paring things back might not have made quite the same statement, but it would have been a lot smarter.

It might not live up to its image, but there’s still a bit to like about the Still Alive. It’s made from vinyl, as so many Roxy bags are, but its weathered finish gives the manmade skin a soft feel and sexy worn in appearance. Its interior is slim but spacious, so long as you don’t want to carry a big thick novel or other chunky items. I also really like the woven cotton web strap, which is tough and comfortable to carry.

But perhaps the Still Alive’s greatest selling point is its price. $39.50 doesn’t buy you a lot in the world of fashion, but it will buy this cross-body bag.

More Features of This Roxy Washed Vinyl Cross-Body Bag

• Zip closure
• Measures 11.25 x 12.25 x 1.25

Get this Roxy Still Alive Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Mczan eBay store to see if this Roxy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Roxy bags on BagBunch
• The Roxy Swiss Miss cross-body bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Roxy bags on eBay
• Other Roxy cross-body bags on eBay:

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Gucci is going green with the help of a Romanian college student. 24-year-old Laura Popviciu designed this stylish and sustainable Ever Manifesto Bamboo tote bag for a recent design competition. It’s easy to see why she was the victor, as this tote combines elegance and eco-friendly practices with more style than we usually see.

The bamboo handle has always been a Gucci trademark, but this one’s a bit smarter than the average. It attaches to the bag with nickel-free hardware, and it’s removable so you can secure it to other compatible handbags.

The tote’s body is made entirely from organic cotton. That soft fabric allows us to fold up the tote, origami style, when it’s in storage. This handbag’s minimalist style makes it appropriate for summer and winter use though, so I can’t imagine it’ll spend too much time packed away in a closet!

It seems that this is just the start of an illustrious design career for Popoviciu. She’s already been snapped up by Hermes, who quickly recognized her creative talent. I can’t imagine there are too many designers who land a role like that before they’ve even graduated!

The Ever Manifesto Bamboo store is available in limited numbers from Gucci stores in New York, Paris, Rome, and Tokyo, as well as Gucci’s website.

[Source: Vogue Italia]

Gucci Bamboo Handle Tote Bags on eBay

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Roger Vivier goes retro with this Metro Shoulder Bag.

Its name makes us think of the big city, but its styling certainly doesn’t reflect a modern metropolis. The brushed antique buckle is a lovely accompaniment to the Metro’s brown calfskin body. The strap that runs beneath the buckle cinches the bag in at the base, creating a kind of bow-like effect. It’s a subtle tweak to the silhouette, but one which pays dividends.

The short top handles suit the Metro’s retro design, but modern girls may crave a more practical carrying option. An extra inch or two would have allowed us to sling the bag over our shoulder. Sadly though, we’re left to carry this one over our arm or in our hand. If the bag were smaller I might not have minded, but things will get awkward if you pack the Metro full. And what’s the point of a roomy handbag if you can’t utilize all its space?

The Metro looks gorgeous but it’s got a few functional flaws. I might ignore them on a cheaper handbag, but for a hefty $2036 I think we deserve a bag that’s a bit closer to perfect.

More Features of This Roger Vivier Buckle Bag

• Dual handles with a 7.9 inch drop
• Measures 11.8 x 16.9 x 7.1 inches

Get this Roger Vivier Metro Handbag:

• Available to buy at Far Fetch
• Search online for this bag

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• More Roger Vivier bags on BagBunch
• The Roger Vivier Belle bag, a great alternative to this buckle bag.
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Marshall Bergman has teamed up with Apple to create a range of sophisticated accessories specially designed for holding the tech brand’s iconic gadgets.

Marshall Bergman has created two bags for ladies and two for the lads. The girls can choose from the shoulder bag style Tahlia and the slightly larger Alyssa. Both are made from superior Italian leather with quilted pockets inside for holding a MacBook securely in place.

Men can choose between two messenger styles: the Theo and the Corbin. Both come with adjustable straps and plenty of pockets. They’re also available in khaki colored canvas and either black or brown leather.

Marshall Bergman co-creators Melanie Marshall and Suzi Bergman have a long history of creating functional handbags. The women started their accessories empire with Storksak, a leading diaper bag company, before launching Marshall Bergman, a brand with a more corporate focus. That new business isn’t a household name as yet, but the collaboration with Apple is certainly a step in the right direction.

What I like most about these bags is that they don’t look like laptop bags. They’re so gorgeous that I’m sure they’ll become go-to bags for many folks, whether they’re carrying their technology or not!

The new Marshall Bergman for Apple bags are available exclusively from Apple stores, including the tech business’ website.

[Source: CMV Live]
[Image Source: Marshall Bergman]

Apple Laptop Bags on eBay

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A diva is a woman who knows how to stand out. She might be a little demanding at times, but she’s got such presence that she can be forgiven almost anything. Just like the human equivalent, this Diva Shoulder Bag from Roberto Cavalli knows how to make its mark.

The luxurious materials are the key to its success. Just like a woman dripping in diamonds, a handbag made with opulent fabrics can’t be overlooked. I’m not sure I particularly like the combination of Vietnamese python, mottled hair calf, and brown leather, but I can’t deny the impact of the materials.

They’re also necessary to help the Diva make a statement. Imagine the same bag in regular leather. Suddenly it looks like so many other flap-over shoulder bags. It’d be nice enough, but not the kind of accessory that stands out from the pack. Certainly no diva.

I expected something a bit more opulent than twill would line the Diva’s interior, but at least the material is strong. The mid-sized interior is also too small to feel truly luxurious, but it should hold everything we really need. Its average dimensions mean the top handle should be easy enough to use, but I also appreciate the detachable longer strap which allows us to go hands-free.

At $1925 the Diva requires a significant investment. However I can’t imagine any real diva indulges in accessories that are cheap!

More Features of This Roberto Cavalli Exotic Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap fastening
• Internal fastening zip pocket
• A top handle with a 2 inch drop
• An adjustable strap with a 39 to 41 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 7 x 4 inches

Get this Roberto Cavalli Diva Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Roberto Cavalli bags on BagBunch
• The Roberto Cavalli Doctor Grande Diva python bag, a great alternative to this exotic bag.
• Searching for more Roberto Cavalli bags on eBay
• Other Roberto Cavalli python bags on eBay:

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I must admit, I’m a sucker for colored leather. All it takes is the right shade to make me weak at the knees. And the right shade is precisely the reason I’ve fallen for this Kit Shoulder Bag from Reed Krakoff.

The saturated teal color is stunning, and a gorgeous complement to the modern black nickel hardware. Reed Krakoff doesn’t push the fashion envelope too far here, but the Kit’s flap over design is very sophisticated. Designers have to be careful when using such unusual such. But by keeping things relatively simple, Reed Krakoff’s color risk pays off.

The Kit’s mid-sized dimensions are ideal for everyday use. Packrats may crave a little more space to spread out, but this shoulder bag has enough room for everything you really need. The handle’s a little too short for easy over the shoulder carrying, but we also get a much longer one for cross-body wear. Both straps are detachable so the bag can look clean no matter how you’re holding it.

In the world of designer handbags, a purse starts to feel really expensive once it hits the thousand dollar mark. Reed Krakoff carefully stays on the right side of affordable here by cleverly pricing the Kit at $990.

More Features of This Reed Krakoff Leather Shoulder Bag

• Snap fastening flap
• Fully lined interior
• A top handle with a 7 inch drop
• A cross-body strap with a 48 to 50 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 9 x 4 inches

Get this Reed Krakoff Kit Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Crosstown bag, a great alternative to this teal bag.
• Searching for more Reed Krakoff bags on eBay
• Other teal shoulder bags on eBay:

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