Kate Spade New York president and creative director Deborah Lloyd has joined forces with Follis NYC designer and 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Award winner Catherine Meyer for a chic limited edition handbag.

The beautiful black purse is made from buttery soft cowhide and embellished with Follis’ famous laced accents. While those wide corset-style sides are pure Follis, the handbag also stays true to Kate Spade New York’s signature sophistication.

Meyer said she was inspired while working with the Kate Spade New York design team, adding that “It’s fun to create a product that will reach a completely different customer.”

I’m not sure this tote will really “reach a completely different customer” than the one Meyer already enjoys, as the bag isn’t that dramatically different to the ones she already produces. However there’s something to be said for walking a well-worn path when it already blends such sophistication and fashion-forward style.

This Kate Spade & Follis bag will be available from selected Kate Spade stores, including all London boutiques, the outlets at Atlanta’s Lenox Square, Dallas’ Northpark, the Galleria in Houston, Las Vegas’ Fashion Show, Los Angeles’ Century City, Broome &5th in New York City, Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, and Kate Spade’s website. It will be available through the holiday season, or while stocks last.

[Source: Haute Living]

Kate Spade Tote Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Kate Spade tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve been dragging my feet as the cooler weather approaches. It’s never easy to make the transition to winter, but the prospect is made a lot more appealing with new releases like this Asymmetric Wool Felt Clutch from Miu Miu.

This clutch is perfect for colder weather with its heavy wool felt body and conservative blue-gray hue. Its antique brass frame and kiss-lock clasp channel vintage fashion, but its asymmetrical top gives it a real modern quirk. That blend of old and new is tricky to pull off, but Miu Miu does it with compelling originality here.

This clutch is generously sized and luxuriously lined in nude colored leather. Its dimensions make it perfect for stuffing underneath your arm, but we also get a leather strap for hands-free carrying. The strap looks gorgeous, and makes a more comfortable alternative to the typical chain variety.

This purse really makes us feel pampered now, and I imagine it’ll continue to do so for many seasons. That luxurious longevity helps to justify its substantial but not altogether unreasonable $1495 price tag.

More Features of This Miu Miu Wool Felt Clutch

• Zip and open pockets inside
• A leather strap with an 18 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 11 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Miu Miu Asymmetric Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Miu Miu bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu wool felt tote bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
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• Other asymmetric clutch bags on eBay:

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Miquelrius gets teens ready for the new school year with this School Chic satchel.

The design, with two young friends, is classic Jordi Labanda. However I can’t say I’m completely behind the slogan below it, which indicates the girls are reading the best ways to keep their boyfriends away from other guys. Here’s a tip; how about spending less time reading glossy mags with your friend and more time on your school work? I’m sure the boyfriend will be much more attracted to a brain than an airhead only concerned with keeping him! I know girls will always be interested in boys, but the design just feels a bit shallow, especially considering its teen target market.

I’m much more impressed with the pretty orchid line drawings that decorate the rest of the bag. They’re probably not enough to carry the bag without the colorful front panel, but they really are lovely.

I can also appreciate the School Chic Satchel’s practical features. Its dimensions are large enough to handle textbooks and other school supplies. The large front pocket is our only organizational aid, but the minimalist main compartment is perfect for holding large items. The back and adjustable strap are also padded to minimize any carrying discomfort.

Its quality isn’t the best, but we’re only paying $40 for the privilege of carrying it. At that price it won’t cost too much to replace once it inevitably falls apart, or its fickle teen owner tires of it!

More Features of This Miquelrius Jordi Labanda Girls Satchel

• Velcro closure
• A spacious front pocket
• Measures 4.5 x 13.1 x 10.6 inches

Get this Miquelrius School Chic Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Miquelrius School Chic satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Miquelrius bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Miquelrius bags on BagBunch
• The Miquelrius School Chic motorcycle bag, a great alternative to this blue bag.
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A collection of handbags, designer jewelry, and other luxury fashion accessories worth an estimated £1 million will go under the hammer in the United Kingdom tomorrow.

The goods belong to Muriel Hodgson, a former partner in the collapsed property investment company Challenor Property Developments. She spent up big on handbags from Hermes, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Judith Leiber, and Chanel, as well as diamonds from Cartier and Tiffany & Co. However it seems she overextended herself, as she was declared bankrupt when Challenor Property Developments failed. The collection will be auctioned off to pay her creditors.

I can’t imagine these goodies are easy to part with. Amongst them are the tan Hermes Birkin bag pictured, and Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags still with tags in original packaging. Can you imagine buying purses like that and never taking them out?

Understandably the auction has already received interest from luxury lovers around the world, including bidders in China, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Australia.

British fashionistas can bid on the goodies in person at the Brown & Co at the White Heather at Caenby Corner, Lincolnshire tomorrow at 7 pm BST. Everyone else can join in the fun online at the-saleroom.com.

[Source: York Press]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Michael Kors injects a little luxury into our everyday with this Fulton bag from his MICHAEL diffusion line.

As it’s from the more affordable MICHAEL collection, we’re given embossed leather rather than genuine python skin. This isn’t a bad substitute though; the scaly texture is well done and leather is sumptuously soft.

The skin is the star performer on this hobo-esque shoulder bag. Its curves remind me of the popular boho style, although it’s got a bit more structure than hobos typically do. A Michael Kors logo plate decorates the handle. I’ve never been a great fan of Michael Kors’ branding as it often appears tacked on. However this one, which is set elegantly off center, seamlessly becomes part of the design.

The interior is generous but not overwhelmingly large, especially with its array of pockets. There’s a large zippered one for loose change and other valuables and three open slips for handling your gadgets. The zip across the top ensures everything stays just where you left it.

With its timeless design and classic coloring, you’ll certainly get your $268 worth from this elegant Fulton purse.

More Features of this Michael Kors Python Shoulder Bag

• Black lined interior
• Measures 12.5 x 10 x 6 inches

Get this Michael Kors Fulton Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Michael Kors Fulton shoulder, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cheryl’s Sensations eBay store to see if this Michael Kors bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Gucci Greenwich shoulder bag, a great alternative to this python bag.
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The House of Gucci is celebrating its 90th birthday by opening the doors of its new museum in Florence today.

The museum is fittingly housed in a breathtaking medieval palazzo in the city of its birth. Inside you’ll find all manner of Gucci goodies, from red carpet ready ball gowns to handbags and larger travel bags. Seeing Gucci creations through the fashion house’s nine-decade history allows us to appreciate the trend-focused changes and those iconic constants, including bamboo handles and the signature interlocking G logo print.

The museum spans some 18, 500 square feet, and is housed over three themed floors. The ground floor focuses on travel, with luggage, trunks, and vacation accessories from the 1950s and 1970s, the period known as Gucci’s travel heyday. Walk upstairs to drool over the It bags of the past and present. The top floor celebrates Gucci’s logos, including its famous signature prints, the double G monogram, and the green and red racing stripes.

You can indulge in a little Gucci luxury at the gift shop, which sells Gucci branded merchandise including iPad cases and stationery.

Admission costs €6, but half of that amount will help preserve art around Florence. Does the opening of the Gucci Museum inspire you to take a trip to Italy?

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

Gucci Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Gucci, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve got to admit that I haven’t carried a plastic purse since I was knee high to a grasshopper. But back then plastic purses didn’t look nearly as chic as this Dominica clutch from Menbur.

I’ve always associated plastic with cheap and tacky, but treated in the right way it can actually be pretty fantastic. The Dominica has a real retro cool feel to it with its smooth glossy finish and clean lines.

The hard body design is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand it’ll keep its shape well, no matter how full it is. However it also limits what we can carry, as its clasp will pop open if it’s put under pressure. Hard plastic also doesn’t feel the nicest in our hand, but there’s a chain strap for those times you’re tired of clutching it.

In basic black the Dominica could work with anything, although it might get a bit lost with your favorite LBD. Personally I think this clutch is begging to be paired with color. And for just $97, you’ll have more to spend on the perfect ensemble.

More Features of This Menbur Plastic Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Lined in canvas
• A chain strap with a 14.5 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 8 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Menbur Dominica Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The Menbur Ingra Pel Esparraguera clutch bag, a great alternative to this plastic bag.
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• Other plastic clutch bags on eBay:

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We can always count on Mellow World for low prices, but its handbags aren’t always the most stylish on the market. In fact, many of them are downright tacky. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the label take a more sophisticated path with this Bettina shoulder bag.

A trail of pretty flowers arcs across the bag, adding texture and femininity to the design. I could have done without the large crystal center in the top flower, as that again takes this bag somewhere towards tacky, but it’s not a deal breaker.

While we’re talking tacky, there’s also no getting around the material. Mellow World uses a blend of PVC and vinyl to keep its prices down. I appreciate the affordable prices, but the material leaves a bit to be desired. It’s too stiff and too shiny to pass as leather, so I wonder why Mellow World continues to use it. By mimicking leather badly, the material actually ends up looking cheaper than the price tag.

The clever interior helps us forgive Mellow World though. There are three main compartments and a plethora of smaller pockets, so the amply sized interior never feels unmanageable. All those inside pockets are really enough, but we get a zippered one on the back for good measure.

It might not be the most luxurious bag on the market, but it is one of Mellow World’s most stylish. And for $54, those feminine good looks are impressive.

More Features of This Mellow World Floral Shoulder Bag

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 10 x 4 inches

Get this Mellow World Bettina Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mellow World bags on BagBunch
• The Valentino Flower Appliqued bag, a great alternative to this flower decorated bag.
• Searching for more Mellow World bags on eBay
• Other flower applique bags on eBay:

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Vera Bradley plans to double the size of its Indiana distribution center to meet increased demand for its patterned fabric purses, leather items, and other accessories.

Vera Bradley experienced a 30% sales increase in its second quarter, with sales jumping from $80.1 million a year ago to $103.8 million. It’s predicted the company will enjoy sales of between $438 million and $443 million by year’s end.

It will cost an estimated $22.5 million to take the current 220, 000 square foot space to almost 420, 000 square feet, but it seems the money will be well spent. The expansion will see approximately 124 new jobs created at the Roanoke plant. The development will commence this fall, with a view to completion at the same time next year.

Vera Bradley’s chief executive officer Michael C. Ray says that investing in the revamped distribution center will help the company achieve its long-term goals including expansion into new channels and locations. It is currently working with the state of Indiana and city councils in Fort Wayne and Allen County to support its investment in new jobs and ongoing commitment to Northeastern Indiana.

I’ve been really impressed with Vera Bradley’s designs in recent seasons, which seem to be adopting more of a fashion forward look, so it’s impressive to see these creative risks are paying off for the homegrown label.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Jungle Jim’s International Market/Flickr]

Vera Bradley Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Vera Bradley, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It wasn’t too long ago that I was chiding Melie Bianco for shamelessly copying the designs of fashion bigwigs, and hoping the affordable label would take a more creative path. It’s answered my prayers with this minimalist Adele clutch.

In the world of fashion, often the simplest things are the best. So many of Melie Bianco’s designs are overdone, but this one is breathtaking for its more basic approach. Its minimalist design lets us focus on the materials, the deep brown wood of the frame and the richly pebbled body. This skin is so sumptuous that from a distance I was sure it was leather. It’s certainly one of the better manmade skins I’ve seen, particularly for the price.

The Adele’s simple design makes it very versatile. It wouldn’t look out of place on an evening out, or paired with your favorite pair of jeans during the day. The larger than average interior helps that versatility, although a chain strap wouldn’t have gone astray.

I’m not about to pick fault for the price though. At $58 it’s a bargain in anyone’s language. I love this soft taupe shade, but you’ll also find it in much brighter hues like mustard and wine red. For this price, you can probably afford to indulge in a few!

More Features of This Melie Bianco Wood Frame Clutch

• Fabric lined interior
• Interior zip pocket
• Measures 6.75 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Melie Bianco Adele Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Melie Bianco Adele, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check ThePursesBoutique eBay store to see if this Melie Bianco bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Stars Ruched Clutch bag, a great alternative to this wood frame bag.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco bags on eBay