Dolce & Gabbana’s D&G line is going the way of the dinosaurs. Creative directors Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have decided to can their diffusion line to focus on their signature collection.

Those in the know say that the two fashion lines were “cannibalizing” each other due to their similar price points. We’ve seen diffusion lines work best when they’re much cheaper, as they put the designer products in the hands of those who can’t usually afford them. However D&G was doing great business in Russia and the always reliable Asian markets, so the decision to cut it is still a bit of a shock.

In a joint statement, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana said that the collapse of D&G would give “even more strength and energy” to their future collections. It’s expected that they’ll also add more categories to their signature range in the coming seasons, so in some way it could be good news for fashion fans.

D&G’s spring 2012 range will be its last, so if you’re a devotee you’ll probably want to snap up a piece when it hits stores soon. Will you miss D&G, or do you think its demise just makes good business sense?

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

D&G Bags on eBay

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Mad by Design’s made a purse that looks much richer than its price tag with this Pearl Phoenix.

Mother of pearl tiles cover the Phoenix’s distinctive angular body. The trapezoidal shape is already a showstopper, but the pearlized finish just makes it that much more compelling.

The horn handle appears to be the perfect complement to the stunning surface, although I concede it’s not entirely practical. It’ll feel hard on your hands, and you’ll probably tire of carrying it as the evening wears on.

The Phoenix is small, but customers also report that it holds plenty. I probably wouldn’t push it to its limits though. A purse this cheap probably won’t be the most durable, and any extra load will also make using that handle more difficult.

I can put up with a few niggles for the price though. At $42, this pretty purse is surprisingly affordable.

More Features of This Mad by Design Pearl Evening Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Interior slide pocket
• Measures 9 x 6 x 3 inches

Get this Mad by Design Phoenix Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad by Design bags on BagBunch
• The Mad by Design Trapezoid bag, a great alternative to this pearl bag.
• Searching for more Mad by Design bags on eBay
• Other pearl evening bags on eBay:

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Lulu Guinness brings her trademark sense of whimsy to a traditional structured satchel with the Zoe.

At its heart this is your classic satchel, with its distinctive elongated shape and rolled handles. I look at this base and think “What a timeless accessory.” Lulu Guinness though seems to have looked at it and thought “What a great canvas for a sausage dog!” The cute dog decoration is sure to polarize audiences, but it wouldn’t be a Lulu Guinness accessory if it was for everybody!

Personally I don’t mind the canine appliqué. He’s very cute, and his gray coat is a great complement to the satchel’s tweedy looking body. The chain decoration, which moves from the rolled strap to the dog’s collar like a leash, is also another adorable touch.

This satchel is on the small side though. Its handles are too short to put over your shoulder, although we do get a longer strap which can do the trick. Its interior is also made to handle only the bare basics. I’m not sure anyone would want a massive dog decorated bag, but a few extra inches would have made this one a bit more practical.

For its size this Lulu Guinness satchel seems overpriced. But if you’ve got a dog fetish its craftsmanship and originality might make it worth its $356.75 price tag.

More Features of This Lulu Guinness Dog Satchel

• Made of canvas
• Zip closure
• Striped interior lining
• Dual handles
• Measures 9.8 x 6.7 inches

Get this Lulu Guinness Zoe Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lulu Guinness bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances Fetch clutch bag, a great alternative to this dog bag.
• Searching for more Lulu Guinness bags on eBay
• Other dog satchel bags on eBay:

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Judith Leiber lovers had better start saving, because Bonham’s is auctioning off one of the world’s most impressive collections of the iconic designer’s accessories. The Robert Maier Collection will go under the hammer on December 12.

Maier’s collection began when he bought a Judith Leiber pillbox for his wife. She was smitten, and so Maier gave more Leiber creations to mark the holidays. It was his way to thank her for putting up with him during their marriage. And to think I feel lucky when I get flowers!

“I graduated from pillboxes to full purses quickly,” he said. “Each time, I got to see my wife’s face light up as a new bag she’d never seen would appear from its wrapping.“

The couple are now nearing retirement and have decided to pass all but Mrs Maier’s most treasured Judith Leiber purses on to others. What a way to boost your income as you enter your twilight years! The auction lot has more than 250 pieces including quirky novelty minaudieres, more traditional evening purses, pill boxes, business card cases, compacts, and more. Many of the items will be offered without reserve, but with some furious bidding expected I don’t predict there’ll be any bargains!

The illustrated catalog will soon hit the Bonhams website ahead of this massive Judith Leiber sale.

[Source: Diamond Jewelry]
[Image Source: Jason Morrison/Stock.xchng]

Judith Leiber Purses on eBay

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With the fashion world embracing the seventies, Lucky Brand has dared to bring back one of its quintessential looks. But is the world ready for the return of macramé?

Clearly with the On the Fringe Cross-Body, Lucky Brand hopes so. I’m still in two minds, but I admire the label’s daring. This cross-body takes us right back to the height of the boho era with its intricate macramé body, casual fringing, and ethnic inspired beading. I think such a bold bag looks its best in bright red, but if you prefer a more monochromatic color scheme you can choose it in black or a natural ivory hue.

It makes a strong style statement, but this cross-body is also really practical. Its wide woven strap is made from the same soft cotton we see on the body, so it should feel heavenly on your shoulder. It’s on the small side but adequate for carrying everything you really need if you know how to pack it right. Personally I prefer my cross-bodies small as they sit neatly on the hip without weighing you down.

Its price is another practical plus, an affordable $49. For that you can afford to indulge in the current retro trend, and not feel too bad if the fad doesn’t last!

More Features of This Lucky Brand Macrame Cross-Body Bag

• Magnetic closure
• Cotton lined interior
• A single strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Lucky Brand On the Fringe Handbag:

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

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• Check the Cheaper Brands 4 U 24 eBay store to see if this Coach Patchwork bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lucky Brand bags on BagBunch
• The Lucky Brand Lazy Days Macrame tote bag, a great alternative to this macrame bag.
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With Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaching, it’s worth noting the work that fashion designers do to help find a cure. Jordana Paige is one such generous handbag maker; she donates 10% of the retail value of every sale of her pink Knitter’s Satchels to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Paige said she wanted to contribute to the cause as the majority of her knitting loving customers are women, and one in eight will develop breast cancer at some point during their life. She entices women to dig deep by fitting her Knitters satchel with many features craft-loving girls crave.

There’s a pair of circlets to prevent yarn from tangling, a circular needle holder, and six handy pockets for keeping assorted craft paraphernalia. The Knitter Satchel is also really stylish, so you can enjoy it as an everyday bag even when you’re leaving your knitting gear behind.

Unlike so many designers who simply give during October, Paige donates a portion of the profits all year round. “October shouldn’t be the only month we think about this,” she noted. Too true. Ordinarily I’d think that a 10% donation was on the meager side, but her consistent effort really means those dollars add up.

[Source: PR.com]
[Image Source: Jordana Paige website]

Breast Cancer Bags on eBay

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Longchamp offers a ponyhair purse for the fur phobic with this Patch Toile Tote.

I must admit that, at least from a distance, this handbag fooled me. It looks like it’s made of swatches of authentic pony hair, but it’s actually crafted from cleverly printed nylon. That means there’s none of the ethical concerns we typically get with pony hair, and we also don’t have to put up with shedding.

Fashion houses rarely create patchwork handbags any more. When once they were all the rage, these days they often seem tired. The exotic appeal of this tote helps Longchamp get it right though. I love the way the earthy tones work together, despite the differing finishes.

The intricate patchwork is impressive, but it’s a shame Longchamp hasn’t shown the same care with the rest of the bag. The interior is disappointingly basic, with only a single pocket to organize it. A space this large is really crying out for much more than that.

$188 certainly isn’t expensive for a handbag bearing the Longchamp name, especially one that looks so luxurious. It’s a bit more than you’d pay for the average nylon tote, but let’s remember that this one is far from average.

More Features of This Longchamp Patchwork Tote

• Top zip closure
• Nylon lined
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 12 x 8 inches

Get this Longchamp Patch Toile Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Longchamp bags on BagBunch
• The Balmain Rock Leather & Crocodile bag, a great alternative to this exotic patchwork bag.
• Searching for more Longchamp bags on eBay

London Fog serves up more of the sophisticated military style that made it famous with this Jessica satchel.

Despite its feminine name, this satchel is far from girly. Its buckled strap accents and antique brass hardware give it a modern masculinity.

The slightly too shiny and stiff surface points to the use of synthetic, rather than real leather, but its weathered appearance means it’s not a bad leather alternative. If you’re still not convinced take a look at the price. When we can enjoy such a substantial satchel for $135 the use of synthetic becomes even more appealing.

The Jessica’s no nonsense looks are backed up by its functional design. There are pockets everywhere, on the front and back, on the sides, and of course lining the interior walls. There’s a place for everything, although with so many compartments you may have trouble remembering where those places are! London Fog’s also offered a pair of rolled shoulder straps and a longer one for cross-body wear.

Black is a classic choice, but I’m a bit disappointed it’s our only one. A few more options would have helped this satchel appeal to fashionistas who prefer to tread the style path less traveled.

More Features of This London Fog Satchel

• Satiny lining
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• An attachable strap with a 19.5 inch drop
• Measures 9.75 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this London Fog Jessica Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More London Fog bags on BagBunch
• The London Fog Jessica cross-body bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more London Fog bags on eBay
• Other London Fog Jessica bags on eBay:

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The Halloween themed bags are coming thick and fast. Just days after we introduced you to ChicoBag’s Reusable Trick or Treat Tote Bag, Doves Nest Design has released another contender for your holiday dollars. The company has launched this fun new Candy Monster Bag, which appears to actually eat your Halloween loot!

As you feed candy to your cute Monster Bag, his tummy swells and appears to grow. Each one is handcrafted and available in a range of different colors and designs. They also come in three different sizes so parents can control how many sugary treats their little ones bring home. The mini bags cost $13.50, the medium ones are $19.50, and the large ones are $29.50.

Those prices are pretty reasonable for bags that are handcrafted, particularly if you can make use of them on more than one evening a year. I imagine they’d be perfect for storing art supplies, toy cars, or any other small items that little ones like to carry.

Doves Nest Designs’ new Candy Monster Bags are available from the designer Megan’s Etsy store. More designs will be added to the e-store in the coming weeks as Halloween nears, so make sure you check back often to find your perfect Halloween trick or treating bag!

[Source: Inhabitots]

Monster Purses on eBay

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Lodis reminds us that there are few things more compelling than high quality leather with its Synergy Libby satchel.

This domed handbag is made from shrunken leather, which is buttery soft and deeply textured. It’s the sort of skin that just begs to be touched, which makes its black color a very smart choice. There’s no need to worry about dirty fingerprints here ladies!

The leather really does speak for itself, but the golden hardware isn’t a bad supporting choice. I think I’d have preferred the pop of silver, but gold does make the Libby feel a bit richer.

Looking at the zippered pockets on each end and the one that’s up front and center should tell you the Synergy Libby isn’t all about its looks. There’s another trio of pockets inside the mid-sized interior, including a zippered one for change and pair of gadget pouches. The handles seem a little long for the design, but at least they’ll make over-the-shoulder carrying easy.

It might not be the most fashion forward handbag, but the Synergy Libby offers us real substance and classic style for our $388.

More Features of This Lodis Shrunken Leather Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Khaki twill lined interior
• Dual straps with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 10 x 3.5 inches

Get this Lodis Synergy Libby Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the OutletCouture eBay store to see if this Lodis bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lodis bags on BagBunch
• The gray Lodis Synergy Libby bag, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Lodis bags on eBay
• Other Lodis Synergy bags on eBay:

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