The sisters from Cayetano Legacy Collection are preparing to launch a handbag collection, hot on the heels of their recently released debut jewelry line.

Karen Cayetano Leano, Christine Cayetano Brigino, and Gail Cayetano celebrate their Filipino heritage with the label. All accessories are made by the nation’s citizens using native island materials.

Cayetano Legacy Collection only launched last month, but already its handmade jewelry is turning heads. The blend of affordable prices (each piece costs between $60 and $200) and natural stones including jade, pearls, amethyst, and citrine, is proving irresistible to fans of original wearable art.

Cayetano Legacy Collection also supports training programs which give Filipino citizens skills they can use to break the poverty cycle. The company’s chief creative officer and co-founder Christine Brigino says this program helps the sisters do more for The Philippines than they’d originally anticipated.

“This was a way to truly help boost the economy there,” she explained.

Details about the handbag range are a bit thin on the ground at present, but just like the Cayetano Legacy Collection Jewelry the items will be made by Filipino artisans, using native Filipino material. Hopefully they’ll also feature some of those gorgeous gemstones!

Look out for the Cayetano Legacy Collection handbags soon on the company’s website.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Filipino Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Philippines purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Bold citrus yellow piping helps this Berit cross-body bag from Donald J Pliner really pop.

The combination of this shocking hue and pale aqua blue leather is very unexpected, but that’s exactly why I like it. Who wants to be predictable? On a more outrageous bag it might have seemed too much, but the colored leather and contrasting piping gives the Berit its personality. It’s also available in the reverse color combo, and a black and white version for the traditionalists.

The Berit isn’t a very large purse, but with some careful packing it should have enough space to hold everything you really need when you step out. It’s made for essentials only, encouraging us to do away with all those items that weigh us down and travel a little lighter. They’ll stay organized thanks to an array of interior pockets. The nylon lining feels a bit cheap, but it certainly does the job.

The size is the real clincher for me. The Berit is well made and original, which makes its $165 price tag seem very reasonable indeed.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Piping Decorated Cross-Body

• Zip closure
• A single adjustable strap with a 24 to 28 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 9.25 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Donald J Pliner Berit Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Donald J Pliner Berit, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Inourshoes eBay store to see if this Donald J Pliner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Donald J Pliner Boaz hobo bag, a great alternative to this piping accented bag.
• Searching for more Donald J Pliner bags on eBay

Marc Jacobs has emerged as the top pick to take over John Galliano’s vacant creative director post at Dior.

It’s an about face from the last bout of rumors doing the rounds. They suggested that LVMH head Bernard Arnault would instate an up and coming creative talent, rather than a big name designer. However fashion’s names don’t come much bigger than Marc Jacobs!

A deal is far from set in stone, but a source reportedly told the always reliable WWD that Jacobs and the Dior bigwigs are “excited” at the prospect of working together.

If Jacobs did take the Dior top job he would need to leave his post at Louis Vuitton. However Phoebe Philo is firming up as a favorite to fill his shoes. She’ll reportedly work double-duty, serving as the creative director for both Louis Vuitton and Celine.

At this point nothing is confirmed, but the reliable source and level of detail in these rumors have us feeling optimistic. The article also names Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy as a “dark horse,” although his chances of securing the position seem to have slimmed significantly in recent weeks.

Dior hasn’t exactly turned my head lately, so I’m thrilled at the thought of the way Marc Jacobs could reinvigorate this designer label. Do you want to see him heading Dior?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Dior Handbags on eBay

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Who would have thought a tote covered in stars could be so boring? Dolce & Gabbana shows that even a design house of exceptional pedigree makes the occasional misstep with this Miss Escape Star tote.

It’s not that the Miss Escape Star is a bad tote; it’s just so pedestrian. White stars against an inky black patent background make sense on paper, but in reality they appear kind of dull and a little bit childish. The tassels appear really out of place too, so I’m left feeling confused about the style statement Dolce & Gabbana is making.

Not even the interior can redeem this purse. The open top design makes accessing your precious cargo easy, but it also compromises security. We also don’t get the leather trim around the pockets that we expect from a high-end designer purchase. They’re little touches, but they’re the additions that help to sway us to part with our cash.

This is far from one of Dolce & Gabbana’s best efforts, yet it’s still charging us top dollar for it. $1222 is simply too much to pay for such a half-baked tote, no matter what its designer pedigree.

More Features of This Dolce & Gabbana Star Decorated Tote

• An embossed gold and silver-toned logo plate
• Made in Italy

Get this Dolce & Gabbana Miss Escape Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Leather Flap Starburst bag, a great alternative to this star-themed bag.
• Searching for more Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay
• Other Dolce & Gabbana Miss tote bags on eBay:

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I am a giant fan of Lanvin. It is, after all, the oldest couture house in Paris. All that being said, this Popla clutch is a serious snooze fest. I’m so disappointed in this bastion of French fashion.

I think it’s the quilted brown satin that’s making me feel so resentful. Sure, I know it’s satin, but the weird brown color and its off-kilter sheen make it look a lot like nylon. The oversized quilting pattern isn’t really helping much, either. It just adds to the overall cheap appearance.

The shape of the Popla is great, and I really like some of the design details. The turnlock clasp, for example, is beautifully detailed. The chain strap, however, is uncharacteristically boring for the line. Usually Lanvin spices things up with some grosgrain accents or multiple chain link sizes, but on the Popla it looks as though it’s just given up.

This has got to be the first Lanvin bag that I’ve actively disliked. The combination of the lackluster color and complete lack of finesse make it unforgivably bland.

More Features Of The Lanvin Popla Satin Clutch

• 10″ x 5″ x 1″ size
• 17″ strap drop
• Fully lined in designer-stamped twill

Get this Lanvin Popla Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Amalia Shoulder Bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin handbags on eBay
• Other quilted satin bags on eBay:
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DKNY embraces classic handbag design with this traditional Town & Country tote.

There’s a time and place for tradition, of course, but I think it’s also important for handbag designers to know when to move on. And the time has well and truly come to step away from drab, signature printed purses. The all-over print tells everyone that you’re carrying a DKNY bag, but I’m not sure the label is prestigious enough for anyone else to care. I can forgive a signature motif if it’s interesting, but this brown on tan version falls far short.

Thank goodness for the burgundy leather trim and colorful scarf! These vivid elements save this tote from being totally unforgettable. And best of all, that large scarf obscures much of that woven logo pattern!

The Town & Country’s interior isn’t outstanding, but it gets the job done. Its dimensions are on the large size, but it’s got enough pockets to ensure things stay manageable. The satiny brown lining feels luxurious, while the top zip takes care of safety.

At a little less than $300 this DKNY tote isn’t bad value, but that signature print means it’ll probably only appeal to the label’s fans.

More Features of This DKNY Signature Tote

• Dual strap handle with a 6.7 inch drop
• Gold-toned hardware
• Measures 11.4 x 17.7 x 7.1 inches

Get this DKNY Town & Country Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More DKNY bags on BagBunch
• The Aldo Kemfort Quilted Tote bag, a great alternative to this scarf bag.
• Searching for more DKNY bags on eBay
• Other DKNY Town & Country bags on eBay:

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No one does woven leather like Bottega Veneta. I know that just sounds like my opinion, but I’m pretty sure it’s a documented fact. This great Intrecciato tote is proof.

This is one of the most interesting woven bags I’ve ever seen. The strips of leather that compose the weave are perforated, which adds a lot of extra texture and interest to the design. It almost looks as though the leather has been woven and then woven again, which is pretty spectacular.

The shape of this tote is both classic and totally unique. I love the scalloped top and the obsessive attention to detail. The heartline stitching at the seams is a great touch, and it adds to the overall look of the bag without making it look decorated or overdone. Even the straps seem like subtle embellishment on such a cleanly-designed bag.

This isn’t just another on a long list of Bottega classics. It’s a standout.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather

• 17″ x 14″ x 9″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in perforated white canvas

Get This Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tote:

• Available at Net-A-Porter
• Check the Passion 4 Fashion 4 Less eBaystore to see if this Bottega Veneta clutch is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a neon green alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Searching for other woven leather totes on eBay:

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Diane Von Furstenberg definitely has a way with prints. Since the 70s, she’s made geometric patterns that stand the test of time and stay stylish for generations. This Drew linen bucket tote is an eye-catching, but timeless accessory.

The black and white printed linen on the Drew is awesome. I love the loose weave of the fabric because it makes it look really casual and summery, but the material is durable enough for frequent use. I don’t really know how I feel about the olive trim, but it’s neutral enough that I don’t feel terribly bothered about it either way.

The bucket shape of the Drew is much more convenient than your average tote. For one thing, it will hold more. And it is both more substantial looking, and more substantial generally. The dual straps on top make it comfortable to carry, and the removable shoulder strap means you have plenty of options. This is a great daytime bag for a woman with clean classic taste.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Drew Linen Bucket Tote

• 17″ x 16″ x 7″ size
• 4″ strap drop
• Full top zip fastening

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Drew Linen Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a slouchy everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other linen totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]linen tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Maria Buzina is the alias of Gabi Golcaves, a Brazilian designer who turns canvas truck tarpaulins into quirky fashion accessories.

Golcaves launched her label in 2004 with the aim of developing exclusive bags using organic processes and unconventional materials. At that time she didn’t know exactly what those materials would be. She tried several before settling on the canvas, a fabric which points to her own heritage. As the granddaughter of truck drivers, Golcaves was excited to work with the material which brought back the smells and memories of her childhood.

The Maria Buzina label celebrates the imperfections of the materials it uses. Every stamp, every hole, and every mark points to the fabric’s history. Just like a work of art these canvases tell a story, which now continues as the bags they form continue to see the world.

Maria Buzina’s adorable handbags are available at selected stores in South America and Germany. International shoppers can also find them at Maria Buzina’s online store, although this can be a bit difficult for English speakers to navigate. It’s a shame there’s no translation as there is for the regular website. If you’re finding it too tricky you can also find a selected range available online through EarthLover.

[Source: Maria Buzina website]

Recycled Canvas Bags on eBay

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It’s got a tough name, but this playful pink Noise of Warrior Thump cross-body from Diesel is a bit of a pussycat.

Perhaps it gets its manly moniker from its durable nylon fabric, which should withstand the harsh punishment of daily life more than most. Its shape is also androgynous and minimalist, without any frills or sequins to distract. But that vivid pink shade and the rainbow colored braided strap really don’t suit any purse called Noise of Warrior Thump!

Personally I prefer these poppy hues than the drab gray, brown, and black options though. They give this relatively simple purse a real spark.

The Noise of Warrior Thump is small but feature packed, with pockets inside out and soft side walls made for overstuffing. The strap is fully adjustable, allowing you to wear the purse as a shoulder or cross-body bag depending on your mood. And I love the flat base that helps the purse sit up straight once it’s set down.

This bag has plenty of perks, but I’m not sure it has enough to justify its $130 price tag. That’s quite expensive for a nylon purse, especially one that’s so small.

More Features of This Diesel Nylon Cross-Body Bag

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• An adjustable strap with a 21.5 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 4 x 5.5 inches

Get this Diesel Noise of Warrior Thump Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Diesel bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Diesel Noise of Warrior Clash bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Diesel bags on eBay
• Other Diesel Noise of Warrior bags on eBay:

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