A classic satchel shape in a black color doesn’t sound too exciting, does it? But Cole Haan shows us the potential in these traditional elements with this Jade satchel.

The Jade has been a staple of the Cole Haan line for years. But it’s never turned my head, until now. The secret is that Capetown treatment, an intriguing black on black leopard print which covers the satchel’s soft nubuck finish. Nubuck is strangely underutilized in the handbag world, and I’m thrilled to see it here. It’s got that alluring luxury of suede, but it’s much more durable.

Not that Cole Haan’s leaving anything to chance. The flat platform base is made from patent leather rather than this softer skin, and equipped with metal feet to prevent scratches.

The moody leopard print makes this Jade feel exotic, but underneath the surface it really is a classic satchel. Its main compartment is mid-sized and well organized with an array of pockets for everyday use. The rolled straps are a little shorter than I’d like, but with a much longer cross-body strap also on hand I don’t feel ripped off.

This Capetown Jade satchel makes an impression much larger than its small $348 price tag would suggest. Has it made its mark on you?

More Features of This Cole Haan Leopard Print Satchel

• Polished nickel hardware
• Zip closure
• Canvas lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• An adjustable, removable strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 8.5 x 7.75 inches

Get this Cole Haan Capetown Jade Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Brands Palace eBay store to see if this Cole Haan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cole Haan bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Haan Tantivy Haircalf Jade bag, a classic alternative to this leopard print bag.
• Searching for more Cole Haan bags on eBay
• Other Cole Haan Capetown bags on eBay:

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Saudi Arabian couture designer Effa has expanded her fashion range with the release of a line of exotic clutch purses.

Effa designs with modern, independent women in mind, the kind who love being up to date and in touch with the latest catwalk trends. The Effa Made in Italy clutches reflect the elegance of the label’s clientele with their timeless, luxury finishes.

Effa worked with one of Italy’s leading family-run factories to ensure the workmanship on the clutch purses is first class.

“When I decided to launch my line of clutch bags, my aim was to create a line of bags that are exclusive and very select high quality, for the customer that appreciates beautiful workmanship, and wants something unique and timeless that she will not see everyone wearing,” the designer recently told La Moda.

Each one is made from exotic skins including python and crocodile. The purses’ vibrant hues are designed to complement the ensembles in Effa’s couture and recently released ready to wear collections. I’ve fallen for the Sunbag, with its distinctive stitching and unique metallic degrade palette. Which one’s captured your heart?

Sadly Effa’s only bricks and mortar stores are in Dubai, and only her abayas are available through the online retailer 3abaya. Hopefully this e-store will add those clutch purses soon!

[Source: La Moda]
[Image Source: Effa website]

Python Clutches on eBay

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Coccinelle adds a dash of femininity to the classic black tote with the Beatrix.

The knotted trim along the top really is the star of the show. It looks almost like a bow, but it’s just abstract enough to ensure it doesn’t alienate the tough girls. Its softness is complemented by gentle pleating and the subtle curves of the tote’s silhouette.

The Beatrix is made of leather, but this skin isn’t the best quality that I’ve seen. It’s soft enough but it’s a bit too shiny for my tastes. This finish makes it seem a little plastic-like, like a cheap synthetic rather than a luxury skin. It’ll last like leather will, but I can’t imagine it making the same impression.

I’m much more enthusiastic about the Beatrix’s practical perks. Coccinelle calls it a medium tote, but it’s on the larger side of this classification. The satiny lining makes the main compartment feel a bit more luxurious, while the leather trim around the pockets should help them last. I also appreciate the choice of carrying options, although the cross-body strap could stand to be a bit wider.

While the leather could stand to be a bit better, $450 certainly isn’t unreasonable for this cute Coccinelle tote.

More Features of This Coccinelle Bow Tote

• Zip closure
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 16 x 7.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Coccinelle Beatrix Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the Designer Bargains Shoes Clothing eBay store to see if this Coccinelle bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coccinelle bags on BagBunch
• The Coccinelle Beatrix hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Coccinelle bags on eBay
• Other Coccinelle totes on eBay:

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Elie Tahari has taken a hands-on role in revamping his signature fashion house’s website. The rejuvenated online home boasts advanced e-commerce facilities, premier editorial content, and easy integration with popular social media.

Tahari worked closely with digital shopping innovator Fluid Inc. on the latest online incarnation. The designer said the time was right for a new design following the fashion house’s expansion into menswear, shoes, and handbags.

“Now, we feel we are ready for it. We have the whole collection, the whole package to do it right, and the technology is so much better today,” he explained. “You can really do magic with some of the technology features we have.“

The e-zine ETC is one of the site’s most exciting new features. Readers can shop directly from its pages, view reports on current trends, and see videos which delve behind the scenes of the fashion house. Tahari will also keep an “Elie Loves” page highlighting his favorite pieces from the current collections. These monthly updates will go hand-in-hand with his monthly column “15 Minutes with Elie” featuring interviews with personalities in and outside the fashion world. With interviews with Joan Rivers and Emmy Rossum lined up for future editions, this regular article should prove interesting.

The new Elie Tahari website will also include exclusive items which can only be purchased online and feature a customization service for handbags. Tahari also plans to stream his runway shows so we can all enjoy a seat in the front row.

There sounds like plenty of reasons to log on to Elie Tahari’s revamped website. Are you excited by its brand new look and features?

[Source: Women’s Wear Daily]
[Image Source: Coolcaeser/Wikipedia Commons]

Elie Tahari Bags on eBay

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It’s been some time since I’ve swooned over Coach, but the label has me in raptures with its Flagship Leather Dowel Flap handbag.

The bag sees Coach returning to its roots, celebrating classic designs which are clean and refined. I love the buttery softness of the tumbled leather, and all those elegant curves. The bold curry red color makes this Dowel feel a little more contemporary than its sisters, but it’s also available in black, caramel, and ivory if you prefer a more conservative color palette.

The Dowel has more than good looks and designer pedigree on its side though. It’s large but not unwieldy, with a zippered pocket and selection of open ones for gadgets. The single handle is long enough to fit snugly over a shoulder, but if you prefer some extra length you can add the longer strap.

The Dowel has the sort of elegance that works in any situation, from business luncheons to trips at the mall. It wouldn’t look out of place with a pants suit or pencil skirt, and it could even dress up your jeans. I’m already planning all the outings the Dowel and I can have together the moment I scrounge up the $798 it costs!

More Features of This Coach Flagship Leather Shoulder Bag

• Turnlock closure
• Fabric lined interior
• A handle with a 7 inch drop
• A longer strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 15.25 x 11.75 x 5.5 inches

Get this Coach Dowel Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Colette hobo bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay

Cleobella brings a contemporary edge to tribal fashion with this Hudson clutch.

The zig zag print is popular on ethnic themed accessories, but I’ve never seen it made with studs. The colored metal discs take this African inspired purse into the urban jungle. I really like the way they modernize the angular lines. I’m not always a fan of combining different colored metals, but they really work against the ivory leather. This neutral tone could have easily appeared boring, but the gold and silver studs save it.

The Hudson is a fairly large clutch, so it could easily work during the day or the evening. This generous space is complemented by a leather trimmed zipper pocket, which is much more useful than the tiny slips we typically see. Large clutches can often become unmanageable, but the slouchy design should make this one easy to carry by hand. And if you do struggle you can always pull out the silver chain strap.

I’d ordinarily hesitate to spend $330 on a clutch purse, but the Hudson’s versatility and its high quality craftsmanship makes me think it’ll be worth the splurge.

More Features of This Cleobella Studded Clutch

• Cotton lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• A chain strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 11.5 x 2 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Cleobella Hudson Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cleobella bags on BagBunch
• The Cleobella Ziggy bag, a great alternative to this zig-zag bag.
• Searching for more Cleobella bags on eBay
• Other studded clutch bags on eBay:

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Luxury label Hemyca has created an affordable limited edition handbag to benefit British charity Age UK.

The pretty velvet purse is adorned with rose details and available in ruby red and sapphire blue. These jewel tones are perfect for the fall weather ahead, and the handbag’s gothic vibe is also right on trend.

Hemyca’s luxury items generally appeal to cashed up British celebs including Cheryl Cole and girl group The Saturdays, but the £15 price tag should see this one warmly received by fashionistas of all budgets.

That’s so much the better for Age UK who’ll receive 100% of the profits. This charity helps the UK’s elderly population with everything from employment to health and wellbeing. The charity’s head of training Helena Brett hopes that Hemyca’s limited edition bag will raise thousands for the initiative.

It’s also exciting to note that the low price doesn’t mean we’re really missing out. Hemyca’s designers Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris promise the same quality and attention to detail we’d find in their signature collections.

Look for Hemyca’s new velvet purse in more than 200 Age UK stores across the United Kingdom this September. Does this cute design inspire you to give to this great cause?

[Source: Style Bistro]

Velvet Handbags on eBay

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Clara Kasavina abandons her usual intricate metal work for this python Suzy clutch.

Python is arguably more luxurious than metal, but funnily enough this clutch doesn’t feel as special as her usual handiwork. That natural mottled python skin is lovely, but I feel like I’ve seen it all before. The rounded off, structured shape is classic but also predictable. The purse’s only originality comes, not so coincidentally, from the metal work. This is really where Clara Kasavina shines. The intricate frame and rhinestone encrusted clasp are gorgeous, even overshadowing that luxury skin.

The Suzy purse delivers all those little luxury extras we’d expect. The soft, silk lining has been hand sewn to ensure it stays in place. A tuckaway chain helps this clutch convert from a hand-held purse to a shoulder bag.

I really couldn’t want for more, and if it had come from another designer I might be more enthused. But I find myself craving that romanticism that first drew me to Clara Kasavina’s accessories. It might be made from luxury python skin, but it still feels pedestrian.

More Features of This Clara Kasavina Python Clutch

• Measures 8 x 3 x 0.75 inches

Get this Clara Kasavina Suzy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Clara Kasavina bags on BagBunch
• The Reef Krakoff Python Detailed clutch bag, a great alternative to this python bag.
• Searching for more Clara Kasavina bags on eBay
• Other python clutch bags on eBay:

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British footwear king Kurt Geiger is expanding his fashion empire with the launch of his first accessories range.

The exhaustive collection, called Everything but the Dress, features handbags and small leather goods, scarves, gloves, jewelry, technology cases, and even hair accessories! And with a range of prices, everyone can afford to indulge in something. You’ll pay as little as £10 for a rhinestone encrusted ring, but you can also splash out on the collection’s most expensive handbag for £450.

The Everything but the Dress collection will also feature a colorful companion line called Candy, which is full of kitschy bags, cardholders, cosmetics purses, pencil cases, and key fob. These novelty items will happily be affordably priced, so we needn’t feel too guilty about indulging in something frivolous!

Kurt Geiger introduces us to the brand new pieces with the video, which stars Polish beauty Anja Rubik. Do you like what you see?

The launch of the accessories line coincides with the recent opening of a brand new Kurt Geiger store on Grafton Street in London’s swanky Mayfair area. The store is currently the only one selling Kurt Geiger accessories, but they’ll be rolled out to other stores in September. Around the same time we should see a brand new look for Kurt Geiger’s website. The online hub is set to feature exclusive pieces, previews of forthcoming collections, behind-the-scenes footage and of course, those brand new accessories!

[Source: Marie Claire]

PETA will be none too pleased about it, but Christian Louboutin serves up real fur with this luxurious Anastasia clutch.

While synthetic varieties have come a long way in recent years, there’s still something so opulent about genuine fur. I’m dying to bury my face in this clutch and just lap up that plush finish. Louboutin’s signature stiletto shoe clasp peeks up proudly from the rich, thick fur.

I do have serious ethical reservations about this purse though. The fox fur comes from Finland, a country where the animal is an endangered species. If real fox fur was really necessary, why not source it from a country like Australia where the animal is considered a pest? Killing of an already threatened population in the name of fashion seems really tasteless.

The price tag is the final insult for me. This is a luxury purse, but its $2345 seems excessive considering its simplicity. Really there’s nothing more than that fox fur here after all. I have serious reservations about the Anastasia, but there’s no denying that it’s a real status piece.

More Features of This Christian Louboutin Fox Fur Clutch

• Also available in gray
• Made in Italy

Get this Christian Louboutin Anastasia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade Cat’s Meow bag, a great alternative to this fur bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin bags on eBay
• Other fox clutch bags on eBay:

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