Zac Posen is preparing to open his first Z Spoke store, around a year after the collection’s inception. The retail outlet, slated to open in New York’s trendy Meatpacking District on August 25, will focus exclusively on Posen’s more affordable diffusion line.

There’s plenty of work to be done before opening day though. The site on Washington Street is still occupied by Scoop Beach, so the resort and leisure line will need to vacate before Posen can start decorating. The clock’s ticking!

The choice of venue is interesting considering that only 12 months ago Posen said his native New York didn’t understand his clothes or respect him. I guess opening a store with more affordable clothes and accessories is a good way to make nice!

The opening of the bricks and mortar store really shows how far Z Spoke by Zac Posen has come since its launch. Remember when you could only find it at Saks Fifth Avenue? Just like Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe, it seems this diffusion collection is going to stick around.

Are you excited to shop for Z Spoke in Zac Posen’s new Big Apple digs, or would you prefer to splurge on the designer’s signature line?

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

Zac Posen Z Spoke Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Zac Posen Z Spoke, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Fashion matriarch Coco Chanel once told us to always take one thing off before we leave the house. This sound tip has saved many a girl from looking overdone when they stepped out. It’s a shame that Big Buddha didn’t take this sage advice when it created the London.

The London is a bag I like a lot. Its triangular quilting makes its high quality red synthetic seem a bit more luxurious. Its flap front and turnlock closure make more than a passing nod to Mulberry’s Bayswater bag, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. I love the way this golden clasp complements the chain straps.

But then there are those studs. They’re delicate and demure, and again they complement the metal we’ve seen before. But with this one element the London goes from classy satchel to over-designed accessory.

While I’m expressing my reservations, I’m also not sure about the unusual placement of those handles. They’re bound to get in the way when you’re accessing the main compartment. I think in its efforts to be quirky, Big Buddha’s forgotten about the functionality that comes when you stick to a tried and true approach.

It’s a shame that just a few elements let down what could have been a really solid satchel. Some girls might figure close to perfect is good enough when we’re paying less than $100, but personally I just wish things were done better.

More Features of This Big Buddha Quilted Satchel

• Zip closure underneath the flap
• Two open pockets and a zip pocket inside
• Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 10 x 4 inches

Get this Big Buddha London Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha London, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Boutique de Antiqua eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Bristol bag, a great alternative to this turnlock bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Like her or loathe here, Betsey Johnson is never boring. And with her Get Ruff to It Wallet, she might have created her most accessible purse yet.

Betsey seems to delight in polarizing fashion fans, but she’s played things just a little safer here. It seems strange to ever call a purse in such a lurid shade of pink safe, but stay with me. Betsey is one of those designers who typically adds layers upon layers upon layers of accents, until we’re just not sure where to look. The Get Ruff to It wallet though is remarkably restrained, with only a string of chain decorating the ruffled flap.

Frills and metal don’t seem like natural bedfellows, but they work well together here. The chain tempers the purse’s natural girlishness, making it appear just that little bit tougher. The pink wallet is never going to be a bad girl, but the chain ensures we don’t think it’s entirely innocent either. It’s just the kind of thing I can imagine one of the Pink Ladies in Grease carrying!

Most wallets spend their lives tucked away inside larger bags, but this one’s chain allows it to function as a cross-body purse. Be warned though, it still has that wallet style organization so space is limited. If you only need your money though you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the functional pockets and slips provided.

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Ruffled Wallet

• Snap closure
• An exterior zip coin pouch
• Six card slots and an ID window
• Cotton lined interior
• A chain strap with a 23 inch drop
• Measures 4.25 x 7.5 x 1.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Betsey Johnson Get Ruff to It Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Betsey Johnson bags on BagBunch
• The Betsey Johnson Frill Me Up clutch bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Betsey Johnson bags on eBay
• Other Betsey Johnson Get Ruff to It bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Betsey Johnson Get Ruff to It, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Most 17-year-old girls are too busy gossiping about cute boys and hanging out at their local mall to ever think of creating a business empire. But not Taylor Greenberg Goldy, who’s preparing to launch Design-A-Bag craft kits through her company Charitotes.

The idea came about through Greenberg Goldy’s own work decorating gift filled tote bags for cancer-stricken children. For last year’s Strike Out Pediatric Cancer Bowl-A-Thon she harnessed a group of 60 volunteers to create 200 of her signature bags. It was a massive effort, but she still wasn’t satisfied.

And so she launched her company which raises money for charity and enables kids to create their own customized tote bags. The kits feature a plain white canvas tote, stickers and stencils, crayons and fabric markets, and a sketchbook for planning the ultimate bag design.

The Design-A-Bag craft kits will be available individually for $20 or in 12-packs for parties this October 1 from the Chariototes website. Ten percent of all sales will help the Pediatric Cancer Foundation fight against childhood cancers.

But this is just the beginning for this teen entrepreneur. Taylor Greenberg Goldy hopes to see her Design-A-Bag craft kits in a range of retailers across America by next year.

[Source: PR Web]

Inject a little luxury into your everyday life with this Beirn tab wallet.

Nobody needs a special occasion to wear snakeskin when they’ve got this glitzy wallet. It’s a real showstopper with its silvery finish and subtle snake scales. Some girls may long for more traditional mottling, but I think a texture would have made that metallic seem too flamboyant. This traditional tab design allows the gunmetal colored snake to shine, just as it should!

This wallet probably won’t suit seasoned shopaholics, but it’s got enough features to handle the finances of most women. We’re treated to a pair of large slip compartments for paper money and receipts, a gusseted zip pouch for change, seven credit card slots and a clear ID window. The snap-close space is well organized, even if it’s not exhaustive.

Real snakeskin always drives the price up, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this wallet available for $180. Sure an embossed leather one might be cheaper, but it also wouldn’t have that same opulence.

More Features of This Beirn Snakeskin Wallet

• Nylon lined interior
• Measures 4 x 7 x 1 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Beirn Tab Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Beirn bags on BagBunch
• The Beirn Annie Clutch bag, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more Beirn bags on eBay
• Other snakeskin wallets on eBay:

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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s fashion lines rarely do any favors for their fans. While the designing twins create some lovely handbags and apparel items, they tend to come with inflated price tags. But the sisters have shown they do have a generous side; they’re releasing a new coin purse for charity.

The limited edition change pouch comes from the Olsen’s most affordable collection, JCPenney Olsenboye. It’s decorated with a peace sign and affordably priced at $9.99.

And best of all, all proceeds will benefit JCPenney’s Pennies from Heaven program. This charity initiative provides after-school activities for students in need. Ashley Olsen said she believes “every child should have the opportunity to be part of a positive and nurturing environment after school.” Mary-Kate added that these programs influence more than academic performance; they actually “impact a child’s life.”

I take my hat off to the Olsens for giving back, but I’m equally impressed that there’s a Mary-Kate and Ashley purse I can actually afford! However, we really shouldn’t expect any real design work in this cheap and cheerful purse. It look exactly how I’d imagine a coin purse with a peace sign would look. Where’s that signature flair girls?

You’ll find the new JCPenney Olsenboye change purse exclusively at JCPenney stores, including the retailer’s website.

[Source: Contactmusic]
[Image Source: StyleWatch]

Peace Sign Coin Purses on eBay

[phpbay]peace sign coin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve seen plenty of ruffled bags in my time, but none quite like this Taylor purse from Bebe.

The large gentle pleats of this flap have a structure that almost makes them feel like plates of armor. These plates are separated by the ultra tight ruched synthetic running down the center. I love the way all these folds make the simple curved flap seem much more dramatic, but I’m less enthusiastic about the silver name plate. In some ways this kind of branding is a necessary evil, but with so many labels opting for more subtle logos it’s a shame that Bebe isn’t keeping pace.

I can’t fault the Taylor on a practical level though. The saddle shaped interior is sizable and well appointed, with media compartments and a zip pocket. That striking curved design is a bit of a double-edge sword though, as it means the bag will topple once we sit it down. The selection of removable long and short straps helps make amends though, as does the convenient pocket on the back.

For $79 I’m really impressed by the flirty style and features of the Taylor. It doesn’t cost a lot, but happily it doesn’t feel like a low-end accessory either.

More Features of This Bebe Ruched Saddle Bag

• Magnetic closure
• A short handle with a 6 inch drop
• A long handle with an 18 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 10 x 3 inches
• Also available in crimson and ivory
• Made in China

Get this Bebe Taylor Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bebe bags on BagBunch
• The Bebe Taylor ruched tote bag, a great alternative to this flap bag.
• Searching for more Bebe bags on eBay
• Other ruffled bags on eBay:

[phpbay]ruffled, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Be & D dishes up girly glamour with this flirty Austin clutch.

I really shouldn’t love this purse as much as I do as it breaks all of my fashion rules. I rarely warm to metallic purses, especially when the shiny finish is paired with snakeskin print. The silvery skin is over the top, and the structured bow makes it even more so. But funnily enough, I still find myself hanging along for the ride. Its dainty proportions help it get away with its excessive glitz. It’d never suit a corporate luncheon or dinner with the in laws, but it’s a perfect party purse.

The Austin has enough space to handle the things you really need on a night out, but not too much more. It’s long but narrow, so you’ll need to pack it carefully to avoid unsightly lumps. Thankfully the strap needn’t clutter the interior, as it’s easily removable.

If that silvery finish is still scaring you off, the colorblocked options may be more your speed. Personally I’ve never warmed to this retro effect, and I think it still looks jarring here. But the mixes of burgundy and berry and dark smoke and natural leather are slightly more subdued. Ever so slightly.

More Features of This Be & D Bow Clutch

• Silver-toned hardware
• An exterior zip pocket on the back
• Zip top closure
• Faux suede lining with a zip pocket
• A removable chain strap with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 7 inches
• Made in the USA

Get this Be & D Austin Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Be D bow convertible clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the GetStyled eBay store to see if this Be & D bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Be & D bags on BagBunch
• The Be & D Guinevere clutch bag, a great alternative to this bow bag.
• Searching for more Be & D bags on eBay

It’s been a long time coming, but after 150 years in the business Frye has finally opened its first flagship store. The label combines vintage and contemporary elements at the boutique, which is located on Spring Street in New York’s Soho district.

The 6000-square-foot space features the label’s menwear, womenswear, childrenswear, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. It was designed by AvroKO, a contemporary New York design firm that’s managed to translate the company’s signature mix of vintage and industrial influences. The space’s brass fittings, exposed brick walls, and modern lighting makes the store feel really dynamic and very Frye.

A customized hot-stamp program is one of the New York stores more unique initiatives. The scheme embraces Frye’s Western heritage by “branding” your monogram on a pair of boots. The complementary service is available for new footwear purchases or even for your favorite pair of Frye boots sitting at home.

The store will also feature jewelry designed in collaboration with Tara Cullen, which is the first of many partnerships we’ll see in the Soho retail outlet.

The opening of the flagship store is the first event in a major expansion effort for Frye. It plans to open five new stores over the next five years in key international locations, although none have been confirmed at this stage. Where do you think Frye should set up shop next?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: PV KS/Flickr]

Frye Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Frye, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I really like the way Max Azria affordably interprets the trends with his diffusion label BCBGeneration. I think this Sophie satchel may be one of the cleverest yet.

Quilting often makes a material feel richer, whether it’s leather or a satiny fabric as we see here. However the Sophie’s stitching is a real departure from the usual diamond quilting designers deliver. It almost looks like crocodile scales, doesn’t it? It doesn’t create a look that’s quite as luxurious as a genuine exotic, but it does ensure this black bag isn’t boring.

That shiny fabric is complemented by muted synthetic handles and trim. All too often synthetics look too polished, even tacky, but by tempering this leatherette BCBGeneration ensures the Sophie retains its class.

It’s called as a small satchel, but we all know that’s a relative term in fashion. Personally I’d have no problems fitting everything I need on an average day inside. In fact, with those soft walls I could even cram in a few extras. The material is so lightweight that the Sophie shouldn’t become unmanageable even when it’s overstuffed. There’s also a longer, flat strap available to make carrying it even easier.

It might not inspire the envious looks of bags from Max Azria’s premier line, but at just $88 I can see real value here.

More Features of This BCBGeneration Quilted Satchel

• Zip closure
• Logo print lining
• A single strap with a 13 inch drop
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 16 x 5.5 inches
• Also available in bronze
• Made in China

Get this BCBGeneration Sophie Handbag:

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

[phpbay]BCBGeneration Sophie, 2, “”, large[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More BCBG Max Azria bags on BagBunch
• The large BCBGeneration Sophie bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more BCBG Max Azria bags on eBay