HEX, a division of August Accessories, is preparing to launch its first line of handbags. The label made a splash with its iPod Nano watchbands, so it makes sense that its new purses also have a technology focus.

Two collections will make up the first HEX handbag line: the casual Recon and more luxurious Varsity. Both collections will have functional features for handling today’s all-important technology, including iPads, MacBooks, and other tablets and laptops. We can look forward to padded organizers, separate compartments, easy access pockets, and adjustable shoulder and cross-body straps. I particularly like the iPad bay, which allows tech-lovers to use their iPad while never taking it out of the bag.

The HEX Recon bags are made from industrial grade canvas shell fabric, so they should be as tough as they look. The weathered finish of these bags will be a great foil for a worn-in pair of jeans, whether you choose the khaki or charcoal colors.

The Varsity collection will show a different side of HEX, one that’s more prim and proper. The gray blended wool fabric and conservative style should take girls from their Ivy League college campuses to the corporate environment.

Each collection features eight bag styles, including backpacks and messenger bags in a variety of sizes. They’re available for pre-order through the HEX website ahead of their mid-August release.

[Source: PR Newswire]
[Image Source: HEX website]

I’ve always found B. Makowsky to be an uneven designer, one that produced some good purses but could never be relied upon. However I think he’s gotten things right with this Varick satchel.

The Varick has a fairly traditional satchel shape, but its hardware gives it a contemporary punch. I love the look of those angled zip pockets, and the bold metal accents underneath the shoulder straps. I also enjoy the way the silver metal pops against the black leather; it’s got that dangerous motorcycle feel to it which makes this black bag seem a little more interesting.

Designers so often use the same hardware on all their bags without taking color into account, so I’m thrilled to see B. Makowsky’s put more thought in. Complementary hardware is used on the dark brandy and tan vachetta bags. They seem a little pedestrian to me, but girls with tamer tastes may disagree.

It’s all well and good for B. Makowsky to draw us in with good looks, but it takes more than that to sell a satchel. Thankfully the Varick is really practical, with a range of carry straps and a plethora of pockets inside and out.

You couldn’t really ask for anything more, especially for the price. Any leather bag costing $268 is a bargain, but when it’s as smart as this one it’s almost irresistible.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Leather Satchel

• Fully lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 5 x 16.5 x 10 inches

Get this B. Makowsky Varick Handbag:

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

[phpbay]B Makowsky Varick satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Awesome Handbags and Movies eBay store to see if this B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky multi-leather Varick satchel bag, a great alternative to this matte bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

They say that a leopard can’t change its spots, but clearly no one told Vera Bradley. The label was once known for fairly kitschy fabric purses, but in recent seasons it’s dabbled with more fashion forward designs. With this saddle bag from Vera Bradley’s Microfiber Collection, the label’s shown us a new level of sophistication.

Gone are the prints we know and in some cases love. Instead Vera Bradley’s opted for a rich navy blue microfiber material. The diamond quilting has also been ditched in favor of a more interesting round bubble effect. Rounded stitched corners add interest and strength, while the front pocket gives us the practicality Vera Bradley is known for.

This pocket is just the start of this saddle bag’s functional features. There’s a large slip pocket in the back for stashing receipts, and an assortment of other pouches inside. This saddle bag is mid-sized so it really suits everyday use, as does its long shoulder strap.

Vera Bradley might be showing a new sophistication here, but that doesn’t come with inflated charges. By pricing this purse at a mere $75, the label’s showing us that some things never change!

More Features of This Vera Bradley Quilted Microfiber Purse

• Magnetic flap closure
• A single strap with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches

Get this Vera Bradley Saddle Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the My Peanut’s Princess eBay store to see if this Vera Bradley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vera Bradley bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley Microfiber tote bag, a great alternative to this saddle bag.
• Searching for more Vera Bradley bags on eBay
• Other Vera Bradley microfiber bags on eBay:

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

It seems that there’s a new It Bag in town. While the term almost faded from the lexicon following the global financial crisis, the Mulberry Carter bag has been spotted on the arms of too many celebrities to ignore.

The Carter bags have only just hit Mulberry stores, but already Kirsten Dunst, Kate Bosworth, Emma Watson, and Lily Donaldson have been snapped proudly carrying theirs.

The biggest problem with carrying an It Bag is that you start to look like everybody else. Thankfully though, the Carter has enough variations to help us avoid blending into the background. It comes in a range of colors and fabrics, including crocodile and snake embossed leather in taupe, blue, and black, and a fox brown suede. I’d have preferred some more unexpected colors to complement the neutrals, but these shades at least have staying power.

The Carter also comes in a range of sizes, including a mini camera bag with a cross-body strap, a mid-sized version, and a large dual handle style which can fit all the worldly goods you need each day. Whichever Carter you pick, you’ll love the woven leather and chain straps and the chic golden clasps.

Only time will tell whether we’ve got a new classic on our hands, but the Carter’s instant popularity is a good early indicator.

[Source: Marie Claire]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

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

Once upon a time we could count on Juicy Couture accessories to be made of velour, covered in rhinestones, and very, very pink. But that’s not always the case these days, as the label flexes its creative muscle in new ways. This Retro Floral Tote is part of the new breed.

I wouldn’t say this tote is revolutionary, but it’s a very different bag from the ones we typically associate with the label. Its mellow gray color is very subdued, and its monochrome floral print one for the modern girls. There’s also no branding, which is definitely a new look for the label. As the world moves away from obvious logos and signatures, I’m glad to see Juicy Couture keeping pace.

This tote is fairly simple, but I wouldn’t say it’s basic. There’s a selection of pockets in the side wall to ensure the sizable space stays organized. We really need them too, as without any closure we rely on it for security. Personally I’d have preferred a zip, or at least a magnetic snap, but at least it offers easy access.

Frankly I think $148 is too much to pay for any canvas tote, and this one isn’t innovative enough to change my mind. But it is a step in the right direction for Juicy Couture!

More Features of This Juicy Couture Coated Canvas Tote

• Platform base
• Logo print lining
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 6 x 13 inches

Get this Juicy Couture Retro Floral Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Juicy Couture Retro Floral Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Shopdotelle eBay store to see if this Juicy Couture bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Sunflower Tote bag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more Juicy Couture bags on eBay

Ghurka is set to capitalize on its recent recording-making run on ShopNBC by opening a new luxury boutique on New York’s prestigious Fifth Avenue. It is the fashion house’s second Manhattan location, with the other being at The Plaza Retail Collection.

The leather luggage and handbag label will soon set up shop at the Sherry Netherland Hotel at 781 Fifth Avenue. The new dual-level store will be spread out over a lavish 1140 square feet space; there’ll be 915 square feet on the ground floor and an additional 225 square feet in the basement.

The new store will offer the handbags, travel bags, and men’s and women’s accessories the label’s been renowned for since 1975. No doubt the fashion house’s new Heritage Collection will be amongst the offerings. You might remember that bags from this collection, which draw inspiration from classic Ghurka designs, broke records when they were featured on Shop NBC earlier this month.

The new Sherry Netherland Hotel store will become Ghurka’s flagship outlet, but it’ll essentially be business as usual at The Plaza Retail Collection store. The dual locations will simply give New York shoppers more choice.

No doubt Ghurka will benefit from its fashionable New York neighbors, which include Cipriana and Domenico Vacca. Do you predict that Ghurka’s newest Manhattan store will be a success?

[Source: Citybiz Real Estate]
[Image Source: Angela P/Stock.xchng]

Ghurka Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Ghurka, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]