Alexander Wang Alpha Leather & Suede Shopper | Pitch Perfect Minimal Mouse Gray Tote

Posted on: Jun 6

Alexander Wang Alpha Leather And Suede ShopperI adore Alexander Wang. He has a definite cult following, and I am definitely part of it. His fashion-forward, streamlined designs are classic and edgy at the same time, and this Alpha shopper is a great example of how he’s able to balance those two poles.

Gray is the new black. Just kidding, but it has been really popular the past few seasons. That’s particularly true for soft pale grays like this one. It has the benefit of being both neutral and also a little bit unusual, and the combination of materials gives the texture extra dimensionality.

The overall shape of the Alpha is very traditional, but it has some very unique details. The multiple top handles aren’t just beautiful, they’re also super practical. The shorter handles are great for hand holding and the longer, wider strap is good for throwing over your shoulder. The stitch panel detail is subtle, but beautiful.

As usual, Alexander Wang has stayed below the usual designer price point on the Alpha, and $495 really doesn’t seem like that much to pay for a modern classic.

More Features Of The Alexander Wang Alpha Leather & Suede Shopper

  • 17″ x 16″ x 4″ size
  • 1″ double handle drop
  • 12″-21″ shoulder strap drop
  • Fully lined in black canvas

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L’Wren Scott Launches Lula Handbags | Model Designer Claims Expensive Bags are “Well Priced”

Posted on: Jun 6

L'Wren Scott Bags

Model and fashion designer L’Wren Scott has showed she’s completely out of touch with the launch of her new Lula handbag collection.

The Lula, which was named after Scott’s mother, is available in three different sizes, from small to weekender. It’s also available in a variety of luxury materials, including red and purple calfskin, python in black or pink, and a lush Bordeaux crocodile. Given their materials we wouldn’t expect these purses to come at bargain basement prices, but we also wouldn’t expect them to be considered “well priced.”

However it seems the sheltered L’Wren Scott thinks they are, despite the smallest bag in the cheapest materials costing $2300. And the most luxurious weekend purse? Well it’s definitely not well priced at a whopping $20, 000.

However she told the press “For what you’re getting, they’re incredibly well priced. It’s a forever bag.

She continued to natter like a twit when describing the purse clasp she loves so much.

When you open it and close it, it makes sort of a ‘woosh,’ like the first time you ride in a nice car and the door closes very ‘woosh’ and you go, ‘wow,’” she gushed. Well OK then.

These aren’t bad looking bags, but I’m mostly turned off the L’Wren Scott Lula purses on principle. There’s nothing wrong with creating luxury handbags, but don’t pretend you’re giving us value for money. Are you offended by L’Wren Scott’s comments?

[Source: Contact Music]
[Image Source: Style File]

Nicole Lee Nadia Boston Satchel | Studded Flower Purple Synthetic Bag

Posted on: Jun 6

Nicole Lee Nadia SatchelLately I’ve been falling in love with studs all over again. Designers are beginning to realize that less is more, and using the accents with the restraint they really deserve. And then there’s Nicole Lee.

There’s nothing restrained about the application of studs on this Nadia satchel. Nicole Lee has been very heavy-handed with the metal, using studs in a variety of shapes and colors to create an abstract flower design.

I suppose once studs fall completely out of favor you can turn the Nadia over, as the back is bare save for its zippered pocket. Personally I just wish Nicole Lee had taken some of those studs from the front and spread them out. Perhaps then this purse might not date so quickly. Instead the Nadia is here for a good time, not a long time.

Given its short shelf life, I don’t mind the use of synthetic. Sure it might wear out by the end of the year, but you’re probably not going to want to carry it much longer than that. And besides, we’re only paying $64.50 to carry it.

In the mean time we can enjoy all the space inside the Nadia, and its choice of handles or detachable strap. The pair of gadget pockets and zippered pouch are pretty stock standard, but they do the job of keeping our items in order.

I’d prefer something more minimalist, but if you love studs that make a statement you can’t go wrong with the Nadia.

More Features of This Nicole Lee Studded Satchel

  • Zip top closure
  • Measures 14.5 x 12 x 8 inches

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Travelpro International Launch Walkabout Lite 4 Collection | Lightweight Tough New Travel Bags

Posted on: Jun 6

Travelpro Walkabout Lite 4 BagsTravelpro International has released a new Walkabout Lite 4 Collection just in time for our summer vacations.

The new range looks to help travelers avoid those pesky extra baggage fees, as all its bags are lighter than the average. Just don’t call them lightweights! The Walkabout Lite 4 bags are just as tough as the rest of the Travelpro International range.

I think the 22-inch Rollaboard is the pick of the new suitcases. It weighs less than 8.5 pounds, and it’s a great size for most business and short leisure trips. However if you need a little more room you can expand it to take advantage of 35% more space.

Speaking of those business trips, I’m also a fan of the 3-in-1 Suitfolder and Packing Board System. This organizer system can ensure your pants suits and other formal outfits are wrinkle-free and fresh when you reach your destination.

Other bags in the Walkabout Lite 4 range include the Deluxe Tote, Rolling Computer Tote, and Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag. The Walkabout Lite 4 bags are available in classic black and blue shades. I wish there were a few more unusual colors to help them stand out on the baggage carousel, but I’m sure conservative travelers will be happy enough. These really are functional, rather than fashionable, travel bags after all.

The Walkabout Lite 4 collection is available at a range of department stores and luggage outlets across the United States.

[Source: Howard R. Miller Communications]

Travelpro International Walkabout Lite Bags on eBay

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Nancy Gonzalez Panama Knotted Satchel | Crocodile Net Structured Black & Ivory Handbag

Posted on: Jun 6

Nancy Gonzalez Panama SatchelNancy Gonzalez delivers another enviable piece of arm candy with this Panama Knotted Satchel.

The South American designer has mixed things up a bit here, tying strips of her favorite Caimun fuscus crocodile in knots to create an exotic kind of net. This luxurious black skin is laid over pale ivory straw, dressing up the summery material and giving it an enticing new dimension.

I can appreciate Gonzalez’s ingenuity, but I’m not sure this is the best way to use such a precious material. When it’s all chopped up like this we lose the effect of the skin, although we’re certainly still paying for it. I might have parted with $3,100 if this Panama bag was made of a solid croc, but here it feels we’re being shortchanged.

The interior does little to change my mind. This satchel is a good size, not unmanageably large but also not too small to hold the things we need. But it doesn’t have enough pockets to satisfy most of us, so we’re left struggling with the space we do have. The handles have also been designed with looks rather than practicality in mind. A few extra inches would have made all the difference.

This Panama bag would certainly make a big impression, but something tells me it’d be more trouble to use than it’s worth.

More Features of This Nancy Gonzalez Knotted Satchel

  • Golden hardware
  • Two-way zip top
  • Measures 10 x 13.4 x 8 inches
  • Made in Columbia

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What’Surbag Gives Back | Reusable Tote Brand Gives to Charity & Planet

Posted on: Jun 5

whatSurbag ToteReusable totes are becoming a staple of modern culture. They’re an eco-friendly way to take our groceries home from the store and they double as convenient gym bags. But do they all have to look so boring?

Apparently not. What’Surbag is bucking the trend with its funky reusable handbags. Choose from bold solid colors, glitzy metallics, and flirty prints including snake scales and nautical stripes.

What’Surbag bags have more than good looks on their side though. They’re stretchy so they can happily take up to 45 pounds without tearing. That elasticity makes carrying these bags more comfortable, which is a real blessing if you’re doing the weekly grocery run!

What’Surbag takes its environmental commitment seriously, so it encourages its customers to return their bags once they reach the end of their lives. What’Surbag then passes the purses on to be recycled into placemats or ragrugs. That’s a lot better than them sitting in landfill!

What’Surbag doesn’t just do its bit to protect the planet; it also looks after its people. The company has created several charity bags recently to benefit the American Red Cross’ Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund and New Orleans Hope House. The bags in the JAPAN and NOLA collection all bear the simple slogan, Hope.

What’Surbag creates accessories in a range of sizes and shapes, from the small pouch to the large shopper, the tech tote for the gadget lovers, and the new Travel Lite handbag. They’re all available online from the what’Surbag website.

[Source: Feelgood Style]
[Image Source: what’Surbag website]

Reusable Tote Bags on eBay

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Nahui Ollin Wallet | Woven Recycled Candy Wrapper Purse

Posted on: Jun 5

Nahui Ollin WalletI have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Nahui Ollin. I can’t help respecting the way she turns old candy wrappers into wearable pieces of art. Her traditional way of weaving the wrappers has created so many eco-conscious copycats. But on the other hand, her purses aren’t very practical. Her material is fragile, so the bags made from it can’t be loaded up. So perhaps this candy wrapper wallet is the perfect Nahui Ollin wallet.

On concept alone, I’d say that it is. Wallets only need to hold some coins, dollar bills, and plastic cards. Candy wrappers are certainly up to the task of holding such a small load. But I think Nahui Ollin’s execution lets her down here. The chunky leather tab is unsightly, and it looks out of place. The contrast stitching certainly doesn’t help it. A much cleaner design would have allowed Nahui Ollin’s unique materials to shine, but instead I find myself focusing on that ugly tab.

Clearly Nahui Ollin didn’t want to risk us overworking this wallet. We get a pocket for cash and a single card slot. Can you believe it? Show me a girl who says she has only one card and I’ll show you a girl who’s keeping a few accounts secret!

So it seems I’m still searching for that perfect Nahui Ollin purse. Is it out there?

More Features of This Nahui Ollin Coin Purse

  • Measures 4 x 3 x 0.5 inches

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Free Chris Benz Bags at Saks | Designer Totes with Lancome Purchase

Posted on: Jun 5

Chris Benz Lancome BagChris Benz has given us a new reason to splurge on skincare with his latest tote bag.

The adorable tote is offered as a free gift to Saks Fifth Avenue shoppers who spend $60 or more on Lancome products. I love the combination of casual sketching and watercolor hues, and the handles are especially stylish. As free bags go, this is one of the best I’ve seen. As if that wasn’t enticing enough, the summery fabric handbag also comes packed with samples of some of Lancome’s most popular products.

This isn’t the first time that Chris Benz has lent his creative talents to Lancome. The designer created a very popular limited edition Chris & Tell lipstick in 2010. I’m sure that Chris Benz and Lancome will hope for similar success with this brand new collaboration!

The free Chris Benz bag with Lancome purchase promotion kicks off on June 14 and runs until the 25th, or at least it will if supplies last that long. Personally I wouldn’t wait until the end of the initiative just in case! The designer bag and the free swag it’s filled with will be available at all Saks Fifth Avenue outlets and the department store’s website.

[Source: Elle]

Mywalit Small Shopper | Colorful Blue Grab Bag with Woven Handles

Posted on: Jun 5

Mywalit Small ShopperThe always colorful Mywalit looks to brighten up your next trip to the mall with this small shopper.

Mywalit are masters at using color well. It offers a rainbow of shades, but the hues are never blinding. Most of this bag is a very sedate shade of dark blue. But it becomes something special with the colorful woven handles and stripes of teal and lime green. These hues are the attention grabbers, but if Mywalit hadn’t chosen such a sensible shade for the rest of that bag they wouldn’t look nearly so appealing.

Those plaited handles do the job, but they’re a little short for comfortable over-the-shoulder carrying. That’s not a practical concern though, because Mywalit has also added a much longer shoulder strap. Sadly though, this plain blue strap looks a little pedestrian when compared to its colorful carrying colleagues. As the woven handles are so striking, we really should be able to use them all the time. A few more inches would have made all the difference.

It’s called a small shopper, but don’t let that description scare you off. It’s certainly big enough to carry everything you need without a problem; it just won’t weigh you down by tempting you to pack anything extra! The single zippered pocket and open gadget pouch ensure you can always put your hand on your essentials.

At €135, Mywalit has created a cute and affordable shopper for girls who enjoy carrying an accessory that’s just a little bit different!

More Features of This Mywalit Colored Shopper

  • An exterior pouch with secure closure
  • Measures 11.8 x 10.2 inches

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Buba Collaborates with Cabinet on New Handbag Collection | Jewel Studded Autumn/Winter Purses

Posted on: Jun 4

Cabinet Buba Mandala ClutchLuxury handbag label Buba enjoyed teaming up with jewelry firm Cabinet so much on their first collection, it’s doing it all again this fall/winter.

The colors we saw in the spring/summer collection have been muted to reflect the changing seasons. The combination of mellow gray, ivory, and soft golden hues and Cabinet’s gemstones is very old Hollywood. The pieces are sophisticated but also ultra luxurious, the kind of things you might imagine Betty Davis or Rita Hayworth carrying to their red carpet premieres. They project an air of wealth but don’t scream it ostentatiously, so they’re very appropriate for the current financial climate.

They’re also more versatile than you might think. As statement pieces they really can make an outfit special, whether it’s a haute couture gown or simple jeans and tee.

The luxury materials Buba and Cabinet use to create these pieces of wearable art mean they’re on the expensive side, although the cheapest clutches should be achievable for girls on a budget. They start at £195 for the Heart Purse, although the larger day and travel bags are much more expensive. If you want to blow your budget, look to the Geo Travel Bag, Small Mandala Travel Bag, or regular Mandala Travel Bag. These purses are all priced at £1260.

[Source: StyleBistro]
[Image Source: Buba London website]

Buba Bags on eBay

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