English actress and model Elizabeth Hurley opened the doors of her brand new Beach Boutique in the Italian township of Parma yesterday. The store, which is located in the Fidenza Village, features Elizabeth Hurley’s own handbags, beach totes, swimwear, and other summer accessories.

Elizabeth was on hand for the grand unveiling. She cut the store’s pink ribbon, modeled some of her collection, and took the time to meet and greet her new customers. It is the second Elizabeth Hurley Beach Boutique to open this week. The first was in the German city of Wertheim, and no doubt there’s more to come.

Elizabeth Hurley’s beach accessories have come a long way since launching in Harrods way back in 2005. Today her collection includes sarongs, swimsuits, beach shoes, and cover ups. The generously sized totes are designed to hold plenty of beach necessities, and rendered in pretty patterns to complement the swimwear and other summer apparel items. I think it’d be a bit matchy-matchy to carry a tote in the same print as your bikini, but each to their own.

Elizabeth Hurley’s summer Beach Boutiques seem to be doing great business. Where would you like to see the stores pop up next?

[Source: Examiner]
[Image Source: Andrew Halpern/Wikipedia Commons]

Giuseppe Zanotti embraces the 80s with this fun crystal covered clutch.

Its sleek white leather body is jazzed up with spiky crystals. These gems look a bit intimidating, but they also add punch to the dramatic V-shaped design.

With those jewels polished to a point I can’t imagine wanting to carry this clutch by hand. Giuseppe Zanotti seems to agree with me, as he’s added a longer leather strap. After suffering for too long with chain straps, I’m thrilled to see a designer using a softer alternative. It’s every bit as elegant too; it’ll just feel a lot more comfortable on your shoulder.

The high quality brown leather lining makes this clutch’s interior feel a bit more luxurious, but it’s still got its limitations. Its long but its slender, so it’ll still take some careful packing to store everything you want inside.

At $905 this clutch is definitely expensive, but it’s not exorbitant for a Giuseppe Zanotti accessory. That’s particularly true if you can travel light and get some extra use from it during the day. Just make sure you handle it with care; that white leather will start to lose its appeal if it’s stained and smudged.

More Features of This Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Studded Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• A leather strap with a 19.5 inch drop
• Measures 3.5 x 11.25 x 1.25 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Giuseppe Zanotti EB0014 Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Giuseppe Zanotti bags on BagBunch
• The Clara Kasavina Romeo bag, a great alternative to this crystal studded bag.
• Searching for more Giuseppe Zanotti bags on eBay
• Other crystal studded clutch bags on eBay:

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Missoni is the latest fashion house to join forces with Target for a diffusion line. And the Italian label isn’t doing it by halves!

This is set to be one of the biggest Designers for Target collections to date, with more than 400 pieces available. These items will include the apparel and accessories we all expected, and the bed sheets and dinnerware we probably didn’t!

Handbags haven’t been explicitly mentioned at this point, but with such a diverse range I’ll be shocked if they don’t feature. The colorful collection will be decorated with the swirly prints, zig zag patterns, and psychedelic florals Missoni is famous for.

It’s been a labor of love for the label’s creative director Angela Missoni, who says working with Target has “been a fantastic experience.” She added that she can’t wait to share the results of the collaboration with American families.

The Missoni for Target collection is set to hit Target stores across America, including its online e-store, from September 13. The limited edition range will be displayed until October 22, although something tells me the best pieces won’t last that long!

Will you join the inevitable long queue at your local Target store to get your hands on the Missoni items?

[Source: Vogue]
[Image Source: The Plaz/Wikipedia Commons]

Designers for Target Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]for Target, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Armani Exchange is celebrating its 20th anniversary with web exclusive designs like this modern leather hobo. With its electric blue body and relaxed slouch, this handbag would look perfect paired with your favorite pair of jeans.

Armani Exchange has tweaked the traditional hobo format for the better here. It’s got a subtle slouch but its body isn’t so relaxed that it’ll become unmanageable. It’s also much deeper than the classic crescent shape, so you’ll be able to carry a few extra items. And its design is very clean, free of hippie-dippy accents like fringing and feathers. That makes this hobo look very modern, yet timeless at the same time.

I’m a bit disappointed that we miss out on the little extras though. Without any protective feet on the base, the soft leather is sure to scuff. I also wish the pockets were leather trimmed to help them last too. I suppose we shouldn’t demand such attention to detail at this price point, but I thought Armani Exchange may have extended itself for its anniversary. If not then, than when?

I could quibble about the details, but Armani Exchange has still produced a stylish high-quality hobo which is more affordable than most of its competitors at $280.

More Features of This Armani Exchange Leather Hobo

• A single wrapped handle
• Fully lined interior

Get this Armani Exchange 20th Anniversary Handbag:

• Available to buy at Armani Exchange
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Giorgio Armani bags on BagBunch
• The Lucky Brand Bandit bag, a casual alternative to this fold-over bag.
• Searching for more Armani bags on eBay
• Other blue leather hobo bags on eBay:

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I’ll be honest, sometimes Bourne’s designs can end up looking a little tacky. This is why I am glad to see a purse that still features its signature bright colors and diamanté, but in a simple and refined way.

The Tamara is quite large for a clutch, with a beautiful pinky red leather body that means it stands out almost immediately. In combination with a curvy shape and that arching center panel, it looks really smart. Add to that bright color a circular donut of pewter colored metal and dark diamanté gems, and you have a handbag that should easily be at home in a ballroom with a long and rather dramatic looking dress.

The mark of a successful evening bag may be how easily it gives attention to your outfit, rather than taking all of the glory, but there also needs to be an element of practicality. Boring as that is. In this case Bourne may have overcompensated. There is almost too much space, and it may look a little out of balance next to all the slimline purses in the room. Still, there is the all-important handle, and that has to be good!

The Bourne Tamara evening bag certainly tries hard, but does it succeed?

More Features of this Glamorous Leather Clutch:

• Also available in gold or pewter
• Leather exterior
• Optional drop in strap
• Magnetic strap closure

Get this Bourne Tamara Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bourne bags on BagBunch
• The Bourne Tallulah clutch, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more diamanté bags on eBay
• Other Bourne bags on eBay:

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Giani Bernini has always been a fashion house that favors neutrals. Most of its accessories are rendered in classic browns or blacks, so I was surprised to see the label playing with color with the release of this duffle bag. And with spring well and truly sprung, it’s not a moment too soon!

This duffle isn’t the height of fashion, but I don’t think it needs to be. Its floral print is charming, and its canvas body durable. Its looks are a bit dated so you probably wouldn’t to use it as an everyday bag, but it’s so large that it’d probably be more at home as a weekender anyway. And as a bag for carrying your vacation essentials, it performs well.

The generous interior is made a bit more user-friendly with a large zippered pocket, detachable coin purse, and a whopping five slip pouches. Add the zippered and snap pockets outside, and you’ve got a space for all of those small items that tend to get swallowed up in a bag of this size.

We’ve also got a few carrying options. Use the short handles when you’re moving your bag from the hire car to the hotel lobby, and then add the longer, adjustable strap when you’re wading through the airport.

And then there’s the price, a very affordable $85. That price doesn’t buy us real leather trim or fashion forward style, but I think we see value for our money.

More Features of This Giani Bernini Floral Duffle Bag

• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• An adjustable shoulder strap with an 18 inch drop
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 18 x 10 x 5.5 inches

Get this Giani Bernini Canvas Handbag:

• Available to buy at Macy’s
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Giani Bernini bags on BagBunch
• The Adidas Diablo duffle bag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more Giani Bernini bags on eBay
• Other floral duffle bags on eBay:

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I’m old enough to remember when Beta video machines met their demise and were taken over by the VHS systems. We swore that this technology would last forever, yet before too long it was superseded by DVDs, and later Blu-Ray discs. While I lament the loss of tapes, with their grainy images and need for rewinding, I also mourn the way they’re cluttering landfill.

But one company is putting these retro icons to good use, utilizing their video tape to create simple woven handbags. The tape is woven with cotton yarn to create accessories which are as green as they are practical.

Okay, so the styling of these handbags isn’t exactly going to set the fashion world alight. But the story behind the bags is much more compelling. They’re made by young people with special needs in India. The project gives these youths the vocational education they need to carve out a productive life for themselves, no matter what their disabilities and limitations. The young people work in fair trade conditions, so you know your money is being used to better their lives.

These video tape bags are simple, but at $25 a piece I’m not looking for high end fashion. You can get one through the Uncommon Goods website.

[Source: Uncommon Goods website]

Ghibli takes the road less traveled with this Woven Python Satchel.

When I first saw this bag two thoughts entered my head: “It’s very pink” and “It’s very woven.” These aren’t qualities I’ve ever desired in a python bag, and after seeing this satchel I’ve learned why. In such a girly shade, the python loses its sophisticated sensuality and becomes something sickly sweet. And when it’s cut up and woven together like that, the exotic skin loses its punch. It looks like it could be an embossed skin rather than the real thing, which isn’t what we want when we’re paying for the genuine article.

It’s a shame, because the rest of this Ghibli satchel is quite appealing. The classic structured satchel shape makes it easy to pack and unpack this satchel, and find what you need when you need it. There’s a zippered pocket and a cell phone pouch inside, and a longer shoulder strap for easy carrying.

At $980 the price isn’t even unreasonable. It’s expensive as bags go, but not when compared to other genuine exotics. It’s just a shame this satchel doesn’t look quite as good as those other python purses.

More Features of This Ghibli Snakeskin Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Lined with signature fabric
• Silver-toned metal
• Dual handles with a 5.9 inch drop
• Measures 10.24 x 7.48 x 5.91 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Ghibli Woven Satchel Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ghibli bags on BagBunch
• The Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile bag, a great alternative to this woven exotic bag.
• Searching for more Ghibli bags on eBay
• Other woven snakeskin bags on eBay:

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German designer and mom Katja Horst has created a tote which picks up where diaper bags leave off. Meet the clever Mom/Child Bag.

Released through Horst’s Reisenthal label, the bag features extra handles that little ones of any height can grasp. This feature offers that bit of extra security which moms need to fish ringing cell phones or wallets from their bags. It’s like having an extra hand as you’re wading through crowds or crossing busy city roads. I imagine it’ll be especially convenient for parents with a couple of kids, as they can focus on the youngest knowing that their eldest child is close by.

This durable blue polyester tote features a bold mother and child icon, which reminds motorists and passersby that you’re walking with your little one. It’s a bit sexist that we only see a mommy and child bag, but perhaps the designers will get with the times and create a daddy and child tote next!

This tote is large at 17 x 17 x 7.9 inches, so it should hold all the groceries or daily essentials you want to carry. A zippered top would have come in handy, but at this price I’m not about to quibble.

Reisenthal’s Mom/Child Bag costs just $20 from the Uncommon Goods website.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Mommy Handbags on eBay

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Furla shows us its prim and proper side with this elegant Eurice shoulder bag.

This purse is a vision of restraint, with its classic black pebbled leather finish and vintage inspired silver pushlock. The rounder corners and curved front pocket give her a bit of flair, but essentially this is the kind of handbag that doesn’t like to step out of line.

Furla has given us those little perks that make a bag feel luxurious, including protective metal feet on the base and a user-friendly central zippered compartment. So it’s surprising that it hasn’t given the interior a clasp. I suppose it makes our items easy to access, but security suffers. You can carry anything valuable in the secure center section, but expect your other items to fall out when you’re driving.

The short handles are also disappointing for a bag of this size. I suppose they add to the Eurice’s vintage demeanor, but they won’t be practical when the bag is full. As over-the-shoulder carrying is out, I’d make sure to travel light if you’ve got a long way to go.

It’s got a few design flaws, but if you favor classic vintage style the Eurice is a reasonable buy at $475.

More Features of This Furla Leather Vintage Handbag

• Dual 13 inch handles with a 5 inch drop
• Logo printed jacquard lining
• Measures 12 x 7.5 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Furla Eurice Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Furla Eurice, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The Be & D Jefferson hobo bag, a great alternative to this pushlock bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay