Elie Tahari has taken a minimalist approach to design with this Selena tote.

A few gentle pleats are all it takes to decorate the Selena’s black leather body. I like the way the inverted V-shaped pleat draws attention to the buttery soft quality of the material. The modern shape is also very appealing. While its elements have a certain charm, I’m just a bit bored by the design. There’s a fine line between minimalist and mind-numbing, and I think this Selena crosses that line.

The chain strap does a bit rouse me, but in the worst possible way. Such an enormous bag really deserves soft, wide straps to make carrying comfortable. Instead we get harsh, metal links. They look the business, but I’d prefer something more functional.

The Selena’s interior is much more practical, with a leather bound zip pocket and trio of open pouches for gadgets and sunglasses. The jewel-toned satin lining makes it feel that much more luxurious, and it’s bright enough to make finding our essential items easy. I’d prefer a zipper to the magnetic closure, but this less secure clasp isn’t really a deal breaker.

At least Elie Tahari isn’t charging the earth for this tote. Its $398 price tag isn’t exactly chump change, but you’ll get plenty of wear from such a timeless style. I just wouldn’t expect to turn too many heads.

More Features of This Elie Tahari Black Leather Tote

• Dual chain link handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 10.5 x 6 inches

Get this Elie Tahari Selena Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Elie Tahari pleated chain link tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Elie Tahari bags on BagBunch
• The Elie Tahari Beverly tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Elie Tahari bags on eBay

We have already introduced you to the past versions of the Prunella, but this new cork edition was so summer-appropriate that I couldn’t resist showing it to you again!

Interestingly the conversion from leather to cork instantly makes the Prunella into a day bag. The evening vibe is still kind of there in the cute, yet subtle, golden flecks throughout, but overall it is more the type of purse that looks smart by the side of some St Tropez pool. Team it with a floaty white chiffon sundress, and you have an outfit destined to accompany a margarita and a hot sunny afternoon!

Of course, the lightweight and adorable upside of cork is also its downside. Sure it may float if you drop it in the water (joke!) but it is likely to be a little more delicate than its resilient leather counterpart. Plus, for such a simple envelope design (even with the lovely gold flap lining), $590 is a lot to pay. You might have to have the lifestyle to accompany those St Tropez aspirations!

More Features of this Kara Ross Cork Clutch

• One of a range of different versions
• Luxury suede and metallic leather lining
• Gold flecked cork exterior
• Interior slip pocket

Get this Metallic Prunella Purse:

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

[phpbay]kara ross prunella clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kara Ross bags on BagBunch
• The Sandra Roberts striped clutch, a great alternative to this cork bag.
• Searching for more cork bags on eBay

Elaine Turner gets us beach ready with this casual Terah tote.

The Terah’s canvas body is patterned with an earthy abstract print. We’re used to seeing bold colors in such casual, summery handbags, so it’s interesting to see something more subdued. I’m not sure I’m enamored with the brown color scheme, but it’s certainly timeless.

The geometric printed body is paired with rope-like woven handles. They give the bag a fun nautical appeal, but they’re not entirely practical. This is definitely a case where fashion has won out over comfort.

At least Elaine Turner made the Terah’s interior practical. It looks so simple from the outside, but it’s packed with features including leather trimmed pockets and a large removable clutch.

Sadly though, at $195 this tote is around twice the price I’d like to pay for a canvas bag. However I can see customers getting their money’s worth if they use it once the beach season ends. The Terah could make a cute gym bag or casual tote after all. Has it tempted you?

More Features of This Elaine Turner Abstract Patterned Tote

• Gold-toned hardware
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 9.5 x 6 inches
• Made in China
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Elaine Turner Terah Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the BayStateOutfitters eBay store to see if this Elaine Turner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Basketweave Terah tote bag, a woven alternative to this canvas bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner canvas bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Elaine Turner canvas, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

You may want to think twice before indulging in one of those cheap Louis Vuitton “replicas” or Chanel knock-offs from the Canal Street markets. Margaret Chin, the councilwoman for the Chinatown district, is proposing a bill which would punish anyone indulging in imitation designer accessories.

Chin will introduce a bill tomorrow which would see offenders facing $1000 fines or up to a year in prison. With penalties like that you’d be better indulging in the real thing!

Which is, of course, precisely the point. Chin says she doesn’t want her area known as the place to find counterfeit goods. But while it has such a reputation, the industry is growing. The only way to stem it is to stop the demand, and these harsh penalties sound like a smart way to do it.

Chin already has five co-sponsors for the bill, so it seems likely to pass. However there’s sure to be problems in policing it. Shoppers will need to be caught in the act of purchasing the goods to be charged, and surely New York cops have better things to do with their time.

This sounds like a really small time problem to me, although I’m sure the luxury handbag companies would disagree. What do you think of Margaret Chin’s proposal?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Wilrocka/Flickr]

Authentic Designer Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]authentic designer handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Eenamaria abandons its usual mod aesthetic for something more modern with this Glided Lilly hobo. But I wonder whether the label has lost its individuality by running with the pack.

This is the most trend-conscious I’ve seen Eenamaria, and I honestly think it’s gone a bit too far. It covers the polyeurethane body in hardware, including a brass buckle, studs, and grommets. The accents are small and delicate, but their sheer number feels a bit overwhelming.

Designer hounds may turn their nose up at the use of polyurethane, but this manmade material has a few perks that go beyond its price. It’s resistant to those unexpected April showers, and able to be wiped clean with water and soap. Its user-friendly nature helps to make up for its lack of luxury.

The Glided Lilly is well appointed for a cheap and cheerful bag, with a zippered pocket and pair of open pouches to complement its external slip. I’m also impressed with the metal feet which help to protect its base.

This hobo isn’t the most exciting I’ve seen from Eenamaria, but if you care about staying on trend you’ll enjoy this $59.99 bargain.

More Features of This Eenamaria Polyurethane Buckle Hobo

• Zip top closure
• A single 14 inch shoulder strap
• Measures 16.5 x 6 x 12 inches
• Made in China

Get this Eenamaria Glided Lilly Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Eenamaria bags on BagBunch
• The Eenamaria Dauphine bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Eenamaria bags on eBay
• Other studded hobos on eBay:

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Actress, singer, and cookbook writer Gwyneth Paltrow is the new face of American handbag label Coach. But US audiences won’t see her ads in their fashion magazines, as they’ll appear exclusively in Coach’s new European and Asian markets, including Britain, Spain, Portugal, China, and France.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s photos will appear in international magazines this fall to complement Coach’s 70th anniversary campaign. They’ll have an American feel to them though, as they were shot on a Manhattan rooftop by acclaimed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh. I’m sure foreign audiences will lap up the images of the New York skyline and the blonde, all-American actress.

Gwyneth Paltrow is a long-time fan of the label that she calls “the quintessential New York brand.” And it appears the admiration is mutual. Reed Krakoff, the executive creative director and president of Coach, said that Paltrow has the same energy, elegance, and spirit that his label does.

The Oscar winning actress is no stranger to the modeling world, as she’s previously fronted commercials for Estee Lauder, Christian Dior, Tod’s, and the Korean fashion label Bean Pole International. Do you think she’s the right fit for Coach? And are you disappointed that her ads won’t be seen Stateside?

[Source: Sun-Sentinel]
[Image Source: Andrew Halpern/Wikipedia Commons]

Coach Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve never been Ed Hardy’s biggest fan, but I must admit that I don’t entirely hate the label’s Gina Messenger. That doesn’t sound like glowing praise, but that may be the nicest thing I’ve said about an Ed Hardy purse!

Ed Hardy’s abandoned its typical colored tattoo-style graphics for a more gentle design. It seems strange to call anything covered in sequins gentle, but by using soft pink discs and basic black ink for the rose graphic and logo, Ed Hardy’s almost made the Gina sedate. Almost. The sequins will still catch the light and give Ed Hardy fans their dose of bling, but they won’t do it with the rebellious spirit of studs or heavy metal.

The Gina is a fairly small messenger, but it’s packed with features. You’ll find three organizational pockets tucked away inside, and another zippered pocket on the back. This will sit against your body for a bit of extra security. The long shoulder strap is wide and padded to make carrying really comfortable.

The Gina may win over a few Ed Hardy naysayers, but its brand of sparkle won’t appeal to everybody. Still, at a little over $30 its fans will enjoy a real bargain!

More Features of This Ed Hardy Sequined Messenger

• Made of polyester
• Top zip closure
• Silver-toned hardware accents
• Measures 9.25 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches

Get this Ed Hardy Gina Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Gina, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Fashion58 eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The black Ed Hardy Gina bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Bottega Veneta is one of those lines with unimpeachably good taste. It manages to combine cutting edge and classic in a way that is infinitely wearable. This Couple canvas tote is a great example of its inimitable design sensibility.

The gray and white canvas is minimal and cool. The abstract print is well-balanced and interesting. It’s artfully off-kilter in a way that is totally wearable. The color palette is cool, but will still be wearable all year round.

Honestly, I love Bottega so much that I want to find something really intriguing about the design of The Couple. But the truth is that, besides the print, there’s nothing terribly exciting about this bag. It’s your standard canvas tote. The textured metallic leather handles are cool, but they don’t come close to making the $1,150 price tag seem worthwhile.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta The Couple Oversized Canvas Tote

• 12″ x 16″ x 12″ size
• 12″ strap drop
• Hidden interior hand straps

Get This Bottega Veneta The Couple Tote:

• Available at Net-A-Porter
• Check the Passion 4 Fashion 4 Less eBaystore to see if this Bottega Veneta clutch is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a neon green alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Searching for other gray canvas totes on eBay:

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Echo gets us ready for summer with this Paperstraw tote.

One look at this tote reminds us that this is a different animal from the designer totes you’d spot on the high street. Its woven paperstraw body is laidback and its blue plastic trim cheap and cheerful. Some fashion snobs may even call this manmade material tacky, but I like the way it contrasts with this tote’s gentle beige body.

Before you dismiss it, it’s important to consider what you’ll use this tote for. Personally I can imagine it becoming the perfect beach bag, as its materials won’t corrode in the elements. When we’re lounging on the sand we don’t want to fuss over our accessories, worrying about the impact of sand and salt water. Instead it’s more important that they do the job and look cute, just as this Paperstraw tote does.

Beach bags are always pretty basic, but this tote offers a few functional extras that have impressed me. The interior is lined with hardy plainweave fabric and kitted out with a secure zippered pocket. A magnetic snap closure keeps all your summer essentials safe and sound.

A cheap and cheerful bag deserves a cheap and cheerful price tag, which makes me think this one is priced slightly too high at $78. However it’s well made so if you’re tempted you’ll certainly see value for your dollar.

More Features of This Echo Woven Beach Tote

• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 18 x 6 inches
• Made in China

Get this Echo Paperstraw Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Echo bags on BagBunch
• The Echo Paperstraw drawstring hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Echo bags on eBay
• Other straw tote bags on eBay:

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