Burberry gives a bit of shine to its traditional check bag with this patent leather tote.

I had grown tired of Burberry’s famous tan nova check print, so I was thrilled to see this sleeker alternative. With too much gloss patent leather can look cheap, but the check print tempers that. There’s something so striking about the contrast of black on black; it’s classic but that bit more interesting than basic black.

While the finish appeals to me I’m not completely sold on Burberry’s execution. The ties allow us to cinch in the sides of the tote, but they also seem a bit aimless hanging down like that. The tote’s slouch makes it look casual, but I’m not sure that’s what a patent leather bag like this deserves. A bit more structure would have made it seem a bit more ladylike and elegant, with the kind of sophistication befitting its $895 price tag.

This tote isn’t the perfect bag, but with Burberry creating so many purses that felt way under par I’m enthusiastic about the way the line’s developing. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

More Features of This Burberry Patent Leather Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Interior zip and slip pockets
• Fully lined interior
• Double shoulder straps with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 15.75 x 12 x 7.25 inches

Get this Burberry Check-Embossed Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Check the BayStateOutfitters eBay store to see if this Burberry bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Burberry bags on BagBunch
• The Bally Mairie patent leather tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Burberry bags on eBay
• Other Burberry check embossed patent bags on eBay:

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British fashion house L.K. Bennett has just opened the doors of its first US retail outlets. Now Americans can enjoy the label’s famous accessories, footwear, and apparel at Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

The British brand is known for its accessible luxury items, which are sold at more than 100 boutiques in the United Kingdom and Europe, and the label’s online store. It’s got big plans to spread its wings around the world, and the United States is a key part of that mission.

Linda Kristin Bennett, a London-based designer of English and Icelandic descent, launched her namesake company in 1990. Since that time she’s been recognized with several key awards, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002, Best Women’s Footwear Retailers in 2003, and Entrepreneurs’ Entrepreneur in 2009.

L.K. Bennett has enlisted some impressive talent for its U.S. push. Its chief executive officer Robert Bensoussan has done the key positions at Jimmy Choo, Christian Lacroiz, and Gianfranco Ferre. The president Tony DiMasso is another former employee of Jimmy Choo. The creative director Annick Gorman has done the job at Celine, Cacharel, and Galeries Lafayette, while show designer Michael Lewis has worked with Louis Vuitton Burberry, and Gucci.

Needless to say, I’m expecting big things from L.K. Bennett!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

L.K. Bennett Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]LK Bennett, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Bulgari pulls out all the stops with this extravagant beaded pochette purse.

There’s really nothing subtle about this little number, from the bronze satin base to all its decorations. And there are plenty of those: crystals, gold plated beads, and turquoise and coral paste pearls. As if that wasn’t enough, Bulgari has added a gold plated blue enamel clasp. I’m really not sure we needed all of those decorations, but at least every one is of superior quality.

But high quality materials are the least I expect for the money Bulgari’s charging. I never expect low, low prices from this Italian fashion house, but I still choked when I saw this purse’s $6750 price tag. That’s a whole chunk of change to spend on a purse that’s likely to only enjoy after five outfits. You’ll need a very full social calendar to justify picking this high-priced purse up.

Not to mention a lot of patience. There’s no shoulder strap, so we’re left clutching this pochette the old fashioned way. I wouldn’t mind that on a cheaper purse, but when I’m spending several thousand I expect a bag to work for me, not the other way around. There’s also just one fairly useless open pocket inside. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

I’m sure luxury addicts aren’t fazed by this Bulgari bag’s limitations, but personally I think I’ll stick with Mary Frances if I want over-decorated clutches.

More Features of This Bulgari Satin Pochette

• Measures 12.2 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches

Get this Bulgari Beaded Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bulgari bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances Turkish Nights bag, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more Bulgari bags on eBay
• Other beaded pochette bags on eBay:

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Around a year ago Nicole Richie promised we’d see handbags added to her House of Harlow 1960 line, and she’s finally making good. Her debut purse collection will hit stores this fall.

Just like the jewelry, over-sized sunglasses, apparel, and footwear that House of Harlow 1960 is known for, the handbags will have a vintage, bohemian feel to them. We’re promised something to carry during the day and once the sun goes down, with large leather bags, small framed purses, and structured box minaudieres. I’m particularly fond of the various studs and metal charms dotting the whimsical box minaudiere purse pictured.

Softly draped vintage leathers will be given a contemporary lift with luxurious skins, including hair calf. Look for Richie decorating the pony with leopard prints and perforated laser cuts.

Given the luxury materials Nicole Richie favors I’m impressed at her range’s approachable price points. The crocodile printed box clutch is the most affordable item at $150, but even the opulent leather and laser-cut pony hobo will only cost $625. I’m not saying that’s small change, but it’s also not likely to max out credit cards.

Look for Nicole Richie’s new House of Harlow 1960 purses in selected retailers this fall.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

This Besame tote from Bulga refuses to run with the pack. With its sexy curves, unique handles, and retro tab it certainly cuts a striking figure!

I’m still not sure whether I warm to the Besame’s quirky silhouette, but I certainly appreciate its individuality. Its semi-patent finish gives the black leather some personality, and ensures that golden hardware really pops. The Besame is available in a range of colors, but the black is a good choice for conservative girls wanting to step outside their comfort zone. It tempers the tote’s unusual design just enough to make it versatile, yet still unique.

What I like most is that Bulga hasn’t neglected what really counts. You might notice the pocket hidden underneath the front tab. It’s matched by a pair of gadget pouches inside, a larger zippered pocket, and plenty of open storage space.

At $625 this is one of Bulga’s most expensive bags, but it’s also one of its most original. That unusual design coupled with high quality materials should be enough to convince its fans to make the investment.

More Features of this Bulga Leather Tote

• A golden turnlock closure
• Cotton print interior
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches

Get this Bulga Besame Handbag:

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

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• Check the Cash in the Closet eBay store to see if this Bulga bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bulga bags on BagBunch
• The Bulga Blesk tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Bulga bags on eBay

Bourne gets pretty in pink with its Pru clutch.

The angular folds in the satin are really quite lovely, and a great way to bring the classic frame design into the 21st century. But perhaps Bourne should have stopped there.

The structured rhinestone covered bow seems like an afterthought to me. It just seems tacked on, and it’s not all that attractive to begin with. Leaving this tacky ribbon off altogether would have made the Pru look much cleaner, and in my opinion more sophisticated.

The Pru is slender, but it’s also very long so if you know how to pack it you may be able to sneak in a few extras. Don’t push it though, because the clasp will pop open if it’s under pressure. With space at a premium I wish the chain strap was detachable, but at least Bourne’s thought to include one!

This sugary shade is called crimson, but I’m sure most of us will know it as pink. This is a particularly saccharine hue, but I have just enough of a sweet tooth to appreciate it. If it’s giving you a tummy ache though you’ll find the same clutch in a gentler blush and basic black.

More Features of This Bourne Satin Clutch

• Logo print lining
• A chain strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 11.75 x 1.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Bourne Pru Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bourne bags on BagBunch
• The Valentino bow satin bag, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more Bourne bags on eBay
• Other bow clutch bags on eBay:

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Bergdorf Goodman and Fendi are encouraging us to get out our crayons with their Fendi Frenzy: Color Challenge competition.

The contest challenges us to create our own vibrant scheme for the famously colorful Fendi 2Bag tote. The 2Bag takes color-blocking to new heights, with different colors on its base, body, handle, and tag. By placing fans in the designer’s chair, Fendi hopes to add another striking color combo to the mix.

The competition kicks off today, so get your thinking caps on. You’ll find a plain template on Bergdorf Goodman’s blog. You’ve got until Wednesday April 20 to submit your customized design through the Bergdorf Goodman Facebook page. The high-end department store’s Facebook fans will vote on their favorite submissions until April 29. The five most popular color combinations will then be placed in the hands of the Fendi design team who’ll choose the eventual winner.

That winner is in for a real treat. Their design will become Bergdorf Goodman’s exclusive fall 2011 2Bag, and the winner will receive one on the house. So start coloring people!

[Source: The Bag Snob]
[Image Source: Bergdorf Goodman Blog]

Fendi Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Fendi tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Loewe is embracing spring with its new limited edition Cherry Blossom collection.

The Spanish brand is releasing the pretty purses to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. The Japanese believe that the delicate flowers are a symbol of eternal love and an omen of good fortune, although Loewe’s not promising either if you indulge in the limited edition bags. We can dream though!

This line is definitely one for the girly girls, with feminine floral prints and delicate pink and white hues. It’s not as sugary as it might have been, but it’s certainly not going to impress fans of androgynous accessories.

I particularly like the Cherry Blossom version of the famous Amazona bag, with its semi-perforated flowers. It seems Loewe does too, as the bag is the star of its promotional video. The range also features a dusty pink goatskin Ame satchel and totes and wallets made from pink Nappa leather. What a shame Loewe didn’t see fit to show them in the advertisement!

Each Cherry Blossom bag will be packaged in pretty pink packaging, which is also exclusive to the collection. Have you fallen for Loewe’s latest limited edition line, or is it too sickly sweet for your tastes?

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Loewe Amazona Bags on eBay

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Cute Japanese style is channeled all the way through this wood and fabric purse.

There is something about this organic silver purse that puts me in mind of a Japanese pagoda. Perhaps it is the little wooden handle at the top. Maybe, however, it is the floral blossom print, or the minimalist shape. Whatever it is, it gives this Apple & Bee clutch a thoroughly pretty and exotic feel.

The Japanese theme is carried through in the soft bamboo silk, a classy texture that manages to feel both posh and somehow eco-friendly at the same time.

Other than the looks, I’ll be honest, this fabric handbag is reasonably similar to other handbags on the market. It is that color and design that sets it apart, and if it pushes your buttons you will no doubt find it simply adorable!

More Features of this Apple & Bee Organic Bamboo Silk Purse

• Sustainable wooden handle
• Bamboo silk handbag
• Organic cotton lining
• Dimensions: 11″ x 8″

Get this Eco-friendly Floral Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More bamboo bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander McQueen Samurai clutch, a great alternative to this Japanese bag.
• Searching for more bamboo silk bags on eBay
• Other wooden handle bags on eBay:

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