Hilary Radley clearly wanted its Limelight bag to stand out, but sadly I think this one’s grabbed the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

I suppose the synthetic belted buckle and accents were designed to dress up the Limelight’s nylon body, but sadly these details end up looking like a straitjacket. I can just see that humble nylon bag underneath busting to break out!

While the design doesn’t rev me, neither do the color combinations. Hilary Radley opts for earthy tones which are just a bit boring. I think the only way to approach such an unusual style was to offer some unexpected colors. Just imagine how funky this bag could look if it were in teal with hot pink accents, or sunny yellow with purple straps. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, but it seems strange to pair such a unique design with such a drab palette.

I can see potential in the Limelight, which is only reinforced when I look inside. It’s spacious but not overwhelmingly large, especially with the zippered pouch dividing the interior. There are more pockets packed into the walls, and a magnetic snap to keep everything safe inside. The nylon base will make the Limelight lightweight, but there’s also a longer attachable strap to make carrying it a bit easier.

At $95 this Hilary Radley bag is affordable, but I’m still not sure it has the stuff to convince us to part with our cash. It delivers on a practical front, but its style lets it down.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Front Buckle Satchel

• Dark nickel toned hardware
• Cotton/nylon blend fabric
• Dual handles with a 9.25 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 13 x 4 inches

Get this Hilary Radley Limelight Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in some colors)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Hilary Radley Limelight, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check ThePursesBoutique eBay store to see if this Hilary Radley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hilary Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Sabrina satchel bag, a great alternative to this belted bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay

I thought we’d seen the last of Marion Cotillard’s jetsetting advertisements for Christian Dior’s Lady Dior purses, but it seems there’s life in the campaign yet. In the latest installment the Academy Award winning French actress has headed to Russia.

Or at least, that’s what Christian Dior would like us to believe. While the vivid spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral color the view out the window, photographer Craig McDean actually captured Marion lounging in Paris. The pregnant actress was unable to make the journey to The Red Square, so the French fashion company has done the next best thing.

It doesn’t have the same spontaneous immediacy that we’ve seen in the other Lady Dior advertisements, but I can’t be too critical. Marie-Amelie Sauve has done a wonderful job styling the shoot, with the help of hairdresser San McKnight and make-up artist Christophe Danchaud. Marion is glowing, and that red tweed Lady Dior bag doesn’t look half bad either!

The new advertisement, which will hit fashion magazines in May and June, is well timed. Christian Dior will show a major exhibition at Moscow’s Pushkin Museum next month, an event which will coincide with the reopening of its Stoleshnikov boutique. Pass the vodka!

[Source: Women’s Wear Daily]

Christian Dior Lady Dior Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Christian Dior Lady Dior, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Beirn embraces its feminine side with this Ali Bow satchel.

That bow is what gives this satchel its pizzazz. A snakeskin ribbon threads through the front of the purse, culminating in an oversized girly bow. The use of snakeskin rather than silk or satin gives the bow an appealing structure. Cynics might say the bow is too feminine, but I think the colors help to temper it. Rather than typical sugary shades like lavender or pink, Beirn opts for black, cherry red, and this subdued gray and white skin.

I haven’t seen Beirn create a bag with such structure before, but I really like it. This satchel has that vintage ladylike Mad Men feel that is right on trend. It’s big enough to hold everything you really need, and there’s a large zippered pocket for separating your valuables.

I love the platform base, but I wish Beirn had added some metal feet to protect it. Snakeskin shows wear quickly anyway, so we really need all the help we can get. It might be affordable for an exotic accessory at $470, but I still don’t want to replace it any time soon.

More Features of This Beirn Snakeskin Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Canvas lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 14.5 x 6 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Beirn Ali Bow Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Beirn bags on BagBunch
• The Beirn Jenna Bow bag, a great alternative to this bow snakeskin bag.
• Searching for more Beirn bags on eBay
• Other bow satchel bags on eBay:

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I’ve only known of Alla Leather Art for a short time, but already the handbag label has become one of my favorites. Purses like this Scherzo shoulder bag are precisely the reason why.

At $289 this is a relatively affordable handbag by designer standards, but I can’t figure out where the label’s skimping. The gentle, natural slouch of the leather shows you its incredible quality. The knotted handles and stitched front pockets give the Scherzo some individual flair. Happily those details don’t bend to trends, so this bag won’t date either.

That timelessness is a real advantage, because once you start using the Scherzo I don’t think you’ll want to let it go. Those front pockets are just the start of the functional features. Turn it around and you’ll see a large zippered pocket. Open it up and you’re treated to another zippered pocket and an open one for sunglasses or gadgets, not to mention a luxurious amount of storage space.

If I had one criticism it’d be Alla Leather Art’s fairly neutral color palette. This royal blue bag is exciting, but the other shades are a bit bland. But frankly I’m clutching at straws. The Scherzo is definitely a bag on my wish list.

More Features of This Alla Leather Art Shoulder Bag

• Top zip closure
• Dual handles
• Measures 7 x 17 x 14 inches

Get this Alla Leather Art Scherzo Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in some colors)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Alla Leather Art Scherzo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Alla Leather Art bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alla Leather Art bags on BagBunch
• The Alla Leather Maestros bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Alla Leather Art bags on eBay

Some of our favorite handbag brands, including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, and Balenciaga, are about to get a whole lot greener. Their parent company PPR Group recently launched a multi-tiered sustainability initiative for all its global brands.

PPR Group will spend around €10 million a year on PPR Home, a project which will work with Cradle to Cradle to offset its entire carbon footprint. With the label’s brands generating an estimated 98, 729 tons of carbon last year, this will be no mean feat. But you’ve got to respect the French organization for trying.

PPR Home will also liaise with its companies to set new standards in sustainability through its newly formed Creative Sustainability Lab. PPR Group chief executive officer Francois-Henri Pinault says he believes that “sustainability creates value,” and so it is an integral element of the continued success of his companies. Perhaps his environmentally aware actress wife Salma Hayek is rubbing off on him!

Expect the Creative Sustainability Lab to develop some really innovative designs and manufacturing methods. These developments will then be rolled out to brands in the PPR Group family. These companies will also be expected to complete profit and loss statements detailing the environmental impact of their carbon-reducing measures.

Anything that makes major companies more accountable for their environmental actions can only be a good thing.  I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the impact of PPR Home on the PPR Group brands.

[Source: Ecouterre]
[Image Source: BSK/Stock.xchng]

Eco-Friendly Stella McCartney Bags on eBay

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Vieta embraces the romance of bohemian fashion with this Juliet satchel.

This is a bit boho by numbers, with its fringed sides and slouchy body. But just because it’s predictable doesn’t mean the Juliet should be dismissed. That extra long fringe creates a really striking silhouette, which is only amped up by Vieta’s bright red leatherette.

I find the leatherette the most disappointing element here. For $96 I’m not exactly expecting leather, although I’m always thrilled when a designer uses it at this price point. What I do expect is that any manmade material used will be of great quality. This one isn’t really. Because it’s stiff it doesn’t slouch as softly as it should, and its finish is that bit too shiny to pass as the real thing.

While I’m griping, this is really a bag that needs a longer shoulder strap. The short handle looks cute, but it’s not practical for a bag of this size. While the Juliet isn’t enormous, it’s going to get heavy and awkward to hold if you pack it to capacity. And what’s the use of all that space if you can’t make use of it?

It has its limitations, but the Juliet is an affordable way to add some boho style to your wardrobe.

More Features of This Vieta Fringed Satchel

• Front flap with twist lock closure
• Back zipper pocket
• Gold toned hardware
• Open pockets and zip pocket inside
• Signature print lining
• Measures 7 x 14 x 11 inches

Get this Vieta Juliet Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Vieta Juliet, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Vieta bags on BagBunch
• The tan Vieta Juliet bag, a great alternative to this red bag.
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Tylie Malibu goes tribal with this Ikat Wayfarer shopper.

Ikat is a traditional woven material created by tribes in Cambodia, Thailand, and parts of South and Central America. I’m not sure how diligently Tylie Malibu followed the ancient techniques, but the finished product is gorgeous. I love it when designers choose materials like this, as they’re affordable without appearing budget. The tight weave also makes Ikat tough as nails, which is a real advantage if you’re using the Wayfarer as an everyday purse.

The shoulder straps are also drawing me in. Don’t they just look like they’d feel heavenly on your shoulder? It’s one of those rare oversized bags that I actually want to carry around all day.

The Wayfarer truly is massive, which is both a blessing and a curse. It’s great to find a bag big enough for holding everything you could ever want and need, but it’s also going to take a lot to keep organized. With only a single zippered pocket inside, expect to spend a lot of time searching for your keys and wallet.

While I’m griping, what is with that tassel? I suppose it makes the Wayfarer feel a bit more boho, but in red it’s sticking out like a sore thumb. I’m afraid I’d get the scissors out and get rid of it quick smart!

The Ikat Wayfarer isn’t perfect, but for $245 anyone bemoaning the demise of the oversized shopper is likely to be seriously tempted.

More Features of This Tylie Malibu Tribal Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 12 inches

Get this Tylie Malibu Ikat Wayfarer Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Tylie Malibu Ikat Wayfarer, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the BagLadyCollection eBay store to see if this Tylie Malibu bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tylie Malibu bags on BagBunch
• The Cleobella Brixie Weave Ikat Tote bag, a great alternative to this ikat bag.
• Searching for more Tylie Malibu bags on eBay

I loved Blake Lively’s ad campaign for the Mademoiselle handbag line, but it seems that workers at Chanel USA haven’t been so complimentary.

The NYDailyNews reports that there’s been “internal grumblings” at the French fashion house’s American arm ever since Lively was appointed as the face of the handbag collection.  An anonymous source says the resistance comes from Lively’s “off-brand look,” which is an interesting way to say her all American good looks don’t gel with the label’s image of European elegance.

Funnily enough, it was that apple pie appeal that lured Karl Lagerfeld to sign the Gossip Girl actress in the first place. He was also very complimentary about working with her on the photo shoot, so it seems her position is safe despite the rumblings. What Karl says goes in the world of Chanel, after all.

Another insider confirmed as much, commenting that no employees working in Chanel’s American offices would have any clout in advertising decisions. In fact, the source suggested the Chanel fat cats would “literally fire anyone who admits” to disapproving of Lively’s role in the advertising campaign.

This isn’t the first time the Chanel USA office has been skeptical about Lagerfeld’s choice of model. Apparently they weren’t too keen on Natalia Vodianova either. So are the Chanel USA workers just a pack of bitches, or do they have a point?

[Source: The NY Daily News]
[Image Source: Kristin dos Santos/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Mademoiselle Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Chanel Mademoiselle, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

We’ve often waxed lyrical about Clara Kasavina’s dramatic and dazzling evening purses, but I’m not feeling quite as bowled over by the Rosita puff clutch.

Its python finish is undeniably gorgeous. The silvery surface toughens up the snakeskin, making its oversized scales seem even more magical. In fact, I can imagine that the skin came from a Gryphon, Medusa, or some other mythical creature. It’s just got that otherworldly quality to it that’s so appealing.

But that’s where my enamor ends I’m afraid. The metal frame had potential, but Clara Kasavina has overcomplicated it with all those crystals. The rose shaped clasp sounds enticing, but it looks a bit clumsy. Clara Kasavina designs have always been about excess, but a little more restraint would have made this purse much cleaner. In many cases, less really is more. This is one of those times.

The Rosita Puff will certainly make a statement, but I think Clara Kasavina has made more stylish ones in some of her other accessories. For $975 I want to be wowed, and Clara Kasavina has failed to do that for me this time.

More Features of This Clara Kasavina Python Clutch

• Hand sewn silk lining
• Drop in double chains
• Measures 8 x 4 x 2 inches
• Hand made in New York
• Comes with a protective silk signature dust purse

Get this Clara Kasavina Rosita Puff Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Clara Kasavina bags on BagBunch
• The Carlos Falchi Pearlized Python mini clutch bag, a great alternative to this snake bag.
• Searching for more Clara Kasavina bags on eBay
• Other python clutch bags on eBay:

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Lulu Guinness has plastered her signature red pouty lips on a brand new tote bag for charity.

A minimum of £7 from each handbag sold will benefit Action on Addiction, a non-profit organization which works to prevent and treat addictions. The group takes a holistic approach, working both with the addict and their affected family members and friends to bring about change.

Lulu Guinness’ famous red lips really stand out against their black background. The designer’s white scrawling signature, “Love Lulu,” completes the simple but eye-catching design. While it’s basic, it’d make a great go-to bag for the weekly grocery shop, a workout session at the gym, or running errands around town.

This limited edition Lulu Guinness tote is available exclusively through House of Fraser for the bargain price of just £15. That very small bottom line buys a pretty hefty amount of good karma, and a cute tote to boot! And for girls on a budget, it’s a really inexpensive way to own a piece of this famous British fashion house.

Has this Lulu Guinness tote got the stuff to excite you, or would you rather see her abandon the lips for a while and design something a bit different?

[Source: The Bag Lady]

Lulu Guinness Lips Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Lulu Guinness Lips, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]