Kate Spade Designs Japan Tote Bag | Limited Edition Handbag for Japanese Red Cross

Posted on: Mar 24

Kate Spade Japan ToteKate Spade is doing her bit for the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief efforts with the upcoming release of this limited edition Japan Tote Bag.

The simply styled tote features Kate Spade’s signature black spade graphic alongside a pink love heart and Japan’s iconic red rising sun. The message is unmistakable; just like the rest of the world right now, Kate Spade loves Japan. And even though it’s just a printed image on a fairly bland natural colored tote bag, I’ve definitely succumbed to this charity bag’s charms. The design is very cute, and fashion always feels a bit better when it’s for a good cause, doesn’t it?

Given its limited edition nature, Kate Spade probably could have charged a pretty penny for this charity tote. Thankfully she’s instead chosen a more reasonable price point. These basic totes are available for just $18. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Japanese Red Cross and its relief efforts.

The limited edition Japan Tote Bag will be available for pre-order soon from the Kate Spade website. She’s told her Twitter followers that they’ll be the first to know about its release, so I suggest subscribing to her feed if you want one!

[Source: AlyWalansky]

Kate Spade Totes on eBay

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Inge Christopher Elsa Minaudiere | Affordable Royal Blue Metallic Stripe Box Clutch

Posted on: Mar 24

Inge Christopher Elsa MinaudiereInge Christopher abandons its usual classic aesthetic for something more edgy with this Elsa minaudiere.

We’re used to seeing minaudieres packed with Swarovski crystals on the high end and rhinestones on the low. Either way those faceted stones make them glimmer and gleam when they catch the light. This one does too, but rather than stones Inge Christopher adorns its leather case with fine metallic stripes. It’s a really clever tactic which gives the Elsa an original personality while keeping the price down.

Despite its unique finish this is a fairly traditional box clutch, with all of the usual box clutch limitations. The hard case makes overstuffing impossible, as it’ll simply pop open when pushed past its capacity. There’s not a lot of space inside at all, so you’ll need to know how to pack light.

Given those space constraints I’m thrilled to see the serpentine style strap is detachable. The last thing we want is that strap cluttering the already small interior when it’s not in use. We can attach it when we want to go hands free, or leave it at home when we feel like clutching the purse the old fashioned way.

With all those options and all that style, the Elsa feels like a steal at $99.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Leather Box Clutch

  • Clasp closure on frame
  • Black satin lined interior
  • A detachable snake chain with a 24 inch drop
  • Measures 2.2 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches

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Magaschoni Announces Handbag Launch | Apparel Brand’s First Accessories Line

Posted on: Mar 23

Magaschoni Handbags

American clothing label Magaschoni is adding handbags to its fashion range after 22 years in the business. The company is best known for its sportswear and knitwear apparel lines.

The company’s first handbag collection is set to feature 18 opulent styles made from luxury materials including python, crocodile, hair calf, pebbled leather, and microfiber. Expect to see a fairly conservative color palette from the brand, who’s announced they’ll play with shades like black, white, gray, maroon, and earth tones.

I love the look of that crocodile messenger bag in the front, and I’ve also got my eye on those exotic evening clutches. However those plain oversized totes in the back are boring me. Perhaps that’s why Magaschoni hid them at the rear of the shot?

The handbags will be the first launch of a more extensive accessories range for Magaschoni. In the future we can also expect to find Magaschoni wraps, gloves, and hats.

The Magaschoni purses will be available at three different price brackets to appeal to fashion fans of all budgets. We can expect to pay $327 for the cheapest of the bags, and around $2000 for the most expensive. There are no prizes for guessing that the messenger I’m coveting is bound to be one of those high end purchases!

Look for the Magaschoni handbags in stores around September.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

Marc By Marc Jacobs Yo Yo Dot PVC Tote & Umbrella | Cartoon Cute Red Polka Dot Carryall

Posted on: Mar 23

Marc By Marc Jacobs Yo Yo Dot PVC Tote And Umbrella

Marc by Marc Jacobs is the only line I can think of that can really pull off kitschy cute designer digs. I was a little irked by this Yo Yo bag when I first saw it, but it’s got a quirkiness that I just can’t resist.

The bright red polka dotted PVC material on the Yo Yo looks like it’s popped right out of a cartoon. There’s no denying that Minnie Mouse was definitely the muse in this case. The navy accents on the bottom corners give the perfect amount of color contrast, and the addition of the studs is really genius. While they don’t exactly make the bag look edgy, they do remind you that there’s something substantial under all this cute.

The design of the Yo Yo is pretty compelling. It’s your standard tote, but with a sweet little pocket that holds a sweet little umbrella. The look comes together in a very whimsical way that would be great for a young woman with a sense of style that allows for a little humor. This is definitely not a stick in the mud kind of bag.

Although the price of the Yo Yo, at $250, is reasonable within the line, I’m not sure this particular bag is worth the price. It’s a little too much of a novelty item for me to take it seriously.

More Features Of The Marc By Marc Jacobs Yo Yo Dot PVC Tote And Umbrella

  • 14″ x 15″ x 2” size
  • 6″ strap drop
  • Fully lined in striped twill

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Jimmy Choo Rosabel Leopard Print Pony Hair Tote | Dramatic Animal Print Bag

Posted on: Mar 23

Jimmy Choo Rosabel Leopard Print Pony Hair ToteJimmy Choo does animal prints in a very sophisticated way. Think Dynasty as opposed to Married With Children. This Rosabel tote is a striking accessory for a woman who’s not afraid to make a statement.

There’s nothing better to me than the combination of animal print and pony hair. In fact, it’s the only way I like pony hair. In this case, the texture of the material gives the print added dimension, and also the subtle sheen of fur. The leopard spots on the Rosabel are strikingly high contrast, which adds to the bag’s sophisticated allure.

In contrast with the opulent material, the shape of the Rosabel is purely practical. It’s a traditional tote with a fold-over flap front that will keep your belongings safe. The leather drawstring detailing is a little bit questionable in my book. It lowers the level of taste a bit, but not in an irredeemable way. If you’re already pretty posh, you could definitely pull it off.

At $3095, frankly, I think the Rosabel is pretty pricey. It’s a striking, but not earth-shattering look, and for $3095, I really want the earth to tremble, at least a little.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Rosabel Leopard Print Pony Hair Tote

  • 14″ x 16″ x 8″ size
  • 5″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in beige suede

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Mad Imports Mar Y Sol Gigi Raffia Clutch | Colorful Star Covered Summer Purse

Posted on: Mar 23

Mar Y Sol Gigi Raffia Flower ClutchGet kitted up for summer with this fun and lighthearted raffia clutch.

What makes this summery? Firstly the raffia, that lightweight fabric, which is the epitome of all things sunny and sandy. It looks like the sort of bag you would wear in a hot country.

Then there are the cute stitched details; there is nothing like bright colors to bring to mind deckchairs and parasols! Mad Imports (or Mar Y Sol, I am never sure which to call it) does produce another version of the Gigi with rainbow stripes, but there is something about the starfish style pattern that just makes it so much lighter and more seasonal.

Of course, as with all raffia bags, this clutch isn’t very durable. The raffia stitches may fray, and they probably won’t last more than one or two summers. However, for $28.20 this doesn’t really matter, especially when this bag seems to be comparatively well made for the price. It is a bargain, and it is kind of rude to complain when it is so very, very cheap.

If you don’t believe summer will stay for more than a few days this year, then this cute but affordable clutch may well be the way to go!

More Features of this Mad Imports Gigi Clutch

  • Raffia body and decoration
  • Also available with a rainbow pattern in green/teal
  • Magnetic clasp closure
  • Simple fabric interior lining

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Big Buddha Maya Hobo | Unique Woven Pale Gray Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Mar 23

Big Buddha Maya HoboBig Buddha reminds us that fashion-forward accessories don’t need to cost the earth with this Maya hobo handbag

The woven finish of this bag is really striking. Big Buddha hasn’t tried to replicate the looks of weave masters like Bottega Veneta. Instead it’s gone out on its own, weaving cord through the synthetic to create a tribal inspired diamond pattern. It’s lovely, but sadly it’s only featured on the front of this bag. Big Buddha tends to shortchange us this way so often I’m almost used to it, but that doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed.

Synthetic has a reputation for being an inferior leather substitute, but that’s not always warranted. This one is as thick and soft as genuine leather; it just costs a fraction of the price. With its pebbled finish, don’t be surprised if people mistake it for the real thing.

The Maya is generously sized, but it’s got some special features which make sure it doesn’t feel unmanageable. A long zippered pocket runs down the center of the hobo, dividing the interior into three user-friendly sections. There’s also a longer strap ready to assist when you’ve got a distance to travel.

Big Buddha offers us a few color options, although they’re not all successful. The gold one is eye-catching, but a bit gaudy for my taste. The black bag is safe, but also a bit boring. Personally I think the pale gray one is the pick here; it’s neutral but also not predictable. It’s a relative bargain too by designer standards at just $109.95.

More Features of This Big Buddha Woven Hobo

  • Brass-toned hardware
  • Zip top closure
  • Cotton lined interior
  • A single handle with an 8 inch drop
  • A detachable strap with a 20 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 18.5 x 7 inches
  • Made in China

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Harajuku Lovers Hot Stuff Messenger Bag | 60s Girls Printed Polyester Purse

Posted on: Mar 23

Harajuku Lovers Hot Stuff MessengerHarajuku Lovers puts its style stamp on this Hot Stuff messenger bag.

Honestly, even if it wasn’t emblazoned with the Harajuku Lovers logo, I’d have known exactly who was behind it. It’s got those cutesy little Harajuku girl graphics and that vibrant pop of teal after all. And then there’s the use of polyester over more luxurious materials, although I’m not sure that’s too much of a compromise. This fabric is much stronger and less likely to show wear and tear, which is great if you’re planning on putting this purse through its paces.

The Hot Stuff is relatively small for a messenger, so you hoped to use it for lugging textbooks to class you’re out of luck. However it does have enough space for the rest of us, and its jam packed with pockets inside and out.

The Hot Stuff has a very distinctive look, and it’s not one that I’ve really warmed to. However for $68 it represents real value for Harajuku Lovers fans.

More Features of This Harajuku Lovers Polyester Messenger

  • Velcro closures
  • An adjustable strap with a 23 inch drop
  • Measures 11.25 x 8.25 x 4 inches

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Customized Laptop Bags from Caseable | Personalized iPad Cases & Computer Sleeves

Posted on: Mar 23

Caseable LogoIf you’re still searching for the perfect tech bag, Caseable may have the answer. This New York based company creates customized laptop cases and iPad sleeves that are as individual as you are.

Caseable allows you to easily convert your favorite photos and personal artworks into tech handbags. These bags start from just $60, which is a lot less than the high-end designers charge for any personalized accessories!

If you’re stuck for inspiration, look to Caseable’s own gallery featuring a wide range of pre-prepared laptop bags. It features a wide range of designs, from the sophisticated to the kooky, so there’s bound to one to tickle your fancy. And if one’s not quite right, you can edit it too!

Once you’ve settled on your design, Caseable’s team will handcraft it to ensure it’s of the highest quality. There’s no mass manufacturing here, which makes those low prices seem even more impressive.

I really like that Caseable puts power into the hands of its customers, encouraging their own creativity and collaborating with them to make just the right tech bags. How many other labels can claim that? Add in those reasonable prices and I think Caseable has the stuff to go the distance.

[Source: Caseable website]

Laptop Bags on eBay

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Amy Butler Harmony Laptop Tote | Colorful Printed Organic Cotton Handbag

Posted on: Mar 23

Amy Butler Harmony Laptop ToteAmy Butler offers a feminine alternative to those boring black tech bags with this pretty Harmony laptop tote.

Pretty patterns really are the Harmony’s greatest selling point, so I’m glad to see Amy Butler offer a range of different prints. This navy one is called the Fuschia Tree, but there are five different patterns and colors to choose from. All the prints are feminine without being over-the-top girly, so you needn’t feel like Elle Woods carrying them.

Amy Butler has opted for organic cotton, so it’s surprising to see her choose regular leather for the trim and handles. The opportunity for a greener substance was there, so while I appreciate the quality I’m also wishing for something more eco-friendly.

The interior is better thought out, with an array of pockets and enough space to handle a 15.4 inch laptop. I love the way the patterned lining works with the printed exterior, and the trim around the pockets which make them a bit stronger.

This laptop bag might be inappropriate for a stuffy male-dominated workplace, but if yours is a bit more creative the Harmony could bring a splash of color to your work day.

More Features of This Amy Butler Laptop Tote

  • Magnetic closure
  • Dual leather handles with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 20.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China

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