Holmes & Yang, the fashion line conceived by Tom Cruise’s other half Katie Holmes and her stylist Jeanne Yang, is one of those rare celebrity helmed label’s that has managed to fly underneath the radar. That all might change soon though with the release of this gorgeous Holmes & Yang handbag designed in collaboration with Italian luxury label Valextra.

There’s a classic, sophisticated feel to the bag’s clean design and contrasting color palette. We can choose from two equally attractive color schemes: either black and white or navy and white.

Holmes and Yang formally unveiled this chic bag at a Barneys New York luncheon yesterday, an event which made us all salivate ahead of the handbag’s July release. Look for it in the store’s new Valextra space, which is located where the Prada products used to be.

We’ve always been impressed by the fashions worn and carried by Katie Holmes, not to mention her darling daughter Suri Cruise. What do you think of her turn as fashion designer? Does this handbag make you want to see more of the Holmes & Yang line, or do you think that Valextra deserves the lion’s share of the credit?

[Source: Vogue]

Valextra Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Valextra, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I wouldn’t blame you if you got dizzy looking at the colored prismatic print on this Puma barrel satchel. But gym bunnies will find it’s worth battling the vertigo!

The wild rainbow of colors hides a very smart gym bag. Its appeal starts with the exterior, which is made from lightweight but tough as nails polyester. What it lacks in opulence is makes up for in functionality. You needn’t worry about it showing marks, tearing, or holding workout odors, unlike more prized materials like leather. Considering its rough and tumble occupation, those features are more important to me than its lack of glitz.

The interior is uncluttered, with just a single pocket for holding small items. That would worry me if this were an everyday bag, but considering the Dizzy will hold larger items like trainers and sweat towels the clean design’s a real advantage.

The dual handles are long enough for over-the-shoulder carrying, but they might not be so comfortable if you’ve got a ways to go. Puma has included a much longer strap though, which allows us to wear this satchel casually across the body.

That dizzying design may put some fashionistas off, but don’t disregard this cheap as chips satchel just yet. It also comes in a striking silver and lime combination, as well as classic black.

More Features of This Puma Polyester Barrel Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with an 11.5 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 13 to 27.5 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 19.5 x 10 inches
• Made in China

Get this Puma Dizzy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Puma Dizzy shoulder messenger, 2, “”, hobo[/phpbay]

• Check the Rock’s Sports Accessories Store eBay store to see if this Puma bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Puma bags on BagBunch
• The Puma Dizzy Shopper Tote bag, a great alternative to this barrel satchel bag.
• Searching for more Puma bags on eBay

Linea Pelle is the latest handbag designer to launch a diffusion line through Target stores. The more affordable LPLP by Linea Pelle collection features fashion-forward handbags, belts, and jewelry. What a great way to celebrate the South Californian label’s 25th birthday!

Handbags are Linea Pelle’s signature items, and the ones from the diffusion line live up to that promise. Look for slouchy hobo bags embellished with edgy grommets, large daytime clutches, and casual shoulder bags in bright, seasonal colors. Linea Pelle’s famous washed  Italian leather has been traded for synthetic, but we’d expect that compromise at this price point.

Linea Pelle co-founder and chief executive officer Meira S. Katz says her brand was committed to bringing all the style of the signature label into this diffusion line. She’s also indicated that Linea Pelle will expand the collection in the coming months, so hopefully we’ll see some brand new LPLP goodies released for summer.

Bags from the signature Linea Pelle Collection can cost at least $400, so it’s amazing that the label has managed to replicate its signature style for so much less. The LPLP by Linea Pelle purses start at $9.99, and cost no more than $34.99. They’re available now at Target stores across the United States and Target.com.

[Source: FinRoad]
[Image Source: PR Newswire]

Linea Pelle Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Linea Pelle, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Inge Christopher embraces the charms of vintage fashion, along with a dash of retro Madonna, with this Ann Baguette clutch.

The combination of bold black lace laid over neutral pale gray fabric is both enchantingly old fashioned and retro cool. The golden accents help push this towards the 21st century, and also make it ideal for an evening on the town. I love that hint of glitz, which is glamorous without being too overpowering.

The Ann has a conservative flap-over shape, which allows that lace to really shine. But its long baguette style helps to set it apart, while also offering us a little extra storage space. It still won’t hold a lot of luxuries, but you should be able to carry a few of the extras you usually leave behind.

The strap is the piece de resistance for me, a collection of delicate golden straps which looks so striking. It’s also practical, although it would be a bit more so if we could detach it. No one wants an already small space cluttered up by a chain, do they?

It has its flaws but the Ann clutch is a very solid evening accessory, and an affordable one too at $85.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Lace Baguette Clutch

• Satiny lining
• Magnetic snap closure
• A chain strap with a 10.25 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 10 x 3.1 inches
• Made in China

Get this Inge Christopher Ann Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Inge Christopher Ann long clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Ann Lace Frame clutch bag, a great alternative to this baguette bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher bags on eBay

Embrace this season’s romantic vibe with this cute floral handbag.

Have you noticed the spring/summer 2011 trends? They are full of lace, and chiffon, and layers of floaty girly fabrics. Prints have turned towards soft femininity and flowery, as if rebelling against the grown up maturity of last season’s “investment pieces”. As such, the Moltz clutch from Aldo is bang on the money.

Aside from that lovely rural rose print (and the equally lovely leather-esque trim) there is something else about this bag that sells it very easily. The price! $35 is very cheap, making it accessible to people who may well not wear this purse once florals are relegated to the gutters of fashion, and the powers that be decree that studded neons are once again “in.”

Aldo has done well again, producing a budget-friendly trend-following cross-body (sorry about all those hyphens) that makes me wonder why there are so many more expensive bags on the market!

More Features of this Aldo Moltz Cross-Body

• Plastic faux-leather body
• Long cross-body strap
• Interior zip pocket and interior phone pocket
• Turn-lock clasp

Get this Affordable Floral Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Aldo bags on BagBunch
• The Moschino Cheap and Chic Primavera clutch, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more floral bags on eBay
• Other Aldo bags on eBay:

[phpbay]aldo handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Whether you’re planning on conquering the great outdoors or the urban jungle you can carry everything you need with this Voyager Backpack from LeSportsac.

LeSportsac has always reliably produced practical accessories, and I’m thrilled to see this one is no exception. It is lousy with pockets, both inside and out, so organization couldn’t be simpler. It’s also generously sized to handle a healthy swag of goodies, and it’s made from lightweight polyester to ensure you’re not carrying extra weight. This material isn’t the most luxurious around, but it is tough and resistant to tearing.

The polyester body is dressed up a bit with LeSportsac’s signature colorful prints. Fashion snobs may long for something a bit simpler, but there’s a whimsical charm about these playful patterns.

I can imagine the Voyager backpack being popular amongst tourists, college kids, and moms on the run, but perhaps the rest of us should give it a go. There’s a certain stigma around backpacks, but at $108 the Voyager is an affordable and practical way to schlep your stuff.

More Features of This LeSportsac Polyester Backpack

• Clip closure
• Polyester lined interior
• Dual adjustable shoulder straps
• Measures 17.5 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this LeSportsac Voyager Handbag:

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

[phpbay]LeSportsac Voyager backpack, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Verrs Bargain Purses Wallets etc eBay store to see if this LeSportsac bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More LeSportsac bags on BagBunch
• The LeSportsac Sleepaway backpack, a great alternative to this backpack.
• Searching for more LeSportsac bags on eBay

Luggage brand Tumi is celebrating its 35th year in the business with the launch of a new personalization service, Accent Your Alpha.

Now travelers can customize any travel bag from the label’s Alpha Line to ensure it stands out from the other suitcases on the baggage carousel. Jetsetters can add their choice of colored monogram patches, zipper pulls, and luggage tags to the suitcases’ tough ballistic nylon bases.

The service is sure to make those basic black suitcases look even more appealing to Tumi’s legion of fans, which includes President Barack Obama. When America’s top dog chooses your luggage for his many international trips, you know your product stacks up.

The big question for me is one of price though. Tumi doesn’t tell us how much it’ll charge for the Accent Your Alpha service, so I can only but assume that it’s not complimentary. The average Alpha travel bag costs $595, and many are priced much higher, so if we’ve got to pay much more for the customization it sounds like quite an expensive proposition.

How much would you expect to pay to customize your travel bag? And would you bother paying extra to ensure your suitcase doesn’t look like the rest?

[Source: Luxist]

Tumi Alpha Travel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Tumi Alpha, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Laurel & Sunset celebrates flamboyance with this Dirossi satchel.

There’s certainly nothing subtle about this baby. Its synthetic body is meant to mimic python skin, and it might have pulled it off if it wasn’t that lurid shade of purple. The mottled pattern is very busy, but Laurel & Sunset further confuses the eye by adding large structured flowers along the top. It’s probably too much, but I have to tip my hat to the designer for trying.

Strip away all that gaudiness though and the Dirossi is actually a pretty practical purse. The main compartment is spacious, with two generous pockets on either side. There are three more small pockets in the main section too, so there really is a place for everything. We don’t even get all those functional features in many high end designer bags, so I’m impressed to see them in a satchel that costs just $39.95.

A bag that’s so completely over the top is easy to criticize, but I’m sure someone out there is going to love its ostentatious attitude. I just hope they pair it with a neutral outfit!

More Features of This Laurel & Sunset Python Satchel

• Snap top closure
• Silver-toned hardware
• Cotton-nylon lining
• Dual rolled handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 11 x 4.5 inches

Get this Laurel & Sunset Dirossi Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Dirossi satchel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check The Purses Boutique eBay store to see if this Laurel & Sunset bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Laurel & Sunset bags on BagBunch
• The VBH Tootsie satchel bag, a luxury alternative to this snake bag.
• Searching for more Laurel & Sunset bags on eBay

As most of the world is concerned about aftershocks, tsunamis, and radiation poisoning as a result of the recent Japanese earthquake, the fashion industry is worried about its bottom line.

Luxury labels including Coach, Cartier, Tiffany, and Montblanc have already seen their share prices dip as investors anticipate a prolonged consumer drought in the world’s largest high-end market.

“We believe the impact could be fairly significant given Japan is currently the largest luxury market globally,”  said luxury analyst Sunita Entwistle. “It’s a declining market, but still an important one, and sales were beginning to pick up at the end of last year.“

Japan currently accounts for around a quarter of the world’s sales of hard and soft leather goods. About 18% of these sales come from Chinese tourists, who may choose another destination for their shopping vacations.

The luxury goods index dropped more than 4% on Tuesday, and as the crisis worsens we can’t anticipate a recovery any time soon. After all, the Japanese population isn’t likely to feel like spending, even in the areas not physically affected by the disaster.

It seems kind of callous to worry about something as frivolous as fashion when so many lives have been lost, but in the long-term I’m sure we’re all hoping our favorite luxury labels come through this disaster unscathed.

[Source: Daily Finance]
[Image Source: Akira Lai/Flickr]

Beirn celebrates the summer weather ahead with this nautical inspired Boat Canvas Tote.

Beirn uses its favorite snakeskin as accents rather than the main attraction here. The vibrant pink skin dresses up the natural toned canvas. It doesn’t make it red-carpet worthy, but it does help the Boat work once you step away from the seashore.

And well it should for this kind of money. While the Boat is less expensive than Beirn’s all-over snake handbags, it’s still pricy by canvas tote standards at $275. We’re paying for that exotic skin, no matter how sparingly it’s used.

Personally that’d make me loathe to carry this tote at the beach, no matter how much it looks the part. This exotic skin isn’t as hardy as the canvas, and I shudder to think how it’ll look if it’s splashed by water or exposed to that salty sea air for any length of time. It’s just not worth the risk.

There’s plenty of space for everything you could hope to carry inside, but I’d resist the temptation to overload it. There’s only one zippered pocket, so it’s bound to become a bit of a black hole. Some extra organizational aids would have made all the difference, as would a secure closure of some sort.

I’m not sure whether Beirn’s foray into summer fashion is altogether successful on a practical level, but the Boat tote still has a certain casual charm.

More Features of This Beirn Canvas Tote

• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 16.5 x 6 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Beirn Boat Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Beirn bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Leather & Cotton canvas tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Beirn bags on eBay
• Other Beirn tote bags on eBay:

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