Proenza Schouler has been retooling some of its classic designs lately, and I am really excited about it. This new smaller and brighter version of the PS1 satchel is really thrilling, and a really great addition to its fabulously minimal collection.

The bright yellow leather on the PS1 satchel is pivotal to its success. The leather has a pebbled texture, but not in any dramatic way. And it doesn’t take anything away from the bright color or sleek, minimal look.

The shape of the bag is the same as that of the other PS1s, but smaller. The condensed size works in the bag’s favor. It brings all of the design elements closer together, so the impact is a little great than on the other versions. The simple silver hardware clasp brings the eye right to the center of the bag and makes the quality seam details really pop.

At $1225, the PS1 is expensive, but it’s the kind of bag that will last a lifetime. If you can deal with the everyday excitement of the eye-popping yellow, that is.

More Features Of The Proenza Schouler PS 1 Small Leather Satchel

• 8″ x 7″ x 4″ size
• 29″ handle drop
• Fully lined in black twill

Get This Proenza Schouler PS 1 Small Leather Satchel:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Proenza Schouler bags on Bag Bunch
• The Proenza Schouler PS 1 Crocodile Satchel
• Searching for more Proenza Schouler bags on eBay
• Other yellow leather satchels on eBay:

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Matthew McConaughey’s better half Camila Alves recently signed a deal with American shopping channel QVC which is bringing her Muxo handbags to a wider audience.

The Brazilian beauty says her QVC collection will provide a more affordable alternative to Muxo’s usual handmade one-of-a-kind purses.

“I was so excited and happy,” Camila said about signing the deal. “I thought, here we go: I can reach the masses with a high-end product.“

Happily she assures us that the bags released through QVC will have all the style of their more exclusive counterparts. She says one area she didn’t compromise on is the quality of the leather, which is every bit as soft as that used on the high-end purses. The QVC bags also aim to replicate Muxo’s iconic handcrafted good looks, despite being mass produced. The range is small, with just five bags available, but the quality is also consistent across the collection.

The Muxo by Camila Alves handbags are available online through the QVC website now. Prices start at $135 for the small lamb leather cross-body and top $280 for the soft pebble leather tote pictured. That’s still not small change, but it’s a lot less than Camila Alves’ signature line with its handbags priced up to $1800. In the world of fashion, affordable is a relative term after all!

[Source: Style Bistro]
[Image Source: QVC website]

QVC Handbags on eBay

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East meets west and old meets new in the clash of cultures that is the Brixie Weave Ikat Tote from Cleobella.

With all of those opposing influences, the Brixie could have so easily become confused. Instead Cleobella has masterfully made a woven tote that’s relatively affordable and interesting. It’s a smart tactic. Bottega Veneta already has the market cornered on the high end woven handbags, so knowing it couldn’t compete there Cleobella’s done something completely different. The quality leather is still there, but it’s interwoven with ikat. This traditional hand-loomed fabric gives the tote an ethnic look which is striking and right on trend.

Choosing a more open weave than Bottega Veneta makes the Brixie a less weighty proposition. It’d be disrespectful to call it a lightweight as its leather is tough stuff, but it’ll be much lighter to carry once it’s loaded up. This is a real advantage considering the Brixie’s enormous dimensions. It has an awful lot of space, so I’m thankful we can take advantage of it.

Some may accuse the Brixie of being too big, particularly considering style says handbags are shrinking. But if you bemoan the demise of the over-sized tote you’ll happily fork out $430 to own this one.

More Features of This Cleobella Woven Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Plainweave lined interior
• Dual straps with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 21 x 10 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Cleobella Brixie Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cleobella bags on BagBunch
• The black Cleobella Brixie Ikat tote bag, a great alternative to this tan bag.
• Searching for more Cleobella bags on eBay
• Other ikat bags on eBay:

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Christian Louboutin manages to make all its looks chic, even when they’re totally street. This Marianna Rider spiked leather bag is a great example of how Louboutin is able to marry its signature sophistication to edgier styles.

The entire surface of the black leather Mariana is covered in small pyramid studs. The petite size of the studs is really crucial, because it allows the bag to look almost glittery from a distance, but completely bad-ass from up close.

The shape of the Marianna is really interesting. It’s almost a hobo, but far less slouchy. I always feel a little conflicted about straps that are made entirely of chains because they can be so uncomfortable to carry, but they look really really cool on the Marianna. I also really dig the addition of the side tassels. They hang down below the bottom of the bag in a really cool, casual way.

At $2,595, the Marianna Rider is a significant investment. But if your fashion goal is to combine hard-edged biker chic with high-design elegance, you really couldn’t do better.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Marianna Rider Spikes Leather Bag

• 15″ x 14″ x 4″ size
• 5″ strap drop
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets
• Lined in signature red twill

Get this Christian Louboutin Marianna Rider Spikes Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Christian Louboutin Pillow Clutch, a sweet alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin items on eBay
• Other studded black leather bags on eBay:

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Some of French fashion’s biggest names, including Longchamp, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermes, have joined forces to celebrate the country’s football team through The Away Project. This nautical looking beach tote is Chanel’s contribution.

Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld is obviously a big soccer fan. He stepped behind the camera to shoot the French team’s official photo, along with developing this tote bag. It features the French football side’s famous mariniere vertical stripe alongside Chanel’s famous interlocking Cs.

As a beach tote, or perhaps a bag for schlepping soccer shoes and jerseys to the local field, it works well. It’s generously sized and lightweight. It also strikes just the right balance between relaxed everyday fashion and that famous sleek Chanel style.

But I have a feeling this beach bag is going to be incredibly overpriced. Just 11 have been made, enough for a football team, and that level of exclusivity is sure to drive up the price. I don’t mind splurging on a luxury handbag every now and then, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking one to the beach!

If you think you can afford the inevitable high price tag visit the Paris boutique Colette from March 28 to get yours!

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Chanel Totes on eBay

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

Pilar Abril seems to have been sleepwalking when it designed the underwhelming Saleta hobo.

This is one of those bags made for adjectives like nice, pleasant, and adequate. It’s not that it’s a bad bag, but it is pretty boring. The suede like synthetic is lovely, but Pilar Abril doesn’t really do anything with it. It delivers it in conservative shades, brown or black. It gives it a typical hobo shape. And it dots it with studs for good measure.

Honestly for me the studs are the most disappointing part of the Saleta. In and of themselves the polished round domes are lovely, but they don’t seem to have a purpose. They’re just thrown on haphazardly in some token gesture towards style. Pilar Abril, you know you can do better.

I can’t even really muster enthusiasm about the design on a practical level. The rolled shoulder straps are long enough, and the interior is large enough, and it’s got the right number of pockets. But really, who cares?

At $194 the Saleta is a relatively affordable hobo bag, but I’m still not buying. I’ll save my money for one of Pilar Abril’s more thought-out designs.

More Features of This Pilar Abril Studded Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Logo print lining
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 16.5 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pilar Abril Saleta Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the CSN Stores eBay store to see if this Pilar Abril bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pilar Abril bags on BagBunch
• The Linea Pelle Joey hobo bag, a great alternative to this studded hobo bag.
• Searching for more Pilar Abril bags on eBay
• Other Pilar Abril hobos on eBay:

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A group called Anonymous has waged war on Louis Vuitton, declaring that its harsh stance on copyright infringement denies artists their creative freedom. The protestors have launched Operation Skankbag to fight on behalf of artists targeted by Louis Vuitton, including Danish student Nadia Plesner.

Fashion fans may remember Plesner, who three years ago fought to use the image of a Louis Vuitton Audra bag on a charity T-shirt and poster. She hoped the graphic of an African boy carrying the Louis Vuitton bag and a chihuahua pup might raise awareness of the genocide in Darfur. The compelling artwork reminded us that we live in a society where tiny dogs and designer bags seem to matter more than such pressing human issues. It also reminded us that Louis Vuitton seems to like few things better than a good lawsuit.

The case was eventually dropped when Plesner realized she had several years of legal proceedings to battle through, a daunting prospect for any student. But it raised the question: should Louis Vuitton really stop an artist making a powerful statement for charity, or indeed for the sake of art? It’s easy to argue that the image would have lost its potency without the image of the LV bag. Plesner donated sales of her tees and posters, so she didn’t profit from the fashion house’s hard work. She also wasn’t encroaching on Louis Vuitton’s market, as she sold T-shirts rather than handbags.

Operation Skankbag looks to hit Louis Vuitton where it hurts by devaluing the brand. The group will buy fake Louis Vuitton bags and give them to the homeless, paint anti-LV graffiti, and generally spread negativity about the fashion house. I’m not sure this group’s efforts can really chip away at this prestigious label, but you can’t blame a group of creative vigilantes for trying to take on the big guys.

Whose side are you on?

[Source: Anonymous press release]
[Image Source: New York Fashion]

Louis Vuitton Audra Bags on eBay

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Is there anything cheerier than a bright yellow purse? Because as I look at this sunny Hannah clutch from Ellington, I’m struggling to think of one!

As gloomy gray skies give way to clear blue ones, carrying this happy purse seems like a perfect way to celebrate the new season. That joyful shade drew me in, but it’s the details that have me really swooning. The Hannah’s stitched finish is like a modern alternative to quilting, a finish which adds volume and real pizzazz. It also makes the most of that buttery Italian leather, showing us just how soft the skin really is. Don’t you just want to reach out and touch it!

I rarely think of clutches as being practical, but this one’s got a few nice functional touches. Security is key, with a zippered pocket inside and another zip for keeping the Hannah closed. You can rest easy knowing anything you stash inside this clutch will be just where you left it. I’m a little put out at the lack of shoulder strap, but this clutch isn’t so big that we can’t manage it by hand.

The lack of bling and baubles makes the Hannah really versatile. You could certainly carry it to a nightclub or dinner, but it’ll look just as fresh during the day. That makes the very reasonable price of $99 seem like a real bargain!

More Features of This Ellington Stitched Leather Clutch

• Logo print lining
• Measures 5 x 10 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Ellington Hannah Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ellington bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington Hannah cross-body bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Ellington bags on eBay

MICHAEL Michael Kors is a diffusion line worth keeping an eye on, especially when it comes to making high quality faux exotic bags. This Edie tote has a great combination of style and affordability that makes it pretty irresistible.

The gold metallic python-embossed leather on the Edie is really beautiful. The texture mimics snakeskin in a truly remarkable way, but the metallic finish takes it to the next level in terms of style. I also like how the leather is supple enough to pull off such a slouchy style.

The Edie is sort of a bucket bag-tote hybrid. It’s not as round as your usual bucket, but it has that general attitude. The double row of straps at the top gather the bag up in a really cool way. They look like drawstrings, but the bag actually has a snap closure. I really like the double top straps and the addition of the shoulder strap, but honestly, I think all of them are a little thin for such a generously-sized bag.

Still, the Edie packs in a whole lot of glam for its very reasonable $550 price tag.

More Features Of The MICHAEL Michael Kors Edie Large Metallic Python-Effect Leather Bag

• 15″ x 11″ x 7″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Interior pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in satin twill

Get this MICHAEL Michael Kors Edie Python Effect Tote:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, a very cool alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors handbags on eBay
• Other gold snakeskin bags on eBay:

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