Big Buddha Sailor Tote | Rope Handle Canvas Drawstring Handbag

Posted on: Mar 9

Big Buddha Sailor ToteBig Buddha gets ready for summer with this nautical themed Sailor tote.

All of the classic maritime trademarks are there … almost. The canvas body is made for withstanding salty sea air and the braided rope handles look like they’ve been stolen from the riggings of a high class yacht. And then there are the colors, disappointing drab and boring shades which make me want to snooze.

I just can’t follow Big Buddha’s reasoning here. Where are the navy blues, the bright reds, or the crisp white shades that typically make us think of fun on the high seas? And if we weren’t going to see those, why the dull tan, gray, and olive green hues Big Buddha’s chosen? When black is the most interesting color choice for a summery bag you know you’ve got problems.

I’m a bit more enthusiastic about the interior, with its tough polyester lining and generous dimensions. The Sailor’s unstructured shape will make it difficult to find just what you’re looking for, but if you keep your essentials in the pockets you needn’t do too much scrounging.

More conservative fashionistas may appreciate Big Buddha’s subtle color choices here but I think they let down a bag with the potential to make a great nautical statement. At least it’s affordable though at $89.95.

More Features of This Big Buddha Canvas Tote

  • Magnetic closure
  • Dual rope handles with an 11 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 15.5 x 6 inches
  • Made in China

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Carlo Fellini Trish Clutch | Navy Satin Rhinestone Buckle Evening Purse

Posted on: Mar 8

Carlo Fellini Trish ClutchCarlo Fellini offers an alternative to over-embellished evening purses which this sleek and chic Trish.

A rectangular rhinestone buckle is the Trish’s centerpiece, and Carlo Fellini allows it to shine by keeping the rest of the purse blissfully simple. The faceted white gems really pop against the Trish’s darker than dark navy satin body. The Trish is also available in pale colors bisque and silver, but the stones get lost against the pastel satins. For the most dramatic statement choose this clutch in the richer navy, black, or brown tones.

While I appreciate Carlo Fellini’s minimalist approach to design, I’m a bit disappointed that it extends to the interior. The slide pocket is pretty stock stand for a clutch, but it’s also fairly useless. I appreciate the addition of a shoulder strap, but this one isn’t as chic as I’d like. Girls who prize comfort will appreciate the way the soft braided rope feels against their skin, but it doesn’t have the polish of a silvery chain.

Then again, we don’t expect high class looks for $36. In fact, the Trish delivers much more style than most purses priced under $50!

More Features of This Carlo Fellini Satin Clutch

  • Snap magnetic closure
  • Polyester lined interior
  • A 21-inch braided shoulder strap
  • Measures 2 x 10 x 4 inches

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Felix Rey Isabell Clutch | Quilted Leather Purse with Metal Bow Feature

Posted on: Mar 8

Felix Rey Isabell Clutch

Wear a bow in a different way with this Felix Rey clutch.

I am going to hold my hands up now and say that this cute quilted clutch, whilst perhaps a little overly sweet, is at the same time totally adorable. It isn’t often that you come across a new and creative way of working the bow accessory, much less one that does it in a way that actually works. It is that metal clasp that stops it being too traditional, and which manages to work that gorgeous quilting in a sophisticated and modern way!

The Isabell purse doesn’t only hit the spot on looks. The lambskin is soft, the leopard print interior endearingly kitsch, and the size is ideal. However, it would be so much better with a handle, and I can’t believe that Felix Rey left one off a bag of this size.

Whilst there are a couple of little flaws, this is a luxury bag that does look damn lovely!

More Features of this Felix Rey Quilted Clutch

  • Lambskin leather exterior
  • Metal bow clasp
  • Leopard print fabric lining
  • Single interior zip pocket

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Diane von Furstenberg’s Limited Edition International Women’s Day Products | Tote, T-Shirt, & CD for Vital Voices

Posted on: Mar 8

Diane von Furstenberg International Womens Day ToteDiane von Furstenberg is celebrating International Women’s Day with the release of a new limited edition T-shirt, tote bag, and CD. As with previous International Women’s Day collections, a percentage of sales will benefit non-profit women’s charity Vital Voices.

The items again feature the feminist slogan “Proud to be Woman.” This year’s design sees the slogan placed inside a pair of hearts with long, womanly legs. The motto is only written once on the T-shirt, but it’s repeated so many times on the tote that you won’t risk forgetting it!

The heart motif is also featured on this year’s Diane von Furstenberg International Women’s Day album, which includes songs from tough chicks like Madonna, Katy Perry, and Florence + The Machine. The album costs $24, the T-shirt is $28, and the tote will set you back $35.

Diane von Furstenberg has released a similar collection for the last few years, and it’s encouraging to see her continuing to support Vital Voices. This not for profit organization helps empower women in needy communities around the world. You can lend your support to Vital Voices by shopping for the International Women’s Day items on Diane von Furstenberg’s website. Will you pick up one of Diane von Furstenberg’s International Women’s Day items, or the whole set?

[Source: People StyleWatch]
[Image Source: Essence]

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Donald J Pliner Pansai Satchel | Simple Mustard Nubuck Handbag

Posted on: Mar 8

Donald J Pliner Pansai SatchelDonald J Pliner offers everyday luxury with this Pansai Satchel.

The Pansai’s soft material isn’t suede but nubuck leather, one of Donald J Pliner’s favorite materials. It has that velvety suede finish, but it doesn’t show wear as easily. With so many advantages, it’s a wonder why more designers don’t work with this skin!

The clean design reminds me a little of an oversized envelope clutch, but with a bit more quirk. Complementary stitching gently emphasizes each and every seam and pocket. The only part I can’t work out is the round peace logo button. This is one of Donald J Pliner’s signature accents, but on a fairly sedate bag like the Pansai the hippie ethos doesn’t quite gel.

The Pansai is clearly a satchel made for everyday use. There are pockets on the front and back, and plenty more inside too. We even get a dog leash clip for our keys! The khaki nylon lining is made of tough stuff, and the adjustable strap makes carrying the Pansai a breeze.

At $310 the Pansai satchel combines style and substance at a price most of us can afford. I find this delicious mustard shade difficult to resist, but you’ll also find it in blue denim and saddle brown.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Nubuck Satchel

  • Antiqued hardware
  • Clip lock closure
  • A single handle with a 10.5 inch drop
  • Measures 18 x 9 x 7 inches

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Blake Lively Face of Chanel Mademoiselle Handbags | First Look at Gossip Girl’s Advertisement

Posted on: Mar 8

Chanel Blake Lively Ad

When we heard Gossip Girl star Blake Lively would be the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle accessories we were confident she could hold her own. Now the ads have been released, and we’re thrilled that this budding style icon has exceeded our expectations.

Starring in a Chanel commercial was apparently one of Blake Lively’s great ambitions, and she turned down several modeling roles until the opportunity arose. Her detractors told her that Chanel only hires Europeans, but she didn’t let that discourage her. We all know what they say about those who wait.

Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld captured the sophisticated side of this bubbly blonde starlet. I love the way her signature gold locks have been given red highlights to complement the blood red Mademoiselle bag.

While I love the way Blake Lively looks in this ad, her presence isn’t the only appealing part. The Mademoiselle bag she’s carrying is stunning, with its scarlet finish and signature Chanel quilting. It doesn’t stray too far from tradition, but it still feels fresh and on trend.

The new Chanel advertisements will appear in major fashion magazines all around the world this week. Are you impressed with Blake Lively’s turn as fashion model?

[Source: The Glamazon Diaries]

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Gustto Malia Satchel | Contemporary Lace Detailed Khaki Leather Handbag

Posted on: Mar 8

Gustto Malia SatchelGustto proves it’s got the stuff to move from up-and-coming fashion label to designer powerhouse with this modern Malia satchel.

It might not have the celebrity backing of big name designer purses, but the Malia has It bag written all over it. Its utilitarian good looks are sexy and androgynous, and the corset-style lacing on the pockets gives it some real individuality. The buttery khaki leather gives the Malia a relaxed silhouette, which makes it perfect for everyday use.

This satchel is a bit bigger than the current breed of handbags though, so it may feel a bit unwieldy once it’s loaded up. The long cross-body strap should make your job a bit easier, but the Malia will still be weighty when it’s full. On the flip side though you’ll never have to worry about leaving anything you need behind.

I think this khaki color is perfect for a satchel with such a military vibe, but I’m sure the girly girls out there will find it a bit drab. Luckily Gustto has thought of them too; it’s also available in camel and a pink hued shade of taupe.

More Features of This Gustto Leather Satchel

  • Polished gold-toned hardware
  • Top zip closure
  • Microfiber lined interior
  • Metal feet at the base
  • Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
  • An adjustable attachable strap with a 12 to 24 inch drop
  • Measures 17 x 11 x 5.75 inches
  • Made in China

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Melie Bianco Lily Hobo | Affordable Flower Cut-Out Ivory Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Mar 7

Melie Bianco Lily HoboWho says you need to spend a fortune on a fun new handbag for spring? This Lily hobo from Melie Bianco is right on trend, and right on budget at $65.

I’ve often felt Melie Bianco’s favored synthetics look a bit cheap, but there are no such worries here. Less is more when it comes to synthetics. In small doses we don’t register the glossy finish and stiffness of this manmade material. So Melie Bianco’s lazer-cut flowers aren’t just pretty; they’re also a way to hide the hobo’s cheap and cheerful fabric. The coordinating silk lining peeks through the petals and leaves, creating a look with volume and springtime style.

Those pearl-esque handles really let the Lily down though. The spheres are so chunky, especially around the top of the bag; they don’t really gel with the Lily’s delicate cut-out design. I could forgive the confused look if these straps were comfortable, but these hard beads almost certainly won’t be.

Melie Bianco has gotten it right inside though. The Lily is generously sized and filled with handy open and secure zip pockets. You’ll have space for everything you need to carry, and a place for everything as well!

I love the timeless appeal of this ivory colored bag, but if you prefer something more feminine look for the Lily in rose pink.

More Features of This Melie Bianco Flower Cut-Out Hobo

  • Snap closure
  • Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 16 x 13 x 3 inches
  • Made in China

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Mulberry’s New Jewelled Lily Purse | Limited Edition Crystals & Rivets Handbag

Posted on: Mar 7

Mulberry Jewelled Lily PurseMulberry’s Lily bag just got a lot more glamorous with the launch of a new limited edition version. The British brand has released just 25 of these sparkly Jewelled Lily purses.

The shape and dimensions of the original Lily have been maintained, but this Jewelled Lily is anything but ordinary. Its base is made from high-quality on trend nude leather, which is cut by hand in the United Kingdom.

This neutral colored leather is dotted with a staggering 2596 Swarovski crystals and 460 Mulberry rivets. All of those gems are applied by hand, a painstaking process which takes some 18 hours to complete. All that work helps to justify the exorbitant four-figure price tag I suppose, but I’m still not sure I like the Jewelled Lily.

It’s all a bit overwhelming, and a bit overdone, but I’m sure plenty of daring bagistas are salivating over this sparkly little number. Do you love the blingtastic Mulberry Jewelled Lily purse, or is it too over the top for your tastes?

With just 25 made though, those who’ve fallen for it will be lucky to get their hands on one. Even priced at a prohibitive £3500, these Mulberry Jewelled Lily bags are bound to fly off Mulberry’s online shelf!

[Source: The Bag Lady]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

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Beirn Jenna Tote | Emerald Green Watersnake Carryall Bag

Posted on: Mar 7

Beirn Jenna ToteSometimes the right material can take a tote from average to outstanding. That’s just what we see when we drool over the Jenna tote from Beirn.

The secret is that gorgeous watersnake skin. I love its rich jewel emerald green color and its mottled black vertical stripes. While embossed leathers have come a long way in recent years, gazing at this skin reminds me of the beauty of the real thing. Big name designers would easily charge thousands for this kind of authentic exotic, yet somehow Beirn manages to keep the price to a relatively affordable $360.

Frankly I can see no evidence of corner cutting here. The Jenna is large, with a classic shape that’s made for overstuffing. You may want to resist that temptation though, as snakeskin is a bit more fragile than leather. Still, its hardy canvas lined interior should handle all the things you really need with little fuss.

My only disappointment is the lack of protective feet on the base. You’ll need to be careful where you sit this tote, lest it show wear and tear by the end of the season. The Jenna’s so beautiful though it’s worth taking care to protect your investment.

More Features of This Beirn Watersnake Tote

  • Magnetic closure
  • A zippered interior pocket
  • Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 12.5 x 16.5 x 7 inches
  • Made in Indonesia

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