Miu Miu Leather Trimmed Raffia Tote | Cool Woven Summer Carryall

Posted on: Feb 26

Miu Miu Leather Trimmed Raffia Tote

Miu Miu’s inconsistent style is sort of like an accessories line soap opera. Even though I find that I’m frequently disappointed by their designs, I just can’t help but keep tabs on them. This raffia tote is a low key, upscale, but kind of boring way to carry your summer necessities.

I’m not a big fan of raffia. I’ve mentioned this before. My reasoning is that you have to be really careful when working with raffia to avoid making an expensive bag look like an easter basket. Unfortunately, I don’t think that this bag avoids this particular problem. The somewhat loose weave is just not very elegant.

The shape of the bag is fine, if a little uninspired. I can’t really conjure up any feelings about it either way, which is a good sign to me that it’s just boring. I do really like the complexity of the hardware on the handle attachments, although I think it looks a little out of place on this bag. If you took the straps and attachments off the raffia, I’d say you had a good start on a great bag. Unfortunately, that’s not how things turned out.

Another problem I have with this bag is its price tag. I just can’t imagine many women dropping $950 on it.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Leather Trimmed Raffia Tote

  • 16″ x 11″ x 7″ size
  • 6″ starp drop
  • Fully lined in checked twill

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Burberry Grained Leather Bag | Simply Chic Black Hobo

Posted on: Feb 26

Burberry Grained Leather BagBurberry’s understated aesthetic has undergone a subtle transformation in the past few seasons. It’s always had a classically beautiful look, but now it has tempered it with more street smarts, and the results are irresistible. This great grained leather hobo is a great example of Burberry’s ability to satisfy many styles at once.

The grained leather on the bag is totally classic, as is the high quality craftsmanship. You really couldn’t ask for more subtly rendered details. The seams are all but invisible and the burnished gold hardware is beautiful, but totally unobtrusive.

The hobo shape is also very subtle. It has a much flatter bottom than most, which makes it look structured and less casual. This structure also means it looks a little more grown up and refined than your average boho hobo. The smooth, curved handle is the only thing throwing off the look for me. I’m not a big fan of these very circular handles, as they tend to slide off your shoulder pretty easily. Luckily, there’s a detachable shoulder strap, just in case.

At $995, this hobo is extremely well priced for the line, and a great designer buy all around.

More Features Of The Burberry Grained Leather Bag

  • Fully lined in signature check
  • Interior zipper and pouch pockets

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Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Diamante Embellished Box Clutch | Spectacular Sparkly Pastel Bag

Posted on: Feb 25

Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Diamante Embellished Box ClutchAlexander’s McQueen’s skull clutches are truly extraordinary. No one can balance edgy and elegant the way the McQueen line can. This classic skull diamante clutch is a perfect pastel addition to the collection.

This amazing clutch has done something that I find personally amazing. It has combined three things that I don’t really like (pastels, rhinestones, and satin) and made me totally love them. Each of these elements on its own is a little too girly or flashy for me, but put them together and they become a decadent delight.

The classic shape of this box clutch is pure understated elegance. It subtly allows the strength of the materials to shine, and shine they do. The McQueen signature skull clasp is as embellished as the rest of the bag. It has rhinestones for both teeth and eyes, which is simultaneously kitschy and cool. This is the perfect accessory to add a little feminine toughness to your evening wear.

Sure, it’s pricey, but this kind of cool doesn’t come cheap. And all-in-all, $2,195 isn’t such a bad price to pay for it.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Diamante Embellished Box Clutch

  • 8″ x 4″ x 2″ size
  • Fully lined in nude leather

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Bisadora Furrette Tote | Affordable Furry Reptile Finished Cranberry Handbag

Posted on: Feb 25

Bisadora Furrette ToteBisadora is one of those labels that never tries to be anything it’s not. It’s cheap and cheerful, and with bags like the Furrette Tote it revels in that status.

We often pick apart faux reptilian finishes, stating that there’s no way a fashion aficionado would ever fall for the exotic mimic. But clearly Bisadora doesn’t care about authenticity. Why else would it make its scaly surface furry? And then render it in an unnatural shade of cranberry? It could never come from any real life animal, but who cares? The color is vibrant and the finish feels wonderful to touch, so it’s a bit of a guilty pleasure.

Such an unlikely surface could have overwhelmed a bag, so Bisadora plays it safe and opts for a traditional boxy shape. Yes it’s a bit ho-hum, but I hate to think what this tote would look like if Bisadora had opted for any more flair!

This tote’s design is unexpectedly smart for this price. A zippered pocket running down the center divides the interior into three. Stash your valuables in the middle portion, and leave the items you need on hand down the sides. There are smaller pockets there and even a clear vinyl window for your ID or business card.

I know many fashion snobs will turn their nose up at this tote, but if you can embrace recession-chic it might be the bag for you at $59.

More Features of This Bisadora Reptile Embossed Tote

  • Open top design
  • Dual handles
  • Measures 5 x 15 x 13 inches

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Chanel & Colette Plan Pop-Up Store | French Designers Unite for Paris Fashion Week

Posted on: Feb 25

Eiffel TowerFrench fashion powerhouses Chanel and Colette will join forces during Paris Fashion Week for a potent pop-up store.

The store will transform 336-340 rue Saint-Honore, the site of a former garage, into an exciting retail space. Each day the store is in business, customers can enjoy extra special events.

Illustrators Kevin Lyons, Soledad, SO-ME, and graffiti artists Andre and Fafi, will be on hand to give your designer purses a facelift, there’ll be a Chanel nail bar, and even a harpisichord performance by Maxence Cyrin. I’m not sure I’d trust an artist to give my Chanel bag a makeover, but more adventurous fashionistas are sure to love the option. A new event happens each day of trading, so you might need to visit more than once!

Take a break from your fashion week activities and visit the Chanel and Colette pop-up store between 11 am and 7 pm from March 1 to 10.

[Source: Vogue UK]
[Image Source: Enrico Nunziati/Stock.xchng]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Cleobella Haven Hobo | Unique Army Leather Boho Fringe Handbag

Posted on: Feb 25

Cleobella Haven HoboCleobella plays with fringe with this unique Haven hobo.

I’ve never seen fringe quite like this. Rather than the long tassels we typically see, Cleobella has opted instead for short curved, cut-out strips. They create such a unique texture which really helps to set this bag apart. It’s still boho cool, but it’s not as tired as many hobos on the market.

That unusual fringe will draw you in, but thankfully the Haven’s appeal is more than skin deep. The array of interior pockets help make the hobo’s generous dimensions seem more manageable. Each is trimmed with leather, so you know they’ll go the distance.

There are also two removable straps, so you can wear the hobo over your shoulder or across your body, and enjoy a clean look in both modes. As someone who hates to see superfluous straps dangling, I really appreciate this perk.

This unique hobo probably isn’t for the fashion faint-hearted, but if you enjoy taking a risk it’s a reasonable buy at $470.

More Features of This Cleobella Fringe Hobo

  • Zip top closure
  • Cotton lined interior
  • Measures 11 x 20 x 8 inches
  • Made in Indonesia

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Gucci’s New Fiat 500 Car | Limited Edition Designer Vehicle with Matching Accessories

Posted on: Feb 25

Gucci Fiat Accessories

Gucci has teamed up with Fiat’s manager of brand promotions Lapo Elkann to create a cute limited edition Fiat 500 and a range of matching accessories.

The car will hit dealerships in April and sell for a relatively affordable $24, 000. Unless you’re in the market for some new wheels though, you’ll probably be more interested in the accompanying accessories. The collection has everything automobile nuts could wish for, including driving gloves, fashionable sunglasses, and travel bags.

The bags feature Gucci’s subtle black-on-black “GG” logo printed on durable nylon material. This dark fabric is jazzed up with a sexy red and green racing stripe and a “500 by Gucci” logo tag. These handbags are simply designed, but they offer plenty of room for everything you’ll need on a weekend away.

No accessory prices have been announced at this stage, but with the Gucci and Fiat names attached and their limited edition status I don’t expect them to come cheaply. We’ll find out when the accessories hit Gucci stores, including the label’s website, in April.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

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Nicole Lee Calista Tote | Stud Splashed Square Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Feb 25

Nicole Lee Calista ToteIt’s got a delicate name, but a big, bold sensibility. Meet the Calista tote from Nicole Lee.

Here the designer gives us studs, studs, and more studs. They snake this way and that, dotting some kind of pretzel across the tote’s front pocket. I don’t mind their configuration, but I think the variety of studs confuses the looks. I suppose Nicole Lee thought the different sizes and shapes would make the purse even more edgy, but these variations are just a bit distracting.

It seems unfair to criticize the quality of synthetic when Nicole Lee charges just $85 for it, but I still can’t help feeling a bit let down. It’s a bit stiff and shiny, both pointers that this is a pretty cheap leather alternative.

At least Nicole Lee hasn’t forgotten functionality though. The Calista is a great size for everyday use, and it’s packed with pockets. You see the large one on the front, but we also find a zippered pocket and pair of open pouches inside. The attachable cross-body strap also adds a bit of versatility.

As I say, it seems unfair to criticize such a bargain basement purse, especially one which performs as well as this does. However, I still find myself craving a bit more style.

More Features of This Nicole Lee Studded Square Tote

  • Zip top closure
  • Fully lined interior
  • Measures 5 x 14 x 12.5 inches

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Diane von Furstenberg Leopard Print Snakeskin Clutch | Super Glam Exotic Box Clutch

Posted on: Feb 24

Diane von Furstenberg Leopard Print Snakeskin ClutchDiane von Furstenberg has a way with evening bags. I’m not always a fan of her daytime designs, but her clutches are really spot on. This leopard print snakeskin box clutch has the perfect balance of sleek styling and glam details.

The leopard spotted snakeskin is pretty amazing. These are two looks that work well together. I’m not really sure about the way von Furstenberg’s pieced together the material on the front, though. It creates a patchwork-y look that doesn’t really fit with the overall chic styling of the bag.

I love the petite, understated shape of this clutch. The gold frame not only creates structure, but it gives a little bit of subtle sparkle to the brown-on-brown pattern. The twig clasp closure is amazing, and it’s one of my favorite DVF signature flourishes. All this for $395? Yes, please.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Leopard Print Snakeskin Clutch

  • 7″ x 4″ x 1″ size
  • 20″ strap drop
  • Press studs at sides to expand
  • Fully lined in brown twill

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Mulberry Oversized Tillie Snake Effect Leather Bag | Fabulous But Practical Brown Satchel

Posted on: Feb 24

Mulberry Oversized Tillie Snake Effect Leather BagMulberry’s Tillie bag is a modern classic. Its tailored design has made it great for office looks and more conservative styles. This fabulous over-sized update gives the Tillie a more exotic look, but without taking away from its classic appeal.

Honestly, I’m not 100% thrilled about the texture of the Tillie’s snakeskin-embossed leather. It’s not bad; it’s just a little less than authentic looking. I’m not sure the bronze piping was a great choice, either. It’s a little cheap looking. Honestly, I’m really surprised about these choices, as Mulberry’s taste is usually above reproach.

I’ve always like the pared down, tailored look of the Tillie. Unfortunately, when Mulberry increased the size of the bag, they didn’t increase the size of the hardware, and the proportions of the Tillie were one of the most interesting things about it. Also, I’m not so sure about the practicality of the chain strap. Lucky, Mulberry didn’t change the simple hand strap. On the plus side, the bigger size of this new Tillie makes it a lot better for the office.

For $1,825, I’m just not sure about this new version of the Tillie. Personally, I prefer the original.

More Features Of The Mulberry Oversized Tillie Snake Effect Leather Bag

  • Internal patch and zipper pockets
  • Fully lined in designer stamped twill

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