I’ve been a bit skeptical of Lux de Ville’s cheap and cheerful approach to retro fashion in the past, but the label may have won me over with this Train Case.

Perhaps it’s the influence of Pinup Couture, as this Train Case was a collaboration between the two brands. Pinup Couture gets its name on the tin, but Lux de Ville’s stamp is still there. We’ve seen that same sparkly fabric employed on the label’s Starlight Sparkle shoulder bag, but it doesn’t seem quite as cheap here. The structured shape and snappy black trim tempers it a little, imbuing it with a class we haven’t seen before.

And as train cases go, this one certainly does the trick. Don’t let the satiny leopard print lining fool you; this cosmetics bag means business. It has a pull-out tray, a pop-up mirror, and plenty of compartments for storing your make-up, jewelry, and other travel beauty essentials. A longer handle would have made this case a bit easier to manage, but we’d have lost that distinctive retro style. At least this one is sturdy enough to handle our upcoming trips.

This train case is certainly the pick of Lux de Ville’s accessories, especially considering its reasonable $98 price tag.

More Features of This Lux de Ville Cosmetics Handbag

• Front clasp
• Protective feet on the base
• Measures 13 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Lux de Ville Train Case Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Lux de Ville train case, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the JBR Clothing eBay store to see if this Lux de Ville bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lux de Ville bags on BagBunch
• The Lux de Ville Sparkle Starlight shoulder bag, a great alternative to this cosmetics bag.
• Searching for more Lux de Ville bags on eBay

They say that as one door closes another one opens, and that old saying is certainly true in New York City’s fashion world. Just days after Kenneth Cole announced its flagship Rockefeller Center store would close up shop, Michael Kors has swooped in on the location.

The move is perfectly timed for Kors, who’s been expanding his market locally and internationally. The space is located in the heart of Fifth Avenue’s high-class shopping district, so it’s going to receive plenty of foot traffic from fashionistas with cash to burn.

Michael Kors has only secured 4, 500 square feet of Kenneth Cole’s original 13, 000 square foot space, but that’s plenty to turn a tidy profit. And let’s remember, he’s already got three New York boutiques as it is!

It’s all bad news for Kenneth Cole though. The New York location is one of eight stores earmarked for closure. Let’s hope this isn’t the beginning of the end for this handbag designer.

[Source: BNet]
[Image Source: Ben Sutherland/Flickr]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Michael Kors, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Lulu Guinness’ Lips purses are legendary, but this Swarovski crystal clutch is the most luxurious of the lot!

The iconic pouty lips are covered in thousands of sparkling red Swarovski crystals. They definitely up the glam factor of this purse. I can imagine quirky pop stars like Katy Perry and Pink carrying it down the Grammys red carpet, although I’d say any daring fashionista could make it work for them.

Of course, when you buy a purse shaped like a pair of lips you’re not expecting it to be very practical. If you are, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Its unusually shaped body is even more limiting than the average clutch purse, so I’m afraid it’s essentials only here ladies. The suede body should allow you to tuck a few extra items inside, but don’t go expecting miracles. There’s really no space for a shoulder strap in here so perhaps it’s not surprising that we’re not given one. We may not be shocked, but that doesn’t mean we’re not disappointed.

I might have happily accepted this purse’s limitations on Lulu Guinness’ cheaper Lips clutches, but at $1026 it’s a little harder to accept those flaws. Still, if you’ve got cash to spare it might be worth the splurge for all that head-turning style!

More Features of This Lulu Guinness Crystal Clutch

• Made of suede
• Zip through top
• Measures 9 x 5 inches

Get this Lulu Guinness Swarovski Lips Handbag:

• Available to buy at Asos
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lulu Guinness bags on BagBunch
• The Lulu Guinness snakeskin Lips bag, a great alternative to this crystal covered bag.
• Searching for more Lulu Guinness bags on eBay
• Other Lulu Guinness Lips clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Lulu Guinness lips clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Los Angeles’ Josephine Close has won a year’s supply of groceries from Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market after designing the store’s new reusable bag.

Ms Close was named the winner of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market’s first Design-A-Bag contest after her bag earned the most votes from members of the public. These enthusiastic fans can now own the vibrant patterned bag for just 79 cents. And it seems they’re happy about it; after launching this week thousands have bags have been snapped up.

“We set out to design a desirable and affordable bag people actually want to use and re-use, and we turned to our customers for inspiration,” said Roberto Munoz, Fresh & Easy Director of Neighborhood Affairs. “Based on sales of the bag already, we know customers like the design and the price point.  We hope this new bag will continue to encourage customers to use fewer single-use bags in exchange for reusable options.“

I think this contest is a really great gimmick, although I’m not sure what sort of quality you get for your 79 cents. If these bags fall apart after a few uses, they don’t seem that much better than the offending plastic shoppers they look to replace!

[Source: PR Newswire]
[Image Source: Fresh & Easy Blog]

Reusable Shopping Bags on eBay

[phpbay]reusable shopping bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Lucky Brand delivers an interesting twist on the fold-over tote with this Bandit bag.

Fold-over bags typically fold in half to convert, but not the Bandit. Instead its top folds down to reveal a long strap. In this mode you can carry the Bandit as a shoulder bag, a refreshing change to the tote you began with.

Honestly as a tote the Bandit doesn’t rev me. The pick-stitching down the center isn’t enough to make the plain expanse of suede seem interesting. But with the top folded down the shape is a little more interesting, and the design more fashion forward. It’s also much more practical, particularly when the Bandit is loaded to capacity. Consequently I think the Bandit would spend much of its life as a shoulder bag in my wardrobe!

The convertible configuration is the Bandit’s main drawcard, but Lucky Brand hasn’t skimped on the interior. There is a pair of slide pockets in one wall, and a large zippered pocket in the other. The Bandit is a slender bag, but its soft material invites over-stuffing. It doesn’t look like a large bag, but it should comfortably hold everything you need.

I like the way this blue suede pops against the brown leather trim, but it’s also available in coral if you prefer a warmer shade. Both Bandit bags are affordably priced at $169.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Fold-Over Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual tote handles with a 5 inch drop
• A shoulder strap with a 14 inch drop
• Interior lining
• Measures 1 x 16.5 x 13 inches

Get this Lucky Brand Bandit Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Lucky Brand Bandit, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the High Desert Designer Deals eBay store to see if this Lucky Brand bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lucky Brand bags on BagBunch
• The Lucky Brand Bandit canvas bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more Lucky Brand bags on eBay

I have been a big fan of Miu Miu’s matelasse bags from the beginning. I love their soft, intricate quilting. But this bag is atrocious. It’s far too girly for an adult woman, and lacks all the sophistication of the rest of the line.

I find the baby blue leather on this clutch terrifying. That might be kind of a weird thing to say about a pastel color, but it’s really icky sweet. I guess it could work for summer, but on an evening bag? I’m just not sure. While I still love the matelasse pattern, I think the combination of quilting and pastels is a bad one. It just automatically makes me think of baby blankets.

The shape of the bag is fine, nice and simple, but it’s minimal appeal is absolutely destroyed by the details. The gem-studded strap and rhinestone encrusted closure are just way too much. They make what could have been an understated style, even accounting for the color, into a blingy, cheap looking bag. Miu Miu, what are you thinking? No one’s paying $1,170 for this. You can do better.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Matelasse Leather Bag

• 9″ x 6″ x 2″ size
• 8″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Matelasse Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Miu Miu bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Bugatti Glazed Leather Tote, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Miu Miu handbags on eBay
• Other quilted blue bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]quilted blue,2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Jessica McClintock hits the evening bag jackpot again with this cute metallic purse.

This frame clutch is a clever meeting of tough and delicate. On the one hand the pleated and folded body is made from a soft silky fabric covered with teeny weeny ladylike dots. It’s reminiscent of those dresses we used to wear in the 90s, but much prettier!

On the other hand the structured frame, even with the diamanté decoration, gives it is a bit of much needed attitude, making it into a really stylish purse rather than one that is just “quite pretty.” This attitude doesn’t quite carry across to the gold version; it definitely works better in darker shades.

The shape of this bag is classic, but it is a favorite for a reason; a soft bodied evening purse gives you a better amount of space than its hard bodied counterparts. You still won’t have much room, but as there isn’t a strap of any description that is probably a good thing!

This clutch is cute, pretty and affordable at $45.95 too! Perfect!

More Features of this Jessica McClintock Evening Bag:

• Also available in gold
• Frame body with clasp
• Hooks to attach a strap
• Fabric exterior

Get this Dotted Metallic Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica McClintock bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Pop clutch, a great alternative to this frame bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Jessica McClintock bags on eBay:

[phpbay]jessica mcclintock handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Luba J looks to inject a bit of edgy style into our evening wardrobes with this Lola evening bag.

She’s not quite a showgirl, but this is a purse that demands to be gazed at. Purple is always a head-turning shade, but the crackled finish on this leather makes this skin really pop. It’s then been quilted for a further layer of style. I appreciate that Luba J has used a boxy stitch rather than the more traditional diamond quilting; it just gives the Lola that extra special something. Just as it did on Luba J’s Chloe tote, a collection of small metal plates set inside the boxes adds a hint of attitude.

I love the way these plates work with the chunky metal chain. This strap looks so stylish, and with a leather pad in the center we don’t even have to fear for our shoulders. How thrilling to enjoy the best of both worlds!

The Lola’s slim profile is stylish, but it does limit what we can carry inside. That’s nothing new for an evening bag, but it’s still disappointing for anyone who struggles to travel light. At least the zippered pocket adds a bit of functionality to this slender space.

The $504 price tag is downright exorbitant for an evening bag, but if you can work it into your daytime wardrobe you might just see value for your dollar.

More Features of This Luba J Leather Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic closure
• Basketweave lined interior
• A chain strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 10.25 x 2.25 inches
• Made in the United States
• Also available in black

Get this Luba J Lola Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Luba J bags on BagBunch
• The Luba Chloe tote bag, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more Luba J bags on eBay
• Other leather evening bags on eBay:

[phpbay]leather evening bag, 2, “”, faux[/phpbay]

AnnaLynne McCord is the latest celebrity to shed her clothes for a fashion advertisement. This ad for Marc Ecko isn’t quite as racy as January Jones’ for Versace, or Julianne Moore’s for Bulgari, but the 90210 star still looks stunning.

And it seems that she felt just as beautiful posing for photographer Tony Duran.

“I had so much fun shooting the Marc Ecko campaign, wearing nothing but the amazing handbags—the ads are going to be so sexy!” she gushed.

Marc Ecko himself is also equally impressed by what AnnaLynne McCord brought to his new campaign. He called the actress “a proper bombshell,” before adding, “She makes my heart skip a beat. She’s got a great sense of style and a good vibe.”

If you like the bags draped over the starlet you’re in luck. They’re very affordably priced between $60 and $85 at Macys.

Look for the ad in your favorite fashion magazines this March. Do you like it, or do you think it’s all been done before?

[Source: People StyleWatch]

Marc Ecko Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Marc Ecko, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Did you read right? A clutch purse that’s actually practical? Has Lovcat achieved the impossible? Well bagistas, I think they might have.

This surprisingly functional evening bag is wrapped up in metallic gunmetal leather. This is a clever shade, as it’s got all the glitz of silver without that ostentatious flash. For fashion followers, it’s even got a smattering of studs. Lovcat keeps the metal to a minimum though, so we get a bit of contemporary style without sacrificing the purse’s classic appeal.

While there’s a lot to love about the exterior, it’s probably not showy enough to really capture our imaginations. That job is left to the interior, which is surprisingly spacious with clever features to match. Most designers throw a token open pouch into their clutch purses, a useless feature that can hold little more than receipts. But not Lovcat, who gives this clutch a pair of usable pockets, including one with a zip.

Add a long golden drop-in chain, with attractive rectangular links, and you’ve got one very appealing package.

Considering Lovcat’s profile this purse’s $169 price tag is on the high side, but I think this underrated label has done enough to command the big bucks.

More Features of This Lovcat Leather Clutch

• Signature cotton pink lining with ivory hearts
• Logo heart shaped clasp
• Measures 11 x 2.5 x 6 inches

Get this Lovcat Gunmetal Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lovcat bags on BagBunch
• The La Regale Metallic Minaudiere bag, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more Lovcat bags on eBay
• Other gunmetal leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]gunmetal leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]