London Fog Stacey Tote | Practical Purple Leather Handbag

Posted on: Jan 19

London Fog Stacey ToteLondon Fog takes the tote back to basics with this Stacey bag.

This is a tote that does exactly what it’s supposed to. Its traditional looks are secondary to the practical design. The large front pocket has space for holding everything you want at your fingertips, while the generously sized interior has space for almost anything else you want to carry.

That enormous space shouldn’t daunt you though, as a zippered compartment in the center creates several smaller, more user-friendly sections. There are more pockets in the side walls for holding your cell phone, loose change, and other small valuables.

London Fog ups the functionality factor with a choice of carrying options. The dual handles are a decent length, but if you’d prefer to carry this tote cross-body you can add the much longer adjustable strap.

My only disappointment is the lack of closure. London Fog has offered more zippered compartments than average here, but I’d love the extra peace of mind that comes with a top zip or even a magnetic snap.

This purple shade brings things back for me; practicality isn’t sexy but this popping shade definitely is. If you’d prefer to play things a bit safer though, you’ll also find the Stacey in deep gray and basic black.

Either way, at $225 this tote is a great deal.

More Features of This London Fog Leather Tote

  • Satiny lined interior
  • Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
  • A cross-body strap with a drop between 12 and 24 inches
  • Measures 11.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches
  • Made in China

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PAA Reversible Weekend Bag | Retro Pan Am Travel Tote

Posted on: Jan 18

PAA Reversible Weekend BagPan Am has always been one of the big glitz and glamor names in the travel industry, so what better brand to produce your travel bag?

This spacious weekend bag channels the retro airline vibe with a design that recalls the heydays of the airline industry, a time went travel felt spectacularly luxurious. The simple color scheme makes things clean and stylish, whilst the blue print against the whiteis well on its way to being nice and appropriately patriotic, as well as obviously being those famous Pan Am shades! The alternative side is much jazzier, with a print that can cheer up even the most miserable traveler.

Whilst the design is cute, there are some limitations in the construction. For a decent travel bag you would ideally want leather, and whilst the canvas finish of this reversible bag is more lightweight, it probably won’t be quite as high quality. Still, the convertible strap gives you quality carrying options, and the importance of that isn’t to be sniffed at.

This is a smart bag with a nice look from PAA.

More Features of this Pan Am Weekend Bag

  • Reversible with two design options
  • Canvas body
  • Two carrying options, long and short handles

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Lodis Alpine Lexy Clutch | Convertible Pebbled Leather Cross-Body Purse

Posted on: Jan 18

Lodis Alpine Lexy ClutchIs it just me or are handbags starting to shrink? When once our accessories could comfortably hold the kitchen sink with space to spare, these days it’s all about carrying the barest of essentials. The Alpine Lexy from Lodis is part of this new breed of purses.

What we lose in space the Alpine Lexy makes up for with versatility. With the strap removed this purse is a clutch with an edgy urban sense of style. The exposed zipper gives the soft slouchy leather some real edge. A tasseled zipper pull completes the modern look.

When you’re on the go, simply attach the strap to convert the Alpine Lexy to a cross-body bag. It’s not clear why Lodis opted for a different colored strap. Perhaps it meant for the handle to add some interest, but in my opinion it simply looks out of place. It’s also much skinnier than I’d like, but the Alpine Lexy’s petite stature ensures it won’t dig into your shoulder.

It won’t suit pack rats, but if you know how to travel light the versatility of this $128 purse will make it a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe.

More Features of This Lodis Convertible Clutch

  • Twill lined interior
  • An adjustable strap with a drop between 21 and 24 inches
  • Measures 4.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
  • Made in China

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25togo’s Cute Message Messenger Bag | Designer’s Novelty Laptop Bag

Posted on: Jan 18

25togo Message Messenger Bag25togo has released a messenger bag that really lives up to its name.

The Message Messenger embraces communication of the past and present, with an air-mail envelope printed on one side and the black trimmed flap creating an e-mail icon on the other. Its nylon cloth material isn’t very luxurious, but it is durable and waterproof.

That water resistant property is great news for tech addicts wanting to make use of the large bags’ laptop partition. This space is shockproof and scratch resistant, so your computer will reach your destination in tip top condition.

If you don’t need to carry your laptop, you might prefer the medium version. It’s $10 cheaper than the large bag at $119, which is a blessing for girls on a budget.

25togo’s Message Messenger Bag is available in white and orange from Generate, an online store which offers free shipping to all American and Canadian customers.

[Source: Generate]

Novelty Bags on eBay

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Liz Claiborne Money Talks Shoulder Bag | Affordable Croc Embossed Polyvinyl Purse

Posted on: Jan 18

Liz Claiborne Money TalksThey say that money talks, but you won’t need a lot of it to enjoy this shoulder bag from Liz Claiborne.

Its quirky name perhaps comes from this purse’s attempt to project an air of opulence. It falls a little short of that in my opinion. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but the croc-embossing doesn’t convince me. The polyvinyl is also a bit too shiny; it lacks the deep luster of a patent leather. But this shoulder bag does appear richer than its meager $34 price tag would suggest.

It’s a simple purse though, with a basic flap design and few features. It’s not very big, and its single zippered pocket provides little organizational assistance. Its shoulder strap is a little longer than the average, but perhaps it only stands out because the rest of the design is so ordinary.

The Money Talks purse isn’t likely to make many of us swoon, but if your budget is feeling stretched it’s a good way to make your outfit look a bit richer without spending a lot of cash.

More Features of This Liz Claiborne Croc Embossed Shoulder Bag

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Polyester lined interior
  • A single handle with an 11.5 inch drop
  • Measures 6 x 9.5 x 9.3 inches

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Eco-Friendly Kayu Handbags | Natural Stylish Straw & Shell Purses

Posted on: Jan 18

Kayu Betty Lip ClutchEco-friendly accessories don’t have to look like the handmade hemp purses that hippies sell at your local markets. Kayu creates stunning handbags with real green credentials.

I’m enamored with the Betty Black Lip clutch pictured, which is made using black lip shells, a byproduct of the local food industry. I also love the Jen purse which features hand-woven natural and sustainable straw. Every purse is hand-crafted by women working under fair trade conditions at a co-op in Asia.

With each collection, I strive to keep our core principles of craftsmanship, ecology, and ethics in mind,” explained Kayu’s designer, Jamie Lim. “All our products are handmade and feature natural materials.

Purchasing a Kayu bag doesn’t just help the Asian artisans and their communities. The label donates $15 for every purse sold to give a child in need a backpack stocked with school supplies.

Kayu bags are available from $45 from the label’s online store, and in selected boutiques across the United States, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Asia.

[Source: The Alternative Consumer]

Shell Clutches on eBay

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Linea Pelle Joey Hobo | Studded Blue Leather Purse

Posted on: Jan 18

Linea Pelle JoeyLinea Pelle shows us that studs can be sophisticated with this Joey hobo bag.

In many ways, the Joey is reminiscent of the label’s Alex hobo bag. Both have that relaxed teardrop shape, and casual slouchy profile. But the row of studs running down the center helps to set this particular bag apart. These kinds of accents typically make a bag feel edgier, but by choosing round, smooth domes Linea Pelle softens the look. Instead they only add interest and help to break up that expanse of pebbled blue leather.

I really love that cobalt blue shade, but I also wish Linea Pelle had given us a few more options. While it strikes a happy balance between conservative and daring, a couple of colors at either end of the spectrum could have widened the Joey’s appeal.

But we take what we can get, and in this case it’s a beautiful studded bag backed up with a well designed interior. The zebra printed twill lining gives this enormous space some real personality. Such a large expanse could be daunting, but the pair of patch pockets, leather trimmed zippered pocket, and keyring pull, ensures we can easily find our most important items.

It may be studded, but I don’t think we’ll see the Joey falling out of fashion favor once these accents inevitably do. That timeless appeal makes the $395 asking price seem very reasonable.

More Features of This Linea Pelle Studded Hobo

  • Brass-toned hardware
  • A 12.5 inch tubular strap with a 15 inch drop
  • Zip top closure
  • Measures 20 x 15 inches

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Lily Waters Heather Hobo | Quilted Patterned Fabric Everyday Handbag

Posted on: Jan 17

Lily Waters Heather HoboWhen it comes to Lily Waters, we always know what we’re going to get. She’s like Vera Bradley’s more outgoing sister, using quilted materials in delightfully clashing prints to create purses that are sweet and smart. With the Heather we see Lily Water turn her hand to the hobo.

Honestly, I can see very little here that reminds me of a hobo, both in design and spirit. With its flat base and structured sides it seems more like a bucket bag. It’s also missing that bohemian flair that typically comes from handbags of this ilk. So perhaps we need to adjust our expectations.

As a hobo it falls flat, but as an everyday handbag the Heather has a certain appeal. That flat base helps it sit up once you put it down, and the front pocket provides a handy place for storing those essential items. The interior has enough space for the rest of your regular cargo, and the zippered top will help those goodies stay just where you left them.

This bag is a bit of a quiet achiever, without fashion forward style or a luxury finish. But it is quite cute, and a bargain to boot at just $35.

More Features of This Lily Waters Fabric Hobo

  • Gingham lined interior
  • An interior zip pocket
  • A single shoulder strap with a 10.5 inch drop
  • Measures 5.5 x 6 x 12 inches

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Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Spiked Denim Bag | Rock & Roll Fantasy Version of Classic

Posted on: Jan 17

Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Spiked Denim BagIt was only a few weeks ago that I was raving about the python version of the Sweet Charity bag, and already Louboutin has come up with another fabulous addition to the line. This new denim Sweet Charity might be my favorite of the bunch.

The dark denim color is simultanteously casual and dressy, sort of the way tight dark blue jeans are. The color provides a subtle contrast to the black leather trim and gunmetal hardware. In fact, the very slight differences in color and texture between all the design elements of the bag give it a super interesting texture and dimensionality.

The shape is standard Sweet Charity, a time-tested design that is well-loved for a reason. The easy-to-carry shape is easily transformed from a glamorous nighttime accessory to a casual, but still exciting, day bag. The chain straps look great with the edgy style, and also tuck inside in case you want to dress it up a bit and carry it as a clutch.

At $1,595, Sweet Charity is an investment, but it’s a hot tip to have in a cool market.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Spiked Denim Bag

  • 11″ x 7″ x 3″ size
  • 11″ strap drop
  • Internal zipper pocket
  • Lined in signature red twill

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Golden Globes Clutches | Celebrity Purses of Awards Ceremony

Posted on: Jan 17

Judith Leiber ClutchWhile most fashionistas were fawning over the glittering gowns worn to last night’s Golden Globes awards, it was the clutches that made me drool.

Judith Leiber and her characteristic bling had the biggest red carpet presence, with Piper Perabo, Christina Hendricks, and her Mad Men costar Elisabeth Moss all carrying the iconic designer. The Streamline clutch with frosted Lucite gave Piper Perabo’s black Oscar de la Renta dress a delightful pop of color. The specks of color in the Flip Top Diagonal cut mother of pearl minaudiere played against Elisabeth Moss’ elegant emerald Donna Karen gown. And the Fleurs Rounded rectangle minaudiere pictured helped to compensate for Christina Hendricks’ much maligned ruffled red dress.

The young star of True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld, chose to wear up and coming designers. Her blue Amanda Pearl clutch looked stunning against her cream Prabul Gurung dress.

Helen Mirren looked to a more established designer for her Golden Globes wardrobe. The metallic goatskin Salvatore Ferragamo clutch was the perfect complement to her golden gown.

Anne Hathaway was named one of the best dressed stars of the night, thanks in no small part to her Roger Vivier clutch. The Bois de Nuit purse was the ideal foil for her sequined Armani Prive gown and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.

What was your favorite purse of the Golden Globes?

[Source: Bag Snob and Examiner]

Judith Leiber Clutches on eBay

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