Victoria Beckham Plans Fashion Stores | Bricks and Mortar & Online Outlets on the Horizon

Posted on: May 21

Victoria BeckhamVictoria Beckham is planning to sell her apparel and fashion accessories at a new bricks and mortar store and an e-commerce site.

Despite starting to talk retail outlets last summer, Beckham hasn’t made any firm location plans yet. Early reports suggested she’d set up shop in New York, but Beckham says she’s now leaning towards the British fashion capital of London.

It’s an interesting choice for British-born Beckham, who lives in the United States and has shown her designs at New York Fashion Week. However the popularity she gained during her stint in the Spice Girls continues to endure in the United Kingdom, so perhaps it makes sense to capitalize on that brand awareness.

Beckham says she’s also interested in exploring the growing Asian market, but a store in Hong Kong or another Eastern fashion capital may be some time off.

Asia’s very exciting to me, I’m just scratching the surface at the moment,” she conceded. “I just want to take baby steps, build this business at a steady pace. I don’t want to rush, I don’t want to run before I can walk.

With an e-commerce site also in the works, perhaps it doesn’t matter where Beckham bases her bricks and mortar store!

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Chris/Wikipedia Commons]

Victoria Beckham Bags on eBay

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Roberto Cavalli Neon Python Clutch | Bright Pink Snake Clasp Purse

Posted on: May 21

Roberto Cavalli Neon Python ClutchRoberto Cavalli takes us back to the 80s with this pretty in pink Neon Python clutch.

Of course Molly Ringwald’s character in the John Hughes film could never have afforded an exotic designer purse, but I can imagine her gazing longingly at this neon colored creation. It screams retro chic with its vibrant pink hue, angled shape, and sweet knotted snake clasp.

If you’re looking for practicality though you may feel a bit short changed. The Neon Python Clutch is a teeny tiny bag made for carrying the barest of essentials. It’s a good looker, but many of us will crave a bit more space. It’s one for the girls who know how to travel light, or those with obliging boyfriends with deep pockets! At least there’s a shoulder strap though, and one that’s more substantial than most. Look at this elegant chain we can certainly tell this is a high end designer purse!

Budget conscious Andie could never justify spending $1850 on an accessory, and many modern women will probably feel the same way. The skin has an alluring luxury look, but it’s a bit fragile and incredibly expensive. You’ll need to feel pretty flush on splurge on this fun fashion throwback!

More Features of This Roberto Cavalli Snakeskin Clutch

  • Made of python sourced in Vietnam
  • Lined in leopard print twill
  • An optional lobster-fastening gold-chain shoulder strap with an 11 inch drop
  • Measures 6 x 4 x 2 inches
  • Comes in a designer presentation box and dust bag

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Ines Figaredo’s Unusual 4 Against 4 Handbag Collection | Quirky Art Purses are Real Hand Bags!

Posted on: May 21

Ines Figaredo Hand BagSpanish designer Ines Figaredo has pushed the boundaries with her latest handbag collection, dubbed 4 Against 4.

The 4 Against 4 line is all about combining the world of fashion with avante garde art. The accessories are a bit bizarre, but they also have the luxurious finishes and unusual elegance which should appeal to girls that enjoy originality.

This is Figaredo’s third handbag line, and it picks up where its predecessors left off. Again quality fabrics are put front and center. The jewelry accents make the purses feel especially opulent. These elements are the cornerstones of high-class designers, but it’s what Figaredo does with her materials that ensures her purses shine.

The line features macabre metal hands with bold red fingernails, and other accessories shaped like shoes and violins. Even a blue leather bag which seems fairly traditional is decorated with a man scaling a gold metal ladder. Nothing is classic about Ines Figaredo’s line!

The 4 Against 4 collection won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but its purses are definitely impressive. Each one is handcrafted and produced in limited quantities to ensure they’re true collector’s items.

Their purpose is to be enjoyed, shared and admired for a lifetime, and then to remain, as heirlooms,” Figaredo explained. “Mine is not the concept of luxury that prevails nowadays. My art-bags can be worn with casual clothes, they are meant to encourage women in their desire to stand out, to be unique.

What do you think of Ines Figaredo’s latest line?

[Source: Become Gorgeous]

Laurel & Sunset Dunsmouth Hobo | Smelly & Confused Pleated Purse

Posted on: May 21

Laurel & Sunset Dunsmouth HoboLaurel & Sunset always delivers affordable accessories, but often its aesthetic leaves a bit to be desired. Such is the case with the Dunsmouth Hobo, which sees some promising elements clumsily sandwiched together.

I can’t help thinking of the Bride of Frankenstein when I look at this hobo. The gathered pleated section near the base is interesting, but the delicate studs which cover it take the accent over the top. I don’t mind the decorative hardware underneath the straps, but the double rings seem like a bit too much metal. The ties at the sides only add to the clutter.

The Dunsmouth is pretty practical though, with plenty of space and pockets too. The slouchy design makes it a little difficult to get items in and out of the bag, but at least the long straps make carrying simple.

The price is probably the Dunsmouth’s biggest drawcard. $36.95 doesn’t buy us a lot in the modern world, but it will buy this bag. If you’re on a tight budget, that may be enough to tempt you. Just be prepared to accept a few compromises if you do. The Dunsmouth is made from a synthetic so cheap that many customers report a strong fishy odour. The scent is so overpowering that even attempts to air it out have been futile.

Personally I’d rather save some extra cash and indulge in a bag that doesn’t smell like a working wharf, wouldn’t you?

More Features of This Laurel & Sunset Pleated Hobo

  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Lined with polyester
  • Dual straps with an 8.5 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 16 x 4 inches
  • Also available in chocolate brown and orange

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Coach Makes Wallets from Vintage Baseball Mitts | Quirky Sports Themed Heritage Collection

Posted on: May 20

Coach Baseball Mitt WalletsCoach has looked to the past with its new Heritage Baseball collection, a capsule range of men’s wallets crafted from vintage baseball gloves.

The collection takes us back to Coach’s roots. On its inception in 1941 the Gail Manufacturing Company, as it was called then, was more famous for its wallets and billfolds than women’s handbags. In fact, the feminine accessories weren’t introduced until the ’50s when Miles Cahn joined the team. An avid baseball fan, Cahn noticed the leather used for the sport’s gloves grew softer and suppler with wear.

Inspired by the catcher’s mitt, Cahn developed new leather processing techniques which were as strong and soft as the sports equipment. Using this cowhide was revolutionary at a time when handbags were generally made of thin leather pasted onto cardboard.

But why use leather that’s reminiscent of the skin from a baseball glove when you can simply use the real thing? The Coach crew spent the last 12 months sourcing vintage mitts from eBay for the collection. Each one of 200 purses in the limited edition line is crafted from mitts that are at least 70 years old. Each one is stamped for authenticity and priced at $348 from Coach outlets.

It might seem like a gimmick, but the quality of the vintage materials and the reduced carbon footprint actually makes this collection pretty smart. What do you think of Coach’s latest line?

[Source: PSFK]

Coach Wallets on eBay

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Latico Reed Messenger Bag | Minimalist Orange Carryall Bag

Posted on: May 20

Latico Reed MessengerLatico gives the messenger style a slick makeover with this Reed bag.

The Reed has a really clean look which makes it appear very modern. There isn’t any frills or fuss about it, although its bold orange color gives it a real pop. This is far from our only option, but I think the Reed needs such a vivid color to avoid blending into the background. If you’d prefer a more tried and true look though, perhaps you’d enjoy the Reed in black or brown.

The Reed has a chic structured design which makes it appear more sophisticated than many other messengers. While I appreciate the look, it’s also worth noting that it limits storage space a little. Personally I think the Reed is large enough that this shouldn’t be an issue, but packrats may disagree. That’s especially true if you leave the wallet behind and use the credit card slots and organizational pockets in the rear compartment.

I appreciate the length of the Reed’s strap, and its adjustable buckle which allows us to convert the messenger from a shoulder bag to cross-body. However it could stand to be a bit wider. Once you fill the Reed up, it’s likely to tug at your shoulder.

This is a minor niggle in what’s otherwise a really smart bag, and at $219 an affordable one to boot.

More Features of This Latico Orange Leather Messenger Bag

  • Lined with fabric
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • An adjustable strap with a 13 to 24.5 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 9.5 x 4 inches
  • Made in India
  • Comes with a dust bag

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Lovin My Bags Opens Middle East Outlet | Handbag Restoration Service in Dubai

Posted on: May 20

Lovin my Bags Dubai StoreAmerican handbag restoration store Lovin My Bags has expanded into the Middle East with the opening of its new boutique at Dubai’s Palm Strip Mall.

Arabian fashion designer Aiisha Ramadan and local television personality Shereen Mitwalli presided over the opening of the 500-square- foot space. The shop floor is elegant and opulent, which isn’t surprising as Lovin my Bags modelled the space after studying what customers experienced in other high-end outlets.

Lovin My Bags claims it has the first world’s system of handbag cleaning, restoration, and leather care products. These treatments and products were designed to prolong the life of any luxury leather bags or other accessories. The process is both safe to the leather and relatively speedy.

While leather restoration is new to the Middle East, Lovin my Bags partner and director of Middle East operations Jai Tolani says the nation is the perfect place for expanding operations. The country’s extreme climate means dyes often shift from handbags onto other materials. It’s also one of the world’s largest spenders on luxury items. Generally Arabian fashion lovers have no choice but to accept the way their handbags age after a few seasons, but Lovin my Bags looks to put an end to that.

Our approach and philosophy is to offer personalised service, as our restoration specialists personally assist customers with their belongings,” Tolani explained.

Lovin my Bags is only just beginning its expansion into the Middle East. It’s currently eyeing new locations in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

[Source: Trade Arabia]
[Image Source: Lovin my Bags website]

L.A.M.B. Saratoga Lind Clutch | Retro Nude Chevron Quilted Purse

Posted on: May 20

L.A.M.B. Saratoga Lind ClutchL.A.M.B. shows a return to form with this stylish Saratoga Lind clutch.

Its nude color might be unobstrusive, but the Saratoga Lind is a real head-turner. I love the chevron style quilting, and the unusual cut-out flap. The Saratoga Lind has a real retro vibe, but its gentle hue ensures it shouldn’t date once fashion moves on. And as it’s made of real leather, it should also last for several seasons.

The Saratoga Lind has more organizational aids than the average clutch purse. It’s got plenty of pockets inside and out, yet the design doesn’t seem cluttered. Considering all those convenient compartments I’m surprised that L.A.M.B.’s neglected to add a practical strap. This purse is certainly large enough to warrant it! If you pack it sparsely you’ll be able to easily tuck it under your arm, but it could get unwieldy once it’s full.

The lack of strap impacts the Saratoga Lind’s versatility a little, but it’s still quite affordable at $198. If you can manage to slot it into your daytime and evening wardrobe you’ll definitely see value for money.

More Features of This L.A.M.B. Quilted Clutch

  • Twist lock closure
  • Engraved brand name hardware
  • Measures 11 x 1 x 6.25 inches

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Love Mert Recycles Leather for Chic Accessories | Upcycled Purses & Jewelry

Posted on: May 19

Love Mert Skiver PouchNew York accessories label Love Mert proves the old adage that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. The company’s enigmatic founder turns old leather and scraps of wood from her father’s workshop into modern purses, jewelry, and scarves.

Many green warriors shun the use of leather for fashion, but Love Mert challenges that view. Its leathers are the remnants left over from other American factories and the skins from unused vintage clothing. It sources leather destined for the scrapheap and keeps it out of landfill. What could be wrong with that?

Love Mert bags are accented with wooden beads and accents, which give them a rustic, earthy look. Peek inside and you’ll find soft linings made from sustainable hemp linen or organic cotton cloths. The patterned fabrics are colored with non-toxic, water-based inks, which don’t leech harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Even the rivets are relatively green as they’re sculpted by hand rather than mass produced.

I’m particularly fond of this Skiver clutch, with its bold white zigzag hand printed pattern popping against the black upcycled leather. At $68 it also won’t put a dent in my budget!

All the label’s accessories are carefully handcrafted in Love Mert’s Californian studio to minimize its carbon footprint. They’re then sold through selected American boutiques and Love Mert’s website.

[Source: Love Mert website]

Kotur Levin Minaudiere | Large Striped Perspex Purse

Posted on: May 19

Kotur Levin MinaudiereKotur shows us plastic can be truly fantastic with this Levin Minaudiere.

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear the Levin was created with real mother-of-pearl. Instead its stripes are crafted from resin with a pearlized finish reminiscent of the prized material. The fabric’s very common, yet under Kotur’s skillful hands the Levin looks surprisingly high class.

The Levin’s slender design makes it look a bit more chic, but it also makes carrying anything of substance a real challenge. If your cell phone is slim you might fit it inside, but there’ll be little room for anything else! This really is a purse you carry for its looks rather than practical perks.

Modern girls may also be disappointed at the lack of shoulder strap. Admittedly we don’t really need such a feature. The Levin’s certainly small enough to carry by hand, or tucked underneath your arm. But as the night wears on you’re likely to miss it.

The Levin looks a million bucks, but as it’s used perspex Kotur’s got little right to charge such an exorbitant fee. $650 seems an awful lot to spend on a plastic purse, no matter how stylish it is.

More Features of This Kotur Striped Minaudiere

  • Gold-toned hardware
  • Framed rectangular body
  • Faceted hinge clasp
  • Jacquard lined interior
  • An open interior pocket
  • Measures 4.5 x 9.5 x 1.25 inches

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