David King Top Zip Travel Bag | Casual Leather Duffel Bag

Posted on: Jan 11

David King Top Zip Travel BagColorful duffel bags are all very well and good, but they are a little too attention grabbing. After all, when you are on a trip you kind of want your bag to blend into the chaos, albeit in a stylish way. It works as a theft deterrent, although equally be careful not to choose a weekend bag that leads you to pick up its identical twin from the baggage claim!

My solution to this big life-changing decision comes in the form of this David King travel bag. Let’s see how it ticks the boxes. Firstly the brown leather is practical and stylish. Secondly, the lack of bright colours and particularly exciting features allows it to blend into the crowd. Thirdly, I doubt many people will have this particular bag, whilst at the same time it is “ordinary” enough to fit in.

Now, don’t take comments such as practical and ordinary as bad things. After all, there is no denying that this spacious top zip duffel bag is a beauty. However, whilst being stylish it is also understated, with that casual vibe that prevents it looking too expensive. The multiple exterior pockets add some much needed definition, as well as increasing the already significant functionality.

It won’t be the most exciting bag on the bus, by any means, but for me that is this weekend bag’s saving grace.

More Features of this David King Duffel Bag

  • Also available in black or tan
  • Leather exterior
  • Plastic reinforced base
  • Multiple interior and exterior pockets

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Kathrine Baumann Buzz Aldrin Millenium Purse | Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Moon Landing Minaudiere

Posted on: Jan 11

Kathrine Baumann Millenium PurseIn this high-tech world, it’s amazing to realize that man landed on the moon just 30 years ago. Kathrine Baumann created this Buzz Aldrin Millenium Purse to commemorate the anniversary.

One side of the flag shaped purse proudly shows the American stars and stripes, while the other has an image of Buzz standing triumphantly on the moon. Both images combine to make a purse that’s fiercely patriotic. The sparkling Swarovski crystals give it a glamorous finish, but all that red, white, and blue won’t suit every evening affair.

Minaudieres always have limitations and this one is no exception. It’s certainly small, and its hard case rules out overstuffing. There is no shoulder strap either, so you’re left to hold this purse by hand. Personally if it’s spending that much time in your palm, I’d worry about the crystals coming away, but time will tell.

For me the real kicker is the price. At a whopping $6250 this is a real investment piece. And personally at this price it’s not an investment I’d want to make. With just 100 created, I suppose its exclusivity helps to justify some of that cost, but this minaudiere still seems very expensive.

More Features of This Kathrine Baumann Space Purse

  • Clasp closure
  • Measures 4.56 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches

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Designgroup’s Quirky Wood Wallet | Unusual Eco-Friendly Coin Purse

Posted on: Jan 11

Designgroup Wood WalletIsraeli based innovators Designgroup has created a unique eco-friendly wallet made of wood.

The design of this Wood Wallet is very intriguing. Your credit card doubles a lid, keeping the notes and coins you’ve stashed in the small carved chamber safe. A recycled bike inner tube serves as a strap to hold it all in place.

It goes without saying that this isn’t the purse for serious shoppers. If you’ve got a swag of credit cards and store loyalty memberships, you’ll have no place to put them. Green fashionistas will be happy to note though that the wallet is made entirely from recycled wood.

While it’s far from the most practical purse on the market, at an affordable $19.95 it makes a quirky way for carrying your vital financial bits and pieces. Would you succumb to the eco charms of this unusual wooden wallet, or is this simply another gimmicky green accessory?

[Source: Designgroup’s Etsy Store]

Wood Wallets on eBay

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Kate Spade Maximillian Maxwell Tote | Cute Limited Edition Owl Bag

Posted on: Jan 11

Kate Spade Maximillian Maxwell ToteMeet Maximillian Maxwell, a friendly owl designed to carry your essentials anywhere you want to go. He’s the brainchild of Kate Spade, who gives us a rare glimpse of her whimsical side here.

Fashion snobs may disregard this tote as too juvenile for their tastes, but I can appreciate the quality and craftsmanship here. The owl is crafted from patent leather and suede, so you know it’s going to last. The attention to detail here is impressive, from the wide friendly eyes to individual feathers. What a shame the same commitment to the details didn’t extend to the back of the bag. After the intricate design of the front, the plain black back is very disappointing.

The tote’s front looks like it’s all in fun, but the interior is all business. You’ll find a zippered pocket in one side wall and pair of slip pouches in the other. A sunken zipper keeps your essential items safe without detracting from the design. Cut-out handles always look fabulous, but they’re not the most practical way to carry a tote. If you avoid loading this bag up though, it should be comfortable enough to carry.

$395 seems a high price to pay for a novelty purse, but if Maximillian Maxwell has won you over, his quality might make him worth the splurge.

More Features of This Kate Spade Owl Tote

  • Gold-toned hardware
  • Orange Noel jacquard silk lined interior
  • Dual cut-out handles with a 3 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 14 x 5 inches

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Megawing’s Newspaper Rain Bag | Whimsical New Water Resistant Canvas Tote

Posted on: Jan 11

Newspaper Rain BagWhen winter skies open up, I always hesitate to drag out my favorite designer purses. Leather and water don’t mix, and those babies are too expensive to ruin. But Megawing has created a tote which celebrates inclement weather.

The Newspaper Rain Bag looks like it’s made from the latest daily rag, but it’s actually a clever trompe l’oeil. It’s made from water resistant canvas, which is tough enough to keep your precious cargo dry in a downpour.

The best part for me though is that it can keep you dry too. Simply unfold it and hold it over your head if you’re caught without cover. It’s much more effective than a real soggy newspaper, but I’m not sure I’d trust it as an umbrella substitute!

Don’t put the Newspaper Rain Bag at the back of your closet when the skies clear though. Its whimsical design is ideal all year round, and there’s plenty of space inside it for everyday essentials.

The Megawing Newspaper Rain Bag is available for $68 from the Yanko Design Designer Store.

[Source: Yanko Design Designer Store]

Newspaper Bags on eBay

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Kara Ross Adora Clutch | Electric Blue Lizard Embossed Leather Purse

Posted on: Jan 11

Kara Ross Adora ClutchKara Ross hopes you’ll adore her Adora Clutch. But before you start swooning, remember that not all Adoras are created equal.

I’ve fallen for the delicate lizard embossing and sophisticated electric blue shade of this Adora, but the rest fail to inspire me. The cream and gray tones of the natural snake purse are lovely, but all that mottling doesn’t look very authentic. I also don’t mind the hot fuschia shade on the croc-embossed clutch, but the dark animal stripes which criss-cross it seem like overkill. And don’t even get me started on the over-the-top gold, leopard printed haircalf option.

Perhaps though it’s enough that Kara Ross has created one clutch in the range that I love. I’m sure someone somewhere would lap up the flamboyance of that animal printed haircalf clutch too. The Adora’s flap style is so simple that Kara Ross might just get away with her walk on the wild side.

Adore might be too strong a word, particularly when considering the price tags which push the four-figure mark, but the Adoras have a certain charm. I wouldn’t give the rest of the color options a second glance, but this deep lizard leather purse would work well with a chic pantsuit or little black dress.

More Features of This Kara Ross Exotic Purse

  • Made of leather or haircalf
  • Full flap magnetic closure
  • Suede lined interior
  • Interior slip pocket
  • Measures 4.5 x 10 x 1.75 inches
  • Made in the United States

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Reed Krakoff Inside Out Leather And Snakeskin Tote | Perfectly Textured Colorblocked Tote

Posted on: Jan 10

Reed Krakoff Inside Out Leather And Snakeskin Tote

Reed Krakoff, the head designer at Coach who recently released his eponymous line, is beginning to show his distinctive style aesthetic, which is minimal, but a little bit luxe. This Inside Out tote is my favorite bag that he’s released so far.

The amazing combination of colors, textures, and materials is what makes this bag fabulous. The olive leather has a subtle texture and a light sheen, while the light brown leather is perfectly matte and looks almost like nubuck. The combination of these two rich, neutral tones makes the taupe snakeskin really stand out.

The shape of the Inside Out tote is also pretty unique. It’s so structured that it looks something like a mini-trunk, which means that you’ll never have a problem keeping organized. The strap details are subtle and well thought out, and give the bag just a little bit of a utilitarian appeal.

For $1,790, the Inside Out is pricey, but it’s also one of the most interesting bags I’ve seen all season.

More Features Of The Reed Krakoff Inside Out Leather And Snakeskin Tote

  • Double silver zip fastening at top
  • Internal pouch pockets
  • Fully lined

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Christian Louboutin Morrigan Small Studded Leather Bag | Sophisticated And Tough Black Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Jan 10

Christian Louboutin Morrigan Small Studded Leather BagChristian Louboutin has such a classy aesthetic that I was honestly shocked when I saw this bag. I just don’t expect such a tough look from him. But, don’t worry, the Morrigan is still pared down enough to be totally wearable uptown, even if it gets you a few looks on Park Avenue.

The gently pebbled black leather is supple and just a bit slouchy, which helps Louboutin pull off this style with perfect ease. In fact, that’s exactly the feeling that this bag has; an easy, casual glamour that’s tough enough to go with all your favorite motorcycle-inspired styles. The studs all around the edges look downright dangerous, but the flat points will keep your stockings safe.

The small, rectangular shape really just lets the bad-assness of the spikes shine through. The only design touches are super subtle, like the tabbed corners, which add to the Morrigan’s generally slouchy cool factor. The medium size will look amazing worn across the body or over the shoulder.

And for $995, I’d say the Morrigan is basically in the same price range, if not a little less expensive, than other similar bags. I could do without Louboutin’s curvy little logo, but it’s not terribly noticeable.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Morrigan Small Studded Leather Bag

  • Exposed zip fastening
  • Interior zipper and patch pockets
  • Lined in signature red twill

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Stella McCartney Falabella Chain Trimmed Bucket Bag | Pretty Sage Canvas Bucket Bag

Posted on: Jan 10

Stella McCartney Falabella Chain Trimmed Bucket BagTypically, I have very few good things to say about Stella McCartney’s designs. Her clothes are fine, but her accessories are often lacking in ingenuity, practicality, affordability, or all of the above. Fortunately, she’s finally surprised me with the Falabella line. This bucket bag is definitely cool, even if it is over-priced.

This sage canvas is my favorite McCartney material so far. Not only is it a great low key color, but the texture is so fine that it almost looks like linen. Not only that, but unlike the weird pleather-y materials she chose for the rest of the Falabella line, this canvas is actually sturdy enough to accommodate the chain detail.

The shape of this bag is spot on. I love the gold chain trim layers at the bottom of the bag. They add a lot of interesting texture to an otherwise simple style. The chain drawstring is also a fabulously edgy touch, although I have my reservations about using a chain strap on a bag this big. It will just be too easy to fill with weighty items, and that chain will never be comfortable to carry, but it does look damn good.

Frankly, at $1,395, this Falabella bag is more than just a little too expensive. Sure, it’s stylish, but it’s also canvas, and I can’t see anything particularly unique about the design that warrants such a high price tag.

More Features Of The Stella McCartney Falabella Chain Trimmed Bucket Bag

  • 17″ x 16″ x 8″ size
  • 6″ strap drop
  • Fully lined in designer-stamped

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Frye Erica Slouchy Hobo | Buttery Soft Leather Tote

Posted on: Jan 10

FRYE Erica HoboFor all the sophistication a polished piece of patent can offer to a handbag, I am of the opinion not much beats a sumptuously soft piece of leather. This Frye hobo seems to help me prove my point!

There isn’t much you can say about a bag this soft and supple. The design, with those cute front pockets and the little spray of studding, is simple and traditional, a Wild West inspired creation that pretty much does what it says on the tin. It is functional thanks to the space and pockets, but all whilst being rather unassuming and easily overlooked.

Of course, as much as this is a true life-long traditional piece, the price may still hold you back. $458 isn’t cheap, and unless you have the money to buy an investment item you will no doubt be put off.

If you are lucky enough to be able to afford it, however, the Frye Erica hobo is one of the best options on the market.

More Features of this Frye Leather Hobo

  • Available in a range of other shades
  • Genuine soft leather exterior
  • Interior zip pocket and two exterior pockets
  • Single shoulder strap

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