I was beginning to tire of all the samey shopping bags from Cynthia Vincent, so I’m thrilled to see the designer busting out a bit with this Folli cross-body bag.

The basic black leather is punched up with metallic embroidery. The blue and silver stitched diamonds have a tribal feel, which is right on trend. However the execution is so lovely, I can’t imagine the Folli dating once the fad fades.

This mid-sized cross-body has a cute pouch shape, which can be cinched in with the drawstrings on the sides. I’m not always a fan of drawstrings as they can be a bit fiddly. However with them positioned on the sides, rather than around the bag’s opening, we should still be able to access our swag easily enough.

The medium dimensions are a good compromise I think. We shouldn’t have to leave anything really important behind, but we won’t be tempted to load ourselves up. Cross-body bags lend themselves to busy days on the go, and the Folli’s size is ideal for that.

At $195 the Folli is one of Cynthia Vincent’s more affordable bags, and also one of its best.

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Mini Cross-Body Bag

• Magnetic closure
• Printed canvas lining
• A single cross-body strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 9 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cynthia Vincent Folli Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cynthia Vincent bags on BagBunch
• The Cynthia Vincent Diamond Embroidered shoulder bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Cynthia Vincent bags on eBay
• Other embroidered leather bags on eBay:

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Last week, I was feeling pretty excited about the onslaught of resort season bags being released. A few pops of color were a nice change, but now, frankly, I’m getting resentful. I don’t want a hastily designed and questionably constructed raffia bag in the summertime, and I certainly don’t want one now.

The loose weave on the Santorini is casual and a little bit chic, but the lack of a lining really kills it for me. Sure the bag is probably sturdy enough for a day at the beach, but one little tear and you’ll lose all your change, at least, and perhaps some more important things, as well.

The Santorini’s shape looks a bit off-kilter. As in, it looks a bit like one side is wider than the other, and the top is all wavy due to inconsistent tension during weaving, which makes me question all the craftsmanship of the tote.

Also, the skinny little handles will never hold up to a full load, or a full day, of carrying. At least not comfortably.

And for $495, the very least I expect is comfort and practicality. Overall, I’d say the Santorini is a major disappointment.

More Features Of The Michael Kors Santorini Large Slouchy Raffia Tote

• 20″ x 15″ x 7″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Leather-lined stud feet

Get this Michael Kors Santorini Raffia Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Micahel Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, a very cool alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors handbags on eBay
• Other woven totes on eBay:

[phpbay]woven tote,2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

After reviewing the sickly sweet pink Matelasse zipper clutch earlier in the week, I was really beginning to lose faith in Miu Miu, again. The line is unreliable, to be sure, but for the most part, the Matelasse bags are fabulous. This edgy black leather shoulder bag is so well designed, in fact, that it looks like something from a more reputable line.

The supple black leather on this Matelasse shoulder bag has a fabulous, subtle shine to it that makes the quilting look that much more opulent. The gold hardware on the bag is edgy, but classic. The heavy clasp with its small screws and black accents is a great centerpiece for the bag, and I love how discrete the small stamped Miu Miu logo is.

The fold-over front flapped pouch shape of the purse is actually quite traditional, but the Matelasse quilting makes it look anything but. The overall effect is modern, but ladylike. This is an accessory that can bridge the gap between your business suits and your sassy nightclub gear.

At $1,795, it’s a bit pricey, but seriously this bag looks so good that it could pass for Alexander McQueen.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Matelasse Leather Shoulder Bag

• 16″ x 11″ x 5″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Fully lined

Get this Miu Miu Matelasse Shoulder 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 black leather bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]quilted black leather,2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Comme des Garcons embraces its playful side with this pony hair checked zip wallet.

This whimsical purse makes a real change from the embossed leather accessories the label typically delivers. I’m not sure I’m completely behind the shift though. The black and white checkerboard print is fun and retro, but pony hair doesn’t seem the best material for realizing it. The squares lose their edge, and become a bit fuzzy. However it’s all a matter of personal taste, and I’m sure many fashionistas will love the touch of luxury that pony hair brings.

Really this purse needs that plush fur to justify its whopping $248 price tag. My personal rule is never to carry a wallet that costs more than the money inside it, but if you love your luxury materials that might be a rule worth breaking.

I’d much rather invest my cash in a purse more practical than this. It does the bare minimum, which for this money isn’t good enough for me. Four slots aren’t even likely to handle most women’s essential cards, but I appreciate the snap coin compartment and other open pouches for bills and receipts.

This checked zip wallet had real potential, but sadly I think Comme des Garcons execution has let it down. If you’ve got the cash to spare though, it is quirkier than most wallets on the market.

More Features of This Comme des Garcons Pony Hair Wallet

• Zip around closure
• Measures 4.7 x 3.9 inches

Get this Comme des Garcons Checked Zip Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Comme des Garcons bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Haymarket Ellie wallet, a great alternative to this checked bag.
• Searching for more Comme des Garcons bags on eBay
• Other checked wallets on eBay:

[phpbay]checked wallet, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Actress Rumer Willis is the new face of Badgley Mischka, and will appear in the fashion house’s advertisements from next March.

“We adore Rumer, she is glamorous, youthful and fun … [she] captures the spirit of all of our spring collections, especially our newly launched Mark + James collection,” designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka said in a statement.

Rumer Willis’ star seems to be on the rise lately. While her early movies like The House Bunny and Sorority Row were stinkers, she’s turned in impressive performances recently in 90210 and The Secret Life of an American Teenager.

Willis will model everything from handbags and footwear to swimsuits and evening gowns for the brand. I think her casting is a smart move from Badgley Mischka, despite her inexperience in modeling. She’s not classically beautiful but she is interesting, and that should appeal to the label’s female target audience more than another polished impossible looking model.

What do you think of Badgley Mischka’s decision?

[Source: The New Yorker]
[Image Source: Anthony Citrano/Wikipedia Commons]

Badgley Mischka Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Badgley Mischka, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Why settle for a metallic clutch when you could carry one made out of real metal? Coloriffics ditches soft satins and silks for something a bit more durable with this Moonbeam clutch.

A metal purse could easily have looked masculine, but Coloriffics softens the material with some scaly embossing. Pretty rhinestones covering the clasp work with the silvery finish for an eye-catching evening look.

Storage space is limited, but that’s often the way with hard cased clutches. I was concerned about my goodies rattling around inside the Moonbeam, but as it’s fully lined that shouldn’t be a problem.

I’m not sure how comfortable it would be to hold a metal purse all night, so I’m thrilled to see Coloriffics includes not one, but two straps. The different chain lengths give us real carrying versatility, and choice we rarely see at this price point.

I always feel we’re getting a bargain when an evening purse is priced under $50, so I was thrilled to see the Moonbeam clock in at $47. That’s a small price to pay for a clutch so unique and durable.

More Features of This Coloriffics Metal Clutch

• Measures 8.5 x 3 x 1.5 inches
• Also available in gold

Get this Coloriffics Moonbeam Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Coloriffics Moonbeam clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Coloriffics bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coloriffics bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Magazine Roll bag, a great alternative to this silver bag.
• Searching for more Coloriffics bags on eBay

Vintage mailbags become contemporary purses under the clever hands of Seattle based artist Jessica Park and her fashion label Ampersand as Apostrophe.

Park works with century-old English postal sacks, preserving their natural weathered beauty but giving it modern handbag silhouettes. I love the way these patina purses mimic actual letters, hinting at the heritage of the original material without making it too obvious. The versatile styling is also impressive, as it allows each Mailbag bag to function as a large clutch or shoulder bag.

“Ampersand as Apostrophe’s preferred method of solving design challenges is to refine what’s there instead of focusing on what’s not,” Park explained.

Rather than fighting the materials, Park really seems to work with them. And of course, by using vintage materials each Ampersand as Apostrophe bag is an eco-friendly original. That’s great news for green fashionistas who value their unique sense of style.

The leather mailbag handbags are a bit pricy at $935, but with free shipping over the holidays it’s a great time to indulge in a little early Christmas present.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Recycled Leather Bags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled leather, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Cole Haan isn’t held in the same esteem as Bottega Veneta, but this American designer has been quietly creating beautiful woven handbags for around eight decades. This Heritage Weave Logan tote is a great example of the brand’s classic approach.

This isn’t a bag that screams too loudly, but it is an elegant thing with a delicate weave and classic shape. The quality certainly equals anything Bottega Veneta has created, as it’s all hand-woven.

The classic good looks are matched with a great everyday design. I’m confused by Cole Haan’s decision to call this tote small; it’s not oversized but it’s definitely not tiny. Honestly, I wouldn’t want a bag any larger than this on a day out! A key fob hangs from the leather trimmed zipper pocket, and there are two open pockets in the opposite side wall. A sunken zip closure offers real security without interrupting the Logan’s weave.

It seems Bottega Veneta might be gouging us, because Cole Haan can price this purse at $398. Who says you have to compromise quality to get luxury looks for less?

More Features of This Cole Haan Heritage Weave Tote

• Light gold-toned hardware
• Platform base
• Dual adjustable shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 6 x 10 inches

Get this Cole Haan Logan Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Cole Haan Heritage Weave Logan tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Beeme2 eBay store to see if this Cole Haan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cole Haan bags on BagBunch
• The aubergine Cole Haan Heritage Weave Logan bag, a purple alternative to this Woodbury brown bag.
• Searching for more Cole Haan bags on eBay

Coach gives its signature Op Art print a trippy makeover with this cute Kaleidoscope swingpack bag.

The familiar Op Art pattern has a fun kaleidoscopic feel, with pretty pinks and purples. Those pastel shades could have looked a bit too saccharine, especially with the hot pink leather trim, but on such a small purse I think it works.

It’s a matter of personal taste, but I’m not a fan of that Coach Poppy nameplate. This silvery logo seems too large for the purse’s dimensions, and it really interrupts the flow of the pattern. Did we really need it when the interlocking Cs already told us we were carrying Coach?

I didn’t expect much inside such a small purse, but I was pleasantly surprised. There’s a zip and a slip pocket tucked away, and a dogleash clip hanging from the top for your keys. Of course if you need to carry a lot of swag this still won’t meet your needs, but it’s a fun way to tote a few essentials when you’re on the go.

For $99.99, this Kaleidoscope Swingpack Bag is an affordable and fun way to add a little Coach to your wardrobe.

More Features of This Coach Signature Swingpack Bag

• Made of sateen
• Silver nickel hardware
• Fabric lined interior
• Zip top closure
• A 45 inch adjustable leather strap
• Measures 8 x 5.5 inches

Get this Coach Kaleidoscope Swingpack Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Coach Poppy Kaleidoscope Swingpack, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Samugr8 eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Poppy Kaleidoscope Groovy shoulder bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay

Rumors are buzzing that aspiring accessories designers may soon get in on the Project Runway action. Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Co. has apparently sold Lifetime a spin-off reality design series entitled Project Runway: Accessories.

Details are a little thin on the ground at the moment, so we’re unsure whether the designers will specialize in any particular accessory, or whether it’ll showcase a range of handbags, footwear, jewelry, and more.

In any case we’re cautiously optimistic, as past experience doesn’t exactly fill us with hope. Project Runway does well, but spin-offs like Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, On the Road with Austin and Satino, and Models on the Runway have barely lasted a season.

If the spin-off does go ahead, will we see Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia in their established roles, or will new fashion figures be introduced into the mix? Who would you like to see step into the Project Runway judging shoes?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Michael Kors Handbags on eBay

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