You know what they say about being careful what you wish for. After bemoaning so many samey bags from Balenciaga, I should be thrilled the label’s stepped out of the box with this Alphabet Bag. Instead I’m longing for its old creative vision.

This is a real departure for the brand which typically delivers casual cool urban accessories. It’s colorful and whimsical, and also kind of confusing. Multicolored alphabet letters pop against their black suede background. Red leather extends down from the handles to create a thick triangle over the top of the ransom note style cut outs. I suppose it’s intended to look modern and edgy, but I can’t help thinking I could have knocked this up with a plain black tote and some glue.

It seems Balenciaga has focused all its attention on that busy exterior, because inside this shoulder bag is sorely lacking. There’s space to spare, but with only a single zip pocket clutter is bound to build up. The leather framed hand mirror is a nice touch, but I’d give it up for a simple closure. The security of my cargo is much more important to me than reapplying my lipstick.

Strip away the busy lettering and this is a very simple shoulder bag, so I’m offended that Balenciaga has priced it at more than $1700. Offended, but not entirely surprised.

More Features of This Balenciaga Black Suede Shoulder Bag

• Silver toned lining
• Dual top handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 15 x 10 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balenciaga Alphabet Handbag:

• Available to buy at My Theresa
• Check the Carry Me Please eBay store to see if this Balenciaga bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Balenciaga bags on BagBunch
• The natural Balenciaga Alphabet bag, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Balenciaga bags on eBay
• Other alphabet bags on eBay:

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Alexander McQueen will be posthumously honored for his contributions to fashion at tomorrow night’s British Fashion Awards. McQueen will receive the Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design prize, following in the footsteps of Dame Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, and Stephen Jones.

McQueen’s achievements will be recognized in a Nick Knight directed film, which features his most iconic pieces and a Bjork soundtrack.

“This film is my way of speaking about a very unique and important person who changed my life, ” explained the fashion photographer. “My desire was to speak in some way about the dark and the light contained within Lee, and within us all.“

“The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates the exceptional talent of an individual who has contributed to the British fashion industry, both internationally and here in the UK, throughout their career,” Harold Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council, explained. “There was only one person we felt we could recognize with this award this year – Lee McQueen.“

After so many years of service to the fashion industry, I’m thrilled McQueen receiving the accolades he so richly deserved. What a shame he’s not around to see it.

[Source: Vogue]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Alexander McQueen Bags on eBay

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I’ve never thought of travel brand Baggallini as fashion innovators, so I was surprised when I spotted this quirky Hugger backpack.

Its unusual triangle shape makes it quite unique. But Baggallini has never been one to put form over function. The backpack is ergonomically designed to sit comfortably against your body while you’re out and about.

It’s called a backpack, but with just a single strap it seems more like a sling bag to me. Petite customers have suggested that strap is too long, even adjusted to the shortest setting, but at least we can easily wear it as a cross-body. If you’re tall or a plus-sized princess, that extra length may be a blessing, but it’s a shame Baggallini didn’t take all body types into consideration.

Two pockets along the front are perfect for stashing the small items you need on hand. Larger cargo can go inside the main compartment, which opens wide for easy access. It’s kitted out with plenty of pockets, lipstick and pen holders, credit card slots, and even a detachable purse for your coins and ID.

I already felt we were spoiled for storage space, so imagine my surprise when I spotted the hidden zipper pocket on the shoulder strap. This is a great idea for keeping your cell phone and cash away from the sticky fingers of pickpockets.

If you’re a fan of high end designers, this less than luxurious nylon backpack may disappoint you. But what the choice of material lacks in opulence it makes up for in practicality. The crinkled nylon is as tough as The Rock, and it only takes a damp cloth to keep it clean.And for an affordable $54.95, that’s enough for me!

More Features of This Baggallini Nylon Backpack

• Measures 4 x 15 x 10.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Baggallini Hugger Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baggallini bags on BagBunch
• The steel blue Baggallini Hugger bag, a great alternative to this navy bag.
• Searching for more Baggallini bags on eBay

Juicy Couture has brought American fashion designer Erin Fetherston on board for its holiday 2010 collection.

It’s a good fit for the brand which seems to be seeking a more sophisticated image, away from the pink velour and rhinestones of old. The new line features some of Juicy’s signature elements, including velvet, bows, and yes, velour. However the pieces are rendered in such an elegant way that they only bear a passing resemblance to the Juicy Couture we once knew.

There are ready-to-wear ensembles, art deco-inspired jewelry, open toe pumps, and of course, handbags. The quilted velvet shoulder bag reminds me of something from Lanvin with its jaunty bow. Fetherstone shows us how studs should be done these days by adding tiny silver spots to the diamond quilted fabric.

The shoulder bag is casual, but the Erin Fetherston collection dresses things up with its pouchette and clutch. Both are made of black velvet; the pouchette is then accented with gemstones while the clutch has another of those gorgeous bows.

While there are shades of Lanvin here, the prices are more like the French brand’s diffusion line for H&M. You’ll find the Erin Fetherston for Juicy Couture handbags priced between $188 and $198 from Juicy stores and online.

[Source: Examiner]

Juicy Couture Handbags on eBay

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If you loved the compact Giselle clutch from Helena de Natalio, then I don’t doubt you will be very glad to see an extra large version from the stylish fashion house.

This over-sized clutch does, by default, make this smart design much more day appropriate than its smaller counterpart. The metallic leather contrasting with the patent chevrons is still quite suitable for night events, but I doubt you will want quite so much room when at a posh soiree, or when dancing around the room. This is even more the case when you consider the fact that the label hasn’t upgraded this handbag with a convenient strap, despite upping its capacity.

The leather on this purse almost makes up for the lack of practicality, especially when you know that the price is just $154. It is sexy, and the contrast makes this look even classier than the gingerbread colored bronze would have made it look anyway.

With a nice fold-over design, this Giselle clutch has definitely been given some extra oomph with every bit of its super-sizing.

More Features of this Helena de Natalio Giselle XL Purse

• Also available with fuchsia and gray chevrons
• Leather exterior
• Zip and magnetic clasp closure
• Interior zipped pocket

Get this Large Metallic Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Chevron clutch, a great alternative to this patterned bag.
• Searching for more chevron bags on eBay
• Other Helena de Natalio bags on eBay:

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Gloss is a funny thing. Not enough and your bag will blend into the background. Too much and it looks trashy and cheap. But the right amount can make a handbag look super stylish and modern. I think Badgley Mischka has got the balance right with this Harrit Shine Hobo.

The gentle gloss helps to emphasize the softly gathered body of this hobo. It’s got that slouch we associate with this style of purse, but without the hippie attitude. Instead the Harrit is more of a city girl, modern and super sophisticated. The bright red leather combines with decorative zips around the top to create a look ready for the urban jungle.

This is an enormous bag, so it may be difficult to manage. The platform base will help it sit up a bit, but with such soft leather it’ll never really keep its structure. I’d like more than the zippered pocket and pair of open slips to keep the space organized, but these additions go some way towards keeping the clutter at bay.

The Harrit Shine’s looks are what charmed me first, and it’s what has me contemplating shelling out $395 for it. That’s not exactly cheap, but also not unreasonable for a bag of this quality and style.

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Leather Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 11 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Badgley Mischka Harrit Shine Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Shoemoda eBay store to see if this Badgley Mischka bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Badgley Mischka bags on BagBunch
• The Badgley Mischka Harrit Shine shoulder bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Badgley Mischka on eBay
• Other Badgley Mischka Harrit Shine bags on eBay:

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Marc By Marc Jacobs’ bags spawn hordes of imitations. This new line of bird-embellished beauties is certainly not going to be an exception. This taupe leather pouchette is a perfectly petite, perfectly priced cross body bag that will take you well into spring and summer.

Marc Jacobs calls this color taupe, but it looks more like a winter white to me. Either way, the pale hue is is chic and versatile. The gold hardware warms up the design and gives it a low key, classic appeal that complements the quirky addition of the gold bird plaque.

The shape of this pouchette is fabulously casual. The little size is great for days (or nights) that you just want to pack light and be a little less fettered down by your bag. The curvy pouch design finds great contrast in the geometric seaming on the front flap, and it all comes together beautifully, especially given the $260 price tag. Dear Santa, if you’re reading this, this is an amazing stocking stuffer.

More Features Of The Marc By Marc Jacobs Pouchette Small Leather Bag

• 8″ x 6″ x 4″ size
• 24″ strap drop
• Fully lined in designer-stamped twill

Get this Marc By Marc Jacobs Pouchette Small Leather Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other taupe shoulder bags on eBay:

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Actress Kirsten Dunst is auctioning one of her favorite Louis Vuitton purses, including its entire contents, for charity.

The online auction will benefit Art of Elysium, a charity which puts on artistic workshops for sick children at New York and Los Angeles hospitals. The organization is close to Kirsten’s heart, as she’s led play writing workshops and appeared in performances for the group on the east and west coasts.

Kirsten’s navy blue satchel is one of the bags that director Sofia Coppola designed for Louis Vuitton.

“I think it’s so elegant and simple, I use mine every day,” she said.

It’s packed full of some of Kirsten’s favorite things including an Isabel Marant wallet, beauty products, a Bulgari ring, and a copy of the J.D. Salinger novel “Franny and Zooey.” The bag and its contents are estimated at $5264, so the auction should make the charity a tidy sum.

If you want to own Kirsten’s stash you can click here to place a bid through the NY Post.

[Source: Sify Movies]
[Image Source: Georges Biard/Wikipedia Commons]

Sofia Coppola Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

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I’ve always thought most designs from Baby Phat were a little bit childish, so it makes sense that Kimora Lee Simmons label is now making a play for the schoolyard set. This Crayon Print backpack would look great on the back of any budding scholar.

Baby Phat’s signature cat sits elegantly on the front of the bag beside a colorful Baby Phat logo. While the front panel is a plain pink, the rest of the backpack features the “Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons” logo scrawled in different crayon colors. I’ve never been a fan of signature prints, but the whimsical style of this one works well here.

The main compartment is spacious enough to handle textbooks and pencil cases, while the front organizer pocket can handle a wallet and house keys. I also like the external mesh pockets, which help keep water bottles away from books in case of leaks or spills.

It’s not the most luxurious fabric, but the polyester material is a smart choice here. It’s tough enough to withstand a few rounds in the playground, and also affordable. With this bag costing just $14.99, moms and dads won’t feel that infamous designer label pinch.

More Features of This Baby Phat Cat Backpack

• Zip closure
• Dual adjustable padded straps
• Made in China

Get this Baby Phat Crayon Print Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baby Phat bags on BagBunch
• The Baby Phat Golden Heart bag, a great alternative to this crayon print bag.
• Searching for more Baby Phat bags on eBay
• Other Baby Phat backpacks on eBay:

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Before Bottega Veneta, I hated woven leather bags. Its amazing intrecciato technique quickly changed my mind, but this shopper is a little less than I’ve come to expect from the label.

The pea green leather is an interesting choice. I mean “interesting” in the way say you think something’s interesting because you don’t want to say that you hate it. I don’t hate it, exactly, but there’s something off about it. Perhaps it’s just the combination of pea green leather with weaving and fringe that’s throwing me off. Even if you love pea green and weaving, you have to admit that it’s a little heavy-handed.

The shape of this shopper is also a little unbalanced. Literally. The heavy bottom necessitates a substantial handle, not these two slim straps. I’m sure they’re enough to make the bag usable, but they don’t look right, and they definitely won’t be comfortable to carry for an extended period of time.

I just don’t see paying $3,200 for this bag, even if it is Bottega.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Shopping Intrecciato Leather Tote

• 17″ x 12″ x 6″ size
• 7″ strap drop
• Fully lined in gray suede

Get This Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Shopper:

• Available at Net-A-Porter
• Check the Passion 4 Fashion 4 Less eBaystore to see if this Bottega Veneta clutch is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a neon green alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Searching for other woven leather totes on eBay:

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