La Regale Diamante Box Clutch | Unusual Black Satin Minaudiere

Posted on: Oct 14

La Regale Minaudiere Box ClutchIt isn’t often in the handbag industry that you see a box clutch that quite so much resembles … a box! However, that is exactly the look that La Regale have gone for with this unusual minaudiere.

First let me start by pointing out the obvious; this square purse looks a lot like a jewellery box. I am not sure, if I’m honest, whether this is a bad thing or not! The diamante does bling it up, and makes it a lot more evening appropriate, thus taking away some of the confusing functional characteristics of the look. The knotted handle has much the same intention, making this satin clutch a little more handbag-like.

If you like the shape, then this La Regale box clutch will no doubt be an unusual version of the typical combination of black and silver. OK, so it won’t be the most practical, but at the same time it is sure to catch people’s eyes!

This isn’t La Regale’s most affordable addition to the market, but it may well be their strangest!

More Features of this La Regale Diamante Minaudiere

  • Unusual top opening box shape
  • Large internal mirror
  • Knotted double handle
  • Satin and rhinestone exterior

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Disney TRON: Legacy Fashion Range | Futuristic Hayden-Harnett Handbags, Space Age Jewelry, & More

Posted on: Oct 14

Hayden-Harnett TRON bags

As a child of the 80s, I’m thrilled to see TRON getting another go round with the upcoming release of TRON: Legacy. If you thought this science fiction classic was strictly for the lads, think again. Disney is attempting to score points with female fans with the release of some TRON inspired accessories.

Disney sought out a who’s who of designers for the range; Rousseau, Rotenier, TomTom, and Hayden-Harnett have all had a hand in the goodies. They include sky-high stilettos, futuristic jewelry, and these space age handbags from Hayden-Harnett.

In developing these TRON-inspired collections, we saw a natural fit for today’s modern woman who blends fashion and technology in her daily routine,” explained Pam Lifford, executive vice president of fashion and home for Disney Consumer Products. “The films’ lead female character was also a great inspiration due to her strong and fearless attitude. Combined with the design talents behind these fashion labels and their affinity for TRON, we have the perfect mix to deliver a line that will resonate with women all around.

The TRON: Legacy fashion collection will be sold at a new pop-up shop in Los Angeles this November before its rolled out into other retailers in February 2011. Do you want a piece?

[Source: Luxist]

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Spiegel Rosette Covered Bag | Elegant Affordable Polyester Mesh Rosette Handbag

Posted on: Oct 14

Spiegel Rosette Covered HandbagI really don’t know how Spiegel does it. Its bags are always bang on trend, yet it charges a fraction of the price the high end designers do. This Rosette Covered purse is yet another example of this uncanny gift.

If I didn’t know better I’d swear this was a Valentino purse. The famed fashion house has made us swoon with rosettes and other floral details in recent seasons, and Spiegel uses them every bit as well.

What the approach lacks in originality it certainly makes up for in style. I don’t even mind the use of polyester mesh. Valentino would never stoop to such a budget material, but it makes the petals sit just so. It also ensures that we pay a mere $69 for this purse. You’d certainly never see a Valentino purse for that price, or even most Valentino knockoffs!

This really is all about the exterior, but it doesn’t mean that Spiegel has forgotten about the inside. A pair of open pouches and a zippered pocket is almost standard for the high end labels, but a bit of a luxury for a budget brand.

Spiegel has made a few necessary compromises to keep the price of this purse down, but it never makes us feel like we’re carrying a cheap imitation. What a find!

More Features of This Spiegel Flower Handbag

  • A zip top closure
  • A leatherette shoulder strap
  • Measures 13 x 17 x 4 inches

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Coach Plans UK Stores | American Handbags Bound for Europe

Posted on: Oct 14

Coach HandbagCoach is making a play for the dollars of the British bag loving public with the opening of up to 15 UK stores over the next three years.

The first will open at west London’s Westfield shopping center in the first half of 2011. A flagship store on London’s New Bond Street will join it around June, and there’ll be plenty more where they came from.

This isn’t Coach’s first foray in Great Britain; the American label unsuccessfully launched a store on Sloane Street in the 1990s. However chief executive Lew Frankfort says the brand is now better placed for success, as British consumers are aware of Coach’s presence through their travels abroad.

We are very serious about our entry into Europe and our goal is to become a significant brand in all the markets where we participate,” he added.

The British stores are part of Coach’s larger strategy to become a major player in Europe. It has an exclusive deal with French department store Printemps, which in time will see Coach stores in most Printemps locations. There is a similar arrangement in Spain with the El Corte Ingles department store chain. It also has Germany and Italy in its sights.

With Kate Spade also opening her first British store, it seems more American handbag designers are looking to opportunities to succeed abroad. Do you think Coach has what it takes?

[Source: Financial Times]
[Image Source: Roxanne Ready/Flickr]

Coach Handbags on eBay

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Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Dotty Across Body Bag | Fun Pink Spotted Cross-Body Purse

Posted on: Oct 14

Sonia Rykiel DottySonia Rykiel adds some style to the traditional cross-body bag with this fun Dotty purse.

The pale pink shade is cute, but so cutesy that it’ll put anyone offside. The pastel tone is bumped up with bold black spots, which are raised to add depth and dimension. They remind me a bit of oversized studs; with that trend waning perhaps Rykiel is showing us a new direction? Whatever the case, they add great fun to this fairly basic cross-body.

The interior does have a few handy pockets, and a fun leopard print, but again it doesn’t really wow me. There’s enough space to suit many of us, but it’s just really nothing out of the ordinary. Even that cross-body strap is a bit lackluster, with no buckle to help us adjust it to just the right fit.

That’s likely to be the stumbling block for many bagistas. While the bumpy spots are fun, they might not do enough to convince us to lay our money down.

More Features of This Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Spotted Cross-Body Bag

  • Made of 100% cow leather
  • Cotton lined interior
  • Measures 11.8 x 12.6 inches
  • Comes with a protective dust bag

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Judith Leiber Deco Fine Crystal-Embellished Clutch | Gorgeous Vintage-Inspired Evening Bag

Posted on: Oct 13

Judith Leiber Fine Crystal Embellished ClutchJudith Leiber and I have a love-hate relationship. I love her irreverence, but hate her prices and that her designs are sometimes cheesy and tasteless. This Deco clutch, however, is gorgeously designed and of impeccable taste and craftsmanship.

The shimmering crystal pattern on this bag looks authentically Deco. The double-v design is rendered in black and champagne-colored crystals, and topped off with a beautiful asymmetrically geometric clasp. I really love how the pattern creates a muti-dimensional appeal that is continued on the clasp.

The only thing that strikes me as a little off about the clutch is the shape. Most Deco designs are consistent in their use of hard lines, and the rounded edges of this clutch take a little something away from that. It’s not enough to make me hate it, but a strictly rectangular bag would have been a little more in keeping with the bag’s inspiration, and would have seemed a little more coherent, design-wise.

The price, at $2,680, is pretty low by Leiber’s standards. Her bags often run up into the $5,000 range, so this one is kind of a good buy.

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Deco Fine Crystal Clutch

  • 6″ x 6″ x 2″ size
  • 9″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in gold leather

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Sonia Kashuk for Target Travel Duffel | Affordable Nylon Dots Handbag

Posted on: Oct 13

Sonia Kashuk Dots Travel DuffelWith this cute and affordable travel bag from Sonia Kashuk you’ll have more in your pocket to spend on your vacation.

As part of Sonia Kashuk’s affordable diffusion line for Target, this duffel bag offers cute looks for less. There’s nothing luxurious about it, but the basic nylon body is given a retro lift with big colored dots.

For a mere $39.99, I’m impressed with the job this duffel does. I certainly didn’t expect to find small bags hidden inside for cosmetics and tiny travel items, or even enough room to carry everything I want on a weekend away. If you’re a pack rat this might not be your bag, but it should suit most getaways.

The nylon lined interior isn’t luxurious, but it’s easy to keep clean. It’s also easy to pack and unpack, so what are you waiting for? This inexpensive duffel may be just the excuse you need to take a quick break!

More Features of This Sonia Kashuk Nylon Travel Duffel

  • Zip top closure
  • Dual shoulder straps
  • Measures 10.5 x 12.5 x 18.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Alexander McQueen Lock-It Studded Leather Bag | Sleek Classic Burgundy Handbag

Posted on: Oct 13

Alexander McQueen Lock-It Studded Leather BagAlexander McQueen has been one of my favorite designers since I was a teenager. I love the way he makes his edgy punk rock aesthetic look glamorous. Which is why I was a little surprised at the almost conservative design of the Lock-It. It’s got a beautifully classic appeal, but it just doesn’t scream McQueen.

The deep burgundy leather was the first clue that this is a new approach by the line. It’s dark and elegant, but also very versatile. The small gold studs act more like punctuation marks than centerpieces. The way they edge the bag adds definition to the shape, but they aren’t edgy like so many of his studded designs. The Lock-It definitely has a more minimal appeal that will make it palatable to a less rock star-centric demographic.

Even the shape of the Lock-It seems restrained compared to McQueen’s usual fare. It’s a bottom heavy rectangle with two curvy top handles. The shape and color combined make this bag look a little bit 70s, particularly with the gold accents. If you squint, it also seems to have a touch of western influence.

At $2,495, the Lock-It is priced on the low end of the investment bag range. It’s designed to be a practical and functional every day bag with a few interesting details. It does its job well, but frankly, I miss that old Alexander McQueen attitude.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen Lock-It Studded Leather Bag

  • 19″ x 15″ x 5″ size
  • 6″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in black twill

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Ralph Lauren’s 10th Anniversary Pink Pony Charity Auction | Bid on Kate Hudson’s Handbag for Cancer Charity

Posted on: Oct 13

Ralph Lauren Kate Hudson BagRalph Lauren is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its cancer charity Pink Pony with a massive online auction.

Luxury Ralph Lauren handbags and this boho fringe purse autographed by Kate Hudson are amongst the hundreds of items up for grabs. I’ve also got my eyes on the backstage pass for a Matchbox Twenty concert, although I’d also love to meet Vogue editor Anna Wintour! But then I won’t be able to afford a front row seat to Ralph Lauren’s fall 2011 fashion show, or that stunning beaded gown Penelope Cruz wore to the Nine premiere. Yes, I’m getting seriously tempted.

But of course the auction has a serious side beyond the glitz and glamour. All monies raised by the auction, which is held in conjunction with Charitybuzz, benefit Pink Pony. This Ralph Lauren helmed project raises much needed funds for cancer research, a cause that is particularly pertinent this breast cancer awareness month.

You’ve got until October 21 to get your bids in. What do you have your eye on?

[Source: People]
[Image Source: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony auction website]

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Bags on eBay

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Sondra Roberts Reese Bucket Tote | Simple Stitched Camel Leather Handbag

Posted on: Oct 13

Sondra Roberts ReeseSondra Roberts seems to have taken her style cues from fresh-faced Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon with this bucket tote.

Just like the star that shares its name, the Reese doesn’t rely on bells or whistles to impress. Elegant complementary stitching criss-crosses the simply shaped bag, creating argyle-style diamond shapes along the way. It’s an unusual look, but one that could be easily missed unless you pay attention to the details. Some girls may prefer a bag that makes a more definitive statement, but there’s a certain appeal to an accessory which can suit any occasion.

The soft leather in a gentle camel shade helps that, as does the clever interior design. It’s lined with canvas, a fabric which will survive the punishment of everyday life even if it doesn’t feel particularly plush. Leather trimmed pockets are another durable feature, and there are just enough of them to make this generous space user-friendly.

With a recommended retail price of $210, this Reese bag represents excellent value.

More Features of This Sondra Roberts Stitched Tote

  • Chrome-tone hardware
  • A hidden zip closure front angled pocket
  • Top zip closure
  • Dual 17 inch shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 13 x 6 inches

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