Iris Apfel might be 90 years old, but she’s showing no signs of slowing down. The self-proclaimed “geriatric starlet” will launch a small handbag collection later this year.

Apfel worked with president of L & Leung Design Group Lisa Nunziata on the line, dubbed Extinction. The cleverly titled collection is a nod to one of the first conversations the pair enjoyed.

“When I met Iris, I told her I’m the last of a dying breed, and she shot back, ‘If you’re the end of a dying breed, then I must be extinct,‘” Nunziata recounted. The twosome is having fun with the title, and has even adopted the dodo as its logo!

At her age, Apfel has no time for inferior fabrics. The 12-piece accessories collection will be a celebration of luxury with purses made from Moroccan lambskin, half calf, and genuine snake. I expected such exotic materials would send the line’s prices sky high, but the bags are surprisingly affordable. The cheapest piece will retail for $228, while the most expensive purse will top $398.

“There’s not much around this price point,” Apfel conceded. “I’m a great believer that a lot of people on this planet want good design and high quality at a price.“

While the prices are right, the bold colors won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The handbags will come in five vibrant shades that don’t “play it safe.” We can also expect Iris Apfel’s purses to be very spacious. After all, as she cheekily admits, her “eyeglasses are so big they don’t fit into smaller bags.”

Iris Apfel’s Extinction bags will hit high end department stores in October.

[Source: The Telegraph]
[Image Source: Rob Rich/Flickr]

Add a pop of color to your everyday attire with this Hype Bauer Shoulder Bag.

The Bauer’s boxy shape is modernized with golden zippered sides and a chic turn-lock clasp. I love the way the hardware pops against the rich red lambskin. This hue is quite daring, but Hype also offers the design in more sedate black and cognac colors. The red’s my favorite, but I’m impressed Hype attempts to appease all tastes.

The plainweave lining is hardy, but I’m disappointed that the pockets aren’t reinforced with leather. We wouldn’t necessarily expect that at this price point, but Hype found the budget to add a leather logo patch inside. Using the material to trim the pockets would have been a much smarter design decision.

The lack of metal feet on the base is also disappointing. The Bauer’s designed to suit our everyday needs, but that oversight means it may look banged up before its time.

It feels mean to find fault with a bag costing just $250. That price rarely buys us an accessory made of such luxurious materials. It may not be perfect, but it comes closer than most purses at this price point.

More Features of This Hype Lambskin Shoulder Bag

• Plainweave lining
• Double handles with a 9.25 inch drop
• Measures 13.75 x 13 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hype Bauer Handbag:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Bauer cross-body bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
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Prada has brought back some of its most beloved handbag styles to celebrate its upcoming art exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

We might not all be able to see the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations display, but we can indulge in the bags of yesteryear no matter which part of the world we’re from.

The retro Prada collection features iconic styles from 1991 to 2005. The silk, leather, and exotic fabric crafted bags are guaranteed to take those of us old enough to remember back a decade or two. And up and coming style icons are sure to appreciate the retro appeal of these classic Prada designs.

I’m particularly excited to see this minimalist purple satin bag dating back to 1991 getting another run. At $995 it’s probably more expensive than it was when originally issued, but allowing for inflation it’s not too bad. And anyone that regretted missing out the first time will probably be happy for the price!

It’s most impressive to see the way these designs stack up so many decades after their original release. I suppose true elegance never really goes out of style! Are you excited to see Prada re-releasing some of its vintage bags, or would you prefer to see something new?

[Source: Stylelist]

Prada Retro Bags on eBay

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Helena de Natalio once wooed me with its lush Argentinian leathers and rich jewel colors. However it strays from its usually contemporary design aesthetic with this Jamie Pouch. Sadly, it’s a lesser purse for it.

Perhaps I’m unnecessarily biased against the Jamie, as it’s very similar to the label’s Grace shoulder bag. The metallic brocade style finish we saw in the Grace is paired with a matte orange suede flap. If Helena de Natalio had left it plain I may have appreciated the contrast of the bare fabric, but just like the quilted suede this too is overembellished. The golden chain which borders the flap makes the otherwise simple closure seem ostentatious.

At least the Jamie’s flamboyance is on a fairly small scale. An accessory like this could easily dominate an outfit if it were any larger. As it’s so petite, it could make a neutral outfit seem a bit more interesting. However as with any small bag, fitting in the essentials is a challenge.

The first Helena de Natalio bags I spotted set the bar so high that any less, as this bag is, simply disappoints. I’ve certainly seen worse bags for $175, but I know Helena de Natalio can do better.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Quilted Pouch

• Faille lined interior
• An interior zip pocket
• A detachable chain strap with a 23 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 10 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Helena de Natalio Jamie Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Helena de Natalio Grace bag, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other quilted suede bags on eBay:

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Michael Kors is one of those American designers that I often forget about. His flagship line is pretty underwhelming, as far as I’m concerned. His diffusion line, however, is kind of perfect. It’s trendy, but a little subdued, and totally affordable. This  School satchel is a great example of Michael Kors making affordable look awesome.

This satchel has a tomboy look that I totally go for. It has the style of a saddlebag, but without the bulkiness or awkward shaping. The tailored details are also practical, like the two front pockets that close with a single flap. The buckles, luckily, are just for show, and there’s a much more convenient hidden magnetic closure.

Michael Kors calls this color tangerine, but it’s a lot tawnier than that. I love the subdued orange hue and the ostrich-embossed leather has a great balance of smooth and rough, shiny and dull. The brushed gold hardware sets off the color of the bag. I’m not a fan of the giant logo hangtag, but it’s easy enough to dispose of.

At $350, this bag isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s definitely a small investment in a bag that will take your through decades.

More Features Of The MICHAEL Michael Kors School Ostrich Effect Leather Satchel

• 11″ x 8″ x 4″ size
• 2″ strap drop
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Fully lined

Get this MICHAEL Michael Kors School Satchel:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael 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 ostrich leather satchels on eBay:

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I’m usually such a champion of the Marc by Marc Jacobs line that it’s actually making me feel a bit queasy to give it a bad review. But even the most fashionable of designers has a bad day, and unfortunately, Mr. Jacobs must have had one of those when he designed this poor excuse for a purse.

Would I be going too far to call this bag aesthetically deficient? I’m not sure. In any case, the material is the first thing that catches the eye, and that’s not a compliment. Okay, the seagrass weave that makes up most of the bag is actually kind of great, although the pattern isn’t particularly interesting. It’s just that the bright orange PVC looks just like what it is: cheap plastic. And I don’t know about you, but I find that very distracting.

The underthought design of the bag is also a problem. The shape is cute and classic enough, but the lines just don’t match up. The top flap isn’t actually wide enough to cover the opening of the bag, which means that anything small or heavy is going to be lost forever if you lean left or right.

The idea of making an affordable cute woven summer bag that you can sling across your body is a great one, but this one misses the mark on everything but affordability. I can think of a lot of other things to spend $160 on in the summertime.

More Features Of The Marc By Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Shoulder Bag

• 10″ x 6″ x 4” size
• Interior zippered pocket

Get this Marc By Marc Jacobs Woven Cross-Body 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 woven shoulder bags on eBay:[phpbay]woven straw shoulder purse,2,””, “”[/phpbay]

Europe’s financial crisis doesn’t seem to have hit Hermes International. The French brand reports its first quarter sales rose by almost 22%, buoyed by strong demand in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Its sales rose to 21.9%, or the equivalent of 776.9 million euros, for the quarter ending March 21. That’s well up on fashion forecasters’ estimates of 741.8 million euros.

Hermes also enjoyed double-digit sales increases in all global regions, led by a 22% boost in Greater Asia and 21% increase in Europe.

Despite the good news the company is remaining cautious, with predictions Europe’s shaky economy will result in lower sales for the rest of 2012. It’s keeping its sales growth target between 10 and 11 %, and relying on strong demand in China to achieve those figures. The Asian country’s desire for Hermes goods regularly outpaces its production capacity, but Hermes chief executive officer Patrick Thomas said this problem should be resolved by year’s end. Unfortunately though, if this issue takes the remainder of 2012 to sort out all important sales figures will suffer.

As a sign of its restraint in uncertain times, Hermes is also slowing its expansion. It opened 13 new stores in 2011, but this year promises just three. These are strategically placed in China, Taiwan, and Abu Dhabi to take advantage of the regions’ growing tastes for luxury goods.

Do you think Hermes can rise above its continent’s money woes?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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If a retro shoulder bag hooked up with a piece of carry-on luggage they might give birth to something like Hayden-Harnett’s Nackie Satchel.

This handbag has a very unusual look. It seems almost as if two bags have simply been sewn together. That quirkiness will never appeal to everyone, but it helps the Nackie stand out from the pack.

It also makes it very practical, as we’re really enjoying the space of two bags in one convenient package. The external bag creates a spacious exterior pocket, perfect for stashing the items you need on hand. The main compartment is enormous, and probably deserves more than the single zip and slip pockets we see. However it’s perfect for carrying the bulky items we’re often forced to leave behind.

The short handles will never work if the Nackie is full, but Hayden-Harnett’s also added a hand-braided strap for cross-body wear. This makes carrying easy, but the bag doesn’t look quite as stylish in this mode. It’s a really large bag, and if you’re petite it’ll dwarf your frame. I wouldn’t disregard it if you’re on the small side, but it may work better as a weekender or piece of carry-on luggage rather than an everyday satchel.

Whatever you use it for, you’re likely to see value for your $428. That’s a steal for any bag made of such luscious shrunken lambskin!

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Lambskin Satchel

• Canvas lined interior
• Dual tubular handles with a 6 inch drop
• A braided detachable strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 14 x 6 inches

Get this Hayden-Harnett Nackie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Hayden-Harnett
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hayden-Harnett bags on BagBunch
• The Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Stud It Wallet bag, a great alternative to this combination bag.
• Searching for more Hayden-Harnett bags on eBay
• Other black leather satchel bags on eBay:

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Echo Designs is expanding the soft handbag collection it launched last year.

The latest handbags will feature heavier fabrics, including a wool blend, appropriate for the fall 2012 season. While the line is evolving, Echo promises more of the patterns its famous for.

“We’re playing with the materials we know well,” Echo chief executive officer Steven Roberts told Accessories Magazine. “We’re using print and developing our perspective on fashion and trend. No one needs a plain leather handbag from us.“

The new handbags will continue to be affordable, with prices ranging from $58 to $148.

While the new handbags collection will feature modern prints, Echo’s embracing its past with its new Echo Vintage collection. The patterns have been revamped for contemporary audiences, but in essence they’re the same prints the company was founded upon. The label’s clearly enjoying the mix of old and new. Retro looking modern pieces including iPad cases, shirt dresses, and tank tops all feature in the range.

Echo’s growing diversity has seen it thriving in department stores and expanding its speciality outlets by some 30% over the last 12 months. It also sells its goodies to customers via its website, which has just enjoyed a makeover. This recent revamping seems appropriate for a fashion house which continues to flourish in the modern marketplace.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Echo Designs Handbags on eBay

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In recent years we’ve seen Harveys evolving from a basic accessories label to one that’s a bit more fashion forward. It still plays with seatbelts, but with the Studly it’s also added a dose of heavy metal.

While the Studly shows a label attempting to modernize its image, it also seems a little out of step with current trends. Bold studs were very big a few seasons ago, but their appeal is waning. These days restraint is much more chic than all those chunky silver accents.

If you don’t care about keeping pace with fashion though, you’ll probably appreciate the way Harveys has blended functionality and fun here. I like the interest the studs add to this very traditional black satchel. Its main compartment is spacious and well appointed, with a generous zippered pocket and pair of open pouches for gadgets. The handles are a shade too short for over-the-shoulder use, but as Harvey’s provided a cross-body strap we really can’t complain. This hands-free carrying option is so convenient I can’t imagine removing it!

Those seat belts make the Studly as tough as it looks. The quality materials ensure we’ll see real value for our $354.

More Features of This Harveys Studded Bag

• Zip top closure
• Protective metal feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 24 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 13.5 x 11.5 inches

Get this Harveys Studly Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Harveys bags on BagBunch
• The Harveys Rugby bag, a great alternative to this seatbelt bag.
• Searching for more Harveys bags on eBay