Kotur Jensen Clutch | Gray Karung Snakeskin Asymmetrical Stitched Purse

Posted on: Sep 16

Kotur JensenClutches like the Jensen have made Kotur a favorite amongst Hollywood starlets. But you don’t have to have the bulging bank balances of these celebs to own one of these exotic purses for yourself.

Karung is a more delicate snakeskin than the pythons and anacondas favored by so many designers. Fans of these skins may long for the large scales and mottled texture, but I prefer this more delicate finish. It’s much more subtle, so it allows the asymmetric stitching to shine.

The skin and stitched details are modern, but the simple framed design, with its large gem clasp, hearkens back to classic vintage. I love the meeting of old and new here; it’s fresh but not so outlandish that it’ll fall out of favor quickly.

That’s a good thing too, because at $649 this is no impulse buy. It’s a steal for any exotic purse, but it’s still a significant investment for any after five accessory. Remember that snakeskin isn’t as forgiving as leather and treat this purse carefully to ensure it lasts for several seasons.

More Features of This Kotur Stitched Clutch

  • Fully lined interior
  • Measures 14.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches

Get this Kotur Jensen Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Liam Neeson Carries Pink Handbag for Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Actor Poses for Cancer Research UK Advertisement

Posted on: Sep 16

Liam Neeson Cancer Research UK adLiam Neeson and a collection of other prominent UK stars have modeled pink handbags to prove breast cancer awareness isn’t strictly a women’s issue.

The advertisements for Cancer Research UK also star actor Martin Clunes, filmmaker Michael Winner, and former footballer Les Ferdinand.

All the celebrities, like so many men around the world, have been personally affected by breast cancer. They were snapped by a photographer Terry O’Neill, who is himself a cancer survivor.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK which means there aren’t many families who haven’t been affected by it in some way, and mine is no exception,” Liam Neeson explained. “The good news is that more women than ever before are surviving breast cancer thanks to the work of Cancer Research UK, so make sure you show them your support this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The handbags modeled by the celebrities are available from Cancer Research UK stores and online from £4.99 to £14.99. That’s a pretty small price to pay to help the charity’s vital research into breast cancer.

[Source: Cancer Research UK]

Breast Cancer Charity Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Breast Cancer, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kooba Sam Convertible Clutch | Grommet Eyelet Black Leather Purse

Posted on: Sep 16

Kooba SamI hope you like grommets, because Kooba has overdosed on the edgy metal hardware when creating the Sam clutch.

I like grommets as an unexpected alternative to studs, but I think Kooba takes the look too far here. Rather than using the metal to add interest, it’s the star here. Personally I think the covered center panel pushes the look over the edge. I would have preferred to see the eyelets only along the seams, but everyone is different. I’m sure many girls will relish the rock and roll attitude that comes with Kooba’s heavy handed approach.

If some of the eyelets were stripped away I could definitely see myself carrying the Sam. It might be too small for girls who’re used to oversized handbags, but I like its mid-sized dimensions which encourage us to leave all but the essentials behind. The dual compartments are so easy to organize, and the long removable strap allows you to take the Sam from clutch to cross-body depending on your mood or the occasion.

At $345 the Sam is quite reasonably priced. The deciding factor is likely to be those edgy looks. Are they too much for you?

More Features of This Kooba Eyelet Clutch

  • Satiny lining
  • Zip top closure
  • A removable strap with a 21 inch drop
  • Measures 7.5 x 8.5 x 2.5 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in black, brown, and cloud white

Get this Kooba Sam Grommet Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Lauren Merkin’s Limited Edition Louise Clutch | Convertible Purse from FashionStake

Posted on: Sep 16

Lauren Merkin Limited Edition Louise

Lauren Merkin has launched a unique marketing campaign for this limited edition three-in-one Louise clutch. If you like this purse, which is the result of a collaboration with FashionStake, you’ll need to put your money where your mouth is.

This clutch is right on trend, with its underwear as outerwear theme. It starts with a corset Crepe de Chine dress, which can be covered with the black faux fur or metallic brocade envelopes. Inside the purse is lined with lavender fabric and embellished with quotes from its muse, the irrepressible Mae West.

The buzz generated now will determine whether this purse ever sees the light of day. Lauren Merkin wants to raise $10, 000 in funds before producing the clutch. Money is raised in three ways. Firstly, buyers can pre-order the handbag for $239, a 40% saving on the $399 recommended retail price.

If you don’t have that kind of cash lying around you could become a funder for $50. Funders get a stake in the collection and receive store credit, which is valued at up to $125 for the $50 stake. The actual value of the credit will vary depending on the bag’s success.

Finally, cashed up Lauren Merkin lovers can become a VIP for $500. This price buys the clutch, a signed dust bag, and a personal invite to a New York City wine tasting party with Lauren Merkin herself.

The clutch is available for pre-order now from FashionStake.com. Do you want a stake in this Lauren Merkin clutch?

[Source: BagBliss]

Lauren Merkin Louise Clutch Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Lauren Merkin Louise, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Kenneth Jay Lane Signature Snake Leather Clutch | Black Purse with Jeweled Serpent

Posted on: Sep 16

Kenneth Jay Lane Signature ClutchFor its signature clutch, Kenneth Jay Lane has relied on classic Egyptian motifs to add style.

We’ve saw Kenneth Jay Lane use a snake accent to add style to the Isis clutch, but the complementary black jewels make this one seem much more elegant and refined. It’s subtle, or as subtle as a winding snake can be, and that’s a very good thing.

The snake is what really makes this handbag; its long hexagonal shape is interesting, but in basic black not distracting. I do like the gloss of the patent leather though, which makes this clutch seem like a tough accessory for a wild night with the girls.

While I like the exterior, when I popped open the magnetic fastener I was sold. This is a clutch which exceeds our expectations, with a functional zippered pocket and complementary satin covered mirror for cosmetics emergencies. I only wish there was a chain strap as well, but I suppose we can’t have everything.

I might have expected it at this price though. At $330, it’s a bit more expensive than its stable mates, most of which have that convenient carry chain. It’s up to you whether those looks and interior features are enough to warrant the higher than average price.

More Features of This Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Clutch

  • Satin lined interior
  • Comes with a dust bag

Get this Kenneth Jay Lane Signature Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Nvie Designs Swiss Strappy Weave Hobo | Trendy Camel Woven Tote Bag

Posted on: Sep 15

Swiss-Strappy-Weave-HoboBeing that the world (and me, if I am honest) is completely sold on this season’s palette of beige, camel and cream, I thought I would share with you this bargain bag.

Because we are all meant to be wearing long soft trousers and cute sweaters, we need to wear a soft yet sophisticated bag too. Anything too edgy will look silly next to the wool and houndstooth, yet anything too dull will look a little … dull. What we need is something like this Nvie Designs hobo, which manages to look smart whilst also being pretty subtle.

Unsurprisingly, the subtlety is in the weave, which is a surefire way for any handbag designer to look classy. I am not entirely sure about the unpredictable pattern, although it does make this stand out. Of course it would be nicer in leather, but for a cheap and affordable $44 we don’t have any right to complain!

This is one of those bags that you can buy to last you a season, and it probably won’t survive too much longer. However, by that time you will want something new, so shop away!

More Features of this Swiss Strappy Weave Tote

  • Also available in black and white
  • Woven synthetic leather exterior
  • Knotted dual handles
  • Multiple interior pockets

Get this Nvie Designs On Trend Hobo:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]woven handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Cynthia Vincent Lace Tote | Signature Suede Shopping Bag

Posted on: Sep 15

I have been looking for a way to incorporate lace into an everyday outfit for a while now. After all, lace is in all the shops at the moment, and I have always loved the complex textured and understated sex-appeal inherent in the fabric. This Cynthia Vincent tote is one of the few handbags out there that manages to make something so delicate actually quite casual, through using a more durable lace print.

Don’t read my description of “casual” as an insult. After all, this cute and simple shopper is the sort of thing that you could use every day, whilst still looking stylish, feminine and pretty. This, in my eyes, makes this handbag a success, from its suede head to its creamy lace toes. This is especially true considering that this costs a reasonable, if not cheap, $110. I have seen uglier bags on sale for much much more, let alone ones with so much usability.

Of course, this suede tote is also very on trend. Lace is everywhere, and just the smallest flash of it is enough to incorporate the underwear-as-outerwear trend. You could dress an outfit up with a lace clutch, but this gives you an option for when you are just nipping to the shop, or even to work.

As you can tell, I think this lace shopper is gorgeous. Do you?

More Features of this Cynthia Vincent Suede Tote

  • Also available with black suede
  • Lace print suede exterior
  • Spacious soft suede interior
  • Single poppered pocket

Get this Soft and Delicate Shopping Bag:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]cynthia vincent handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Kenneth Cole Reaction Shop Around Tote | Glossy Blue Snake Print PVC Handbag

Posted on: Sep 15

Kenneth Cole’s affordable Reaction line always provides modern accessories for girls on a budget, and this Shop Around Tote is no exception.

Considering its budget $89 price the use of PVC, rather than leather, is to be expected. Kenneth Cole does its best to dress the man-made material up though with snake print and plenty of shine. Honestly I think the designer may have gone overboard with the gloss, as it tends to look a bit cheap rather than rich, but it’s not a deal breaker for me.

The fabric does its best to appear sophisticated, but the casual slouch points to the tote’s everyday application. The mall isn’t the only place you’ll tote this bag; I can also imagine it working at a restaurant, or even a creative workplace.

It’s certainly got the goods for day to day use. The slim style makes it look elegant, but it’s deceptively spacious. You should have no problems carrying your personal technology in the multifunctional slip pockets, bottles of water in the side pouches, and a copy of your favorite fashion mag in the generous main compartment. You’ll also find a zippered pocket on the back and another one inside, so there’s no excuse for running out of storage space. A choice of dual shoulder straps or detachable cross-body strap also adds value and versatility.

It might not be the height of luxury, but Kenneth Cole really does offer us plenty for our dollar here. Perhaps we needn’t Shop Around for that new tote after all – I think we’ve found it!

More Features of This Kenneth Cole Snake Print Tote

  • Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
  • A detachable 21 inch cross-body strap
  • Measures 15 x 5.5 x 14 inches
  • Available in black, ink blue, and violet

Get this Kenneth Cole Shop Around Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Gap & Valentino’s Capsule Collection | Luxury Label Designs for Italian Store Opening

Posted on: Sep 15

They seem like strange bedfellows, but Italian luxury Valentino will join forces with American casual clothing retailer Gap.

Valentino’s creative directors Maria Grazia Churi and Pier Paolo Piccoli will create a capsule collaboration to celebrate the opening of Gap’s first Italian stores. It will be released at Gap’s Milan flagship store in November, before being rolled out to Colette in Paris, and London’s Dover Street Market and Gap flagship boutique.

We’re thrilled to be welcomed by the House of Valentino, with its unique position in Italy’s fashion heritage, and to work with Maria Grazia and Pier Paolo, and their modern, fresh take on women’s style,” said the president of Gap Europe and Strategic Alliances, Stephen Sunnucks.

And why wouldn’t he be? This is definitely going to get some fashion lovers through those Gap doors!

I suppose if Lanvin can collaborate with H&M, why not Valentino and Gap? It seems the line between luxury designer goods and everyday fashion is becoming blurrier these days. Are you excited by the shift, or would you prefer high end designers to remain elite?

[Source: Telegraph]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Valentino Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Valentino, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

KC Malhan Spectrum Clutch | Colored Stripe Beaded Purse

Posted on: Sep 15

Add a little color to your day with this brightly beaded Spectrum clutch.

This is one of KC Malhan’s simpler clutches, with its basic fold-over flap design. Those wide beaded stripes are what really make it special. Basic black bands are contrasted with rainbow colored ones. I like the effect on the front, but I’m not so convinced on the back. It’s here that we see more color than black, and that tends to look a bit childish. I suppose it’s better than KC Malhan leaving the rear perfectly plain, but I think the designer could have tempered the stripes for a more sophisticated look.

After all, looks are really all this purse has going for it. It’s quite small, too small according to some customers. That helps to excuse the lack of shoulder strap, as we should be able to easily clutch it in our hand. Yet I can’t help wishing we had that hands-free carrying option for big nights out.

Still, it’s hard to be too critical when KC Malhan is only charging $24 for this clutch. Its beading only probably makes it worth that price.

More Features of This KC Malhan Striped Clutch

  • Lined with rayon
  • Measures 3.75 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches
  • Magnetic closure
  • Made in India

Get this KC Malhan Spectrum Handbag:

You may also be interested in: