Rebecca Minkoff Pointy Stud Pouch | Feisty Studded Rocker Cross-Body Bag

Posted on: Aug 26

This isn’t the first studded pouch we have seen from Rebecca Minkoff. In fact, you could say that she specializes in this particular design. With this version, however, she has upped the ante on the aggression!

How can I tell this is more aggressive? Well, just look at those studs! She has avoided the pyramid or round styles most commonly found on fashion accessories, and have instead opted for vicious pointy little creations. They could take your eye out, and I suppose they mean that this cross-body doubles up as a weapon for self defense!

Those studs are following in the footsteps of designers such as Louboutin, and Louise Goldin. They are perhaps the only style of studding that is still in fashion as we head towards winter, making this leather clutch quite a desirable purchase. Of course the limited space is still relevant regardless of looks, but I actually think you will be alright if you limit yourself to the essentials.

This may not be the most comfy purse to carry (thank god for the long strap!), but it is one hell of a designer piece. Now just to save up the $330 I need to buy it!

More Features of this Rebecca Minkoff Rocker Pouch

  • Similar styles available across the Rocker range
  • Available in a range of colors
  • Hard pointy studded exterior
  • Polka dot satin lining

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Kooba Audrey Pleated Tote | Angular Structural Folded Hold-All Handbag

Posted on: Aug 26

You don’t have to wear bright colors to make a fashion statement, as this Kooba tote aims to show us.

It may be in a rather ordinary shade of deep gray-brown, but the design of this tote bag makes up for any limitations in colorful creativity. The folded and pleated style gives you shape, structure and texture, meaning that anything more than a passing glance will be exposed to the advanced and elegant design. Of course, this could be brilliant for people who want creativity but whom work in a conservative environment; it is a happy meeting of the two worlds.

The soft leather and workmanship of this structural hold-all are amazing. You can see from the picture how luxurious it all looks. However, you do pay for that twisted design, a grand total of $425. That lands this neatly in the designer handbag category, and means that many of us simply won’t be able to afford it no matter how pretty it is!

The Audrey tote is an unusual purse, in a fabulous design.

More Features of this Kooba Angular Tote

  • Also available in berry and black
  • Authentic leather exterior
  • Single interior zipped pocket
  • Strong and durable construction

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Ellington Annie Cross-Body Bag | Affordable Practical Blue Nylon Zipper Handbag with Pockets

Posted on: Aug 26

When getting the job done is more important than making a style statement, look to a bag like this Annie Cross-Body from Ellington.

This is an ideal bag for girls on the go, with its lightweight nylon body and plethora of pockets. You’ll find two on the outside for easy access to your cell phone and sunglasses, and a slip pocket on the back for items you want close to your body. There’s another slip pocket inside the secure zippered interior too, and a convenient clip for keys.

The wide shoulder strap is adjustable, so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or cross-body. Or detach it altogether and throw it inside a larger tote for some extra organization.

It’s all those functional features that really sell the Annie, but it’s no slouch in the looks department either. The choice of blue or purple tones is fresh and youthful, and the sporty contrasting trim and stitching really finishes things off.

It’s not a very luxurious purse or a very large one, but at a mere $29 I don’t think anyone will mind too much. The Annie’s not a purse that does everything, but what it does do it does well.

More Features of This Ellington Nylon Cross-Body Bag

  • Brushed nickel hardware
  • Measures 1 x 9.5 x 7.8 inches

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SWIGG Makes Eco-Friendly Corduroy Alternative | Green Fabric For Ridge Pack Totes

Posted on: Aug 26

There’s more to this Ridge Pack from SWIGG than meets the eye. It looks like this tote is made from corduroy, but the New York design firm actually crafts these bags from a unique eco-friendly fiber held together by recycled resin and embossed to resemble the wintry material.

After all those processed you may be concerned about the feel of the material, but don’t be. Touch it and you’ll be reminded of thick felt, perfect for those chilly days looming ahead.

Designer Stephanie Wenzel might not be a handbag specialist, but she shows she really knows what girls need in this tote. It has five pockets inside, and a zippered closure to keep your precious cargo safe and sound.

All that’s missing for me is a little individuality. While the texture is interesting, the traditional tote shape and simple matte colors are a bit safe. That’s surprising really considering the funky fungi sculptures and pandabox storage centers SWIGG also produces. Hopefully we see Wenzel inject the same quirky personality into her purses in future.

The Ridge Packs retail for $90 from Supermarket and the SWIGG Store.

[Source: SWIGG website]

Corduroy Totes on eBay

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Elie Tahari Mira Tote | Sophisticated Oversized Pleated Rum Brown Leather Purse

Posted on: Aug 26

It’s rare for a brown leather bag to turn my head, but few have the show stopping style of the Mira tote by Elie Tahari.

This really is a lovely looking bag, with tight, angular pleats all over. They create such a dramatic effect that elevates the fairly conservative brown leather into something extraordinary.

It’s easy to get carried away by the aesthetics, especially when they come at the relatively reasonable price (by designer standards anyway) of $898. But there’s a lot more to consider before you lay your money down.

This is an enormous bag, the kind which hearkens back to the oversized accessories that were so popular a few seasons ago. If you enjoy having space for everything including the kitchen sink you won’t see that as a flaw, but personally I think it’s too large for an everyday handbag. It’s also too large for the minimal organizational features Elie Tahari provides. The zip and patch pockets would be adequate for a regular tote, but not this oversized monster.

I love this tote, but I know it’s not for me. I think I’ll have to wait until Elie Tahari releases a mini version!

More Features of This Elie Tahari Pleated Tote

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Fully lined interior
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 10.5 inch drop
  • Measures 20 x 15.5 x 9 inches

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Sustainable Green Bags from Nau | Oregon Brand Makes Classic Eco-Friendly Bags

Posted on: Aug 26

The handbags from Oregon fashion label Nau are a great choice for green girls with classic style.

Pronounced “now,” the brand is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Its purses are made from organic cotton and recycled materials, including polyester and wintry wool felt.

Nau designs are minimalist and classic, although they could also be accused of being a bit pedestrian. The color palette is in keeping with this; bags are only available in black and a dark brown shade called earth. Looking at them I found myself craving color; there’s a place for basic bags of course as wardrobe staples, but it’d be nice to have the option to carry something more playful.

With most Nau bags costing more than $100, I’m thrilled to see the brand giving back. It donates 2% of every sale to its humanitarian and environmental Partners for Change. These include the micro loans group Kiva, humanitarian organization Mercy Corps, and social change group Ashoka.

Nau bags are available from selected retailers in the United States and Switzerland, C by Connect, and Nau’s online store.

[Source: Magnifeco]
[Image Source: Nau website]

Organic Cotton Bags on eBay

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Elaine Turner Carson Soft Clutch | Wave Textured Peacock Blue Leather Purse

Posted on: Aug 26

Just like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s resident fashion expert, this Carson clutch can easily give any outfit the lift it needs.

This is the kind of clutch that begs to be held. It’s small enough to easily fit in your palm, and its wave embossed leather is super soft and sumptuous to the touch. It’s also available in an Eastern printed canvas, but with no discount offered on the cheaper fabric I’d definitely opt for the leather. In my opinion, it’s the only way to get your $175 worth.

Both fabric options close with a turn-lock clasp, but I like the way Elaine Turner has chosen different hardware to suit the material alternatives. The leather is paired with polished silver-metal, while the canvas one has an organic bamboo clasp.

While I’d love to hold it, I’m glad we’re not restricted to handheld carrying. A delicate chain strap sits inside the Carson, just waiting to help us out when we want to go hands free. Inside we also find a large open pocket. I’m generally a bit critical of lone slip pockets sitting inside clutches, but this one’s big enough to be more practical than most.

I understand hesitating to carry a purse in bold peacock blue or hot pink, but the Carson might be just the splash of flamboyance your neutral outfits need.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Wave Leather Clutch

  • Logo print lining
  • A chain strap with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 7 x 13.5 x 3 inches
  • Made in China

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Lou Lou Shoulder Bag | Hip Simple Black Leather Satchel

Posted on: Aug 25

Marc by Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite lines out there, because it is often able to bridge the gap between traditional and street smart hipster gear. This Lou Lou shoulder bag does just that.

The fine pebbled texture of the black leather is fabulous and also utilitarian. Pebbled leather shows far fewer nicks and scratches than smooth leather, and also shows dirt less easily. The material is also very well-suited to the classic shape and style of the Lou Lou.

I say that the shape is classic, but the curvy front closure gives it an unmistakably contemporary look. It’s so sleek and sophisticated that it could be worn with any number of styles. It would be an excellent bag to tote to work, but would work equally well at happy hour afterwords.

The simple buckle strap handles are adjustable to ensure they’re the perfect length for you, and there is also a removable shoulder strap that makes the Lou Lou extremely viable as a weekender. Basically, this is a bag that you could carry almost anywhere for any occasion, which makes the $560 price tag seem almost reasonable to me.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Lou Lou Shoulder Bag

  • 15″ x 11″ x 6″ size
  • 10″ strap drop
  • Removable, adjustable shoulder strap
  • Internal zipper pockets
  • Fully lined in signature twill

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Eenamaria Southern Belle Satchel | Retro Spots Patent Purse

Posted on: Aug 25

Eenamaria figures that when you’re on to a good thing, stick to it. Its mod-style accessories might not push the envelope, but they’re consistently stylish and fun.

To be fair, this Southern Belle satchel is a little different from most of the designs I’ve seen from the label. It’s made from the same glossy synthetic, and it’s got a bold, geometric design, but its tones are more tempered than the primary colors the brand typically delivers. Navy contrasts with white and blue, rather than the black Eenamaria tends to favor. I like this softer look, which takes a step away from the tried and true without abandoning the brand’s style philosophy.

The looks will draw you in, but the design will help seal the deal. It’s generously sized, but you’ll get more storage space if you open up the cinched sides. Even expanded the pair of open slips and zippered pockets inside should be enough to help keep you organized.

We don’t get a lot of luxury for our $95, but we do get a statement piece which will serve you well as an everyday accessory. If you’re on a budget, you probably couldn’t ask for anything more.

More Features of This Eenamaria Spot Satchel

  • Nylon lined interior
  • Dual 22 inch handles with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 5 x 11 x 13 inches

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Nancy Gonzalez Small Crocodile Clutch | Eye-Catching Bronze Croc Skin Clutch

Posted on: Aug 25

The handcrafting and meticulous design of Nancy Gonzalez’s line ensures that every piece is a unique piece of art. Her focus is always on the materials, and her accessories are never fussy, over-designed, or trendy. This small crocodile clutch is a fabulous addition to the collection.

The bronze treatment on the crocodile skin is breathtaking. Gonzalez uses color here with a masterfully light touch. The croc skin takes this enhancement very well, and, and even though it is shimmery and metallic, it still looks amazingly organic.

It’s the shape of this bag that really pulls it all together, though. The cut-off corners give the clutch a hexagonal shape that mimics the scales on the croc leather. This draws extra attention to the exotic material, and gives it that little je ne sais quoi.

At $925, this small clutch isn’t cheap, but it’s in a reasonable range for a bag of its quality and caliber.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Patent Crocodile Bag

  • 11″ x 5″ x 2″ size
  • Interior zipper pocket
  • Fully lined in brown suede

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