Snooki Does Gucci | Handbag Rivals Gift “Jersey Shore” Star with Sukey Bag

Posted on: Aug 20

Designers always hope that a celebrity will be snapped wearing their fashions and carrying their purses … unless that celebrity is Jersey Shore starlet Snooki.

The fashion rumor mill is buzzing with word that the Gucci Sukey handbag that seems permanently attached to the reality star’s arm was a gift, not from Gucci but from the fashion house’s competitors. The scheme is allegedly designed to make Gucci as unfashionable as the perma-tan and bouffant hair Snooki sports.

Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney’s and New York Observer gossip columnist claims Snooki is the perfect target as “her ability to inspire dress-alikes among her fans is questionable. The bottom line? Nobody in fashion wants to co-brand with Snooki.

This is the sort of plotting I’d expect to see on an over-the-top television program rather than real life, but I must admit it’s genius. Snooki might not be very popular amongst the fashion world, but at least she’s enjoying a $900 handbag for nix. I’m almost jealous!

[Source: Grazia Daily]
[Image Source: Amy Nicole Waltney/Wikipedia Commons]

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Coloriffics Light Silver Satin Stone Handbag | Gem Covered Evening Purse

Posted on: Aug 20

When I spotted this Coloriffics handbag, I was sure the brand had raided my childhood closet. I am certain I had a bag just like this when I was around the age of seven. I know that many styles of the 80s are making a comeback, but I’m not sure this is one of them.

The pyramid shaped stones which cover this bag’s front flap add some real drama, but they also feel a bit like someone’s gone crazy with the Bedazzler. There’s nothing inspired about their application; as a kid I would have loved them but as a woman I’m a bit more cynical.

This handbag’s cause isn’t helped by that silvery synthetic strap. While it’s likely to be more comfortable than a chain strap, a linked metal alternative might have made this purse appear classier.

The interior is small but serviceable. Its open pouch, complementary lining, and magnetic snap closure are all just as I expected. That’s not a criticism, but it’s also nothing to applaud either.

If your Little Miss got their hands on this purse, they’d probably love it. But at $40, it’s more than I’d spend on a child’s accessory. If it hoped to corner the adult market, I think Coloriffics missed the mark.

More Features of This Coloriffics Satin Handbag

  • A single shoulder strap
  • Measures 2 x 5 x 8 inches

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Alejandra Dunphy Designs Eco-Friendly Fair Trade Clutches | Handwoven Wool Purses from Peru

Posted on: Aug 20

Atlanta based designer Alejandra Dunphy shows us that eco-chic can be stylish with her new range of green clutch purses. The former environmental design consultant has built on her knowledge of sustainable materials and practices in the development of her own accessories line.

Each purse is made of Merino wool hand loomed by Peruvian artisans using traditional Andean weaving practices. These craftspeople work under Fair Trade conditions, achieving the kind of financial independence rarely afforded in their South American communities.

The vibrant purses are colored using natural dyes made from plants, roots, and vegetables. Their handles are sourced from fallen branches, and their linings made of organic cotton. These are accessories that take their green philosophy seriously!

This pretty geometric patterned Nazca clutch costs $66, and no purse in the collection costs more than $100. These items are available from selected boutiques in Georgia, from Uncommon Goods, and Alejandra Dunphy’s online store.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Wool Clutches on eBay

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Cole Haan Amalfi Shoulder Bag | Pleated Nappa Leather East/West Tassel Handbag

Posted on: Aug 20

It seems Cole Haan has been influenced by the Italian coast with this gorgeous Amalfi shoulder bag.

It’s made from buttery Nappa leather which is tightly pleated across the top to dramatic effect. I love the contrast of those teeny tiny pleats and the soft tassel and body. The chain strap is similarly striking with its oversized leather links. That deep Pacific blue shade is also gorgeous, a tone that’s neutral enough to suit any wardrobe but more interesting than black or brown.

Cole Haan calls this a small purse, but I think most of us will consider it mid-sized. I know I could fit everything I really need for an average day out inside it, but packrats may have a little more trouble. Personally I think it’d be worth the effort to carry this Cole Haan cutie.

At $328 this is one of Cole Haan’s pricier purses, but it’s also one of the designer’s most luxurious. The Amalfi’s sumptuous Nappa leather and individual style help to justify the splurge.

More Features of This Cole Haan Pleated Shoulder Bag

  • Jacquard lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 7 x 12 x 3 inches
  • Made in China
  • Comes with a dust bag

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Valentino Floral Canvas Tote | Sturdy Sophisticated Cream Canvas Carryall With Floral Appliques

Posted on: Aug 19

Valentino’s designs are the stuff that dreams are made of. His softly feminine line has graced red carpets for decades, and his ready-to-wear line is a favorite among the elite. This cream floral canvas tote brings a casual air to the line’s usually dressed up approach.

The cream canvas is extremely durable and practical, but the floral appliques give it a ladylike look. Valentino’s bags have been covered in these floral designs the past few seasons, but I haven’t seen it done in canvas before.

The shape of the bag is simple enough. It’s a little bit bigger than your average tote, which makes it ideal for a lot of daily errand running. The brown leather straps go well with the cream fabric, and they are nice and long. The removable shoulder strap is a little slim to be terribly comfortable, but it is a practical option.

The only thing about this bag that I don’t like is the price. $2,145 is a completely absurd price to pay for a tote bag. I usually won’t pay more than $100 for a tote that isn’t made of some totally exotic skin, so this price seems really out of line.

More Features Of The Valentino Floral Canvas Tote

  • 12″ x 22″ x 7″ size
  • 8″ strap drop
  • Interior leather trim
  • Interior pouch and zipper pockets

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Alexander Wang Sydney Velvet Backpack | Utilitarian Styled Backpack in Lush Black Velvet

Posted on: Aug 19

Alexander Wang is known for bridging the gap between the avant garde and the mainstream. His designs usually combine the best of both worlds. This soft, edgy black velvet backpack is a good example of his design aesthetic, although I’m not positive it’s his most successful endeavor.

The crushed black velvet instantly recalls the late 90s. There was a three-year span when it seemed like everything was made out of velvet, crushed velvet, or velour, and this bag is definitely hearkening back to that time. The black chiffon tie is a fluidly beautiful contrast to the black velvet, and gives the bag an extra dose of gothic glamour.

This bag is a little amorphous and hard to describe. It’s a long barrel shape with a drawstring and a foldover flap top, but the floaty fabrics obscure the structure of the bag almost entirely. Honestly, I wasn’t really into it at first,  but it’s kind of starting to grow on me. The flowy, delicate fabrics are a great contrast to the practical, utilitarian shape.

And at $775, the Sydney really isn’t badly priced for such a high design item. Sure, it’s not exactly affordable, but it’s got a lot of style packed into that price tag.

More Features Of The Alexander Wang Sydney Velvet Backpack

  • 14″ x 16″ x 8″ size
  • Two shoulder straps
  • Leather panel at base
  • Fully lined

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Nancy Gonzalez Patent Crocodile Bag | Exotic Eye-Catching Red Patent Crocodile Handbag

Posted on: Aug 19

Nancy  Gonzalez is a Colombian designer who has all her accessories handcrafted in her home country. Not only that, but she maintains her own exotic animal farms, which allows her a great deal of quality control over both the materials and craftsmanship of her line. The result of all this control is a line of accessories that is simply designed and beautifully produced.

This patent crocodile bag is a great example of Gonzalez’s work. The red patent crocodile is simply amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen patent crocodile, but I hope that I see more of it in the future. The rich natural texture of the crocodile leather combined with the high gloss of patent is extraordinary.

The traditional shape of this satchel is timeless and ladylike. It’s complex enough to have its own personality, but has clean lines that show off the beauty of the patent croc. This bag has a major hip-to-be-square vibe, and would work with a high class Upper East Side look, or a more interpretation thereof.

At $3,200, this is an extremely reasonably-priced bag for the designer market. Add the classic design and exotic skin, and it’s basically a steal.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Patent Crocodile Bag

  • 11″ x 9″ x 6″ size
  • 6″ strap drop
  • Interior zipper pocket
  • Two internal pouch pockets
  • Fully lined in beige suede

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Calvin Klein C-Link Clutch | Affordable Classic Burgundy Textured Leather Purse

Posted on: Aug 19

Calvin Klein is getting quite good at the business of producing designer inspired handbags that are actually quite affordable. Take, for example, the C-Link clutch, which is only $51!

I am impressed that this clutch is made out of leather. After all, designers usually like to up their margins by keeping the leather for the expensive bags alone. However, this one is all genuine, and a lovely soft textured leather it is too. It even comes with a sleek (but easily stained, it must be said) white satin lining, and a practical shoulder strap in the same leather.

The design is classic, as you would expect from Calvin Klein, who is an expert in formal handbags. The C-Link decoration makes it look sleek and elegant, whilst the little studs are a nice touch. Definitively work appropriate, this is all about looking smart.

Cute and affordable, I am impressed with this bag!

More Features of this Calvin Klein Affordable Clutch

  • Also available in green or black
  • Genuine leather exterior
  • Retro-modern graphic texture
  • Small interior pockets

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Pura Lopez Oversized Tote | Canvas or Straw Designer Hold-all

Posted on: Aug 19

If you need a spacious shopping bag with some designer oomph, then this Pura Lopez tote will no doubt appeal.

Available in a choice of traditional utilitarian styled canvas, or this cute textured straw, this handbag isn’t about luxury events. Instead, it aims to give you a lot of interior space, in combination with sophisticated good looks and functional load-bearing handles. In fact, this practical vibe gives this straw tote more than a passing resemblance to English country fashion, with its wellington boots and sophisticated Mackintoshes. It will also, therefore, go really well with the A/W 2010 cape obsession!

Of course, many people will prefer the canvas to the straw option. Although I personally like the combination of navy blue straw and pale tan leather trim, I can understand people preferring the soft beige fabric. However, if you want to keep this expensive bag for next summer then the straw is definitely a more summery option.

Pura Lopez charge $615 for this oversized tote, so you will have to be totally certain before you splash that cash.

More Features of this Pura Lopez Straw Hold-all

  • Also available in beige canvas
  • Genuine leather trim throughout
  • Strong reinforced leather base
  • Plenty of interior space

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Coccinelle Softy Winter Hobo | Large Double Handled Pel Mont Tan Leather Handbag

Posted on: Aug 19

It may not be Christmas just yet, but Coccinelle has me celebrating the cooler weather with this Softy Winter hobo.

It’s got a chilly name, but there’s honestly not a lot that’s wintery about this bag. In fact, it’s really a purse for all seasons, with its timeless tan leather body and spacious design.

It’s also not really a hobo at all; its boxy shape and lack of bohemian accents leave me wondering why Coccinelle called it that. But it is lovely, the kind of accessory that can be appreciated on its own merits rather than any prior assumptions.

I really like the seam detail which livens up the bottom part of the bag, and the wide handles which peek out from silver-trimmed holes near the top of the bag. I also love the leather which while conservative in color is of such high quality that it hardly needs any embellishments.

I’m less enthused about the striped lining, but everything else inside the Softy Winter is flawless. There’s plenty of space for essentials and luxuries besides, and the pockets to support whatever you’re carrying. These compartments are trimmed in more of that leather for extra reinforcement.

The price tag of $375 isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s very reasonable for such a versatile, high quality bag.

More Features of This Coccinelle Leather Handbag

  • Silver toned hardware
  • Zip top closure
  • Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
  • Measures 15 x 19 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in China

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