Janes Leeves Shuns It Bags for Practical “Sacks” | “Hot in Cleveland” Star Talks Handbags

Posted on: Aug 15

You won’t see Hot in Cleveland star Jane Leeves carrying the latest It bag. The 49-year old actress says the popular designer bags are “too heavy, full of hardware.” She prefers simpler accessories which won’t leave her feeling weighed down when they’re full to the brim.

I need a sack so I can put (my kids’) stuff and my stuff and it won’t weigh a ton,” she told USA Weekend Magazine.

That stuff includes the toys of her six-year-old son Finn, such as his favorite Zu Zu Pets.

I’ve always got a couple of them in my purse, and his Star Wars guys,” she moaned. “When does that stop? When do you stop finding bits of Legos in your makeup bag?

I’d guess that the former Frasier star may have many more years of misplaced toys yet. But isn’t it refreshing to find a star that shuns those designer accessories for more practical purses? The attitude is decidedly anti-Hollywood, and I like it!

[Source: USA Weekend]
[Image Source: Alan Light/Wikipedia Commons]

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Carlo Fellini Rio Clutch | Stylish Affordable Gunmetal Gray Beaded Floral Evening Purse

Posted on: Aug 15

Carlo Fellini has a knack for creating gorgeous evening bags which look a million dollars, yet don’t cost the earth. The Rio is another example of the brand’s commitment to affordable luxury.

This clutch’s satiny body is adorned with tiny beads arranged artfully to create an abstract floral design. It’s feminine but not obvious enough to deter those who typically steer clear of flowers. The gunmetal gray only adds to that sleek, chic appeal. It’s an edgy, almost masculine tone which helps to add a contemporary feel to this classically designed clutch. It also really showcases that beaded design. If you prefer something more subtle, look to the basic black hue.

Open up the kiss lock clasp to access the small but serviceable interior. There’s nothing really unexpected here, but Carlo Fellini delivers more than many designers at this price point. The satin lined space has a slide pocket and while it couldn’t be called large, it’s big enough to hold the chain strap.

At $56, the Rio is an affordable way to add some pizazz to your evening ensemble.

More Features of This Carlo Fellini Beaded Clutch

  • A 21 inch shoulder chain
  • Measures 2 x 10 x 5 inches

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First Look at Matthew Williamson Bulgari Bags | Designer Creates Jewel Inspired Purses

Posted on: Aug 15

Here’s our first look at the handbag collection Matthew Williamson has designed for Bulgari.

The range will feature leather clutch purses and hobo bags embossed with a faceted gemstone design. Jewels also seem to have influenced the silhouettes, hardware, and tones of these handbags. I love the angular shapes, which resemble precious stones, and bright colors: “rubellite pink, emerald green, and sapphire blue.” The handbags seem to strike the right balance between the ordinarily conservative Bulgari and Matthew Williamson’s more flamboyant designs for Emilio Pucci.

The complete Matthew Williamson for Bulgari collection will make its debut during Milan Fashion Week this September, before it’s rolled out in Bulgari boutiques around the world in January. There’s no word yet on the prices that we can expect to pay, but if I know Bulgari these luxury leather goods aren’t likely to come cheaply. If you’re on a budget you may prefer to look to the more affordable coated canvas totes which will supplement the leather range.

[Source: Stylelist]

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Calvin Klein Tree Bark Clutch | Chic Textured Bolt Brown Leather Purse

Posted on: Aug 15

Calvin Klein impressed me with the lush texture of its Rain purse. Now the label has done it again with the gorgeous finish of its Tree Bark clutch.

The name of this accessory is less enigmatic than the Rain. There’s no mystery about where the moniker comes from; the surface has a gorgeous crinkled texture which resembles the grain of a weathered old tree. The organic treatment of the leather is paired with an elegant silver frame and clasp. It all adds up to a look that’s incredibly chic and evening appropriate.

Not that this clutch couldn’t work double duty during the day, providing you know how to travel light. It’s not large enough to carry many of the items we now call essentials, but it would help to dress up a pair of dark denim jeans and a modern top. The chain strap also helps to give it that day to night versatility; I always love a hands-free option if I’m on the go.

That versatile styling may help those of us wavering about the $118 price tag. It’s not totally outrageous for a designer accessory, but it is a little pricy if it’s saved for special occasions.

More Features of This Calvin Klein Textured Clutch

  • Satiny lining
  • A chain strap with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 4 x 11.5 x 2 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in black, bolt brown, and liberty blue

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Lexus Releases Bespoke Luggage Set for LFA Sports Cars

Posted on: Aug 14

Lexus is the latest luxury car brand to release a range of bespoke luggage tailor-made for road trips in its prestige vehicles.

It might seem like a strange fit for marques like Ferrari, Porsche, and now Lexus, to step into travel bag territory. But it’s also a matter of necessity. The trunks of the brand’s sports cars are generally cramped and often irregularly shaped. So it makes sense for the car manufacturers themselves to gouge us for a bit more cash by creating suitcases that fit just right. Although the folks who find themselves behind the wheels of these sports cars probably don’t mind spending more dough on these beautiful travel bags!

Lexus enlisted the assistance of travel specialists Tumi in creating these cases, which are designed specifically for the brand’s LFA cars. Each is made from aluminum and carbon fiber, so you know they’re going to last. They are also marked with the Vehicle Identification Number from the car it’s designed for to add that extra bit of style.

The two-piece travel set will be released to coincide with the first deliveries of the 552HP V-10 powered LFA next year.

[Source: Luxist]

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Burberry Armour Stud Sling Bag | Navy Alligator Leather Buckle Purse

Posted on: Aug 14

With its edgy metal hardware and deep navy blue alligator skin, this Armour Stud bag from Burberry is one imposing accessory.

I’m not sure I’d want to carry anything quite this menacing, but it could be just the accessory that edgier girls need to make a style statement. And while I’m not sure it’d work with my wardrobe, I can’t help admiring it. The use of differently shaped and sized studs is inspired, and a great complement to that opulent alligator skin. The geometric design created by the metal accents is another marvel.

Burberry has obviously spent a lot of time getting the looks just right, but it’s a shame that it hasn’t paid as much attention to the practicalities. This is a fairly large purse, so its single zippered pocket is left with a lot of responsibility. The addition of a few open pouches would have made organization much simpler. And while I appreciate the choice of carrying options, it seems a cross-body strap would have made lugging this large bag much easier. The shoulder strap is a good start, but I can’t imagine ever using the short handle once this Armour Stud Sling bag is full.

I never expect an authentic alligator skin accessory to come cheaply, but I was still shocked by the price tag attached to this Burberry bag. At $14,500, it’s much too rich for me.

More Features of This Burberry Alligator Sling Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Brass finished hardware
  • Sateen lined interior
  • Measures 15.5 x 7.25 x 1.5 inches
  • Made in Italy

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Temple’s New iPad Accessories | Military Style Tech Cases From Reclaimed World War I Materials

Posted on: Aug 14

Mac loving men can easily tote their new tech toy without denting their masculinity with Temple’s new range of iPad accessories. The collection features iPad cases and sleeves, portfolios, and carry bags.

Not that these accessories are strictly for the lads. Gadget loving girls will also warm to Temple’s unisex military style pieces. Temple is so inspired by vintage military fashion that it often uses reclaimed World War I era materials to create its accessories. That makes them not just stylish, but eco-conscious as well.

I particularly like the weathered appearance of this oiled leather case. I can imagine it only looking better as the year’s go by. It’s not just a beauty; the padded leather shoulder strap, internal pocket, and horizontal and vertical viewing options make it quite a practical package as well.

Temple’s new iPad accessories are relatively affordable considering their quality materials, with prices starting from $49 and topping $265. They are available from Temple’s online store.

[Source: Luxist]

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Bulgari Chandra Shoulder Bag | Soft Wrinkled Brown Leather Designer Handbag

Posted on: Aug 14

This Bulgari Chandra bag had me at hello. It’s an extreme reaction, but every now and again such a handbag comes along, and when you see it you fall hard.

The key to my infatuation is that luscious lamb leather. Its opulent wrinkled texture only emphasizes how ridiculously soft it is. It’s the kind of skin I know I’d end up stroking, so it’s a good thing the chestnut brown shade will hide my fingerprints. This buttery leather falls just so, pleating a little, and flaring gently to create the most intriguing silhouette.

The shape is unusual, but it doesn’t compromise our storage space any. It’s luxurious large, but Bulgari adds enough organizational features to help us cope with the room. The zippered compartment and pair of open pouches don’t go above and beyond the call of duty, but it’s enough to help us stay in order. And honestly, I’m so enamored with the exterior I wouldn’t mind if Bulgari cut a few corners inside!

The only reason I’m not rushing out to buy this bag is the bottom line. I just don’t have a spare $2000 lying around. But if I did, I know exactly where it’d go.

More Features of This Bulgari Wrinkled Lamb Shoulder Bag

  • Dual handles
  • Measures 13 x 16.9 x 8.3 inches

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Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Satin Bag | Ultra Chic & Feminine Blush Satin Feather Embellished Evening Bag

Posted on: Aug 14

Only Lanvin could create a blush-colored evening bag that manages to look both motorcycle-inspired and also the height of chic. This line is amazing, and the Oulouette is a testament to the way Lanvin is able to combine seemingly dissimilar elements with extraordinary results.

The blush color is very of-the-moment, but it also has a classic appeal that makes it timeless. What I really love about the fabric is the triangular quilting. It is smooth and elegant, but it also looks like the venting on motorcycle gear, a combination that I find totally irresistible.

The sleek rectangular shape of the bag is perfectly plain, which lets the fabric and details take center stage. The front clasp has a black cabochon that sparkles beautifully and contrasts nicely with the pale color of the bag. The burnished silver and gold chain is delightfully incongruous with the rich satin, and can be removed so the Oulouette can be carried as a clutch. It can also be worn as a necklace or belt.

The ostrich plume embellishment makes the Oulouette look like the fancy French couture bag that it is. Unfortunately, it also comes with a fancy French price. Unfortunately, $1,195 is the cost of this level of gorgeousness.

More Features Of The Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Satin Bag

  • 10″ x 6″ x 1″ size
  • 17″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in black twill

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Bottega Veneta Opera Intrecciato Leather Bag | Fabulous Purple Woven Leather Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Aug 14

Bottega Veneta does woven bags better than anyone else out there. Perhaps it’s because the label’s design sense is so chic and minimal that even woven designs turn out elegant instead of artsy-crafty looking. This Opera intrecciato bag is a great example of how its design approach comes to bear on traditional materials.

The grape-y purple leather on the Opera initially gave me somewhat mixed feelings. On the one hand, I love the way the color is bright, but slightly muted. On the other, it is still purple, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about purple as a good color for an everyday bag. Eventually, the combination of style and color won me over, and now I am a little in awe of the Opera’s beauty.

The shape of the Opera is really classic and practical. The softly rounded bottom and wide sides create a lot of volume for a reasonably-sized bag. You can wear it over the shoulder or across the body. While I’m not always a fan of cross-body bags, the slim straps on this one make it comfortable and lovely worn this way.

At $1,750, the Opera is a mid-priced designer bag: expensive, but on the low end of high-priced. It’s versatile enough to wear in a lot of different situations, which might make it worth the expense.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Opera Intrecciato Bag

  • 11″ x 9″ x 4″ size
  • 24″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in purple suede

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