Dan W Rocker Roll Barrel Bag | Studded Patent Navy Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Jul 30

Dan W attempts to channel the bravado of Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison with this stud covered Rocker Roll bag.

All the usual suspects are there. Metal studs of every shape and size seemingly dot ever spare inch of the polished patent like material. It’s not real patent leather, but at $58 we probably wouldn’t expect it to be. While the gloss of the material looks a bit cheap, that’s not the most disappointing element of the bag to me. I’m more disenchanted that Dan W has pulled out every cliché in the book.

I remember when rock and roll was all about breaking rules and pushing the envelope. But here Dan W toes the line, delivering just what we’d expect of a purse that pays homage to the devil’s music. And goodness knows, toeing the line is not what rock and roll has ever been about!

While its looks are disappointing, the Rocker Roll bag isn’t totally without charm. I love the purple satiny lining, and the interior pockets which are reinforced with synthetic for extra strength. The choice of straps is another perk, allowing us to use the purse as a shoulder bag or cross body depending on our mood.

But ultimately, the Rocker Roll bag is unsatisfying to me. Rock music is supposed to electrify us, but this handbag simply leaves me feeling flat.

More Features of This Dan W Studded Handbag

  • Measures 6.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches
  • A single shoulder strap with a 7.5 inch drop
  • A removable chain strap
  • Made in China
  • Available in midnight blue and leopard

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Bottega Veneta Releases Green Limited Edition Woven Bag for World Expo

Posted on: Jul 30

Prada isn’t the only fashion house celebrating World Expo 2010. Bottega Veneta is also getting in on the act by presenting a concert during the event, and releasing a limited edition handbag.

Bottega Veneta will help to bring a show by Academy Award winning Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun to the Shanghai Expo on August 7. In conjunction with this event, Bottega Veneta has released a limited edition Intrecciato Nappa leather crossbody bag.

Where Prada’s designs were a bit kitschy, this limited edition Bottega Veneta bag sticks to the fashion house’s traditional aesthetics. It has a distinctive green hue to symbolize the Spring Bud Project, a charity initiative which Bottega Veneta will donate the proceeds to. This charity helps to provide education, medical care, and training to Chinese girls in need. It could be receiving a hefty check, with the bags retailing for RMB 20, 770 or $3065 US.

There are just 26 of these bags in all so you’ll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on one. The majority will be sold through Bottega Veneta’s Chinese boutiques, but one will be auctioned online through Elle China. I expect that one to fetch even more than the already significant retail value.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Bags on eBay

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Vera Bradley Flapper Wristlet | Affordable Asymmetrical Coral Flap Purse

Posted on: Jul 30

I’ve never really warmed to the homespun designs from Vera Bradley, but this unique purse has caught my eye. Gone are the traditional quilted designs, replaced instead with a purse that’s delightfully modern.

Vera Bradley doesn’t abandon her regular design sensibilities altogether. The brightly patterned fabric body is one of the designer’s trademarks, but it’s used here in such a different way. Rather than a traditional square flap, Vera Bradley has opted for a layered asymmetrical one. Differently patterned fabrics peek through to create a vibrant clash of colors. It might be too busy for traditionalist, but I love the burst of colors, especially as it’s on a small scale. I can just imagine the way it’d pop against a neutral outfit.

I didn’t expect much inside such a small wristlet, so I was pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail. Vera Bradley has kitted this purse out with two hidden slip pockets, a zippered pouch, and two slots for your essential cards. Most of us probably want to carry more than two cards, but it’s rare to see a wristlet offer any card slots at all so I won’t complain! Two magnetic snaps hidden under the flap keep your cargo doubly secure.

The thin fabric wrist strap gives us a hands free carrying option. That strap is also removable, so you could easily convert the Flapper into a clutch.

At $32, Vera Bradley offers us a purse that’s a bit different for a bargain price.

More Features of This Vera Bradley Asymmetrical Flap Wristlet

  • A removable 6 inch strap
  • Measures 7.25 x 4.5 x 1 inches

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Cartoons Rule in New Stella McCartney Fall/Winter Advertising Campaign

Posted on: Jul 30

Stella McCartney has fun with fashion in her latest advertising campaign. The ads for fall/winter star Stella’s regular muse, the gorgeous Russian model Natalia Vodianova.

I’m sure we’re supposed to be looking at Vodianova, her gorgeous tailored gray winter coat, or even the matching gray handbag. But those drab blue-gray tones just aren’t as exciting as the playful cartoon embellished logo. Barry Reigate created the animated characters which give this advertisement its head-turning flair. I love the way the vivid tones contrast against the wintery blue-gray background.

Stella McCartney spoke to Women’s Wear Daily about the unusual advertising campaign, commenting that she was after “something direct and simple, using Natalia and key collection pieces, contrasted by humor and a human touch in the treatment of the logo.

I think McCartney’s definitely achieved her vision here. And isn’t it lovely to see a fashion advertisement that isn’t like all the rest?

[Source: Style By Me]

Stella McCartney Handbags on eBay

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LeSportsac Claire Wallet | Small Patterned Polyester Organizational Floral Purse

Posted on: Jul 30

LeSportsac has been making durable, practical accessories for years, but often its playful patterns turn off discerning fashion fans. On a small scale like this tiny Claire wallet though, I think you can get away with having a bit more fun.

A large tote in this same retro Daisy Do print would seem juvenile, but on this more petite purse it’s simply whimsical. LeSportsac keeps the shape simple and allows this colorful floral print to do the talking.

It’s easy to see that the Claire is a small wallet, but it punches well above its weight. You get a handful of slots for your essentials cards, space for bills and loose coins. It might not suit the most enthusiastic of shoppers, but its small size is perfect for carrying in your pocket.

This Claire wallet isn’t the height of luxury, but it’s a fun way to carry your cash. By skimping on the opulence, LeSportsac can offer us this wallet for just $32.

More Features of This LeSportsac Patterned Wallet

  • Made of polyester
  • Snap closure
  • Polyester lined interior
  • Measures 4 x 4.5 x 0.75 inches
  • Made in China

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DKNY Studded Leather Shoulder Bag | Trendy Brown Leather Shoulder Bag With Gold Stud Detail

Posted on: Jul 29

DKNY’s designs this season have been extremely inconsistent. Some of its bags have been elegant and affordable, but others have been overstylized and hyper trendy. I’m afraid this studded leather shoulder bag falls into the latter category.

The brown leather material of this bag may be of good quality, but it’s really hard to tell after DKNY has piled so much crap on top of it. First of all, the color is a little blah. And secondly, does a bag really need to be both quilted and completely covered in studs? It looks like it was designed to “look cool” by someone who is definitely not cool. Did I mention that it’s lined in purple twill?

This bag just has too many details to be beautiful. Not only is the surface of the bag totally overembellished, but the strap is braided, which makes for another incoherent design element. Not only does it confuse the eye even further, but it also seems completely impractical. It’s thin and flimsy, and I bet it would dig into your shoulder after an hour of wearing.

There are surely better bags to be had for $425. DKNY, what are you thinking?

More Features Of The DKNY Studded Leather Shoulder Bag

  • 16″ x 11″ x 7″ size
  • 8″ handle drop
  • Internal pouch pockets

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Anya Hindmarch Maeve Leather Shoulder Bag | Slim, Sleek Black Leather Shoulder Bag With Tassel Detail

Posted on: Jul 29

After months of being disappointed by Anya Hindmarch’s cutesy canvas totes, I am starting to get really excited about her accessories again. The Maeve is a minimal, feminine shoulder bag that manages to be both fashion-forward and restrained at the same time.

The black leather has Hindmarch’s trademark bow embossed on it, which gives it an almost quilted finish. To be honest, I’m not really sure that I love this look. All those bows look a little out of place on such a sleek bag, and it’s just a little logo-y for my taste.

The shape, however, kind of makes up for what the material lacks. It’s just a simple  envelope with a foldover flap, but you almost never see this shape in shoulder bags, so it strikes me as very interesting. Plus, all the details on the bag are really spot on. The exposed gold zipper gives the bag a little edginess, as does the tassel zipper pull.

I’m not really sure about this Skinny Minnie strap, however. The bag is a little big to have such a teeny strap. It looks very elegant, but also impractical. Personally, I’d probably tuck it in and carry it as a clutch.

Overall, the Maeve is well-designed, but the embossed leather and skinny strap are a little disappointing. I like the look of the bag, but I just want more for $635.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Maeve Leather Shoulder Bag

  • 13″ x 12″ x 22″ size
  • Logo plaque on front
  • Interior patch pocket

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Maison Martin Margiela Ruched Metallic-Leather Clutch Bag | Gorgeous Minimal Silver Metallic Leather Evening Bag

Posted on: Jul 29

Martin Margiela has been accused of being sort of a designer’s designer. In other words, sometimes his designs are only appealing to people heavy into fashion. Personally, I disagree with this assessment, and find his minimal, edgy aesthetic very attractive, but in any case, this ruched metallic clutch is definitely a crossover item with broader appeal than some of his other pieces.

The silvery metallic treatment on this leather is amazing. It has an almost holographic effect. From certain angles it looks black, but from others, it is definitely silver. The leather is smooth and soft, but it looks slightly weathered and cracked, which makes for a very interesting evening statement bag.

The shape is unusual, as well. It’s somewhat pouch-like, but the asymmetric ruching gathers the leather and gives the whole bag a very sculptural look. This is the kind of bag that will be noticeable without being blingy or over-the-top. I can see it working well with a simple columnular evening gown or dressed down with jeans.

At $965, it’s a little pricey for a small evening bag, but it’s so singular that it will look current and modern for years to come.

More Features Of The Maison Martin Margiela Ruched Metallic-Leather Clutch

  • 16″ x 9″ x 3″  size
  • Signature white stitching at side
  • Internal zipper pocket

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Sara Berman Decca Midi Studded Shoulder Bag | Studded Slouchy Gray Leather Hobo

Posted on: Jul 29

Sara Berman started her eponymous line in 1998 as a summer project. Well, this summer project has, in the past decade, turned into quite a little fashion business. Although she has only been designing handbags since 2008, the line’s offerings are timely and on-trend.

This Decca studded bag, for example, combines a very of-the-moment color, gray, with the stud detail that is becoming ubiquitous on handbags. I love the subtle shine on the buttery soft leather, and the green-tinged gray color is neutral without being boring.

The shape of the Decca is something like a semi-structured hobo. It has the general shape of a hobo, but with a flat bottom. This allows the Decca to maintain the general slouchiness of the hobo, but with a little more structure to keep your things organized.

Overall, I really like everything about the bag except the studs. Don’t get me wrong, I love studs, but here they turn a sleek minimal bag into something that looks a little too trendy. I’m afraid the Decca’s studs will make it look a little dated in a few years, which, even for $545, a pretty low price in the designer kingdom, is disappointing.

More Features Of The Sara Berman Decca Studded Shoulder Bag

  • 23″ x 14″ x 7″ size
  • 15″ handle drop
  • Push stud closure

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Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Bow Clutch | Decadent Jeweled Evening Bag

Posted on: Jul 29

Are you looking for something over-the-top and decadent? In that case, let me introduce you to His Highness, Giuseppe Zanotti, and his crystal bow clutch.

The actual bag behind the bows here is kind of simple. A soft slouchy suede covers an envelope style design, which although clearly made from luxury materials could be deemed a little plain by the fashionistas of this world. That, of course, is where the dramatic scattering of crystal encrusted bows come into play, because these sparkling spangly beauties could never ever be described as simple or plain!

In true Giuseppe Zanotti style, this many jewels ain’t cheap. In fact, they are blisteringly expensive, and you may well have to sell your belongings in order to be able to afford it. How much, I hear you ask? A grand total of $1,195. If I were you I would get pawning your diamonds in order to raise the moolah!

This is definitely a fast track ticket to getting noticed at a posh event, but I doubt many people will be able to use that to justify the price!

More Features of this Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Bow Purse

  • Optional jeweled shoulder strap
  • Suede exterior
  • Single interior zipped pocket
  • Dust bag included

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