You don’t need to be fluent in Italian to know that bella means beautiful. While this Bella tote from Ellington has some elements that fit that adjective, it seems the label may be too confident in its design abilities.

The glazed blue Italian leather Ellington’s used here is quite beautiful, but it’s let down by the chunky contrasting trim. True beauty is much more refined and delicate than the bold black accents we see here.

It’s strange to see Ellington highlighting the Bella’s aesthetics with its name, because its functional features are its greatest strengths. This tote is spacious and easy to manage with either its shoulder straps or the attachable cross-body one.

It’s tempting to make use of all the Bella’s space, but Ellington doesn’t make that easy. Its magnetic snap is fairly flimsy, and it struggles to hold under pressure. It’s a shame Ellington hasn’t used a zip instead, as it would have been much more secure. Perhaps we’re best traveling a little lighter though, as the Bella doesn’t look its best when it’s bulging with all our worldly goods!

The front pockets also aren’t as practical as they seem. It’s always exciting to find a place to stash the items we want on hand, but these pouches are so shallow that they’re virtually useless. They should hold a stick of gloss or a small cell phone, but they aren’t big enough for carrying a wad of keys.

It’s got its flaws, but at $209 we probably weren’t expecting perfection. Consider those limitations when deciding whether the Bella is right for you.

More Features of This Ellington Glazed Leather Tote

• Logo printed nylon lining
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• An attachable, adjustable strap with a 12 to 20 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 18 x 5 inches

Get this Ellington Bella Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Ellington bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ellington bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington Bella hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Ellington bags on eBay
• Other Ellington Bella bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Ellington Bella, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Burberry’s Prorsum line is the hip little sister of the Burberry flagship collection. Personally, I prefer its innovative use of design and materials to the more staid and tartaned traditional range. This bamboo and leather clutch shows off its sensibility with aplomb.

The materials really make the bag here. The subtly dyed grape colored bamboo looks amazingly supple and leather-like, but still retains a bohemian edge. The dark brown woven leather strap gives a smooth textural contrast to the look of the bag, but also complements the nubbly surface with its woven edges.

The classic clamshell design of the clutch is perfect. The buckled leather straps are, luckily, merely decorative, and the full open top allows for easy accessibility. I don’t usually like oversized clutches, as they can be awkward to tote around, but the removable leather strap makes this one perfectly useable. With its top notch design and easy carryability, you really can’t do better for an almost everyday bag.

Even the $1,695 price tag isn’t unreasonable for the Prorsum line, although it is sadly out of reach for the masses.

More Features Of The Burberry Prorsum Bamboo And Leather Clutch

• 12″ x 8″ size
• 13″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this Burberry Buckled Bamboo Clutch:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Burberry bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Lizzie Handbag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Burberry handbags on eBay
• Other woven clutches on eBay:
  [phpbay]woven clutch purse, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel has revealed she’s been battling Parkinson’s Disease for the past 15 years.

Rykiel opens up about the debilitating disorder in her new book N’Oubliez Pas Que Je Joue, which translates as Don’t Forget It’s a Game. The book, co-authored by Judith Perrignon, also features the French journalist’s memories of time spent with Rykiel over the years.

Rykiel hasn’t looked well for years, but it seems few knew of the 81-year-old’s condition. She explains she’s tried to keep her illness a secret for years, but as her symptoms are becoming more noticeable she decided the time was right to go public.

“I don’t want to show my pain,” she admitted in the book. “I resisted, I hesitated, I tried to be invisible, to pretend that nothing was wrong. It’s impossible, it’s not like me.“

Sonia handed the reins of her namesake label to her daughter Nathalie many years ago, but even in retirement she has continued to be a fascinating figure in the fashion world. No doubt her many admirers will be keen to learn more about her story and her fight against Parkinson’s in N’Oubliez Pas Que Je Joue. It’s currently available through Amazon UK.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Nicogenin/Wikipedia Commons]

Sonia Rykiel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Sonia Rykiel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Elie Tahari serves up classic good looks with this Nina shoulder bag.

This purse doesn’t make a strong style statement or bow to trends, but that gives it a timeless appeal that shouldn’t be overlooked. Covered chain borders its flap and decorates its seams, emphasizing its lines without dominating the design. Those covered details are mimicked in the shoulder strap which features golden chain woven with complementary leather. This strap is extra versatile, as we can wear it doubled up to make the Nina a shoulder bag, or at its full length to turn the purse into a cross-body.

The Nina’s called a mini bag, but I wouldn’t let that description scare you off. Personally I’d classify this as a mid-sized purse, with space for holding everything we really need without tempting us to overload. Its pockets are trimmed in more of the leather we see on the outside for extra strength.

The Nina certainly doesn’t have a mini price tag. At $498 it’s a substantial investment, but one made for several seasons of wear.

More Features of This Elie Tahari Shoulder Bag

• Front snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 12 x 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Elie Tahari Nina Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Elie Tahari Nina, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check The Gifts Store eBay store to see if this Elie Tahari bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elie Tahari bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Elaine Festival bag, a great alternative to this classic black bag.
• Searching for more Elie Tahari bags on eBay

At their best crocodile prints dress up our favorite fabrics without adding too much to the bottom line. However at their worst they can appear like a desperate attempt to make a fairly pedestrian purse seem more interesting. Sadly the croc print on this Victoria wallet from Elaine Turner falls into the latter category.

This crocodile print isn’t the worst exotic imitator I’ve seen, but it’s far from the best. While the earthy mottling looks the part, the scales are too large and awkward looking to really impress. Sadly the chevron stitching, which is probably the Victoria’s strongest element, gets lost amongst those messy scales. I think the purse would have been much more stylish if Elaine Turner lost the crocodile print and focused on the seams.

The Victoria’s minimalist interior makes it feel more like a clutch than a wallet. There’s a zippered pocket and an open one, as well as a cute lipstick mirror, but none of the card slots and ID pouches we expect to see. The detachable leather-wrapped metal chain adds to the Victoria’s clutch appeal.

The Victoria isn’t the best looking Elaine Turner purse, but at $275 it’s also far from the most expensive. Just don’t expect it to fulfil all your financial needs.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Croc Embossed Wallet

• Gold toned hardware
• A flap top with hook and ring closure
• Measures 4 x 9.75 x 2 inches
• Made in Brazil

Get this Elaine Turner Victoria Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Elaine Turner Victoria, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Elaine Turner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Bianca bag, a great alternative to this croc-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay

Canadian e-tailer Dealuxe.ca has teamed up with local sustainable leather label Roots for a colourful new handbag collection.

The line features totes, duffels, cross-body bags, and clutch purses in ultra-saturated hues including clementine, electric blue, hot pink, and sunshine yellow. The colors might scare off traditional types, but they’re perfect for all that warm weather we’re starting to enjoy.

These leather bags look so playful, but they’re also very practical. Their leather bodies are water resistant and aged to a natural patina which will only improve over time. Each one also has several pockets to keep you organized when you step out.

And despite being made of real leather, the pieces are affordably priced between $78 and $298. At that cost we won’t mind packing them away when winter rolls around. However I wouldn’t be so hasty, as those colors could add a perfect pop to conservative cold weather neutrals!

You’ll see even more value if you indulge early, as Dealuxe.ca is offering a leather Roots iPhone case with a suede necklace strap as a free gift with every Roots for Dealuxe.ca accessory purchase for a limited time. Dealuxe.ca further entices us with free shipping on all orders over $25, and free returns if the bags don’t meet your satisfaction.

The Roots for Dealuxe.ca collection is exclusively available from Dealuxe.ca.

[Source: The Star]

Roots Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Roots Canada, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ed Hardy’s created a bag for its smallest fans with the Allison.

While Ed Hardy doesn’t say this tote isn’t specifically designed for little girls, I can’t imagine anyone over the age of 12 warming to it, can you? Its pink hue is exceptionally sugary, especially in combination with the pink metallic handles and trim. The embroidered butterfly design is quite sweet but not very refined.

The Allison is also pretty small. It’d probably hold a small coloring book and a handheld game, but fitting in more grown-up everyday items will be a stretch. The main compartment is also quite simple, which suggests it’s made for carrying large items rather than smaller ones needing organization. The handles are also too short to slip over the shoulder of any grown girl, but tiny tots should have no such troubles.

Sophisticated fashionistas may be dissatisfied with this pint-sized accessory, but if you think of it as a starter Ed Hardy bag you can see its charm. For just $35, this affordable tote is a great option for little girls looking to emulate the adults around them.

More Features of This Ed Hardy Quilted Tote

• Made of cotton
• Polyester lining
• Dual handles with a 6-inch drop
• Measures 7 x 9.25 x 1 inches

Get this Ed Hardy Allison Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Allison, 2, “”, patent[/phpbay]

• Check the Malia’s Closet eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The gray Ed Hardy Allison tote bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Nancy Gonzalez continues to innovate with crocodile skins with its new Chain Event collection designed exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman stores.

Each crocodile bag in the line is accented with metal chains carefully covered in more of the same exotic skin. Covering each and every link sounds like a laborious process, especially as it’s all done by hand, but the result is so chic. The sophisticated links are used for the handles and as elegant decoration on the Chain Event totes, satchels, clutch purses, and wallets.

As you can imagine, that sort of elaborate handiwork doesn’t come cheaply. The most affordable purses in the line are still pricy at $1,450 and the top-end satchel will set you back a whopping $3,750. If you’ve still got cash to spare you might indulge in the small collection of jewelry and belts designed to complement the Chain Event handbags.

To celebrate the launch of the Chain Event line, Nancy Gonzalez president Santiago Gonzalez will stop by Bergdorf Goodman’s New York City flagship store to greet fans this week. Visit the store at the corner of 58th Street and Fifth Avenue between 1 and 5 pm tomorrow and on Thursday to meet Mr Gonzalez and get your hands on one of these luxurious chain decorated purses.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Nancy Gonzalez crocodile, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Echo abandons its usual casual fabrics for something a little more dressed up with this Soft Patent North South Tote.

This tote has all the gloss of a real patent, but its finish is much softer which makes it seem a bit more luxurious. I’m not sure anyone would mistake it for authentic leather, but its creases aren’t as harsh or cheap looking as so many manmade materials.

This is a large tote but a well-appointed one, with an array of pockets of all sizes. I’m especially fond of the clear zippered one, as we can easily see what we’ve stashed inside it.

I particularly like the pop of this neon yellow hue, although it’s too bold to suit everyone. Traditionalists are catered for with a basic black version, while anyone looking to be just a little daring may warm to the electric blue. I’m not sure the gray cotton canvas strap is a particularly good complement to any of the hues, but this is a minor quibble on such an inexpensive tote. After all, it’s easily tucked away if you prefer to use the dual handles.

More Features of This Echo Soft Patent Tote

• Dry clean only
• Colorful interior lining
• An adjustable tuckaway strap
• Measures 15.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches

Get this Echo North South Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Echo soft patent north south tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Echo bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Echo bags on BagBunch
• The Echo Soft Patent Pleated Cross-Body bag, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more Echo bags on eBay

Dooney & Bourke gets back to basics with this Continental Cork Clutch.

Clutch purses tend to be reserved for after five wear, but this Continental purse has a much more relaxed feel. Its navy material is casual and free of fussy accents. The nude leather trim gives the Continental Clutch a summery resort feel.

The Cork name is a bit confusing for the uninitiated, but it simply refers to Dooney & Bourke’s Cork collection. Like other purses in the Cork line, it’s not actually made from cork but durable coated cotton. The fabric keeps the purse lightweight, which is a real blessing as Dooney & Bourke doesn’t include a shoulder strap.

The Continental feels a bit more like a wallet than a clutch though. The eight credit card slots and pair of bill compartments can keep our finances in order, but they don’t leave a lot of room for other items. A slim cell phone and a set of keys could probably squeeze inside, but you might need to leave a few of your so-called essentials behind.

The Continental won’t work for your black tie functions, but I’m sure you’ll still get your $79 worth.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Fabric Clutch

• Snap closure
• Gold-plated brass hardware
• A license pocket with a window
• Measures 7 x 1 x 4 inches

Get this Dooney & Bourke Continental Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Dooney Bourke Cork Continental Clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the I Love Dooney eBay store to see if this Dooney & Bourke bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Cork Equestrian bag, a great alternative to this Cork bag.
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay