Helena de Natalio Leti Shoulder Bag | Bright Yellow Leather Slouchy Handbag

Posted on: Jul 11

I’m reveling in summer, not for days on the beach or ice-creams on the boardwalk, but for the cheery fashions. As we shake of the shackles of winter, the boring blacks and grays give way to colors as bright as the weather around us. And they don’t come much brighter than this sunny yellow Leti bag from Helena de Natalio.

This is the kind of color which really needs to stand alone, so Helena de Natalio keeps the lush leather mercifully free of hardware. A single long tassel is the lone embellishment, but with its complementary tone it doesn’t distract us too much. Instead we’re left to marvel at the sunny pebbled skin, and the way its buttery soft finish slouches so appealingly.

This is such a beautiful skin, so it’s disappointing to see that Helena de Natalio doesn’t help us keep it that way. A handful of protective metal feet on the base would have made all the difference.

At least the interior is made to survive day to day use. There’s plenty of space inside, so you can add a few summer extras like sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Its plainweave fabric lining is strong, but its leather pockets are even stronger. The use of this luxury skin inside should help the pockets handle more punishment than the average.

At $264 this is more of an investment piece than an impulse buy. If that seems a bit rich for your tastes, you might consider the more versatile cream, gray, and cobalt blue shades. While yellow screams summer, these tones should suit your wardrobe all year round.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Leather Shoulder Bag

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with an 11 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 16 x 6 inches
  • Made in Argentina

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Mad Men’s Janie Bryant Designs Retro Fashions for QVC

Posted on: Jul 11

Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant is bringing the popular advertising drama’s fashions to fans everywhere with the launch of her line for shopping channel QVC.

The 60s inspired collection, known as Mod, will include 20 pieces of apparel, including fake fur jackets and brocade boleros, 15 pieces of costume jewelry, and a handbag. There’s something to suit all budgets, with items priced between $26 and $138.

Mad Men has had such an influence on fashion in that women are dressing up more, so these are statement pieces that can change your outfit in an instant,” Bryant explained.

The designs might hearken back to the days of vintage fashion, but they’re also very conscious of current trends. The fall collection features the animal prints and faux fur fabrics which will be big in fall, while the next line will have lighter dresses and summery styles.

The first retro Mod line will be available through QVC next month.

[Source: Monsters and Critics]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Retro Handbags on eBay

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Ed Hardy Fernanda Wristlet | Frayed Khaki Canvas Patch Purse

Posted on: Jul 11

Ed Hardy accessories typically have a very brash, in your face looks which seems determined to polarize audiences. The brand takes things down a notch with this Fernanda wristlet, but don’t think that makes it any less divisive!

The weathered washed khaki canvas has a much more casual appeal than the glossy synthetics and bold tones Ed Hardy usually employs. But in some respects, this purse is perhaps too casual. The exaggerated fraying around the wristlet’s patches make it seem like it’s gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson, and come off second best. And that’s when it’s brand new!

The blue dragon, with its pretty pink flowers, also makes a nice change from the rock and roll skulls and tattoo hearts we typically see. It’s feminine without being too fussy, a design which stays true to the Ed Hardy brand without feeling like the same old thing. I’m less enthusiastic about all those logos, but I’m sure they won’t deter Ed Hardy fans one bit!

The dimensions are generous, so that wrist strap will surely come in handy. Most wristlets leave organization up to us, so it’s nice to see Ed Hardy helping us out with zip and slip interior pockets.

Personally I’m not sure I want to spend around $100 on a purse which looks like it’s second-hand, but I’m sure Ed Hardy’s faithful followers will disagree with me!

More Features of This Ed Hardy Canvas Wristlet

  • Gold-toned hardware
  • Zip top closure
  • Measures 12 x 6.5 x 2 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Also available in plum

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Lanvin Bowling Tafetta Bag | Conversation-Starting Metallic Bronze Gym Bag

Posted on: Jul 10

Lanvin is one of those lines that is usually of impeccably high taste. So impeccable, in fact, that its pieces have multi-generational and pan-stylistio  appeal. Which makes this taffeta bowling bag a pretty major disappointment in my book, as it doesn’t live up to the quality of design that I’ve come to expect from Lanvin.

First of all, it looks more like a duffel than a bowling bag. Actually, it sort of looks like it can’t figure out what shape to be, which is just where the problems begin. The second problem is the fabric. Bronze taffeta? Really? From the oldest couture house in Paris? Maybe on some really bizarre origami-styled ballgown, but on a bowling bag? Ick. This thing is just tacky.

The strap design is sort of  interesting with its knotted, gathered appearance, but the fashion house just doesn’t do much to pull the look together. It might just be a case of my own personal bias coming into play, but there’s no way this bag is worth $$995. I’ve seen way cuter bags at Target.

More Features Of The Lanvin Bowling Taffeta Bag

  • 19″ x 10″ x 10″ size
  • 6″ handle drop
  • Internal zipped and pouch pockets

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Judith Leiber Zebra Fine Crystal Embellished Clutch | Quirky Sparkling Zebra-Shaped Evening Bag

Posted on: Jul 10

I just don’t know how to feel about Judith Leiber’s bags. Is she serious about all these animal-shaped clutches, or does she have a dry, irreverent sense of humor about them? Because I can’t help but smile when I see bags like this Zebra clutch. Until I see the price tag. The smile fades and I feel totally indignant. If this bag is a joke, it’s an expensive one. But if it isn’t supposed to a be a little tongue-in-cheek then I really don’t get it.

This zebra is in a semi-majestic stance, peeking over his shoulder at us. The rounded off nose makes him look a little cartoon-y, which is sort of unusual in Leiber’s designs. They usually have more of a realistic look to them. I guess what I’m saying is that this zebra is a little cuter than Leiber’s designs tend to be, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, it gives it sort of a Harajuku girls, kawaii-cute sort of look that I like, but on the other hand it’s already a zebra. Does it need to be any cuter?

The high quality of workmanship has kept the Judith Leiber line on women’s arms until now, but are women getting tired of carrying sparkly, animal-shaped handbags with $4,995 price tags?

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Zebra Fine Crystal Embellished Clutch

  • 6″ x 4″ x 3″ size
  • 8″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in silver leather

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Fendi Peekaboo Canvas Tote | Chic And More Affordable Canvas Take On A Classic Designer Bag

Posted on: Jul 10

The Peekaboo is Fendi’s answer to the Hermes Birkin Bag. It’s classic, understated, and very expensive. With this new canvas version, Fendi is trying to make luxury available to a wider audience. The problem is that it ends up delivering a great bag at a still less-than-reasonable price, as usual.

While I feel indignant about the possibility of spending $1,980 on a canvas tote, I know that for some women this is an entirely reasonable price to pay for an everyday bag. For those women, the canvas Peekaboo is a great investment. The black canvas is durable, and it has a slightly more casual look than leather.

The contrast between the deep black material of the bag and the brown leather accents gives the tote a preppy, conservative look that is timelessly chic. The leather also gives the bag a richer look, and makes it seem altogether less tote bag-y and more handbag-y.

The Peekaboo has a modern, tailored look that is set off nicely by the simple turnlock closure and understated gold hardware. The base is made of leather and has logo-embossed feet that extend the rich appearance and reinforces the strength of the bag. Overall, the Peekaboo is a fabulous bag with major uptown appeal, and women who want a classic bag to take them well into the next generation are going to find themselves well served by it.

More Features Of The Fendi Peekaboo Canvas Tote

  • 15″ x 13″ x 6″ size
  • 5″ handle drop
  • Brown leather and suede lining
  • Detachable shoulder strap

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Calvin Klein Rain Clutch | Patent Purse with Chunky Chain Handle

Posted on: Jul 10

The latest edition to the Calvin Klein Rain range of bags is this neat and classic patent clutch.

Calvin Klein produces some of the best patent purses on the market, because the leather it uses has such a beautiful gloss. The texture of the leather in this particular fold-over clutch makes it even more interesting, with the vertical lines contrasting against the more horizontal lines of the bag as a whole. It makes this much more interesting to look at, without having to over decorate the Rain clutch at all.

The chunky chain handle adds some much needed oomph to a basic design, and makes the Calvin Klein purse quite easy to look at!

At $88, I have seen designers charge more for a bag. However, this is pretty simple, and I am not entirely convinced by the color. It is a matter of personal taste, but to me the rust red shade is going to be a little hard to work into an outfit. If you work in formal blacks and grays, however, you could look damn sexy with this clutched in your hand!

More Features of this Calvin Klein Rain Bag

  • Oversized chain handle, optional
  • Soft folded design
  • Single interior pocket
  • Patent leather trim and exterior

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Pietro Alessandro Pleated Tote | Interesting Leather Studded Hold-all

Posted on: Jul 10

Why have metal studs when you can have pleating? Of course, you could always have both, which is what they have gone for with this Pietro Alessandro tote.

This tote costs $241.15, and the sign of this designer pricing is nowhere more evident than in the selection of the fabrics. A beautiful leather graces the outside, with a soft sheen and soft rippled appearance. The interior, by contrast, is dark and sleek in a deep black satin, which although easily damaged should be great for hiding those inevitable stains.

The design of this tote continues the classytheme, even if the studding is oerhaps a little over-metallic. The combination of gold and redlooks complex, and manages to justify the price a little more, although some people would prefer more metal hardware. Personally, however, the textural design is very much to my tastes.

Smart, sophisticated, and perhaps a little pricey, this leather tote from Pietro Alessandro is a great choice for studding and practicality.

More Features of this Pietro Alessandro Hold-all

  • Deep red leather exterior
  • Dark satin interior
  • Single zipped interior pocket
  • Metal studding exterior decoration

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Antler Releases Lightweight Size Zero Travel Bag Collection

Posted on: Jul 10

Antler has shaved the pounds off its latest luggage line called Size Zero. The travel bags weigh seven pounds less than the industry average, which should help you get around those airport baggage limits without sacrificing your favorite pairs of shoes!

They may be ultra-light, but unlike your average size zero woman these bags are tough. Each has a patent flexible frame and corner protection system to protect them from over-zealous baggage handlers. The cases are made of 300 x 600 denier polyester, and fully lined inside. They also have lockable front pockets to protect your precious cargo.

The Size Zero bags are available in a range of sizes and shapes; choose from 22″, 27″, and 30″ upright cases, a wheeled duffel bag, a weekender tote, and a matching grab bag. The travel bags start from $39 and range up to $240 for the big 30″ rolling suitcase.

Antler might be a new name to American jetsetters, but the brand has been one of the top sellers in Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia for many years. The travel goods company has so much faith in their Size Zero travel bags, each one comes with a 10-year warranty.

[Source: Luxist]

Antler Size Zero Travel Bags on eBay

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Lucky Brand Pouchette | Convertible Cross-Body Ivory Leather Flap Handbag

Posted on: Jul 10

Lucky Brand is known for its coolly casual daytime accessories. But with this cute pouchette, the label delivers a purse that can easily make the transition from lunch with the girls to a night on the town.

It doesn’t look it at first, but this pouchette is one versatile little number. By day it’s a boho style cross-body bag, but remove the long strap and it’s a chic clutch. I can imagine this simple purse working for almost any evening occasion, especially in this classic ivory tone. A pretty golden flower, a delicate tassel, and some gentle pleats are the only embellishments needed here; they add style while never overwhelming the design.

This pouchette is larger than the average, which only adds to its day-to-night appeal. However, proceed with caution if you hope to carry it clutch style. If it’s loaded to the brim it could easily become awkward to manage. If you’re struggling though you can always reattach the strap!

I’ve already expressed my love for the ivory purse, but if you have this bag earmarked as your next wardrobe staple you may want to pause. Such a pale color will likely show stains if it’s put through the paces of day-to-day life. While not quite as elegant, the dune tan and bourbon brown shades are probably more practical everyday options.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Convertible Purse

  • Magnetic closure hidden under the flap
  • Slide pocket underneath the flap
  • Fully lined interior
  • Interior zip pocket
  • A 50 inch cross-body strap with a 24 inch drop
  • Measures 1 x 10 x 8 inches

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