Travel accessories label Tumi has joined forces with New York designer Dror Benshetrit for its new Dror for Tumi collection.

“In our desire to continuously innovate, we seek a partner with a shared design philosophy who also brings a fresh perspective,” explained Tumi’s chief executive officer Jerome Griffith. “Dror’s exceptional reputation for innovative, research-based designs that transform and adapt to users’ needs along with his impassioned vision made him a perfect fit to craft the next generation of Tumi bags.“

The Dror for Tumi line features 11 pieces including hard-shelled suitcases and soft business and travel bags. Familiar silhouettes including a backpack, a messenger bag, a convertible briefcase, and small and large cross-body bags are represented. Eight of the designs are also expandable or convertible for extra versatility.

The line sees Tumi and Dror revamping Tumi’s famous signature ballistic textile. The new woven fabric maintains the integrity and strength of the original, but has a new modern look with a brown and black color palette. Tumi’s recognizable leather patch also has a new look with a chic faceted design.

The Dror for Tumi range recently made its debut at the Salone del Mobile exhibition at Milan’s Museum of Science and Technology. It will be soon hit selected travel outlets including Tumi’s stores in Frankfurt, Copenhagen, South Africa, and Munich and retailers at Heathrow, Lisbon, and Venice airports.

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Tumi Bags on eBay

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Donna Sharp shows some unexpected spunk with this Denise Tote.

I was beginning to feel like I knew what to expect from Donna Sharp. Her patchwork designs typically take their cues from Vera Bradley, with gentle colors and classic designs. While the Denise is just as classic at its core, its bold zebra stripes and contrasting black trim help it stand out from the pack. I wouldn’t say that it’s wild, but it’s got more attitude than most of its stable sisters.

The Denise’s finish might be much sharper than most Donna Sharp designs, but at its heart this is a very traditional tote. It’s large but as it’s made from cotton it’s really light. I love the playful polka dotted purple lining, and the useful pockets that line its internal walls. I wouldn’t say it exceeds our expectations, but it certainly meets them.

I’m not sure what Donna Sharp’s loyal fans will make of this playful tote, but I’m thrilled to see the label releasing something so fresh. I’m also glad to see her pricing policy hasn’t changed. At $64 this tote is just as affordable as the rest of her range.

More Features of This Donna Sharp Zebra Print Tote

• Snap closure
• Lined in cotton
• Dual straps with an 11.5 inch drop
• Measures 3 x 16 x 14.8 inches

Get this Donna Sharp Denise Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Donna Sharp bags on BagBunch
• The tan zebra Donna Sharp Denise bag, a great alternative to this purple bag.
• Searching for more Donna Sharp bags on eBay

Brazilian accessories designer Carmen Steffens recently opened her second American outlet in Connecticut’s Danbury Fair Mall, a complement to its Beverly Hills flagship. The new store sells its popular shoes, sandals, and handbags.

Business partners Josy Piacente and Rob Gibellino are behind Carmen Steffens’ growth in the United States. The Connecticut store comes after three years of close liaisons between the fashion label and the American entrepreneurs. The partners will also open a new Carmen Steffens store in Westchester Country in August, and a Long Island boutique after that. These new outlets will join other planned stores in New York City.

Brazilian born Piacente said that after growing up with Carmen Steffans products, she was keen to introduce them to her new homeland.

No doubt Carmen Steffens will quickly find a place in the American fashion landscape as the label is already popular amongst style leaders Eva Longoria Parker, Mariah Carey, and Margaret Cho.

Former Danbury journalist and fashion writer Liz Bacelar says the city is the ideal location for the new Carmen Steffens store.

“It’s a recognition of the existing Brazilian presence in the area and of their purchasing power,” she explained. “Brazilians are used to paying $100 plus for shoes and they will for sure go crazy on this store.“

Are you excited to see another Carmen Steffens store in the States?

[Source: Ridgefield Patch]

Carmen Steffens Bags on eBay

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Donald J Pliner brings some edge to bohemian fashion with this Numa Hobo.

The Numa’s soft slouchy silhouette and crescent shape are classic hobo trademarks. The long suede fringing which falls softly from its straps brings some extra bohemian style to the design. But its boho-chic statement doesn’t tell the complete story. Tiny silver studs at the ends of the fringing and the biker black leather add a rebellious spirit to the style.

It makes sense that the Numa makes a big impression, because it’s a really big bag with a generous main compartment and long shoulder straps. This is both a blessing and a curse. We never have to worry about leaving vital items behind as there’s space for essentials and plenty of luxuries. However it can easily take over your outfit, particularly if you’re small statured. The black color does its best to take a back seat, but bags so big are naturally dominant.

Donald J Pliner’s offering us plenty of accessory for our $425, but you’ll need the right kind of attitude to make the Numa work for you.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Leather Hobo

• Made of leather
• Zip closure
• Beige fabric lined interior
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 9.5 x 9 inches
• Made in China

Get this Donald J Pliner Numa Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the LavishlyHip eBay store to see if this Donald J Pliner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Donald J Pliner Logan bag, a sophisticated alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Donald J Pliner bags on eBay
• Other Donald J Pliner hobos on eBay:

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Most of us feel we indulge in designer handbags and shoes because we have a taste for the finer things in life and a passion for fashion. But New Zealand research suggests there may be a deeper, and more disappointing, reason for our spending behavior. A new study says women with body issues choose to purchase new handbags and shoes rather than dresses and pants.

Jessica Boyce of New Zealand’s University of Canterbury says women often compare themselves to the models they see in clothing commercials. As these models are generally slimmer, female customers doubt they could fit into the advertised clothes. And so they choose to update their wardrobes with accessories rather than apparel items.

“What the research suggests is that shoes and handbags are more appealing to insecure women because they increase physical attractiveness without drawing attention to one’s figure,” she explained to The New Zealand Herald. “Trousers, on the other hand, tend to draw attention and that is why they are shunned by this group of women.“

What do you think of the research? Do you notice the results mirror your own shopping habits, or do you think it’s a load of bunkum? And should fashion houses start using larger models to sell their apparel items?

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image Source: Jeinny Solis S./Stock xchng]

Dolce & Gabbana helps us gear up for summer with this fun Miss Kendra tote.

The Miss Kendra takes its cues from traditional woven baskets, but Dolce & Gabbana’s made its tote much more durable. Classic basket fibers like cane and straw are brittle, so Dolce & Gabbana’s opted for tough plastic. The manmade material is then varnished to help it withstand harsh coastal conditions.

The Miss Kendra itself is very simple, without a closure, lining, or any pockets embedded in its walls. However it does come with a complementary leather pouch for securely stashing coins and other valuables. This detachable purse is pretty simple, but it could work as a clutch if paired with the right outfit.

While they look the part, I’m a unsure about the convenience of those short handles. They mean we’re limited to handheld carrying, which can be awkward when bags this large are loaded up.

I really like the way Dolce & Gabbana has modernized the classic straw bag, but I resent the Miss Kendra’s $1,051 price tag. Sure it comes with an authentic leather pouch inside, but that still seems an awful lot to pay for a purse made of plastic.

More Features of This Dolce & Gabbana Woven Tote

• Detachable pouch has a zip closure
• Made in Italy

Get this Dolce & Gabbana Miss Kendra Handbag:

• Available to buy at Luisaviaroma
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The Francesco Biasia bag, a great alternative to this straw bag.
• Searching for more Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay
• Other woven totes on eBay:

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Bottega Veneta’s new Initials Program allows its loyal customers to further personalize its famous leather purses.

The customization service gives Bottega Veneta’s long-held slogan “When your own initials are enough” extra gravity. The company’s creative director Thomas Maier said it also allows the fashion house “to take the customer-centered philosophy of Bottega Veneta one step further.”

However I don’t really like the way the monograms are incorporated into the fashion house’s iconic woven handbags handbags. The company says the monogramming gives their classic bags a more light hearted feel, but I’m not convinced. The lettering appears tacked on and frankly a little bit cheap, which is the last thing we want when we’re paying between $1,100 and $1,700 for the service!

Online shoppers in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan can now order a personally monogrammed Bottega Veneta bag thanks to the new service. Customers choose their preferred accessory from an approved selection including large Cabat totes, messenger bags, wallets, and iPad cases. Luggage will join the range in July.

Then shoppers select their initials, the initial size, and the colors. There are four different bag shades to choose from, and eight different letter hues. Expected turnaround is a mere 24 hours, so customers aren’t left waiting too long for their personalized purses.

Would you indulge in a customized monogram Bottega Veneta bag, or do you prefer a more classic look?

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Bottega Veneta Bags on eBay

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I admired the flair the signature scarf brought to DKNY’s Town & Country bag, but I was disappointed by the dated signature print purse underneath it. So I was thrilled to stumble across the label’s much classier Leather Scarf Shopper.

Here DKNY’s done away with the tired logo pattern and opted for classic ivory pebbled leather. The neutral hue provides the perfect backdrop for the vibrantly colored DKNY scarf. Its mottled red, blue, and black colors contrast delightfully with the pale skin. Personally I think the purse needs the scarf to elevate it above the pack. However if you’re leaving the bag behind, why not remove the scarf and wear it around your neck for a pop of color?

This shopper is amply sized for holding everyday essentials with a little space to spare. It’s got all the pockets we’d hope for, rolled handles long enough for slinging over your shoulder, and metal feet to protect the pale leather base. The lack of closure is the only real oversight, but it’s a significant one. While the platform base should ensure your items stay in place once you set the shopper down, security is still compromised.

The lack of closure is disappointing, but it’s the only glaring omission on this affordably priced $325 shopper.

More Features of This DKNY Ivory Leather Shopper

• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 10 x 6 inches

Get this DKNY Scarf Handbag:

• Available to buy at Lord & Taylor
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]DKNY scarf shopper, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Davis Jewelry & Gifts eBay store to see if this DKNY bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More DKNY bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Town & Country bag, a great alternative to this scarf decorated bag.
• Searching for more DKNY bags on eBay

Alexander McQueen’s designs make me kind of weak. His edgy sensibility is well balanced with exquisite material choices that make for upscale street smart accessories. This De Manta clutch retains the great design of the other bags in the line, but gives them a feminine twist in pink leather.

I am so crazy about the De Manta’s clutch design. The balance is better in this size than in the tote version. The only problem is that I’m not exactly sure how to describe it. It has six sides, so it’s technically a hexagon, but the folded down top edges make it an octagon. These technicalities don’t really do justice to the shape, though, as all the edges have a gentle curve that gives the bag a voluptuous organic look. If I was really pressed, I guess I’d say that the overall look is bat-like.

The pink color is more of a light salmon than the pale blush pink that we’ve seen over the past few seasons. The shade gives it a feminine edge without moving into girly territory. The reinforced edges bring a motorcycle-inspired edginess to the look, but the gold hardware keeps it classy. The not-too-small, not-too-big size is perfect for tucking under your arm for the evening and fitting in a night’s worth of necessities.

The $695 price tag of the De Manta is exceptionally low given its high designer status. I’d definitely snap this one up.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen De Manta Leather Clutch

• 15″ x 10″ x 2″ size
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Tina bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other pink leather clutches on eBay:
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I was really excited when Proenza Schouler announced the debut of its PS1 accessories line a few years ago. And with very few exceptions, I have continued to be excited by its upscale, minimal designs. But this new version of the Keep It All is, well, honestly, kind of ugly.

The shape of the Keep It All is as classic and beautiful as always. It looks something like a Birkin, but with a few more bells and whistles. So it isn’t the design per se that’s destroying the look of the bag. It’s the material. The gray canvas alone would be fine, as would the python embossed leather. But together they’re a bad choice. An eye-catching, overwhelmingly distracting bad choice.

The textural combination leaves a lot to be desired as well. Unlike the color combination, there’s simply not enough contrast between the nubbly grain of the canvas and the somewhat smoother embossing on the leather. The lack of differentiation takes away from both.

Like I said, though, the design of the bag is solid and practical. So, if you’re looking for something different and have $1,250 handy to spend on a somewhat unwieldy conversation piece, you’re in luck. Otherwise, I’d just opt out.

More Features Of The Proenza Schouler PS 1 Keep It All Small Tote

• 15″ x 11″ x 7″ size
• 8″ handle drop
• Leather-trimmed
• Lined in twill

Get This Proenza Schouler PS 1 Keep It All Satchel:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Proenza Schouler bags on Bag Bunch
• The Proenza Schouler PS 1 Crocodile Satchel
• Searching for more Proenza Schouler bags on eBay
• Other canvas satchels on eBay:

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