Louis Vuitton has opened a new flagship store in London, a shopping destination which many are calling the French fashion brand’s most luxurious.

The 15, 000 square meter space features a handbag bar, where shoppers can order customized purses as easily as cocktails, a two-level trunk wall, and a dynamic LED staircase. This ever-changing light show links the store’s three levels. And of course, there are plenty of luxurious Louis Vuitton goodies to take home.

“People come to Louis Vuitton stores not only for shopping but also to experience a certain way of life,” explained chief executive Yves Carcelle. “These stores, named Maisons, have become our iconic landmarks across the world.“

They’re big claims indeed, but it seems like Louis Vuitton might make good on them with this luxurious new London store. Make sure you put it on your travel itinerary next time you’re visiting the Old Dart!

[Source: InsideLux]
[Image Source: Geishaboy500/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Prezzo is channeling an eighties vibe with this colorful stripy hobo.

Whilst the shape of this particular purse may actually hark back to sixties cut out handle designs, there is no denying the incredibly raving eighties inspiration going on here. Not only are the multicolored stripes leaning in that direction, but so are the multiple angles and corners. This may be a little behind the trends, as 80s style was all over the fashion world about a year ago, but is without a doubt great fun!

I also like the shape of this tote. The small handle contrasts with the baggy rounded shape, and may be a little inconvenient to carry. However, it does make for an aesthetically pleasing design, and useful amount of space. Everyone needs space in a hobo, otherwise what is the point?

At $53 this is a great priced bag, and Prezzo has done its utmost to make it as fun as physically possible!

More Features of this Prezzo Cut-Out Handle Tote

• Synthetic leather exterior
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Structured cut-out handles
• Also available in white

Get this Colorful Striped Hobo:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The abstract patchwork handbag, a great alternative to this eighties bag.
• Searching for more striped bags on eBay
• Other Prezzo bags on eBay:

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This Guess tote is the perfect combination of country and western leather, and huge funky studs.

In fact, you probably wouldn’t expect to find studs and triple shades of suede in the same environment. Unlike dramatic dark leather, the twain shall not meet! Still, there is something about the meeting of large panels of metal and mottled natural suede that works quite well. It’s a meeting of textures that is surprisingly good looking.

That leather, in brown to black, is shaped in curves that continue to contrast with the square studding and art deco styled G clasp. It all focuses in to that central band of shape that works really well with the generic rounded bag shape. I do wish, however, that the suede like exterior was real, but the actuality is that it is just vinyl.  This is a disappointment, especially considering that this costs over $100!

Good looking, but shallow, this large tote is for people who aren’t afraid of combining brown and black.

More Features of this Studded Tote

• Three spacious compartments
• Multiple interior pockets
• Vinyl suede effect exterior
• Dual handles

Get this Guess Ontario Hold-all:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Guess bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Lainey doctor satchel, a great alternative to this brown bag.
• Searching for more vinyl bags on eBay
• Other Guess bags on eBay:

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Without fail Whiting & Davis makes beautiful evening bags. It is the masters of all things made from smooth metal mesh! This bow clutch has to be one of my favorite creations from the brand.

Why is it my favorite? Well, just one look at it should tell you all you need to know. The gold-colored mesh sparkles beautifully, and contrasts really well with the silver crystals that form the band of the bow. Then there is the bow shape, of course, which never fails to look pretty and evening bag friendly!

When we have stopped gushing over the glittery girly wonderfulness, we have to look at the practical issues. Whiting & Davis has lined the purse delicately in a gorgeous signature lining, and it has also looked one step ahead and given us a shoulder strap chain for when carrying the purse becomes a bit too much effort.

Cute, yet expensive at $169, this is the perfect clutch for a special evening event.

More Features of this Whiting & Davis Mesh Clutch

• Also available in black, silver and pewter
• Signature fabric lining
• Optional long shoulder strap
• Magnetic snap closure

Get this Crystal Banded Bow Purse:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis leather knot clutch, a great alternative to this mesh bag.
• Searching for more mesh bags on eBay
• Other Whiting & Davis bags on eBay:

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Alexander McQueen’s right-hand girl Sarah Burton will step into his very big shoes at the brand’s new creative director. It’s a bittersweet promotion for Burton following McQueen’s suicide earlier this year.

She’s put in the hard yards though, joining the British fashion house in 1996, a year before graduating from Central St. Martins. She was named head of womenswear in 2000, and is credited with finishing McQueen’s autumn/winter 2010 collection.

“The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy,” Burton told Vogue UK.

While some suggested the fashion house should lay dormant out of respect for McQueen, I can’t imagine that’s what he would have wanted. After almost 16 years of brand loyalty, Burton surely understands McQueen’s vision. Personally I think she seems like the right person to take the fashion house forward into the future.

No formal announcement regarding Burton first collection has been made, but hopefully we’ll see something from her in March 2011. I’m looking forward to seeing where she takes the legendary name of Alexander McQueen.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Damien Cugley/Flickr]

Alexander McQueen Handbags on eBay

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When I spied the Jude I was sure it must be the brainchild of Alexander Wang, Rebecca Minkoff, or some other edgy designer. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was the work of Hobo International.

To be fair, Hobo International is full of surprises these days. Once the home of classic accessories, the fashion house has shown a more experimental side with its latest lines. Designs like the Jude are another reason why it’s worth taking another look at Hobo International.

This bag takes the hobo from the world of flower power to the urban streets. Its classic combination of black glazed leather and shiny nickel hardware gives it an authentic biker chic feel. The lines are sleek and simple, giving the Jude the appearance that it could handle anything you threw at it.

It’s probably not large enough for such a glowing reference, but the abundance of pockets and slots make this a very practical mid-sized purse. The long, flat strap is also a bonus, helping the Jude sit comfortably on your shoulder when you’re out and about.

At $228 this Jude bag isn’t Hobo International’s cheapest accessory, but it is one of its most stylish. Choose it in black to rock the biker look, or maple, mustard, or coral if you’d prefer something a little softer.

More Features of This Hobo International Leather Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Zip closure pocket across front of bag
• Fabric lined interior
• A single strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 4 x 15.7 inches

Get this Hobo International Jude Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in black and maple)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the Luggage World Online eBay store to see if this Hobo International bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Maria bag, a great alternative to this glazed leather bag.
• Searching for more Hobo International bags on eBay

I’ve been drooling over Marchesa’s clutch purses on the red carpet for some time now, and the good news is that they’ve just been given an official release. The bad news is that they also sold out within hours.

It seems to be a sign that the recession is over, as these glittering evening purses are not cheap. The gorgeous clutches start at $2274, with the most expensive one setting you back a whopping $3475. You’d definitely need a few formal occasions on your calendar to warrant such a splurge. Or perhaps just a weakness for shiny things!

I admit that I’m besotted with these Swarovski crystal covered purses, so perhaps it’s for my own good that they sold out so quickly. It removes the temptation, at least until Marchesa gives them a re-release!

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Swarovski Crystal Clutches on eBay

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Hermes takes a break from its traditional exotic skins and luxe leathers to create this travel bag from woolen felt.

This travel bag has a decidedly wintery feel with its vibrant red color and brown leather trim. A perforated H on the front of the bag points to the Hermes heritage without being as obvious as a signature print might have been.

This is a thoughtfully designed bag, with its two-way zip closure and spacious interior. It’s billed as a travel bag, and the padlock and key seem to point to that application. But it could be used just as easily in the office, or anywhere else you need a lot of storage room.

It’s far from perfect though. It’s completely unlined, and the single snap pouch seems inadequate for organizing such a large space. The short handles also won’t win any friends when the handbag is full of your travel essentials.

The bottom line is, I want perfection before I’ll even consider spending $3650 on a bag. This seems like a case of paying for the name rather than the accessory to me.

More Features of This Hermes Travel Bag

• Dual 20 inch handles with a 5 inch drop
• Metal feet along leather trimmed base
• Measures 19.75 x 14.75 x 10 inches
• Weighs 5 pounds
• Made in France

Get this Hermes Wool Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hermes bags on BagBunch
• The Tusk Safari bag, a great alternative to this carry-on bag.
• Searching for more Hermes bags on eBay
• Other carry-on travel bags on eBay:

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What with Sex And The City 2 being released, it wouldn’t surprise me if these Coach Hampton bags experience a sudden surge in popularity.

Of course, their popularity probably isn’t just because the SATC girls have a penchant for this New Yorker’s holiday destination. It probably also has something to do with the elegant and classy design that this leather carryall is lucky enough to boast. The white shade, although slightly impractical, will look great in the sun, and the contrasting black gives it that classic look that has been around for many an era. This timeless style is free of any of this year’s fashion hangups, making it a wise choice for those who don’t like to buy a new bag each and every year.

Aside from the design, this is one of Coach’s more luxurious creations. The pebbled leather is stain and water resistant, and the wide straps add another dose of practicality. I am also tempted by the satchel-esque shape  and the surprisingly spacious leather trimmed interior.

The only real drawback is that all this will cost you around $279!

More Features of this Coach Leather Tote

• Pebbled leather exterior
• Twist lock flap closure
• Contrasting leather trimmed interior
• Reinforced base with feet

Get this Classic Hampton Carryall:

• Available to buy on Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Giani Bernini glazed leather satchel, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more black and white bags on eBay
• Other Coach bags on eBay:

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With the Marta, Helena de Natalio brings us the kind of clutch that doesn’t need a red carpet to shine.

While so many clutch purses only suit after five wear, the simply chic styling of the Marta make it just as appropriate for daytime use. The lush Argentian leather needs little embellishment, but the polished turnlock clasp brings an added dose of elegance.

Some may be disappointed by the conservative tones chosen here. Black, caramel, and blue won’t exactly set the world on fire. But the shades are entirely appropriate for a purse which strives to suit any occasion or season.

These basic tones are the ideal foil for the playful printed plainweave fabric which lines the Marta’s interior. The space is simple, without pockets or pouches, but it’s not large enough that this poses a real problem.

I always appreciate a carrying option when it comes to clutches, so I’m happy to see the Marta comes with a leather wrist strap. This might not be as convenience as the over-the-shoulder chains we typically see, but it will be much more comfortable.

$237 is pretty pricey for a clutch purse, but the high quality fabrics and versatile look help us justify the expense.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Leather Clutch

• Flap closure
• A rear zippered pocket
• Measures 5.5 x 12 x 2 inches
• Made in Argentina

Get this Helena de Natalio Marta Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Hayden-Harnett Lorca bag, a great alternative to this turnlock bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other turnlock clutch bags on eBay:

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