Italian Handbag Designer Giuliana Coen Camerino Dies in Venice

Posted on: May 12

Italian handbag designer Giuliana Coen Camerino has died in Venice at the age of 90.

Her fashion house Roberta di Camerino was a favorite of glamorous Hollywood actresses Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Through it Camerino is credited with making handbags fashionable. Her timeless purses typically sported brass clasps and beautiful velvet bodies.

Camerino’s design career began while she was in exile in Switzerland during World War II. She launched her fashion house in 1945, taking its name from the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire film Roberta. It was also her husband’s family name, and a name she would later give to her only daughter. She is also survived by a son, Ugo.

Venice Mayor Giorgio Orsoni paid tribute to Camerino, commenting that she was a “friend and great Venetian entrepreneur … who contributed to spreading the name of Venice and Made in Italy in the whole world.”

She will be laid to rest on Thursday in Venice’s Jewish cemetery.

[Source: The Celebrity Cafe]

Roberta di Camerino Bags on eBay

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Betsey Johnson Eye Spye Medium Shopper | Marilyn Monroe Print Nylon Retro Carryall Bag

Posted on: May 12

Who says a trip to the grocery store can’t be glamorous? Betsey Johnson hopes to inject some Hollywood style into your weekly supermarket run with this Eye Spye Medium Shopper.

We might only see her facial features, but the cheeky image printed on this nylon shopper is unmistakably Marilyn Monroe. Her playful wink is rendered in black while her pouting lips are, of course, bright red. The minimalist design works well; I’m so used to seeing Betsey Johnson over-embellishing her purses, and I appreciate the restraint shown here.

I can’t help wishing for a few more features inside though. While a shopper never needs too many compartments, a pocket or two to hold our keys and cell phone wouldn’t have gone astray, particularly for the money Betsey’s charging. I’m more enthusiastic about the practical PVC lining, which while not luxurious will be easy to clean should our milk or meat trays leak.

At $98, the Eye Spye is pretty pricey for a bag made for carrying bread and eggs. However it’s not the most expensive shopper I’ve seen by a long shot and it is one of the most retrolicious!

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Marilyn Monroe Shopper

  • Synthetic trim
  • Cut out handles
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Measures 19 x 11 x 4 inches
  • Made in China

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Celebrities Design Coach Totes for Chinese Charity Auction

Posted on: May 12

Hollywood stars have joined Asian celebrities in designing tote bags to celebrate the opening of Coach’s new Shanghai store, one of 15 new Coach boutiques in China. The one-of-a-kind bags are being auctioned to benefit the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, an organization which gives scholarships to young people from Hong Kong.

The celebs, which included Twilight’s Kristen Stewart, Cameron Diaz, Eva Longoria, and Heidi Klum, were given a blank canvas and creative license to make their totes true originals. America Ferrera’s bag features her Ugly Betty character’s famous red glasses, while Jodie Foster’s has a picture of Planet Earth. Jennifer Aniston has gotten spiritual with her Buddha design, while Lucy Liu’s has an elegant black and white tiger.

All of the Star Totes are up for auction on the Coach China website. Bidders from around the world are encouraged to participate, but bids must be placed by calling the Chinese number 400-88-9963. If you want one you’ll have to get in quick, as the auction closes on May 13.

[Source: PopStar]
[Image Source: Coach China]

Coach Charity Bags on eBay

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Bebe Frills & Thrills Satchel | Modern Feminine Ruffled Handbag

Posted on: May 12

Bebe embraces its feminine side with this bold Frills & Thrills satchel.

This is definitely a bag that means what it says; this satchel has both frills and thrills in abundance. It’s undeniably girly, but by using leatherette rather than a softer satin or chiffon Bebe has created a more modern look with its ruffles. This is only helped by the color choices; there’s not a hint of pink or purple to be seen! Instead we’re faced with more gender-neutral choices: black, brown, white, and orange for a bit of spice.

The interior is also thoughtfully designed, with media pouches, a zip pocket, and space to spare. It might not be real leather, but Bebe does its best to protect it anyway, with reinforced stitching and grommet feet on the base. The brand is definitely doing its best to convince us that this is $139 worth spending.

I still worry about the novelty factor of such a purse, but if you’ve got the confidence to carry it the Frills & Thrills satchel could be a fun addition to your wardrobe.

More Features of This Bebe Ruffled Satchel

  • Zip top opening
  • A removable Bebe charm
  • Tossed logo lined interior
  • Dual braided straps with a 7.5 inch drop
  • Measures 9.5 x 13 x 3.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Calvin Klein Liquid Leather Clutch | Woven Patent Envelope Date Bag

Posted on: May 11

This isn’t the first Calvin Klein Liquid Leather purse we have seen on the market, but it is definitely the most interestingly shaped one.

The traditional envelope design of this enigmatically named date bag is updated thanks to the the cut out corners of the glossy front flap. This adds a little shape to this Calvin Klein purse, making it stand out in a sea of boring angles and sharp corners. These curves and the stitching also give further opportunity for the “Liquid Leather” to really make an impact, with that amazingly glossy patent shining against the woven body.

That woven body stops the bag from looking too shiny and even tacky. It also conceals a surprisingly spacious and functional interior, just going to show that Calvin Klein always manages to get at least an element of practicality into every piece. This, of course, explains the handle. I do wonder if it would look better with a cross body strap rather than a shoulder strap, however.

At $178, this isn’t a cheap clutch. However, the color and the materials will guarantee that people notice you when you are wearing it!

More Features of this Orange Calvin Klein Date Bag

  • Patent leather and grosgrain leather ribbons exterior
  • Two interior pockets
  • Optional shoulder strap
  • Nickel hardware

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Be & D Genesis Bag | Practical Black Pebble Leather Purse

Posted on: May 11

Be & D plays it safe with the Genesis bag, but that’s no reason to dismiss this classic purse.

This isn’t what we expect from the label; there are no studs, no ruffles, and no bows. Be & D’s trademark sense of whimsy seems to have been forgotten altogether. While that may disappoint the label’s legions of fans, I think it also gives the Genesis a more evergreen appeal.

A bag like this should be in every woman’s wardrobe. Its black pebbled leather will never age, and its whipstitched edges and push-lock clasp add just the right note of style. It’s the kind of purse you could carry to the office, to after work drinks, to the movies, and almost any social situation. No one would turn their head to look, but it would never appear out of place.

And it’s that classic appeal which justifies its significant outlay. At $1095, this is no impulse buy. Instead consider it an investment piece for your fashionable future.

More Features of This Be & D Black Bag

  • Zip pocket at rear
  • Lined interior with a zippered pocket, two patch pockets, and key hook
  • A handle with a 4 inch drop
  • A detachable shoulder strap with a 15 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 15 x 6 inches
  • Made in the USA

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Rachel Comey Releases Hiking Backpacks and Other Outdoors Accessories

Posted on: May 11

If you’re tired of drab khaki and navy outdoor accessories, check out the spicy styles in Rachel Comey’s new hiking collection.

Rachel Comey has put her inimitable stamp on classic styles including the backpack, knapsack, and clutch. I can’t imagine how useful a clutch would be on a hiking expedition, but it might just add a little down-to-earth attitude to an evening out. These bags have the quirky feminine charms we’ve come to expect from the designer, without sacrificing the practical features we need when trekking the mountains.

I’ll warn you that they aren’t cheap; all the handbags hover around the $300 mark. But if you’re a regular hiker, or just an occasional outdoors type who wants a backpack with personality, the accessories might be worth the splurge. And if you’ve got cash to spare, you could also indulge in the collection’s neck scarves and hats!

You can find Rachel Comey’s hiking accessories at Opening Ceremony, La Garconne, and TenOverSix stores.

[Source: Refinery 29]

Hiking Backpacks on eBay

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Bally Mayo Hobo | Slouchy Ruched Nappa Leather Handbag

Posted on: May 11

With all the slouchy style we expect from a hobo and the sophistication Bally is famous for comes the Mayo Hobo.

Nappa leather is the perfect material for striking this delicate compromise. The seemingly haphazard ruching only emphasizes the softness of this high quality skin. It slouches in all the right places, yet never appears slovenly. This pinkish hay shade is unexpected, a modern interpretation of a classic nude. It’s not our only choice though; black should satisfy traditionalists while stormy gray-blue tempest is another surprisingly subtle choice.

The soft, feminine design is paired with a casually braided handle. The gentle plaiting adds style without compromising our carrying comfort.

Tiny girls should note the dimensions though; this is a generous bag which may dwarf smaller frames. There’s enough space for everything, although the zippered pocket and single slip aren’t quite enough to keep most of us organized.

By striking just the right style note, Bally has created a hobo that can take us from nine to five and beyond. That day-to-night versatility may be just what you need to justify the $850 splurge.

More Features of This Bally Pleated Hobo

  • Gold-toned hardware
  • Top zip closure
  • A single plaited shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
  • Measures 10 x 20 x 5 inches
  • Made in Italy

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First Look at Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Handbag Collection

Posted on: May 11

Lindsay Lohan’s handbags for her 6126 label won’t hit stores until the holiday season, but we’ve got our first sneak peek.

The Hollywood actress and her design partner Paz Shaked Wolf, formerly of Dolce & Gabanna, are starting small with just four styles. The centerpiece of the range is The Monroe, pictured. It’s being touted as the collection’s It bag, and it might just make good on the hype with a versatile style designed to be worn five ways. The collection also includes the chain and mesh accented Starlett, the cheekily-named snake-embossed The Kitten With a Whip, and the metal-fringed Glam-A Go Go. The bags sound right on trend, but I also wonder whether they’ve got the staying power to endure beyond a season or two.

Thankfully the 6216 bags are reasonably priced between $165 and $395, so I suppose that’s some comfort for bagistas unsure of their timelessness. If that’s still too steep for your budget, never fear. Lindsay promises to release an affordable 7286 line, with bags priced under $165, for spring 2011.

Look for the 6126 handbags this holiday season in department and specialty stores around the globe.

[Source: People]

Lindsay Lohan Handbags on eBay

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Baggallini Little Spender Wallet | Small Black Crinkle Nylon Convertible Wristlet

Posted on: May 11

Baggallini encourages us to be frugal with its Little Spender Wallet.

Baggllini bags are rarely fashion forward, and this one is no exception. It’s a shrinking violet really, the kind of wallet you’d stash inside a contemporary day bag, or pair with a flamboyant outfit that needs no competition. The basic black body is made of lightweight crinkle nylon paired with authentic leather trim.

This Little Spender probably won’t turn heads, but it will impress with its cleverly designed interior. The secure zippered compartment has three additional pockets for dollar bills and receipts. Six credit card slots, and ID and photo windows help you keep all your essentials in order.

While most wallets sit inside larger handbags, Baggallini helps us carry it with an attachable wrist strap. While this isn’t the sort of purse I’d necessarily want to show off, it does come in handy for days we want to travel light.

More Features of This Baggallini Nylon Wallet

  • Made of water-resistant nylon
  • Khaki lined interior
  • Measures 1 x 5.5 x 4 inches

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