American artist James Nares has teamed up with Coach for a colourful new tote collection.

James Nares usually hangs from a harness and splashes his paint in enormous waves across massive canvases. For this line the same technique has been interpreted in miniature, and finished with leather handles and trim.

There are six different canvas bags in all, and just 175 of each design. With such limited numbers I’m sure they won’t last too long, despite the far too high $798 price tags. I really struggle to spend any more than $100 on a canvas tote, but the limited edition status of these may see other fashion fans throwing caution to the wind!

This collaboration is the latest in a long line of partnerships between artists and leading handbag labels. It wasn’t too long ago that Coach tapped Hugo Guinness for a masculine accessories line. And who could forget Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma’s recent work with Louis Vuitton, or Christian Dior’s gorgeous handbags adorned with Anselm Reyle’s artworks.

The James Nares for Coach bags will hit the label’s boutiques on April 20. If you want one I suggest contacting your local store to determine whether they’ll have the totes in stock, and then fronting up bright and early on Friday morning!

[Source: Purse Blog]

Coach Canvas Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Coach canvas tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Celine takes its usual luxurious aesthetic down a few notches with this Canvas & Calfskin Logo tote bag.

With the fashion world moving away from obvious branding, it’s strange to see Celine releasing a tote bearing such a bold logo. It makes the usually current fashion house seem out of step with the trends. However anyone who wants to let everyone know about their designer purchase may embrace this bit of advertising.

At least Celine’s done a bit to make this fairly typical canvas tote bag seem a bit more luxurious. The chocolate calfskin panels are a nice accompaniment to the natural toned canvas ones. Its spacious main compartment is lined with strong cotton and kitted out with a trio of pockets. These practical pouches are trimmed in more of that leather to help them last.

When a label charges $1395 for the privilege of carrying a fairly basic tote bag, those opulent elements should be par for the course. Even with them I’m not seeing value here. This tote might cost less than most Celine handbags, but it’s also far below the fashion house’s usual standard.

More Features of This Celine Logo Tote

• Silver-toned hardware
• Top zip closure
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 15 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Celine Canvas & Calfskin Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Celine bags on BagBunch
• The Love Moschino Print-a-Porter bag, a great alternative to this logo bag.
• Searching for more Celine bags on eBay
• Other logo canvas tote bags on eBay:

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Handbag sales have grown by double digits this year, and it’s contemporary labels like Proenza Schouler and Celine leading the way.

A recent study by Women’s Wear Daily pointed to the enduring appeal of these labels, and other steady achievers like Yves Saint Lauren, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen. It also commented that while It bags can elevate a fashion house’s sales, a brand doesn’t need one of these iconic pieces to guarantee its success. Instead consistency across the line is more important than a celebrated bag or two.

For those of us who can’t afford the big names, it’s helpful to learn about the most popular colours. Saks Fifth Avenue’s handbag and accessories maven Elizabeth Kanfer said pastels are particularly popular at the moment. With many more affordable labels creating bags in mint greens, powder blues, baby pinks, and lemons this is a trend we can all indulge in, no matter what our budget.

While the article focused on the leading designer brands, it’s refreshing to see what the accessories business generally is booming. In fact, some department stores have seen handbag sales increase by as much as 23%.

Perhaps next time we indulge in a new purse we should simply see it as propping up the economy!

[Source: Purse Blog]

Proenza Schouler Purses on eBay

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It might be some 45 years since Diane Keaton’s striking heroine hit screens in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, but Annie Hall continues to be one of pop culture’s most enduring style icons. CC Skye pays tribute to this fashion pioneer with this Annie Hall Cross-Body Bag.

The Annie Hall’s boxy shape and classic flap-over design would likely suit the masculine style of Keaton’s character down to the ground. She’d probably think the polish of the glazed leather and its crocodile scales are too much, but they make this basic accessory seem much richer.

The hook and eye clasp is a bit fiddly, but it makes this cross-body extra secure. You won’t be able to fit too much inside its petite main compartment, but at least you know what you are carrying will stay safe. While the CC Skye’s dainty dimensions may disappoint girls living in the digital age, they’re perfect for a bag which takes its cues from the 70s. Surely we can all benefit from downsizing as our retro sisters did!

We don’t get a lot of bag for our dollar here but CC Skye’s attention to detail ensures we see value for our $350.

More Features of This CC Skye Crocodile Cross-Body Bag

• Golden hardware
• Fully lined interior with a patch pocket
• Chain insets and cone studs at shoulder strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in China

Get this CC Skye Annie Hall Handbag:

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

[phpbay]CC Skye Annie Hall, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cute Little Things eBay store to see if this CC Skye bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More CC Skye bags on BagBunch
• The CC Skye Onie satchel bag, a great alternative to this exotic bag.
• Searching for more CC Skye bags on eBay

United Solar’s sustainable Solar Fidelity M Azzurro bag has taken out the Product Design title in the fashion, lifestyle, and accessories division at this year’s Red Dot Awards. The firm beat out some 4,500 competitors in the Product Design category for the honor.

The Solar Fidelity M Azzurro handbag was honored for its innovative concept, high quality design, and superior craftsmanship. The messenger style accessory features UNI-SOLAR cells which capture the sun’s energy and direct them to the internal charging unit. This allows customers to charge their smart phone, tablet, MP3 player, or other portable devices on the go.

United Solar’s project manager Ed Sosnowski said his company was “very proud” to take out the Red Dot award. It will see the messenger featured in this year’s Red Dot year book, and displayed in the Red Dot Museum. It will also be sold bearing the Red Dot symbol.

The Solar Fidelity M Azzurro handbag and United Solar’s other solar powered products are available online through the Solar Fidelity website. As the company is based in Austria, English speakers may feel a bit of a language barrier navigating around the site, but its intuitive design should help you secure this sustainable accessory before too long!

[Source: MarketWatch]
[Image Source: Solar Fidelity website]

Carlos Falchi walks on the wild side with this bold leopard printed clutch.

Falchi’s purses typically make an impression, but it seems the designer wasn’t leaving anything to chance. The exotic looking skin is emblazoned with leopard spots to make it even more eye-catching. And if you still weren’t paying attention, Falchi’s trimmed the edges with red leather.

It’s unusual to see Falchi dabbling with an exotic embossed leather rather than the real deal, but it’s a smart choice. The leopard spots would always obscure the natural beauty of snake, but we’d still pay for the privilege of carrying it. Here we get virtually the same looks for a little less.

Notice that I said a little less though. This clutch is so much fun, but its price tag unfortunately brings us back down to earth. At $595, it’s a more expensive proposition than I expected. It’s a bit cheaper than Carlos Falchi’s usual exotic fare, but still not as affordable as comparable leather purses. Perhaps Falchi forgot he used leather rather than real snakeskin when pricing it! This is a striking accessory, but I wouldn’t jump unless it’s on sale.

More Features of This Carlos Falchi Animal Print Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• An interior zip pocket
• Measures 12 x 5.25 x 0.75 inches

Get this Carlos Falchi Leopard Print Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlos Falchi bags on BagBunch
• The Carlos Falchi Leopard Print shopper bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Carlos Falchi bags on eBay
• Other Carlos Falchi leopard print bags on eBay:

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If you’ve contemplated a new Louis Vuitton handbag of late, the time is right to commit. Style insiders report the acclaimed fashion house will raise its prices across the board on April 16.

Admittedly this price increase isn’t as hefty as many we’ve seen in the fashion industry. Hermes upped its prices by nine per cent earlier in the year and Chanel raised its by a whopping 20 per cent in 2011. That makes Louis Vuitton’s forecasted increases of between three and five per cent on all its apparel and accessories seem pretty modest.

And let’s remember that Louis Vuitton prices have been pretty stable over the last year, so perhaps some fluctuations are overdue. Nothing ever stays the same, and high end designers tend to hike their prices more rapidly than most firms. At least this increase isn’t as dramatic as it might have been!

No matter how big the bump, if you’ve got your eye on a handbag costing several thousands of dollars any increase will make some impact. And if all things are equal, you might as well indulge now and save yourself a few extra dollars!

Will you rush out to secure a new Louis Vuitton handbag before the prices rise, or is the increase so small that it won’t worry you?

[Source: Purse Blog]
[Image Source: Tardeotemprano/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Carlo Fellini strips away the fuss and frills with its timeless Claire Clutch.

The clean design is so elegant. We might have seen similar hard case clutches from other fashion houses, but few come at such a low price. It doesn’t seem like Carlo Fellini’s skimped on the materials. The closure snaps securely, and the metal frame is perfectly polished. There’s even a chain strap ready and waiting for the moment the drinks and canapés are passed around.

I only wish the Claire was a few inches wider, as it’s a struggle to fit party essentials inside it. However I feel bad asking for more at this price point. We’re certainly seeing value already!

Not all Claires are created equally though. While the satin ones look more sophisticated than we might expect for $42, the glossy leatherette alternative seems cheap and tacky. Its polished surface might work during the day with jeans, but it really appears inferior next to its sisters.

If you want to add class to your after five wardrobe I’d forget the imitator and indulge in one of the satin alternatives. In silver, gunmetal, navy, or this basic black the Claire is an elegant way to complete any evening ensemble.

More Features of This Carlo Fellini Minimalist Clutch

• An interior slide pocket
• A 21 inch chain strap
• Measures 10.5 x 4 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Carlo Fellini Claire Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlo Fellini bags on BagBunch
• The Carlo Fellini Trish bag, a great alternative to this minimalist bag.
• Searching for more Carlo Fellini bags on eBay
• Other satin clutch bags on eBay:

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Carla Mancini might have aimed for shabby chic when creating her Audrey bag, but I think it ended up with just plain shabby!

The concept was sound, but I think the Audrey’s execution lets it down. The bursts of fringe could have been a playful way to accent the Audrey’s seams, but instead the accents just seem messy. The cows that gave their lives for it really deserved better. The finish is further cluttered by the whipstiching around the top of the purse.

The green color is also questionable on such a decorative bag. Carla Mancini might have gotten away with her daring design in a neutral black or brown, but such a vibrant hue makes an already busy bag seem too much.

I didn’t really like the fringe, but I miss it when I look at the Audrey’s bare back. If you’re going to offer such a decorative finish, I think you really need to commit to it. I might expect this kind of short cut on a less expensive bag, but I think we deserve better for $570.

At its heart this isn’t a bad bag. Its interior is spacious but not especially large, so the single cell phone pocket feels adequate. The straps are also long and appealingly braided, even if they could stand to be a bit wider. It concerns me that an Amazon customer’s snapped quickly, but as they’re made from real leather we can only hope this experience is the exception rather than the rule.

I admire Carla Mancini’s daring, but I don’t think it’s paid off here. I appreciate her willingness to step out of the box though, and can only hope it results in a more successful bag next time.

More Features of This Carla Mancini Fringe Shoulder Bag

• Made of Italian cowhide leather
• Magnetic snap closure with leather toggle
• Faille lining
• Dual straps with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 15 x 5.5 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Carla Mancini Audrey Handbag:

• Available to buy at Carla Mancini
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carla Mancini bags on BagBunch
• The Carla Mancini Julia hobo bag, a great alternative to this fringed bag.
• Searching for more Carla Mancini bags on eBay
• Other fringed shoulder bags on eBay:

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Betsey Johnson’s set to expand her fashion empire with the launch of a travel goods line for suitcase manufacturer Truck & Trolley.

The travel range has a diverse selection for girly jetsetters, with upright rollers and wheeled duffels for extended vacations and weekender totes for quick getaways. As you might imagine from goods created by the always outrageous Miss Betsey, the classic travel styles are decorated with bold prints.

The Glam Cheetah range sees Betsey Johnson’s favorite animal print rendered in bold red satin. As if those wild spots weren’t enough, the line’s bags are also decorated with ruffled pockets. If you’d prefer something sweeter consider the Punk Cherry collection, with its striking black and red cherry print, glossy patent trim, and crystal studs. Whatever Betsey Johnson travel bag you choose, you probably won’t mistake it for another on the baggage carousel!

No one wants to spend a fortune on luggage before they even leave home, so I’m glad to see Betsey Johnson’s kept costs down. Her travel bags start at $195 and top $420. That should leave some extra spending money in your wallet!

Look for the Betsey Johnson travel bags at Dillard’s and Betsey Johnson boutiques next month.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Betsey Johnson Bags on eBay

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