Nancy Gonzalez may not be a household name, but as far as I’m concerned she should be. The native of Colombia owns and runs all her own exotic animal farms so that she can keep tabs on quality from start to finish. As a vegetarian, I feel a little bit better about buying exotic skins if I know where they come from. This two-tone clutch is one of my favorite Gonzalez designs so far.

Gonzalez has an extremely light touch when it comes to design. There are never too many details, nor do her bags ever come off as trendy or dated. This two-tone clutch is no exception. The clean crisp lines of the envelope bag are so sharp they look almost ironed and there’s nothing but the natural seaming to accentuate the beautiful lines of the bag.

This crocodile treatment is absolutely crucial. The combination of navy and black gives the bag added dimensionality without taking away from its classic good looks. It’s subtle enough that you may not notice the color shift at first glance, but it will spark your curiosity and keep you looking.

$2,450 is a solidly reasonable price for an exotic bag, and this one is about as lovely and timeless as they get.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Two Tone Crocodile Envelope Clutch

• 11″ x 7″ x 3″ size
• 22″ strap drop
• Fully lined in suede and leather

Get this Nancy Gonzalez Two Tone Crocodile Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nancy Gonzalez bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay
• Other croc clutches on eBay:
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An intricate laser-cut finish gives Big Buddha’s slouchy Heidi hobo some rodeo flair.

That delicate laser-cutting really makes this bag shine. It’s reminiscent of the hand tooling we see on so many Southern accessories, but the flowers and butterflies give it a 21st century makeover.

The elaborate cut-outs are the stars, but Big Buddha’s given the Heidi an impressive base. It’s synthetic, as most of the label’s bags are, but its weathered treatment makes it a better leather imitator than most. It’s got that softness and aged patina that the best cowhides have, at least when it’s brand new. It’ll probably flake as synthetics tend to do, but for just $84 you’ll likely get your money’s worth before it shows any age.

The Heidi is ridiculously roomy though. If you’re always craving more space you’ll appreciate those generous dimensions, but personally I think it’s too much. The enormous size sees it dwarfing most frames. Coupled with the Heidi’s natural slouch, it feels unmanageable on the go. Perhaps it’d be better used as a weekender than a day bag.

At this price, the Heidi probably doesn’t need to become part of your everyday wardrobe, although if it were scaled back it could have easily become one.

More Features of This Big Buddha Laser Cut Hobo

• Zip closure
• An exterior back zip pocket
• Fabric lined interior
• Two slip pockets and a zip pocket inside
• A single shoulder strap with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 18.5 x 11 x 5 inches

Get this Big Buddha Heidi Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Heidi, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Gotpurseonality eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Maya hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Reality starlet turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad has teamed up with eco-conscious accessories label BlueAvocado for a sustainable capsule line dubbed the XO(Eco) collection.

The XO(Eco) collection features shopping bags, cosmetics cases, and lunch totes crafted from Repreve, an innovative fabric made from old plastic water bottles. These diverse accessories were designed to utilize the planet’s resources and help its women “organize and simplify their lives.”

The accessories are available in two fun prints: the black and cream tuxedo stripe and the girly green and pink bird on a wire pattern. Look closely and you’ll see Conrad’s signature XO mark incorporated into the prints. Conrad says this mark is intended to signify the former Hills star’s commitment to “lovely style for a liveable planet.” Each piece also has an eco-impact label which clearly states the number of recycled bottles used to create it and other eco stats.

The XO(Eco) collection is affordable, with pieces starting at just $9.99. Those low prices are even more remarkable when you consider BlueAvocado’s pledge to donate 1% of the profits to ocean preservation and restoration programs. Admittedly that seems like a fairly small percentage, but I suppose every little bit helps.

Lauren Conrad and BlueAvocado’s XO(Eco) collection is available for pre-order now through the Amazon website.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Lauren Conrad Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Lauren Conrad, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Lanvin’s new fall 2012 campaign is likely to appeal to anyone tired of glossy commercials filled with impossibly beautiful models. The fashion house’s creative director Alber Elbaz has cast ordinary people in the new advertisements.

It seems age and gender was of little consequence for Elbaz. He said he looked to cast men and women aged between 18 and 80. The unusual concept came about because the designer wanted to “bring these clothes back to the street” and see how they’d look on people on different ages and body types.

Frequent Lanvin collaborator Steven Meisel snapped Elbaz’s unlikely models. Amongst them are a waiter, a milliner, and a former showgirl. They may have no formal training, but Meisel’s expertise has definitely brought out their best.

Lanvin is generating some early buzz by releasing a viral video featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the advertising campaign’s stars on August 21. We can expect to see the commercials in our favorite fashion magazines around the globe in September.

I really appreciate the way that Alber Elbaz continues to push the envelope. In past advertisements we’ve seen him covering his models with snakes, and encouraging them to bust out their best dance moves. This concept may be his best yet though, as it really offers a fresh fashion face. What’s your opinion of the campaign?

[Source: Stylelist]

Lanvin Handbags on eBay

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Hurley’s given its Arlington a chic new look with the Arlington II.

The fabric makes all the difference here. The Arlington’s first incarnation was made of wool trimmed with contrasting synthetic leather. The two-toned look was on trend but not as timeless as this all-over navy finish.

The wool material also suited a particular time. It was ideal for winter, but struggled to work its way into a warm weather wardrobe. All too often manmade leathers look cheap and nasty, but Hurley’s pebbled synthetic is a credible imitator.

This new Arlington is every bit as functional as its predecessor. It’s a good size for everyday use, not so big that we’ll feel weighed down and not so small that we’ll struggle for space. The interior is well organized with internal pockets to complement the zippered one on the back. The short handle is cute but it won’t be very practical once the Arlington II’s full. That’s when the longer attachable strap comes in to play.

It might be an upgrade, but Hurley hasn’t inflated the price. At $42 the new Arlington is just as affordable as the earlier model.

More Features of This Hurley Synthetic Shoulder Bag

• Antique brass hardware
• Flap over post closure
• Measures 12 x 9 x 4 inches
• Also available in gray

Get this Hurley Arlington II Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hurley Arlington, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More shoulder bags on BagBunch
• The Hurley Arlington II frame bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Hurley bags on eBay

A delicate laser cut finish gives Coach’s classic Maggie bag some extra feminine flair.

The laser work is beautifully created and handled with the right amount of restraint. By using plenty of white space, Coach has ensured its finish is feminine without being fussy. The color also helps that cause. Coach calls it gold, but it’s far more muted than we expect gold to be. There’s a metallic tinge to it, but there’s none of the brassiness we often see with the shade. By reining it in, Coach has given this Maggie a real day to night appeal.

As a staple of the Coach line, it’s unsurprising that the Maggie style ticks all the functional boxes. It’s generous without being excessively large, and well appointed with a zip pocket and array of open pouches. Its sunken zippered top provides security without marring the Maggie’s good looks. And those handles are long and flat, so we can sling this hobo over our shoulder without fear of it sliding off.

But the tossed leather is cause for concern. It’s buttery soft, but its finish acts as a magnet for dirt. We might not notice if the Maggie was darker, but it’s a real problem on a bag so pale. If you know how to keep it clean though, you may see value for your $498.

More Features of This Coach Laser Cut Hobo

• Fabric lined interior
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 11.5 x 5 inches

Get this Coach Madison Tossed Lace Maggie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Coach
• Check the Got a Bargain eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Mia Mini Maggie bag, a great alternative to this laser cut bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay
• Other Coach Madison Lace bags on eBay:

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WANT Les Essentiels de la Via is getting into the Olympic spirit with the release of a new line of limited edition tote bags.

The O’Hare totes are available in six color combinations which feature the hues of the Olympic rings and the white of the Games’ flag. Each one is crafted from heavy organic cotton canvas accented with Italian calf leather. Inside you’ll find contrasting colored mesh lining and a selection of practical pockets. A commemorative hangtag will serve as a reminder of London’s 2012 games.

“The Olympic Games is one the most compelling pursuits of excellence that exists in sport and representative of life itself,” WANT Les Essentiels de la Via said in a press release. “The metaphors surrounding the Olympic Games are shared by the brand’s core values” world cooperation, international compatibility and peak performance have been incorporated into the design of the bag.“

To compare the metaphors of the Olympic Games to WANT Les Essentiels de la Via’s core values seems to be overstating the point a bit, but I can’t blame the label for trying to cash in on the Olympics hysteria. Can you?

The WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Olympic O’Hare totes are available now at Barney’s stores.

Are you a fan of these Olympic Games inspired tote bags?

[Source: Examiner]

Olympics Tote Bags on eBay

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Michelle Obama’s favorite designer Jason Wu has unveiled the first images of his youthful new diffusion line, Miss Wu.

The 40-piece collection reveals a different side of the American designer. Its pieces have a real sixties vibe about them, although the period’s been interpreted with an urban edge. I can imagine Jane Birkin or Marianne Faithful would have looked right at home dressed in the range’s A-line dresses, textured shifts, and floral skirts. Handbags, hats, and shoes will complete any Miss Wu ensemble.

I wouldn’t call the Miss Wu collection inexpensive, but it’s much more affordable than anything we’ve seen in Jason Wu’s signature line. A sleeveless silk blouse will set you back $195, or you can splurge on a black leather jacket for $795.

Nordstrom will have exclusive rights to the Miss Wu collection for its first year. You’ll find it in the Via C department of 49 stores across the United States. If there’s not one near you, you can shop online through the Nordstrom website. After the first 12 months we’ll see Miss Wu picked up by specialty outlets and department stores around the globe.

Does this picture of a Miss Wu ensemble have you hungry for more?

[Source: Glamazon Diaries]

Jason Wu Handbags on eBay

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