Erin Fetherston Guest Designs for Juicy Couture

Posted on: Apr 25

Juicy Couture will get some fresh creative blood next month when Californian-born talent Erin Fetherston temporarily joins the label. She’ll start her tenure as guest designer and creative consultant on May 1.

Juicy Couture will benefit from Fetherston’s services until the end of 2011. That should be plenty of time for the designer to leave her floaty, feminine mark on the brand.

Fetherston’s fans need not fret about the pairing, as she’ll continue to design her own label at the same time.

This could be just the shot in the arm Juicy Couture needs. Interest in the brand is waning, and Nordstrom even dropped the label this fall. Meanwhile Fetherston is a star on the rise, with Anne Hathaway, Kirsten Dunst, and Cameron Diaz amongst her celebrity fans. Her time with Juicy Couture might be enough to help her move from underground designer to household name.

We’ll see the first Erin Fetherston designed Juicy Couture goodies in stores this holiday season.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Love Janine/Flickr]

Juicy Couture Handbags on eBay

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Anya Hindmarch Cornelia Two-Tone Leather Bag | Preppy Uptown Chic Black And White Leather Shoulder Bag With Chain Straps

Posted on: Apr 25

Anya Hindmarch has a lot going on for a new designer. Her aesthetic runs the gamut from uptown to downtown to something in between. The Cornelia is about as preppy and traditional as handbags come without being navy blue.

The black and white colorblocking adds interest to this otherwise traditional rectangular style, and the chain and bead strap gives it a bit of sparkle. But not so much sparkle that it isn’t perfectly appropriate for daytime, of course. This will make a great everyday bag for taking just the basics to the office and back in reserved, but elegant, style.

The size is made for comfort. It’s not so small that it won’t accommodate the usual necessities: keys, cell phone, PDA, and a few cosmetics. But, it isn’t so large that it will become unwieldy. Or, more importantly, uncomfortable, as chain straps have the tendency to dig in to your shoulders on larger styles.

The front closure adds a bit of a mod touch that makes the Cornelia a bit more versatile. I can see it working with a 60s style LBD as well as the usual office garb. And at $995, while it is pricey, it’s not too bad for a bag that would certainly get everyday, and sometimes evening, use.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Cornelia Two-Tone Leather Bag:

  • 11″ x 8″ x 2″ size
  • 10″ strap drop
  • Lined in black designer stamped twill
  • Interior zipper pocket

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Bally Alexya Pochette Purse | Luxury Quilted Satin Clutch

Posted on: Apr 25


Nothing say luxury quite like a quilted handbag!

Of course, nothing says luxury quite like a Bally handbag either, so the match of quilting and brand name is probably one made in heaven. Add rich luxurious satin into the mix and the Alexya has probably hit all of the nails on the head for posh and expensive!

However, do all of these components make a bag that is worth $595? It is certainly pretty and classic, but there are probably other bags on the market that look similar and cost less. What you are really paying for with this pochette, above and beyond the triple stitching and the multiple compartments, is the Bally name. The brand is powerful, famous, and very desirable, and the prices reflect that.

With a beautiful design and workmanship, this luxury clutch is definitely one for the handbag addicts out there.

More Features of this Bally Alexya Clutch

  • Available in a range of other colors
  • Luxury satin exterior
  • Three interior compartments
  • Long chain strap

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Ella Vickers Makes Eco-Friendly Nautical Bags from Yacht Sails

Posted on: Apr 25

Nautical bags are all the rage this season, but few have the authentic maritime air of the Ella Vickers handbags. Her coastal bags are actually made from reclaimed yacht sails!

The use of the recycled fabric is more than just a gimmick. The marine-grade canvas won’t fade in the sunlight, or grow mold and mildew. It’s also water resistant, so you can happily carry this tote to the pool or in an April shower.

Ms Vickers was inspired to create these innovative bags while working as first mate on an America’s Cup winning fleet. Her first batch of sail bags was snapped up by her boat-loving friends, and so a company was born.

Ella Vickers bags are available in a range of styles, from small cocktail purses to functional day totes. You can buy the bags from Ella Vickers online store, or send the designer your used sails in exchange for a complimentary purse!

[Source: Ella Vickers]

Nautical Bags on eBay

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Coccinelle Stivie Ricamo Clutch | Modern Zig-Zag Stitched Leather Clutch

Posted on: Apr 25

Coccinelle takes the clutch from the red carpet to the city streets with this bold Stivie Ricamo clutch.

Rather than following the trends, the label creates a new one with its whimsically stitched body. Playful curlicues of zig zag stitching sprawl out to create a new, fun look which will last long after the current fads. It’s up to you whether you like contrasting stitching or the more subtle complementary design. Personally, I’m having trouble deciding which I prefer!

The relatively large dimensions make the Stivie Ricamo appropriate for day wear. It’ll never hold as much as a tote, but it should be able to carry everything you really need with a minimum of fuss.

Such a large purse could become difficult to manage when packed to capacity, so Coccinelle has conveniently added a knotted strap.

There are a lot of things to love about this clutch, but the $195 price isn’t one of them. While the high quality leather and size helps to justify it, it’s still more expensive than clutches tend to be. At least we won’t have to wait for our next fancy do to carry it!

More Features of This Coccinelle Stitched Clutch

  • Zip top closure
  • An interior zip pocket
  • Satiny lining
  • Measures 6.5 x 12 x 3 inches
  • Made in China

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Judith Leiber Streamline Frosted Lucite Clutch | Fabulous Deco Look Clutch With Crystal Detail

Posted on: Apr 24

I really want to apologize for all the harsh criticism I have levied at Judith Leiber in the past. All those bedazzled animal clutches really aren’t my thing, but she does what she does well. Not only that, she has also began to branch out into other clutch arenas, and the results are fabulous.

The Streamline is made of frosted lucite, which says 60s, but the clutch itself looks very deco. The silver frame sets off the white plastic material beautifully, and the pyramid patterned crystal embellishments add sparkle and a little extra retro flavor.

The shape and style of this bag are both traditional and elegant, but it could just as easily pair with a Pucci mindress as an evening gown. It’s dressy, but it’s vintage appeal makes it a lot more versatile.

The price is typical Leiber fare. At $2,595, this is a clutch for collectors and connoisseurs.

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Streamline Frosted Lucite Clutch:

  • 7″ x 4″ 1″ size
  • 9″ handle drop

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CC Skye Turner Hobo | Chic Sophisticated Leather Python Embossed Handbag

Posted on: Apr 24

CC Skye brings a sense of sophisticated style to the humble hobo bag with the Turner.

The Turner has the slouchy silhouette we expect to see, but the flat base and elegant pleats give it more structure and style than the average. For an added dose of sophistication, choose the Turner in python embossed leather. Unlike many imitation snake bags on the market, CC Skye opts to keep the colors plain. The mottled colors may have given the hobo a more authentic look, but without the spots the pleats appear much cleaner.

The handle is too overdone for my tastes though. Shiny pyramid studs and a curved metal strip might make the strap look a little more modern, but they seem unnecessary when paired with such a clean design. These embellishments don’t make the Turner any harder to carry, but sadly the short drop does.

The interior is large enough to carry everything you’ll need, and it has enough features to make this space manageable. The zippered pocket and open pouches don’t exceed our expectations, but at least they meet them.

The Turner has a few flaws and these might make some girls hesitate to spend $625 on it. But if you’ve fallen for its style, that price tag doesn’t seem too bad.

More Features of This CC Skye Turner Embossed Hobo

  • Twill lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 4 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 14 x 7 inches
  • Made in China

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American West City Girl Tote | Traditional Zip Top Black Pebbled Leather Day Bag

Posted on: Apr 24

American West takes a departure from its signature tooled leather handbags to create this City Girl tote.

The ornate tooling we’ve come to expect is replaced with traditional pebbled leather. The black skin is contrasted with white stitching and shiny silver hardware. The gentle slouch of this soft leather gives the City Girl a relaxed feel, one that gives the impression that this is a woman at home in the urban jungle.

And why wouldn’t she be? This serviceable tote has everything a modern girl needs. The dual straps are rolled for comfort, and long enough for easy over-the-shoulder carrying. The dimensions are generous without being ungainly, and the interior is well appointed with a zippered pocket and open slips. A sunken zipper secures the tote without interrupting its looks. And there are secure exterior pockets on the front and back for everything you need at your fingertips.

I admire American West for expanding its horizons here, but I’m not sure this “risk” pays off. The familiar western vibes we associate with the brand are passed over for a classic urban look. But so is the unique style which helped set American West apart. This is a good choice for girls looking for a traditional tote to suit any occasion or outfit, but it’s not likely to turn heads.

More Features of This American West Traditional Tote

  • Signature logo lining
  • Comes with a protective storage bag
  • Measures 12.5 x 12 x 5.5 inches

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Lila Quilted Denim Bag | Fresh Casual Denim Hobo With Guitar Shoulder Strap

Posted on: Apr 24

Marc Jacobs is the designer king of fresh American style. His pieces define what urban fashionistas covet. I am usually his biggest fan ever, but this season isn’t really rocking my socks off.

The Lila bag is a good example of why I’m not feeling super enthused about Marc Jacobs right now. Like the Imogen fringed bag, it has a few good things going for it, but it just has too much going on for it to be successful.

I love the light wash on the denim and the general shape of the bag. It’s retro without looking dated, and hobo without looking messy. The dark teal leather straps might work out, as well, if there weren’t so many other details. The beaded tassels, for example, are a slight misstep away from cool. They almost have an edgy, 70s rock vibe, but not quite. They just look too clean and bright against the pale denim.

The guitar shoulder strap is another detail that misses the mark ever so slightly. I like the idea behind it, and the pattern is cool, but on this bag, it just looks messy and thrown together. The total effect of the bag is confusing and not cohesive.

Plus, the $380 price tag seems just a little bit steep for a boho bag that isn’t even leather. Sorry, Marc, but I just can’t back this bag.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacob Lila Quilted Denim Bag:

  • 17″ x 11″ x 13″ size
  • 22″ handle drop
  • Top magnetic closure
  • Interior pouch pocket

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Guess Leilani Crocodile Satchel | Traditional Vintage-Inspired Handbag

Posted on: Apr 24

If you want classic good looks and flawless timeless design, then this pricey Guess satchel will take your breath away.

Simply put, this crocodile embossed leather handbag is stunning. It could easily be a meticulously crafted piece of leather work from the vintage days of yore, were it not for the fact that every tiny component in in perfect unworn condition. Imagine finding the perfect vintage bag, with great workmanship to boot, and then imagine that the bag is actually brand new and unused. The Leilani is the result of those imaginings.

OK, so I am gushing a little. But there is something about a classic piece of satchel design that manages to beat all other bag shapes hands down. They say “Look at me, Look at me!” at exactly the same moment as appearing demure and sophisticated. A hard task for any handbag.

Of course, with gorgeous design comes a price to match … usually. This traditional satchel costs only $120, which is not too bad, eh?

You can tell that I have fallen head over heels, despite the short handles, but have you?!

More Features of this Classic Guess Satchel

  • Signature Guess lined interior
  • Dual short handles
  • Convenient large size
  • Crocodile print exterior

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