Bodhi Spring Street Cross-Body Bag | Sophisticated Studded Leather Mini Purse

Posted on: Apr 11

Bodhi Spring Street Cross-Body BagBodhi’s never been shy about making a style statement, but all too often its quirky accessories feel unwearable. So it’s refreshing to see the label taking its signature style down a few notches with the Spring Street cross-body.

Bodhi’s got the balance right here. The Spring Street is youthful yet it’s not unusual enough to scare conservative types away. I really like the way Bodhi’s used studs here. They’re much more delicate than the metal tends to be, and that takes the accent away from the rock and roll arena. I like the way the decoration works with the conservative chestnut color.

Bodhi doesn’t call its Spring Street bag a mini for nothing. It’s very petite, so some modern girls may struggle to fit everything they usually carry inside it. There’s something liberating about stripping away the surplus, but if you see your swag like a security blanket you may disagree!

By shrinking the dimensions Bodhi’s kept the Spring Street priced at $378. That’s still not small change, but it’s quite reasonable for a purse of this quality.

More Features of This Bodhi Studded Mini Cross-Body

  • Turn-lock closure
  • A leather-chain woven shoulder strap
  • Measures 7 x 6 x 2 inches

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Style.com Names Fendi Crocodile Clutch Best Fall 2012 Bag | Controversial Pick for Season’s Standout

Posted on: Apr 11

Fendi Crocodile ClutchAs we all embrace spring, fashion commentators are looking forward to what’s ahead. That includes purses like this Fendi Crocodile Clutch which Style.com named the best bag of the season.

That’s some honor, and one which has left some fashionistas scratching their heads. While the exotic evening purse is striking, it’s hardly practical. While that’s not always a prerequisite for our fashion purchases, we probably expect some functionality from an item named the best in its field.

It’s also arguable that a purse topping any seasonal top 10 list should represent that season’s trends. This clutch is lovely but it’s hardly illustrative of fall style.

Personally I expect a little controversy in any countdown. It’s what gets people talking, and on that score Style.com has been successful. The crowning of Fendi’s crocodile clutch isn’t completely outrageous, but it’s also surprising. Personally I think the larger Dries van Noten crocodile clutch that nabbed the number three spot, with its seasonal earthy hues, is more deserving of the title. That gorgeous mustard colored serpentine satchel from The Row, Style.com’s number five bag, is also a worthy contender.

But fashion is such a subjective subject that any list like this will never please anyone. What’s your favorite bag of fall 2012?

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Fendi Clutches on eBay

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Bisadora Geometric Print Baby Tote | Lime Green Retro Diaper Bag

Posted on: Apr 11

Bisadora Geometric Print ToteBisadora serves up a tote that offers more than meets the eye with this Geomtric Print Baby Bag.

From the outside it looks like so many tote bags. Its boxy shape is as traditional as they come. I might even say the bag was boring if it weren’t for that busy retro inspired geometric print.

While the pattern is exciting, it’s nothing compared to what’s tucked away inside. While the exterior is clean, the interior is packed with the practical perks that parents need. These include two spacious elasticized pockets for stashing diapers and a PVC changing pad for emergencies. I also appreciate the functional features that aren’t about baby, including an interior business card slot, pen sleeve, and cell phone pouch. Those clever inclusions make this bag ideal for the growing group of momtrepreneurs out there!

Really all it’s missing is some kind of closure, which is no small oversight. The large zippered compartment should keep the important items secure, but other items are bound to spill once you sit this tote down.

At least with this baby tote costing just $59, those stay at home businesswomen will have more money left to invest into their pet projects! It’s not the height of fashion or luxury, but that bottom line ensures it’s an attractive proposition nonetheless.

More Features of This Bisadora Printed Baby Tote

  • Black microfiber lining
  • Polished silver-toned hardware
  • Dual handles with a 12 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches

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Big Buddha Angle Clutch | Classic Colorblocked Envelope Purse

Posted on: Apr 10

Big Buddha Angle ClutchSpring has sprung and now our wardrobes need a lift. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a brand new look, a colourful purse like the Angle from Big Buddha is a great way to help your closet pop.

The Angle’s classic envelope style is paired with on trend colorblocking. I love the way Big Buddha’s used the rainbow effect here. It’s bold but with just three colors it stops short of being over the top. The turquoise back and flap clashes delightfully against the fuchsia front. The nude colored piping puts a gentle contrast between the two more vibrant hues.

The Angle isn’t a workhorse, but it has the basics we ask of our clutch purses. It’s not especially large but it should fit everything we really need for a night on the town. The slip pocket is too insubstantial to hold anything of note, but it should take care of receipts and other small important papers. Its chain strap is a bit flimsy, but it’ll come in handy when you’re on the move.

The Angle’s simple but colorful styling is perfect for parties or a casual day out, so long as you know how to travel light. Its $49.95 price tag doesn’t buy us a lot of luxury, but it does offer a bunch of style.

More Features of This Big Buddha Colorblocked Clutch

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Print lined interior
  • A chain strap with a 14.5 inch drop
  • Measures 10.5 x 1.25 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China

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BUILT Designs Tribeca Film Festival Bags | Capsule Collection for New York Movie Event

Posted on: Apr 10

Tribeca Film Festival BUILT BagBUILT will release a limited edition handbag collection to celebrate this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. The SoHo accessories firm was also named a Friend of the Festival, and its products called the Official Bags on the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.

We’re thrilled to partner with the Tribeca Film Festival, the preeminent New York event for the film industry,” BUILT co-founders Aaron Lown and John Roscoe Swartz said in a statement. “BUILT shares the festival’s downtown roots and creative sensibility, so our stylish bags will be the perfect ambassadors of the festival experience.

The capsule collection features the functional Essentials World Tote Official VIP Bag and Soho Laptop Messenger Bag Official Filmmaker Bags, which both cost $94.99. Each one has enough space for a laptop and other tech accessories, as well as an array of practical pockets. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far you can indulge in the canvas Everyday Shopper Official Industry Bag for $54.99, or the neoprene Everyday Tote Official Crew Bag for $34.99.

The accessories collection will be distributed amongst filmmakers attending the festival, but you needn’t be in the business to snag one. The Tribeca Film Festival line is also  available exclusively from BUILT’s website starting today.

[Source: MarketWatch]
[Image Source: BUILT website]

BUILT Bags on eBay

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Betsey Johnson Fruity Cross-Body Bag | Lemon Decorated Saddle Shaped Purse

Posted on: Apr 10

Betsey Johnson Fruity Cross-Body BagNever one to take fashion too seriously, Betsey Johnson serves up another whimsical creation with this Fruity cross-body.

I can’t help smiling as I look at the big yellow lemons and delicate red flowers covering this cross-body purse. The print is very busy, with black and white vertical stripes also thrown into the mix, but Betsey Johnson’s never been afraid of overdoing it. By choosing a clean saddle shape, the designer might just have gotten away with her fashion gamble.

Betsey Johnson doesn’t go above and beyond the call of duty, but she does provide everything we really need here. The Fruity’s main compartment isn’t lavish, but it’s got enough space for holding essentials and a decent number of pockets. Its chain link strap is also perfect for grabbing just as you’re running out the door.

This Fruity purse is too playful to appeal to everyone, but anyone who has fallen for its sweetness will be thrilled to see it costs just $68. That’s not a lot of money to spend on a bag that has such a distinctive look.

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Lemon Cross-Body Bag

  • Made of PVC
  • Magnetic closure
  • Zip and slip interior pockets
  • Printed fabric lining
  • A chain strap with a 21.5 inch drop
  • Measures 8.5 x 3 x 7 inches

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Raf Simons Named Christian Dior Creative Director | Jil Sander Designer Succeeds John Galliano

Posted on: Apr 10

Dior NecklaceAfter more than a year of speculation Christian Dior has finally named a successor to John Galliano. Raf Simons, the former creative director of Jil Sander, will step into his very big shoes.

I must admit that I feel a bit sorry for Bill Gaytten in this. He’s done an admiral job filling in after Galliano’s very public fall from grace. In fact, Christian Dior took $1.39 billion in revenue last year, an impressive feat considering the controversy.

However it’s hard to argue with Simons’ credentials. He did great things for Jil Sander, and if Sander hadn’t wanted to return to his own company Simons would probably still be there. He’s also sure to make a splash at Christian Dior. In fact, his recent ready-to-wear show in Milan was even compared to the work of the Christian Dior himself. Who knows what profits the company will post in the coming seasons? We’ll get some indication when Simons shows his first Christian Dior collection at Paris’ runways this July.

While Christian Dior hasn’t made an official statement, Simons commented “The first time I heard about the Dior position, I thought, this feels right” after the announcement of his appointment.

Now that we finally have the big news confirmed, what do you think of Raf Simons’ appointment? Do you think he’s the right fit for the French fashion house?

[Source: The Australian]
[Image Source: Passion Senior 2008/Flickr]

Christian Dior Bags on eBay

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Beirn Scarlett Satchel | Luxury Pale Pink Watersnake Purse

Posted on: Apr 10

Beirn Scarlett SatchelBeirn helps us add a little luxury into our everyday with this exotic Scarlett satchel.

Considering its fiery name, I was surprised to see this satchel actually features gentle pink and gray hues. Girly girls will love the soft femininity of the design, but it should be subtle enough to interest a few fashion lovers that don’t generally wear pink.

And really, who can resist well crafted watersnake? Sure there’s an ethical issue with using any real animal skins, but if designers must use the authentic articles I’m glad to see them used right. Beirn understands the material and consequently allows its natural beauty to shine through. The Scarlett’s design is simple, but you don’t want to overcomplicate a stunning exotic like this.

Snakeskin is a bit fragile, so I’m glad the Scarlett is fully lined in hardy plainweave. This allows us to utilize all the space of the main compartment without worrying about stretching the skin.

What a shame Beirn forgot about the base though. We really do need some protective feet to keep this satchel free from scuffs. You’ll need to be very cautious when you sit this bag down.

Considering it’s made from genuine snakeskin, I’m surprised to see the Scarlett priced at just $540. That’s a significant amount to spend on a satchel, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a real snakeskin one for this price.

More Features of This Beirn Watersnake Satchel

  • Zip top closure
  • Dual handles with an 8.5 inch drop
  • Measures 8 x 15.5 x 7 inches
  • Made in Indonesia

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Bebe Sparkle Envelope Clutch | Metallic Leatherette Pleated Purse

Posted on: Apr 9

Bebe Sparkle Envelope ClutchAdd a subtle sparkle to your evening outfit with this affordable Sparkle Envelope Clutch from Bebe.

I always get nervous about accessories with showy names like this, but the Sparkle is much more muted than most of its peers. The pale mesh fabric overlay tempers the glitzier metallic leatherette base. By toning down the sparkle Bebe ensures its distinctive pleats don’t take the design over the top. On a bolder metallic they’d seem too much, but here I think they add another appealing layer.

Considering how little this purse costs, it’s unsurprising to note that it’s pretty basic. Its interior is full lined but very plain. A space this small doesn’t really need pockets to stay clutter free, but a zippered pouch or selection of credit card slots is always gladly received. I am happy to see the chain strap inside though. While this feature is quite basic, it does make this Sparkle clutch much more wearable.

I can imagine this Sparkle clutch looking at home with your favourite denim jeans or a cute cocktail dress. No matter what you choose to pair it with, I’m sure you’ll get your $39 worth.

More Features of This Bebe Metallic Pleated Clutch

  • Snap closure
  • Fabric lined interior
  • A chain strap with a 10 inch drop
  • Measures 7 x 11 inches

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Bare Creations Releases Vegan Backpacks | American-Made Eco-Friendly Knapsacks

Posted on: Apr 9

Bare Creations Brixton BackpackBare Creations has given classic backpacks a modern green makeover with its range of vegan-friendly rucksacks.

The label boldly states its accessories are the “best backpacks ever,” and while that may be overstating the point I can’t find any evidence to disagree!

There are three styles available: the minimalist Tailor, the buckled Lido, and the domed Brixton. The Tailor and Lido are available in tough cotton canvas while the Brixtons are crafted from polyurethane leatherette. All Bare Creations backpacks are available in a choice of bold but traditional colors.

Bare Creations founder Max Marvin doesn’t buy into the idea that backpacks are just for hikers and school kids. In fact, he says “a backpack can and should be the final touch to any outfit. It’s high time that fashion and function become a single entity.

I agree with the sentiment, and the popularity of high end knapsacks from The Row and Alexander Wang might suggest that backpacks are ready to hit the High Street. But I’m just not sure whether style makers will warm to Bare Creations’ vegan ones.

They might not be stylish enough to ever earn It bag status, but as Bare Creations’ entire range costs less than $100 I’m sure they’ll find a following amongst the frugal eco-warriors out there.

[Source: Bare Creations]

Vegan Backpacks on eBay

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