Etienne Aigner Tucson Tote | Traditional Formal Floral Bag

Posted on: Mar 19

From one vintage bag, to another. This one, unlike the bag I wrote about earlier, is just the sort of thing that I would buy for work and play!

The Tuscan tote looks like it is worth more than the utterly reasonable $69.99 Etienne Aigner is charging. The classic vintage styling, with a tapestry-esque floral fabric and synthetic tan leather looks like something you would find in a classy vintage boutique or designer clothes store. To get those gorgeous looks on such a budget is quite a rare thing indeed.

Of course, for that price you don’t get the most luxurious of materials. The faux leather looks good, but the lining is a little cheap looking, and the brown and white stripes don’t really go with the sophisticated appearance. However, at least the spacious interior is divided and with lots of room for your belongings, it is very functional.

I love this bag, from the price to the vintage looks!

More Features of this Etienne Aigner Tuscan Shoulder Bag

  • Available in three other varieties
  • Synthetic leather trim, handles and base
  • Striped interior lining
  • Multiple pockets and compartments

Get this Floral Vintage Tote:

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Prezzo Vintage Shoulder Bag | Multicolored Snakeskin & Animal Print Purse

Posted on: Mar 19

Affordable handbag brand Prezzo has gone all out to try and create a handbag that channels a vintage vibe for less than $50.

I can see what Prezzo has tried to do with this multicolor shoulder bag. The label attempts to use retro snakeskin patterns, vintage style tapestry panels, and lines of detailed beading to pull together a huge selection of styles from different eras. However, it hasn’t really achieved its aim. The multiple fabrics and panels clash not only in terms of color, but in contrasting pattern. Add to that a mish mash of seemingly coordinated beading and you have a bag so jam-packed with aggressive acid shades that it can actually make you wince. Finally, the cherry on top is the green and brown flower; cute on its own, sure, but awful in combination with everything else!

OK, so I may be being harsh. After all, this never denies its eccentricities, and I do know of a few people who revel in pattern mixing and clashing colors. If you can pull it off, then kudos to you. If this is you, of course, then you will get to experience the rather useful size, long shoulder strap and other attractive features, and if you can over look the appearance it is quite lovable.

Bright, absurd and thankfully cheap, I am not convinced by Prezzo’s vintage offerings.

More Features of this Prezzo Vintage Purse

  • Optional long shoulder strap
  • Synthetic and fabric exterior
  • Animal print and beaded exterior
  • Spacious interior

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Betsey Johnson Heart of Gold Bucket Bag | Fun Feminine Camel Colored Leather Handbag

Posted on: Mar 19

Oversized bows are right on trend, and where there’s a trend you can guarantee Betsey Johnson will not be too far behind.

This is just as flamboyant and fun as any Betsey Johnson bag, and in this camel color I love it! I’m less convinced by the lurid pink option, although I’m sure it’ll be right up any Barbie girl’s alley! What I like most about this design is the composition. The bow is bold to be sure, with zipper trim and a heart-shaped silver padlock. It dwarfs the top of the bucket, but it’s balanced by all the blank space near the rounded base. I’ve often accused Betsey Johnson of over-embellishing her purses, so I’m thrilled with the restraint shown here.

While the bow accent is gutsy, the interior is even wilder with its spotted leopard print lining. This animal print masks an interior that’s more practical than playful. It’s generous in size with pockets to support the expanse. Each one is trimmed in leather to withstand daily punishment, making this Heart of Gold bag a great everyday companion.

At $298 this isn’t an impulse buy, but its high quality materials and quirky individual style make it worth the splurge.

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Bucket Bag

  • A side tassel
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • A braided shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 14.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Bulgari Focuses on Handbags in New Business Plan

Posted on: Mar 19

I drooled over the Chandra purse draped over Julianne Moore’s naked arm in the latest Bulgari advertisement, and the good news is that there’s many more where that came from. The company’s CEO says he wants to double the brand’s bag production over the next three to five years.

We are not known for accessories; people think about many other brands than Bulgari for a bag,” explained Francesco Trapani. “We want to change that.”

Handbags, small leather goods, and silks currently account for around 7% of Bulgari’s total sales. The company plans to lift that figure to around 15%. It’s hoped that this step will make the brand more resistant to future economic downturns and improve profit margins.

While Bulgari will now focus on accessories, Trapani says the company has no plans to expand into shoe production. Following the recent announcement of a handbag collaboration with Matthew Williamson, it seems the label has plenty going on without adding shoes to the mix!

[Source: Reuters]
[Image Source: Sergio Calleja/Wikipedia Commons]

Bulgaria Bags on eBay

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Latico Cris Cris Foldover Clutch | Modern Soft Burgundy Leather Purse

Posted on: Mar 19

Latico shows us that clutches don’t have to be covered in frills or frippery. Instead the brand plays it straight with this Cris Cris Foldover Clutch.

The simple boxy shape has a slight slouch thanks to the softer than soft leather finish. Latico has triple milled the skin to create its most sumptuous leather yet. This is the kind of purse you want to feel in the palm of your hand, which is a good thing because Latico doesn’t offer us a shoulder strap!

While there isn’t a lot of fuss about the design, I do love the vertical pleats and stitching. A magnetic snap underneath the flap’s tab secures the relatively spacious interior. This Cris Cris clutch strikes that delicate balance; it’s big enough to hold everything you need to enjoy your night out, but it’s not so large that you’ll struggle to carry it.

If your evenings regularly involve black tie soirees and red carpets, by all means look for a clutch with more gems and jewels. But if your evenings out tend to be more low key, this Latico clutch will serve you well.

More Features of This Latico Foldover Clutch

  • An interior zippered pocket
  • New fall floral print lined interior
  • Measures 6.5 x 2 x 9.2 inches
  • Available in eggplant, black, burgundy, purple, emerald, gold, and steel

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Karl Lagerfeld Teams Up with Hogan for Capsule Fashion Collection

Posted on: Mar 19

Karl Lagerfeld is a busy man! Not content with designing for Chanel, the 76-year-old has teamed up with Hogan for a capsule collection.

For Hogan, he [Karl] will reinterpret all the iconic elements in both apparel and accessories, which will help raise Hogan’s visibility in Asia and especially in China,” explained Diego Della Valle, Lagerfield’s long-time friend and the CEO of Tod’s SpA, the company which owns Hogan.

The collection will be released in 2011, but we get our first sneak peek here. It seems the range will have a military feel, with crisp army jackets and unisex accessories. The collaboration is well timed for the brand, who opens its first flagship store in Shanghai later this year.

Everything Lagerfeld touches turns to gold, so I’m sure this partnership will be no different. What I’ve seen so far doesn’t particularly excite me, but I’m still looking forward to seeing the rest of the line.

[Source: FabSugar]

Hogan Handbags on eBay

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Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Colorblock Derby Purse | Simple Oval Cross Body Bag

Posted on: Mar 19

I’ve lusted after many a Marc Jacobs bag, but with the R Special Colorblock Derby Purse the designer fails to make my pulse race.

The problem here is that it’s all so ordinary. The oval shape gave the purse great potential, but Jacobs didn’t do enough with it. With the recent retro revival colorblocked patterns are enjoying renewed popularity, but the execution here is a little off. Honestly the colored divisions remind me of the segments of a pie chart. That might work for some academic types, but that’s not the look I want to sport on my handbag!

While the oval shape is eye-catching, it lets us down on a practical level. You won’t be able to fit a lot inside this purse, so I hope you know how to travel light. The cross-body strap is a convenient touch, but I’d have forgone this for some extra space inside.

Like other bags in the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection, the R Special Colorblock Derby is relatively affordable at $168. The designer’s name may be enough to convince some fashion fans to spend the money, but I’d prefer more bag and style for my dollar.

More Features of This Marc by Marc Jacobs Colorblock Cross Body

  • Made of leather
  • Logo print lining
  • Zip top closure
  • A cross-body strap with a 20.5 inch
  • Measures 5.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches
  • Made in Indonesia

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Tommy Hilfiger Iconic Striped Tote | Nautical Navy & Red Handbag

Posted on: Mar 18

Tommy Hilfiger uses those signature stripes to create a tote that is as nautical as it gets.

Unless you don’t like the sailor look, then you will probably be pleased by the current on-trend combination of red, navy and white. Personally I love the combination, and every time it comes into fashion I take the opportunity to stock up on anything nautically themed! Whilst normally Tommy Hilfiger can be a little conservative, the mixed width stripes on this traditionally shaped tote work really well.

Many people will hesitate over the rather unexpected brown leather trim, but this gives much needed reinforcement to a fragile canvas structure. This makes it suitable as a sporty work bag or even a weekend tote, and the affordable price of $69 suits that grab-and-go approach.

Spacious, cute and affordable, this will be the perfect accessory for walking the plank!

More Features of this Tommy Hilfiger Iconic Tote

  • Brown synthetic leather reinforcements
  • Multiple color and striped canvas design
  • Dual canvas handles
  • Attractive lined interior

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Mary Frances White Dahlia Evening Bag | Dramatic Floral Layered Purse

Posted on: Mar 18

Mary Frances isn’t known for her subtle designs, but if you want a wedding suitable evening bag then you probably couldn’t get more apt than the White Dahlia purse!

I like flowers on bags, but this collection of cream and ivory beauties may be a little over the top for even the keenest gardener! You not only have layer upon layer of Dahlias making up the exterior, but lot of beaded additions, a chunky beaded handle, and even a piled floral top. This is like a wedding bouquet in a handbag, and as such may be just the thing for the flower girls or even for the bride.

The problem is that whilst I can actually understand who would use this, I still don’t “get it.” One stumbling block may well be the price, which at $283 is quite expensive for a purse that is something of a novelty. If you think you can wear this slouchy purse out more than once then by all means get it, but otherwise this doesn’t make the most sensible investment piece.

A dramatic collection of satin and baubles, this is a silly purse for lighthearted souls!

More Features of this Mary Frances Floral Evening Bag

  • Cute little lid closure
  • Beaded short handle
  • Satin lined interior
  • Satin flower and beaded exterior

Get this Layered White Dahlia Purse:

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Inge Christopher Armadillo Flap Clutch | Exotic Textured Layered Tier Metallic Purse

Posted on: Mar 18

I thought I’d seen exotic purses mimicking every animal imaginable, but it seems I was wrong. Meet the Armadillo Flap Clutch from Inge Christopher.

Now before you animal activists get up in arms, note that I said this clutch was merely mimicking armadillo. It’s actually made from leather stamped with an exotic texture inspired by the elusive American critter. As I’ve never seen an authentic armadillo purse it’s impossible to judge whether the leather does a good impersonation or not. That works in the clutch’s favor, inspiring the kind of envy a bad snakeskin or crocodile copy never could.

This skin really could have stood alone, but Inge Christopher adds even more intrigue with overlapping tiers of leather. Some may accuse this purse of being too busy, but I think it looks modern and dramatic. I also love the way the layers emphasize the shine of the metallic skin.

This is a long clutch, but its cigar shape will never offer much in the way of storage space. It’s so narrow that you’ll have to be careful what you pack inside, so beware of bumps and bulges. I suggest leaving your wallet at home and taking advantage of the interior pocket.

With the Armadillo Clutch we are not starved for choice. I think magenta is my favorite, but if you don’t agree there are seven more shades to consider!

More Features of This Inge Christopher Layered Clutch

  • Double magnetic snap closure
  • Satin lined interior
  • A short detachable shoulder chain
  • Measures 4 x 1.7 x 12 inches

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