Cole Haan has released a very different advertising campaign to promote its latest collection. Rather than relying on gorgeous models and artsy styling to sell its new fashions, Cole Haan has released a more realistic campaign called The Inspired Life.

The advertisements star everyday people who are doing extraordinary things with their life. The ads star tennis ace Maria Sharapova, pioneering female DJ Harley Viera-Newton, and photographer and filmmaker Moses Berkson.

My favorite ad is this casual shot capturing New York based art curator and gallery director, Nicola Vassel. She just looks so strong and confident. And with an amazing career, not to mention such a gorgeous Cole Haan purse and matching Verona Air T-Straps on her feet, why wouldn’t she?

The Selby, famous for his slice of life photography, was the perfect snapper to capture this inspirational advertising campaign. While I’m sure it doesn’t signal the death of glossy fashion campaigns, I love the risk Cole Haan has taken here!

[Source: View on Fashion]

Cole Haan Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Cole Haan, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The Lounge Lizard is a surprisingly restrained hobo from Kathy Van Zeeland.

Honestly, I did a double take when I first spotted this bag. I couldn’t believe that such a subtle creation came from the designer known for her love of sparkling rhinestones and zebra stripes. Not that the Lounge Lizard is without its embellishments, but this is a rare case of the designer recognizing when enough is enough.

The synthetic leather body is adorned with a subtle lizard texture, and a row of square bezel studs runs down each side. I expected to see many more studs, so to find them used as an accent rather than a feature is refreshing. The sides also have large pockets with elasticized tops for safely carrying keys and coins.

The color palette is also surprisingly neutral, with classic tones like black and white. Even the metallic shade is this delicate bone rather than glitzy gold or silver. It’s the kind of purse which could work with any outfit, unlike most KVZ bags which dictate what you can wear them with.

From a practical standpoint, the design has everything you could ask for. There’s space to spare, but the pockets and long shoulder strap to match it. That means you can carry everything you want, you’ll be able to find it when you want, and you won’t struggle under the weight of the purse. That sounds like a win to me.

I won’t say that the Lounge Lizard has changed my mind about Kathy Van Zeeland, but it does enough to convince me her collections are worth another look.

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Studded Hobo

• A removable KVZ charm
• Top zip entry
• Fabric lined interior
• A zippered pocket on the back
• A zippered pocket, cell phone pouch, and two slide pockets inside
• A single shoulder strap with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Kathy Van Zeeland Lounge Lizard Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in black and iris)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Kathy Van Zeeland Lounge Lizard hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Fashion Corner eBay store to see if this Kathy Van Zeeland bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy Van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The Kathy Van Zeeland Lounge Lizard tote bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay

Let this be a lesson to you: alcohol and designer handbags don’t mix. British actress and television personality Kelly Brook found out the hard way after a recent bender.

The Brit reportedly got so drunk that she ruined her Hermes Birkin bag, worth an estimated £1,600!

“I ended up being sick in it,” the actress told Heat magazine. “I was gutted. But better in there than in the cab.“

Umm, I’m sure many fashion fans would disagree with her there!

The 30-year-old says she was so upset that she sent her designer bag to Paris for repairs. I’m sure the vomity bag was a pleasure for those fine artisans to work with!

I’m sure we can all learn something from Kelly’s misadventures. If you intend to have a big night out with the girls, then perhaps a cheap synthetic purse is a better accessory than a near priceless Birkin. These precious bags are much better carried when you are staying far away from the booze!

[Source: Mirror]
[Image Source: Guy Jaques/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Hermes Birkin, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Treesje brings attitude to the traditional hobo with this Rebel bag.

It’s not entirely the bad boy that its name suggests though. The piping detail which adorns the front and back are eye-catching, but not too outlandish. The colors also aren’t typical of a hobo. While most hobos favor classic earth tones, you’ll find the Rebel in shades like metallic silver and electric blue.

While these elements are unexpected, they don’t really break fashion rules. Personally I think that’s a good thing. There’s enough attitude here to suit a trip downtown, but it’s versatile enough to suit most occasions. There’s no point being so rebellious that you’re not welcome anywhere after all!

Those versatile good looks are complemented by functional design. The Rebel is large enough for carrying your everyday essentials and some luxuries as well. The pockets are trimmed in the same luxurious leather we saw outside for extra strength, and the twill lining is just as durable.

The Rebel isn’t unruly as you might expect, but that’s quite alright by me!

More Features of This Treesje Piped Hobo

• Magnetic closure
• A single shoulder strap with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 14 x 5.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Treesje Rebel Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Treesje Rebel hobo, 2, mini, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Treesje bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Mini Rebel bag, a great alternative to this large bag.
• Searching for more Treesje bags on eBay

The day Alexander McQueen died was a seriously sad day for Fashion, folks. He was a giant, a rule-breaker, and a tastemaker. His vision lives on in his work, and this Atlantis clutch is the perfect example.

I know this bag isn’t going to be for a lot of people, but it isn’t supposed to be. This clutch is for the kind of girl who bases her wardrobe on the aesthetics of the items in it and not for pedestrian notions of practicality and beauty. After all, most of us don’t need a plastic football-shaped clutch, but those that do will never be able to live without it.

The hard plastic has a space age vibe that is hard-edged, despite the curviness of the shape. I love the fact that it has a semi-sporty look about it: it looks like both a bowling ball and a football. But it is clearly not made for throwing or rolling.

The fingerholes that make it look like a bowling ball are actually used for holding the bag, a minor stroke of genius on a rounded-off accessory. Walking into a cocktail party with this baby hanging from your fingertips is sure to get some conversations started. Damn, those are some conversations I’d like to have.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen Atlantis Plexi Clutch

• 13″ x 7″ x 6″ size
• Hinged opening

Get this Alexander McQueen Atlantis Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Tina bag, a pared down alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other hardcased black clutches on eBay:
  [phpbay]black hard clutch purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

B. Makowsky puts a modern twist on the traditional hobo with the Westport.

While it might sound like it came from an exclusive private school, the Westport isn’t too different from any traditional hobo. It’s more boho-chic than straight-laced, with slouchy soft leather and relaxed style.

But the Westport isn’t just another run-of-the-mill hobo bag. The front features soft braiding, which is mimicked on the gently twisted straps. Ordinarily braided handles can be uncomfortable to carry, but by keeping the braiding soft we should have no such complaints.

With such a conservative color palette, it’s refreshing to see the Westport let loose inside. The medium-sized space is lined with leopard-print fabric, but it’s not entirely frivolous. There are two slip pockets, and zippered pouch, and a fob for holding your keys. I”m glad to see all these pockets considering the ones on the outside are a little too skinny to be really useful!

The Westport is a great option for girls looking to complete their hippie chick ensemble or add a little boho style to their everyday wardrobe.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Leather Hobo

• Hidden magnetic flap closure
• Interior lining
• Measures 12 x 5 x 8 inches
• Available in black, stone, nutmeg, and white

Get this B. Makowsky Westport Handbag:

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

[phpbay]B. Makowsky Westport hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Westport tote bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

Mulberry appears to be turning its back on the small boutiques which once helped to establish its reputation.

Sarah Thomas of Cowbridge handbag boutique ETcetera says Mulberry told her that unless she stocked other luxury brands, it would pull its purses. Word is that the label is removing its bags from many independent stores across the United Kingdom.

“They implied that their intentions are to only supply big department stores like John Lewis and House of Fraser because they are renowned for selling designer brands,” Thomas explained.

Thomas says that her boutique delivers a more personalized service than the department stores, stocking rare styles and ordering in specialized bags to meet customer demand.

While the steps are a blow to the business and others like it, Dr. Jonathan Deacon from the University of Wales urges retailers to “look for the next Mulberry. You stocked them when they were less known and made them big – try and do it again with other up-and-coming designers. Wales is a great place for fashion, so forget Mulberry, and get on to promoting some Welsh design products.”

[Source: WalesOnline]
[Image Source: OPM Boutique]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Mulberry, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Hype shows us that wearing a cross-body bag doesn’t mean you have to downsize with the Janice.

This is a large satchel with buttery-soft glazed leather that slouches in all the right places. There’s a lot going on here, with laced grommets down the sides and a textured center panel with knotted leather strips. These contemporary accents could have easily made the Janice look busy, but classic earth tones like tango and sand help to rein the design in. While it’s modern, those conservative colors mean the Janice probably won’t date quickly.

And nor should it, because practical bags are always in vogue. The Janice has generous dimensions, although the clever design makes sure all that space doesn’t get overwhelming. Gadget-loving girls should love the three open pouches which complement the large zippered pocket.

The dual handles are long enough for over-the-shoulder wear, but if you’ve got a day on your feet or a long commute ahead you may prefer the longer-strap. Attach it and you’ve got a cross-body bag. I wonder whether the Janice is a little bulky for carrying this way, but it’s always nice to have another option.

At $275, the Hype Janice is a relatively affordable option for gals on the go.

More Features of This Hype Cross-Body Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Twill lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 17 x 6 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hype Janice Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Hype Janice Cross*, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Mountain View Fashion eBay store to see if this Hype bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Janice hobo bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Hype bags on eBay

Forget rummaging through bargain bins at your local op shop; vintage fashion shopping has just gone digital with the launch of CHIC &youshallfind. The brainchild of Brenna Egan, a former fashion editor and Vogue staffer, the website offers vintage accessories and apparel at budget prices.

A quick browse around the site already has me suffering from a serious case of bag envy. There are designer handbags like a Givenchy Tote N Go and Chanel Mini Quilt Bag, and kitschy finds like an elephant canvas carryall and carpetbagger clutch. Even though there are some big name brands available hardly anything is priced over $100 so it’s a great place for bargain hunters to shop.

If you want to offload some of your own vintage treasures CHIC&youshallfind can help you with that too. The Posh Pawnshop is an e-consignment store which invites fashionistas to e-mail photos of the goods they want to sell. On approval, you’ll send your goods to the site’s Los Angeles headquarters where they’ll be professionally shot and sold. CHIC&youshallfind take a resale fee, and you pocket the rest of the profits!

[Source: Luxist]

Vintage Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]vintage, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tianni reminds us what real beauty is with this Beautiful Girl canvas tote.

Tianni obviously prefers the girl next door to any glamour puss. This is a down-to-earth tote, practical and made for everyday outings rather than special occasions. It’s made of durable canvas rather than a luxury fabric, although the range of four fashion shades add individual style.

The practicality continues inside with more features than you might expect from such a simple looking tote. It’s fully lined with plenty of space and organizational pockets of the slip and zip variety. A lobster claw closure keeps your essentials tucked safely inside, and two long shoulder straps make it easy to grab and go.

Each Beautiful Girl tote features a cute screen-printed graphic and an empowering feminist slogan about true beauty. It reminds us that beauty is about your personality rather than the diamonds on your fingers and the Manolos on your feet!

Chances are that you won’t pair this Tianni tote with gems or designer shoes though. It’s much more at home with a well worn pair of denims and a favorite tee.

More Features of This Tianni Canvas Tote

• Two PVC straps with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 14.75 x 4 inches
• Available in aqua, orange, black, and natural

Get this Tianni Beautiful Girl Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Tianni Beautiful Girl, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tianni bags on BagBunch
• The See By Chloe Two Can tote bag, a great alternative to this graphic bag.
• Searching for more Tianni bags on eBay