Luxury Items Make Us Selfish Says New Research

Posted on: Mar 11

We all feel good when we splurge on a designer handbag, but is your purchase doing you more harm than good? Research suggests that people surrounded by luxury become more self-absorbed and less empathetic towards others.

Participants in the study were asked to make decisions designed to pit self-interests against those affecting society. The respondents who thought of luxurious items before the test made more selfish and potentially damaging decisions than those who did not.

These results suggest that fat cats taking their business meetings in luxurious board rooms or even swanky resorts will make more decisions in their own self-interest than those who meet clients in a stuffy office or coffee shop.

Personally I think that’s a bit of a leap to make. Remember, most Hollywood A-listers and business big wigs tend to give more to charity than the Average Joe. After all, they’re the ones that can afford the luxurious lifestyles with change to spare.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Anna H-G/Stock.xchng]

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Bodhi Pebble Cross-Body Bag | Retro Turnlock Closure Leather Handbag

Posted on: Mar 11

Bodhi gets retro with this striking Pebble Cross-Body Bag.

The style is classic, with its fold-over flap and grainy pebble leather finish. But there are a few quirks which make this purse unmistakably Bodhi. The real feature is the turnlock closure, a vintage accent gone large. I’ve often criticized designers who’ve opted for oversized turnlocks over more delicate hardware, but I can’t fault Bodhi here. By pushing the envelope, the label really makes the large golden fastener work.

The colors too are a Bodhi trademark. You won’t find conservative shades in this range. Instead Bodhi opts for fruity tones: sun yellow, tangerine, and this grass green. The shades may not seem very practical at first, but I think they’d add a real pop of sunshine to any outfit all year round.

It’s not a very large bag, but I think that’s a plus. There’s enough room for essentials, but not so much space that it gets overwhelming or weighty. The interior is well organized too. The zippered pocket, dual slips, and key ring is more than I expect to see in a purse of this stature.

The adjustable strap is a little skinny for my liking, the kind of wimpish creature that I fear will break in time. But at least by using leather, Bodhi’s done its best to make this strap more durable than most.

This Pebble Cross-Body Bag is packed with personality, but it doesn’t shout as loudly as many Bodhi creations. For most of us, that’s a very good thing.

More Features of This Bodhi Retro Cross-Body Bag

  • Signature print lining
  • A single cross-body strap with a 23 inch drop
  • Measures 8.5 x 9 x 3 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in China

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Twiggy Releases Twiggy London Fashion Collection Through HSN

Posted on: Mar 11

Legendary British supermodel Twiggy is preparing to launch a new apparel and accessories line next month on HSN.

The collection, called Twiggy London, will feature blouses, jackets, and handbags with a British aesthetic.

I am excited to partner exclusively with HSN and draw on the network’s expertise in building brands,” the model said in a statement. “This collection will be my first launch in the US. It makes dressing easy and age-appropriate. No matter how old you are, you can always look stylish and on trend.

That’s something Twiggy knows a lot about. At 60 years old, Twiggy is still enjoying modeling work for brands like Olay and Marks & Spencer. If her collection is half as fashionable as she is, it will be one to watch. And I’ll bet there’s not a hint of fur!

At least we know the price is right, with pieces starting from $29. Even the top end items are priced under the magic $100 mark.

Twiggy London will make its debut on the shopping network on April 3.

[Source: StyleList]
[Image Source: HSN]

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Bebe Snake Clutch | Colorful Python Print Evening Purse

Posted on: Mar 11

Dare to walk on the wild side with this sexy snake clutch from Bebe.

Fashion snobs may turn their nose up at the blue and pink hues of this python printed purse, but I’m a little more forgiving. So many faux snakeskin clutches attempt to replicate the real thing and fail dismally. I have to applaud Bebe for opting for a print that’s daring and surreal rather than simply being another imitator. No authentic snakeskin would ever be so colorful, and that’s the point.

This exotic clutch is more than just a looker though. The long and lean design actually masks a well-appointed interior which seems more like a wallet than a traditional clutch. Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on how you use your clutch. Girls who want to carry bulky items like an older cell phone or a wad of keys will be disappointed, while others will love the accordion style interior with its credit card and ID slots and handy coin pocket.

Pair this snakeskin clutch with a classic little black dress or a more daring colored ensemble and you’re set for a night on the town. And at just $19, you’ll have more money in your clutch for cocktails!

More Features of This Bebe Python Print Clutch

  • Polyester lining
  • Closes with an interlocking clasp
  • Measures 4 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
  • Made in the USA

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Giuseppe Zanotti Che-Embellished Suede Clutch | Sparkly And Trendy Crystal Embellished Clutch

Posted on: Mar 10

I am going to have to get a little brutally honest here, so please bear with me. GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, ARE YOU SERIOUS? This whole Che Guevara motif is so five years ago. Almost ten. I am not saying there’s anything wrong with Che, I admire him as a man and as a revolutionary, but as a fashion icon, I think his days have past.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, allow me to recant slightly. I love the kitsch factor on this bag. Nothing could be more ironic than a Swarovski crystal image of Che Guevara on a luxury handbag. Seriously, does Fashion know that this man is a communist?

All that being said, the bag is pretty cute. It has an edgy, blingy, eye-catching vibe that will appeal to a lot of women, communist or no. The shape of the bag itself is elegant and paired down, and I really like the look of the bright rainbow crystals against the matte black suede. It would be really cute with jeans and stilettos or your favorite LBD for a night on the town.

The $650 price tag is another source of immense amusement for me, however. Not only do I think that this bag is simply not worth that kind of cash – no one should pay that much for kitsch – it’s just so unbelievably out of keeping with the man’s ideals that I just can’t help but laugh.

More Features Of The Giuseppe Zanotti Che-Embellished Suede Clutch

  • 11″ x 7″ x 1″  size
  • Lined in black satin
  • Magnetic fastening foldover flap

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Tory Burch Telvin Mini Bag | Ultra Chic And Versatile Black Leather Bag With Gold Chain Details

Posted on: Mar 10

Tory Burch is a designer that I associate with Palm Beach and uppercrust socialites. There’s nothing wrong with either of those things, but I’m more of a Lower East Side dive bar dweller, so the Burch style and mine don’t usually intersect. But her latest handbags have been fashion forward in a way that is undeniable, and this Telvin Mini Bag is the perfect example.

The rounded off rectangular shape of the bag is is really genius. The front seam detail echoes the curves of the bag in a masterful way. And while the bag is pretty minimal, the front pleating detail and studs add little touches of flair.

Personally, I think the design of the hardware really makes this bag fall together. Notice how the chain straps feed out of grommets. No clunky attachments here, this baby is perfectly streamlined.

On a practical note, the Telvin can be used with the shoulder strap for day, or the strap can be tucked in if you want to carry it as a clutch. For a bag with this level of style and convertibility, I think the $350 price tag is completely reasonable too. And how often can you say that about designer digs?

More Features Of The Tory Burch Telvin Mini Bag

  • 9″ x 6″ x 4″  size
  • 9′ handle drop
  • Cream canvas lining

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Dolce & Gabbana Studded Wallet | Luxury and Expensive Goatskin Purse

Posted on: Mar 10

This is a studded and edgy beauty from talented fashion house D&G.

Studded and gorgeous this may well be, but even soft goatskin leather and row upon row of rock chick metal can’t make me believe that it is ever EVER alright to spend $695 on a wallet. But, then again, I don’t have $695 to my name, which probably makes me a little biased towards the cheap and the stylish. I like copies of these purses, ones that are slightly worse quality but a whole lot less pricey!

Absurdly high price aside, I can’t deny that this wallet is nothing short of stunning. It stands miles apart from the boring purses and wallets that grace our handbags, and it is even kind of unisex, perfectly fitting modern girl and grungy boy to a tee. It is also functional, although not especially so; you get no more than the typical card slots, and not even space for some change. Maybe you just aren’t meant to have any cash left once you have bought it!

Ridiculous but stylish, this is the wallet for a true millionaire.

More Features of this Luxury Dolce & Gabbana Wallet

  • Multiple interior slots and compartments
  • Made from soft goatskin leather
  • Studded exterior

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Prezzo Square Ball Mesh Clutch | Chequered Metal Purse

Posted on: Mar 10

Prezzo releases yet another impressively affordable evening bag.

OK, so the metal mesh on this purse isn’t perhaps in the classiest shades of gold, but the clutch does cost just $39. For such a relatively small amount of money therefore, the rest of the looks are actually quite luxe. The checkered effect in particular works really well, with the gold squares reflecting light in different directions. This instantly makes this glitzier, and perfect for shining away in darkened parties or clubs.

Mesh purses are always popular with fans of pretty little clutches, and the “ball mesh” that is featured in this purse is the current on-trend choice. I personally prefer the feel of flatter meshes, but accept that this does look cool and a little bit different. That same mesh works really well for creating a slouchy spacious shape, and it is one of the few types of handbag that doesn’t look silly with its optional gold chain handle.

With a cute frame clasp and gold interior, this is a cheap and cheerful bag that is hard to insult for the price!

More Features of this Prezzo Chequered Clutch

  • Also available in black and silver
  • Coordinating lining with single pocket
  • Optional chain shoulder-strap
  • Metal mesh exterior

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Badgley Mischka Beth Hobo | Classic Crescent Shaped Slouchy Bag

Posted on: Mar 10

Few hobos play it as straight as Badgley Mischka’s Beth. And that’s precisely why on the modern fashion landscape, it’s a standout.

Lately I’ve been feeling like designers are doing too much with hobos. They’re playing around with the shape and the structure, adding embellishments of every kind. Here Badgley Mischka gets back to basics and reminds us why hobos like this are classic.

Everything here is traditional, from the crescent shape to the slouchy leather finish. Even the chocolate brown shade is a classic, a neutral tone which is ready to pair with bright boho ensembles.

The regular strap is long enough for over-the-shoulder toting, but the Beth also comes with an extra long cross-body strap for a casually cool look. The original strap is a little strange though. Only one side is detachable, so when you add the shoulder strap it can’t be completely removed. Why go to the trouble of making just one side detachable? I can’t figure it out.

Strap confusion aside this is a classic looking, and thus exceedingly rare, hobo purse.

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Leather Hobo

  • Gold-tone hardware
  • Closes with a zip
  • Lined in brown fabric
  • A zip pocket and two open slips inside
  • A 19 single strap with a 10 inch drop
  • A 50 inch cross-body strap
  • Measures 9 x 16 x 5.5 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in China

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Soapbox The 5th Avenue Classic Case | Practical Pretty Cosmetics Bag

Posted on: Mar 10

Soapbox’s signature accessory is the 5th Avenue Classic Case, a New York inspired makeup bag that combines fun and functionality.

The classic case name comes from the traditional trapezium shape. This simple design is jazzed up with colorful patterns. There’s a great range of prints to choose from, including the Chinese inspired Black Asian, the classic Rose Floral, and this retro Orange Vintage. The print is also repeated on the dual handles for a fun, uniform look.

While I love its appearance, The 5th Avenue’s interior is the real star. After seeing so many bare cosmetics cases, this organized space comes as somewhat of a revelation. There are two interior pockets, two zippered pockets, and two rows of elastic loops ready to hold your lipstick, gloss, mascara, and concealer. The practical interior is lined with PVC, so any make-up spills can simply wipe away.

This isn’t the sort of cosmetics case you tuck away inside your handbag. It’s much too large for that. Instead, it’s a great option for carrying your makeup and toiletries when you’re away from home. At just $49.99, this Soapbox bag would make a great addition to the luggage collection of any jetsetter or casual traveler.

More Features of This Soapbox Classic Cosmetics Case

  • Zip top closure
  • Protective nickel feet
  • Dual 22 inch straps
  • Measures 11 x 6 x 10 inches

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