There are big changes afoot at Judith Leiber, with the luxury minaudiere brand planning to expand its collection.

Designer Amis Garrigue will upsize the bags in the brand’s fall range. The slightly larger designs bring day-to-night versatility to the label. It’s just what you want at this price point, with new bags ranging from $995 to $1995.

But that’s not the only change happening at Judith Leiber. The fall line will also include costume jewelry through a partnership with Weingeroff Enterprises, the brand responsible for Jay Strongwater baubles. It’s a natural step for the brand famous for its love of glittering gems and attention to detail. Fragrances are next in line thanks to a deal with Palm Beach Beaute. We should also see Judith Leiber shoes on our feet by 2011.

“As we re-envision this iconic favorite for the next generation of luxury consumers, we anticipate more partnerships and possibilities in the next year,” explained Judith Leiber president Mary Gleason. “Our new direction has a modern appeal with a nod to Judith Leiber’s extraordinary legacy.“

I’ve always had a soft spot for Judith Leiber’s gorgeous and slightly garish minaudieres. The Cicely and Alleta from the pre-fall collection look beautiful, and wearable, so I can’t wait to see what will come next!

[Source: StyleList]

Judith Leiber Bags on eBay

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Heritage is Halston’s diffusion line, which means that it’s a little more affordable and a little more casual than the Halston line. It has developed a major cult following amongst tastemakers like Sarah Jessica Parker and the like, and it is beginning to get a lot more press for this reason.

I have sort of a conflicted relationship to this particular bag. On the one hand, I love the eye-popping, electric blue and the super slouchy, extra casual look of the bag. I feel like this bag would be an amazing everyday accessory for the kind of girl that likes to carry a whole lot of stuff and doesn’t mind if it gets all jumbled up.

On the other hand, though, this bag is $420 and it’s not even made of real suede. I know that ultrasuede is more practical and everything, but it’s also obviously less luxurious. Plus, it’s a pretty big, shapeless bag. It has an interior zipper pocket and an internal pouch pocket, but because of the structurelessness, you know that there’s no hope of staying organized.

Overall, I like the look of the bag, but not the price or practicality. It seems like an almost adolescent offering on the part of Halston, and I, for one, am a little disappointed.

More Features Of The Halston Heritage Ultrasuede Sac Bag

• 14″ x 13″ x 9″  size
• 15″ handle drop
• Fully lined in designer stamped brown cotton

Get this Halston Sac Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Halston bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Harmony Hobo, a neutral alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Halston handbags on eBay
• Other blue hobo bags on eBay:
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The giant bow on this Bourne clutch nearly obscures the bag itself, and that is exactly why I love it.

Giant 80s inspired bows have been around all year, and they don’t seem to show any signs of going out of fashion. In fact, if anything they are getting cooler, more adventurous, and much more fun! This Bourne Izzy clutch is a case in point; the bow is structured and classy, yet jazzed up with a subtle smattering of diamante gems. Of course this definitely means that this isn’t a big, floppy bow on a day bag; the satin and shape confirm that this is designed for evenings and parties!

This satin clutch looks great to me, but many people will have issues with the slightly odd lime green color. It is also worth mentioning that this eye-catching shade isn’t particularly on-trend for this season’s fashions either, and you may be better off buying the lilac version if you want to blend in.

For girls who do dare to buck the trend, however, then this is a gorgeous example of something that has fun whilst being sophisticated at the same moment, and with a nice helping of impracticality thrown into the bargain!

More Features of this Bourne Diamante Clutch

• Also available in black and purple
• Signature Bourne lining
• Optional shoulder strap
• Satin exterior

Get this Satin Izzy Purse:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More bow bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica McClintock bow clutch, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more satin bags on eBay
• Other bow bags on eBay:

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Whitney Houston is making headlines for all the wrong reasons these days as her comeback tour falls flat. Franchi’s clutch bearing the same name is a much more together diva.

It looks like the sort of thing Ms Houston might have carried in her younger, more sober days, with its sleek metallic satin, gently pleated for depth and drama. This elegant material is offset with a wide stripe of glittering crystals, just the right amount of bling for any diva.

A silver chain completes the look; a fixture which isn’t completely practical but more convenient than having no strap at all. Metal may have a tendency to dig into the shoulders of girls wearing cocktail dresses, but the chain really is the perfect complement to that metallic silk. You know what they say about beauty and pain!

The luxury continues inside with more of that lush satin. It’s relatively roomy by clutch purse standards, but you’ll need to be careful with what you put inside. An item misplaced will create bumps in the soft fabric, so give it the once over before you step out.

Franchi knows just how far to take it with the Whitney. It’s a beautiful purse, which unlike Ms Houston, sees when enough is enough.

More Features of This Franchi Satin Clutch

• Closes with a zipper
• A tuck-away chain strap with an 18.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.25 x 8.5 x 3 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in black

Get this Franchi Whitney Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Franchi bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Milan bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Franchi bags on eBay
• Other Franchi clutch bags on eBay:

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With the same floral prints and traditional designs we’ve come to expect from Emilie Sloan comes this cute Natalie cosmetics purse.

This feminine purse with its classic rounded shape looks lovely, but its greatest strength is that it knows its job. Rather than luxurious leathers or skins, Emilie Sloan opts for a far more functional PVC-protected fabric. Just wipe those lipstick marks and nail polish spills away with a damp cloth! The material is affordable too, so we can pick the Natalie up for just $21.

There’s plenty of space inside too, so you can keep all of your favorite cosmetics with you during a day at the office or an evening out on the town. I would have appreciated a few pockets to keep the make-up organized, but we don’t miss them too much. The zip top design, which keeps everything safely inside, is much more important.

There are many more luxurious cosmetics bags out there from some of the world’s top designers, but why would you want to spend that sort of cash? The Natalie does everything it needs to do, and it doesn’t look so bad while it’s doing it!

More Features of This Emilie Sloan Cosmetics Purse

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 5.5 x 2.5 x 9 inches

Get this Emilie Sloan Natalie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilie Sloan bags on BagBunch
• The Emilio Pucci cosmetics bag, a great alternative to this make-up bag.
• Searching for more Emilie Sloan bags on eBay
• Other floral cosmetics bags on eBay:

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Handbags are the ultimate fashion multi-tasker, an accessory that must combine good looks and practical features to satisfy. Choosing the perfect purse can be difficult, especially with fashions changing faster than you can say It Bag. But Ken Downing, the senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, says choosing a classic bag is easy if you follow a few simple tips.

The first rule is to look for “quality and craftsmanship.” You get what you pay for, so high-end materials like leather and crocodile, which “only get better with age,” are worth the splurge.

The next thing to look for is a classic shape which suits you. Some women love clutches, while other feel more comfortable carrying a shoulder bag. The handbag has to work for you; it should be easy to carry and not too large or small.

Just as important as a classic shape is classic hardware. Downing suggests that “classic silver always looks right, certainly a classic gold detail.” Bronze and copper don’t have the same timeless looks, so their appeal may fade in time.

Color should also be chosen carefully. While some may see black are boring, this is a standard which never goes out of style. Chocolate, tobacco, bone, navy, and even the “the pop of a brilliant red” will work well for seasons to come.

But you shouldn’t just buy a bag because it fills these criteria. It’s important to find a purse that makes your heart race.

As Downing says, “If you’re truly passionate about the bag the day that you buy it … you will love it forever.” And what more could you ask for?

[Source: NBC]
[Image Source: John Stephen Dwyer/Wikipedia Commons]

Classic Handbags on eBay

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Ellington easily combines practicality and classic good looks in this New Territory Folding Tote.

The traditional boxy shape has a slight slouch, but the vertical seams give it a little extra structure. The simple design allows the gorgeous butter leather to shine. The smooth aniline finish makes an interesting change from the typical pebbled surface we’ve seen so often.

Red can often appear garish, but the chocolate leather handles help to tone the shade down. We have several carrying options here; the short straps for hand-held toting or the longer shoulder strap which can be worn two ways. When the strap is affixed up top the tote sits upright, but when it’s attached lower the tote casually folds over. All the straps are detachable, so you can lose the ones you’re not using for the sleekest look.

Ellington goes the extra mile inside, offering more than space and pockets. A large zippered pocket and dual slip pouches are complemented by a handy pen loop and key clip.

It’s not likely to turn a lot of heads, but the classic good looks, high-quality design, and functional features of the New Territory Folding Tote will serve you well for several seasons.

More Features of This Ellington Folding Tote

• Zip top closure
• Measures 14 x 2.5 x 15 inches when upright
• Also available in black

Get this Ellington New Territory Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the CSN Stores eBay store to see if this Ellington bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ellington bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington New Territory hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Ellington bags on eBay
• Other Ellington New Territory bags on eBay:

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I know it’s a cliché, but God, I love Valentino. This line has been the definition of raffi’nato (refined) for decades, and this trend shows no signs of abating despite the tragic retirement of the man himself. This beaded satin clutch is exactly in line with what I’m talking about.

Who would have thought that goldtone coral embellishments and silver rhinestones would make for such elegance? Without the photographic evidence, it sounds like a Disneyfied nightmare. But this clutch takes exactly those elements and makes them chic and luxurious.

Gaudy? Sure, maybe a little. But it’s Italian, so it’s okay by me if Valentino goes a little overboard. This is not the clutch for a shrinking violet. This is the kind of bag that only a woman with a very strong sense of her own personal style can carry, or else it will overwhelm everything around it.

I love the cascade of coral and the simple pillow shape. I also love that it comes with a chain strap, which would just take it up a notch in terms of glam. The thing I don’t love is the $3,335 price tag. Seriously? It’s a recession. Someone tell Fashion.

More Features Of The Valentino Beaded Satin Clutch

• 8″ x 5″ x 1″  size
• Metal frame
• Fully lined

Get this Valentino Satin Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Valentino bags on BagBunch
• The Bebe Metallic Mesh Clutch, an affordable alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Valentino handbags on eBay
• Other beaded clutch purses on eBay:
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Nine West produces lots of incredibly pretty evening bags, and then it occasionally goes and produces something like this: relaxed, casual and quite good fun!

The Vintage America Ziggy satchel is perhaps not quite smart enough for work, as happens with soft slouchy tan bags all too often. For the weekends this will be perfect however. The coloring is bound to cheer you up for spring, using sunny brights that are toned down with the suede texture.

The clever use of the suede fabric ensures that this rainbow satchel achieves a gentle and natural look without becoming boring and dull. I also like how the fun exterior conceals plenty of space for all your belongings, although I am not such a fan of the paisley lining!

Fun, fresh and funky, this is a great slouchy bag from Nine West – although it is reasonably costly at $169.99

More Features of this Nine West Ziggy Satchel

• Suede paneled exterior
• Green and white paisley lining
• Single zipped interior pocket
• Dual handles

Get this Rainbow Vintage America Purse:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Latico P.S. Rainbow bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more rainbow bags on eBay
• Other Nine West bags on eBay:

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When the French say “ooh la la”, they say it “oulala”. It may  seem almost the same, but the subtle accent makes all the difference. It’s the same with French fashion; the differences are small, but definite, which this Lanvin satin clutch beautifully demonstrates.

As a devout minimalist, it would usually be hard for me to describe something satin with a flower appliqué and rhinestone details as elegant, but it’s really easy with this clutch. All of the details are so perfectly wrought, so well thought out, and so balanced in terms of size, placement and texture, that I can’t help but swoon a little.

This clutch is definitely not for everyday use, however. The high cost and delicate nature of the materials make it safe only for special occasions. It’s meant to be a bridal clutch, and as such, it would be an amazing addition to your ensemble, but I think it would also be lovely with a bright cocktail gown.

The interior contains no organizational features, but it does have a mirror, which is really all you need for truly special occasions. Unfortunately, at $1,090, most of us won’t be able to afford this one for even the most special of nights, but a girl can always dream.

More Features Of The Lanvin Oulala Mariage Satin Clutch

• 11″ x 6″  size
• Fully lined in signature satin twill
• Interior designer plaque

Get this Lanvin Satin Pouchette:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Amalia Shoulder Bag, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin handbags on eBay
• Other satin bridal clutch purses on eBay:
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