Anya Hindmarch Ipanema Clutch | Oversized Straw & Raffia Purse

Posted on: Apr 5

Anya Hindmarch Ipanema ClutchAnya Hindmarch drops her airs and graces and embraces the warmer weather ahead with this Ipanema clutch.

This purse is a world away from the chic leather purses the British designer is famous for. Its straw and raffia finish looks like something an island artisan might produce. If Anya Hindmarch intended the semi-precious stones to dress up the design she missed the mark. Frankly the polished gems only make the purse look more kitsch.

I don’t mind a kitsch purse, but I don’t want to pay high end designer prices for it. If Anya Hindmarch had cut her bottom line to produce this whimsical accessory I’d appreciate its freshness. However the $595 price tag just seems insulting.

I can’t imagine who’d spend so much money on such a simple purse. It’s definitely sweet, but splurging on it would leave a bad taste in my mouth. If you love the look I suggest scouring gift shops next time you’re at the beach. The purse you find might not have that iconic Anya Hindmarch bow, but you’ll save so much money that you’ll barely miss it!

More Features of This Anya Hindmarch Straw & Raffia Clutch

  • Lined in ecru suede
  • Magnetic fastening underneath the flap
  • Measures 12 x 8 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag

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Anuschka Fringed Flap Saddle Bag | Enchanted Fairy Handpainted Leather Handbag

Posted on: Apr 4

Anuschka Fringed Flap Saddle BagAnuschka injects a bit of magic into our everyday wardrobe with this fun Fringed Flap Saddle Bag.

This handbag builds on the creative vision Anuschka’s famous for, but it interprets it with a bit more bohemian flair. The enchanted fairy painting isn’t one I’ve seen before from Anuschka, although its gentle watercolors make it feel familiar. The long fringe running along the bottom of the bag is also something new. Its gentle pink and purple ombre hues are a great complement to the girly image above.

Its look is its greatest drawcard, but this saddle bag backs up its pretty visage with high quality materials and a functional design. This spacious purse is made entirely from sumptuously soft leather. The zippered pocket and cell phone pouch on the bag will sit against your body for extra security. Those pouches will handle the essentials, but there’s also a trio of interior pockets and another zip pouch hiding underneath the flap. The hardest part is remembering where you put your keys!

The fairy print might turn off girls with sophisticated tastes, but I imagine girls who still believe in magic will embrace this purse with personality.

More Features of This Anuschka Painted Saddle Bag

  • Zippered main compartment
  • An adjustable shoulder strap with a 26 inch drop
  • Measures 2.5 x 15 x 10.5 inches

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Ella Vickers Designs Sailcloth Bags for Lands’ End | Exclusive Tote & Duffel Handbag

Posted on: Apr 4

Ella Vickers for Lands End ToteKeen sailor and accessories designer Ella Vickers has joined forces with American lifestyle brand Lands’ End to create an exclusive tote and duffel bag. The accessories’ nautical looks shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with Vickers’ work; they’re made from recycled sailcloth!

The fabric choice is undeniably green, but that’s not its only appeal. The canvas material is made to withstand sea conditions, so it’s very tough. It’s also resistant to mildew, water, and sun damage. That makes this tote and duffel a perfect choice for a day at the beach or a coastal picnic. The sailcloth offcuts are paired with a durable Cordura nylon base and corrosion-free marine-grade zippers. Both bags feature sail numbers “81” inked in Lands’ End’s signature blue.

The collaboration between Lands’ End and Ella Vickers makes perfect sense. Ella Vickers began to admire sailcloth after serving as first mate on an America’s Cup winning fleet, and her design career followed. Lands’ End was also founded by a sailor, and its nautical heritage plays a big part in its current identity.

The limited edition Ella Vickers tote and duffel bags are available exclusively through the Lands’ End website. The open-top tote costs $100 while the duffel is a bit pricier at $180.

[Source: PR Newswire]

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Antik Batik Nook Clutch | Large Tribal Envelope Purse

Posted on: Apr 4

Antik Batik Nook ClutchAntik Batik tones its tribal style down a few notches for its Nook clutch.

You could never accuse the Nook clutch of being tame, but its clean design and creamy beige color are more conservative than the details on many of the label’s accessories. The large beaded motif pops against the sandy suede flap. The turquoise color used for the beads is picked up again in the long tassel and piping.

The Nook is a substantial size for a clutch purse, so you should be able to stash a few more items inside than you’re used to. It’s not so big that it will become unmanageable, but the zippered pocket is still a nice touch.

It is worth noting that there’s no shoulder strap though. Modern girls have almost come to expect a chain, and its absence is disappointing. The Nook isn’t so large that it’ll be unwieldy to carry, but we all appreciate the option of strutting our stuff hands-free.

If you haven’t warmed to Antik Batik’s bold accessories before this wearable Nook might be the one to change your mind. At $285 it’s no bargain, but its versatile design will help you get more for your dollar than your average Antik Batik purse.

More Features of This Antik Batik Suede Clutch

  • Lined in cotton
  • Measures 12.6 x 9.45 x 2.36 inches

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Vietnam Produces Record Handbags | Asian Manufacture Industry Strengthens

Posted on: Apr 4

Vietnam SunVietnamese handbag makers are confident they’ll produce more than $1.5 billion worth of purses this year, which is equivalent to a record increase of 15% on last year’s results.

Vietnam’s Leather and Footwear Association Lefaso suggests its country’s handbag producers can produce 200 million units year, so it’s confident they will reach their current target. And with exports to the United States, its largest market, jumping to $71.6 million in the first two months of the year it seems there’s definitely a demand for all those accessories.

Vietnam is becoming a key handbag producer as more global fashion houses relocate their manufacturing arms to the nation.

And it seems the only way for the industry is up. Fashion forecasters suggest the Vietnamese handbag production houses will ship 30% more goods over the next few years.

It’s not all good news though. Many Vietnamese companies lack the financial resources, facilities, equipment, raw materials, and skilled staffers they need to meet their international obligations. Currently they’re reliant on other foreign firms, although Lefaso hopes in time Vietnamese producers will take charge of their own designs and create their bags entirely in house. At that time surely the country will become a fashion force to be reckoned with!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Steven Bulhoes/Stock.xchng]

Anne Klein Anchors Away Hobo | Chic Nautical PVC Handbag

Posted on: Apr 4

Anne Klein Anchors Away HoboNautical inspired accessories are perfect for summer, but all those anchors and rope accents can look kitschy. Anne Klein interprets the look the right way with this Anchors Away Hobo.

It seems a stretch to call this bag a hobo, because its clean lines more closely resemble a tote. While modern designers don’t always stick with the classic crescent shape, the style usually has more slouch and bohemian spirit than this bag. No matter what you call it though, this Anchors Away bag has real style.

I love the bold contrast of deep ocean blue and bright white. The soft nude accents are a lovely complement to these stronger hues. The silver grommets remind me a bit of a ship’s portholes, while the Anne Klein medallion recalls the buttons on a navy uniform.

The Anchors Away is a bit smaller than I’d like an everyday bag to be, but it should hold everything you really need to carry. Its pockets are just what you need to stay organized, but it’s a shame they aren’t reinforced to help them last.

This kind of corner cutting isn’t unusual at this price point though. We’re given PVC rather than real leather, and we miss out on those creature comforts the high end designers provide. However the Anchors Away looks the part, which is more than we can say for many bags costing just $89.

More Features of This Anne Klein Nautical Hobo

  • Magnetic closure
  • Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
  • Measures 10.75 x 10.75 inches
  • Made in China

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American West Wild Side Satchel | Leopard Print Haircalf Handbag

Posted on: Apr 3

American West Wild Side SatchelThe Wild West meets the African plains with this daring Wild Side Satchel from American West.

The competing influences make a strange blend on this satchel, and one which I personally find obnoxious. There’s nothing subtle about the leopard print gracing the haircalf body, or the engraved brass buckles at the straps. It all feels very overdone. But something tells me that’s exactly what its fans will love. While the Wild Side could be accused of many things, it’s certainly not boring!

And if you strip away that brash exterior, this is actually a really smart satchel. It’s a great size for everyday use, not too big or too small. It’s got those little touches like leather trimmed pockets and protective metal feet that make us feel pampered. The handles look a little too long for its size, but they’re perfect for grabbing quickly as you’re racing out the door. It’s made from high quality materials too, something that’s not always offered at $268.

The Wild Side certainly won’t be the bag for everybody, but if your taste tends towards the bold this satchel’s an affordable way to indulge.

More Features of This American West Leopard Print Satchel

  • Zip top closure
  • Vegetable tanned leather accents
  • Measures 5.5 x 14 x 7 inches
  • Comes with a protective storage bag

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Karl Lagerfeld Apologizes to Adele with Chanel Bags | Handbag Gift for Weighty Insult

Posted on: Apr 3

AdeleKarl Lagerfeld has apologized to Adele for making quips about her weight the best way he can. The fashion mogul sent the British soul singer some exclusive Chanel handbags as a high class kind of peace offering.

A source told British rag The Sun that Lagerfeld instructed his team to “send Adele the best the fashion house have to offer” after hearing she was a keen bag collector.

He’s annoyed with himself because he ended up insulting her when he meant to compliment her,” the source explained. “He thinks she’s beautiful and calls her divine.

Whether the generous gesture is enough to inspire Adele’s forgiveness is questionable, but I’m sure she appreciated it nonetheless!

In a surprising turnaround, it seems Lagerfeld wants to patch things up as he hopes to work with Adele in future. The source suggested he imagines Adele would be a great fit for the Chanel Mademoiselle advertisements once Blake Lively’s tenure is up. So she wouldn’t be too fat for the commercials, Mr Lagerfeld?

Adele has always been a champion for fuller figured women, so perhaps she might see the modelling gig as a great way to represent curvy girls. Would you like to see Adele fronting a Chanel commercial?

[Source: Stuff]
[Image Source: Christopher Macsurak/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Alla Leather Art Tarantella Weekender Shoulder Bag | Large Classic Practical Blue Handbag

Posted on: Apr 3

Alla Leather Art Tarantella Weekender Shoulder BagAlla Leather Art helps you prepare for your next short getaway with this Tarantella Weekender Bag.

The Tarantella is one of Alla Leather Art’s simplest bags, but I think that’s for the best. It’s so large that it’d appear obnoxious if it had too many trend-conscious details. Instead Alla Leather Art opts for subtlety with some gentle pleats around the front pocket and delicate contrast stitching.

Considering its fairly safe styling, I think the Tarantella’s best in this poppy royal blue. The taupe and espresso options just make the classic design seem more middle of the road. The blue is probably more casual though, so the conservative shades may be better choices if you want to dress it up.

The Tarantella is enormous, but its array of exterior and interior pockets ensures it doesn’t feel ungainly. There are zippered pockets in the front and back, and plenty more inside. I particularly like the large zippered compartment which divides the interior into three easy to use sections. Additional pockets in the side walls take care of your gadgets and sunglasses.

We’re getting a lot of bag for our dollar here, and luxury to boot. At $239 the Tarantella is a smart option for travelers and girls who enjoy carrying extra cargo when they step out.

More Features of This Alla Leather Art Leather Weekender Shoulder Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Bronze-toned hardware
  • Fully lined interior
  • Measures 5 x 23 x 15 inches

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MCM Releases New Shopping Bags | Heritage & Reversible Bags First in Shopper Project

Posted on: Apr 3

MCM Heritage Shoppers

MCM has released two new versions of its iconic shopper bag as part of its new Shopper Project.

The program will see several simply shaped shoppers released over the coming fashion seasons. Each one will have its own personality, but they’ll be united by the recognizable beribboned MCM logo.

The spring/summer 2012 line features the Heritage and Reversible Shoppers. The Heritage is an instant classic, with its colorblocked finish in conservative white, cognac, and beige hues. Its reserved look is perfect for the office, although I’m sure classic beauties will also take it on leisure outings as well.

The Reversible alternative is a more modern creature with trend-conscious colors and patterns. When you tire of one print you can simply turn the bag inside out to enjoy another. The lime green, blue, and orange hues are definitely not for the faint hearted! Each one comes with a small detachable pouch, which can be used as an internal coin purse or independent clutch.

While the new shoppers will be released to coincide with the label’s seasonal collections, they’re really ideal for use all year round. MCM describes the clean designs as perfect for “on-the-go nomads who value class, style, and quality.

Look out for new styles and colors as part of MCM’s Shopper Project throughout the year.

[Source: The Moodie Report]

MCM Shoppers on eBay

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