Tianni Quilted Organizer | Affordable Practical Classic Convertible Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Feb 27

Tianni takes its cues from the classic looks of Chanel with this Quilted Organizer.

While the French handbag brand seems to be the inspiration for the diamond quilted design, Tianni gives the style its own flavor with a striking double-stitch. I love the look, so I’m disappointed that we only see it on the front pocket. With only a zippered pocket to add interest, the plain back suffers by comparison.

It’s those price-cutting actions that we almost expect in a bag costing just $49. I suppose things could be worse. The brand could have skimped with the nuts and bolts, but it hasn’t. In fact, this Tianni purse is overflowing with features.

The quilted pocket hides a clever organizer, with four credit card slots, a zippered coin purse, removable mirror, and an accordion style pullout with four handy tabs. That should almost have you covered, but Tianni goes the extra inch inside. The main compartment isn’t large by any means, but it’s well appointed with a zippered pocket and two open pouches.

With all those functional features, I can imagine getting the most use from this bag during the day. The long shoulder strap is perfect for that, allowing us to choose between traditional over-the-shoulder carrying and cross-body wear. If you’re looking for an evening purse with punch though, consider using this Tianni bag as a clutch. The shoulder strap easily unhooks, converting the purse from day bag to relaxed after-five accessory.

More Features of This Tianni Organizer Bag

  • Zip top entry
  • Fabric lining
  • An optional shoulder strap with a 20 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 2.5 x 7 inches
  • Available in red or white

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Mad by Design Zebra Purse | Monochrome Plastic Evening Bag

Posted on: Feb 26

Ah, doesn’t this purse remind you of the Bakelite handbags of yesteryear?

OK, so the durability of design and workmanship may not be quite up to antique standards, what with the simple synthetic shape, but I do think this pays good homage to the vintage shapes and styles that so dominated the past. Those homages take the form of a solid marbled handle, coordinating with the zebra waves that line the exterior.

Whilst it looks great and will certainly make a statement wherever it goes, many people will find this Mad By Design evening bag a little too basic in color scheme. The vaguely cheap materials may put others off, although I maintain that this is the price you pay for an unusual looking bag that is actually affordable.

Strange, fun and unbelievably retro, this plastic purse is a good choice for anyone who wants vintage looks on a shoestring.

More Features of this Mad By Design Marbled Purse

  • Pearlised shaded plastic
  • Simple frame structure
  • Synthetic exterior

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J.Renee Brinda Clutch | Iridescent Oily Snakeskin Purse

Posted on: Feb 26

I have to admit, when I first saw this snakeskin clutch my educated response went something along the lines of “Ooooooooh, shiny!”

OK, so it may not be the best critical evaluation of a handbag, but I have to say that this is the feature that really stands out with the J. Renee Brinda purse. A beautiful iridescent oily sheen covers the outside, transforming a crackly and traditional snakeskin into something altogether more patent and otherworldly. Working almost like combining patterns does, this immediately ensures that this clutch looks smooth and sleek at the same time as fashionably quirky.

Once you have gotten past the undeniable luxury of the exterior, the brand continues to deliver on both looks and luxe. Considering that you are only paying $105 for this rather than a thousand, I was surprised to see the addition of a golden side to the underside. These are usually the sorts of decorative touches that you get on only the poshest of purses, and although J. Renee doesn’t continue the gold throughout the interior I think it is a most welcome addition.

It is a shame that such a well thought-through and comparatively affordable handbag hasn’t chosen to include an optional handle, as we all know how convenient they are by the end of the night. Still, you do get a lot of clutch for the money, and I think the Brinda is gorgeous!

More Features of this Petrol J. Renee Clutch

  • Also available in a black shade
  • Gold lining to the flap closure
  • Signature interior lining
  • Single interior zip pocket

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Miquelrius Divinas Palabras “Travel in Mind” Computer Bag | Unisex Khaki Laptop Handbag

Posted on: Feb 26

I was shocked to find this computer bag came from the ordinarily cute and colorful fashion label Miquelrius. I never expected the brand to create something so … well … drab!

But I soon softened my attitude to this computer bag. As a proud girly girl, dark khaki will never be my color of choice. But it does give this laptop bag a unisex look which is sure to appeal to geeky guys and no-nonsense chicks. The bold lettering spelling out “Travel in Mind” shows some of the tongue-in-cheek humor we expect from the brand. And it’s really cleverly designed, even if it doesn’t look it at first.

My first impression was that this bag is fairly boxy and basic, but nothing could be further from the truth. This handbag has two neat compartments, each secured with its own zip. The padded part is built to protect up to a 15-inch laptop with a Velcro closure to hold the computer in place. The other section has open pockets for a mobile phone and small camera, and a pen holder. The wide strap is also completely adjustable for the perfect fit.

I’ve seen much cuter laptop totes around, but for functionality and value this Miquelrius bag is hard to beat.

More Features of This Miquelrius Divinas Palabras Computer Bag

  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Measures 14.6 x 4 x 11.2 inches

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Sharon Osbourne Slams Louis Vuitton Foxtail Handbag Accents

Posted on: Feb 26

Staunch animal rights campaigner Sharon Osbourne has lashed out at Louis Vuitton’s latest fondness for foxtails. The rock matriarch and television personality has urged her fans to boycott the bags bearing these accents in an impassioned Twitter plea.

Louis Vuitton foxtail handbag accessories make me sick,” she tweeted. “Please do not purchase those! It’s heinous.

Her stance has attracted the attention of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who have applauded her efforts in raising awareness of the use of fur in fashion.

As designers flaunted fur during Fashion Week in New York, and the usual suspects are expected to be as vulgar in Milan and Paris, we’re pleased Sharon is using her voice to denounce the cruelty,” a PETA representative said.

With so many manmade alternatives available, it’s a shame that so many fashion houses and consumers continue to equate fur with luxury. But in the case of the foxtails, I wouldn’t care what they were made of. They’d still be ugly!

[Source: SF Gate]
[Image Source: Wiki edit Jonny/Wikipedia]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

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Susan Farber Juliet Shoulder Bag | Small Ruffled Leather Handbag

Posted on: Feb 26

Feminine, fun, and flirty is just how I’d describe this Juliet bag from Susan Farber.

Ruffles are right on trend, and this is one of the better examples I’ve seen lately. The use of luxury leather gives the frills a definite shape and structure.

Susan Farber successfully offers femininity without going overboard. By using the frilly detail on a small shoulder bag, it’s not as overwhelming as it might have been on a larger scale. The colors too are cleverly chosen. Some might curse the classic palette, but by opting for traditional shades like black and plum this bag is a lot more versatile than a hot pink purse might have been.

The style suits after five occasions, especially when you tuck the knotted strap away. It’s a good size for a clutch purse too; roomy enough to accommodate evening essentials but small enough to be easily carried.

The Juliet works best when Susan Farber keeps it simple. In the taupe and zebra version, with animal stripes peeking out from underneath the ruffles, things simply get confused. My pick is this black bag. It’s interesting, but easily incorporated into any wardrobe.

More Features of This Susan Farber Ruffled Shoulder Bag

  • Gingham lined interior
  • Magnetic closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 5.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches
  • Made in the United States

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World Food Programme Releases New FEED Bag for Haiti Relief

Posted on: Feb 26

The girls behind the World Food Programme FEED bag, one of the original charity bags, have stepped up to support Haiti relief efforts. Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson have recently released a new version of their popular tote called the FEED Haiti Bag.

While many designers are vague about the impact of your purchase, the World Food Programme is much more specific. For every FEED Haiti Bag sold, 50 school lunches will be donated to the children of Haiti through the United Nation’s World Food Programme’s School Feeding initiative.

That meal that a child gets in school is almost certainly the only proper meal that they get every day,” explained Marcus Prior, U.N. spokesperson in Haiti.

On a more superficial level, this tote bag is a lot more stylish than the original burlap FEED bag. It’s made in the United States from eco-friendly organic cotton. While the red and blue lettering might initially seem like a patriotic American touch, these are actually the national colors of Haiti. The bag bears the number 50, reminding us of how many lunches the bag has provided. At 12 x 19 inches, it’s large enough to suit carrying groceries home from the markets, towels and bathers to the beach, or almost anything else you like!

The FEED Haiti Bag is available for $35 from the FEED Projects website.

[Source: CBS News]
[Image Source: Feed Projects]

FEED Bags on eBay

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Maison Martin Margiela Double Strap Satchel | Slouchy White Leather Oversized Handbag

Posted on: Feb 26

This Double Strap Satchel from Maison Martin Margiela is the kind of bag I fall for even though I know it’s no good for me.

It’s so massive I’m bound to get lost in it. It’ll dwarf my frame, and prove difficult to manage. There’s only the cowl pocket up front and one zippered pocket inside after all, so I’ll spend most of my time rifling around for my ringing cell phone and car keys.

And while that icy white calfskin looks stunning now, it won’t for long. I’d try to keep it away from dirt and grime of course, but stains always have a way of finding such pristine leathers.

Yet despite all the reasons why I should resist, I’m still drawn to this Maison Martin Margiela satchel. It slouches in all the right places, looking luxuriously languorous rather than slovenly. The long handle and even longer shoulder strap give us real carrying versatility.

I almost convince myself that I could make it work, and then I see the $1315 price tag. It’s not the most expensive handbag around, but that’s more than I want to spend on a purse which will look like a grimy mess before long, no matter how beautiful it is now!

More Features of This Maison Martin Margiela White Leather Satchel

  • Magnetic closure
  • Cotton lined interior
  • A single handle with an 8 inch drop
  • A single shoulder strap with a 14 inch drop
  • Measures 16 x 18 x 5 inches
  • Made in Italy
  • Comes with a dustbag

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Hobo International Naomi Florence Shoulder Bag | Unusual Circular Leather Satchel

Posted on: Feb 25

Ooh, Hobo International has really pushed the boundaries with this uniquely shaped Naomi Florence satchel.

I do love an unusual shape in a purse; I think it imbues it with a certain sense of spectacle. For a handbag to be very distinctive, yet at the same time quite retro and traditional, is very rare indeed, but that is exactly what I think the brand have achieved with this circular bag.  The soft leather and lack of embellishment makes this seem like it could have happily jumped right out of a different and simpler era.

Funky shape aside, this bag is actually intended to be practical. There are lots of pockets throughout, ranging from the typical interior pockets through to an exterior pocket on the oversized flap itself. Then you have the useful choice between a cute little handle that can make this into a vintage style bag, or a long shoulder strap that makes the whole thing more versatile.

Although this is simple and unobtrusive, I think this bag is just great, and I would love to own it if it didn’t cost a mighty $228!

More Features of this Hobo International Naomi Florence Shoulder Bag

  • Also available in brown, yellow and black
  • Leather exterior
  • Multiple interior and exterior pockets
  • Optional long shoulder strap

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Botkier Jaden Hobo | Edgy But Practical Ruched Black Leather Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Feb 25

As you might imagine, I see a lot of handbags. So many that I rarely get tempted to buy them. Well, at least the ones that I might be able to afford. But in the past year I have purchased two Botkier bags, and I am totally thrilled with both of them. The Jaden Hobo is my latest acquisition.

It’s the perfect addition to my Sasha Duffel. The Jaden has the refined edginess that I have come to expect of the Botkier line and it’s exactly the right size for carrying a whole slew of stuff without looking super bulky. Today in mine I have my netbook, wallet, keys, water bottle, all the usual cosmetics and such, and there’s still plenty of room.

I love the squared off hobo shape. It’s got a little more character than the traditional hobo, and the edges keep things a little more organized. Speaking of being organized, this bag has a lot of great features in terms of pockets. Two exterior pockets give easy access to keys and other necessities, and two interior patch pockets hold your cell and camera. The interior zip pocket is slightly smaller than I would like on a bag this size, but it’s a relatively small drawback, and the only one I can think of.

But besides the practicalities, the bag itself is gorgeous. Tough, textured, but still soft leather with minimal stitching details and functional ruching. It’s basically perfect, as far as I’m concerned.

More Features Of The Jaden Hobo by Botkier:

  • 16″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″ size
  • Interior key fob
  • 8″ handle drop

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