Straw Studios Ingrid Knotted Tote | Woven Patterned Straw Purse

Posted on: Feb 25

Thought that once you’d seen one straw tote, you’d seen them all? Then feast your eyes on the Ingrid from Straw Studios.

Rather than the tightly woven weaves we’re used to, Straw Studios opts for a more intricate design here. The straw is knotted and woven together to create a delicate pattern. The Ingrid’s vivid cotton lining peeks between the natural fibers to create an eye-catching design. Faux leather handles, colored to match the lining, wind their way around the tote.

For just $52, I didn’t expect to find a lot inside. I was pleasantly surprised by the plethora of pockets on hand to keep the generous space organized. Rather than the open design I’m used to seeing, we’re treated to a secure zip.

This straw tote might have a different look and a few more features than the average, but at the end of the day it’s still a straw tote. Like its contemporaries this relaxed bag won’t suit after five wear, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns heads on the beach.

More Features of This Straw Studios Knotted Tote

  • A zippered pocket, slide pocket, and cell phone pouch inside
  • Measures 9 x 4 x 17 inches
  • Available in yellow, brown, lime, orange, black, and white

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Most Women Carry Expired Make-Up in Cosmetics Cases

Posted on: Feb 25

When was the last time you cleaned out your make-up bag? If you’re like most women, this simple bit of housekeeping is long overdue. New studies show many women are risking skin and eye infections by carrying cosmetics that are, on average, four years out of date.

So how long should we hang on to our make-up? It depends on what it is. Eye-shadow has a shelf life of two years, yet most women carry the same compact for 15 years. Lipstick also lasts for two years, although most women have tubes for ten. Mascara has a much shorter life span of just six months, but most of us carry it for twice as long. Perfume should last about three years, yet most of us use the same one for eight years.

So next time you’re getting rid of old receipts and clutter, take a look at your cosmetics. Bin the old stuff and treat yourself to a splurge at the make-up counter!

[Source: Scotsman]
[Image Source: Sanja Gjenero/Stock.xchng]

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Pink Studio Kiara Clutch | Affordable Embroidered Fabric Purse

Posted on: Feb 25

Pink Studio gives a modern twist to the vintage clutch purse with the Kiara.

The simple rounded shape, delicate kiss-lock closure, and gleaming silver frame are pure vintage. It’s from this classic base that Pink Studio begins to play.

Rather than using traditional leather, Pink Studio opts for a more economical fabric finish. It doesn’t look like simply a cost-cutting measure to me though. This heavy material, in either burgundy or green, is warm and wintery. It’s also the ideal canvas for the embroidered flourish which springs forth from the bottom corner. The synthetic sides and base help the Kiara to keep its shape, no matter how much or how little is packed inside.

Speaking of the interior, a back to basics approach is taken here. The lining is plain polyester, and there’s not even a chain strap hidden away. I suppose for this price, I shouldn’t be too surprised.

The Kiara’s $30 price tag doesn’t buy luxury, but it does buy a good looking and versatile clutch purse.

More Features of This Pink Studio Embroidered Clutch

  • Measures 5 x 7.5 x 2 inches
  • Made in China

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DJ Erick Morillo Designs Laptop Bags and Luggage for Knomo

Posted on: Feb 25

DJ Erick Morillo, the man behind Reel 2 Reel’s retro hit “I Like To Move It,” is stepping away from the turntables to launch a new range of bags. The Colombian-American DJ and music producer has teamed up with Knomo for a range of laptop cases and luggage.

My laptop and equipment are essential to my work,” DJ Morillo explained. “Travelling constantly, I need something practical yet fashionable to see me around the world. I’m delighted to be working with Knomo on this collaboration.

Bags like this Lisbon trolley have all the space DJs need for carrying CDs and records to their next gig. I love it in this eye-catching yellow, but it’s also available in a more sedate matte gray version. If you don’t know your La Roux from your Lady Gaga, this trolley bag could easily double as hand luggage or a travel bag for a short break.

The collection also includes a messenger, a tote, a couple of briefcases, a weekender, and a gym bag. All the bags are made from the same glossy coated canvas and trimmed with soft leather.

As a bonus for Erick Morillo fans, each bag will be sold with an exclusive taster of his new album, The Playboy Compilation.

The Erick Morillo for Knobo bags will launch exclusively at Selfridges next month before being rolled out across the UK in stores including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick and John Lewis. They’ll be priced between £35 and £195.

[Source: The Bag Lady]

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Luba J Panda Hobo | Modern Leather Handbag with Vertical Zips

Posted on: Feb 25

I’m not quite sure what this Luba J hobo has in common with the cute Chinese critter which shares its name, but perhaps that matters not. Rather than puzzling over its unusual moniker, I think I’ll just enjoy it!

This is a very modern looking hobo. It’s got a hint of the slouch we associate with this style of bag, but the trapezoid shape is much more progressive than the usual crescent. Deep seams and vertical quilting along the sides help the Panda keep its shape, another modern touch. The vertical zippered pockets which run down the center of the purse are also more uptown girl than flower child. These contemporary accents are never the most practical to get things in and out of, but I love the look.

The Panda is kept secure with a stylish turnlock closure. Inside you’ll find plenty of storage space and Luba J’s distinctive suede lining. The royal purple shade of this lining is gorgeous, and while it probably won’t wear as well as canvas or cotton would have you’ll enjoy it while it lasts.

The knotted handles are plush and padded to cushion your shoulder. While I’d love them to be a little longer, most girls should easily be able to sling this over their shoulder.

The Panda is available in a range of dark, conservative colors: black, espresso, and midnight eggplant. These shades won’t turn heads, but they’re easy to incorporate into any wardrobe.

More Features of This Luba J Zippered Hobo

  • Made of genuine leather
  • A single shoulder strap with a 6 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 15 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in the United States

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Fendi Releases Limited Edition Peekaboo Bags to Celebrate New Las Vegas Store

Posted on: Feb 24

Fendi has opened an impressive new store in Las Vegas. Inside the boutique at CityCenter you’ll find a scaled down recreation of Rome’s Trevi Fountain!

But the replica landmark isn’t the only attraction for luxury lovers. Fendi has released a handful of exclusive pieces to celebrate the opening. A limited edition Trevi Fountain Peekaboo  pays tribute to the store’s Roman landmark. Only twenty of the bags were made, and each is numbered with a golden plate inside. The Trevi Fountain Peekaboo bags cost $4500, a significant mark-up from the regular Peekaboo which is available for less than two grand.

It’s not the most exorbitant Fendi handbag at the Las Vegas store though. For the ultimate in luxury consider the Rolls Royce of Peekaboos, a bag dressed in 24-carat gold python skin. This ultra opulent purse retails for a massive $36, 900!

If you’ve got cash to burn, perhaps a trip to the new Fendi boutique is in order!

[Source: BagBliss]
[Image Source: Mrkathika/Flickr]

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Whiting & Davis Chain Chain Chain Clutch | Black and Silver Flap Purse

Posted on: Feb 24

Whiting & Davis is an enduring favorite of mine. The label seems to constantly produce interesting handbags that look and feel great.

The Chain Chain Chain clutch is no exception to this rule. First you have the soft and slouchy metal mesh body, which in this case is highlighted in a deep black metal. Then you have the stylish contrasting silver flap, which not only serves to emphasize the envelope shape of this purse, but to make the whole thing look modern and unusual. This separates it from all the other single-toned bags on the market.

Whilst the design is gorgeous from the outside, as always it isn’t quite as classy from the inside. Considering that as the owners of the bag we have to see the insides every day, most designers don’t bother taking it into consideration. The signature lining is quite classy, but a different color or more unusual fabric would have been appreciated.

All in all this Whiting & Davis contrasting clutch is stylish and classy, which explains the price tag of $215!

More Features of this Whiting & Davis Chain Chain Chain Purse

  • Also available in plain silver
  • Signature satin lining
  • Optional chain strap

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Laurel and Sunset Donatella Satchel | Versace Inspired Strappy Woven Bag

Posted on: Feb 24

Laurel and Sunset unashamedly takes its cues from Versace with this Donatella Satchel. It doesn’t even try to pretend to be original here; this is virtually a carbon copy of the Venita Bow Satchel that Versace released last year.

I have to be honest; I didn’t like the Versace bag and I can’t say I like this impersonator any better. It still seems that the bag is wearing a straitjacket with its confused, woven seatbelt surface. But if you were dazzled by the daring design, this is an affordable alternative.

Rather than costing more than $4000, this Laurel and Sunset version is priced at just $39.95. The only discernible differences seem to be the smooth handles, the far more practical shoulder strap, and the lack of Versace nameplate. Honestly, these don’t really seem like negatives!

While the materials may be significantly cheaper for that price Laurel and Sunset hasn’t skimped on practical features. A zippered pouch divides the generous interior down the center. A cell phone and other small items have a place in the three side wall pockets.

Many people come down hard on handbag impersonators like this, and I understand their point of view. But I wonder, will this bag’s existence really affect Versace? Anyone who can afford a $4000 handbag, will probably snap up the original. Other fashion fans can find a much cheaper alternative in this Laurel and Sunset satchel.

More Features of This Laurel and Sunset Designer Replica Bag

  • Made of pebble-grained simulated leather
  • Top zip closure
  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Zippered pocket on the back
  • Lined with cotton/nylon blend fabric
  • An adjustable shoulder strap with a 17 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 13.5 x 4 inches

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Forzieri Knit Hobo Bag | Multicolored Handmade Italian Wool Handbag

Posted on: Feb 24

After drooling over so many of Forzieri’s fashion forward accessories, I was shocked to find the label was also behind this woolen hobo. It looks like it should be keeping a kettle warm rather than adorning the arm of a bagista!

Perhaps Forzieri aimed to create an authentically bohemian hobo. I can imagine a hippie knitting this purse as they waited for their favorite band to start at Woodstock. The colors are definitely a throwback to that era where peace, free love, and questionable taste ruled.

There are also a few more luxurious perks that no flower child could ever have added though. The straps are made from real leather, and the interior fully lined. There are a couple of pockets inside and a zipper running along the top to keep all your girly goods safe.

But it still doesn’t really justify the $149 price tag though. And it doesn’t really make this knitted monstrosity look any more attractive. I’m sure it will warm the heart of some dedicated Forzieri fan, but if I’m after a knitted bag I’ll look elsewhere.

More Features of This Forzieri Knit Hobo

  • Measures 7.1 x 10.2 x 7.1 inches
  • Comes with a dustbag
  • Made in Italy

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Limited Edition Exotic Luxury Minaudieres from Linda Masquefa

Posted on: Feb 24

Individuality means everything to Californian handbag designer Linda Masquefa. No more than five Linda Masquefa minaudieres of a single design are ever produced.

I wanted to go for exclusivity,” the designer explained. “If a woman has my bag, she won’t see it walking down the street.

Each Linda Masquefa bag is handcrafted with exotic skins from Italy, including lizard, ostrich, calf hair, leather, python, stingray, and her favorite, crocodile.

I believe it’s so elegant, so pretty, so classic,” she explained.

The simplistic designs lend themselves as easily to a dinner date as a glamorous soiree.

Considering their exotic skins and limited status, Linda Masquefa purses are surprisingly affordable. The pieces are priced between $800 and $2880. They are available from selected American boutiques and Linda Masquefa’s online store.

While Linda Masquefa currently specializes in clutches, she hopes to design day bags, a pet carrier, and belts. I love what I’ve seen, and can’t wait to see what Masquefa can do with a larger canvas.

[Source: The Orange County Register]
[Image Source: Linda Masquefa]

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