Teresa Cowley Eco-Chic Handbags from Australia

Posted on: Feb 19

It’s a long journey from country New South Wales to Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, but it’s one that Aussie girl Teresa Cowley has confidently made with her collection of eco-friendly handbags.

Teresa established the label when she noticed a lack of stylish fabric handbags in the fashion landscape. Her collection features purses of all sizes, from large shoulder bags and totes to smaller coin purses and clutches.

The exteriors are crafted from eco-friendly fabrics including organic cotton and hemp, while inside you’ll find refashioned linings. Those that do not have fabric straps feature handles made from bamboo or rosewood sourced from sustainable forest plantations. Each Teresa Cowley bag is proudly handmade and designed in Australia. The rosette accents and floral patterns she favors are right on trend.

Teresa Cowley handbags are available from a range of fashion boutiques and eco friendly stores, and online at Teresa Cowley and Etsy.

[Source: Teresa Cowley]

Organic Cotton Bags on eBay

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Echo Multi Colored Yarn Clutch | Contemporary Black and White Foldover Purse

Posted on: Feb 19

Echo got a bit of a bashing here at BagBunch recently for its functional, yet butt ugly, Terry Cloth Hobo. Looking at this Multi Colored Yarn Clutch, it’s almost hard to believe it came from the same fashion house.

Black and white is a classic combination, but it’s given a modern feel here with the abstract yarn-like pattern. This wild print is complemented by the soft faux leather trim.

The bright orange lining is a delightful contrast to this clutch’s monochromatic exterior. But the interior wows me for more than aesthetic reasons. I also love the dimensions; narrow for style, yet large enough to easily accommodate everything you need for a good night out. Such a big space is prone to clutter, but pockets in both walls are on hand to help you stay organized.

A foldover purse always offers versatility. You can fold the top over and carry it as a traditional clutch, or open it up to use the cut-out handles. These modern handles are never overly comfortable to carry, but by using a soft synthetic it should be easier on your hands than most.

More Features of This Echo Foldover Clutch

  • Measures 15 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Also available in a black/multicolored print

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Alexander McQueen Lives On Following Founder’s Suicide

Posted on: Feb 19

Alexander McQueen’s fashion house will go on despite the suicide of its founder, Lee Alexander McQueen last week.

We believe in the future of the brand. Lee was very proud of the people working in his company, and so am I,” said Robert Polet, president and chief executive officer of Gucci Group in a public statement.

It is too early to tell who will fill the very big shoes left behind by Alexander McQueen, but they’ll have to work hard to impress us the way he did. The Alexander McQueen fashion house currently earns around $100 million each year, but only time will tell whether a new face can achieve those numbers.

The decision to continue the business in McQueen’s absence is sure to be a controversial one. While some may argue that the act honors McQueen’s legacy, I’m sure many fans feel it’s simply a money-making exercise. Whichever view you have, I’m sure you’re all interested to see the direction this fashion house takes.

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: The Smart Stylist/Wikipedia Commons]

Alexander McQueen Handbags on eBay

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Mary Frances What a Hoot Shoulder Bag | Kitsch Beaded Owl Purse

Posted on: Feb 19

What a Hoot is right! I can’t imagine a more appropriate name for this Mary Frances bag!

This owl bag is sure to polarize opinion with its beaded eyes and layered stone wings. Some will embrace its kitschy appeal, but I’m sure just as many bagistas will think it’s hideous. Either way, it’ll make a great conversation starter!

It should come as no surprise that this isn’t a very practical purse. It’s incredibly tiny, and that owl shape makes packing in even the essentials nearly impossible. But unlike so many animal-shaped bags, at least we get a chain strap. Although it’s not going to be very comfortable to carry, particularly if you’re wearing something strapless, it is always nice to have the option to go hands-free.

Many people will balk at paying $265 for what is essentially a novelty purse. But something tells me fans of Judith Leiber’s audacious minaudieres will think this is a steal!

More Features of This Mary Frances Owl Shoulder Bag

  • Fully lined interior
  • An open pocket inside
  • Measures 6 x 2 x 7 inches
  • Made in Philippines

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Two’s Company Pop Art Tote | Thermal Cooler Pow! Lunch Bag

Posted on: Feb 18

This fun lunch tote from Two’s Company is bound to appeal to pop art fans and comic book geeks alike.

With its super hero themed graphic and bold fluorescent orange and blue colors, this tote will make a big impression in any lunch room or cafeteria. While bags like the Swoop Café Tote try to hide your lunch in a stylish accessory, this one is unashamedly kitschy.

While the exterior is flippant and fun, inside this Two’s Company tote gets down to business. It’s completely insulated to keep your sandwiches and drinks cold. The convenient zip closure prevents spilled drinks from leaking out, while the smooth interior simply wipes clean with a cloth.

While it’d use this to add a little fun to the nine-to-five drudge, I’m sure it’d work just as well out of the office. This is a great go-to tote for romantic picnics, days at the ball game, or afternoons spent hiking in the great outdoors.

More Features of This Two’s Company Thermal Tote

  • Dual shoulder straps
  • Measures 14 x 9.5 x 5 inches

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Inge Christopher Eve Clutch | Silk Flowers Flap Purse

Posted on: Feb 18

Inge Christopher has made a beautiful purse that is perfect for this season’s trends.

Elaborate purses are always fun, and this one is slightly more elaborate than most. Not only do you have the on-trend ruffles, but the left side of the clutch is covered in cute stylized flowers. The overall effect is a complex one, and although I am confused by the different styles of design I think it does look quite feminine and fun!

The color scheme of this Eve clutch fits in well with the pastel themes that have been seen on the catwalks for spring. Thankfully this particular beige shade shouldn’t go out of fashion as the next season rolls around, although it is never going to be the most modern or youthful color.

It may be quite pricey, but I have to say I generally like the style of this Inge Christopher purse.

More Features of this Inge Christopher Silk Clutch

  • Also available in four other colors
  • Silk flower exterior
  • Pastel shades
  • Interior slip pocket

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Tie-Dyed Bags and Fashions Predicted to be Next Big Trend

Posted on: Feb 18

I might have been incredulous when I spotted the tie-dyed Betseyville Cat-ch Me Hobo recently, but according to fashion forecasters it’s right on trend.

This season we’ll embrace our inner hippie chick with tie-dyed tops and knitwear acting as features, and tie-dyed accessories adding a boho touch to neutral ensembles. Understated is the order of the day though. Opt for complementary colors rather than a rainbow print to rock this lock.

Use tie-dye accessories or shoes to add a splash of interest to winter neutrals,” advised Icelandic designer and tie-dye fan Karen Millen.

I must admit, this boho-chic fashion prediction has taken me a bit by surprise. After all, hobos are becoming more structured and tassels are becoming sparser. Perhaps a tie-dyed print is the new way to express your free-spirited side?

Only time will tell whether tie-dyed fashions do become the next big thing, or whether it’s simply wishful thinking on the part of tie-dyed supporters like Karen Millen and Betsey Johnson.

[Source: Watch Shop]
[Image Source: Erin Calaway-Mackay/Stock.xchng]

Tie-Dyed Bags on eBay

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Tianni Zig Zag Patchwork Hobo | Unique Angular Patterned Slouch Handbag

Posted on: Feb 18

Once upon time, patchwork bags were right on trend. But fashion changed, and even brands like Coach stopped making their once signature patchwork purses. Tianni’s doing its best to bring patchwork back with this Zig Zag Patchwork Hobo.

By opting for long rectangular swatches arranged in an abstract geometric design, rather than the more traditional square checks, Tianni has created a brand new look. Whether it will reignite our passion for patchwork I’m not sure, but it is different. Tianni has experimented with different patterns and finishes, but by keeping the swatches in a monochromatic color scheme it doesn’t appear too radical.

This is a well organized bag for this price bracket. Its dimensions are incredibly generous, and while the black lining is basic it does the job. A zippered pocket and an open cell phone pouch take care of your smaller essentials, leaving you free to think about more important things!

Less practical is that handle, which is just a smidge too short to be useful. Tiny girls might be able to swing it over their shoulder, but the rest of us will struggle. A bag of this size really benefits from straps that are a longer, as no one wants to carry a heavy bag by hand.

More Features of This Tianni Patchwork Hobo

  • A single shoulder strap with a 4 inch drop
  • Measures 18 x 4 x 12 inches

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Alexa Chung Handbags Drive Mulberry Profits Past Forecast

Posted on: Feb 18

Mulberry has exceeded its predicted profits this year, and it has Alexa Chung to thank. Fashion fans have been quick to embrace the brand’s Alexa range designed for the British television personality and former MTV host.

Since the Alexa collection’s launch last month, department stores including Selfridges and Harrods have struggled to keep pace with the demand.

It is clearly very helpful for sales when someone like Alexa is carrying your bag,” said Mulberry’s chief executive and chairman Godfrey Davis.

Analysts now suggest the company may enjoy pre-tax profits of £6 million for the year to the end of March, up from earlier predictions of £4.8 million. This is the second time in the last three months that Mulberry has raised its forecasts. It will inject this boost into its advertising spend next year, which is sure to help increase those profits in future.

[Source: This is London]
[Image Source: LGEPR/Flickr]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

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Miquelrius Sophis Wristlet | Debossed Small Leather Purse with Jordi Labanda Design

Posted on: Feb 18

Miquelrius is known for its cute and colorful prints, but the brand shows it also knows how to keep things low-key with the Sophis wristlet.

Not that the Sophis is boring at all. Regal purple never could be, although by sticking with a single color Miquelrius has created a bag that’s more sedate than the others in its collection. This simply shaped purse is adorned with a swirling debossed print which sprawls out from a corner. Its floral, but its on trend art deco feel keeps it current.

This wristlet is narrow, but it’s long enough to offer a little more space than the average. The generous 4 x 2.25 inch pocket also helps make the Sophis quite practical. It’s a good thing too, because this is exactly the kind of purse I’d like to carry during the day, so it really needs space for more than coins and keys.

With the Sophis, Miquelrius have gone from cutesy fashion label to one I’m taking more seriously. I hope to see more bags like this from the brand in future.

More Features of This Miquelrius Debossed Leather Wristlet

  • Zip top closure
  • Silk imprinted interior lining
  • Measures 9.5 x 0.5 x 4 inches

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