Canadian Stars Auction Handbags and More for Mood Disorder Charity

Posted on: Feb 3

A range of Canadian celebrities are parting with some prized accessories, including designer handbags, for a charity auction. All money raised by the Celebrity Baggage drive will benefit the Mood Disorder Association of Ontario (MDAO).

MDAO is a non-profit organization which helps to raise awareness of mood disorders and support sufferers through a range of programs and initiatives.

Amongst the items available are a Boston Bruins hockey bag from Canadian Hall of Famer Paul Coffey, a Baggallini Hampton bag from Radio One host Shelagh Rogers and a striped canvas tote from singer Anne Murray. All accessories are autographed by the original celebrity owners.

We’re thrilled with the generosity of the celebrities who see the value in the work that MDAO does,” says Karen Liberman, Executive Director of MDAO. “This initiative is a great way to raise funds for MDAO while reminding Canadians of how common mood disorders are and the profound impact they have on the lives of so many individuals and their loved ones.

The auction starts on February 7. A full list of items up for grabs and instructions for bidding is available on the Celebrity Baggage website.

[Source: Newswire]
[Image Source: Celebrity Baggage]

Baggallini Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Baggallini, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tepper Jackson Dial V-Tote | Colorful Retro Patterned PVC Carryall Bag

Posted on: Feb 3

With a characteristic burst of color comes this Dial V-Tote from Tepper Jackson.

It might be called a V-Tote, but it’s not too different from any other tote bag. The boxy shape is traditional, some may even suggest boring, but it needs to be. A purse with such a bright pattern doesn’t call for any frills to distract us.

That colorful print is the Dial V-Tote’s greatest selling point. Vibrant circles work together to create a retro sixties pattern. It’s kitschy, but that’s half the fun!

As you might expect for $60, this Tepper Jackson bag isn’t very luxurious. Its body is PVC rather than leather, and the interior while spacious is incredibly simple. The lining is cheap, but at least it’s there, and the zippered pocket will go some way towards helping you stay organized. The lack of closure is disappointing, but again not entirely unexpected in this price bracket.

It’s not the most opulent tote around, but this affordable Tepper Jackson bag is ideal for budget lovers wanting to make a big impression.

More Features of This Tepper Jackson Pattern V-Tote

  • Dual aqua handles
  • Measures 12 x 7.5 x 15 inches

Get this Tepper Jackson Dial Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Scarlett Johansson Designs Mango Handbag for Haiti

Posted on: Feb 2

Many celebrities have donated money to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts, but Scarlett Johansson has gone one better. The face of Mango has teamed up with the fashion label to design a limited edition charity handbag. A percentage of the profits from the bag will benefit Oxfam International.

The simple tote is decorated with the ancient cartography of Haiti. A message across the top of the bag reads “Supporting the people of Haiti. Designed by Scarlett Johansson.”

I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Mango to promote conscious consumerism and to benefit Oxfam’s Haiti Earthquake Response Fund,” the actress said in a statement. “By purchasing this bag, which I specially designed, you are helping to provide life saving assistance like clean water to the people of Haiti.

We can expect to see the limited edition tote in Mango stores worldwide in March. The design doesn’t excite me too much, but I’m always supportive of celebrities using their fame to benefit others. Nothing’s as fashionable as being charitable after all!

[Source: Purse Blog]

Mango Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Mango, 3, 63852, Mad Imports Donna Sharp Baggallini Chanel[/phpbay]

Steve Madden Rose Ruffle Satchel | Delicate On Trend Feminine Purse

Posted on: Feb 2

I have found it! The perfect handbag for the Spring 2010 catwalk trends. What are those trends, I hear you ask? Well, gentle neutrals, feminine peaches, pinks and blushes, and a certain propensity for ruffles and delicacy. Essentially, this spring’s trends match this designer handbag to a T!

OK, so leather is more autumn/winter 09 than fashion of the coming decade, but at the same time chiffon handbags just don’t cut it in terms of durability and stain-proof qualities. As such, having a happy medium between looks and function is vital, and I think synthetic leather is generally the more sensible option. Considering the reasonably affordable nature of this $108 purse, the fact that its peachy pink exterior isn’t true leather is neither a surprise nor a disappointment.

Let’s get onto those ruffles. Those ruffles are what this feminine bag is all about. Surrounding the central flower decoration and bunching and folding in a stylized way, they are a great feature for the purse. This means that if you want to incorporate trends but are worried about going over the top you could wear this easily with a black suit and some pink accessories. The space may be a bit too much to make it suitable for the evenings, but this is at least more than appropriate for work and weekend wear.

This spacious satchel is brilliantly on trend and durable enough to last for a few seasons. Perfectly timed for a romantic Valentine’s Day encounter, this should do you proud even with short handles!

More Features of this Steve Madden Rose Satchel

  • Pleated/ruffled front detail
  • Spacious interior
  • Dual short handles
  • Pink synthetic leather exterior

Get this Delicate Ruffled Purse:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]steve madden handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Tano A Subtle Thing Bag | Bold Crunch Leather Convertible Casual Handbag

Posted on: Feb 2

Its name may be a bit of a misnomer, but there’s a certain something about Tano’s A Subtle Thing bag.

The look is refreshingly unisex, which will no doubt appeal to no-nonsense guys and gals alike. The crunch leather finish really pops in vibrant green, a striking foil for the chocolate brown accents. It may not be easily incorporated into a wardrobe, but I get excited thinking about using this bag for a flash of color.

But the real star here is the functional styling. Two side by side pockets take up most of the bag’s front, and there’s another larger pocket above them. All have zips, so you never have to worry about their safety.

The interior isn’t very wide, but its dimensions should be able to handle most anything you care to carry. That long, narrow design seems made for carrying magazines for some light train reading, or documents to a casual workplace. Of course, Tano doesn’t forget functionality inside either. The fully lined space has a long zippered pocket, and two slit pockets for your gadgets.

The handles will suit if you’re traveling light, but I’d probably ditch them if you want to load this bag up. That’s when the longer shoulder strap comes into play. Thankfully it’s adjustable for the perfect fit, and easily removable for a clean look when you’re done!

More Features of This Tano Practical Shoulder Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • Antique brass hardware
  • Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
  • A detachable shoulder strap with a 20-22 inch drop
  • Measures 17 x 2 x 10 inches

Get this Tano A Subtle Thing Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Swoop Café Tote | Stylish and Practical Art Deco Lunch Bag

Posted on: Feb 2

Swoop puts the style back into work lunches with this chic Café Tote.

At first glance, it appears like a regular tote bag. The art deco print might look a little dated, but it still wouldn’t be out of place braving the urban jungle or hitting the mall. There are more appealing tote bags out there, but very few lunch bags which look this good.

Its appeal goes beyond the surface though. The interior is lined in PEVA, a fabric which acts as an insulator to keep your lunch at the ideal temperature. The lining wipes clean too, so it’s perfect for its practical purpose. Lunch bags need little to stay organized, but I appreciate the mesh pocket. I can just imagine using it to carry napkins, utensils, or tiny condiment sachets.

My only gripe is the zip. While it keeps the tote safe and secure, it’s just not long enough for us to get things in and out. Extending it would have made the Swoop Café Tote much more user friendly.

Still, this is a minor quibble for an otherwise well thought out tote. And at just $25, it’s a flaw I’m willing to forgive.

More Features of This Swoop Lunch Tote

  • Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
  • Measures 9 x 7 x 5 inches
  • Made in China

Get this Swoop Cafe Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Jeweled Clutches Hot Trend at 52nd Grammy Awards

Posted on: Feb 2

Not everyone at the 52nd Grammy Awards dressed as outrageously as Lady Gaga or Imogen Heap. Most of the music world’s elite opted for timeless elegance, with gorgeous gowns paired with glittering jeweled clutches.

Many stars paired their outfits with Judith Leiber purses. Kristen Bell’s Etro gown and Fergie’s striking Pucci dress were both given a lift with classic Judith Leiber clutches. But not everyone played it so safe. Always the fashion rebel, Katy Perry’s unique floral frock was spiced up with Leiber’s Maharaja elephant minaudiere. With a bindi on her forehead, the pop star almost looked like she’d stepped out of a Bollywood movie!

While Judith Leiber reigned supreme, she wasn’t the only handbag designer making her presence felt on the red carpet. Ever the traditionalist, Carrie Underwood teamed her flowing Edition by George Chakra white gown with a Swarovski clutch. Meanwhile up-and-coming music bad girl Ke$ha chose a glittering clutch from fledgling label Cecelia.

[Source: Purse Page]
[Image Source: Ya’akov/Wikipedia Commons]

Judith Leiber Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Judith Leiber clutch, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Susan Farber Belize Shoulder Bag | Leather Fringed Boho Style Handbag

Posted on: Feb 2

The Belize shoulder bag from Susan Farber is the epitome of boho-chic. Of course, that relaxed style won’t suit every situation, but it’s sure to please fans of the hippie look.

The American leather is treated with wax for a sophisticated shine. It’s not as glossy as a patent, which is a blessing for this casual style. The rich color palette makes the most of this luxury fabric, although it may disappoint fashion rebels. The hues don’t break any rules, but they are incredibly versatile.

Fringe falls delicately from down the front of the bag, which only makes the back seem more disappointing. This is another one of those purses which cuts corners, saving a quick buck by keeping the embellishments up front. It might keep the price down, but it also makes the Belize look a little unfinished in my opinion. I’d prefer to spend more on a purse detailed on front and back, although many bag enthusiasts may disagree!

At least Susan Farber doesn’t skimp on the practical perks. This gingham lined interior is enormous, and while I could use a couple more pockets the zip and slip compartments do the trick. At least there’s space for loose change and a cell phone, even if an iPod will get buried at the bottom of the bag!

I could easily imagine a Sienna Miller or Olsen twin carrying the Belize, but thankfully it’s a lot more affordable than most celebrity styles. You can pick up this boho-chic baby for just under $600.

More Features of This Susan Farber Fringed Shoulder Bag

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Chain shoulder straps with leather shoulder pads and a 19.5 inch drop
  • Measures 10 x 19.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in USA
  • Available in cognac, plum, gray, and espresso

Get this Susan Farber Belize Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Canada’s Kersh Brand Ready to Release Handbags

Posted on: Feb 1

Canadian fashion label Kersh will launch its first handbag collection at the WWD MAGIC conference and trade show in Las Vegas this month.

The bags are in keeping with Kersh’s natural West Coast vibe with looks that are relaxed, yet chic and sexy. The quality is expected to be first class, with every bag designed and developed in Italy.

We’re thrilled to introduce this beautiful new line of handbags at MAGIC. We see it as a big step forward in enhancing our brand awareness,” said Sandy Dombroski, Sales and Marketing Director for Kersh’s parent company, International Fashions Ltd.

The bags join Kersh’s signature fashion collection, which already features dresses, pants, skirts, cardigans, sweaters, jackets, T-shirts, and blouses.

No public release date has been announced yet, but the handbags will be available in department stores and specialty boutiques through Canada and the United States.

I must admit that I’m not familiar with Kersh, but one look at the clothes on its website impressed me. I’m looking forward to seeing that same signature style in its handbag collection.

[Source: PR Newswire]
[Image Source: Kersh Facebook]

Canadian Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Canada, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Imogen Heap Goes High-Tech with Fashion at Grammy Awards

Posted on: Feb 1

Lady Gaga may have grabbed most of the headlines, but she wasn’t the only kookily dressed star at the 52nd Grammy Awards. British singer-songwriter Imogen Heap was just as flamboyant in her high-tech ensemble.

Imogen shunned celebrity handbag favorites like Judith Leiber and Alexander McQueen for a transparent handbag. This clear accessory carried an iPhone which displayed photographs and videos as her online fans sent them.

The fans also had a part in her striking “Twitter dress.” At first glance she seemed to be wearing a sheer black dress teamed with an oversized collar. But that collar was actually a digital sign which displayed the messages her fans were writing on her Twitter page. The tweets were sent to the necklace through a wireless router embedded inside the dress.

Imogen Heap said she created the eye-catching outfit so her fans could be part of the prestigious ceremony.

I just thought it’d be nice for them to come with me so I’ve got a live Twitter feed from them,” she said.

I’m not sure these fashion items will inspire any new trends, but aren’t they fun?

[Source: Times Online]
[Image Source: Pop!Tech/Flickr]

Transparent Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]transparent, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]