Proenza Schouler looks to conquer the Big Apple with the opening of its new New York City boutique.

The involvement of new investors, led by Theory chief executive officer Andrew Rosen, has helped the American company grow. That means expanding its cache of retail stores and its product line. The forthcoming boutique on New York’s swanky Madison Avenue promises to be the first of many opening in the near future.

Construction of Proenza Schouler’s new New York flagship store commenced recently, and it’s expected to be completed for a grand opening later this year. Company co-founder Lazaro Hernandez says it’s a step in the right direction for the brand, as he’s always struggled to see “watered-down” versions of his collections in boutiques and department stores.

“With our own store, we’ll have the opportunity to show our whole expression of the brand,” he explained.

Online business continues to be important for the brand too. It’s just revamped its website to include more versions of its famous PS1 satchel, including a Hawaiian print alternative and some fetching neon hues. Proenza Schouler also promises denim items including jeans will hit stores this July. With prices ranging from $255 to $295 the jeans aren’t cheap, but with Proenza Schouler promising clean, timeless designs they might be worth the splurge.

Are you excited to hear of Proenza Schouler’s latest developments?

[Source: LA Times]

Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchels on eBay

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Adidas and Stella McCartney have put their heads together to create a gym bag that makes good on its promise. By name and by nature, this is a Big Bag!

A bag so large is really made for serious gym junkies rather than casual athletes. It’ll hold a mat for yoga class, a towel and swimwear for the pool, and of course your cross trainers and a change of clothes. In fact, you might still have space to spare!

I can’t imagine how such an enormous space could ever stay organized, but Adidas and Stella McCartney help us a little with mesh and zip pockets on the outside, and zip and elastic top pouches inside.

However unlike most Stella McCartney creations, the Big Bag’s style is really lacking. I suppose there’s a subtle charm to the gentle contrast of black leatherette and nylon, but really I’m clutching at straws.

It’s that lack of flair that makes the Big Bag seem overpriced at $200. If we’re going to pay Stella McCartney prices, I think we deserve a bag that showcases her skills, don’t you?

More Features of This Adidas by Stella McCartney Nylon Duffel Bag

• Top zip closure
• A short handle with a 6 inch drop
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 12 to 22 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 10 x 10 inches

Get this Adidas by Stella McCartney Big Bag:

• Available to buy at Nordstrom
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Adidas Stella McCartney Big Bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Sneakers Seekers eBay store to see if this Adidas bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Adidas bags on BagBunch
• The Adidas Striker Duffel bag, a great alternative to this duffel bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney bags on eBay

Italian fashion house Valextra has teamed up with South Korean actress Ko So Young for a limited edition purse. The Valextra for So Young handbag is a reworking of Valextra’s iconic S Series design, with an injection of Asian flair.

This isn’t the first time Valextra has joined forces with a prominent actress. You might remember the label teaming up with Katie Holmes last year. However Katie Holmes had a proven track record as a designer, and an international profile. In contrast Ko So Young is largely unknown outside of her home continent, so the pairing seems a little riskier. However Valextra chief executive officer Emanuele Carminati Moline says he’s confident of the collaboration’s success.

“Ko So Young is an actress that has mysterious charms. Also, her beauty and elegance that cannot be imitated provided an important inspiration for me,” he explained. “I am honored to put her perfect beauty into a Valextra bag.“

The Valextra for So Young purse will be available exclusively at Valextra’s flagship stores in Seoul, Tokyo, and Milan. No prices have been announced and without details of the materials involved, it’s hard to speculate. However Valextra bags never come cheaply, especially when they’re limited edition pieces. I suggest you get saving if you want to snap one up!

[Source: Soompi]
[Image Source: LG Electronics/Wikipedia Commons]

Valextra Handbags on eBay

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Kavu takes care of our daily needs with this casual Swoopdee Sling Bag.

I’d be overstating the point if I said the Swoopdee did its job in style, but there’s a real homespun charm about its finish. The hexagonal patch print reminds me of a handstitched old quilt. Perhaps that’s not quite the look we want in a handbag, but at least it’s girlier than most of Kavu’s drab offerings.

The adjustable rope strap is every bit as tough as it looks, but it doesn’t really gel with the Swoopdee’s pretty pastel colors. Choosing pink or purple rather than the contrasting black would make the Swoopdee look much more cohesive.

While I’ve got stylistic concerns I’ve got no reservations about the Swoopdee’s functionality. Its main compartment is spacious and secure thanks to the zippered top. An internal zip pocket complements the two similar ones we see on the outside. Rather than the open pockets we usually find inside handbags, the Swoopdee’s pouches close too with hook and loop clasps. And the convenient clip puts an end to car key searches.

$45 never buys real luxury, but at least with the Swoopdee it buys a practical accessory with real personality.

More Features of This Kavu Patchwork Print Sling Bag

• Made of cotton
• Hand wash in cold water and line dry
• Measures 13 x 9 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kavu Swoopdee Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Kavu Swoopdee Sling, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Kavu bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kavu bags on BagBunch
• The black Kavu Swoopdee bag, a great alternative to this printed bag.
• Searching for more Kavu bags on eBay

B-Low The Belt has overdosed on the fringe with this Twiggy handbag.

Honestly I’ve never seen a handbag with this much fringe. In fact, I can’t see the handbag at all, because there’s so much fringing in the way! There really could be anything under that mass of orange leather, couldn’t there?

The fringe gives the Twiggy a very distinctive look, which is made even more unusual with the vibrant orange hue. If the fringe didn’t turn you off, the shocking citrus color might. But if you’re still intrigued by the Twiggy, you’ll probably appreciate its originality as I do. B-Low The Belt hasn’t made this bag for everyone, and it’s much more interesting because of it.

It’s also far from the novelty it first appears. The Twiggy is crafted entirely from high quality nubuck leather and accented with rich looking golden hardware. It’s also really practical, with a choice of carry straps and a well appointed and spacious main compartment.

Really versatility is all that this handbag lacks. However for $485, less than many labels charge for an authentic leather bag, I don’t think it needs to become an everyday accessory, do you? I’d much rather take it out the days I’m feeling blue. Carrying a bag so cheerful would be an instant pick me up!

More Features of This B-Low The Belt Fringed Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual whipstitched handles with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 17 inch drop
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 13 x 13 inches

Get this B-Low The Belt Twiggy Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]B-Low The Belt Twiggy, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Pink Pistol Boutique eBay store to see if this B-Low The Belt bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More fringed bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Ray Hobo bag, a great alternative to this fringed bag.
• Searching for more B-Low The Belt bags on eBay

Chipotle Mexican Grill is celebrating Earth Day on April 22 with the release of a new Chipotle branded repurposed billboard lunch bag. The bags are designed by eco brand Loomstate and created locally by Denver’s Billboard Ecology Partners.

Each lunch bag is carefully crafted from old Chipotle billboards, a material which is as durable as it is green. Every 20, 000 bags sold saves around 78, 000 square feet of billboard vinyl, enough to cover around 2.7 Olympic swimming pools.

By sourcing the billboards bound for landfill, Chipotle makes its new bags with less energy than typical recycling methods. It’s part of the fast food chain’s ongoing efforts to make more sustainable business choices.

Chipotle is making their new bags even more appealing, with the promise of a free burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos with every purchase made before April 14. The complimentary meal deals are printed on eco-friendly cards made from stone paper. This unique paper is made from limestone sourced from construction sites, so no trees were harmed in its production.

Chipotle will also donate a percentage of money raised from the bags’ sales to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation. Since its inception last August, this charitable group has funded sustainable agriculture, family farming, and culinary education initiatives.

The Chipotle lunch bags are available exclusively through the Mexican restaurant’s online store. Supplies are limited, so you’ll need to order quickly to score your free meal and do your bit for the planet.

[Source: MarketWatch]
[Image Source: BusinessWire]

Eco-Friendly Lunch Bags on eBay

[phpbay]eco-friendly lunch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

When April showers hit, you’ll be happy to carry this Rubber Shopper Bag from Hunter Boots.

Hunter Boots are more famous for wellington rain boots than handbags, so it’s not surprising that this shopper is quite simple. But what it lacks in fashion forward flair it makes up for in practicality. It’s crafted from the same rubber we see in the boots, so it’s just as resistant to water. But that’s not the fabric’s only perks. It’s also very tough, and it couldn’t be simpler to clean.

It’s not a perfect tote though. The lack of closure is the most obvious omission. After all, while water won’t penetrate the exterior it can easily come in through the top. A zip would have made this shopper truly rain worthy. There is one zippered pocket inside, as well as a few open pouches, but I expect items to spill once you sit this shopper down.

The handles could also stand to be a bit longer. You could squeeze them over your shoulder, but the fit will be very snug. A few extra inches would have made all the difference.

Hunter Boots is a new name to the handbag arena, so we expect a few teething problems. Hopefully in time they’ll iron out those wrinkles and we’ll see a bag with fewer flaws.

Until then $195 isn’t a lot to spend on such a high quality shopper.

More Features of This Hunter Boots Blue Shopper

• Leather padded top handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 13 x 7 inches

Get this Hunter Boots Rubber Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Hunter Shopper, 2, 63852, flamingo[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More shopper bags on BagBunch
• The Furla Candy Jelly bag, a great alternative to this rubber bag.
• Searching for more Hunter Boots bags on eBay

Los Angeles-based online denim company J Brand is expanding its operations to bricks and mortar stores. The label will open outlets in New York City and London over the next 15 months, with more to follow.

Company chief executive officer Jeff Rudes says it’s early days, but he’s currently exploring the nitty gritty such as store designs and prospective locations.

J Brand’s expansion isn’t just limited to the retail sector though. Rudes says his firm is also planning to expand its range with extra items, including handbags and footwear, joining its jeans and apparel offerings. I’ve always loved the way denim handbags look good without costing a lot of money, so I’m excited to see what J Brand turns out. And with Coach Inc. chief executive officer Lew Frankfort recently investing in the denim company, the firm should have the knowhow to create some special accessories to complement its established line.

J Brand has grown slowly since its inception, but Rudes insists it’s all part of his company’s master plan.

“We got into ready-to-wear after six years in jeans,” he explained. “Retail wasn’t in our five-year plan. We move slowly. We aim for consistency.“

Are you looking forward to J Brand’s new stores and accessories?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Glam Boulevard]

Carry everything you need and then some in this classic Bedford Bowling Satchel from Michael Kors.

I’m sure you could carry your bowling ball and those quirky shoes and have to spare, but I couldn’t bear to put sporting goods inside such a quality handbag. Instead we’d be better served using it to hold our everyday items or perhaps some essentials for an overnight stopover or weekend getaway. It’s certainly got the space we need for a spot of traveling, and its removable shoulder strap makes it much easier to carry once its full to the brim.

However you use it, this Bedford’s bold orange color should turn heads. Such a vivid hue might scare conservative folks, but I think it’d pop beautifully against a conservative ensemble. Michael Kors offers a few more classic tones, but I think such a traditionally designed purse needs a eye-catching color to really make it special, don’t you?

At $398 we probably can’t call the Bedford a bargain, but it’s rare to find such a timeless, high quality satchel from this money.

More Features of This Michael Kors Leather Bowling Satchel

• Golden hardware
• Zip top closure
• Measures 12 x 14 x 5.25 inches

Get this Michael Kors Bedford Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Michael Kors Bedford bowling satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the GoodBuysDesigner4You eBay store to see if this Michael Kors bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The tan Michael Kors Bedford bowling satchel bag, a great alternative to this orange bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors bags on eBay

Coach has continued its commitment to tradition by following last year’s Classics collection with its new Legacy line.

The comprehensive range features timeless handbags alongside small leather goods, technology cases, footwear, hats, apparel, and even office desk accessories. Each piece celebrates classic design, although the pretty color palette, which includes some fun shades like coral pink and aquamarine, give the items a fun youthful feel.

Many designs like the women’s bucket bag and men’s rucksack take their cues from designs in Coach’s archives. However even these items have been modernized with more contemporary shapes and hues, and fun details like oversized tassels.

There’s a lot to like in this line. It’s rare to find a female-focused fashion house creating so many products for men. The gorgeous rainbow of colors is also perfect for spring. And isn’t it great to see more Coach handbags free of that unsightly signature print of old? We also can’t argue with the prices. A small purse will set you back just $178, and many of the flagship handbag styles cost between $250 and $300.

The Legacy collection is slated to hit Coach’s American stores in August. Hopefully its boutiques in other countries won’t be too far behind!

[Source: Fashionista]

Coach Handbags on eBay

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