Prada Releases Retrospective Book Commemorating Three Decades of Fashion and Innovation

Posted on: Nov 16

It’s done fashion, architecture, art, and cinema. Now European design giant Prada will turn its hand to the printed page.

The stylish handbag brand is set to release retrospective coffee table book looking back at its 30 years of design innovation. Simply titled Prada (what else?), this is no light read at a monster 706 pages. I suppose the label has achieved a lot over the last three decades, but I hate to think how heavy this tome will be. It definitely doesn’t sound like something to pack in your suitcase for your Christmas vacation!

For Prada, fashion, luxury and style go beyond producing an infinity of clothes and shoes, so the book wants to illustrate the various aspects through which Prada expresses itself,” explained Patrizio Bertelli, chief executive officer of the Prada Group.

The book, published by Prada Progetto Arte, will soon hit Prada flagships stores around the world, selected bookstores, and Prada.com. Considering its monster size, the compendium is remarkably good value at 100 Euros.

[Source: WWD]

Prada Bags on eBay

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Be & D Garbo Clutch | Studded Gray Leather Purse

Posted on: Nov 16

Just in time to capitalize on the current taste for studs comes Be & D’s reinvented 5th Anniversary Garbo collection. While the line features satchels and duffels, I think it works best on a smaller scale.

This little clutch almost overdoses on studs, with small nailhead studs and larger spiked ones working together to create an edgy look. Yet by keeping the bag small, it doesn’t appear quite as overdone as it might. The subtle gray shade and simple flap design also work to tone down the look.

This clutch is of a decent size, so you shouldn’t have any problems fitting your party must-haves inside. The zippered pocket is a nice secure addition, and the detachable chain strap brings another practical touch. You can wear it long across your body, double it over for shoulder carrying, or take it off old-fashioned clutching.

The $695 price tag is a little expensive for such a small purse, especially one with such a distinct look, but at least that money buys quality.

More Features of This Be & D Studded Clutch

  • Magnetic closure
  • Lined interior
  • A detachable strap with a 20 inch drop
  • Measures 6 x 10 x 1.5 inches
  • Made in the USA

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New Miu Miu Stage Bags for Resort 2010 Collection Includes Jewels and Quilting

Posted on: Nov 15

Soft and squishy Nappa leather and unique patterns are nothing new to luxury label Miu Miu, but I’m not used to seeing much shine on their handbag designs. That, however, is not the case for the brand’s recently unveiled Resort 2010 collection of purses.

Forget patchwork and matelasse elements. This time it’s about quilting and shiny jewels. The new collection is full of the label’s signature Nappa leather combined with shimmering jeweled straps and quilted effects.

For the most part, I’d classify these resort designs as evening bags; not only because of their fancy details but also due to their size. There’s not one in the bunch that’s too large to carry clutched in your hand. They might not be everyday purses, but they’re definitely ones to make a luxe statement.

The Quilted Nappa Cristal bag pictured above is just one example of Miu Miu’s “stage bags” for 2010. Check out more from the collection on the label’s website.

[Source: That’s a Fabulous Handbag]

Miu Miu Handbags on eBay

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Coach Patent Glam Tote | Shiny Magenta Pink Handbag from Poppy Collection

Posted on: Nov 15

Coach’s Poppy Collection is all glitz, glam, and youthful designs. Although this patent leather Glam Tote isn’t quite as bodacious as some of the sequined designs from the popular line, the shiny look fits right in with Poppy’s signature style.

The simple square-shaped silhouette of the Glam Tote is nothing extraordinary, to be sure. It’s really just your classic, basic tote bag with a few zingy details to spice things up.

This version of the Glam contrasts glossy patent leather with grosgrain ribbon accent on the handles and running down the front and back of the handbag. Two convenient exterior zippered pockets are decorated with silver-toned o-ring pulls, as is the bag’s main zipper closure on top.

I suppose patent leather wasn’t quite enough glam for a bag named Glam, which must be why Coach added an extra glitter logo hangtag in addition to the one in patent. Overall, this a fun bag that offers a bit more pizazz than your average practical tote. It’s also fairly consistent with the Poppy Collection’s prices retailing at $268.

More Features of the Patent Glam Tote

  • Measures 16.75 x 12.25 x 4 inches
  • Double handles with 8.5 inch drop
  • Fabric lined interior
  • Exterior and interior pockets

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Spiegel Decorative Handbag Pin | Sparkling Tweed Rosette Accessory

Posted on: Nov 15

Speigal add to their comprehensive set of handbag designs with this cute and versatile tweed rosette.

This little decorative pin is the perfect accessory for dressing up a simple handbag. Those old black bags that are stuffed in the back of the cupboard can be given a new lease of life with the simple pin addition of this pink shaded tweed beauty.

Handbag accessories such as this rosette are a great way to add a modern touch, although I do question how many bags a tweed addition will go with. The fabric chosen does limit this accessory’s coordination potential, although it could work nicely to make a previously clashing bag match your tweed outfit.

All in all this is a nice little accessory than can inject some much needed modern attitude. If it was magnetic that would be an even nicer addition, avoiding pin damage on our lovely bags.

More Feature of this Spiegel Decorative Pin:

  • Only available in berry shade.
  • Tweed fabric
  • Pin fastening

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Neiman Marcus Creates Ultimate Birthday Cake for Handbag Lovers

Posted on: Nov 15

American up-market retail giant Neiman Marcus has created the ultimate birthday cake for any bag lover.

This sinful bag-shaped cake is every bit as delicious as your favorite designer label purse, with its caramel toffee buttercream finish and chocolate buttercream zebra stripes and handles. Inside this yummy purse is pure chocolate. Yum!

This cake is such a faithful recreation of our favorite accessory, from its golden hardware to the complementary stitching on the handles. It almost seems a shame to take a knife to it. Thinking of how good it will taste should make that a little easier though!

Like so many of Neiman Marcus’ luxuries, this cake doesn’t come cheaply with a retail price of $235, plus an extra $29 shipping charge. It does feed between 10 and 12 hungry mouths though, so perhaps you could get your gal pals to chip in. After all, a purse shaped cake is a lot easier to share than its leather equivalent!

[Source: Neiman Marcus]

Zebra Print Purses on eBay

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Bally Keli Hobo | Black Pleated Nappa Leather Handbag

Posted on: Nov 15

Bally ups the sophistication factor of the traditional hobo with the Keli.

The crescent shape and relaxed form are pure vintage hobo, but there’s a certain chicness here missing from those classic purses. This one’s much more uptown girl than flower child, making it a more versatile choice for most fashionistas. The nappa leather and pleats bring that sophistication, while emphasizing that casual slouch.

I do worry about how sophisticated a purse of this size will look slung over a shoulder though. There’s always the risk of overwhelming your frame with an oversized bag, and this one definitely fits that description. But at least there’s the space to carry everything you need, and a few things you don’t!

I’d have appreciated a few more color options, but it’s hard to argue with the appeal of basic black. In this classic shade you could easily pair the Keli with a power suit during the day before toting it to the bar for a few martinis afterwards!

More Features of This Bally Pleated Hobo

  • Jacquard lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 5.5 inch drop
  • Measures 9.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in Italy

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Charles David Zelda Clutch | Haircalf and Leather Handbag with Lizard Print

Posted on: Nov 14

Charles David has an impressive selection of stylish shoes, but the brand’s handbags make equally dramatic statements and are worth considering if you’re looking for shopping for quality in a mid-price range.

The label is no stranger to animal print material, so this Zelda handbag with a leopard-printed haircalf inset doesn’t surprise me one bit. Statement bags are big this season, which makes this bold clutch a great option for staying on trend during the fall.

Although I’m really not a huge fan of animal print or haircalf material on a purse, I’m somewhat drawn to the mixture of textures on this Charles David design. The middle haircalf inset is flanked by a lizard-embossed leather border and smooth leather body.

This oversized clutch has simple cutout handles commonly seen on bags of this type, but also features a detachable shoulder strap that gives you an additional option for carrying. If you like the style but really aren’t a fan of animal print, the Zelda is available in a beautiful blend of grays as well as a berry red color.

More Features of the Zelda Clutch

  • Measures 17.5 x 12 x 3.5 inches
  • Cutout handles with 1 inch drop
  • Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap
  • Magnetic closure
  • Retail price of $225

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Steve Madden Cookie Wristlet | Long Studded Turquoise Clutch

Posted on: Nov 14

Steve Madden goes more than a little bit disco with this brilliantly bright and studded wristlet.

It is nice to see a wristlet that is a decent size. They tend to be tiny, and sometimes it is good to have one that can fit more than a little cash and a tiny phone. Even better, this studded clutch still has that useful wristlet handle, making it easy to carry on a big night out.

The studs are great for the 80s trend that still seems to be sweeping the catwalk, although the look would be more vintage if the leather was black. As it is, the turquoise fabric brings the purse thoroughly up to date, even if it will coordinate with fewer outfits than black would!

The turquoise theme is carried on inside, but in a satin fabric. Unfortunately there is no convenient concealed strap to make life easier, but the smart materials and geometric stud work mean that if you like the looks you will make the effort to carry it around!

More Features of this Steve Madden Cookie Clutch

  • Faceted square decoration
  • Leather exterior
  • Matching satin lining

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Louis Vuitton Donates Online Sales to American Red Cross Charity

Posted on: Nov 14

The upcoming celebrity designer auction is just the start of Louis Vuitton’s fundraising commitment to the American Red Cross. The luxury design house will donate 10% of this month’s online sales of selected bags to the charity.

The fundraising drive commemorates the 150th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s Asnieres workshop. This location was the label’s only production facility from 1859 to 1977. So many years later, Louis Vuitton’s hard-frame luggage, special orders, exotic purses, and limited-edition lines are still crafted there today.

Donating to American Red Cross was a simple choice for the company’s North American president, Daniel Lalonde.

The Red Cross is committed to preventing and appeasing the sufferance of people weakened by instability and ever-growing de-humanization of our society. Louis Vuitton is honored to be aligned with such a significant and impactful organization,” he said.

Bag lovers can do their bit by snapping up the brand’s iconic Keepall, Speedy, Noe, or Alma purses. If you have ever considered buying one of these timeless styles, now’s the time to do it!

[Source: Purse Page]
[Image Source: Hirski/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bags on eBay

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