Harveys Seatbelt Wrislet | Eco-Friendly Woven Recycled Seatbelt Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

Although I’m a big proponent of the eco-friendly movement and am all for the practice of using unexpected recycled products in fashion, I’ve never been a huge fan of the Harveys seatbelt bags. I can appreciate the product for a clever use of the material. However, like the Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags, I can’t help but sometimes see the original material staring back at me when I look at them.

There are a few exceptions to my slight distaste for the brand, though, with one such style being the striped Harveys Rugby Satchel. Now I can add a new one to that short list. This Seatbelt Wristlet from the brand is definitely all seatbelt but on a smaller, more palatable scale.

Perhaps it is the vibrant red hue of the wristlet that attracts me as well. I actually like the way that the weaving on the bag brings out different tones within the color.

Like most practical wristlets, this Harveys design has a detachable wrist strap allowing you to either wear it on your hand, carry it as a clutch, or tuck it in a larger bag for extra storage. The price tag of $78 is a little steep for such a casual wrist bag, in my opinion, but it’s not an uncommon range for an eco-friendly line.

More Features of the Seatbelt Wristlet

  • Measures 8.75 x 5 x 0.75 inches
  • Zip top closure
  • Woven seatbelt material

Get this Harveys Seatbelt Wrist Bag:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]seatbelt bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

L.A.M.B Jean Large Bowler | Stylized Colorblock Patent Satchel

Posted on: Nov 12

This colorblock approach is more and more becoming the signature style of the L.A.M.B designers.

The Jean bowler makes great use of the patent panels, contrasting them with the metallic body and matte accents. Lookswise, this design ticks all the boxes for adding texture, pattern and interest into the design.

Whilst the bowler shape and black patent make this bag look quite formal, the metallic shade adds a new degree of glamor. This is great, as it means that you could happily wear it after work for a night out or meal, although the large size will probably be a little too much.

Inside, this satchel could have opted for a rather boring matte shade. However, as you can tell, L.A.M.B likes to produce attractive and slightly quirky purses. Consequently, the strangely fabulous interior lining is in bold stylized black and white stripes, contrasting excellently with the curved exterior. I could have used a few more pockets inside the bag, what with the space, but this bowler does have an excellent capacity.

All in all this is a bold and vivacious bag that has bags of attitude and just about enough functionality. A cross-body shoulder strap would be nice, but beggars can’t be choosers.

More Features of this L.A.M.B Jean Patent Bowler

  • Available in scarlet, gilded (pictured) and noir
  • Patent top and bottom, plus accents
  • Metallic and matte additional shades
  • Dust bag included

Get this Stylized Spacious Satchel:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]l.a.m.b bags, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Baby Phat Royal Status 4 Ring Satchel | Crown Motif Purse with Diagonal Pockets

Posted on: Nov 12

There’s just nothing subtle about a Baby Phat bag. The label divides opinion more than most with its busy and brash designs. From any other brand I’d gasp in horror at the Royal Status 4 Ring Satchel, but it’s just what I’d expect from Baby Phat.

The brown synthetic leather was probably conservative once. That is, until Baby Phat covered it in its ornate crown logo. Those crowns have got nothing on the bag’s centerpiece: a large metal crown adorned with studs. There are more studs along the base of the bag, and along the belts around the angular pockets. Sloping pockets tend to look edgy, but these belts create a vaguely equestrian feel. I suppose royalty ride horses, but the embellishment still feels a little out of place. The bold colored racing stripes streaking down the center of the purse are similarly confusing. They add color, but there was so much going on already that more design features was the last thing this satchel needed.

It’s a shame that Baby Phat didn’t care so much about adding features inside. The interior is spacious enough to comfortably carry a chunky wallet, must-have technology, and other daily essentials. But there are not enough pockets to help us truly stay organized. There’s a zippered pocket for loose change, and an open pouch for a cell phone, but where will your iPod or Nintendo DS go? The handles are also a shade too short for comfortable over-the-shoulder carrying.

While I might obsess about its practical shortcomings, that’s not likely to deter Baby Phat’s legions of fans. If you’ve got to the confidence to carry off this cluttered look, more power to you!

More Features of This Baby Phat Crown Satchel

  • Platform base
  • Top zip closure with kitty logo pull tag
  • Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 6 x 8 inches

Get this Baby PhatRoyal Status 4 Ring Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Financial Crisis Forces Luella’s Closure, Inspiring Twitter Fan Outpouring

Posted on: Nov 12

Critical acclaim and a celebrity following are no insurance for surviving the global recession. Just ask Luella Bartley! The Designer of the Year at the 2008 British Fashion Awards has been forced to close down her Luella label following the loss of one of its main suppliers.

Luella’s Italian production company Carla Carini shut down last month. This means that the orders for Luella’s spring/summer 2010 collection could not be completed. This inspired VSQ, the company in charge of the brand’s distribution, to withdraw its support.

The decision to close down operations is a blow for Luella’s fans, which include fashionable young Britons like Alexa Chung, Lily Allen, and Pixie Geldof. But Ms Bartley says we shouldn’t count her out just yet. She is currently exploring options to take the label forward.

She’s got the support of online fans, who are expressing their Luella love by adding a “Save Luella” banner to their Twitter avatars. I’m not sure whether anyone with clout will listen to the cyber outpouring, but only time will tell!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Luella]

Luella Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Luella, 3, 63852, ed hardy[/phpbay]

B. Makowsky Eden Shopper | Belted Leather Casual Carryall Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

B. Makowsky is one of those rare designers who always seems to hit the mark. While his bags are never right for the red carpet or a glamorous night out, it’s hard to resist them when you’re looking for a casual everyday purse. With Christmas just around the corner, it seems appropriate to think about a bag like the Eden shopper.

It’s not as large as many shoppers, so it won’t carry a lot of holiday shopping. But it would look cute paired with your casual mall attire, especially in this festive shade of lipstick red! If it’s a little loud for your tastes, consider one of the five other color options. Stone and brandy are classic choices for the more reserved bagistas out there.

For me though, red is the real showstopper. The vibrant shade makes the silver hardware adorning the external pockets, belt, and shoulder straps really pop. The faux belt may make getting in and out of the bag a little fiddly, but I like the relaxed style it brings. Tying it loosely may make your goodies more accessible, or you could stash the essentials into the massive side pockets.

The $288 price tag represents great value for this classic B. Makowsky shopping bag.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Belted Shopper

  • Made of 100% leather
  • Leopard print lining
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 11.5 x 11.5 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in stone, brandy, lipstick, sage, maize, and marble blue

Get this B. Makowsky Eden Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Experts Dish Out Bag and Shoe Advice on Episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”

Posted on: Nov 11

Oprah Winfrey might be considered an expert on a variety of topics, but apparently she leaves the fashion advice to industry insiders.

On a recent episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the famous talk show host gathered a panel of fashion gurus to dish on how the right choice of handbags and shoes can take you from frumpy to simply fabulous. The experts included Joe Zee, creative director of Elle magazine and sometimes regular on MTV’s reality show The City; celebrity stylist and Harper’s Bazaar contributor Mary Alice Stephenson; and Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine.

The tips included a list of six pairs of shoes that every woman should have in her closet as well as advice on how to wear current shoe and accessory trends in a flattering way.

Specifically regarding handbags, Joe Zee advised that the best on-the-go bag is the classic black hobo since it “goes with everything and can go everywhere.” Also, the hottest designer bag splurge of the season is the Marc Jacobs Jet Bag, which rings in at over $1,500.

Click here to read more of the expert tips talked about on the show.

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Cliff Dix Jr/Flickr]

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]marc jacobs, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Moschino Beluga Shoulder Bag | Luxurious and Classic Pebbled Leather Handbag

Posted on: Nov 11

I’ll admit that I sometimes get a little mixed up about all of the different lines underneath luxury label Moschino. Not only is there the main brand but also Moschino Cheap & Chic and Love Moschino.

Sometimes it can get a little confusing, but one thing I know for sure. I might love the chic styles of the secondary lines, though I would never categorize them cheap; but it’s the main line of just plain Moschino that puts out the most luxurious, expensive, and often most classic styles of the three lines. This Moschino Beluga Shoulder Bag is a perfect example.

The quality of the Beluga is top-notch, and I’d expect nothing less from a purse that costs nearly $1,700. It’s the kind of handbag that you don’t toss in the back of the closet or replace anytime soon when you factor in the price and the versatility of the style.

The somewhat casual style of the shoulder bag makes it great for regular use. Pretty ruching around the top emphasizes the lightly pebbled leather texture and adds a bit of slouch to the shape. A few buckled details on the handle and leather strips down the front give this brown leather purse a hint of equestrian style, though the look is very subtle.

The Beluga is simple but lovely with designer touches, a great everyday shape, and practical touches including a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. If you can afford the price tag, this one just might be worth the investment.

More Features of the Moschino Beluga

  • Measures 17 x 10.5 x 6 inches
  • Double handles with 8.5 inch drop
  • Detachable shoulder or cross-body strap
  • Magnetic closure

Get this Moschino Beluga Shoulder Bag:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]pebbled leather satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Bally Cabala-E Traditional Tote | Spacious Slouchy Luxury Purse

Posted on: Nov 11

This is a Bally bag that Bally can be proud of. As some of the most expensive and desirable purses on the market, Bally bags always ooze glamor and luxury, and this huge spacious tote is no exception.

This soft leather hold-all is designed to last forever, from the quality leather to the artistic workmanship. For $1800 you expect nothing less than perfection, and the fantastically sculpted lines suggest that the Bally designers have done their utmost to make that the case.

This tote, with its slouchy shape and space, is great for carrying your belongings through day and night. With the huge and versatile capacity, however, I am surprised that the handles are so small. Despite the shape hinting at heavy loads to be carried, I get the impression that this status symbol bag is more about looks than actually being used. Somehow, although it isn’t unexpected, I feel disappointed that such a fabulous bag doesn’t quite live up to its hugely posh expectations.

Whatever the little hesitations, however, this is a true Bally bag. It is sophisticated and classy, and perfect for work or play. Taking you seamlessly from day to night, I love it!

More Features of this Bally Cabala-E Handbag

  • Available in purple and black
  • Belted/drawn closure
  • Snakeskin exterior
  • Short handles

Get this Spacious Traditional Tote:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]bally handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Ed Hardy Tiara Wristlet | Bling Gold and Leather Metallic Clutch

Posted on: Nov 11

Every girl needs a little dose of bling in her life, and if you like gold metallic purses then this little leather wristlet may be just your cup of tea.

Subtle is probably not the buzzword for this golden clutch. The metallic decorative print stands out dramatically against the gray background, and even though it is small, it will still catch attention on a night out. Aesthetically, I personally prefer the black and gold version, but the gray and gold is a much more unusual shade combination.

Inside the color theme is continued with a functional cotton lining embellished even more with gold decoration. I worry that the complete article may border on tacky, as the large amount of studs, paint and buckles make it seem over decorated rather than intelligently planned.

That said, the back of this Ed Hardy wristlet is a simple solid gray, giving the option for versatility if you clutch it in reverse.

More Features of this Gold Bling Clutch

  • Available in black and gray
  • Red signature on reverse
  • Signature lining
  • Synthetic leather exterior

Get this Ed Hardy Tiara Clutch:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]ed hardy bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Ashley M Plaid Clock Bag | Red Tartan Tote Purse

Posted on: Nov 11

There’s no excuse for running late for your appointments when you carry this Ashley M Plaid Clock Bag.

We expect quirky novelty bags from Ashley M, but this one is a little more stylish than many of the brand’s creations. Red plaid reminds us of Burberry and other preppy, more luxurious labels. Although I doubt those high-end designers would cover their handbags in tacky glass stones or a large clock face!

The tartan print is reminiscent of those designer brands, but this isn’t trying to be a high-end fashion item. It just wants to have fun. The battery-operated clock is surrounded by on-trend studs and glass stone accents. Glossy black patent trim completes this playful purse.

The lining is a little cheap and nasty, but that’s the only thing I can fault inside. It’s a great size – not too big or too small – and there are zip and slip pockets in the walls to keep your smaller items organized.

This unique Ashley M purse is cheaper than most watches at $30.

More Features of This Ashley M Plaid Purse

  • Zip top closure
  • A zip pocket and two slip pouches inside
  • Dual shoulder straps
  • Measures 16 x 4 x 13 inches

Get this Ashley M Clock Handbag:

You may also be interested in: