Sondra Roberts Nevis Hobo | Chevron Multi Woven Brown Handbag

Posted on: Oct 29

I’ve seen many designers attempt to reinvent the popular hobo handbag, but none have done it quite like Sondra Roberts.

The slouchy, relaxed profile we’ve come to expect is gone, replaced by a structured curved body. But the bohemian vibe isn’t abandoned entirely, with natural canvas and twine fabrics woven together for an earthy feel. I love the wide vertical stripes created by the complementary fibers. The materials are casual, but the curved leather piping dresses things up a little. It’s never going to be red carpet ready, but if you pair it with the right outfit it’d definitely suit a dinner date.

It’s also got the space to make that day-to-night transition. You could easily carry a change of clothes and the cosmetics case you need to make the switch! There’s also space for the essentials, with two open top pockets taking care of your gadgets and a zippered pocket for loose change and valuables.

I’m not sure the choice of natural fibers quite justifies the $310 retail price, but at least this purse has the style and quality craftsmanship to last a few seasons.

More Features of This Sondra Roberts Woven Hobo

  • Zipper closure with leather pull-tie
  • Fully lined in tan fabric
  • Leather base
  • A flat leather 21 inch handle with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 21 x 10 x 3 inches
  • Comes with a sleeper bag
  • Imported

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Win the Michelle Trachtenberg Co-Designed Botkier “Michelle” Handbag from Style List

Posted on: Oct 28

Gossip Girl’s Michelle Trachtenberg, who plays the scandalous Georgina Sparks on the show, recently collaborated with celebrity favorite Monica Botkier to design a handbag inspired by and named after the actress to benefit Oxfam International. Trachtenberg must be proud of her involvement since she’s been spotted carrying the co-designed bag on the set of the television show and will even be sporting it in an upcoming episode.

Well, now you just might be able to snag one of these lambskin satchels for free. While most of us will have to wait several weeks to get our hands on a Michelle bag, StyleList.com is giving one away.

The contest runs through November 4 at 5pm (ET) with the lucky winner being awarded this trendy blue handbag. To enter the contest, visit Style List’s giveaway page and leave a comment about the one purse item you can’t leave home without. Contestants must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the U.S. or Canada (except Quebec).

[Source: StyleList]

Botkier Handbags on eBay

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Kate Spade Coney Island Stevie Satchel | Quilted Nylon Handbag with Button Detail

Posted on: Oct 28

I’m all for quilted handbags, but ones that look like down comforters or puffy vests make me hesitate a little. That’s why I’m undecided on this Kate Spade Coney Island Stevie satchel.

On one hand, I like the idea of a practical nylon handbag that’s given a quilted design to set it apart from just any run-of-the-mill nylon tote. You can’t say Kate Spade isn’t at least somewhat original. On the other hand, this large quilting with button detail looks more like something I’d wear to go skiing … or maybe just a blanket to cuddle up under on a cold day. Though I’m sure it’s not the intended response, I can’t help but think “snow bunny” when I see version of the Stevie.

It’s not the actual bag style that bothers me, however. The Stevie satchel is a popular choice from Kate Spade and one that comes in a variety of textures and fabrics. The Classic Noel Stevie is a perfect example of how different the silhouette can look with a different façade.

Of course, snow bunny fashion just might be your ideal look. If so, this Coney Island Stevie’s puffy, cozy exterior combined with its roomy interior is right up your alley. In addition to this Kate Spade kelly green, this satchel also comes in red, black, and a berry fuchsia color and retails for $295.

More Features of the Coney Island Stevie Satchel

  • Measures 16.5 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Double handles with 7 inch drop
  • Zip top closure
  • Signature logo jacquard lining

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Salvatore Ferragamo Marisa Bag | Stylish Black Calf Leather Handbag

Posted on: Oct 28

Salvatore Ferragamo keeps it simple with the Marisa, a timeless black leather carryall.

It’s crafted from supple calf leather, which feels so soft to the touch. This luxurious fabric gives the Marisa, with its gentle pleats, just a hint of slouch. While it’s an opulent choice, it’s not an ostentatious one. While croc and ostrich draw the eye, calfskin is subtle. This gives the Marisa the versatility you need to travel from the board room to cocktails after quitting time.

Some may be disappointed in the lack of colors available, but black really is the best choice. There’s that versatility we spoke of earlier, but it’s also about the look. No other shade would see the silver hardware pop quite as much. The belted accents at the sides and fold key-lock are inspired touches, ensuring the Marisa becomes more than just another basic black bag.

A zipper hides underneath the front flap. It might seem a little superfluous when you’re in a hurry, but I appreciate the double dose of security. After all, anyone carrying Salvatore Ferragamo probably has some things worth protecting!

As with so many Salvatore Ferragamo bags, the biggest stumbling block here is the price. $1390 isn’t completely exorbitant in the world of high-end European fashion, but it’s not chump change either.

More Features of This Salvatore Ferragamo Black Leather Bag

  • Lined with black and silver logo print nylon
  • A zippered pocket, cell phone slip, and open pocket inside
  • Dual 19 inch rolled handles with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 17 x 9 x 4 inches
  • Made in Italy

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L.L. Bean Launches Affordable Signature Collection for Spring

Posted on: Oct 28

The name L.L. Bean is more likely to evoke images of the great outdoors than the High Street. But the American brand is set to up its fashion standing with the launch of its signature collection.

This is for modern, everyday dressing,” explained the brand’s vice president, Chris Vickers. “My goal is not to challenge you. My goal is to make your life better.”

The makeover is all thanks to Rogues Gallery’s Alex Carleton, who’s injected fun preppy looks, cute prints, and more silhouetted shapes into the brand. Thankfully he hasn’t done away with the staples altogether. Those oversized totes we all used to carry books to college are still there, as practical as ever.

Unlike so many signature collections, L.L. Bean’s line promises to be kind on your wallet. Shirts will cost between $50 and $70, while the sports jackets will sit at around $200.

The L.L. Bean Signature collection was unveiled in New York City last week, but we’ll need to wait until March 2010 to get our hands on the goods.

[Source: The Glamazon Diaries]

L.L. Bean Totes on eBay

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Rebecca Minkoff Darling Shoulder Bag | Slouchy Hobo Shaped Leather Fall Handbag

Posted on: Oct 28

Rebecca Minkoff shows she knows how to do more than boxy bags with the new Darling.

This unexpected purse is more hobo than shoulder bag with its crescent shape and soft, slouchy silhouette. For a designer who favors structure, this bohemian look is a real surprise. But she embraces it, with tasseled zipper pulls on the vertical side pockets continuing the free-spirited feel. I’m less convinced by the zippered belt which encircles the purse. It’s more rock and roll than love child, so it looks a little out of place. In my opinion, the Darling would have looked much better without it.

The side pouches are ideal places to stash your cell phone and keys, away from the clutter than inevitably builds up in a big bag. Not that the Darling doesn’t try to keep things in order. With a pouch panel pocket, a multifunctional slip, a zippered pouch and a metro card pocket there really is a place for everything. I’m just realistic enough to know that when we’re on the go, clutter still creeps in!

The long rolled shoulder strap is ideal for this cooler weather. You can comfortably slip it over your shoulder even while wearing a thick winter coat.

The Darling is reasonably priced for a Rebecca Minkoff bag at $495.

More Features of This Rebecca Minkoff Slouchy Shoulder Bag

  • Made of leather
  • Signature polished gold hardware
  • Flap with snap closure
  • Lined with retro black and white, floral print canvas
  • A single shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 10 x 5 inches

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Enter the Mulberry Mitzy Hobo Giveaway at Ideeli.com

Posted on: Oct 27

Like most giveaways from Ideeli.com, this one is definitely worth entering but won’t be up for long. You’ll have to act fast if you want the chance to score this fabulous prize.

The exclusive shopping site that has given lucky winners handbags from labels like Miu Miu, Lanvin, and Gucci is now handing out one very stylish Mulberry Mitzy Hobo. The Mitzy is a new favorite for the brand and even brought about a much-needed increase in sales earlier this year. The collection is considered a budget option for the label, though I have to admit that a $750 handbag isn’t what I personally consider easy on the wallet.

This classic hobo is more than desirable, though, for an everyday purse that will easily take you from day to evening. With black pebbled leather, antiqued brass hardware, and a detachable strap, the Mitzy has all the makings of a classic and practical design.

You’ll have to act quickly, however. This Ideeli giveaway ends later today, so be sure to sign-up and click on the entry page soon.

[Source: Ideeli]

Mulberry Handbags on eBay

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La Regale Pleated Bow Clutch | Dressy Burgundy Satin Handbag

Posted on: Oct 27

La Regale lives up to its reputation as a great choice for affordable, stylish, and unique bags for formal events with this pleated bow clutch with the style number 25068.

Now, I’ve seen some generously sized bows on various handbags, but this one definitely takes the cake. Instead of merely functioning as a decorative feature, this one practically takes over this clutch.

It seems a tad overpowering to the design but adds a sort of playful touch rather than looking out of place or tacky. While most satin clutches tend to be elegant and sophisticated, this pleated bow version from La Regale is cute and whimsical. It would be a great accessory for a dressy holiday event.

The large detail might make the clutch somewhat bulky to carry around in your hands, though. Thank goodness for the optional shoulder strap hidden inside the bag. Whatever drawbacks the handbag might have, it makes up for with a fabulously low price of $38.

More Features of the 25068 Clutch

  • Measures 9.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
  • Optional shoulder strap with 21 inch drop
  • Front flap with magnetic closure

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Roxy Where It’s At Hobo | Simple and Affordable Plain Tote

Posted on: Oct 27

For once, cute surf-wear designer Roxy has produced a hobo that is more about simplicity than canvas.

Where usually the designer’s signature logos and prints are all over the bag, this simple Where It’s At hobo has only plain and minimalist white synthetic. Suddenly this casual designer is more than appropriate for the office, and with the cool rounded shape of this slouchy tote, I expect it will have many admirers.

It will have even more when people see the $30 price tag, making the not only stylish but super affordable. Of course, good design and brilliant style only really work when they fit with the brand’s aesthetic, and this is where the Roxy tote starts falling down.

There is no color in the bag. None at all. Even the lining, which would be a great opportunity to inject some of the Roxy spirit, is plain and simple white. There is no individuality, no flair.

All in all this is a functional and useful bag, even if the handles are a little short. But is it Roxy? Not even a little bit, so I worry that people will choose other cheap designers instead.

More Features of this Affordable Roxy Hobo

  • Convenient interior pockets
  • Zip closure
  • 7″ drop length handles

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Rampage Cadence Cross-Body Tote Bag | Convertible Snakeskin Ruched Handbag

Posted on: Oct 27

Rampage shows us what happens when a designer follows the trends, and decides to use all of them on the one handbag, with this confused Cadence cross-body tote.

Snakeskin printed fabric. Check. Ruching. Check. Eyecatching metal hardware. Check and check. It’s just simply too much. Honestly, the ruching would have been too much on its own. All those ruffles remind me of Jerry Seinfeld’s infamous puffy shirt. But when you add a snakeskin texture, especially to tacky faux leather, and smack an ornamental nameplate on front it’s serious overkill.

At least Rampage has kept the color palette neutral. Can you imagine the Cadence in fuschia or lime green? Double ick.

It’s a shame because this is one functional little number. A large zippered envelope separates the Cadence into three easy-to-organize compartments. Add some gadget pouches up front and a zippered pocket in the back and there really is a place for everything. The dual straps are ideal for over-the-shoulder toting, but they’re not the only carrying option. As the name suggests, you can simply attach the longer strap to convert it to a cross-body bag.

If you’re comfortable with the flamboyance, the Cadence is one practical purse. I’m afraid I just can’t look past all those frills, even for the bargain basement price.

More Features of This Rampage Convertible Tote

  • Polished gold-tone hardware
  • Magnetic closure
  • Platform base
  • Satiny interior lining
  • Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 17 x 14 x 6 inches
  • Available in black, eggplant, cream, and chartreuse

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