Anyone can carry a Lulu Guinness handbag, but if you don’t have brains the British designer definitely won’t approve! The handbag queen recently told Vogue UK the kind of girls that she’d prefer carrying her purses.

“Generally the girls who want to carry my bags are pretty bright and quirky,” she said. “We don’t look for people to carry our bags, they generally come to us, and I think to be drawn to the bags you have to have a bit of confidence and individuality. They’ve got to have a brain.”

So who does meet Lulu’s approval? None other than Girls Aloud singer and The X Factor judge, Cheryl Cole.

“Whatever you do to her, whatever angle you look at her from, she is just perfect. I think she is the most beautiful girl in the world!” Lulu gushed.

Presumably she also thinks Cheryl has the smarts to match those smoking looks!

Soon the lads will have to measure up, with Lulu announcing a foray into menswear. She’s teamed up with hat designer Stephen Jones, and can’t wait to unleash their creations.

“He’s been asking me for ages and he’s such a good friend that I decided I wanted to do one.”

If the designs are as quirky as Lulu Guinness’ women’s collections, the men are in for quite a treat!

[Source: MSN Lifestyle]
[Image Source: Liamr02/Wikipedia Commons]

Lulu Guinness Handbags on eBay

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Classic style and an unexpected splash of color prove an irresistible combination in the Rafe Ali tote.

It may not be made of authentic crocodile, but it is crafted from genuine leather. Of course, for $775 retail you’d expect nothing less. While it’s not exactly inexpensive, it is a quality alternative to the prohibitively pricy exotic skin. The scaly stamped leather is lovely, although I can’t imagine mistaking it for the real deal.

The bright yellow color probably adds to this not-quite real illusion, but it’s not all bad news. This tote is so traditional that it really needs that striking shade to save it from blending into the background. The contemporary leather plates around the zippered pocket and corners also add interest. And it doesn’t hurt that they prevent wear and tear.

The hardware is just the start of the practical perks. The pockets inside are reinforced with more of that lovely bright leather. Again it’s about strength more than style, although the trim does look great! The space is generous without being ginormous. You’ll find room for a magazine and other luxuries, but you won’t get lost.

I can’t help imagining how this tote would look paired with a basic black jacket or charcoal trench. Who says yellow bags are just for summer? This would help brighten up any stormy gray day!

More Features of This Rafe Croc Stamped Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 19 x 6 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in green

Get this Rafe Ali Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the 13933 eBay store to see if this Rafe bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Rafe bags on BagBunch
• The Rafe zip-around continental wallet, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Rafe bags on eBay
• Other Rafe totes on eBay:

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Anja Rubik has been working hard in the fashion industry lately. This Polish model seems to be involved in all kinds of projects including designing for Poland-based brand Quazi and starring in some of the advertising campaigns of fashion’s biggest names.

She has created quite a statement in multiple Gucci ads, and now the blonde bombshell is once again starring in a Giuseppe Zanotti campaign. She must have made quite an impression for the label in her recent spring/summer 09 shots.

In fact, the ads must have been quite popular since Giuseppe Zanotti reunited Rubik with her spring/summer photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The Rock Couture campaign was expertly styled by fashion editor Emmanuelle Alt.

With clutches and boots featuring multi-colored crystal star details, this collection from the label is playful, sexy, and effortlessly chic as is the supermodel showcasing the items. See more from the fall/winter 09 ad campaign at View on Fashion’s website.

[Source: View on Fashion]
[Image: Cocumag]

Giuseppe Zanotti Handbags on eBay

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It’s the season for plaid, and this classic print seems to be popping up everywhere. Like the Nine West Rory Cross-Body Bag, this Roxy Living It Up hobo handbag fits right in with the checkered scarves and coats that have now emerged from peoples’ closets.

Although I tend to prefer red and gray plaids to other options, this combination of green, blue, and black is at least a little unexpected. The color could be somewhat versatile in a winter wardrobe blending well with things like other black accessories or blue jeans.

Because of the casual style of the Living It Up handbag, I’m thinking that blue jeans are more in order for this plaid design as opposed to dress pants. This might not be the type of purse you carry to dinner, but it could look very stylish paired with jeans, tall boots, and a snuggly wool pea coat.

This isn’t an oversized handbag, but it is a nice medium hobo. The most convenient detail of it, though, is the quick switcheroo you can make from shoulder bag to cross-body by simply changing the double layer handle to a single longer strap. There’s no switching out straps or tucking anything inside. It’s a clever design feature that women are bound to appreciate.

This Roxy Living It Up hobo is extremely affordable with a price tag of only $36. At that cost, it might even be worth getting one in each color.

More Features of the Living It Up Hobo

• Measures 16.5 x 9 x 4 inches
• Convertible strap
• Zip top closure

Get this Roxy Living It Up Bag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore on eBay to see if the purple version of this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Roxy bags on BagBunch
• The Accessorize Tartan Clutch, a great alternative to this convertible plaid handbag.
• Searching for more plaid Roxy bags on eBay

Giuseppe Zanotti has really gone all out with this bold and edgy wristlet design.

Perfect for the 80s trend sweeping the globe, this chunky black clutch has a certain air of biker chic to it. From the huge over-sized black metal button clasp, through to the hard black leather and the skull and crossbones zip pull, everything shouts “Look at me – but don’t come too close!”

Likely inspired by Alexander McQueen’s bold and dangerous designs, this is a real stunner, and suits leather gloves and studs better than flowery girly ensembles. That said, combining the hard with the soft, the masculine with the girly is a look that is getting more and more popular.

Whilst the exterior of the Giuseppe Zanotti handbag is smokin’ hot, I am a bit disappointed by the interior. After all, this is at the high end of luxury, costing over $1000. For that sort of biker money you don’t just expect fantastic design, but extra luxury touches. That is why the cheap looking and unelaborated interior is such a let down, without quality lining or useful pockets.

As all too often happens, this is art over practicality where a combination of the two would have worked wonderfully!

More Features of this Giuseppe Zanotti Skull & Crossbones Purse:

• Detachable wrist strap
• Leather exterior
• Plenty of biker features

Get this Bold 80s Inspired Clutch:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Giuseppe Zanotti bags on Bagbunch
• The Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster bag, a great alternative to this edgy bag
• Searching for more skull and crossbones bags on eBay
• Other Giuseppe Zanotti bags on eBay:

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Most Prezzo purses I’ve spotted are strictly after five affairs, with polished patent leathers, glittering sequins, and plenty of flair. So this Flower Shop handbag from the brand really comes out of left field.

This purse reminds me of a Radley bag, with its embroidered flower shop and playful personality. The vibrant thread contrasts with its black fabric background, ensuring the design really pops. It may not have the sequins and sass of many Prezzo purses, but a shrinking violet it is not.

Of course, that embroidered pattern is sure to polarize bagistas. Many will love its whimsical, almost Parisian look, while others will consider it juvenile and without charm. If you fall into the former camp, the design isn’t likely to change your mind. Many fabric bags forget the features, but this isn’t one of them. There’s a zippered pocket on the back, and another one inside. There’s also a slip pouch which is perfect for holding your cell. A zip top closure keeps everything safe and sound.

For a mere $14.99, this is a fun bag for a trip to the farmers’ markets or a picnic. It won’t go with everything, or suit every occasion, but for that price I’m willing to overlook those limitation.

More Features of This Prezzo Embroidered Purse

• Made of a canvas/vinyl like material
• Lined with black and white striped cotton
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 9.5 x 11.75 x 2.75 inches

Get this Prezzo Flower Shop Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Christmas Central eBay store to see if this Prezzo bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Prezzo La Cafe bag, a great alternative to this embroidered bag.
• Searching for more Prezzo bags on eBay
• Other embroidered bags on eBay:

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The Paris Hiltons of the world think nothing of carrying a pampered pooch about in their handbags, but I’ll bet they take their dogs out when they fly! Not so one Romanian traveler, who smuggled a Chihuahua in his hand luggage recently.

The pup made the journey from Bulgaria to Madrid before being detected in Dublin. Customs officers were shocked to find the outline of the tiny dog on the X-ray scanner.

“Customs officers asked him to put it though the scanner. They’re always very alert. They saw something and decided it should be scanned,” explained a revenue spokesperson. “When customs officers examined the luggage the image of a dog in a small cage appeared on the X-ray screen.”

The dog has been handed over to the Department of Agriculture and Food, where he will stay for some time. Animals imported into Ireland without EU pet passports must be quarantined for at least six months. The dog’s owner isn’t likely to escape unscathed either, with a file being prepared for the DPP about the offense.

[Source: Independent.ie]
[Image Source: APDK/Flickr]

Dog Carriers on eBay

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Plaid is one of those classic prints which is rarely on-trend, yet never goes out of style. If your budget won’t accommodate Burberry, you can get a similar look with the Nine West Rory.

This plaid is a lot softer than Burberry’s famous tartan, thanks to the use of muted, complementary tones. The checked fabric body is complemented by synthetic trim. The buckle on the belted accent is a little chunky for my tastes, but at least it gives the Rory a distinctive look.

This is a medium-sized bag, but one that’s nicely organized. A zip pocket and two slip pouches are almost standard for large totes, but it’s a little rarer to see so many compartments in a bag of this size. Nylon is often an underrated lining choice, but it’s a good fit here. Cross body fans tend to be girls on the go, so this easy-clean fabric is ideal.

The regular strap is ideal for over-the-shoulder toting, but the Rory is called a cross-body, so you know that’s not the only option. You can attach the much longer strap for easier all-day carrying. I only wish the original strap was detachable too. In cross-body mode, it dangles aimlessly. Bags with shorter handles can easily get away with this, but that’s not the case here. With a minor adjustment, Nine West could have made this cute cross-body bag just a little bit better.

More Features of This Nine West Plaid Cross-Body Bag

• Silver-toned hardware
• Magnetic snap closure
• A chain handle with a 9 inch drop and a removable cross-body strap
• Measures 11 x 7 x 4.5 inches

Get this Nine West Rory Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited quantities)
• Check the Di$tinct Looks eBay store to see if this Nine West bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Nine West all-synthetic Rory bag, a great alternative to this plaid bag.
• Searching for more Nine West bags on eBay
• Other Nine West cross body bags on eBay:

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If you’re interested in the fashion industry, you’re probably glued to the television when reality shows like Project Runway and The Rachel Zoe Project are on. Although the shows’ concepts are different, the peek into the behind-the-scenes world of fashion is priceless.

Though now on Lifetime, Project Runway began on Bravo TV, the place that The Rachel Zoe Project calls home. The network has made fashion reality a priority, and it’s hoping to continue the trend.

Evidently it’s got it’s eyes set on Marc Jacobs. After reading a past interview where the designer discussed wanting his own reality show, Bravo has been chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling.

Bravo executive Andy Cohen discussed the network’s interest:

“I think he got calls from everywhere,” Cohen told us. “And we’ve talked to him about it so many times, and we’re grateful enough that he’s appeared on ‘The Rachel Zoe Project’ for two seasons,” he added. But then Cohen crumpled: “But we are desperate for Marc — to get him on Bravo.”

If this project takes flight, I’m guessing it will be a huge hit for Bravo, possibly even filling the hole that Project Runway left.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: SwanDiamondRose/Flickr]

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

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Nine West’s recently released Vintage America collection is all about classic American style and timeless fashion combined with a little of today’s trends. That’s exactly how I’d describe this Cindy hobo bag from the line.

Its traditional hobo silhouette is both classic and predictable, yet some interesting details take the Cindy to a different level. It might be simple in design and have clean lines, but it sure isn’t boring.

The braided detail that runs down the sides of the handbag has a definite Western feel to it. However, there’s a contemporary twist to it with the addition of some trendy studs.

The soft, gray suede also adds to the chic flair of the Cindy. The color is understated in such a way that allows the other features of the purse to stand out. The Western Americana vibe could have been taken a little too literally if it were in dark brown or tan instead, but the gray is the perfect balance to the style.

Knotted handles and textured leather trim finished off this Nine West design. The casual Cindy hobo bag retails for $189.

More Features of the Cindy Hobo

• Measures 18.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Single strap with 7 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Get this Nine West Vintage America Cindy Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Soho Handbag, a great alternative to this suede hobo bag.
• Searching for more Nine West handbags on eBay
• Other Nine West hobos on eBay:

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