It’s all about downtown glamour with the Anne Klein New York Greenwich Satchel.

It’s made from nylon, which is both long-lasting and lightweight. It also keeps this satchel down to a perfectly reasonable $275. This fabric rarely looks luxurious, but it’s jazzed up here with vertical quilting and sexy patent leather trim. The silver chain zipper pull adds edge, working with Anne Klein’s familiar lion medallion to toughen up the fabric finish.

This satchel is so large, it could easily work as an office bag or travel tote. There’s so much room inside, and the soft walls make it easy to overstuff. Plenty of pockets inside and out make it easy to keep your girly goods safe and organized.

The only thing that makes me hesitate are those shoulder straps. While the heavy metal links mimics the chain on the front perfectly, it can’t be comfortable to carry. They say beauty is pain, but for an everyday bag like this I’d rather put practicality first.

More Features of This Anne Klein Quilted Satchel

• Grosgrain lining
• Zip top closure
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual chain shoulder straps with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 16 x 5.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Anne Klein New York Greenwich Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Verandah Shoe Shop eBay store to see if this Anne Klein bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Anne Klein bags on BagBunch
• The Anne Klein New York Paramount bag, a colorful alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Anne Klein bags on eBay
• Other Anne Klein satchels on eBay:

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Acclaimed handbag designer Lesa Wallace is looking for inspiration, and she’s going to the general public to get it.

Besides having her own reputable collection, this designer’s resume also includes creating grown-up bags for Quiksilver and bag cameos on the ever-fashionable forward Gossip Girl. Well, now she’s asking for your help in creating a design for her upcoming collection.

Aspiring fashion designers and bagistas can submit their artwork or sketch of their original work for a chance to win $1,000 and to get their bags in the collection. I can almost hear the wheels turning in the minds of fashionistas everywhere.

As an avid reader of BagBunch and overall connoisseur of the handbag world, I’m sure you’ve seen at least a purse or two that has made you say, “I could do better than that.” Well, here’s your chance to prove it.

Your design must be original, and anything submitted becomes the property of the company. Enter now at Lesa Wallace’s contest page to find out if your design will make the cut.

[Source: Style List]

Lesa Wallace Handbags on eBay

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This is one Whiting & Davis handbag that doesn’t make me automatically think of a bygone era. Well, that’s not entirely true, I suppose, since it does have a certain ’70s disco vibe going on with it. However, in comparison to some of the brand’s truly vintage-inspired designs, this Cross-Body Dance Bag certainly stands apart.

The material is nothing new for Whiting & Davis, though. Brass mesh is definitely its fabric of choice when crafting handbag designs. I, for one, am completely supportive of the unique style it gives their bags, but I’m just not sure if this one in particular hits the mark for me.

There’s something almost overly simple about the Cross-Body Dance, but that might be what will throw others off about it as well. I’m spoiled by Whiting & Davis’ interesting screenprints and abstract shapes, as we’ve seen on the Ribbon hobo or the Chevron Jelly Roll clutch. This one just seems a little plain when compared to those.  

It certainly can’t be accused of having a lack of shimmer or color, though. It might be one solid shade, but the shiny mesh practically lights up the purple, magenta, red, or midnight blue options.

The long, skinny cross-body strap is removable, allowing you to carry the Dance Bag as a clutch if you wish. I guess that would work if you’re wanting a more formal look as opposed to the somewhat casual cross-body style. However, the perfectly square shape makes it a little awkward to carry in one hand. I’d stick with using this Whiting & Davis handbag for less dressy events where a slinky cross-body is considered appropriate.

More Features of the Cross-Body Dance Bag 

• Measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Removable skinny strap with 25.5 inch drop
• Zipper closure
• Lined interior

Get this Whiting & Davis Dance Bag:

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

[phpbay]whiting davis cross body dance, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Bubble Mesh Crystal Clutch, a great alternative to this simple mesh handbag
• Searching for more Whiting & Davis handbags on eBay

This is the second in a series of articles introducing you to the vintage styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. This week we discuss the elegant 1930s, the birthplace of not only the bias cut dress and sexy halterneck, but also a conservative era influenced by the terrible great depression.

The 1930s fashion reflected the hard economic times by moving away from the 1920s carefree attitude and replacing the daring, short beaded designs with stricter more conservative attire. Long satin gowns sweeping the floor were hugely popular, and women around the globe did their very best to make life feel luxurious by wearing furs and feathers wherever possible.

Avoiding over-decoration and opting for art deco touches, crocodile print or satin purses will instantly keep you in the 1930s vintage vibe. Putting a whole 1930s look together actually keeps in the same vein; choose bias cut dresses that fall to the floor, or cute clinched skirt suits with a tiny waist and chunky buttons. Use these outfits as your 1930s handbag inspiration; smart suits need chestnut crocodile print and bakelite, whilst satin dresses call for satin bags with diamante touches.

So what are the best 1930s inspired handbags around?

Unusual Pleated Satin Clutch in White

1930s-esque Satin Pleated Clutch

Bringing a thoroughly 21st Century twist to an elegant 1930s art deco design, this pleated satin clutch is great for a blushing bride or to accompany you to a luxurious winter party. The sculpted shape with the angular shadows will work brilliantly as a focal point with a long simple satin dress.

• This 1930’s elegant satin clutch is available to buy on Amazon

Simple Art Deco Satin Purse in Black

Satin Framed Art Deco Purse

Keeping it elegant and simple is a major part of 1930s fashion. They did still like beading, but satin was the big discovery of the decade and produced some beautiful lines without need for embellishment. The metal frame of this art deco clutch really completes the simple 1930s vibe.

• This 1930’s black satin purse is available to buy on Amazon

Italian Leather Crocodile Clutch in Black and Gold

Classy 1930s Crocodile Clutch

Finally we hit on one of the most popular and enduring trends in 1930s fashion handbags. Crocodile skin or print graced the leather of both smart day purses and satchels, and the smaller more delicate high sheen clutches for the evenings. This one is a beautiful example for smart lunches or parties.

• This gold accented crocodile clutch is available to buy on Amazon

What else to wear?

To pull off the real vintage 1930s look, team your sexy bag with an elegant suit, broad shouldered and tiny at the waist. Alternatively, choose to drape your dress across the floor and accessorize with cute evening gloves.

You may also be interested in:

• More satin clutches on Bagbunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Eros Clutch, a great alternative to these 1930s bags
• Searching for more vintage bags on eBay
• Other 1930s bags on eBay:

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This Alexis Hudson clutch is an antidote to all those purses playing it safe. The Bloom is a clutch that believes that too much isn’t enough.

The shape is simple enough, with its rectangular design and recessed zipper. But that’s about the only part of the Bloom which is low key. Curved swatches of snake print leather are overlaid to create a contemporary patchwork finish. The mushroom, tan, and dark blue shades work well together, but the python markings make it really busy. That’s why this clutch really doesn’t need the flowers which inspire its name. We recently saw Guiseppe Zanotti use similar zipper edged blooms on its wristlet. On that much simpler purse, they shone. But here they clutter an already crowded design.

The creamy colored interior comes as a shock after seeing the showy outside. The Bloom is lined with practical twill, but there’s nothing to rave about here. It’s long but slender, restricting us to evening essentials only.

The Bloom is the kind of clutch whose distinct looks will only appeal to certain girls. If it has stolen your heart, beware. Unless you pair it with a basic black ensemble, you’re going to look very busy!

More Features of This Alexis Hudson Snake Print Purse

• Measures 5.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Alexis Hudson Bloom Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Alexis Hudson Bloom, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the SmartBargains eBay store to see if this Alexis Hudson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexis Hudson bags on BagBunch
• The Alexis Hudson Bloom clutch in black, a great alternative to this colorful bag.
• Searching for more Alexis Hudson bags on eBay

Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst has appeared in a New York court after her Marc Jacobs handbag was stolen. The starlet says a Manhattan mechanic stole her purse during a movie shoot at the SoHo Grand in August 2007.

“It was probably a $2, 000 purse,” she said of the brown Marc Jacobs handbag. “My purse had $2,000 in it, a pair of sunglasses, my wallet with all my credit cards.”

It’s alleged that 35-year-old James Jimenez slipped into the penthouse suite and stole Kirsten’s bag, a $13, 000 Balenciaga purse, and an iPod and camera belonging to her How to Lose Friends and Alienate People co-star Simon Pegg.

“It dawns on you slowly because, obviously, you don’t want to think that happened,” said British actor Simon Pegg.

Mr. Jimenez faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of burglary. An accomplice, Jarrod Beinerman, is currently serving four years after pleading guilty. Both men were spotted in the suite by a production assistant, and captured by hotel surveillance cameras.

Something tells me Mr. Jimenez will join his friend in the slammer pretty soon!

[Source: NY Daily News]
[Image Source:David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Marc Jacobs Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Alexander Wang has proven himself to be the designer to watch with celebrity favorites like the Brenda and Coco. Now with the Betty, he’s showing a more sophisticated side.

Black leather is still Alexander’s fabric of choice, but it’s got a more elegant feel here. The styling is a lot simpler than we’re used to, but the lush texture of buffalo hide saves it from being boring. Alexander Wang loves rock and roll zip and studs, but he’s used a little more restraint in this design. An abundance of antique brass gleams on the shoulder strap, but the body is kept clean and simple. It’s a more minimalist look than we’re used to, but it only adds to the Betty’s elegant good looks.

Inside, the Betty is divided into two handy compartments to make organization easy. They’re a little slender to be truly practical, but you should find enough room for most things you want to carry.

Alexander Wang bags are always gorgeous, but this is the first I’ve seen which could easily transition from day to night. It’s the kind of basic black purse which would look equally at home with dark denims and a sweater, or a sexy dinner dress.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Buffalo Leather Bag

• Magnetic closure
• A zippered interior pocket
• Dual 15 inch shoulder straps
• Measures 12.5 x 10.5 x 2 inches

Get this Alexander Wang Betty Handbag:

• Available to buy at Mick Margo
• Check the Exclusive Accessories Boutique eBay store to see if this Alexander Wang bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Rico bag, a great alternative to this flap bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang bags on eBay
• Other Alexander Wang black leather bags on eBay:

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Famed fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz is stepping out from behind the lens for a new project. After years of capturing images for photo shoots and a recently publicized financial woes involving a Supreme Court lawsuit, Leibovitz is trying her hand at a different kind of fashion career: designing handbags.

The photographer, whose work with Vanity Fair and labels like Dior and Louis Vuitton is well-known, has joined British artist Damien Hirst, Marc Jacobs, and others for a special design project to create limited edition Louis Vuitton bags. Their designs will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s in London on November 17. It’s not for fame or fortune, however, since the auction will benefit the Red Cross in celebration of their 150th anniversary.

Leibovitz’s design is a large monogrammed backpack trimmed in black leather with a matching shoulder bag. A photography equipment-holding backpack isn’t exactly Louis Vuitton’s typical product, but something tells me that no one is questioning the photographer-turned-designer’s talent.

See more of these artist-designed Louis Vuitton bags and trunks at Fashionphile’s website.

[Source: Grazia Daily]
[Image: fashionphile]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Lanvin is on the cutting edge of fashion forward elegance. A balanced mix of time-tested quality and of-the-moment designs keeps them on the forefront.

This tote is a great example of Lanvin’s sophisticated aesthetic. The tote’s shape and style are both classic and luxurious, but there are a few modern twists that make this tote special. Like the hand-wrinkled lambskin material. I honestly could not think of anything that feels and looks more sumptuous than this.

I wouldn’t have guessed, though, that it would be a good material for quilting, as it seems, in the abstract, like there might be too much going on. But, it’s executed perfectly, and I love the softening effect the crinkled material has on this somewhat preppy classic.

The quality of this bag really shows through in every detail from the satin trim to the diamond stitching to the grosgrain ribbon detail. I love the ribbon handles on the chain strap. They’re way more comfortable to hold than metal, and will hold up to a decent amount of use.

The Amalia is a great tote that will look fab this season, and also for years to come.

More Features Of The Lanvin Amalia Tote

• Snap top fastening
• 16″ x 14″ x 6″ size
• 5″ handle drop

Get this Lanvin Amalia Tote:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
  
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
  
• The Lanvin Lipstick Red Leather Tote, a great alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Lanvin bags on eBay
• Other quilted leather handbags on eBay:
  [phpbay]quilted leather handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

The Treesje Jovi Cross-Body bag is a blend of trendy and practical all wrapped up in one soft leather package. It has just the kind of design personality I’d expect from the designer label that has produced equally distinct handbags like the Geneva clutch and the Kingsley hobo.

Although in the same bag style category as the Mason Cross-Body, the Jovi definitely has a different vibe about it than the rugged-like Mason bag. The two might share a similarly worn-in, slightly washed leather appearance as well as studded details, but the Jovi has more of a contemporary edge in comparison to the Mason’s almost equestrian style.

Perhaps it’s the funky zippered flap on the front that adds to this cross-body’s rocker edge. Of course, the rows of square studs probably do more for the overall vibe than any other feature, but the angled zipper detail certainly chimes in on that chorus. The washed gray leather with dark-colored studs is somewhat subtle but not at all boring. In my opinion, the use of colors here is near perfection.

What might be considered a flaw by some, however, is that awkward angled zipper front. It might give the Jovi a rocker appeal but doesn’t make for easy entry into the purse. With a zipper on each end meeting in the middle of the front flap, it seems like an overly complicated way to get your stuff in and out. On the bright side, however, it certainly would deter pickpockets who might try to snatch something out of it.

The Treesje Jovi Cross-Body also comes in black, red, and chrome and retails for $368.

More Features of the Jovi Cross-Body

• Measures 12 x 7.5 x 4 inches
• Cross-body strap with 20.5 inch drop
• Angled double zipper flap entry

Get this Treesje Jovi Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje handbags on BagBunch
• The Guess Mademoiselle N/S Shopper, a great alternative to this contemporary leather cross-body.
• Searching for more Treesje bags on eBay
• Other studded cross-body handbags on eBay:

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