Betsey Johnson Royal Lace Tote | Large Glitzy Gold Handbag

Posted on: Mar 14

Betsey Johnson Royal Lace ToteBetsey Johnson shows she can turn even the most demure fabric into a showstopper with this Royal Lace tote.

This tote isn’t for girls who love lace’s delicate, feminine wiles. Instead Betsey Johnson uses the material much like Madonna did in the ’80s, to symbolize feminine rebellion and fierce attitude. Glitzy gold metallic synthetic peeks out from underneath the bold black lacey finish.

Another designer may have decided that such a bold bag should be kept small, but not Betsey. She’s made the Royal Lace tote enormous! I don’t think Betsey Johnson could have added enough organizational aids to keep such a massive space clutter free, but the standard trio of pouches clearly isn’t enough.

This bag is too much for me. Too much flamboyance, too much space, much too much of everything! But Betsey Johnson knows her target audience, and they’re likely to lap this ostentatious tote up, especially for $94.80. For all the criticism I can level at it, I can’t say we’re not getting a lot of bag for our dollar!

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Metallic Gold Tote

  • Magnetic closure
  • Printed interior lining
  • Dual shoulder straps with chain-link embellishments and an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 20.5 x 9 x 13.5 inches

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Anokimobi Launches Eco-Friendly Tech Pouches | Green Accessories for Cell Phones, Cameras & MP3 Players

Posted on: Mar 14

Anokimobi E-pouchesBritish design company Anokimobi has added a new range of technology pouches to its eco-friendly accessories collection. The line features 14 core pieces designed to hold cell phones, MP3 players, and cameras.

The new Anokimobi range is crafted entirely from organic, biodegradable cotton and embellished with recycled materials. The fabrics are then decorated with eye-catching prints and bold colors. The company is careful to only use eco-friendly dyes and production methods when manufacturing its accessories.

The new Anokimobi accessories are practical too, with a host of discreet pockets for credit cards, coins, and even headphones. It’s also the only tech range to contain Biomaster anti-bacterial silver ions, a natural way to minimize everyday germs.

Anokimobi’s director Tom Tranter says the introduction of the wallets and e-pouches builds on the company’s tradition for eco-friendly accessories. He says the new collection is designed for “tech savvy women and men who want to make a style statement, but in a conscious way.

All too often we’re charged a premium for going green, so I’m thrilled to see Anokimobi is bucking that trend. It proudly shuns those “green price tags” to make its products more accessible to consumers. The Anokimobi e-pouches are available from ₤12.99 from the E-Pouch website.

[Source: PR Web]

Juicy Couture Blueprint Harriet Shoulder Bag | Green Distressed Leather Carryall

Posted on: Mar 14

Juicy Couture Blueprint Harriet Shoulder BagIs this a Juicy Couture bag I see before me? Without any loud logos or splashes of pink, it’s a bit hard to believe!

Admittedly Juicy Couture has been showing a more mature side lately, but it’s outdone itself with the Blueprint Harriet. Suddenly it’s not just creating inoffensive handbags; it’s creating bags that can go toe to toe with the best on the market.

The mint green color gives the Blueprint Harriet the youthful energy Juicy Couture’s known for, but it’s much more wearable than the sugary pinks and purples of old. It looks fresh for spring, but I can imagine carrying it all year round. If you’re not convinced though you could always opt for cognac or black. The hues color soft weathered leather which will only look better in time.

The Blueprint Harriet is blissfully free of obnoxious logos, a sign that Juicy Couture is finally moving with the times. The Juicy Couture name is engraved on the front buckle, but it’s so small that you wouldn’t notice it unless you were looking for it. It’s a guarantee for owners that their bag is an original, rather than a way to advertise the purchase to passers-by.

The Blueprint Harriet is so practical too, with plenty of space and then some. I can’t imagine wanting more room than it offers, but if you do just let out the base and expand it! Extra pockets hidden on the back and underneath the flap ensure that even at its largest configuration the Blueprint Harriet stays managable.

Juicy Couture’s designs are definitely on the up but its prices aren’t. At $378 the Blueprint Harriet is a very tempting proposition.

More Features of This Juicy Couture Distressed Leather Shoulder Bag

  • Magnetic closure
  • Fully lined interior
  • An adjustable shoulder strap
  • Measures 16.5 x 5.5 x 12.5 inches

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Indian Designer Makes Largest Newspaper Bag | New Guiness World Record for Mrugesh Parmar

Posted on: Mar 14

NewspapersIndian fashion designer Mrugesh Parmar is at it again. Not even a month after receiving the Guinness World Record and Limca Book of World Records titles for the world’s largest fabric handbag, he’s crafted the planet’s biggest newspaper purse.

Parmar’s latest record breaking effort was carefully crafted from a massive nine kilograms of old The Times of India newspapers. It measures 4.26 meters by 7.01 meters, and is four meters deep. Its handle is also an impressive five meters long. For those playing at home, that dwarfs the previous record holder, a 4.18 meter by 6.62 meter paper bag crafted in Romania in 2009.

I can’t imagine Parmar’s bag would be very practical, but I suppose it’s an innovative way to recycle! And while collecting records clearly motivates Parmar, it seems he’s equally passionate about raising awareness about this environmental practice.

I want people to use paper and not plastic bags,” he told The Times of India. “They neither harm environment nor animals.

Parmar will take his green message to the people of India when his great big bag is exhibited at an upcoming UNICEF display.

I wonder what record Mrugesh Parmar will break next. I can’t imagine he’s done yet, can you?

[Source: The Times of India]
[Image Source: Griszka Niewiadomski/Stock.xchng]

Newspaper Bags on eBay

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L.A.M.B. Miles Satchel | Stylish Red Leather Gwen Stefani Purse

Posted on: Mar 14

L.A.M.B. Miles SatchelI’d all but given up on Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line, with its signature patterns adorning a seemingly endless stream of lackluster handbags. But then I saw the Miles Satchel, a design so striking that I’m sure there’s life in this celebrity designed line yet.

Of course any bag made from scarlet red leather will turn heads. But the Miles’ appeal is about more than vibrant leather. I love its ladylike structured shape and deep, rich seams.

I’m also impressed with its design, which has perfect everyday dimensions and the features to match. It’s got enough space for everything we really need inside, but not so much that we’ll be tempted to fill it with weighty extras. The trio of interior pockets is just what the doctor ordered to keep the space in order. The handles could stand to be a bit longer, but they should fit snugly on the shoulders of most girls. And when you’re done lugging it around, there are metal feet ready to protect the base once you sit it down.

Gwen Stefani has found form again, and it looks like she’s trying to make amends for all those boring bags of the past. At $398, the Miles satchel is a great buy.

More Features of This Gwen Stefani Leather Satchel

  • Top zip closure
  • A L.A.M.B. engraved plaque
  • Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 6.5 x 10 inches

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Guess Port Grimaud Cross-Body Bag | Casual Black Fabric Logo Purse

Posted on: Mar 13

Guess Port Grimaud Cross-Body BagGuess’ accessories have always been a bit hit and miss. Frankly if I’m honest, most fall on the miss side. But the label gets it right with the Port Grimaud Cross-Body bag.

The weathered fabric has won me over. It almost appears like a dark black denim, and it seems like it’s just as tough. The cloth is a great choice for a budget label like Guess. When it plays with leatherlike materials, the results seem like poor imitations. By choosing a fabric that isn’t trying to rise above its station, Guess has actually ended up with a richer looking bag.

Guess couldn’t resist using its favorite leatherette on the zipper pull and trim though. Personally I think the glossy material is unnecessary; I’d rather see fabric piping in its place. However I concede the use of this plastic-like faux leather might please the label’s loyal fans.

They’ll also probably love the logo. Guess is never shy about branding its bags, and the Port Grimaud continues the trend. I’ve never been a fan of these obvious signatures, but I don’t mind the print here. The rest of the bag is so uncomplicated that it actually creates interest rather than muddying the design.

I wouldn’t say the Port Grimaud has converted me, but this practical cross-body reminds me I shouldn’t judge a bag by its label!

More Features of This Guess Fabric Cross-Body Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Rear zip pocket
  • Fully lined interior
  • A buckle-adjustable cross-body strap
  • Measures 11 x 9.25 x 3.25 inches

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Agyness Deyn Designs for Dr. Martens | Model Makes Capsule Collection for Boots Brand

Posted on: Mar 13

Agyness DeynAgyness Deyn is taking her love for Dr. Martens to the next level. After modeling for the iconic boots brand’s most recent advertising campaigns and wearing its products since she was just 13, Deyn will become Dr. Martens’ next designer.

The Manchester-born model says that designing a capsule collection for the rebellious fashion house is a great fit for her.

It stands for strong character and being able to shape your own personal identity,” she explained.

While Dr. Marten’s signature combat boots will be a part of the new collection, there’s more to this range than footwear. Deyn will also design apparel and accessories for the British fashion house. Theoretically that means we could dress head to toe in Deyn’s creations, but I wonder whether that could be too much. Perhaps we’re better using the rock inspired pieces as accents only!

Deyn’s always been more than just a pretty face. Her androgynous looks and tomboyish charm help to set her apart from so many catwalks models. I wouldn’t ordinarily be excited about a model adding to their resume, but I’m excited to see what Deyn comes up with. Since she’s so familiar with the brand’s creative vision, I’m expecting something really special.

The Agyness Deyn for Dr. Martens line will hit stores this fall.

[Source: Grazia Daily]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Dr. Martens Bags on eBay

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Badgley Mischka Irene Tote | Snake Embossed Black Leather Carryall

Posted on: Mar 13

Badgley Mischka Irene ToteAdd a touch of luxury to your everyday outings with this Irene Tote from Badgley Mischka.

Subtle snake embossed handles and tabs make this tote feel more indulgent than the average black leather bag. Badgley Mischka’s restraint is one of the keys here. Bags that employ exotic embossing throughout tend to look like poor imitations of the genuine article. But by using the effect sparingly, Badgley Mischka’s ensured its Irene maintains its elegance.

Those snake trimmed tabs don’t just add style to the design; they work with the twist-lock closure to help the bag expand. In regular mode it should suit everyday use, but the extra inches could see the Irene serving as a great weekender or carry-on case. Personally I think it needs a few extra pockets to be truly practical once it’s expanded, but if it’s packed carefully this shouldn’t be a major concern. At least it’s easy to carry, with its rolled shoulder straps for regular use and an attachable cross-body strap for our busiest days.

The Irene has such an exotic charm that I was bowled over by its $498 price tag. That’s not a lot to spend on such a stylish everyday tote.

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Embossed Accent Tote

  • Crafted from Saffiano leather
  • Top magnetic closure
  • A rear exterior zip pocket
  • Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
  • An attachable strap with a 17 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 7 x 13 inches
  • Also available in bone

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Derek Lam Leaves Tod’s | Creative Director Steps Down

Posted on: Mar 13

Tod's StoreDerek Lam is the latest designer to leave his company. After six years of service, Lam has left his post as creative director of Tod’s.

The news seems to have come out of the blue, and neither Tod’s nor Derek Lam have shed any light on it. The Italian fashion house hasn’t offered any reason for the split, and Lam is staying tight-lipped on the whole affair. It’s enough to make you wonder whether there’s a juicy story behind the headlines!

Derek Lam’s latest move isn’t anticipated to affect his own signature fashion line, or his recently launched 10 Crosby range. The question has to be asked though; could this development indicate that Derek Lam will assume that coveted creative director position at Christian Dior? While the company seems to revel in maintaining mystery about its next move, it’s hard to avoid speculation whenever a big name designer flies his fashion coop!

And who will fill Derek Lam’s stylish shoes at Tod’s? Perhaps we’ll see a game of fashion musical chairs, with Raf Simmons, Stefano Pilati, or another newly freely agent stepping in. With so many acclaimed designers currently without fashion houses, we are waiting anxiously to see where they all land.

[Source: FashionEtc]
[Image Source: Ralph and Jenny/Flickr]

Tod’s Bags on eBay

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Botkier Apollo Hobo | Casual Belted Green Lambskin Handbag

Posted on: Mar 13

Botkier Apollo HoboSumptuously soft lambskin and a rich bottle green hue make this Apollo bag one of the most desirable hobos I’ve seen in some time.

Lambskin is an ideal material for crafting a traditional hobo, because its buttery finish slouches so easily. We can see its quality in every natural fold and feel it underneath our fingertips. The high quality material is paired with a patent leather belt, an element which I’m less enthusiastic about. While it’s every bit as luxurious as the lambskin, the gloss of the patent looks cheaper in my opinion. Some girls might enjoy its contrast, but I think the bag would have been better without it.

While the belt may be a bit of a misstep, Botkier doesn’t put another foot wrong. Its single strap is long and flat, so we can easily sling it over our shoulder and know it’ll stay there. Its interior is luxuriously large, but it’s got so many pockets that the space doesn’t feel unmanageable. Botkier’s really exceeded our expectations here, with a pen slot and key chain working with the usual pouches.

It might not be perfect, but for $545 it’s close enough to tempt us. That’s relatively affordable for a hobo with so much style and substance.

More Features of This Botkier Lambskin Hobo

  • Top zip closure
  • Interior lining
  • Exterior front and back pockets
  • A single shoulder strap with a 10 inch drop
  • Measures 4.5 x 14 x 13 inches
  • Also available in black and brown

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