Louis Vuitton Inspired by Vintage Wartime Chic for Fall 2009 Advertising

Posted on: Sep 13

You never know quite what you’re going to get with Louis Vuitton. Recent ads have featured pop queen Madonna and veteran astronauts. This time around the luxury label is back to fashion basics with a campaign fronted by model Missy Rider. Her steel blue gloved hands clutch a casual drawstring bag which bears Louis Vuitton’s iconic signature print.

Former Louis Vuitton visionary, now Nina Ricci creative director, Peter Copping was inspired to create this vintage spread after reading a book about Paris during the Second World War. The look is very European, suitably sombre, and utterly elegant. The deep, rich tones are entirely appropriate for the cooler weather ahead.

The campaign’s feminine retro-chic images were captured by photographer Daniel Jackson, who worked closely with Louis Vuitton’s creative director William Snieg and stylist Katie Grand of Love magazine on the shots. The result manages to be a little different, yet unmistakably Louis Vuitton.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Louis Vuitton Drawstring Bags on eBay

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Vivienne Tam Replaces the Evening Bag with the ‘Digital Clutch’ | Designer Reveals Second Fashionable Netbook

Posted on: Sep 13

I’m not sure just how popular Vivienne Tam’s first stab at fashionable computers was the first time around, but the designer is giving it another go.

The computer geniuses at Hewlett-Packard have teamed up with Tam yet again for another fashionably encased netbook. This new “Digital Clutch” was revealed at Tam’s Spring 2010 collection show at Fashion Week in New York City.

Last year’s bold, floral netbook of last year has been replaced by butterflies and and neutral background colors. Vivienne Tam was reportedly inspired by the classic Chinese story of “Butterfly Lovers.” I’m not usually a fan of butterfly-filled fashion, but this use of the beloved insect is less offensive than others and actually quite pretty. It doesn’t do anything to replace an actual clutch bag, but I’ll admit it could easily pass as one to onlookers.

No word yet on the hardware behind the fashionable exterior. However, Tam’s previous collaboration with HP was on a Mini 1000, so I’m guessing it will be something comparable. I can’t imagine that the price will lower much from last year’s $699, but fashionable techies can hope. This classy butterfly netbook should be available next spring.

[Source: liliputing]

Butterfly Handbags on eBay

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Betseyville Party Hearty Overnighter | Betsey Johnson Quilted Weekender Tote

Posted on: Sep 13

Betsey Johnson continues to serve up nothing but the quirkiest, most whimsical yet stylish bags around. At least, that’s my take on the designer’s goods. Where some brands take whimsy to a tacky place, Betsey Johnson somehow manages to make it more kitschy than gaudy.

Her Betseyville range of bags is fun and not completely out of reach for bag lovers on a budget. This Party Hearty overnighter is what I’d expect from the designer plus a little extra pizazz. While its bold look might not be for every traveling gal, it’s perfect for those who like to look dressed to the nines even when running to catch a flight.

The weekender-style tote’s quilted satin fabric has a luxe appearance, but is a far cry from Chanel’s signature classic material. The Party Hearty’s quilted hearts add a punch of the unexpected to a formal fabric.

Most women in the market for a travel bag are looking for function in addition to style, though. I wouldn’t call this Betsey Johnson Betseyville tote the most practical travel bag I’ve ever come across, but it does boast a decently sized interior. The chain link straps are probably the most impractical part of the bag, but that’s easily taken care of with the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap.

More Features of the Party Hearty Overnighter

  • Measures 19 x 13 x 7 inches
  • Chain strap with 9 inch drop
  • Zipper closure

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Hello Kitty PVC Baguette | Kitsch Cartoon Purse with Kitten Motif

Posted on: Sep 13

On a cold dark day, everyone could use a little dose of Hello Kitty style sunshine. You either love the Hello Kitty brand or you hate it, but no-one can deny how happy, carefree and downright cheerful the little cartoons are.

This cheap and cute purse by Hello Kitty is just the thing to break yourself (or your child) into the Hello Kitty mania that is still so popular. Remarkably restrained for a brand that is normally so … well … pink, this purse has a much more neutral color pallet.

The materials on this kitsch baguette couldn’t be expected to be “classy”, and I have say expectations are definitely met. In shiny PVC, everything about this is cute, wipe clean and functional. The embroidered large Hello Kitty logo, however, is a nice textured touch to an otherwise plastic bag.

Cute and childish, this Hello Kitty PVC baguette is a bit like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it. In comparison to other purses by the same brand, however, it is much more muted and less in-your-face.

More Features of this Hello Kitty PVC Baguette

  • Zip closure
  • Gray/Red color scheme
  • Embroidered logo

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Celestina Sterling Silver Minaudiere | Luxurious Designer Crocodile Textured Metal Evening Purse

Posted on: Sep 13

With this sterling silver minaudiere, Celestina designer Tina Maristela-Ocampa shows us what her magic touch can bring to metal.

The brand is more famous for its abalone and mother-of-pearl clutches, but this gorgeous minaudiere is no less striking. In fact, by dabbling in an unexpected medium, Celestina ensures this evening purse really stands out. The sterling silver exterior is given a modern lift with a stunning crocodile texture. Each scale is meticulously rendered to create this dramatic finish. These scales are mimicked by two faceted smoky topazes, which form the minaudiere’s closure.

The sumptuous suede lining ensures this sterling silver purse doesn’t become a rattle once it’s packed with party essentials. It really is a matter of essentials only though, as such a tiny clutch will never offer a lot of storage space. If you’re used to oversized clutches that might pose a problem, but I think the looks are incentive enough to scale back.

If the size doesn’t put you off, the price just might. Celestina clutches are never cheap, and at $2,150 this is more expensive than most. Still, if you can stretch your budget to buy it, this glamorpuss is bound to work its magic for years to come.

More Features of This Celestina Crocodile Textured Minaudiere

  • Comes with a cosmetics mirror
  • Measures 6.5 x 4.25 x 1.5 inches

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Marni Mini Balloon Bag | Sleek And Shiny Bordeaux Patent Balloon Bag

Posted on: Sep 12

Marni is one of those lines that combines designs and materials in unique and unexpected ways. The line, favored by fashionistas on both sides of the Atlantic, delivers classic style with a hip, youthful attitude.

Its modern take on the classic balloon bag is to die for. The slick maroon patent is the perfect material for this shape. The shiny surface makes it look almost weightless, but the thoughtful contrast with the tan leather details holds it firmly to this planet.

This bag has a lot of interesting details that are both beautiful and practical. The strongly seamed leather handles look great with their contrast stitching, and are also built to last. The caramel leather corner patches with stud detail give the bag a metal edge and will protect the patent from wear and tear right where it needs it most.

The only thing I’m not really digging about the bag is the detachable shoulder strap. It’s simply too wide for the feminine shape and size of the bag, and it looks off balance and out of place. Luckily, it’s removable.

The eclectic combination of details results in a bag that can do double duty. It will fit in nicely with uptown office attire, but also with some edgier looks.

More Features Of The Marni Mini Balloon Leather Bag

  • 13″ x 7″ x 5″ size
  • 22″ handle drop
  • Taupe lined interior
  • Interior zipper and pouch pockets

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Cole Haan Whitney Zip Hobo | Red Leather Handbag with Grommets

Posted on: Sep 12

Well, I’m back to grommets again. The classy Bulga Cava Tote must have gotten me on a kick for them. There’s something so interesting yet casual about the detail that makes it a great addition to a handbag.

This is not the first time that Cole Haan has used grommets on a bag either. The Village Drawstring Hobo might use the detail in a functional way, but the Whitney Zip Hobo simply adds some interest with it.

I’m not exactly quite sure why “zip” made it into the name and not grommet since the latter far outnumbers the single zipper on the top. Name aside, though, this Cole Haan hobo is a great choice for a trendy, everyday handbag.

It might have a decent height and width, but the Whitney is fairly thin, which makes it much less bulky to carry around but somewhat limiting in what you can carry. Don’t call it impractical, though. There are plenty of pockets inside to organize your things. This bright, red hobo retails for a moderate price of $348.

More Features of the Whitney Zip Hobo

  • Measures 16 x 13 x 4.5 inches
  • Single strap with 6.5 inch drop
  • Zip top
  • Lined interior

Get this Cole Haan Whitney Bag:

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

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Stella McCartney Perforated Satin Clutch | Emerald Green Evening Bag With Elegant Perforated Design

Posted on: Sep 12

Stella McCartney always surprises me. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes not. Mostly, I love her downtown design sensibility and her dedication to her unique point of view. Bags like this Perforated Satin Clutch are exactly the reason why she has such a star-studded reputation.

The emerald green satin has a fabulous sheen and will definitely add a punch of color to your evening on the town. The perforated design gives the clutch an interesting, almost snakeskin texture, which is set off by the silver toned hardware.

The three-sided zip fastening pulls closed with a tonal stamped logo disc pull, which I really like, as it means that the logo doesn’t detract from the elegant design.

Altogether, the clutch has an elegant, but somewhat sporty look that will work for a lot of evening ensembles. I can see it really popping against a hot pink silky something of a dress, or adding a little dash of color to a structured all-black get up.

More Features Of The Stella McCartney Perforated Satin Clutch

  • 16″ x 9″ x 1″ size
  • Grey satin lining
  • Internal pouch and zipped compartments

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Lodis Audrey Formal Clutch | Functional Traditional Leather Wallet

Posted on: Sep 12

If you have been looking for a work suitable formal clutch, then this simple and understated wallet from Lodis is one of the smartest purses out there.

This Audrey clutch isn’t about to win any prizes in the looks department. Simple, plain and undecorated, this is a look that may never be in fashion, but won’t ever be out of fashion either. It is one of those characterless wallets that are great to keep you going at work before you switch to your jazzy weekend purse.

Inside the red lining makes a great contrast with the black exterior leather of this Lodis Audrey gusset clutch. You have space for bits and pieces alongside card slots and cash areas, making this both a chunky rectangular clutch and an oversized wallet.

The ideal coordination for Filofaxes and formal notepads, this is the boring purse that no-one really wants to own, but probably should have as a back-up.

More Features of this Functional Lodis Wallet

  • Available in 5 colors
  • Fold-over snap closure
  • Interior pockets and gusset section
  • Contrasting interior

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Use Reusable Totes to Celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day

Posted on: Sep 12

Today marks the first International Plastic Bag Free Day, a global initiative which encourages everyone to ditch the plastic bags and carry their groceries home in reusable totes.

The event is the brainchild of the United Kingdom’s Marine Conservation Society, but it’s received support around the world. The organization has a vested interest in abolishing plastic bags after seeing firsthand the devastation they can cause to waterways and marine animals.

We need as many people as possible to take part to make the day a success and show that one of the most preventable forms of plastic litter can easily be stopped,” said the group’s Pollution Program Manager, Dr. Sue Kinsey. “Plastic bags are a menace to marine wildlife and blight our landscape. Groups as far afield as Canada and Hawaii are taking part and making this a truly international day!

With so many cute cotton and canvas totes available, this is one green trend that’s easy to follow!

[Source: Marine Conservation Society]
[Image Source: NoMoreBaggage.org]

Reusable Tote Bags on eBay

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