Adriana Castro Handbag Giveaway at Bag Snob | Win Meissa Python Hobo Seen on Jennifer Lopez

Posted on: Aug 11

This isn’t the first Adriana Castro giveaway I’ve come across, and I’m guessing it won’t be the last as this designer continues to gain momentum in the fashion world.

This time it’s the ladies at Bag Snob, Tina Craig and Kelly Cook, who are delighting fans with one of Castro’s classic designs in an exotic leather. The contest follows the designer’s virtual personal appearance on the fashion website earlier today. After a two-hour live chat, Bag Snob convinced the designer to award one lucky follower a snakeskin hobo.

The Meissa python hobo in natural, which is worth an impressive $1,900, has been spotted on mega-celebrity Jennifer Lopez. You can’t really ask for better publicity than that. Lopez isn’t the only Castro celeb fan, though. Her designs have also shown up on the arms of the fashion-loving Kardashian sisters.

In order to win this python Meissa bag, all you have to do is leave a comment on Bag Snob’s givewaway page answering when you first discovered Adriana Castro bags and why you fell in love with them. The contest is open to U.S. residents and will run through August 31. Evidently the designer will choose the winning comment herself.

[Source: Bag Snob]

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Alexis Hudson Champagne Clutch | Metallic Space-Age Ruffled Purse

Posted on: Aug 11

Alexis Hudson introduces a whole lot of bling into the Christmas party season with this sexy metallic champagne clutch.

Available in bronze or gunmetal, this is a metallic clutch with two personalities. In bronze it is a crocodile print beauty with rustic charm. In gunmetal, the polished silver leather creates a more modern feeling. Personally I think the silver works better, as there are plenty of similar crocodile print metallic clutches on the market.

The gathered ruffled look is a particularly nice addition to this bold yet simple purse. Even if you think you could make it yourself out of tin foil, the sumptuous materials should make the difference!

Whilst there is no convenient option for a detachable chain, this Alexis Hudson clutch does offer a small wristlet-style handle to make carrying easier. Great for practicality, as well as being a cute and stylish addition.

This is a chic and roomy handbag, but may be a touch expensive at $120.

More Features of this Space-Age Alexis Hudson Purse

  • Dimensions 7″ x 7″
  • Sophisticated neutral interior
  • Clasp closure
  • Leather exterior (in crocodile)

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Mad Imports Carmen Clutch | Raffia Handbag with Wooden Accent

Posted on: Aug 11

Mad Imports, which is now actually known as Mar Y Sol, is a great company that emphasizes social and environmental responsibility. It goes a step further than brands that simply use eco-friendly materials. This label also works to minimize poverty and improve the lives of people in Kenya and Madagascar.

What a great way to spend money on fashion: to know you’re benefiting more than just your own wardrobe. The price tags on Mad Imports designs aren’t what I’d call extremely inexpensive. However, like this Carmen clutch, nearly all of the designs are under $100, which is decently affordable and worth the money when you know where it’s going.

Also similar to their other styles, the Carmen is casual and full of color and personality. It’s not a handbag for every occasion, but it provides a wonderful shock of color when your outfit calls for it. The effortless blend of yellow, blue, red, and green is both unexpected and fantastic.

Since most of the brand’s bags are made from materials such as raffia, like the Carmen, and woven straw, I’m not sure how well they will translate into the fall and winter seasons. This clutch seems like it was meant to accompany sandals and sundresses, but you might be able to sneak it in to a few cooler weather outfits.

The Carmen’s front flap closure is decorated with a rectangular wooden accent that integrates right in with the ethnic style of the clutch. A plainweave lining with a simple label tag is the perfect finishing touch to this Malagasy handbag.

More Features of the Carmen Clutch

  • Measures 11.5 x 8 x 1.75 inches
  • Flap closure with wood detail
  • Modern patchwork raffia

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Comme des Garçons PVC Holdall Handbag | Bright Turquoise Synthetic Chic Man Bag

Posted on: Aug 11

This Comme des Garçons holdall is described as a man bag, but I could easily imagine it in the closet of any chic female fashionista.

What sets it apart from so many man bags is the vibrant color. There’s no sedate black or gray available here. Instead you can choose this playful turquoise or an electric blue variety. They’re not very masculine choices, but flamboyant fellas and confident ladies could easily carry off this look.

The colors could easily overwhelm, but the simple design keeps everything in balance. Two shoulder straps wrap around the bag to become belted accents. It’s just a shame they aren’t longer. Comme des Garçons has made them adjustable, but even extended to capacity you can still only carry the holdall by hand. And when this murse is loaded up, that’s going to be a real challenge.

The PVC fabric isn’t as luxurious as leather, but it is a little easier to keep clean. Light marks will simply wipe away with a damp cloth, to keep your bag looking fabulous for longer. The synthetic material also makes this holdall cheaper than most Comme des Garçons creations.

More Features of This Comme des Garçons Synthetic Holdall

  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Zip top closure
  • Measures 19 x 15.5 x 6.5 inches

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Joie Expands Fashion Line to Include Leather Handbags and Shoes

Posted on: Aug 11

Established in 2001, Joie is a relative newcomer to the fashion scene. The label’s made waves with its ready-to-wear feminine fashions inspired by the Southern Californian lifestyle, and it’s branching out. Joie has recently expanded its collections to include handbags and shoes.

The brand strives to create fashions that are “Casual, comfortable, and luxurious,” and their new accessories are no exception to that rule. Take this Ibiza bag for example. The soft distressed leather is incredibly luxurious. I also imagine that long strap would feel comfortable on your shoulder. And nothing says casual like a slouchy, unstructured hobo!

It’s a little disappointing that charcoal gray is the only color available, but at least it’ll work with your fall and winter wardrobes. It’s also reasonably priced at $545. This Joie Ibiza bags, and other accessories from Joie’s fall collection, are available online at Shopbop.com.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

Chinese Laundry Pleated Tote | Practical East-West Style Handbag with Side Pockets

Posted on: Aug 11

Up-and-coming label Chinese Laundry has delivered a tote which satisfies our need for practicality and style.

The styling’s so striking, it’s easy to forget about our other desires. A zippered front pocket becomes more than a practical feature, with tight pleats adding some real pizzazz. It’s suitably slouchy for everyday use, and the color palette is fun and fresh. This yellow tone screams summer, but it’d also add an unexpected pop to your darker winter wardrobe. There’s an equally sunny turquoise variety, and a more conservative gray.

The only design compromise is the fabric. No matter what the quality, PVC always looks a little cheaper than genuine leather. Of course it makes this pleated tote a lot more affordable than any calfskin bag, which makes the sacrifice a little easier to swallow.

The zippered front pocket attracts attention, but it’s not the only place for keeping essentials at your fingertips. The ruched sides subtly disguise two deep pockets. The elastic tops are supported by secure magnetic snaps, so you can stash valuables like a cell phone or Palm Pilot inside without a care. The generous interior space has even more pouches: a zippered pocket in one wall and two slips on the other. That’s one for your iPod and another for your sunglasses!

They say a cute handbag is the easiest way to give your wardrobe a lift. And at just $64, this pleated tote may be one of the cheapest too!

More Features of This Chinese Laundry PVC Tote

  • Zip top closure
  • Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 18 x 11 x 6 inches

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Roberto Cavalli Enlists Supermodel Kate Moss for Retro-Style Fall/Winter 2009 Ad Campaign

Posted on: Aug 10

Despite the fact that she recently reached her mid-thirties, ubiquitous and highly demanded supermodel Kate Moss seems a very appropriate choice for Roberto Cavalli’s junior line Just Cavalli ads. Plus, it seems that age isn’t holding back any well-known models from landing major designer campaigns.

Moss appears yet again in the Just Cavalli fall/winter advertisements and is joined this time by male model Chris Duffy. I’m somewhat drawn to the overall party atmosphere that the stylist was obviously intending to communicate. I hardly even notice Duffy in the back with Kate’s dominating air. In fact, he’s pretty much an afterthought here.

The real star of the show, however, is the fashion, which takes the stage front and center despite the supermodels overwhelming presence. I certainly don’t think retro when I think of the Just Cavalli line, but this sequined mini dress and twisted-front clutch bag certainly throw off that vibe. Maybe it’s just Kate Moss’ Brigitte Bardot hair and makeup styling that makes me think of that, though.

The posing might be a little awkward (especially the positioning of that purple clutch), but at least the fashion items look great.

[Source: The Fash Pack]

Just Cavalli Handbags on eBay

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Kate Spade Lilia Tote | Lenox Hill Noel Quilted Microfiber Handbag

Posted on: Aug 10

Kate Spade’s version of the quilted handbag might not be anything quite as sophisticated as Chanel’s signature look, but the classic designer has a fun, casual twist on the style.

This Lilia tote from the Lenox Hill Noel collection is also practical in sturdy microfiber. The only touch of leather on this bag is the trim, including the patent handles and signature logo plate.

Although the Lilia is just a basic square tote shape, there are some additional features that make it a decent bag choice as well as an authentic Kate Spade. For one, the hardware is all 14-karat gold plated for some elegance. The leather logo plate is also embossed with the label’s well-known logo.

The buckled details on the leather handles don’t mean much to me unless they’re functional, though it’s a decent feature to notice. However, I really like the grommet rings that connect the handles to the bag. It seems completely appropriate with the laid-back look of the quilted fabric.

This Lenox Hill Lilia is lined in a deep purple material that’s a nice pop of color when you open it. You’ll find a couple of pockets in there for storage, and everything stays closed in with a zippered top. Altogether, it’s not a bad deal at $220 for a designer tote.

More Features of the Lilia Tote

  • Available in other materials
  • Measures 15 x 13 x 3.5 inches
  • Zip top closure
  • Strap drop of 7 inches

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Harajuku Lovers Honey Tote | Black Trompe L’oeil Print Handbag

Posted on: Aug 10

If you love a bag with studs, chains, pockets and contrast stitching … well, then jury’s out on how you’ll like the Harajuku Lovers Honey Tote. Because these details may look like heavy hardware, but they’re simply drawn on in classic Trompe L’oeil style.

Black and white Trompe L’oeil definitely suggests Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, but the fun art-project feel of this tote marks it as one of the bags in Gwen Stefani’s lower priced line. While a L.A.M.B. handbag from her designer collection might actually feature all these details, it would also be a lot more expensive than the $67.20 this bag is currently on sale for at Amazon. It’s actually a great price to own a piece of your favorite pop star’s style.

The practical advantage of having extras drawn on? The bag is pretty light weight and it won’t get caught on anything. No inch of the bag goes undecorated as the other side features a faux zip pocket and the bottom has more studs and appliques.

More Features Of The Harajuku Lovers Honey Tote

  • Fabric
  • Logo lining
  • Measures 15.5 x 18 x 4.5 inches

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Behind the Scenes with Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter Advertising Video

Posted on: Aug 10

We’ve all admired Anna Jagodzinska, and those lush exotic handbags, in Bottega Veneta’s new fall/winter advertisements. Now this video shows us just how these stunning shots were achieved.

The clip takes us behind the scenes with fashion photographer Steven Meisel and models Anna and Eddie Klint. It’s a little short, which leaves the feeling we’re simply scratching the surface. But I suppose the fashion house wants to maintain a little mystery!

The video’s narrator is none other than Bottega Veneta’s creative director Tomas Maier. He explains why he opted to work with Steven Meisel and his artistic vision for the advertisements. I only wish it came with subtitles. His accent is so thick and his voice so lush and resonant, it’s hard to catch every word on the first listen.

Thankfully this video is about more than the words. It’s also about the handbags, which are all on display in their decadent glory. No matter what language you speak, their beauty is universal!

Bottega Veneta Handbags on eBay

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