Linea Pelle combines practicality and pizzazz in the coolly casual Nikki bag.

It’s made of luxurious Italian leather, washed in a special garment enzyme to give it a soft casual look. The treatment gives the Nikki a washed and worn appearance which doesn’t have the consistent facade of most leathers. It’s a unique finish; one that’s intriguing, yet destined not to please everybody.

Roomy zippered pockets give the Nikki a little edge while providing a handy place for stashing girly essentials. I can imagine stashing my cell in one and car keys in the other, putting an end to those frustrating moments spent foraging for a ringing phone. Although maybe they would be better placed in the side flap pockets. These pouches are easy to overlook at first, but they’re just as practical as the showier compartments on the front.

It’s a good thing the exterior is overloaded with pockets, because there aren’t so many inside. That’s not to suggest organization is overlooked. I guess Linea Pelle just figured four was nearly enough! There’s one zippered compartment inside, but the rest of the wall space is filled with credit card slots and a D-ring. On second thoughts, maybe that’s a more secure place to store my keys!

Purses with dual front pockets are nothing new, and this Linea Pelle variety doesn’t really push any envelopes. But revolutionary or not, there’s plenty to admire here.

More Features of this Linea Pelle Shoulder Bag

• Top zip closure
• Lined with zebra print satin
• Dual rolled handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 8 x 6.5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Linea Pelle Nikki Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Linea Pelle Nikki, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the CherryTreeshop eBay store to see if this Linea Pelle bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Linea Pelle bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Donna bag, a great alternative to this front pocket bag.
• Searching for more Linea Pelle bags on eBay

Recently she was donating handbags to charity, but now Naomi Campbell is back to her old tricks. The fiery model used her purse for evil instead of good recently! She’s accused of hitting a photographer with her handbag during an Italian getaway with her billionaire beau.

Celebrity snapper Gaetano Di Giovanni claims he suffered scratches and bruises in the attack. He added that Naomi’s “nails had damaged his left eye,” and that his injuries required hospital treatment.

Naomi had just arrived on the island of Lipari, just off the coast of Sicily, with her main squeeze Mikhail Prokhorov before she clashed with the pap. I can understand wanting to escape the limelight while you’re on vacation, but what about simply putting your hands over your face? Or even smiling sweetly and waiting for the snappers to go on their way?

But this is the Naomi we all know and love. She’s denying the reports, of course, but they seem a lot more believable than her recent acts of altruism!

[Source: Daily Star]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Lauren Merkin shows us that style and practicality can come at an affordable price with the Stella tote.

The traditional boxy tote shape is jazzed up with two long zips running down the front. They give the Stella two distinct looks: sophisticated and refined while zipped up, and casual rocker chic when unzipped. But it’s not merely an aesthetic choice. Unzipping the tote also helps it expand, so you can use it as an overnight bag or carry-on luggage.

The leather finish has a subtle sparkle, and an unexpected practicality. It’s waterproof, so you don’t need to stress if you get stuck in a downpour. Anyone with water-damaged purses in their closet will appreciate this convenient feature!

The shimmery finish is mirrored inside with a shimmery striped lining. Such a large space takes a lot to organize, but zip and patch pockets on the side walls are there to help out. A hidden top zip ensures that no matter what you carry inside, it’ll stay safe.

The Stella is available in a whopping ten different colors, so choosing your favorite is bound to be a challenge. Personally I’d opt for this blue variety. It’s a natural match for denim, and looks stunning with black in winter and beige and white tones in the warmer months.

More Features of This Lauren Merkin Waterproof Tote

• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 16 x 2 inches with zips closed, and 19 x 16 x 2 inches with zips open
• Made in New York City

Get this Lauren Merkin Stella Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Check the Shopsavoytruffle eBay store to see if this Lauren Merkin bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lauren Merkin bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Mona bag, a great alternative to this expandable bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other Lauren Merkin handbags on eBay (see listings below):

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If you don’t take your fashions too seriously, you’ll love the novelty look of this Finger Hole clutch from Latico.

The most noticeable feature, and the greatest selling point, is the five holes that give the clutch its name. They’re styled to make hand-held carrying a little simpler, but they’re not entirely effective. Unless your fingers are just right, they’re not going to fit as easily as Latico imagined. Thankfully the clutch also comes with a shoulder strap to help sausage-fingered fashionistas like myself!

It’s also a good thing that those holes aren’t the clutches only selling point. Without them the purse may not have been so distinctive, but its retro styling would still have impressed. The trapezoidal shape and ruby red leather are head turners in their own rights. But the real surprise comes inside.

While most clutches offer only skin deep beauty, this packs plenty into the slim interior space. There are three pockets – one zippered and two slip – plus four credit card slots. That may not be enough to handle a trip to the mall, but it should be sufficient for margaritas with the girls!

This red purse would look so cute paired with matching red lipstick and a flared retro dress, but it’s not the only option. Conservative chicks aren’t forgotten, with the Finger Hole Clutch also available in black, white, and olive green.

More Features of This Latico Vyntage Novelty Purse

• Silver-toned hardware
• Hidden magnetic closre
• Yellow-lined interior
• A single 22 inch handle with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 2 x 11.5 inches

Get this Latico Finger Hole Clutch:

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

[phpbay]Latico Finger Hole Clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Muiroh3 eBay store to see if this Latico bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Latico bags on BagBunch
• The Aspects Quilted Port Hole Clutch, a great alternative to this clutch.
• Searching for more Latico bags on eBay

One thing is certain in the designer fashion world right now: consumers are either cutting back on shopping budgets or reconsidering purchases altogether. Though there are a few labels managing to pull in somewhat decent numbers in recent quarters, some companies are having to change their strategies.

Some people might consider Givenchy’s decision to launch a new capsule collection a bit on the crazy side given the current economy. However, it just might be the smartest move they make.

Creative director Riccardo Tisci is going back to what made Givenchy great, like a modern twist on the classic white shirt. The first items from brand-new Redux collection, full of white blouses and studded handbags, were seen in June with the label’s Resort 2010 show and will be shown in the future twice a year with pre-collections.

Redux fashion will hit stores in October with items starting right around $350.

[Source: fashionologie]

Givenchy Handbags on eBay

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Rose McGowan is clearly besotted with her Louis Vuitton Epi Soufflot, even if she’s a little confused about its name!

When asked about her “fashion essentials,” the actress told Stylehive about her love for the “log” bags.

“Well I have about eight I don’t know what they’re called, I call them ‘the log,'” she admitted. “The Louis Vuitton bag that looks like a log with straps.”

I’d never really thought of it that way before, but I suppose the iconic wooden texture of the Epi collection, and the long barrel shape, do make the Soufflot resemble a log! I’m sure Louis Vuitton will be disappointed that the proper name slipped the star’s mind though.

Rose was spotted shopping in Beverly Hills this weekend carrying the mandarin orange variety. She’s also been snapped toting the distinctive purse in black, red, and emerald green. So that makes four. I can’t help wondering what other colors the Charmed star keeps in her collection!

[Source: Fashionphile]
[Image Source: Pinguino K/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Epi Soufflot Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Louis Vuitton Epi Soufflot, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Safari-inspired fashion has popped up in a few designer collections recently, like Louis Vuitton’s safari/nautical Cruise 2010 style. For those of us who appreciate the look but can’t afford designer versions, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s showing up in more affordable brands as well.

This Nine West Sidney bag might not be the epitome of the safari look, but it does have some qualities of the style that will appeal to fans. This ultra casual cross body might have a somewhat limited range of outfits it can accessorize, mostly involving jeans or khakis; however, its convenience and affordability make it well worth considering.

The majority of the Sidney Cross Body is crafted from a sturdy nylon twill material and finished off with dark brown synthetic leather trim. The camel beige and military green color options are quite appropriate for the look, but I much prefer this unexpected spicy mandarin orange.

The interior is lined in the same practical nylon material making it as easy to clean up spills on the inside as on the outside. Though not a flat bag, this crossbody isn’t overly wide or bulky for carrying against your hip. The extra-long strap makes it even more convenient for customizing the fit. At a mere $59, you really can’t go wrong with the simple safari Sidney.

More Features of the Sidney Cross Body

• Measures 11.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches
• Strap with 20.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Interior and exterior pockets

Get this Nine West Sidney Bag:

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

[phpbay]nine west sidney cross body, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Deb, a great alternative to this affordable casual bag
• Searching for more Nine West crossbody bags on eBay

Monica Botkier began designing handbags in 2003 after working in the fashion industry for many years. As a photographer, she was always in need of functional, high-quality bags that wouldn’t look out of place in the high fashion world she worked in. And so, Botkier was born, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

It isn’t that often that I have the opportunity to review a handbag that I own, because truth be told, I just don’t own that many. My taste is more expensive than my budget allows, and I am very very picky.

But this mini duffle captured my heart (and my wallet) almost immediately because of its undeniable good looks and high versatility. Held by the dual handles, it looks something like a tiny briefcase, with a classic vintage vibe, but slinging it over your shoulder gives it a slouchy, rocker look. 

The black lambskin is about as soft and supple as you can imagine, but all the buckles and straps give the bag an edgy air. I love the easy access front pocket; the clasp detail hides a magnetic self closure that makes getting to your keys a breeze. 

The two side straps aren’t just for show. They tighten or loosen to give the interior more or less room, depending on your needs, and the shoulder strap winds through hidden loops on the bottom to make the bag into a super small satchel perfect for a night out. 

The interior is twill-lined, and contains a zipper pocket and three patch pockets for your cell phone, pens, and whatnot. The combination of organizational options and size variability on the Sasha make it an easy choice to take you from work to where ever in functional style. Priced between $260 and $525, depending on the color, the Sasha is a fabulous investment bag for women who want a lot of bag for their buck.

More Features Of The Botkier Sasha Small Duffle

• 12.5″ x 6″ x 5″ size
• 6″ dual handle drop
• Removable shoulder strap

Get This Botkier Sasha Small Duffle

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

[phpbay]botkier sasha, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Botkier bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Stevie Satchel, a ruffled alternative to the Sasha
• Searching for more Botkier bags on eBay

If you want to embrace the vintage and retro side of fashion this year, then this Eden clutch from popular designer Hobo international should suit the look.

Available in four vintage-inspired colors, this clutch simply resonates with understated vintage charm. From the pastel shades to the big chunky retro button, Hobo has really done their utmost to put together a simple but endearing purse that any fifties loving girly girl would be happy to have in their hand.

Although this compact and feminine purse doesn’t offer the practical option of a long detachable handle, Hobo have endeavored to make clutch-carrying life a little easier. Simply grab onto the useful strap at the back to make carrying easier. This is a clever feature I don’t think I have actually seen before, and goes some way to making up for the absence of a shoulder strap.

Inside this elegant handbag is a lining of pale and sophisticated gray paisley. Whilst I would perhaps have liked to see a dramatically contrasting interior fabric, or floral pattern, this is clean and simple. The matching colored pocket trims are cute too. Even better is the useful coordinating coin purse that slips neatly inside. If stashing spare change isn’t your thing, however, you can remove it with ease.

A cute and cheerful purse that is high on the charm factor, this little beauty is gentle enough to remain inoffensive to all! Just don’t expect super-bold colors or wacky features.

More Features of this Hobo International Pastel Clutch

• Available in white, blue, pink or brown
• Mod style button front
• Clutch strap for carrying ease
• Detachable change purse

Get this Vintage-Inspired Eden Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on Bagbunch
• The Bulgari Rita Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this retro bag
• Searching for more retro clutches on eBay
• Other Hobo International bags on eBay:

[phpbay]hobo international bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

LVMH, manager of brands like Fendi and Marc Jacobs, isn’t the only big-time luxury goods conglomerate to suffer significantly, yet report impressive numbers for only one fashion label under their business umbrella.

One of the other well-known holding company names in the designer world, PPR, is dealing with the same issue. The news is good for their subsidiary Bottega Veneta, though. They’re the only brand under PPR that actually saw growth in their sales numbers over the second quarter.  

Bottega Veneta’s 8.6% sales increase is significant when you consider PPR’s 76% decline in first-half net profits when compared to last year. I’m guessing that their star performer in fashion sales is getting the royal treatment these days, especially when it comes to doling out the marketing money.

[Source: fashionologie]
[Image: Wallslide/flickr]

Bottega Veneta Handbags on eBay

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