Cole Haan puts a chic spin on the drawstring bag with this elegant Kendal tote.

The secret is the luxury leather, which gives subtle slouch rather than untidy bunching. The conservative colors also dress things up. Cuoio brown and black may not be showstoppers, but they do offer the kind of understated elegance that doesn’t age. The long leather tassels which hang from the drawstring offer enough whimsy to please younger fashion fans, without making the purse look too childish.

The Kendal isn’t just another good-looking handbag with no substance. It may be smaller than many of the totes on the market, but it’s big on practical features. The sleek side pockets are just a hint of what’s to come. They have an open top design, with zippers down the sides to make access even easier. The magnetic snap works with the drawstring for added security. The side walls are packed with pockets of the slip and zip variety to keep the clutter at bay.

The Kendal tote isn’t a trendsetter, but its timeless appeal and expert craftsmanship will last longer than any fad.

More Features of This Cole Haan Drawstring Handbag

• Jacquard lined interior
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 14.5 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cole Haan Kendal Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Cole Haan Kendal drawstring, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Ahead of Fashion eBay store to see if this Cole Haan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cole Haan bags on BagBunch
• The Kendal hobo bag, a great alternative to this drawstring bag.
• Searching for more Cole Haan bags on eBay

There’s bound to be tears when the world’s longest running soap opera Guiding Light comes to an end this fall. But heartbroken fans of the American drama series can take comfort in the news that the program’s fashions will live on.

The massive collection of clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories amassed during Guiding Light’s 72-year reign will be donated to Bottomless Closet. This New York charity provides appropriate job interview attire for women in need.

Bottomless Closet’s clients are often single mothers, forced to choose between everyday necessities like food and shelter for their families and making the right impression. The women will receive two complete outfits before a job interview, and if they get the position they can return to select three
more.

While the job seekers will dress like leading ladies, we all hope they have better luck than the often troubled heroines on the soap!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Love it or hate it: the Gypsy Ruffles handbag by Christian Dior makes a big impression.

The soft calfskin ruffles that encircle the bag are sure to polarize fashion fans. Girly girls and hippie chicks will probably love the perforated frill, while no-nonsense bagistas will scorn its unabashed femininity. This red shade certainly makes the most of that divisive design, but other shades including mustard and basic black tone it down.

I don’t mind the frill, but the Dior letter charms which dangle from the handle overcomplicate the design. Making them removable, as so many other brands do, would have satisfied label lovers and minimalist mamas alike.

Open up the top zip to reveal a space which strikes the right balance. There’s room for the essentials and a few luxuries besides, but it’s not so big that you’ll feel weighed down. That’s a good thing too, because the double wrapped strap doesn’t look like the most comfortable carry handle!

This is a hobo that embraces its bohemian roots and its girly side in equal measures. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s bound to excite many feminine fashionistas.

More Features of This Christian Dior Calfskin Hobo

• Polished gold metal hardware
• Satin lined interior
• A zippered pocket, patch pocket, and cell phone slip inside
• A single shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 9 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Christian Dior Gypsy Ruffles Handbag:

• Check the hottercooler eBay store to see if this Christian Dior bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Dior bags on BagBunch
• The SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Ruffle Bag, a great alternative to this Christian Dior bag.
• Searching for more Christian Dior bags on eBay
• Other Christian Dior hobos on eBay (see listings below):

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In contrast to Prada’s shimmery, neutral-toned spring/summer ads, the label’s fall/winter campaign takes a turn down a much more dramatic path.

Their new “black water” ads for this upcoming season are full of dark colors, looks, and ambiance. Evidently the campaign is meant to evoke the weather of the fall and winter seasons, and the cold stares of the models certainly seem to accomplish that.

Prada’s favored photographer Steven Meisel was back for the shoot, despite what I can only assume is an extremely busy schedule. Meisel has been hard at work with other campaigns including Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton’s fall ads.

The full roster of models featured in the campaign, looking a bit to me like quintuplets with matching smokey eyes and overly teased hair, are Kendra Spears, Anna Rijk, Julia Hafstrom, Ymre Stiekema, and Kaitlin Aas. Quite frankly, all I can see in these ads is the gorgeous Prada handbags and clothing, which is how an ad should be anyway.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Prada Handbags on eBay

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The first word that comes to mind when I see this Hobo International handbag is dramatic. As I’m sure was intended, the sleek and contemporary look of the Marina satchel is definitely something to make you stop and take a look.

Devoid of any metal hardware, contrasting stitching, or other superfluous details, the Marina is almost shocking in its simplicity. I suppose some might say it’s a tad underdone, but I really like the modern feel it has.

There’s absolutely nothing fussy about it, which won’t appeal to fans of designers like Betsey Johnson or Kathy Van Zeeland, whose styles are all about the bold details. However, the Marina will be a breath of fresh air to those who think some brands have gone overboard with their creativity.

My only real hesitation with this Hobo International satchel is that it slightly reminds me of a taco, but perhaps that’s just the Tex-Mex food lover coming out in me. I’m sure the bright yellow color doesn’t help the resemblance, though. The Marina also comes in standard black or brown as well as a lovely dark rouge that would be perfect for this fall.

This isn’t your ordinary satchel with long double handles for throwing on your shoulder. True to its minimalist style, the Marina is only outfitted with cut-out handles along the top of the curve. They’re definitely not intended to be practical considering the handbag’s size, but again I think the intention here is all about the drama.

More Features of the Marina Satchel

• Measures 13.25 x 7 x 3 inches
• Cut-out handles with 1.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Get this Hobo International Marina Satchel:

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

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

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Monsoon, a more detailed alternative to this sleek satchel
• Searching for more Hobo International handbags on eBay

With Emma Watson gracing the face of every magazine in stunning Burberry creations, I thought the time had come to review a classic Burberry handbag like this elegant baguette.

With its chestnut leather trim and iconic tartan print, this Burberry tote could not be a better example of everything that makes this famous British brand so well known. This baguette in particular, with its satchel like shape, really brings to mind luxury British schools and horse-riding!

Of course, the Burberry brand is the type of look that you either love or hate. The tartan suits very particular tastes, whilst often the associations with Burberry caps and more can be overpowering. If the style is your cup of tea, however, then this elegant and functional example is a great choice.

The tradition of this classic baguette is modernized with an over-sized leather buckle and vinyl coated canvas. Its equestrian theme may still be a little conservative for some, but this is a handbag that will catch attention and recognition wherever you go.

More Features of this Classic Burberry Tote

• Comes with dust bag
• Inner zip and phone compartments
• Reinforced corners
• Deep brown leather trim

Get this Traditional Tartan Baguette:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Burberry purses on Bagbunch
• The Red Fendi Mini Mama, a great alternative to this traditional baguette
• Searching for more tartan handbags on eBay
• Other Burberry bags on eBay:

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Botkier strikes the balance between feminine elegance and rock and roll edge with the Olivia shoulder bag.

The pyramid studded belt accent and angular trim bring the punk rock style. But this is balanced by the Olivia’s petite package and soft ruched leather. In the hands of a less capable designer, the vision could easily become confused, yet somehow Botkier pulls everything together.

The sugar and spice approach is also adopted by the single shoulder strap. Chain straps on the side appear tough, while the leather center softens the look. It’s also a practical touch, making the strap comfortable to carry over your shoulder or in your hand.

This purse is on the small side, so packrats should beware. The narrow design does make the Olivia look elegant, but it also restricts storage space. It will require careful packing, and perhaps a little trimming down, to fit your everyday essentials inside. Yet there’s also something a little liberating about traveling a little lighter.

This shade is called antique silver, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about it. This contemporary color is a real head-turner, the kind you’ll either love or hate. Thankfully for traditionalists, the Olivia is also available in basic black.

More Features of This Botkier Shoulder Bag

• Flap closure
• Logo-print lining
• A single shoulder strap with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 12 x 3 inches
• Made in Indonesia

Get this Botkier Olivia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the Highend0 by Lisa eBay store to see if this Botkier bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Botkier bags on BagBunch
• The Olivia clutch, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Botkier bags on eBay
• Other Botkier shoulder bags on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Botkier shoulder bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Man bags are practical and sophisticated, but most lads still struggle with the idea of carrying a purse. So it’s refreshing, and a little unexpected, to find a man speaking out about his murse obsession! Perhaps the adrenalin-charged career of Hungarian motorcycle charm Gabor Talmacsi buys him enough credibility to chat about his love of Louis Vuitton.

“I adore bags. When I see one fits me, I have to buy it without any hesitation,” he gushed. “Usually I wear a shoulder bag as I don’t like have anything in my pockets. My mania has been noticed by the biggest company in bags as I got a beautiful bag from Louis Vuitton.”

The bag in question is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Beaubourg, a unisex creation which proudly displays the traditional tan on brown LV signature leather. It’s been accused of being a tad girly, but it doesn’t look like Gabor minds. How could you when you’re getting Louis for free?

[Source: Fashionphile]
[Image Source: Richard Mushet/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Louis Vuitton monogrammed, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Big Buddha shows us that a global recession is no excuse to skimp on style with the adorable Teri bucket bag.

But of course, when a handbag costs only $70 there are going to be compromises made. In this case it’s the finish. PVC is never as durable or luxurious as patent leather, but at least it has all the gloss in the short term. And the mottled green texture applied here is so appealing, it’s almost worth the sacrifice.

That dappled design doesn’t need any distraction, so Big Buddha keeps the style simple. A belted accent up top, some well-placed seams, and a smattering of studs provide just enough decoration to keep things interesting.

The interior’s fairly basic for such a big bag, so I’m thankful for the exterior pockets. They’re discreetly placed at the sides, so they don’t interfere with the Teri’s sleek lines. However they do provide a handy place for stashing the essentials like a cell phone, lip gloss, and keys.

Like so many purses in this price bracket, the Teri has its shortcomings. But it also displays an awful lot of style.

More Features of This Big Buddha Bucket Bag

• Magnetic closure
• A zippered pocket inside
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 12 x 8 inches
• Made in China

Get this Big Buddha Teri Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Teri, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the J.Marcel Clothing And Shoes eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Kathy Van Zeeland Love Glove bag, a great alternative to this belted bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

I’m a wee bit obsessed with Lauren Merkin’s style. The clean lines and simplicity of her designs combined with unique colors and textures is very appealing to me. The result, at least in my opinion, is always gorgeous.

I know I’m not the only admirer of the designer’s bags, though, and now seven of my fellow fans will have the chance to win one of them. In honor of the seventh anniversary of the company, Lauren Merkin is hosting a “birthday celebration” that consists of giving away seven handbags.

To enter the contest, you’re only required to sign up for the newsletter on the label’s website. In addition to being entered in to the giveaway, you’ll get news about their promotions and sample sales.

The best part of this contest, though, is the fact that the seven lucky winners will actually get to choose their own bag. Enter now on the newsletter page before the winners are selected on July 31.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

Lauren Merkin Handbags on eBay

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