Juicy Couture Generation Y ‘From Juicy with Love’ Tote | Extra Large Hot Pink Canvas Bag

Posted on: May 28

Juicy Couture never has a problem branding their products with large logos and phrases. You only have to look at the Baby Fluffy or Choose Juicy handbags to know that.

It’s fairly blatant with no attempt to hide their marketing attempts, but there’s always someone who digs the brand’s signature style. I wouldn’t call myself a Juicy fan, though there are a few exceptions like the Small Bowler that catch my interest. That being said, they’ve got their look down pat, and tons of women come running for flashy, catchphrase-covered bags just like this Generation Y From Juicy with Love tote.

It’s nothing if not loud, and some might even call it gaudy. However, it’s exactly what I expect from Juicy and just what some shoppers love about them. The screenprinted phrase “From Juicy, with Love” has a nice ring to it, I suppose. I’ll at least give the brand some credit for their attempt to include correct punctuation.

As far as canvas totes go, however, there’s not much to set this Generation Y bag apart from the rest besides its extra-large size. It’s certainly a convenient accessory to have around for those days you need a handbag to throw extra stuff in like market purchases, beach items, or gym clothes.

I’m not sure if this tote is worthy of its $78 price tag, but you have to remember that you’re paying extra for the Juicy logo plastered on it as well as the bag’s slightly enormous size. If the price range isn’t an issue, however, but you’d prefer something sturdier, logo-free, and (dare I say) cuter, you might want to check out The Sak’s Pax Eco Canvas Tote instead.

More Features of this Generation Y Tote

  • Measures 20 x 15 x 10 inches
  • Canvas fabric with screenprinting
  • Glittery ‘kiss’ on logo phrase

Juicy Couture Canvas Totes on eBay

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Gucci Indy Bag | Chic Celebrity Favorite Python It Purse

Posted on: May 28

When style icons like Kyle Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, Mischa Barton, and Eva Longoria proudly carry a purse, you know it’s a winner. It’s little wonder that this chic Indy bag from Gucci is one of their favorites.

Those long tassels give the Indy a casually-cool vibe, helping it make the transition from day to night. The slouchy style is another bohemian touch, which seems at odds with the luxurious chocolate brown snakeskin finish and structured handles. The Indy is a mass of contradictions, yet somehow the style elements work in harmony.

The chunky steering wheel handles are an Indy trademark, but expect their appeal to sour quickly. The handles are made from beech wood and covered in leather, so they’re far from light. Neither are those studded corner plates. They might add strength, but they also ensure the Indy’s a real heavyweight.

I’ve heard many say the solid handles cut into your arm, so don’t be surprised if you ditch them in favor of the detachable shoulder strap. You’ll still be weighed down, but you’ll be marginally more comfortable.

But they say beauty is pain, right? You’ll feel it in more than your arm though, with this python version costing more than $4200 retail. That’s a whole world of agony in this current economic climate, so you’d better start saving your pennies!

More Features of This Gucci Python Purse

  • Measures 17.5 x 12 x 5.5 inches
  • Comes with a Gucci authenticity card and dust bag

Gucci Indy Bags on eBay

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Goldenbleu Margaret Clutch | Glam Retro Patent Leather Purse

Posted on: May 28

Goldenbleu may have fallen victim to the financial crisis, but we can still enjoy the label’s glamorous retro accessories like this adorable Margaret clutch.

It’s made from one of the glossiest leathers I’ve ever seen: perfect for pairing with some cute patent peep shoes or bright red retro lipstick! If the candy red is a little loud for you, consider the timeless black, or burgundy blossom shade. There’s also a gold Margaret made from head-turning perforated leather.

They all feature the same simple flap design, jazzed up with a large feature button. The gold purse opts for a complementary accent, while the rest feature the same sporty white as the leather trim.

The suede lining tones things down while keeping your precious cargo safely snuggled inside. The Margaret is a slender creature, so storage space is limited. That’s a real shame, because this clutch has the kind of playful looks to easily transition from day to night. If only it was large enough to handle daytime and evening essentials.

Online retailers are keen to offload the last surviving Goldenbleu bags, which means good news for consumers! I couldn’t justify paying the original asking price of $355, but Endless is currently selling this darling for nearly half the price.

More Features of This Goldenbleu Patent Purse

  • Magnetic closure
  • An interior zip pocket
  • Measures 6.5 x 13.5 x 1.25 inches
  • Made in Italy

Get This Goldenbleu Margaret Clutch on eBay

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Dolce & Gabbana Suspected of Tax Evasion | Designers Deny Accusation

Posted on: May 27

Sticky tax situations are not completely uncommon for internationally sought-after designers. It was only last year that Roberto Cavalli cleared his name concerning an unflattering accusation of tax evasion in 2002.

Well, Cavalli was certainly not the first and not even the most recent fashion designer to deal with this type of issue. Now Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, who we all know from their Dolce & Gabbana fame, have found themselves in a similar pickle.

Following their 2004 sale of their two brands, the designing duo has been accused by Italian police of declaring a significantly smaller amount received from the sale than the estimation of the transaction’s market value. It’s an unfortunate turn of events for the pair since, if the charges are set, they could owe more than a billion dollars in fines and taxes. Can you just imagine how many Dolce & Gabbana bags that would buy?

The two designers are vehemently denying the charges saying that the calculated market value was much higher than the actual sale. I can only hope for them that Italian officials won’t take as long to decide on their fate as they did for Roberto Cavalli. Six years is a long time to sit around wondering whether or not you owe billions to someone … or maybe it’s just a great time to save.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: sbcarlile/Flickr]

Dolce & Gabbana Handbags on eBay

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Elie Tahari Elysha Clutch | Yellow Leather Turnlock Purse

Posted on: May 27

Like so many of us, Elie Tahari seems enamored with turnlock closures. We saw the feature in his Tamar satchel, and now it’s available in hand-held form in the Elysha clutch.

When I reviewed the Tamar I mentioned that the closure’s size and complementary finish gave it a gaudy, overdone appearance. Sadly, the same is true here. I can’t help comparing it to the delicate turnlocks we saw on Bulgari’s lizard clutch or even Treesje’s Mortale clutch. Who would have thought that skull-covered creation could ever be held up as an example of restraint?

It’s a shame that the turnlock is so overwhelming, and so poorly executed, because that summery yellow pebbled leather is really quite lovely. It’s unfortunate that its supporting players are so distracting.

But it’s not just the turnlock. That stitching is also underwhelming. It reminds me of the tacking stitch my mother used to sew to hold things in place, the kind you’d take out later. This stitch has the same kind of temporary feel, giving the impression that the Elysha isn’t quite finished.

The exterior is even more disappointing because the interior packs a real organizational wallop. We’ve come to expect zip pockets and slip pockets, but the Elysha goes above and beyond. A pen pocket and cell phone slip add more functionality than I’d expect for the size.

But no one buys a clutch for what it looks like inside, do they? If practicality’s the name of the game, the Elysha might be your dream purse. If you’re looking for something functional to hide inside a hot oversized handbag, be my guest. I’ll keep searching for something cuter.

More Features of this Elie Tahari Elysha Purse

  • Fully lined interior
  • Measures 12.5 x 1 x 7 inches

Elie Tahari Clutches on eBay

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Dolce Girl Messenger Bag | Affordable Canvas Flap Handbag with Heart Buckles

Posted on: May 27

You can always count on Dolce Girl to create cute and affordable purses for its young fans. Older fashionistas may find the designs a little safe, and the details a little childish, but they’re ideal for mini style icons.

This Dolce Girl messenger bag is one of the label’s tamer styles. It’s not covered in sequins or hearts, so its design is a little more timeless. The black variety could even pass for a more grown-up messenger, but I prefer this pretty pink one.

Of course, Dolce Girl would never abandon its youthful style altogether. Cute heart-shaped buckles add a touch of whimsy to this traditional flap design. The hard-wearing canvas finish is also ideal for withstanding the boisterous lifestyles of young bagistas.

This purse is a little smaller than many messengers, but entirely appropriate for its tiny fans. Yet storage hasn’t been compromised, with Dolce Girl working hard to make the most of every surface. So we see a slide pocket on the side, and an edgy angular zip pouch on the flap. There are more pockets inside too, giving girls handy spots for stashing their cell phones and other valuables.

This Dolce Girl messenger bag retails for $30, so young fans shouldn’t have to save their pocket money for too long to own one. If they start doing some odd jobs now, they might even have it in time for the new school year!

More Features of This Dolce Girl Canvas Flap Bag

  • Floral printed cotton lining
  • Measures 11 x 3 x 7.5 inches
  • Weighs 4.8 ounches

Get This Dolce Girl Messenger Bag on eBay

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Givenchy’s Dramatic Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Advertising Campaign

Posted on: May 27

Givenchy has released a dramatic new campaign for the upcoming fall/winter season starring models with stares just as icy as the weather ahead!

Creative director Ricardo Tisci has ditched his usual collaboration buddies Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in favor of Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Model Mariacarla Boscono still does a starring turn, but Mert and Marcus’ direction breathe new life into the ads.

The result is more elaborate than Givenchy’s typically minimalist advertisements, with plenty of color and French attitude. The captivating shots were captured at the historic Chateau de Ferrières, located just outside Paris. Ooh la la!

Mariacarla may get top billing, but this shot of Adriana Lima has really caught my eye. Her baby blues look so haunting against her gothic dark make-up and long raven tresses. That unflattering outfit’s never going to set the world on fire, but I’m lusting hard over her white triangle tote.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Givenchy Totes on eBay

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Aldo Mezzanino Hand Held Clutch | Slouchy Leather Effect Patent Purse

Posted on: May 27

I don’t know quite where to start with this bag! It is fabulous in its weirdness!

The shape does actually make sense; the metal ring handle makes this bag so easy to grasp and carry. I hesitate over whether the thinness of the metal could hurt your hand, but this petite clutch should be light enough to carry without any trouble. If you put enough in this clutch that it hurts to carry, you probably need a full sized purse!

This purse is available in two colors: red and black. These two leather-like options show off the bright shiny patent to its best effect. This fold over handbag definitely isn’t subtle; the shine and glow are even better with the eye catching design.

Remember to think about the practicality of this slouchy shape. In order to hold this bag, it has to be pretty lightly packed to function as best it can. It is fair to question whether the small capacity and bunched up effect works, but luckily the bright colors and novelty save it!

More Features of this Aldo Mezzanino Purse

  • Two metal handles that combine for holding
  • Slouch effect
  • Available in two different colors

See Aldo Clutches on eBay

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Rafe Kate Shoulder Bag | Leather and Canvas Handbag with Studs

Posted on: May 27

Rafe isn’t one of the brand’s whose bags I easily recognize. However, they seem to offer a wide range of styles, and I generally like what I see.

The Rafe Kate Shoulder Bag just might be my favorite of their options. Like all of the other handbags this season with studded details, the Kate is right on trend.

On this cognac brown version, however, the studs don’t have as edgy of a vibe as other bags like the Gladiator Wallet. Instead, this one just has its own unique style that I’m really liking.

The Kate has small cutouts with leather strips to create a lattice effect. Between the cutouts and around the studs, you’ll notice a little silvery canvas peeking through. It helps to break up the hardware and soften the style, and the result is fabulous and one-of-a-kind.

If you love the studded look but prefer something not totally rock-and-roll, the Rafe Kate is a great choice for you. It’s a decent size with easy to carry straps, which is always a nice feature. At $696, it’s not easy on the wallet. However, it’s the kind of handbag that is bound to get you plenty of compliments.

More Features of the Rafe Kate Shoulder Bag

  • Measures 16.5 x 13 x 5 inches
  • Handles with 9 inch drop
  • Also available in white
  • Magnetic closure

Rafe Shoulder Bags on eBay

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Anya Hindmarch Tote-ally Supports The High Line

Posted on: May 27

Famed British handbag designer, Anya Hindmarch, has teamed up with Friends of the High Line to raise money and awareness for this amazing urban greenspace set to open in New York in June. For non-Gothamites, the High Line is an elevated train line in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan that was abandoned decades ago. In recent years local residents, activists, and celebrities have banded together to turn this amazing 75 year old steel structure into usuable space for the community.

The newest addition to the city’s public parks features unparalleled and unusual views of the city. Stretching from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street on the West Side, park-goers will have a new perspective from which to view the Statue of Liberty, take above ground walking tours of the city, and just enjoy the greenery.

Barry Munger

Anya Hindmarch on site at the High Line. Photo Credit: Barry Munger

Hindmarch says she “wanted to get involved with the High Line, because I thoroughly approve of a ‘park in the sky,’ especially one that regenerates an existing structure.” Hindmarch helped by designing an iconic tote featuring an historic photograph of a freight train running down the High Line. The tote is available exclusively at Jeffrey (449 West 14th Street, 212-206-3928) and Anya Hindmarch SoHo (115 Greene Street, 212-343-8147), and 75% 25% (we originally posted 75% but we were informed this was incorrect by Anya Hindmarch’s PR team) of the proceeds benefit Friends of the High Line.

Anya Hindmarch Bags on eBay

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