RG House of Florence treads the fine line between cute and kitsch with this Brown Elephant Collection Cosmetic Case.

Animal lovers are sure to flip over the elephant face, with its trunk extended to meet the zipper. The trunk motif is seen again in the long golden zipper pull. Raised elephant trunks are supposed to be lucky, so I wonder whether two will bring twice the good fortune!

The elephant feature is a little flamboyant, but the subtle fabrics help to tone things down. The durable beige canvas is accented with tan boar leather trim. A wide strip of the boar leather also runs along the flat base for added stability.

The flat platform is such a practical touch. You can sit this purse down and forget it as you attend to those all important make-up emergencies. This cosmetics case is spacious too, so it should accommodate your complete arsenal of girly goodies.

It’s got high-quality fabrics, quirky style, and a practical design, but $284 seems a little steep to me. After all, this is a purse that will spend most of its life tucked in a tote or suitcase. Elephant enthusiasts may still be tempted, but that price is prohibitive for me!

More Features of This RG House of Florence Brown Elephant Collection Cosmetic Case

• Fully lined striped interior
• A zippered pocket inside
• Measures 4.1 x 8.7 x 5.5 inches
• Weighs 9.4 ounces
• Made in Italy

Elephant Bags on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to find this RG House of Florence canvas make-up purse at Amazon
• All cosmetics cases on eBay

At first, the clever use of fringe on this Alexander McQueen hobo bag catches the eye. But as you keep looking, the hits just keep on coming. There is a lot going on with this bag so let’s break it down.

Fringe can be hard to do stylishly, but McQueen goes big and uses it to create a silhouette rather than as an accent which seems to pay off.

The next thing you notice are the studs, which continue the slip down the perilous slope to country and western wear. Studs are a big trend right now and have been for years, but in combination with the fringe this is starting to look like a saddle bag. This effect is only exacerbated by the braided trim.

The metallic and leather top handle is a bit distracting in shape and style. It seems odd to add yet another unneeded element to this purse. I also question the practicality of this handle as the metal would surely be uncomfortable to grip and the leather segment is so small.

All in all this seems to be a bag for a very specific customer with a very specific look in mind. For that customer, you can’t go wrong with the quality of Alexander McQueen.

More Features Of This Alexander McQueen Fringe Hobo Bag

• Measures 15 x 11 x 3 inches
• Magnetic closure
• Cotton lining

Fringe Hobo Bags On eBay

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Also See

• Click here to search for this Alexander McQueen Fringe Hobo online
  
• Click here to shop more Alexander McQueen on eBay

There’s a new top dog at British accessories house, Radley. Sven Gaede, formerly of Net-A-Porter, will be at the brand’s chief executive from May 4. He takes over from retiring chief executive Roger Best.

He’s already got a fan in the company’s chairman, Paul Mason.

“I am confident that he has the right skills and relevant experience to build on the success of the Radley brand both in the UK and internationally,” Mr. Mason said in a statement.

Mr. Gaede is also optimistic about his new role.

“There is a strong management team already in place and we have an exciting opportunity to develop Radley into a truly international brand,” he said.

Bucking the current economic trend, Radley has increased its sales by a record 10% in the last year. The handbag favorite has nine stores in the United Kingdom. It’s also stocked by other British retailers including John Lewis and Debenhams.

[Source: Drapers]
[Image Source: Raggle/Flickr]

Radley Handbags on eBay

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Evidently trash heaps and Saran Wrap aren’t unique enough for Alexander McQueen. Despite the fact that his latest women’s show at Paris Fashion Week was one of the strangest ever seen, the designer has something else up his sleeve.

In lieu of a typical runway presentation, McQueen and his crew have “something very special” in the works for the upcoming summer men’s show in Milan. The only clue we have so far is that guests won’t be sitting down in front of a catwalk.

If the designer’s spring ’09 menwear show (shown in typical runway presentation … so last season) is any clue of what to expect for his summer fashion, I think we can expect to see at least a few man bags. Exactly how the new fashions will be revealed, however, remains a mystery that we will just have to wait to find out.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: Alexander McQueen]

Alexander McQueen Handbags on eBay

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Handbags are great for carrying stuff around. This is obvious. They are functional, fashionable items that can be used to complete an outfit or transport your belongings. Or, at least, this is what they used to be.

Nowadays, the simple premise of the “handbag” no longer exists. We have totes, baguettes, clutches. We have purses covered in diamonds, sculpted out of the leather of nearly extinct lesser-spotted raccoons. We have handbags, essentially, that are art.

Here is one such bag. This satchel is the product of a symbiotic relationship between the great and mighty fashion house of Louis Vuitton, and the artistic mind of Richard Prince. As such, it is rather fabulous to look at. Brilliantly retro in design, the bag features two huge zippered pockets, and thick chunky leather handles. It is bright, in your face, yet in reality the colors are muted and move delicately thorough the shades of acid brown. This paint covers the iconic Vuitton pattern, which peeks coyly through. This is a bag that only hints at it’s designer origins. It would look as at home on a gallery as on a supermodel’s arm! Plus, you always have a line with this treasure: it features two gently humorous jokes emblazoned on the front, both in this case from a man’s perspective.

To quickly address the practical issues, there is no problem with space and storage in this monster tote. This monogram collection may feature cute themed jokes branded on the side, but a joke they ain’t. They have strong supportive handles, wide berth, and are in supple leather. They also usefully feature a ring for purses or keys and a nice little cell-phone compartment.

I will venture as far as to say that this bag goes through the motions of being real, of being usable. If you wanted too, you could easily carry this holdall with you – as long as you have a team of well-trained security guards watching your back. After all this bag is priced as art, and is signed by the artist himself. Consequently, it soars in at an unbelievable and thoroughly collectible $5000!!

An investment? Perhaps!

More Features of This Louis Vuitton Monogram Joke Satchel

• Traditional antique brass hardware
• Two large compartments, each zippered closed
• Signed piece from ’08 collection

Get This Louis Vuitton Mancrazy Bag on eBay

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• Click here to see the Joke Collection Mancrazy satchel on Amazon
• All Louis Vuitton handbags on eBay

Oh, there’s nothing like a little Marc Jacobs in the summer time to maximize your fun in the sun! His poppy color palette and fresh, juicy designs are the perfect additions to long days and longer nights.

This structured hobo, called the Tobo, I think because it melds his Totally Turnlock collection with a classic hobo, is awesome. It’s a hobo with a flat bottom! I know, I get a little excited over seemingly minor innovations, but seriously, I love having the look of a hobo on a bag that doesn’t totally collapse when you set it down.

My over-enthusiasm aside, this bag does look pretty hot. The smooth grained berry leather will add a great burst of color to your wardrobe, and will look amazing against increasingly popular floral prints. The flap and turnlock closure adds a cute and casual touch to the structure of the bag, and makes the softness of the hobo shape shine through.

I really dig the thick, gathered leather handle, it looks like it was made for comfort. And on a bag this size, that’s really important. Particularly because you’ll want to carry it everywhere. And the price, at $498, is pretty reasonable for the designer category, so you might just be able to!

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Tobo Bag

• 16″ x 13″ x 5″ size
• 11″ handle drop
• interior patch pocket, cell phone pocket, and zipped pocket

Marc Jacobs Hobo Bags On eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the Boca Babe Inc. store on eBay
• Click here to search Marc Jacobs bags on eBay

It’s not exactly a Harveys seatbelt bag, but this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts satchel has a similar design concept with its interwoven material. The popular spring and summer style is the star of the show here on this handbag.

The Woven Satchel also comes in more traditional summer colors like yellow gold and rosy pink. However, the navy and silvery white combo is also perfect for the season and has a more dramatic effect because of the contrast.

The material is all manmade, which might disappoint some shoppers. Because of the busy woven design, though, the lack of leather is not as noticeable as with other completely solid synthetic bags.

In addition to its warm weather season appropriateness, the Woven Satchel is functional with its open, roomy interior. The nearly square shape of the handbag allows for plenty of space inside and makes it easy to access your items. I would’ve liked to see a little longer shoulder drop for comfort, but the wrapped handles are a nice design touch however uncomfortable they might be. This stylish SR Squared by Sondra Roberts satchel retails for $98.

More Features of the Woven Satchel

• Measures 16 x 10.5 x 5 inches
• Shoulder drop of 2.5 inches
• Magnetic closure
• Lined interior

Sondra Roberts Woven Handbags on eBay

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Also See

• Get this SR Squared Woven Satchel on Amazon
• Click here to search more Sondra Roberts handbags on eBay

Radley’s quirky sense of humor is on show with this fun Without a Paddle grab bag.

The front of the bag features the Radley Scottie Dog punting down the river with his owner. It’s the little details which really make this hand-crafted leather appliqué design, from the pup’s boater and blue punting jacket to the Terrier Training book the owner reads.

It’s a beautiful design, but I know it’s not likely to suit everybody. It’s a world away from those chic It bags we’re so used to seeing, and some snooty fashionistas might even suggest it’s a little juvenile. But the pastel colors and whimsical scene are ideal for warmer weather, and those days when you don’t want to take yourself too seriously.

The irreverent design is also just a front for a really practical purse. A coin purse, featuring the same boating Scottie, is attached with a leather strap. There are also two slip and two zip pockets inside. As if that didn’t give us enough storage options, the back also features a slip pouch.

The straps are ideal for hand-held carrying or draping over your arm, but they’re a little short for anything else. If you prefer over-the-shoulder carrying, the same print is also available on a long-handled tote.

More Features of This Radley Without A Paddle Purse

• Zip top closure
• Measures 12.5 x 9 x 4 inches

Radley Grab Bags on eBay

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• All Radley bags on eBay

When you hear the name Jackie you think of one woman: Jackie Onassis-Kennedy. Naming a purse after this paragon of style gives it a lot to live up to, but this Oroton hobo manages to hold its own.

Hobos aren’t the style one thinks of when imagining elegant handbags, but this is a much chicer option than Zaftique’s Rhinestone Hobo or even Be & D’s Belleville. The top of the bag has a little slouch, but it’s much more subtle than a traditional hobo. The dual pockets give the Jackie a more structured look and added storage space.

These handy pouches are complemented by this hobo’s generous interior. The soft leather walls mean you can carry more than the Jackie’s slim lines may lead you to believe. This purse doesn’t have the crescent shape typical of hobos either, and the boxier style also affords a little extra storage space.

This shrunken cow leather purse is available in four classic shades. Black and cedar brown are appealing options, but don’t expect the laminated cream purse to look so pristine after daily use. My pick though is this tan variety, a shade light enough for summer, but rich enough for cooler seasons.

More Features of This Oroton Dual Pocket Purse

• Top magnetic closure
• A padded shoulder chain strap
• Measures 13.5 x 10.5 x 4 inches

Get This Oroton Jackie Hobo on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Yummydad store on eBay – An Oroton Handbags Retailer
• All Oroton bags on eBay

I’m a big fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s designs. There’s always something about them that makes them classic, but with a little twist, yet not over the top in any way. Stars seem to love them, too, since celebrities like Jessica Alba and Hayden Panattierre have been spotted toting around the handbags like there’s no tomorrow.

It’s hard not to get excited about new Rebecca Minkoff styles coming out. I’m sure I’m not the only one waiting with bated breath. That’s why I’m positive that this video preview of the summer ’09 handbags, starring the spunky Rebecca herself, will be a viral hit.

The designer gives a sneak peek at the upcoming collection including several of those studded handbags we keep seeing, like the mini Crush, and a new line of adorable cosmetics bags. Also, look for straw to make a big comeback. Minkoff sums it up while describing the wide range of handbags in the summery material.

“Here at Rebecca Minkoff, we are making straw cool again,” she said.

I can almost here her saying that a company meeting. Yes, Rebecca, you make straw look very, very cool. But that goes for just about anything you touch.

[Source: Purse Blog]
[Image: Rebecca Minkoff]

Rebecca Minkoff Handbags on eBay

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