Nicole Richie Launches QVC Collection | Socialite Designs Affordable Boho Accessories & Apparel

Posted on: Feb 22

Nicole RichieAfter enjoying great success with her House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate collections, Nicole Richie is taking her bohemian style to QVC. The socialite will launch her Nicole Richie Collection on the home shopping network this Friday.

The range features boho chic hobo bags, the perfect accompaniment for its feminine maxidresses, kimono jackets, and loose-fitting printed T-shirts. They’re all a bit more affordable than the established Nicole Richie lines with prices ranging from $75 to $257.

It might seem unusual for someone like Nicole Richie, who wears high end couture and regularly rubs shoulders with the rich and famous, to create a diffusion range for QVC. However she said she was compelled to launch the line to reach a variety of fashion lovers.

I want to connect with the women watching by letting them know that we are similar in many ways; I’m a mother of two and I work,” she explained. “We all want to feel relaxed on the inside but stylish on the outside. And that’s what I’m trying to provide.

She’s also far from the first celebrity to create a QVC collection, with Rachel Zoe, Wendy Williams, and Kelly Rutherford are all on the home shopping network’s books.

Are you looking forward to Nicole Richie’s latest line?

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image Source: Sgt Michael Connors/Wikipedia Commons]

Nicole Richie Bags on eBay

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Kathy Van Zeeland Stitchuation Shoulder Bag | Large Quilted Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Feb 22

Kathy Van Zeeland Stitchuation Shoulder BagKathy Van Zeeland shows uncharacteristic restraint with this Stitchuation Shoulder Bag.

It gets its quirky name from the casual stitching that decorates its voluminous synthetic body. The quilting has a more youthful feel to it than the regular diamond pattern so many labels employ, and the bag’s more fun for it. Kathy Van Zeeland lets this finish be the star and keeps the hardware to a minimum. It’s just a shame the stitching doesn’t extend to the back of the bag. This kind of corner cutting makes the Stitchuation appear half-baked.

The Stitchuation is luxuriously large, which makes up for its less than decadent design. The lining is thin and the pockets aren’t trimmed for strength as they are in more expensive purses. We’re used to these compromises for the money, a relatively inexpensive $119, but it doesn’t mean we’re not craving a bit more!

It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a timeless bag from Kathy Van Zeeland. The only thing that’s not subtle about the Stitchuation is that apricot color. Normally I associate that name with a pastel peach hue, but this shade is verging on orange. If it’s too bright for you, you can also find the Stitchuation in more sedate white, black, and sand tones.

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Quilted Shoulder Bag

  • Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
  • Measures 13.75 x 16.25 x 5.25 inches
  • Made in China

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Richard Nicoll’s New Vodafone Bag | Cell Phone Charging Tote Purse

Posted on: Feb 22

Richard Nicoll Vodafone BagRichard Nicoll has teamed up with Vodafone to create a handbag that can recharge your cell phone on the go.

This may be one of the smartest designer collaborations I’ve seen. The bag looks great, and it should put an end to the days of cell phone battery stress! Unfortunately you’ll need one of those fancy new phones to use it. While it’s useless around my very basic Nokia, it’ll power up Blackberries, iPhones, Android phones, and even tablets.

The Richard Nicoll bag is charged from the main’s power using a magnetic cable. Once its internal battery is full it’ll charge cell phone handsets and tablets for approximately two days.

So we don’t need to remember to charge our cell phones before we step out anymore, but we need to remember to charge our bag. I’ll bet some scatterbrained girls still get caught short!

Pairing with the communications giant might seem a bit gimmicky, but Richard Nicoll says the handbag has a “relevant” place in his current collection “because it’s all about the notion of work and all its facets in modern times.”

A prototype of the innovative new handbag was presented at Nicoll’s recent LFW presentation ahead of its predicted release late this spring.

[Source: Telegraph]

Jeffrey Campbell Trip Saddle Bag | Sensible Wine Leather Rolled Purse

Posted on: Feb 22

Jeffrey Campbell Trip Saddle BagJeffrey Campbell leaves his usual neon colors behind to create this classic looking Trip Saddle Bag.

If I didn’t know it I’d never pick the Trip as a Jeffrey Campbell original. It seems so safe when compared to the designer’s other accessories. The braided details on the rolled leather body and whipstitching along the sides give it a bit of Western flair, but these accents still don’t make the Trip a standout. That might impress girls with classic tastes, but it’s likely to leave Jeffrey Campbell’s core fan base wanting more spice.

This purse is best appreciated when it’s taken as a standalone piece, rather than one that’s representative of Jeffrey Campbell’s line. Its distressed wine colored leather has a lovely, worn-in feel to it, and its craftsmanship is first class. Modern girls might feel it’s a bit dated, but thrift store junkies should see something special in the Trip.

Of course they might find something similar at a flea market for less than the $210.95 Jeffrey Campbell charges, but that’s still not exorbitant for a bag of such quality.

More Features of This Jeffrey Campbell Rolled Saddle Bag

  • Chrome hardware
  • Two buckled side pouches
  • Magnetic snap strap
  • An adjustable shoulder strap
  • Measures 11.5 x 6.5 inches

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Sherpani Meta 4 Yoga Bag | Practical Purple Nylon Gym Carryall

Posted on: Feb 21

Sherpani Meta 4 Gym BagI don’t know about you, but I always hesitate to spend a lot of money on a gym bag. I’m full of enthusiasm at the start of the year, but somewhere around March my resolve wanes and I begin to resent all the cash I’ve dropped on fitness gear. Thankfully in the Meta 4 Sherpani’s created a gym bag that’s as good as any on the market, but costs less than many of its competitors.

Admittedly the Meta 4 doesn’t have a lot of personality, but its purple nylon body does give it a bit of girly flair. I definitely prefer this color palette to the brown and blue gray vapor version.

On looks alone you might pass the Meta 4 by, but its functional features make up for any fashion shortcomings. It’s enormous, so you can carry all your sporting equipment, a towel, and an extra outfit to wear after your workout. It’s a bit of a squeeze to fit a yoga mat inside, but you can affix it to the side using the handy straps.

I also particularly like the large zippered pocket, which helps us separate damp items from the rest of the interior. There’s even a detachable shoe bag, so you can carry your stinky trainers independently if you prefer. Such a big bag can easily get heavy, but the wide long straps are built to survive the strain.

Sherpani packs a lot of features into this $79.95 bag. That makes it value for money for gym junkies and casual athletes alike.

More Features of This Sherpani Gym Bag

  • Floral lined interior
  • Measures 11 x 19.3 x 10.6 inches

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Chanel’s New Boy Collection Short Film | Alice Dellal Stars in Movie Advertisement

Posted on: Feb 21

Chanel is spruiking its new Boy Chanel handbag collection with a silent short film called My New Friend Boy.

In the tradition of The Artist comes this short cinematic treat starring Chanel’s current muse and the face of the Boy Chanel line, Alice Dellal. The model and musician plays a silver screen siren of the 1920s who dines alone, pens a mysterious letter, and searches for the covetable Boy Chanel bags. I don’t blame her enthusiasm as the Boy Chanel purses will be priced between $2500 and $4300! Such luxurious handbags are the sort of accessories we all want to get our mitts on!

Alice Dellal rarely appears as feminine as she does in this short film, shot by Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld. However he’s been careful to not give her too much polish. Her torn fishnet stockings, white hooded biker jacket, and her distinctive half-shaven head give her just the right amount of edge.

Dellal is a lot more rebellious than the typical Chanel face, but I think her individuality makes this classic fashion house seem much more contemporary. She has such presence on screen, and that magnetism helps Chanel’s short film stand out amongst all the others released lately. What’s your take on My New Friend Boy?

[Source: Haute Living]

Chanel Bags on eBay

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Pour La Victoire Jagger Hobo | Classic Taupe Leather Studded Hobo

Posted on: Feb 21

Pour La Victoire Jagger HoboWith the classic style and rock star flair of its namesake comes the Jagger hobo from Pour La Victoire.

Initially I was disappointed that the accents were kept to a minimum, but the more I look at the Jagger the more I appreciate its subtlety. By limiting the studs to the sides of the hobo, Pour La Victoire’s ensured the Jagger won’t date. I can’t promise it’ll rock for as many decades as the Rolling Stones singer that shares its name, but it should survive several seasons of regular use.

The Jagger’s looks are its biggest draw card. I wouldn’t say that it’s difficult to use, but Pour La Victoire doesn’t do anything to make it particularly manageable. The trio of interior pockets might be enough for a regular hobo, but they’re not really enough for a bag so large. I hope you know how to keep your items in order, because the Jagger won’t help you out.

The biker black bag is probably a more rock and roll choice, but I prefer this stormy taupe hue. Which one’s your pick?

More Features of This Pour La Victoire Studded Hobo

  • Brass hardware
  • Magnetic snap top
  • Black cotton twill lining
  • Measures 14 x 15 x 4 inches

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New York Fashion Week Handbag Trends | Fall/Winter 2012 Purse Style Predictions

Posted on: Feb 21

Statue of LibertyWith New York Fashion Week behind us, it’s time to focus on the handbag trends showcased during the style festival. The event gave us a taste of what we’ll all carry once the weather cools.

It seems we’ll downsize this fall. While large handbags sat comfortably alongside small and medium models during spring, they were notably absent at the recent shows. The small and mid-sized purses took a variety of shapes, from the whimsical clutches and shoulder bags of Kate Spade and Diane Von Furstenberg to the sophisticated furry creations from Michael Kors. While some labels opted for ethical faux fur, many fashion houses continued their commitment to the real thing.

Colorblocking was big in spring, and it seems it’ll stick around for fall. The palette has changed though, with rich chocolate browns, bottle greens, and burgundy hues dominating. The retro effect was seen on satchels, shoulder bags, and smaller clutch purses.

Those clutches will work double duty next season, with daytime clutches enjoying a resurgence. A variety of finishes, from exotic materials to vegan fabrics and matte colors to colorblocked effects ensured there’ll be something to suit all tastes.

If the idea of holding a purse in your hand all day seems tiresome then a satchel may work better for you. Vintage styled top-handled satchels in small and medium sizes are right on trend. A black, brown, or navy one is a timeless option, but if you’ve got more money to burn you might consider indulging in a more fashion forward fur, colorblocked, or brightly colored bag. Just make sure you avoid a large satchel to look right on trend.

It’ll be interesting to see whether we observe the same accessories during the upcoming fashion week celebrations in London, Paris, and Milan. Which styles tickle your fancy?

[Source: Examiner]
[Image Source: Rabi Samuel/Stock.xchng]

Colorblocked Handbags on eBay

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Zara Terez Prince & Elizabeth Cross-Body Bag | Bohemian Black Suede Mesh Purse

Posted on: Feb 21

Zara Terez Prince & Elizabeth Cross-Body BagIts name suggests royalty, but the Prince & Elizabeth Cross-Body from Zara Terez is much more down to earth than those snooty Brits.

Despite its regal moniker, this cross-body appears really bohemian. Soft suede always takes me back to the swinging 60s, but this is no fashion throwback. Glitzy silver leather peeks through the plush suede mesh. This curtain tempers the metallic leather somewhat, making it much more versatile. The suede extends down below the purse, creating a fun fringe for the final boho flourish.

The Prince & Elizabeth’s looks struck me, but I was thrilled to see this cross-body is smart as well as stylish. It’s large but slender, so we enjoy plenty of space without the accessory overwhelming our frame. The interior is also well organized, with leather trimmed pockets on hand to keep clutter to a minimum. The shoulder strap could stand to be a bit wider to support the weight of such a large purse, but at least it’s long enough for easy cross-body carrying.

At $456 the Prince & Elizabeth is no bargain, but it’s also not unreasonable for a purse which makes such a strong style statement.

More Features of This Zara Terez Mesh Cross-Body Bag

  • Magnetic closure
  • Printed canvas lining
  • A cross-body strap with a 22 inch drop
  • Measures 9.25 x 15 x 3 inches
  • Made in the USA

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Z Spoke by Zac Posen Melody Shoulder Bag | Chic Navy Lambskin Handbag

Posted on: Feb 20

Zac Posen Melody Shoulder BagA sophisticated shoulder bag that’s relatively affordable is music to my ears, so it’s only fitting that Zac Posen called this purse from his Z Spoke diffusion line the Melody.

I was instantly attracted to the Melody’s stylish domed top and clean lines. The polished golden metal accent is a gorgeous complement to the rich navy lambskin. That’s not our only option though. We’ll also find the Melody in classic black and playful but polarizing pink.

The sunken zip helps the Melody maintain its modern look without forgetting security. Open it up to reveal a luxuriously large space with enough leather trimmed pockets to help us stay organized.

The only downside for me is the shoulder straps. While they look the part, they’re just a shade too short for easy over the shoulder carrying. A bag this big really deserves more substantial straps to help us take advantage of all that space without compromising comfort.

My final request was to see the Melody affordably priced. All too often I fall hard for bags, only to find they’ll cost me several months rent. However the Melody is much more achievable at just $425. For that price I can easily forgive the lacking straps, can’t you?

More Features of This Z Spoke Leather Shoulder Bag

  • Plainweave lining
  • Dual handles with a 5.25 inch drop
  • Measures 11.5 x 19 x 4.25 inches
  • Made in China

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