First there was the Alexa, inspired by Alexa Chung, and now there’s the Del Rey. Mulberry has honored Britain’s latest fashion muse, “Video Games” singer Lana Del Rey, with a handbag named in her honor.

Mulberry says it loves the way “Lana has mastered the style of Old Hollywood, mixing it with an edgy sense of fun.” The signature Del Rey handbag looks to replicate those same quirky contrasts with its casual and practical design.

The handbag made its debut at Mulberry’s recent catwalk show for London Fashion Week. Lana Del Rey was in prime front row position for the purse’s first appearance alongside Michael Williams, Elizabeth Olsen, Pixie Geldof, and Downtown Abbey beauties Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery.

Del Rey carried a pristine white ostrich version of the bag which bears her name to the runway show. She paired the exotic bespoke beauty with a casual pair of jeans, a complementary white sports jacket, and a classic white blouse.

At $1000 a piece, we may have to start saving now if we hope to indulge in a Del Rey handbag when they hit stores in May.

Personally I prefer the Alexa, but the Del Rey may just grow on me in the coming months. What do you think about Mulberry’s latest creation?

[Source: Pedestrian TV]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Mulberry bag, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

There are no prizes for guessing where this Yves Saint Laurent baguette got its name. An oversized bow and sunny color helps separate this sweet evening bag.

You’ll need to be a real bow fan to appreciate this baguette, but if you are you should warm to this cheerful baguette. The golden color might also polarize opinion, but I appreciate its difference. In a sea of black and navy purses, it should really stand out. While admittedly those neutrals work with any outfit, I think this lighter hue could give the right ensemble a gorgeous pop.

The baguette makes a refreshing change from a clutch. It’s a little larger than most of those hand-held purses tend to be, so we can squeeze in a few of those items we ordinarily leave behind. Its voluminous shape also won’t show lumps and bumps when it’s overstuffed. And with a satin strap rather than the typical chain, a little extra weight won’t compromise comfort.

At $495 it’s pretty expensive for an evening bag, but it’s also not unreasonable for an accessory from the esteemed Yves Saint Laurent fashion house.

More Features of This Yves Saint Laurent Satin Baguette

• Antiqued gold-toned hardware
• Top snap closure
• Satin lined interior
• An interior patch pocket
• A top handle with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 5.1 x 2.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Yves Saint Laurent Bow Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly
• Check the BTGM Superstore eBay store to see if this Yves Saint Laurent bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Yves Saint Laurent bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Grand Sac Y Bow bag, a great alternative to this bow bag.
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• Other Yves Saint Laurent Bow bags on eBay:

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Former Rosetti Handbags and Accessories president Ron Hersh is rejoining the accessories business with Biaggi, a new collection of foldable and lightweight travel bags.

The Biaggi range features an array of rolling luggage and carry-on bags. While the neutral colored materials I’ve seen haven’t exactly wowed me, they’re sure to find favor amongst jetsetters with classic tastes. And anything that isn’t black is always much easier to find on the baggage carousel!

Hersh says his new collection is intended for sophisticated travelers who look for luggage that’s as practical and durable as it is stylish. In fact, it seems it’s made for travelers like Hersh!

“As an international businessman, I am always looking for product that is not only highly functional but also elegant and pleasing to the eye,” he explained. “Styles from our new Biaggi collections are the perfect answer.“

Hersh has assembled an experienced team to oversee the Biaggi brand, including consultant David Sebens, a former Tumi and Hartmann employee, executive vice president Michael A. Lauri from Delsey, and chief marketing officer Wendee H. Lunt, whose résumé includes stints at Tiffany & Co. and Coach.

The Biaggi collection will make its debut at Las Vegas’ Travel Goods Show next month before being rolled out to high end department stores and specialty outlets around the world.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Yak Pak delivers its usual practicality on a much smaller scale with this cute Latch Wallet.

This is just what I’d expect from Yak Pak. There are no frills or fanciness about it, but a playful print makes it attractive nonetheless. Music fans may cringe at the liberal application of treble clefs, but they make the water resistant canvas that much more appealing. While the material won’t turn heads Yak Pak stands behind it by offering us a lifetime warranty. What other label would provide such a guarantee on a purse that’s so affordable?

The Latch continues to give once we open up the silver latch that inspired its name. This wallet features four open pockets for holding paper money and receipts, a zippered pocket for change, and several slots for fantastic plastic, identification, and store loyalty cards.

I think Yak Pak may be overselling the Latch to suggest we could carry it as a clutch on a special night out. It’s far too basic and boring for that. But as a wallet it works well, especially for a meager $22.50.

More Features of This Yak Pak Music Note Wallet

• Measures 7.5 x 1 x 4.5 inches

Get this Yak Pak Latch Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Adventure Avenue Retail Outlet eBay store to see if this Yak Pak bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Yak Pak bags on BagBunch
• The Yak Pak Multi Checkerboard Latch wallet, a great alternative to this music note bag.
• Searching for more Yak Pak bags on eBay
• Other Yak Pak wallets bags on eBay:

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Accessories are behind big third quarter profits at Michael Kors. The fashion house posted a $39 million profit for the quarter ending December 31, compared with $27.8 million at the same time last year.

Increased sales in watches and leather goods, including handbags and wallets, drove the surge, particularly around the holiday period. The jump was no doubt aided by the opening of 75 new Michael Kors stores in 2011.

This bumper results saw KORS.N shares jump by more than 22% in recent trading, which made it the biggest mover on Wall Street. It made its New York Stock Exchange debut last December with IPO shares priced at $20 a piece. They’ve grown ever since, and on Monday closed at an impressive $33.61.

Michael Kors chairman John Idol says his firm is “pleased” with the third quarter results, which he believes are indicative of further growth. Looking ahead the fashion house expects its revenue for the full fiscal year to reach between $1.27 billion and $1.28 billion, up from $757.8 million twelve months ago.

Forecasters suggest this is a conservative prediction considering strong growth in Europe and Japan, so perhaps we’ll see even better results for Michael Kors at the financial year’s close!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

I’ve been a bit critical of XOXO’s cheap and cheerful bags in the past, so I was surprised to find myself falling for its Breakaway Tote.

Perhaps I’m swooning because while this tote is just as affordable as the rest of XOXO’s range, it doesn’t look as cheap. Its earthy snake printed synthetic does a decent job mimicking the more expensive exotic skin. I really love the way it’s used to create a sexy curved tote. That shape is much more compelling than the boxy silhouettes we typically see. The nameplate interrupts the design a bit, but it’s not as distracting as it might have been.

XOXO hasn’t forgotten about practicality either. The Breakaway is luxuriously large, and its side zippers mean it can be made even bigger if you like. That feature should impress packrats or anyone planning to take the Breakaway on weekends away. It could probably use more than the standard trio of interior pockets, but they at least meet our expectations, which is perhaps all we can rightly expect for the money.

At $79 this Breakaway tote is very affordable, but it doesn’t look like we’ve compromised. That combination should prove irresistible to bargain hunters.

More Features of This XOXO Snake Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Signature print lining
• Dual handles with an 11.5 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 17 x 7.5 inches
• Also available in matte black and gray

Get this XOXO Breakaway Handbag:

• Available to buy at Macy’s
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More XOXO bags on BagBunch
• The Oryany Handbags Samantha tote bag, a great alternative to this snake bag.
• Searching for more XOXO bags on eBay
• Other snake tote bags on eBay:

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After six decades in the business, Etienne Aigner is revamping its image. The label’s new look coincides with its recent decision to bring its handbag and jewelry designs and manufacturing back in house for its fall 2012 collections and beyond.

Etienne Aigner’s signature horseshoe and A initial print will stay, but it’ll be used in more youthful purses. PVC and fabric are out in favor of plush leathers and haircalf.

The label also hopes to reposition itself as a more upmarket accessories label than it’s been in the past. That will see the prices of Etienne Aigner handbags and jewelry doubling. It’s a gamble which might alienate existing fans, but it should see Etienne Aigner accessories stocked in more upscale stores where they will reach a whole new audience.

President Jim Piotti will oversee the new strategy, which he says requires creating “a little distance between where the brand was” and where it’s heading.

In time Etienne Aigner looks to become a complete lifestyle brand, with new items including belts, men’s accessories, and apparel all set to join the collection. It will also debut a new website in August to coincide with the opening of its first retail space in Soho, New York.

Are you looking forward to seeing changes at Etienne Aigner?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Etienne Aigner Handbags on eBay

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Whiting & Davis returns to its roots with this Paris Minaudiere.

Lately we’ve seen the label contemporizing its iconic metal mesh finishes with bold colors and modern patterns. This minaudiere has a much more classic look, and it’ll be more timeless for it. The gently rounded edges and shimmering metal mesh finish are very traditional details. The dotted crystals help the Paris stand out from other similar purses, and give it just the right amount of bling.

The attention to detail is also impressive. While the Paris doesn’t give us a lot of space, it makes up for it with its high quality brass frame and long serpentine chain. This cross-body strap is also detachable, so we can leave it behind if we don’t intend to use it rather than seeing it clutter the already small interior.

This Paris looks a million bucks but costs a lot less. If you rarely step out after five you may hesitate to spend $225 on this purse, but if your social calendar is crowded you’ll see value here.

More Features of This Whiting & Davis Minaudiere

• Rectangular clasp closure
• A detachable chain with a 20 inch drop
• Polyester lined interior
• Measures 2 x 6.5 x 4.5 inches
• Also available in pewter

Get this Whiting & Davis Paris Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Whiting & Davis bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Crystal Pillow bag, a great alternative to this minaudiere bag.
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Chicago artist Brian T. O’Rourke has turned his pieces into a limited edition accessories collection.

The purses feature 27 of O’Rourke artworks, which have been sold in department stores and to private collectors. The range of prints is diverse, so whether you’re attracted to vibrant and innovative looks or more subdued designs you should find something to suit. The collection features seven different handbag styles including a clutch, some wallets, and a tote large enough to hold a laptop. Each features an original O’Rourke artwork printed on microfiber and complemented by plush leather accents. Their limited edition status is guaranteed with a numbered certificate signed personally by Brian T. O’Rourke.

O’Rourke’s bags have only just hit stores but they’ve already become popular amongst the women from Bravo’s The Real Housewives franchise. And hopefully in time he may be able to attract celebrities with a bit more credibility!

However it doesn’t seem O’Rourke minds too much who’s admiring his purses. He says he’s “thrilled” by the public’s response.

“While I’ve always been proud of my artwork, I’m especially excited about this new venture and the opportunity for people to be able to wear my artwork,” he said.

The Brian T. O’Rourke accessories are available now from the artist’s website for between $95 and $555.

[Source: PR Web]

Fun design and functionality come together in one affordable package with Vitalio Vera’s Carolina Cross-Body Bag.

It won’t change the world, but I really like the Carolina’s design. The oversized bow helps dress up its soft, slouchy shape. Its pleats don’t fall as gently as they would if real leather was used, but for just $54 we can’t be too critical.

The Carolina is large, but it never feels unwieldy thanks to Vitalio Vera’s clever design. A large zippered compartment effectively divides the interior, making the space much more user friendly. This large pocket is complemented by several more in the side walls, and another on the purse’s rear. That’s a great spot for stashing your cell phone as you’ll feel it vibrating against your body.

The dual handles are as long and wide as I could hope for, but Vitalio Vera’s also added an optional cross-body strap. The Carolina doesn’t look quite as elegant when you use it, but it should be easier to manage if the cross-body is full.

I really like the look of this regal eggplant purple color, but it’s not our only option. The Carolina also comes in wine red, taupe, black, and brown. Which one’s your favorite?

More Features of This Vitalio Vera Convertible Cross-Body

• Top zip closure
• Antiqued brass tone metal hardware
• Cotton nylon blend lining
• Dual straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 14 x 5 inches

Get this Vitalio Vera Carolina Handbag:

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

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• Check ThePursesBoutique eBay store to see if this Vitalio Vera bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vitalio Vera bags on BagBunch
• The Vitalio Vera Sofie bag, a great alternative to this bow bag.
• Searching for more Vitalio Vera bags on eBay