Diane von Furstenberg Releases International Women’s Day “Proud to Be a Woman” Tote for Vital Voices Charity

Posted on: Mar 24

Diane von Furstenberg is celebrating International Women’s Day with an exclusive tote and T-shirt collection.

The limited edition products feature a bold contemporary graphic of some female faces and the positive slogan “Proud to be Woman.” Aren’t we all?

The tote and T-shirt are affordably priced at less than $30 each. They’re also guilt-free purchases, with 10% of the profits benefiting the Vital Voices Foundation. Diane von Furstenberg has a long association with the foundation, which encourages women to participate in political processes around the world.

I have yet to meet a woman who is not strong,” she once said. “Women will never cease to impress me for their courage and strength, but sometimes that strength is buried so deep within ourselves, and we are afraid to let it out. It is my hope to inspire and to empower women to bring out their strength.”

Even if we’re not political movers or shakers, we can still support the initiative by picking up one of these cute totes online.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Diane von Furstenberg Tote Bags on eBay

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Bally Annita Travel Bag | Quilted Black Patent Leather Shoe Handbag

Posted on: Mar 24

There’s no need to leave your favorite stilettos behind when Bally’s Annita is your travel companion. This spacious bag has enough space to carry four pairs of shoes with room to spare!

The cleverly designed interior is divided into eight separate shoe compartments, so you don’t need to stress about scuffing your prized Jimmy Choos. If you’re not a shoe lover those dividers could make packing frustrating, but if you don’t love shoes the Annita’s probably not your bag of choice!

There’s less innovation outside, but don’t accuse the Annita of being boring. Classic quilted leather in glossy black patent never gets old. The gold plated lock and key is a welcome addition for keeping your Christian Louboutin heels safely inside. The metal trimmed corners and protective feet on the bottom work hard to protect the Annita from wear and tear.

$1995 is pricy for a travel bag, but consider it this way. If you’re going to spend thousands on your shoes, shouldn’t they travel in style?

More Features of This Bally Annita Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • Suede lining
  • Dual rolled leather handles with a 6.5 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 16 x 8 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in Italy

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Yves Saint Laurent Collaborates with Net-a-Porter

Posted on: Mar 23

If you’ve had your eye on those outrageously expensive cage-heel boots from the Yves Saint Laurent Spring Ready-to-Wear runway show, then you’re in luck. The company has teamed up with popular online retailer Net-a-Porter for an exclusive joint effort.

Starting on Wednesday, you’ll be able to browse through a small capsule collection of the Spring/Summer line on Net-a-Porter. You might recognize a few of the stand-out styles seen on the Paris runway show for the collection, including kimono shapes and one very unique and dressy strapless jumpsuit.

So, you might not be interested in spending nearly $2,000 on leather and metal cage (read: torture couture) heels. Luckily, there will be other accessories to drool over. Look for YSL’s petite evening box clutch and a paillette-print shoulder bag, too.

Click here to see Net-a-Porter’s YSL items, and check the website starting on the 25th for the new collection.

[Source: Handbag.com]
[Image: Damien Roue/Flickr]

Yves Saint Laurent Handbags on eBay

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Melie Bianco Croco Envelope Bag | Designer-Inspired Printed Leather Handbag

Posted on: Mar 23

Not all knock-offs and faux leather bags are worth looking at. Imitation might be the best form of flattery, but there are an unfortunate number of designer-inspired accessories that just don’t get it right on so many levels.

It might have its kinks, but the Melie Bianco Croco Envelope Bag is not one of those imitation disasters. While not completely identical to the Marni Envelope Bag from last year, this Melie Bianco version bears quite a resemblance to the design. With a few minor adjustments, though, Melie Bianco has tweaked the look and functionality of the style.

The most obvious visual change is the croco-printed faux leather. Many people won’t mind the fake material since it makes it extremely affordable, but I’ll admit that the Marni version is a bit sleeker. The croc look might be a specific style, but it’s quickly becoming common and therefore more versatile.

The Melie Bianco Envelope Bag has a single shoulder strap that doesn’t seem particularly practical. Thank goodness there’s a detachable strap for when you need something a little longer. The long strap isn’t made from the same orange synthetic material, though, so it does contrast the handbag a bit. Also, I wish there were a better way to conceal the top handle rings to which you hook the strap.

However, for a fashionable purse that only costs about $80, the Melie Bianco Croco Envelope Bag is a great option. With decent storage and pretty details, you’ll be right on trend with this brightly-colored handbag.

More Features of the Croco Envelope Bag

  • Measures 17 x 10 x 3 inches
  • Twist-lock closure on front flap
  • Interior magnetic snap closure

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Jimmy Choo Sky Hobo Bag | Black Leather Designer Hobo with Snakeskin Details

Posted on: Mar 23

Jimmy Choo is known for creating the shoes that contemporary women covet. His accessories line coordinates with and builds upon his modern classic aesthetic.

The thing about designing bags, though, is that they are not shoes. This may seem obvious, but the frivolous details that look great on shoes can sometimes look overdesigned on bags. The Sky Hobo is a great example of this.

What is going on with the snakeskin bracelet on the top edge of the hobo? If I were in a generous mood, I might say that it is meant to resemble a snake coiling around the top, but I’m not. So, I want to know: what is it doing there besides obstructing the opening to the bag? It serves no function, for sure, and its aesthetic qualities are dubious, at best.

Other than that, the Sky Hobo is fine. Fine, I said, not great. It has a simple classic hobo shape that has been pared down slightly for a more conservative audience. The leather is fine and smooth, and the rolled snakeskin handle is a nice contrasting touch. The small gold grommets forge a nice gateway between the handle and the bag itself, but the logoplate is ill-placed and distracting.

Women live and die by Jimmy Choo’s designs, and honestly, I think he’s really selling his audience short with half-baked designs like this one.

More Features of The Jimmy Choo Sky Hobo Bag

  • 17″ x 16″ x 5″ size
  • Suede-lined interior
  • Interior organizational pockets

Black Leather Hobo Bags On eBay

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Accessorize Tartan Clutch | Practical Convertible Cross Body Plaid Purse

Posted on: Mar 23

It’s easy to inject a little Scottish style into your wardrobe with this fun Accessorize convertible clutch.

The traditional red tartan fabric is dressed up with shiny black patent trim. The design is minimalistic and practical, with a secure outside pocket fastening with a patent tab and stud. I’m not sure about the look of this tab, and think a hidden press-stud would have appeared a lot cleaner, but it does coordinate with the black trim.

It’s another questionable choice when it comes to sealing the purse. The plain brass clasp does make things more secure, but it looks a little out of place. Perhaps a more stylish clasp could have achieved the same result while adding style.

The real draw card is the long shoulder strap, which converts the clutch to a shoulder bag in an instant. Part brass chain, part patent, both comfort and style have been considered. It’s long enough to suit over-the-shoulder toting or cross-body wear. It’s removable too, so you never have to worry about the strap taking up valuable space inside your purse.

In the current financial climate, Accessorize’s budget priced purses like this cute tartan clutch are worth another look.

More Features of This Accessorize Convertible Purses

  • Red fabric lining
  • An inner zip pocket
  • A removable 48 inch long strap
  • Measures 9.5 x 1.25 x 7 inches

Tartan Clutches on eBay

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Felix Rey for Target Budget Handbags in Stores on Sunday

Posted on: Mar 23

Target continues to offer designer handbags for less with the launch of their latest limited edition line, Felix Rey for Target.

Designers Lily Band and Sulaika Zarrouk have created a summery range of clutches, totes, and bucket bags. The lightweight canvas and straw fabrics keep the prices down, while studs, toggles, and patent and metallic trim add extra sophistication. Shell detailing, wave prints, sequin fish appliqués, and coral raffia embroidery give the purses a fun beach theme which is perfect for the warmer weather ahead.

Our collection offers whimsical and classic handbags for the fashion forward with a discerning eye,” Lily Band explained.

We were so excited to design a value-priced beach-inspired collection for Target!” added Sulaika Zarrouk. “Our line combines form and functionality, and will take women from the boardroom to the beach in style.

Ordinarily we’d expect to find Felix Ray handbags for up to $800 in high-end fashion stores, but the Felix Rey for Target collection starts from just $19.99. Even the most luxurious bags are just $49.99, which is sure to please budget-loving bagistas.

The Felix Rey for Target collection will be available at Target stores across America and online from March 29 to June 14, or while stocks last.

[Source: Spoiled Pretty]
[Image Source: LA Stylist Mom]

Felix Rey Handbags on eBay

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Zac Posen Iconic Luxe Gretta Shoulder Bag | Patent Leather Frame Handbag

Posted on: Mar 23

It may seem a little presumptuous to call a bag the Iconic Luxe Gretta, but perhaps Zac Posen has reason to be cocky. This adorable purse may just prove itself to be a classic.

The frame design gives this handbag structure and a little vintage appeal. But its patent leather finish is all modern, and not as garishly glossy as many I’ve seen. The hexagonal lock is so unique, it makes me wish for a mini version for my finger!

Tilt the ring back to reveal an interior lined in colored suede to match the jewel tones outside. The slim-lined design means we don’t need a lot to help us stay organized. The zippered pocket in the side wall gives us a secure spot for stashing loose change and other valuables. The slender silhouette might be sexy, but it also restricts what we can carry inside.

At $1250 the Gretta isn’t likely to be an impulse buy, but we won’t need to save too long to get our mitts on it.

More Features of This Zac Posen Patent Leather Purse

  • Leather and chain 25 inch shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 9 x 4 x 12 inches
  • Comes with a dustbag

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Versace Marlene Frame Satchel | Beige Leather Handbag with Gold Charms

Posted on: Mar 22

The Marlene is a classically shaped satchel bag, with an elegant summery air. The problem is that it just doesn’t know when enough is enough.

The metallic beige leather is refined, and the perfect complement to the shinier gold and white trim. I enjoy the convenience of the front flap pocket, and the “best of both worlds” straps which pair chic gold chain with cushy white leather. But Versace has overdosed on the details here.

But the belt accents running from the top to the base seem to unnecessarily clutter the design. And we definitely didn’t need all those gold charms. A large signature “V” and Medusa coin medallion fight for attention with the large gold nameplate.  Yes, it boasts that you’re carrying Versace but the effect is more than a little obnoxious.

Its exterior might be ostentatious, but Versace employs a little more practical appeal inside. There’s a patch pocket and a cell phone slip on one wall, which the other has a large zip pocket, trimmed in leather for added strength. The soft satiny lining is a luxurious touch.

But as we expect with Versace, that luxury comes at a price: $2840 to be precise. Personally I’d rather invest that money on a purse that’s a little more understated. But no doubt fans of the brand and its decadence will disagree!

More Features of this Versace Leather Satchel

  • Polished gold metallic hardware
  • Frame top with leather-flap closure
  • Fine textile lining
  • Dual studded handles with a 26 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 9 x 6 inches
  • Made in Italy

Get This Versace Marlene Handbag on eBay

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New York Shoppers Trapped in Counterfeit Bag Bust

Posted on: Mar 22

Two unsuspecting shoppers were caught in the middle of a counterfeit handbag bust in Manhattan on Thursday.

Police swooped on six vans packed with fake Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Burberry bags in Chinatown. As they closed in on a seventh vehicle the seller panicked. He quickly shut the doors, trapping the shocked customers inside!

The bargain shoppers were released unharmed by the police. The seller is now facing charges including unlawful imprisonment.

These vans acted as their storefronts,” explained  Lieutenant Enrique Santos, commanding officer of the trademark unit.

It was actually like a little showroom.”

The designer counterfeits were selling at $25 to $50 each, a price which has held steady even in the economic crisis.

“I don’t think the recession is affecting it at all,” Lieutenant Santos said.

He added that while the rip-off merchants were stubborn, his squad was committed to getting rid of them.

“We’re not just going to let this go by every day,” he added. “We’re actively pursuing these crimes.”

That’s good news for our favorite designers and any shoppers who’ve unwittingly purchased the counterfeit wares!

[Source: NY Daily News]
[Image Source: Tet Sy/Flickr]

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