Lanvin is known for creating sophisticated, feminine, heirloom-quality garments, and its accessories line lives up to its reputation. The Amalia combines classic elements with a modern design perspective to create a bag that is gorgeous and versatile.

This bag harkens back to the popularity of the Chanel caviar bags of the early 90’s. But, Lanvin has made enough innovations to that classic design for it to look new, fresh, and totally Lanvin. The briefcase style bag looks mature without being stuffy, and the leather handles on the chain straps add a degree of edginess that is refreshing.

The cream colored leather is soft, supple, and the quilted texture is an added luxurious detail. The gold hardware is a good complement to the ivory leather, but the black fabric woven through the chain straps is even better.

Honestly, I would have liked it better is the fabric wove throughout the length of the straps. I usually appreciate a certain level of asymmetry, but the black against the cream is so lovely that it makes the other side of the bag look a little ho-hum. The outer gold zipper across the front of the bag is the only thing that, for me, saves the Amalia from becoming boring.

At 17″ x 10″ x 7″, the size is great for day, and its neutral palette will go with almost anything.

More Features Of The Lanvin Amalia Small Shoulder Bag

• Two main zippered compartments
• Two small flap inner pockets
• 11″ handle drop

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The Genevieve weave is a big line for Cole Haan, which is why they’ve expanded it to include a patterned version for variety. Though it’s the same line that includes the Triangle Tote, I have to admit that I wouldn’t have ever paired that bag with this one shown here if I hadn’t seen the name first.

This plaid woven tote does, however, come from the same woven leather collection as the Triangle. If you look closely, you can see the similarity of the optical weave. In my opinion, the contrasting black and white plaid pattern makes this version of the Genevieve much more interesting.

If this particular combo of colors is too basic for you, the plaid comes in a spicy orange and white duo as well. Don’t expect any Burberry checks on this pattern, though. This Cole Haan plaid is supersized to make a statement. It’s equally as noticeable as Burberry and maybe will eventually become as recognizable.

Being a tote handbag, it’s got plenty of open space in the interior compartment. You might lose a few things down at the bottom of the bag, but I’m sure we all expect that to happen with a deep tote. The width is fairly generous, too, for extra practicality.

The oversized Genevieve plaid is available in this mid-sized tote, a mini bag, a woven wallet, and even the Triangle bag. The handbag shown here retails for $525.

More Features of the Plaid Genevieve Tote

• Measures 19 x 11.5 x 5.75 inches
• Double woven handles with 8 inch drop
• Interior pockets

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• Get the plaid Triangle Tote on Amazon
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Like it or loathe it, there’s no ignoring the Surreal Bon Ton Kelly clutch from Diesel!

The name isn’t the only thing that’s big. At 16 inches by 16 inches, this takes the oversized clutch trend to the extreme. A big purse isn’t a bad thing, but when its design is as busy as this is just looks a little overwhelming.

All of the individual elements look exciting on their own, but together they just don’t seem to mesh. The flouncy pleated body seems at odds with the angular stitching around the handles. The double cut-out handles are another modern touch that doesn’t quite gel. The black bag tones things down a little more than the chili red variety, but it’s still going to attract an awful lot of attention. And that might not be for the right reason!

At least Diesel hits the mark inside, with a multitude of pockets helping to organize that expansive space. Two interior slide pockets are built to handle a cell phone and an MP3 player. The back wall comes complete with a zippered pocket, which gives you a safe place to stash spare change and keys.

The $290 retail price is reasonable for an oversized clutch made from such luxurious leather. But this one’s eclectic looks make me a little hesitant to lay my money down.

More Features of This Diesel Oversized Purse

• Recessed top zip closure
• Interior lining
• A 22 inch chain shoulder strap with a 16.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 16 x 1 inches

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MCM were one of the must-have brands in the 1980s, but they’ve been absent from the American fashion scene for a number of years. Now the accessories label is launching a comeback starting with a brand new store at The Plaza in New York City.

The brand left the United States in a shroud of secrecy due to problems with their previous owner Michael Cromer. But it continued to thrive in Europe and Asia, feeding the luggage and handbag habits of jet-setting supermodels and celebs.

Now MCM is back with a new moniker and a new head honcho. Previously known as Michael Cromer Munich, MCM will now stand for Mode Creation Munich. One of Asia’s most powerful businesswomen Sung-Joo Kim, is at the helm to keep things running smoothly.

MCM’s New York store is their first American outlet in decades. You can find it at the corner of 58th and Fifth Avenue. Remember to keep your eyes peeled while you’re there. With recent shoppers including Heidi Klum and Ivanka Trump, you never know who you’ll run into!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: MCM]

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Diane Von Furstenberg knows what girls on the go want, and she delivers another functional travel bag in the Raquel. It’s just a shame that along the way, the designer forgot her trademark style.

All the right elements are there. The trapezoidal shape has a fun retro feel, and the crocodile embossed leather trim helps to dress things up. But the fabric is just so drab. Black, walnut, and bamboo may be elegant choices, but they’re also a little boring.

While I miss Diane Von Furstenberg’s usual design flair, she’s made up for it with the practical features. The zip-around bottom compartment is the ideal place for stashing a pair of Jimmy Choo heels and other extras. An interior pocket offers easy access to your passport and travel documents.

The Raquel is crafted using high quality materials that are built to last. In fact, Diane Von Furstenberg is so convinced of this she offers a 10-year warranty. That’s not bad for a purse that retails for just $100. If this Drop-Bottom Boarding Bag has caught your eye, you can complete the look with matching luggage.

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Boarding Bag

• A luggage tag
• Fully lined interior
• A double zip closure
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 19 x 14 x 7 inches
• Weighs 5 lb.

Diane Von Furstenberg Raquel Bags on eBay

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It doesn’t strike me as odd to hear that fashion designer Valentino will be visiting New York City next week. What puzzles me a little is the fact that he’ll be in town to film an appearance on The Martha Stewart Show.

Sure, Martha has had all kinds of celebrities on her show, from Jennifer Garner to Conan O’Brien, doing all kinds of domestic things. But I just can’t wrap my head around what she (or rather her staff) will have prepared for the aging legendary Italian designer. Maybe they’ll just talk about their equally infamous love of dogs.

Of course, I’m sure we’ll hear some discussion about Valentino’s upcoming documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor…maybe even a few clips? Dare we hope for some inside info? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Set your TiVos to record the show, which is set to air on Friday, March 20.

[Source: NY Mag/The Cut]
[Image: Stacie Joy for CTTC/Flickr]

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At first glance, I couldn’t decide whether or not I wanted to review this bag for two reasons. Mostly I was hesitant because it’s been out for a little while but also because I think the croc-embossed texture has been overdone. However, after looking a little more at this Kate Spade clutch, I couldn’t pass it up.

The structured shape and subtle but classic details are exactly what I expect from Kate Spade and probably what fans enjoy most about her bags. They’ve usually got that impeccable, chic-without-looking-too-uppity vibe, and the Paola Elba jumped out at me as a quintessential example of that.

If it had lots of shiny hardware or a pattern in addition to the embossed texture, I would probably write it off as a little tacky. However, the Elba Handbag has the perfect amount of pretty features and not an ounce more than it needs. We’re all familiar with the croc-embossed look, but the details around the edges of the clutch add interest quietly and don’t compete with the material.

The amount of space inside is about what you’d expect from an slightly oversized clutch. The slimness of the bag limits what you can carry around, but I think any woman would expect that from a flat clutch.

If you find yourself wishing that you didn’t have to carry it in your hands, you’re in luck. The Kate Spade Paola Elba comes with a short chain strap to slip on your shoulder. To get that effortless chic look, though, I’d keep the strap tucked in and carry it as a clutch.

More Features of the Paola Elba Bag

• Measures 13 x 8 x 1 inch
• Croc-Embossed
• Patent Leather
• Gold-plated signature hardware

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Devi Kroell offers up the best of both worlds with its Accordian bag.

At its smallest, the Accordian is a cute box purse. Fans of the oversized trend may feel they need to scale back to carry it compact, but most of us will see this as a manageable day purse. But the Accordion doesn’t forget the packhorses. The top handle comes with a spring hinge, which helps the bag expand to nearly twice its original size.

This feature may be functional, but it’s a shame the rest of the purse doesn’t support it. The single strap is fine when traveling light, but it’s a different story when the handbag is filled to capacity. It may have the space you need, but you still might want to rethink carrying the Accordian on those long days at the mall.

The Accordian comes in this gorgeous nappa leather or more exotic, and expensive, fabrics like origami eel and sea snake skins.

More Features of This Devi Kroell Accordian Handbag

• Hard frame closure
• Measures 11.5 x 8 x 5.25 when compact

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Is that the sound of Louis lovers the world over weeping? The financial crisis has left most of us cursing our empty wallets, yet R. Lloyd Ming has destroyed $12, 000 worth of Louis Vuitton Alma bags in the name of art!

The New York-based artist purchased a dozen of the four-figure purses from Louis Vuitton’s Manhattan store over the holidays. He then cut every one in half to create a sculpture. Surely this is sacrilege!

The work is part of Mr Ming’s new exhibition I Am Not Chinese, a display which explores the tenuous link between China and the United States of America. His art touches on topical themes like censorship, capitalism, communism, and human rights. But what about handbag rights?

“The work is called Vuitton Crucifix and it is a commentary on the new wealth and materialism that has been created in China,” Mr Ming explained. “However it can also refer to America and many other societies. As a result of China’s capitalist revolution the ranks of the rich and middle class are growing. However, capitalism often produces a culture of insecurity, were people can only find a sense of self worth or salvation through possessions and materialism. The Vuitton Crucifix sculpture is a reaction to this culture.”

Louis Vuitton is famously protective of its trademark, but Mr. Ming is confident he won’t face legal action a la Britney Spears or Ruben Studdard. He insists the Manhattan staff knew his artistic intentions at the point of purchase. He may not deal with legal action, but surely he’ll feel the wrath of Louis Vuitton fans everywhere!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Tavallai/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Alma Handbags on eBay

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Laury is one of those names that makes me think of men in their sixties wearing plaid. It may have vintage looks, but there’s nothing dated about Cole Haan’s Laury satchel.

The angular shape and patent leather is a little bit retro, but that’s offset by the Laury’s fun striped texture. This cross-hatched design is best seen on the mermaid blue and ruby sugar purses, but if you want to tone things down you can always opt for basic black. I could have done without the tassel zipper pull, but it’s certainly no deal breaker.

The exterior may evoke a simpler time, but inside the Laury is all about modern conveniences. The space isn’t enormous, but it’s long and deep enough to handle bulky novels or wallets. Slip pockets take care of your cell phone and PDA, while the zippered pocket has your valuables covered.

Braided handles are always beautiful, but I’m not sure these really mesh with the rest of the Laury. Their chunky design will make them strong, but something thinner would have been a much better match.

More Features of This Cole Haan Patent Leather Handbag

• Top zip closure
• Custom hardware
• A side compartment with magnetic closure
• Logo jacquard lined interior
• Measures 16 x 9 x 7.75 inches

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