We recently got to read some of Armani’s personal ramblings on the New York Times’  blog The Moment, which included a snippet about his arrival in Manhattan for the newest addition to the Armani store family.

While he wrote about the excitement of seeing a few high-profile friends and celebrities, the rest of us couldn’t wait to see what design wonders would be unveiled at the store’s opening. The result? The new Armani/Fifth Avenue location will surely please any fan and critic alike.

The sleek architecture includes one very impressive modern staircase that flows effortlessly between the multiple levels. Patrons of the store can browse the 43,000 square feet of retail space for all of the designer’s labels, all price ranges included.

I find the grandeur of the mega-flagship store a bit surprising given the struggling economy, but I suppose it is coming from a luxury design house. If you’re lucky to find yourself on 5th Avenue, be sure to check out some of the location’s exclusive Armani handbags and stop by the chocolate counter for your necessary shopping sustenance.

[Source: My Fashion Life]
[Image: zio Paolino/Flickr]

Giorgio Armani Handbags on eBay

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It’s always fun when designers let loose a little and not take their designs so seriously. That’s exactly what Rebecca Minkoff seemed to have in mind when creating this tongue-in-cheek Bread & Wine Tote.

Though a canvas tote is usually a practical (and eco-friendly) option for supermarket or farmer’s market shopping, this one comes with particular directions on where to place two common items. You can’t possibly forget bread or wine at the store when they’re yelling at you in gold lettering from your handbag.

I can only assume that Rebecca Minkoff was either attempting to stress the importance of these culinary staples or just assuming that everyone buys them every time they grocery shop. Either way, it’s kind of a cute, quirky way to denote the use of a cotton tote.

The exterior leather pockets are convenient for more than just bread and wine purchases, though. You might choose instead to place a shopping list, cell phone, and pencil in the bread pocket and makeup in the wine side, but who really cares? Space is space.

The retail price of $185 seems fairly high for a re-usable supermarket bag when cotton canvas totes are cheap and readily available. However, designer shopping totes with a sense of humor are hard to come by, and this Rebecca Minkoff Bread & Wine option is one-of-a-kind.

More Features of the Bread & Wine Tote

• Measures approximately 14 x 15 x 5 inches
• Double rolled leather handles with 8 inch drop
• Exterior slip pockets
• Gold foil lettering

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• See more canvas totes available on eBay
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This sexy Jana from Bally is all about the ostrich. The basic tote shape and lack of designer accents allow this exotic leather to take center stage.

This glossy cuba brown bag really brings out the bumpy quill follicles, but there’s also a matte black variety if you want to play things safe. Personally if I’m going to spend nearly six grand on a bag, I’d prefer to let everyone know about it!

While the details are kept simple, the straps are worth mentioning. The dual rolled leather handles are probably long enough for petite girls to carry over their shoulder, but Bally wasn’t leaving anything to chance. They’ve also added a removable shoulder strap, which features gorgeous tortoise shell chain links. Metallic tones may be all the range, but the retro appeal of this chain strap really stands out.

Clearly all the budget went on the leather finish because the interior doesn’t have a lot to praise. The twill lining is functional but frankly a little drab. Where’s the suede or satin Bally? It’s also lacking in organizational features. One zippered pocket is clearly inadequate for a bag of this size. Prepare to spend a lot of time rifling around the bottom of your purse ladies!

Ostrich is always an expensive proposition, so the $5,900 retail price shouldn’t come as any surprise. If your budget won’t stretch quite that far there’s a buffalo leather version for $1,295. It may cost significantly less, but it also lacks the ostrich Jana’s wow factor.

More Features of This Bally Jana Leather Bag

• Press stud closure
• Gold-tone hardware
• Reinforced paneling at sides
• Dual handles with woven accents and a 6.75 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 18.5 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

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German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop has taken an unexpected, and undeserved, swipe at fellow countryman Heidi Klum. The founder of JOOP! declared that the Project Runway host and sometimes handbag designer is too chunky, and too happy, for the runway.

“Heidi Klum is simply too heavy and has too big a bust. And she always grins so stupidly. That is not avant-garde – that is commercial!” he crowed.

Heidi seemed unfazed by the criticism when interviewed at her latest Victoria’s Secret show.

“Do I look like I care?” she asked. “I really don’t think about [Joop or what he said]. What am I supposed to say? It’s his opinion. What do you think?“

I think the fact that Victoria’s Secret continues to book the 36-year-old model for their runway shows says it all. I can only dream of having her body, especially after giving birth to three children!

But perhaps the real motive for the outburst was best explained by Heidi’s publicist.

“Wolfgang is obviously trying to revive his sagging career and get press for himself by riding Heidi’s coattails,” he said.

Ouch!

[Source: The Mercury News]
[Image Source: Jorgebarrios/Wikipedia Commons]

Joop Bags on eBay

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This cute clutch bag from Accessorize is made to party.

Sequins are a staple for any evening bag, but Accessorize is careful not to overdose on the bling. The base is covered with the metallic jewels, but the top features just a gentle smattering. This allows us to peek through to the luxurious velvet finish underneath. This pewter gray shade is flirty without being too flamboyant. If it’s still too loud for your tastes, this sequined clutch is also available in basic black.

The kisslock closure and polished chrome frame give this purse a classic vintage feel. Accessorize also stick with tradition when it comes to size. This party clutch isn’t as large as so many modern purses, but its long design means it can fit a little more than the average. The long, streamlined style is also perfect for carrying in your hand or tucking under your arm.

Sequined clutches may be nothing new, but like so many Accessorize purses this one isn’t as pricy as a Fendi baguette or Chanel’s sequined east-west bag. After all, who wants to spend a fortune on something you’ll only carry after five?

More Features of This Accessorize Party Bag

• Grey satin lining
• Measures 13.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches

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Marni is known for their interesting plays on color and design, and for their quirky interpretations of trends. This Slouchy Shoulder Bag makes good on two out of three of those ideals, but drops the ball, I think, on color. But then again, I’ve never been a fan of camel.

Frankly, I am getting a little tired of the huge, overly slouchy hobo. I’m not sure which Olsen twin is perpetuating this style, but she’s really doing a great job of keeping them in stores. In defense of this slouchy hobo, it is really comfortable to carry. It lays nicely against the body, and has a thick sturdy handle that makes it easy to grab.

On the minus side, it looks a little sloppy. And since the color is so similar to that of my winter pale skin, it looks a little weird held close to the body. Its 15″ x 12″ x 6″ size is reasonable for a hobo, not so huge that you begin to fear that you’ll really never find your phone that fell to the bottom, but big enough to carry a days load of necessities, and then some.

The pleating detail is what I think kills the bag for me. Were the pleats a little more structured, it would have added an interesting visual contrast to the volume of the bag, but as they are, they just make the bag look pinched, rather than pleated. This combined with the eerily flesh-like color kills the simple shapely design, and the great addition of the turnlock clasp handle.

This bag is fresh from the runways, and I have no doubt that it will find its audience. Its audience might even be me if they come out with a less neutral color. Until then, I’m holding on to my $1,410 until something better comes along.

More Features Of The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag

• Zippered top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Interior zipper pocket
• 7″ handle drop

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The Purse Blog has compiled some fabulous pictures of the new Marc Jacobs bags seen on the runway at Fashion Week. Though the models and the clothes usually get the most attention, this new handbag collection has a personality that stands out on its own.

Without a doubt, the quirky designer put his individual stamp on these new purses. Although some have likened Jacobs’ use of quilted bags to Chanel’s signature look, I personally don’t see any resemblance to the ultra formal and uptown look of Chanel.

This collection puts a new spin on the quilted look as well as other materials. The pieces have a funky 80s vibe with big, showy details and lots of texture.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Marc Jacobs and always look forward to his next collection of bags. These might be too showy for some, but surely other faithful followers of the designer are as pleased as I am with this new look.

[Source: Purse Blog]

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

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Textured handbags seem to be an emerging trend for the upcoming spring season. Casual materials like straw and woven leather are popping up alongside the continually popular textures of python and croc.

This faux snake skin clutch is an example of how a material can transition into a different season with new colors. The Big Buddha Veronica, though also available in season-less black, brown, and red colors, becomes a key spring accessory in the bright blue and orange options.

I always find myself a bit hesitant about clutches because of their generally impractical nature. However, this one is no smaller nor any less functional that most clutches around. I wouldn’t classify it as oversized like so many others these days, but it is a reasonable size for storing a few important items without having to leave too many at home.

The cutout handles are a nice visual feature, whether or not you plan to use them. They certainly aren’t the most comfortable option for carrying a handbag, but Big Buddha must’ve realized that when designing the Veronica because they have also included a convenient detachable chain strap.

If you’re looking for a decently sized clutch for the spring, this one will do just fine. I suggest opting for the vibrant blue color unless you’re looking for one to take you through all four seasons. The Big Buddha Veronica is easy on the wallet, too, as it retails for only $75.

More Features of the Veronica Clutch

• Measures 12 x 6 x 3 inches
• Cutout handles with detachable strap
• Faux snake skin material
• Gold-toned hardware

Big Buddha Veronica Bags on eBay

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• Get the Veronica Clutch on Amazon
• Click here to search more Big Buddha handbags on eBay

Zac Posen has a knack for producing purses that are modern classics. The Iris is no exception.

The padded geometric details on the front panel give this handbag an almost futuristic appearance. It could so easily have looked trendy, but the use of soft Nappa leather in traditional black and brown gives the Iris a more timeless appeal. The contrasting colors emphasize this purse’s design features, but they won’t suit everyone’s tastes. If you’d like a more conservative look you can also choose the Iris in plain gray or caramel brown.

This is a big bag, but it’s not quite as large as it first appears. Those pin-tucked pleats add volume, giving the purse an almost hobo-like quality. The interior is luxuriously lined with suede, but it doesn’t really offer the organizational features a bag of this size needs. There’s a zippered pocket on one side, but it’s not likely to be enough to stop those essentials sliding to the bottom.

Big handbags are often difficult to carry when full, but Zac Posen’s done his best to make things easy. The dual handles are long, flat, and padded for comfortable over the shoulder toting. That makes this bag ideal for those long shopping sprees or days spent running errands.

More Features of This Zac Posen Pleated Leather Handbag

• A removable leather hangtag
• Fine topstitching
• Frame top with zipper closure
• An embossed sunburst-like leather signature logo
• Brushed gold-tone hardware
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 13 x 6 inches
• Made in Italy
• Retails for $1950

Get This Zac Posen Iris Purse on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the ZOElife SIDCO Emporium store on eBay – A Zac Posen Handbags Retailer
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Sir Philip Green has announced his British fashion store chains Topshop and Topman will open in New York City on April 2. Supermodel and Topshop designer Kate Moss will be a guest of honor at the launch.

The $20 million store will span 30, 000 square feet over three floors in the Broadway shopping mecca. Designed by british architects Daziel Powell, it’s set to feature floor to ceiling display windows filled with mannequins on every level, futuristic lighting, and a DJ booth suspended over the heads of shoppers.

The store will sell ready-to-wear fashions, handbags, and accessories from Topshops most popular ranges include the Kate Moss collections, Unique, and designer capsule lines. Sir Philip Green also hopes to work with Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour to showcase upcoming American designers.

While Sir Philip Green acknowledges that the financial crisis makes opening a store of this scale more challenging, he insists that “it’s not Armageddon. We’re going to have to work harder, but we’re well set-up, in spite of the market.”

The New York location is the first Topshop store in the United States. Outlets in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Boston should open over the next few years.

Watch the video above to see the highlights of yesterday’s press conference with Sir Philip Green!

[Source: Telegraph]

Topshop Handbags on eBay

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