Versace has brought out the big guns for their Spring/Summer 2009 advertising campaign. Kate Moss stars in this eye-catching commercial, while Gisele Bundchen graces another.

With all that supermodel style, photographer Mario Testino had his work cut out for him. Yet he delivers, making the haute couture clothes and to-die-for handbags the stars of these stunning prints.

I’m not a fan of Kate’s fussy heart-accented dress, but that lustworthy clutch is another matter entirely. The black snakeskin exterior is so sexy, and its hard shell screams vintage sophistication.

All the commercials follow the nautical theme, with the blonde beauties posing on luxury yachts in the middle of that sparkling sea. A model’s life sounds like hard work, doesn’t it? The range uses basic black and white shades, but as you can guess from this heart-detailed dress the classic colors are far from conservative!

The advertisements appear in the current issue of Vanity Fair, with more fashion mags to follow soon.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Versace Clutches on eBay

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The Hayden-Harnett Lorca bag can effortlessly make the transition from chic daytime purse to ready-to-party evening bag.

The Lorca is one of Hayden-Harnett’s original styles, and it’s not hard to see why it continues to be so popular. The finish is a little slouchy, giving the Lorca an irresistible relaxed vibe. Long tassel zipper pulls and a shiny silver turnlock closure help to add interest. The signature silver charm proudly sports the “HH” logo, advertising the brand without being too obvious.

We know the Lorca has the looks to take you from the office to happy hour, but what about the features? You’ll happily find it delivers here too, with its practical size and organizational extras. You will have noticed the sexy diagonal zip pockets up front, but there’s more where that came from. Inside you’ll find another zippered compartment, plus two slip pockets for your personal technology.

The Lorca gives you value for money with its removable top strap. Keep the handle on for a convenient day bag, or remove it to convert the Lorca into a cute clutch.

I love the bold look of this ruby red variety, but if it’s not to your tastes don’t worry. The Lorca comes in patent and matte leathers in more colors than I can mention. Whether you’re a flashy fashionista or a classic beauty, you’re bound to find a Lorca to suit you.

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Leather Shoulder Bag

• Silver-tone hardware
• A single adjustable and removable strap
• Measures 15 x 8 x 4 inches
• Retails for $335

Get This Hayden-Harnett Lorca Purse from eBay

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• Click here to locate this Hayden-Harnett turnlock handbag at Amazon
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A Nahui Ollin bag is hard to miss. If you see a bag that looks like it’s covered in candy wrappers, it’s probably a Nahui Ollin original. When I hear recycled paper handbag, I don’t think luxury, but these funky little creations certainly pique my interest. 

I’m all for eco-friendly manufacturing, and that’s one thing that Nahui Ollin has perfected. Like this Rosy Cheeks wristlet, each bag is formed by intricately weaving pieces of recycled paper. It seems like such a creative solution for cutting down on waste as well as price.

I like the size and look of the Rosy Cheeks bag. A full-sized bag of this material is a bit much for my taste, but the proportion of the wristlet is great. It’s perfect for carrying around a few items like lip gloss, cash, and an ID for those times when a larger handbag isn’t convenient. Another option is to keep small items in this little pouch inside your purse. It’s a great way to keep things organized.

Though a paper handbag doesn’t sound practical, the Rosy Cheeks wristlet actually is. The recycled material has a glossy coating on it to protect the paper and make it easy to wipe clean when dirty. The paper can vary from bag to bag, too, which makes yours completely unique to you. How many other bags can offer that? This Nahui Ollin is available in multiple style options, but the ‘Letters’ paper shown here is my favorite.

More Features of the Rosy Cheeks Wristlet

• Measures 7 x 1 x 5 inches
• Detachable wrist strap
• Signature logo charm
• Recycled paper material

Nahui Ollin Rosy Cheeks Bags on eBay

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• See all of the Rosy Cheeks styles on Amazon
• Click here to search all Nahui Ollin bags on eBay

Last year I announced my love for my idea of the perfect hand-held bag, but now its another year and time to begin the search for the next, best clutch.

Here is a strong contender for that coveted title (at least in my own mind). The D & G Dolce & Gabbana Micol Envelope Clutch can be summed up with one word – sleek. The simple, envelope-style silhouette lends itself to the rather inventive front, V-shaped dual zipper closure.

This design element makes the bag unique but not overly trendy. Soft grained leather, attached wristlet, and polished gold-tone hardware round out the Micol’s features. Measurements are 14 x 9 x 1.5 – simple and sophisticated. A solid contender, indeed.

• D & G Dolce & Gabbana Micol Envelope Clutch in White – $790 via eLUXURY

(Syndicated from: D & G Dolce & Gabbana Micol Envelope Clutch)

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Dolce & Gabbana Clutches on eBay

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Here is a new purse designer, fresh on the scene, whose individual take on sophisticated & modern handbags is getting attention.

Shops like celebrity favorite Kitson and online e-tailer Shopbop are among the first to carry some of these very unique and original handbags.

I’m referring to West/Feren Handbags, the creative brain child of NYC designer Alison Pawling. West/Feren Handbags, named after Alison’s grandmothers, is comprised of designs that are sleek and unabashedly bold.

All of Alison’s bags show the tell-tale signs of a thoughtful, artistic design process behind their creation. From the structured silhouettes of her clutches and shoulder bags to their sometimes bold exteriors (and interiors!), Alison demonstrates the prowess of a seasoned designer.

Yet this freshman designer, despite her years of experience in the fashion world, manages to avoid the pitfalls of other newbies by keeping her designs simple and sophisticated.

My personal favorite, the Hudson Bag, is a practical bag which features the juxtaposition of military-style detailing with an ultra-modern interior lining. The Hudson measures 10 x 12 x 4 and boasts a magnetic flap exterior pocket as well as two interior zip pockets.

Another design worthy of mention is the Portland Clutch ($276) which measures 6 x 12 x 1.5 and is an inexpensive alternative for those of you who are Pierre Hardy handbag fans. Be sure to check out the equally appealing Court Bag ($564). That is one hobo I’d love to add to my collection.

• West/Feren Hudson Bag available in Stone (pictured) or Revolutionary Red for $565 via Shopbop

(First posted here: Spotlight On…..West/Feren Handbags)

West Feren on eBay

[phpbay]West Feren, 3m, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler are really making a name for themselves, handbag-wise, with their debut line of PS1 bags. Meant to be unisex, most of them feature simple lines and traditional shapes with little embellishment, besides the often shockingly bright color palette, that is. 

They strike the perfect balance between structure and slouch with the Large Suede PS1 bag. I love the way the strongly squared off lines are offset by the softness of the suede. Its 16″ x 7″ x 9″ size makes it great not just as a sizable everyday bag, but also as a laptop tote or briefcase. 

I also love the winter white color that will take you into spring, but I know plenty of people are wary of suede in general, and white suede in particular. I, personally, like the way that whites look when they get a little banged up, but you might not feel the same way. Or, you might balk at the almost $1,600 price for a bag that will look worn in quite quickly.

There is a flap closure front pocket with an edgy distressed silver clasp that will easily hold all your pens and pencils. The main compartment closes with the trademark PS1 straps, which, as I have said in the past, I am dubious about. On the plus side, I think that straps flapping about makes somewhat more sense on this large suede bag than on a smaller bag. The generous size can accommodate more quirky detail than the smaller versions. 

This is a great bag for a laid back, jeans-and-tee-shirts chic kind of girl who isn’t willing to sacrifice style or quality for comfort.

More Features Of The Proenza Schouler Large Suede PS1 Bag

• Leather top handle
• Removable leather strap
• Fabric-lined interior

Suede Messenger Bags On eBay

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This adorable Hayley Tulip Tote from Guess conjures up thoughts of 1950s diners and jukeboxes. Its bold retro styling isn’t the only thing that harks back to the past though. At just $110, the retail price also holds an old-fashioned appeal.

The cost is kept to a minimum thanks to the vinyl exterior. It’s less pricy than patent leather, but this fabric should have enough gloss to satisfy. The Guess logo at the front is a little flashy with its rhinestones, but it’s still small enough that it doesn’t feel too over the top. The gathered design gives the handbag a feminine fullness without making it too fussy.

It appears to have an open design at first glance, but Guess hasn’t forgotten about your security. Those high sides hide a zip top closure to keep all your goodies safe inside. One side wall features a roomy zippered pocket, while the other has a couple of slip pockets to carry your PDA and cell phone.

The Hayley Tulip Tote is available in three unique color combinations. The natural multi feels a little drab to me, but it might suit more conservative tastes. The black and gray combination is a little more classic, but this fuschia tote has won me over with its vibrant pink tones.

More Features of This Guess Vinyl Tote

• Satiny G-print lined interior
• Silver-toned hardware
• Studded accents
• Platform base
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10 inch drop length
• Measures 16 x 7 x 10.5 inches
• Weighs 2 pounds

Get This Guess Hayley Tulip Bag on eBay

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• Click here to get this Guess retro purse at Amazon
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Almost a year since he left Target, Isaac Mizrahi is ready to unveil his first collection for Liz Claiborne. The line marks a departure for the conservative brand, with Isaac introducing fresh tones and modern cuts.

“[The clothes] look wonderful. It’s supposed to be snappy. I hate to use the word ‘grown-up,’ but it’s slightly more grown-up,” explained Mizrahi.

Liz Claiborne fans won’t be disappointed with the new collection, which gives the brand a vibrant feel without straying too far away from the sophisticated looks it’s famous for.

One of my favorite looks is this contemporary work outfit, with a denim pencil skirt and edgy blazer paired with a matching blue and white tote bag. There are also plenty of handbags which step out of the office, including a metallic gold clutch and a small cross-body drawstring purse.

Isaac Mizrahi’s debut Liz Claiborne collection hits department stores across the United States in February.

[Source: FabSugar]

Liz Claiborne Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Liz Claiborne bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

It might sound like it’s just stepped out of the African jungle, but the Mogambo by Givenchy looks like it’d be much more at home on the busy city streets.

The features are classic, from the ultra soft leather finish to the shiny polished hardware. Never one to brag or boast, the Givenchy logo is subtly engraved on the large feature buckle. We see more eye-catching silver on the sides, where the buckles help attach the single shoulder strap.

It’s smaller than most handbags we see these days, which is sure to suit anyone feeling overwhelmed by those oversized purses. It might be lacking in size, but not in features. A zippered pocket, slip pocket, and a cell phone pouch are sure to satisfy girls who want a place for everything, and everything in its place! There’s extra storage space up front with another slip pocket. It’s also on the small side, but it is convenient for stashing the essentials you need on hand.

The $600 price tag might seem excessive when the market is flooded with flap purses. But the Mogambo’s classic good looks won’t fall out of favor any time soon. It’s available in conservative black and tan shades.

More Features of This Givenchy Mogambo Handbag

• A 19 inch flat leather shoulder strap
• Canvas lined interior
• Measures 11 x 8 x 5 inches

Leather Flap Bags with Buckles on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to get this Givenchy black flap bag on Amazon
• Click here to find this Givenchy tan handbag on Amazon
• All Givenchy bags on eBay

Sometimes the best bags are the simplest. I love a solid-colored leather purse that allows simple details to shine. B. Makowsky is great for this type of handbag. Yes, they have their fair share of funky and colorful, but they also have a nice selection of tasteful and unique styles.

The Athens tote is such a simple silhouette for a bag; it’s a slim, square tote. However, the uncluttered shape makes the pretty pleated leather on the front pop. Silver studded details and o-rings shine on the muted olive color. It’s certainly not the girliest bag on the market (for that, you need Juicy Couture), but B. Makowsky has a talent for making somewhat masculine details look classic and feminine. See the Marseille for another example of this.

The look of the Athens handbag kind of says safari chic style to me, which is appropriate due to the wild leopard print lining inside. Like most other totes, this one is big on storage because of its deep interior with multiple pockets. It’s definitely not a formal or even slightly dressy bag, but I can definitely see its practicality on a long day running errands and shopping.

The signature B. Makowsky logo is displayed on a leather panel stitched to the front of the bag. A zipper closure keeps everything in, and the dual straps are rolled on the top for ease of carrying. The Athens tote comes in several other neutral colors such as brown and black and is also available in metallic silver.

More Features of the Athens Tote

• Measures 13.5 x 12.75 x 4.5 inches
• Double straps with 9.5 inch drop
• Exterior slip pocket with decorative pleating
• Zip top closure

B. Makowsky Athens Bags on eBay

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• Get the Athens handbag on Amazon
• Click here to search all B. Makowsky purses on eBay