Spring 2009 will see Navy as the new black. I love the classic look of navy and the versatile nature of this often overlooked dark blue shade.

If pastels and bright colors are not your thing, then a navy handbag this spring is your best handbag investment. There are several options already up for pre-order on-line, but my No.1 choice is the Jimmy Choo Mandah Hobo.

I wasn’t thrilled with the “middle zipper”detailing on a few of the handbags launched by JC in 2008, but I think the Mandah shows how the kinks have finally been worked out of this design. Just look at how fabulous the bag is either zipped up or undone.

The leather exterior features a suede inset that is visible on either version. The gold-tone hardware is minimal and looks very sophisticated next to the dark navy leather. A small snap pocket is accessible when the bag is converted to the un-zipped style.

The Jimmy Choo Mandah Hobo tops my list of must-have bags for 2009. OK, so the year is only 7 days old. Sue me! I know what I like and that’s final.

• Pre-order the Jimmy Choo Mandah Hobo in Met Navy for $1595 via Neiman Marcus

(Originally Posted By Dania P.: Jimmy Choo Mandah Hobo)

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Jimmy Choo Navy Blue Bags on eBay

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When you need a stylish bag but don’t want to pay designer prices, Maxx New York is a great brand to check out. The company has a knack for creating ready-to-wear purses that reference high fashion trends but with a cost that’s easy on the wallet.

The Leroy E/W Shoulder bag follows two major trends that came straight from the runway and have lately infiltrated purse brands everywhere: patent and croco. There’s nothing new to fashion about either; they’ve certainly been done before. However, the style has been revived with bags like the Leroy and can make an average outfit look a little classier.

This Maxx New York purse is not huge, but the size is nice for throwing on your shoulder and tucking in under your arm. It won’t fit more than purse essentials unlike many of the oversized handbags out there today, but it’ll work great for sprucing up an outfit and carrying what you need for a trip out.

I love the deep eggplant color that looks great when mixed with other jewel tones. Brushed gold hardware complements the tone of this Maxx New York bag. The inside is lined with a fun zebra print and has two zippered pockets. On the front, a slip pocket with magnetic closure is perfect for storing receipts or other small items. Another great feature is the purse’s ability to widen several inches with side zippers that expand the bag. The Leroy E/W is also available in cranberry and black and retails for $148.

More Features of the Leroy E/W Shoulder

• Measures 15.5 x 6.5 x 3 inches
• Double straps with 7.5 inch drop
• Patent croco
• Expandable zippered sides

Maxx New York Leroy Bags on eBay

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• See more from Buy’s Internet Superstore on eBay
• Click here to search more Maxx New York bags on eBay

Less than a year old, and Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough’s PS1 line of purses for Proenza Schouler have already found favor among a sassy grab bag of the a-list elite. Mary Kate Olsen owns several styles and colors in the line, and where she goes, other skinny starlets are sure to follow.

I, for one, love the almost military look of this leather flap front bag, with it’s edgy but subtle metal closure. The black metal hardware perfectly complements the utilitarian style of the bag, and gives the bag attitude without being ostentatious.

I also love the look of the front strap closures, but find them to be somewhat impractical and unwieldy. After all, who has time to fiddle with a bunch of straps and buckles when you’re impulse purchasing at the post-holiday sales checkout counter? Yes, of course you can just leave them unfastened, but that means that they’ll be flapping around you all the time, which could be irritating and unsafe. What is more tempting to a thief than an obviously expensive and left open handbag?

Still, if you can handle all that, the PS1 Medium Leather Bag really does have a lot going for it in the looks department. I love the contradiction between its masculine shape and petite size. Plus, the briefcase-style handle is comfortable and durable, and there’s always the option of the removable shoulder strap to keep it versatile. And at around $1,600 retail, it should be nothing if not versatile. It’s a steep price to pay in these trying economic times, but one that might be worth it for a woman who wants the purse strings she holds to look a little tougher than average.

More Features Of The Proenza Schouler Medium Leather PS1 Bag

• 13″ x 7″ x 6″ size
• Fabric-lined interior
• Interior pocket

Military-Inspired Handbags On eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the Pop-I-Corns store on eBay
• Click here to search Proenza Schouler accessories on eBay

One of the readers of senoracartera.com, Alicia C. is in need of a stylish, trendy “everyday” bag and has asked for help with where to look. Here’s what she asked:

Need handbag help!

Hello! I am seeking a new trendy, stylish bag- I have a Tod’s black shoulder hobo, a Fendi little bag, and a few other bags here and there, but nothing that i want to or can use every single day. I like to carry a lot of ‘stuff’ in my purse too!!! I was thinking in the $300-500 range, but am not super picky, just really want some direction as far as use and trend!

Well, Alicia, you’re in luck because finding a stylish, trendy (but not TOO trendy!), roomy, well-made and moderately priced designer “everyday” bag is not that difficult a task any longer. I have the perfect designer in mind for you – Marc Jacobs. His MARC by Marc Jacobs line is filled with designs that will satisfy all your requirements.

E-tailers such as eLUXURY, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Shopbop carry a wide selection of the MARC by Marc Jacobs handbag line. You can search these sites at your leisure, but I would be happy to suggest one bag in particular which photos do not do justice.The Totally Turnlock Quinn Shoulder Bag is my personal favorite (as well as my Christmas present from hubby!). This extremely well-appointed design must be viewed in person to appreciate. It can hold its own against more expensive designer bags.

The comfortable dual top handles fit comfortably over the shoulder, and the fold-over flap top with signature turnlock closure is trendy without screaming “fashion victim”. It’s very roomy and will fit everything you need for a full day on-the-go. I even manage to fit a couple of small books and a water bottle inside.

I’ve left the best part of the Quinn for last – the leather. This bag begs to be touched. The leather is supple and flexible. You’ll love this bag because it’s stylish, trendy yet very practical and not over the top. Plus, at $468, the Totally Turnlock Quinn Shoulder Bag is a bargain. It’s available in several colors (I have the cream version), so you can be as bold or as safe as you’d like.

If you don’t like this bag, Alicia, I’m sure you’ll find what you’re searching for among the many other fabulous MARC by Marc Jacobs bags.

• MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Quinn in bright red or black via Neiman Marcus

• MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Quinn in cream via Saks

• MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Quinn in denim via Nordstrom

(Originally written for SenoraCartera: Handbag Dilemma – In Search of a Stylish “Everyday” Bag)

Large Marc Jacobs Bags on eBay

[phpbay]large marc jacob bag, 5, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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We’re all trying to be a little more environmentally-friendly these days, using the latest products promising a greener future. But really we just have to go back to the past. Just think how many plastic bags you’d save if you carried your shopping in this cute string bag, just like grandma used to do!

We’ve seen EcoBags string bags before, but their new Milano variety is worth another look. Forget the thin shoulder strap of old. The Milano comes with a wide two inch handle, so it feels heavenly in your hand or on your shoulder.

These string bags are made from all natural cotton, which is great for the environment and you. When they’re dirty, just pop them in the washing machine and hang them out to dry. They’ll be as good as new!

It might look small, but this string bag expands to hold much more than you’d think. How does 40 pounds sound? These clever bags fold down to next to nothing, so you can store a few of these in your regular tote.

It might be marketed as a shopper, but these string bags are incredibly versatile. These string shoppers make cute travel purses, baby totes, beach bags, or handbags for everyday use.

More Features of This EcoBags Milano String Shopper

• Natural ivory color

EcoBags String Bags from eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from Harley The Store on eBay – An EcoBags Handbags Retailer
• All EcoBags purses on eBay

Gucci has gone troppo with its spring/summer 2009 advertising campaign. The photo has a truly international flavor with models from all over the globe. Australian glamourpuss Abbey Lee stars alongside British beauty Lily Donaldson, Russian siren Natasha Poly, and Swedish sensation Jonatan Frenk.

The models look gorgeous in their colorful Gucci wardrobe, but it’s hard to look at them with that stunning snakeskin purse in the frame. With the jungle backdrop, it’s almost like the python handbag was created using one of the locals! The bold python print and polished gold-tone hardware give this bag a sophisticated style, but the casual slouch make it versatile enough to carry every day.

The tropical commercial was photographed by Dutch dynamic duo, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. I love the saturated colors they’ve used which make you feel the humidity and heat of the photo shoot. Look out for this gorgeous commercial in your favorite fashion mags now.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Gucci Python Purses on eBay

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It might not have the sophistication grown-ups demand, but junior fashionistas will love the fun and functionality of this cute Dolce Girl hobo.

Canvas is legendary for its durability, so it’s the perfect choice for a junior purse. This tough fabric is made to stack up to the demands of the schoolyard. This hardy material is available in classic black and this fun turquoise shade. And at just $30 retail, they’re affordable enough to snap up both!

The style is boxier than most hobos, but the canvas is soft enough to show a little slouch. The front features a zip around compartment and a zippered pocket. They aren’t the most attractive features and seem almost out of place on the purse. But girls will love the convenience, not to mention that cute heart-shaped buckle! A slip pocket in the side is much more tastefully designed for discreet storage.

This hobo is lined with floral cotton fabric, a feminine touch that won’t go unnoticed. The interior is a practical medium sized space with a cell phone pocket and zippered compartment to keep your goodies in order.

The single handle is really all you need to carry a bag of this size, but I can’t help wishing it was a little more stylish. The flat textured strap might feel comfortable on your shoulder, but it does nothing for this hobo’s image.

More Features of This Dolce Girl Canvas Handbag

• Top zip entry
• Silver-tone hardware
• Measures 9.5 x 2.7 x 6.5 inches
• Weighs 4.8 ounces

Get This Dolce Girl Heart-Accented Hobo on eBay

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• Click here to discover this junior hobo purse at Amazon
• All Dolce Girl bags on eBay

Tanya Ling is turning heads with her recent collaboration with Louis Vuitton. The London-based artist has produced the prints for the fashion house’s 2009 Cruise Collection.

Fashion illustrators tend to fade into the background, creating beautiful pieces for the magazines and ad campaigns without any real recognition. But not Tanya. Her elegant watercolor designs in pretty pastel shades have forced the public to sit up and take notice.

The dizzy glare of the spotlight is a world away from Tanya’s birthplace of Calcutta. She was raised in Africa and America before moving to London where she studied Fashion Design and Textiles at Central Saint Martins. She kicked off her career as a designer before discovering her passion for illustration.

Tanya became firmly entrenched in the psyche of the fashion world after working with Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Jil Sander, Harrods, Diane von Furstenberg and Loewe.

Her current collaboration with Louis Vuitton is not the first time she’s worked with the famed fashion house. In 2003 she produced the illustrations for its second jewelry collection. Clearly Marc Jacobs and co. liked what they saw, as they invited her back for another high profile line. Looking at these beautiful artworks, I can’t say I blame them!

[Source:View on Fashion]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Jessica Simpson is well-known for her girl next door persona, and her line of handbags and other items displays the same casual chic, ultra-girly style. It is one celebrity-endorsed fashion line that actually makes you feel as if you’re dressing in a similar style as the star.

The Delia handbag is a fabulous example of this. It looks so similar to the oversized purses I’ve seen Jessica Simpson holding in papparazzi pictures that it could very well be one of them. The celeb has a knack for mixing her own collection with high-end designer items. After all, a photo of her is the best advertisement for the brand.

The large Delia shopper is available in many colors as well as sizes. Though all of the options are made from either patent or croc-embossed faux leather, it is offered in a variety of sizes from a small clutch to the shopper shown here and even a larger weekender bag. If you like the look of it, there’s sure to be a Delia for whatever event you have. 

Of course, the great styles aside, the best part of a Jessica Simpson handbag is the affordable price tag that accompanies it. You won’t be getting real leather, but the Delia has tons of style and some nice details that make it worth a second look. For storage, there is a zippered exterior pocket on one side as well as the roomy inside compartment. The interior is lined with fun gingham, a very Jessica Simpson-esque touch. On the bottom of the bag, you’ll find the signature logo and protective metal feet. It might not be a Marc Jacobs or Christian Dior, but the Delia Shopper is an excellent choice for a cute, oversized bag under $200.

More Features of the Delia Shopper

• Measures 16.5 x 8.5 x 8 inches
• Double flat handles with 7.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Croc-embossed manmade material

Jessica Simpson Delia Bags on eBay

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• See the Delia Shopper on Amazon
• Click here to search all Jessica Simpson handbags on eBay

Get ready to climb aboard the 2009 designer bag bandwagon thanks to the Chloé Paratay Tote.

This tote, a celebrity favorite and bona fide hit, is back in ’09 and available in several colors and sizes.

After comparing the large and medium Paratay totes to each other, I prefer the medium-sized version best.

Both feature the Paratay’s trademark dual shoulder straps with gold-tone metal accents as well as the curved piping design on the front and rear exteriors, but the dimensions of the large version allow the Paratay to loose its’ unique shape and, therefore, its’ appeal.

I’d recommend sticking to the medium version’s 12 x 9.5 x 8 dimensions which are ample enough to qualify it as a true tote. If you really need a larger bag, then hopefully the 21 x 14.5 x 8 measurements of the large Paratay tote will suffice.

• Pre-order the Chloé Paratay Medium Tote in lavender (pictured) for $1895 via Saks
• Pre-order the Chloé Paratay Large Tote in chrome yellow (pictured) for $2195 via Saks

(First Posted By Dania P.: Chloé Paratay)

Published Under Creative Commons

Chloé Totes on eBay

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