Susan Farber Tahoe Messenger Bag | Fringed Emerald Green Leather Handbag

Posted on: Feb 9

Susan Farber Tahoe MessengerSusan Farber has fun with fringe with this Tahoe Messenger Bag.

You’ll need to be a real fringe fan to embrace this design. It covers the messenger’s body, falling softly in layers to create a real boho look. That’s dressed up somewhat by the striking emerald green color. I typically expect bohemian bags to be in earthy browns, not this dramatic rich hue. In the wrong hands it might have seemed confusing, but I think Susan Farber’s made this messenger more versatile than it might have been.

The Tahoe’s medium dimensions make it perfect for everyday use. It’s got enough space for the essentials without tempting us to carry things we really don’t need. The single strap is adjustable for just the right fit, or you can do away with it altogether. You’ll need to scale down your cargo if you hope to easily use it as a clutch, but this is a minor inconvenience.

The detachable strap makes the Tahoe appear like two bags in one, which makes its $445 price tag seem even more affordable!

More Features of This Susan Farber Fringed Messenger

  • Magnetic closure
  • Fabric lining
  • Interior zip pocket
  • Exterior back zip pocket
  • Measures 11 x 12.5 x 2.5 inches

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Miu Miu’s New Fashion Week Bags | Exotic Limited Edition Satchel Collection

Posted on: Feb 9

Miu Miu Limited Edition Fashion Week BagMiu Miu is celebrating the world’s Fashion Weeks with a playful limited edition handbag collection.

The range features 46 bags in all, with a selected number to be unveiled in the world’s major style capitals during their Fashion Week celebrations. Each bag features the same structured ladylike shape, but the unique accents and fabrics give each one its own personality.

The satchel-style purses are hand made from an eclectic mix of materials, and finished with unique processing techniques. The mix of exotic skins including crocodile, teju, python, and ostrich alongside lurex jacquard, linen, patch brocade, and glittery fabric ensures the range is full of head-turners.

The first crop of 16 has just dropped to coincide with New York Fashion Week. It seems the release isn’t the only thing Miu Miu plans for the Big Apple either. It’s throwing a party on Valentine’s Day cryptically called The Woman Dress. Fashion insiders suggest the bash will mark the next release of Miu Miu’s cinematic endeavor, Miu Miu Women’s Tales Saga. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

By releasing the line piece by piece, I think Miu Miu should create some serious anticipation for the next installment, don’t you? Look for the limited edition Miu Miu handbags exclusively in the world’s fashion capitals this year.

[Source: Fashionista]

Miu Miu Purses on eBay

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Sun N’ Sand Coastal Flip Flops Tote | Blue Cotton Canvas Beach Bag

Posted on: Feb 9

Sun N Sand Coastal Flip Flops ToteSun N’ Sand is helping us get ready for summer with this Coastal Flip Flops Tote.

I haven’t always warmed to Sun N’ Sand’s cheap and cheerful accessories, but this is one of its better designs. While it would look out of place on the High Street, its playful vibe is perfect for hitting the beach. I love the line of decorated flip flops, which seem to be waiting to head to the strip of coastline we see in the distance. The cute flip flop charm is a lovely tie-in to the image.

The print takes focus but the straps are also surprisingly pretty. The deep blue ruched fabric is a great complement to the side panels, and those coral colored loops at either end are very sweet. Almost as sweet as the striped fabric lining we see peeking out from the mid-sized interior!

Honestly I’d prefer more space than Sun N’ Sand provides. Beach items tend to be bulky, like a thick towel, a pair of flip flops, and a hat. Throwing your towel over your shoulder would leave more space in the tote, but why should you have to?

At least the smallish dimensions come with a small price tag. $40 seems like good value for this pretty beach tote, don’t you think?

More Features of This Sun N’ Sand Canvas Tote

  • A decorative wooden toggle
  • Two gusseted side pockets
  • Measures 15.5 x 4 x 8.5 inches

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Alexander Wang Expands in Asia | Beijing Flagship First of 14 New Stores

Posted on: Feb 9

Alexander WangWhile most designers conquer the Western world before heading East, Alexander Wang is happy to break the mold. He’s planning to open 14 new Asian outlets over the next 12 months.

It’s great news for Alexander Wang fans abroad, especially those in Beijing who’ll enjoy a new flagship store in their city next month. The boutique is set to be a fashion palace spanning some 4000 square feet. Wang said he’s admired “the progression” of fashion in China in recent years, so it makes sense that he’s selected the Asian capital for such an important store.

American fans hoping that Wang will get the new store bug and open more United States outlets are set to be disappointed. He says he has no plans to open more American stores, leaving just one in New York City.

While most designers focus on conquering their own country before looking abroad, I think Alexander Wang’s revolutionary business model makes a lot of sense in this current economic climate. Fashion fans in America and Europe are struggling to find money for luxuries, while stylish people in Asian nations have more disposable income than most. What’s more, they seem to love luxury labels.

Do you think Alexander Wang has what it takes to make his mark in Asia?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Alexander Wang Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Alexander Wang, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Stuart Weitzman Soho Bond Cross-Body Bag | Sophisticated Buffalo Leather Purse

Posted on: Feb 9

Stuart Weitzman Soho Bond Cross-Body BagStuart Weitzman channels New York City cool with this Soho Bond bag.

This cross-body isn’t quite as dramatic as the purses from his forthcoming anniversary collection, but there’s an understated charm about it. It really captures the essence of the borough that inspired it, appearing cool apparently without effort. Part of the secret is the buttery soft buffalo leather, which slouches casually in all the right places without seeming sloppy.

The Soho Bond bag has a fairly simple design, which only helps us appreciate its leather. When a skin is this good, why over complicate things? The polished metal clasp and some soft pleats enhance the buffalo without detracting from it.

I always appreciate a few carrying options, but all too often these straps make a bag look messy. That’s not so with the Soho Bond, which comes with detachable short and long handles. We simply choose which one we want to use, leave the other behind, and enjoy a clean look no matter what mode it’s in.

The Soho Bond probably won’t attract the envious stares of many of Stuart Weitzman’s more daring designs, but its versatility and neutral color palette make it a great investment at $425.

More Features of This Stuart Weitzman Buffalo Cross-Body

  • Fully lined interior
  • A short strap with an 8 inch drop
  • A long adjustable strap with a 27.5 to 32 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 2.5 x 13 inches
  • Made in Spain

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Straw Studios Alexandria Bucket Bag | Woven White Drawstring Handbag

Posted on: Feb 8

Straw Studios Alexandria Bucket BagStraw Studios helps us embrace the warmer weather ahead with this Alexandria bucket bag.

Straw Studios tends to created structured handbags, so I was surprised to see it delivering something much softer and slouchier. Personally I think this profile makes the Alexandria seem more modern than most of its woven paper straw bags. Those other ones will seem at home on the beach, but I can imagine the Alexandria working well away from the shore.

The bright color palette also makes the Alexandria seem fresh. There are no tame neutrals here. The white one pops, as do the bold red, fuchsia, and lime green options. Each one is married with chocolate brown PVC. I’m a bit disappointed by this one style fits all approach, as some colors suit the brown accents better than others, but it’s a minor quibble.

I love the way the drawstring gives the Alexandria a casual shape as it gathers up the top, but I’m sure it would annoy me in time. These closures are notoriously fiddly, and not very secure. It’s up to you whether the look justifies a little functional frustration.

More Features of This Straw Studios Woven Bucket Bag

  • Solid cotton lining
  • Dual PVC handles
  • Three interior pockets
  • Measures 1 x 15 x 14 inches

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Brahmin Designs Handbags with Bloggers | New Dream Bag Capsule Collection

Posted on: Feb 8

Brahmin Dream Nicolette Bags

Brahmin has collaborated with leading fashion bloggers to create their Dream Bag collection.

The small capsule collection features three bags designed by New York bloggers who workshopped ideas with Brahmin’s design team. Fashionistas can choose from the over-sized Jolie clutch, the convertible Nico satchel clutch, and the larger top-handled Nicolette satchel pictured.

The Nico and Nicolette bags are both made from vegetable tanned leather and jazzed up with colored crocodile embossed leather swatches. Their shapes are structured and refined, just like vintage bags of old, although the pop of color gives them a contemporary lift. The Jolie offers something different with its colorful crocodile embossed leather and modern lines. It’s the cheapest of the bunch at $275, but the others are still quite affordable at $325 for the Nico and $395 for the Nicolette.

The handbags manage to strike the perfect balance between remaining true to Brahmin’s design vision, yet appealing to the bloggers who had a hand in the design process. And if fashion bloggers love them, I’m sure Brahmin’s banking on the rest of the public following suit!

The purses from the Dream Bag Collection are available now from Brahmin outlets and the label’s online store. Have they captured your imagination?

[Source: The Fashion Spot]

Brahmin Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Brahmin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Stone Mountain Isabella Hobo | Large Retro Colorblocked Handbag

Posted on: Feb 8

Stone Mountain Isabella HoboColorblocked panels help this Isabella hobo from Stone Mountain turn heads.

We know the label for its conservative casual leather goods, so it’s surprising to see it using its favorite material more sparingly here. Instead it opts for soft suede, and uses only a touch of black patent leather to enhance the bag’s lines. I really like the effect of these bold black accents. They make the Isabella appear something like a stained glass window or a Mondrian artwork.

Or at least they would if the Isabella had a bit more color. The options are really quite drab, with this khaki and rust version probably the most lively. The color options are a bit curious really. Anyone who favors conservative looks will probably bristle at the colorblocking, while fans of this kind of design will long for brighter, more youthful hues.

The color palette might be a bit of a misstep but Stone Mountain’s at least made the Isabella practical. She’s a generously sized hobo, but her interior cell phone pouch and multifunctional pockets help keep her organized. These complement the magnetic snap pocket on the back and the deep open pockets on each side.

The Isabella might not make the strongest style statement, but at $150 it’s still a good investment for your everyday wardrobe.

More Features of This Stone Mountain Suede Hobo

  • Top zip closure
  • Signature quilted print lining
  • Antique brass-toned hardware
  • Measures 3.5 x 14 x 11 inches

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Halston’s Second Chance | Ben Malka Revives Heritage Fashion Label

Posted on: Feb 8

Halston Heritage OutfitIt seems there may be life in Halston yet. The company’s latest chairman and chief executive officer Ben Malka says he’s committed to relaunching the Halston runway line next year. In the interim he plans to focus on the Heritage line abandoned by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Malka seems a better choice on paper than Halston’s previous heads Harvey Weinstein and Sarah Jessica Parker. While they were making their name in the film industry he spent more than a decade as BCBG Max Azria’s president. He’d intended to retire but the opportunity to lead a Halston revival proved too tempting.

There were maybe two or three brands that could pull me out of retirement, and this was one,” he explained. “But it had to be all about the way I run it. No outside interference.

Halston’s finances have been an issue in the past, but Malka says that won’t be a problem this time around. He claims the firm is “very well-funded,” both by himself and his business partners, Hilco and a silent investor. “The amount is enough for us to screw up for a long time,” he assures the label’s fans. That insurance policy may come in handy, because Halston has seemed cursed in recent decades. Hopefully even if it stumbles a little, Malka can give it the time it needs to get on stable footing.

Money’s one thing, but it’s no good if the designs don’t impress. However as Malka’s lured BCBG’s chief creative officer Marie Mazelis over to Halston, he might have the creative side covered too.

That’s not the only movement. Malka’s moving the Halston Heritage headquarters to Los Angeles, while the signature line will remain in New York. He said he wants a strong differentiation between the brands, and that physical separation should aid that. So should the prices. Most items in the Halston Heritage line will cost between $50 and $500, with high end items tipping $2500. However the signature line will have some items selling for as much as $10,000. Ouch!

Are you set for another Halston revival?

[Source: Fashion Indie]

Halston Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Halston, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Steve Madden Maya Tote | Leopard Print Faux Suede Handbag

Posted on: Feb 8

Steve Madden Maya ToteSteve Madden reminds us what can happen when a cheap handbag goes bad with this Maya tote.

The Maya tries very hard to appeal to bagistas. Its design takes its cues from Hermes, although it’s a far cry from any Birkin bag. Its quilted leopard print panel sounded good in theory, but the execution is off. The too shiny synthetic trim only makes the spotted animal body seem tackier.

The Maya’s generous dimensions are impressive, but they’re about the only part of the main compartment we can get excited about. The trio of interior pockets goes some way towards keeping the space organized, but I feel like we’ve seen it all before. The synthetic that trims the pockets is a nice touch, but it’s still not enough to woo me.

Frankly the Maya looks like the kind of accessory a cougar might carry while she’s trying to find a rich young husband. Its $118 price tag is affordable, but I can think of plenty of better ways to spend that sort of cash.

More Features of This Steve Madden Leopard Print Tote

  • Top zip closure
  • Black fabric lining
  • Dual rolled handles with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 4 x 15 inches

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