Prezzo takes mixed media to the next level with this Stone and Shell Short Clutch.

I’m really not sure the label could have attached anything more to such a small purse. As it is we see flowers made from shells, other blooms made from colored stones, and a smattering of pearls, beads, and metal tidbits. And that’s just the top layer. Look closer and you’ll see the swatches of black lace, zebra printed fabric, and geometric patterned material peeking out from underneath.

The look really isn’t to my taste, but I think I’d have respected Prezzo more if it showed greater commitment to this unusual finish. However, sadly the back of the Stone and Shell Short Clutch has none of the accents, and only a single material. You’d think I’d be glad to give my eyes a break, but instead it feels like Prezzo’s shortchanged anyone who embraced the bold surface.

At least the label’s not charging us a lot of money for this half-done mess. At $67 it’s a steal for anyone who actually enjoys all that appliqué!

More Features of This Prezzo Mixed Media Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Lined with satiny fabric
• A short strap with an 8 inch drop
• A long strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 8 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Prezzo Stone & Shell Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Prezzo Novelty bag, a great alternative to this applique bag.
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Yesterday Louis Vuitton opened the doors of Roma Etoile, its newest store in Italy’s fashion capital, Rome.
Roma Etoile was once a movie theater, so it’s only fitting that some of cinema’s most fashionable stars including Cate Blanchett and Catherine Deneuve were there to attend a cocktail party ahead of the store’s public opening.

They took in the revamped interior, the work of leading architect Peter Marino, and Louis Vuitton’s comprehensive range of luggage, handbags, footwear, jewelry, watches, and apparel. No doubt Louis Vuitton’s first fragrance will join those goodies when its released later this year.

While these stylish goods celebrate Roma Etoile’s new life, its screening room is a nod to its past. There customers can enjoy short films and documentaries during their shopping spree.

The new store’s design is striking, with an elliptical staircase providing an open view of the three retail levels. It stocks all the new season goodies, including the latest handbags in bright warm weather colors like orange, canary yellow, and vivid teal.

The Rome store opening follows the launch of new Louis Vuitton boutiques in London and Sydney late last year. There are many more new outlets to come during 2012, although the label’s keeping us guessing about the locations to ensure the unveilings generate maximum buzz.

Where would you like to shop for Louis Vuitton?

[Source: Digital News Agency]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Prada’s created a clutch for the girliest of girly girls with this Raso Stones purse.

I usually embrace feminine accessories, but this one is too much even for me. It all started with that saturated fuchsia satin. The hue is really lurid, and likely to turn many girls off. However I actually don’t mind it, and I appreciate the way Prada’s draped it this way and that to create soft pleats. However the stones that run along the top of the clutch really take things a step too far.

Given the clutch’s name, I suppose the stones were to be expected. However I didn’t expect them to come in a rainbow of candy colors. They make the purse feel a little more opulent, but sadly they cross that line and approach overdone.

What you see is what you get here. Its interior is small but serviceable, although I’d hardly call it user friendly. The tiny open pocket seems like a token gesture, as we can’t really use it as a storage tool. There’s also no shoulder strap tucked away, so we’re left holding the Raso Stones by hand. That’s not generally a problem for such a small purse, but it’s still likely to grate towards the end of an evening out.

The Raso Stones seems like a bit of a novelty, which makes me even more hesitant to spend the $1460 that Prada commands. That’s not exorbitant by the famed fashion house’s standards, but I think that sort of money is better spent on something more versatile.

More Features of This Prada Satin Clutch

• Polished steel hardware
• Snap closure
• Satin lining
• Measures 5 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Prada Raso Stones Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prada bags on BagBunch
• The Nina Ricci Eve bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Prada bags on eBay
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Just how far would you go to own a designer handbag? Well unless you’ve got a few screws loose, it’s probably not as far as Anaheim resident Judy Nguyen. The 28-year-old from Southern California was arrested last week for fraud that she hoped would secure her a Louis Vuitton purse.

Nguyen allegedly stole her victim’s credit card details to order the designer purse. She then intended to intercept the package once it arrived at the victim’s home.

It sounds like a clever operation, but the plan didn’t account for the victim diligently checking of her credit card statement. She noticed the $2,700 Louis Vuitton handbag’s purchase and contacted the authorities straight away. Detectives lay in wait for Nguyen outside her victim’s home, and arrested her once she took delivery of the bag.

It seems this isn’t the first time Nguyen has conducted the scam. When authorities searched her home they fund more than $6,000 worth of luxury designer handbags and shoes. They suspect Nguyen may have intended to sell the goods online, but I wonder whether she’s simply got an eye for fashion. I certainly don’t condone her methods, but I can’t blame her for wanting to own some high-end designer accessories!

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image Source: Deror Avi/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

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They say it’s not easy being green, but Pour La Victoire makes it look effortless with the Marlow.

I don’t mind saying that the Marlow’s rich green leather turned my head. The color is so refreshing and clean, and I think it could give any outfit a lift. But there’s more than a pretty hue to this purse. That intricate buckle is breathtaking, and the angular seams make everything feel so modern. Needless to say, I’m smitten.

Thankfully Pour La Victoire backs up its gorgeous design with some handy features. The Marlow is a decent size by clutch standards. I’m not saying it’ll hold the kitchen sink, but it should fit most things you need without any Tetris skills required. Its zippered pocket is also much more user friendly than the open slips we typically see inside clutches. I do wish there was a shoulder strap, but at least the Marlow is ergonomically designed to fit easily in your hand or tucked under your arm.

The Marlow is the kind of clutch that would look perfect with a pair of jeans or your favorite little black dress. Despite its color I think it’d be surprisingly versatile, which makes its $245 price tag seem pretty reasonable. Just make sure you get in before the green goes, because the mottled snake alternative is far too busy.

More Features of This Pour La Victoire Leather Clutch

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 7 x 11.5 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pour La Victoire Marlow Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pour La Victoire bags on BagBunch
• The Pour La Victoire Marlow cross-body bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Pour La Victoire bags on eBay
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have appointed Francois Kress, the current president and chief executive officer of Prada USA, as the new president for their The Row fashion label.

Mary-Kate told Women’s Wear Daily that Kress was the “obvious choice” for the newly created position in the company she shares with her twin sister. She added that she was particularly impressed by the experience Kress has in a variety of different areas, a quality that she feels is essential as The Row grows.

It’s amazing to think that The Row could become even bigger though. I remember believing it would be a flash in the pan when it launched in 2007 with $500 T-shirts. I was sure no one would spend the big bucks on tees made by those kids from Full House, but I was wrong. I was incredulous again when the sisters launched their elite handbag collection, which included a $39, 000 alligator skin backpack. Again I was convinced no one would splash around so much cash on a backpack, no matter what it was made from, but again the Olsen girls knew better. That knapsack sold out.

Kress’ appointment indicates that the Olsen’s have big plans for expanding The Row. What do you think will come next?

[Source: NBC New York]
[Image Source: David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Pilar Abril gives the hobo a sophisticated makeover with the Coco.

Instead of the hobo’s characteristic slouch, the Coco has clean smooth lines. Its curves mimic the hobos of old, but they come with much more elegance and refinement. In fact, the long tassel is the only bit of bohemia the Coco retains.

I really like the restraint Pilar Abril’s shown here. She’s resisted playing with bold colors and opted instead for more traditional brown and nude hues. They won’t turn a lot of heads, but they won’t fall out of favor as the trends change. The complementary stitching is also the only bit of embellishment we find. It’s so subtle, but it really pulls this bag together.

The Coco isn’t just good looking; it’s also really practical. Its main compartment is sizable but well organized with an array of leather trimmed pockets. That reinforcement helps the pockets last just as long as the thick plainweave lining. There’s also a selection of straps, and each one is removable for a clean, uncluttered look no matter how you’re carrying it. And isn’t it refreshing to use a hobo that doesn’t collapse into a puddle of slouchy leather?

Considering its quality and timeless design, $298 is very reasonable for this Pilar Abril hobo.

More Features of This Pilar Abril Pebbled Leather Hobo

• Magnetic closure
• A short strap with an 8 inch drop
• A long strap with a 14 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 14 x 6.25 inches
• Made in Spain

Get this Pilar Abril Coco Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pilar Abril bags on BagBunch
• The Pilar Abril Saleta bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Pilar Abril bags on eBay
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Roger Vivier has looked to the art world for inspiration with its new limited edition Rendez-Vous line.

Dubbed the Aristo Boheme collection, the new range is a perfect mix of romanticism and the bohemian style favored by Slavic artists. The fashion house’s creative director Bruno Frisoni has created covetable handbags made from satin and lace with glass tube clasps, high-heeled shoes covered with colored feathers, and fur and crocodile skin boots for the collection. It’s all a bit extravagant, but considering the last Rendez-Vous collection had four and five-figure items we probably wouldn’t expect anything else!

I’m particularly taken by this jewel-like angled clutch purse. Black purses often blend into the background, but this contemporary creation is a real standout.

Roger Vivier’s new Rendez-Vous range will hit his ten flagship stores around the globe just in time for cooler winter weather in June. I just wouldn’t wait too long to snag your favorite pieces. The Rendez-Vous collections are always limited editions, and while no numbers have been announced for the current line just ten of each item were available in the last. I expect a similar level of exclusivity this time around, and the high prices that general come hand in hand with such rare creations.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Roger Vivier Purses on eBay

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Phillip Lim threatens to put us all to sleep with this Scuba Neoprene Clutch.

Fashion snobs might call it minimalist, but I think it looks like Phillip Lim forgot to design this purse at all! I don’t mind a simple purse with clean lines. However I think you really need a more enviable material than neoprene to take such a fashion risk.

The material’s not all bad. It’ll cushion your cell phone and other important items, and it’ll shed water like a duck’s back so it’s perfect for carrying in inclement weather. But it’s just so ordinary. We really need some kind of decoration to add interest.

I don’t mind the Scuba’s innovative design. A zipper runs across the top to make it appear like a conventional clutch. Open that up and the clutch folds out flat. There’s another zippered pocket on that surface, and I’d utilize it for anything of value. I’m just not convinced that other items wouldn’t fall out the sides.

Personally I don’t think Phillip Lim’s done enough to command $175 here, but there’s still plenty to admire. It’s just a shame that the exterior isn’t one of those aspects.

More Features of This 3.1 Phillip Lim Neoprene Clutch

• Black leather interior
• Measures 6 x 12 x 1 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Phillip Lim Scuba Handbag:

• Available to buy at Ssense
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Phillip Lim bags on BagBunch
• The Phillip Lim Nashiki bag, a great alternative to this neoprene bag.
• Searching for more Phillip Lim bags on eBay
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Radley’s former chief executive Roger Best is returning to the fold. Best retired in 2009, but has decided to come back to the British handbag label as chairman and interim chief executive.

Best’s decision to return to the workforce follows the resignation of Paul Mason, who’s been the company’s chairman since 2008. He’s leaving the world of accessories behind for the chairman post at baby products company Mayborn.

Radley chief executive Sven Gaede has also elected to move on with his career after three years with the fashion firm. It’s unclear why he’s decided to depart, but Best will take over his duties while Radley searches for a permanent replacement.

It sounds like a lot for the formerly retired Best to take on, but he’s clearly still passionate about the company he worked with for so many years.

“I strongly believe in Radley and the qualities that have made its products loved by women everywhere,” he explained, before adding that he hopes to assert Radley’s place in the British fashion marketplace and help it grow to become a global force.

Since 2008 Radley has grown its revenue by 21% and opened 16 new stores in the United Kingdom. It’s also begun to expand internationally with moves into Asia. I’ve always appreciated Radley’s fine craftsmanship and quirky approach to design, so it’s exciting to see it developing into a stronger international brand under Best.

[Source: Drapers Online]
[Image Source: piX1966/Flickr]

Radley Bags on eBay

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