Gwyneth Paltrow is fronting Coach’s spring/summer 2012 commercials, her second spot of advertising for the all American label.

The photo shoot saw the actress reunited with photographer Peter Lindbergh, who snapped her for last year’s Coach autumn/winter 2011 ads. They’re also set in New York City, although the metropolis has a different complexion this season. This time around the commercials feel much fresher and more fun, as if the weight of winter has left us and been replaced with all the sun of summer.

Paltrow is no doubt stretched with her acting duties, burgeoning singing career, lifestyle blogging role, and everyday responsibilities as a wife and mother of two. Yet it seems that working with Coach is an opportunity close to her heart.

“I grew up in New York City, and I’ve always thought of Coach as the quintessential New York brand,” the Oscar winner explained.

I’m particularly fond of this advertisement which shows a fresh-faced smiling Paltrow stepping out carrying the Poppy Willis cross-body purse. The companion commercial sees the actress more relaxed as she lounges about with her red Madison Lindsey satchel.

I love the accessibility of this advertising campaign. I’d much rather see a grinning Gwyneth than another snooty, skinny supermodel, wouldn’t you?

[Source: The Telegraph]

Coach Poppy Willis Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Coach Poppy Willis, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

An elegant embossed texture helps make this Fairbanks Clutch from Menbur a cut above the rest.

This elegant purse has many of the trademarks of a classic clutch, from its structured design to its satiny finish. But that embossing is what makes it really special. While the texture is impressive, its pattern is also worth a look. The geometric design has a real 70s feel so it’s right on trend.

I also love the color which Menbur calls Portland. It’s got a smokiness too it, but with more warmth than your average gray. Since it’s so unusual I’m a little nervous about working it into my wardrobe, especially for $122. If you’re anxious too you can always rely on black.

$122 isn’t small change, but it’s also not unreasonable for such a quality evening bag. We still face the usual storage limitations, but its satiny lining and drop-in chain help us feel a bit pampered. It’s also not as fussy as your average clutch, so it’d look just as good with a well worn pair of jeans as it does with a cocktail dress. If you can work it into your everyday wardrobe you’ll definitely see value.

More Features of This Menbur Satin Clutch

• Clasp closure
• A chain strap with a 16.75 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Menbur Fairbanks Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The Menbur Ruffled Satin Clutch bag, a great alternative to this gray bag.
• Searching for more Menbur bags on eBay
• Other embossed satin bags on eBay:

[phpbay]embossed satin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

In this modern world of GPS technology and Wi-Fi location tracking, it’s easy to get paranoid about your privacy and security. MIAmobi looks to help you breathe a little easier with its new SilentPocket technology cases.

The accessories use nanosilver technology which effectively blocks any electromagnetic transmissions from smartphones, credit cards, and other items embedded with radio-frequency identification. This ensures your information is kept away from hackers, identify thieves, and advertisers. You also needn’t worry about the effects of that nasty electromagnetic radiation. And finally, it means you’re not harassed by unwelcome phone calls, text messages, and inane Facebook and Twitter status updates while you’re out and about. And don’t we all need a break from that technology every now and again?

As an unexpected bonus, the nanosilver lining is antibacterial, so it also kills the nasty germs that tend to breed on cell phones.

You needn’t disappear from the grid altogether though. The MIAmobi cases allow you to decide when you want to be connected or traveling incognito. Removing your batteries would do the same job, but using a pouch like the one pictured is a lot less fiddly.

The cases are available in four sizes, from tiny credit card cases and suit pockets to the small and large zip top bags. Choose from animal-friendly polyurethane or more luxurious brown or black leather. They’re all on sale now through Amazon.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Hollywood isn’t all about beautiful actors and actresses earning the big bucks. For every star there’s a hundred busboys and waitresses looking for their big break. Perhaps Mellow World had these starry-eyed folks in mind when it created its Hollywood hobo.

The celebrities carry high-end designer bags crafted from luxury leather and exotic skins, but this hobo is made from more affordable leatherette. On a solid bag we might notice its inferiority, but the leaf shapes help to camouflage the synthetic’s shortcomings. I love the texture and drama that the layered foliage brings to the design.

The Hollywood is a large bag, but it’s got what it needs to feel manageable. While the slip and zip pockets aren’t too unusual, it’s great to see such a cheap bag hasn’t skimped on the basics. I also appreciate the detachable strap, which allows for cross-body wear when we’re on the go.

The price is what finally won me over though. $58 doesn’t buy a lot in the fashion world, but it does buy this hobo. For that price perhaps we needn’t stop at just one!

More Features of This Mellow World Leaf Hobo

• Zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Dual braided handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 14 x 8 inches
• Also available in black, green, mistyrose, and gray

Get this Mellow World Hollywood Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mellow World bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf bag, a great alternative to this leaf bag.
• Searching for more Mellow World bags on eBay
• Other leaf bags on eBay:

[phpbay]leaf, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Melie Bianco has created its fair share of “designer influenced” accessories, but I think it’s at its best when it’s marching to the beat of its own drum. When it strikes off on its own and refuses to bow to fads it creates practical purses like this Alyssa hobo.

The Alyssa is a far cry from the boho bags that pioneered the style. This purse is all business, with a plethora of pockets inside and out, ready to serve. The turquoise colored leatherette sees it cutting loose a little, but even that can’t mask the Alyssa’s smart design.

Few bags offer the functional features this handbag does. There’s so much space and so many compartments that it might be too much. I imagine you’ll have to carry this bag for some time to remember where you keep all your vital items. And if you’re craving even more room you can undo the wraparound zip and expand it. While you probably won’t use the feature on an ordinary day, it’s perfect for weekend getaways.

The choice of carrying straps is another practical perk. The rolled handles are long enough for slinging over your shoulder, but we also get a longer carry strap. This cross-body option is ideal when the Alyssa is full, as it helps you better distribute its weight.

With so many labels downsizing it’s interesting to see Melie Bianco bucking the trends. Perhaps it doesn’t care about fashion as much as I thought it did! The Alyssa’s too much bag for me, but pack rats will enjoy its $108 price tag.

More Features of This Melie Bianco Practical Hobo

• Made of synthetic
• Brass-toned hardware
• Fully lined in polka-dot print satin
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 13 to 26 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 13 x 6 inches
• Made in China

Get this Melie Bianco Alyssa Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Melie Bianco Alyssa, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Beau’s Bounty eBay store to see if this Melie Bianco bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The brown Melie Bianco Alyssa bag, a great alternative to this turquoise bag.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco bags on eBay

Etienne Aigner is ringing in the New Year with the release of two new handbag collections for its Aigner Travel line.

The first is the Carina Piccolina collection, a lightweight line made of high-quality nylon material. The use of nylon lightens our load, while the real leather on the straps dresses up the colorful designs. I really like the contrast of the classic brown pebbled leather accents and the poppy bougainvillaea pink, orange, and sand nylon bodies. The Carina Piccolina bags are available in a range of sizes, from small wallets to large carry-alls.

Personally I prefer the Carina Piccolina line to the much fussier Charms collection. The formula has remained the same, with soft nylon bodies and top quality cowhide straps and trim. But with this line the lightweight fabric is decorated with a lucky charms and jewelry chains pattern. Its color palette is also much softer. The Charms bags are available in taupe, mauve, and a deep blue. Like their stablemates, the Charms bags also come in small to large sizes.

The Carina Piccolina and Charms accessories are available from Etienne Aigner stores around the world and selected airlines, including the Dutch carrier KLM, Bhutan’s Druik Air, and India’s Kingfisher Airlines.

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Etienne Aigner Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Etienne Aigner, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

McKlein’s got your workday covered with this Avon briefcase.

While it doesn’t exactly get my pulse racing, I appreciate the Avon’s feminine curves. The burgundy leather also isn’t particularly lustworthy, but its quality can’t be faulted. Let’s remember the Avon’s purpose though. It’s a briefcase, a bag designed to suit stuffy boardrooms and client meetings. It’s meant to appear professional rather than fashion forward, and on that score it delivers.

It’s also incredibly practical, with all the features you could hope for in a work bag. There are large pockets in the front and back for files, and a padded compartment in the center for your laptop or tablet. It’ll hold a computer with up to a 15.4 inch screen, so you needn’t have the latest model to indulge. These generously sized sections are complemented by a clever organizer which has space for pens, notepads, business cards, and even your keys and cell.

We wouldn’t expect a bag made from fine Italian leather to come cheaply, but I think the Avon is very reasonable at $180. Consider how long you spend in the office and you’ll start to see value.

More Features of This McKlein Ladies Briefcase

• A small front pocket with a turn-lock clasp
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 5 x 17 x 12.8 inches
• Also available in black

Get this McKlein Avon Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]McKlein Avon, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the LeatherPaKs eBay store to see if this McKlein bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More McKlein bags on BagBunch
• The McKlein Wenonah bag, a great alternative to this turn-lock pocket bag.
• Searching for more McKlein bags on eBay

Carolina Herrera has released a new limited edition shopper to celebrate the opening of her latest CH Carolina Herrera store in Abu Dhabi.

The shopping bag, which is available exclusively to customers of the Abu Dhabi store, is made of elegant metallic gold leather. The luxury skin is embossed with Carolina Herrera’s signature CH initials and printed with the words Abu Dhabi. A small Swarovski crystal dotted palm tree charm completes the design. Personally I think the effect is a bit gaudy, but metallic handbags rarely rev me. However the price, 3,420 United Arab Emirates Dirham, or roughly $930 US, is pretty reasonable for a limited edition handbag. What do you think of this rare shopper?

The 310-meter-square space, located at the Abu Dhabi Mall, will carry all of the CH Carolina Herrera collections. The boutique features split glass displays, distinctive dressing rooms, and the images of Carolina and her daughter Carolina Jr. throughout.

The Venezuelan designer said she released her more affordable CH Carolina Herrera diffusion line in Abu Dhabi to introduce Saudi women to her products. She’s currently studying the fashion in market in the Middle East and plans to open a signature Carolina Herrera flagship in the region if there’s a favorable reaction to her CH Carolina Herrera store.

Do you think Carolina Herrera will succeed in the Middle East?

[Source: Arab News]
[Image Source: Pashion Magazine]

Carolina Herrera Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Carolina Herrera, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Matt & Nat takes us from day to night with this eco-friendly Tap Tap wristlet.

The rich cognac brown hue might not set hearts fluttering, but it’s a really versatile choice. That makes it perfect for a purse like this as it’s so easy to work into your wardrobe, whether you’re going casual or formal in warm weather or cool. The small brass ingots help to dress the bag up, but they don’t look too fussy for before five.

Matt & Nat’s vegan leather doesn’t look its best here though. The pleats sit awkwardly and really emphasize the material’s cheapness. We don’t expect real luxury for just $98, but it’s a shame the leatherette wasn’t used better. Eco-conscious fashion warriors won’t mind the compromise too much though, especially for the money.

The Tap Tap seems like it’s lined with suede, but Matt & Nat would never touch animal products. It’s hard to believe, but the soft material is actually made entirely from old plastic bottles. Keeping waste from landfill never felt so opulent!

I don’t think the Tap Tap is one of Matt & Nat’s best designs, but it is one of the green duo’s most versatile. Its day to night appeal should help the Tap Tap sell, despite its shortcomings.

More Features of This Matt & Nat Pleated Wristlet

• Top zip closure
• An interior zip pocket
• A 10 inch wrist strap
• Measures 9.75 x 6.75 inches

Get this Matt & Nat Tap Tap Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Matt Nat Tap Tap, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the KAOlivas Shop eBay store to see if this Matt & Nat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Cursive wallet, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat bags on eBay

As I slog through my working week, the idea of sipping Mai-Tais by the pool in some Caribbean resort sounds pretty appealing. In reality I won’t be taking off any time soon though, so this Mai-Tai clutch from Mary Frances may be the next best thing.

Say what you like about Mary Frances, but you can never accuse her of being boring. This clutch is over the top to be sure, but that makes it impossible to ignore. This clutch mimics the Tahitian cocktail, right down to its fruit and flower garnish and miniature umbrella. The detachable chain strap is also just as ornate as the Mai-Tai’s exterior. If you’re going to make a design so big, you might as well go all the way right?

While the Mai-Tai appears to be a bit of a novelty, its quality is much better than your average gimmicky purse. The attention to detail is extraordinary. The intricate beading is applied well, so you needn’t worry about the accents coming astray.

Many girls might balk at the Mai-Tai’s $253 price tag, but I don’t think that’s unreasonable. It’s rare that we get such an eye-catching clutch for that money. If it’s attention you’re after, this evening bag will deliver!

More Features of This Mary Frances Summer Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Open style interior with gussets
• Brown fabric lining
• An ID sized slip in pocket
• Measures 7 x 6 x 2 inches
• Made in the Philippines

Get this Mary Frances Mai-Tai Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Mary Frances Mai-Tai, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Lifestyle Handbags and More eBay store to see if this Mary Frances bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mary Frances bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances First Bite bag, a great alternative to this tasty bag.
• Searching for more Mary Frances bags on eBay