Alice Dellal seems to be the model of the moment. A month after she was confirmed as the new face of Chanel’s Boy bags it seems she’s also fronting the spring/summer 2012 advertising campaign for Marc by Marc Jacobs.

The British socialite and musician is well known for half-shaved head and punk rock style. Marc Jacobs himself handpicked Dellal to star alongside Erik Andersson in the Juergen Teller snapped commercials.

While Dellal’s edgy attitude is preserved, the commercials see her wearing more feminine apparel and accessories than usual. I can picture her carrying the black pouch purses, but I never imagined I’d see Dellal wearing so many colors! The vibrant dress, skirt, and anklestrap shoes are a real departure from the jeans and Doc Martens we usually see Dellal wearing, but I guess that’s what modeling is all about!

I really like the balance between Marc Jacob’s modern feminism and Alice Dellal’s much grungier look. While she’s been primped and preened, she hasn’t lost that grittiness that makes her such a refreshing model.

To land so many high profile campaigns in such a short space of time shows that Alice Dellal’s star is definitely on the rise. What do you think of her edgy image?

[Source: Contact Music]
[Image Source: Grazia Daily]

Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

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Marni encourages us to hang on to winter a little longer with this Knitted Cotton Bag.

I’ve never been a great fan of knitted bags, and this one does little to change my mine. There’s something awkward about it, like it was once a sweater that’s been squeezed over a handbag frame. I can’t fault the quality of the knitted cotton, or its leather handle, but there’s something about the chunky knit that seems a little off to me.

I wouldn’t say this Marni bag is impractical, but I’m not very impressed by its functional features, or lack thereof. Perhaps the label already put me offside, but the interior seems very lackluster. The drab brown fabric lining doesn’t help its cause, but I’m also disappointed by the single open pocket. The compartment is really too large to rely on just one pocket, especially one without any closure.

By choosing an inoffensive shade of brown, Marni’s done its best to win over girls who love knits. But I think you’ll have to be a real fan of wool to warm to this handbag. It’s not a bad example of the design, but I can think of several better ways to spend $789.

More Features of This Marni Woven Cotton Bag

• A silver-toned clasp fastening
• A single brown leather handle
• Measures 6.3 x 11.4 x 14.6 inches

Get this Marni Knitted Handbag:

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

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Dolce & Gabbana has finally responded to weeks of protests in Hong Kong with an official apology. The label says it regrets any offence caused by a controversial photography ban outside its Tsim Sha Tsui boutique.

The store came under fire when it banned Hong Kong residents from snapping photographs of its exterior. However the restriction didn’t seem to extend to tourists, including those traveling from mainland China. The staffers were accused of racism by the locals, who felt the Chinese were given preferential treatment.

Dolce & Gabbana initially issued a statement stating that it rejected any racist or derogatory comments, and felt the company had “not taken part in any action aimed at offending the Hong Kong public.”

This didn’t satisfy the natives, who continued to protest and cause so much disruption that the store shut down on January 8. Banners encouraged Dolce & Gabbana to “apologize or get out,” so it’s taken the first option.

“We understand that the events which unfolded in front of the Dolce & Gabbana boutique on Canton Road have offended the citizens of Hong Kong, and for this we are truly sorry and we apologize,” the new statement reads. “The Dolce & Gabbana policy is to welcome the Hong Kong people and that of the whole world respecting the rights of each individual and of the local laws.“

You’ve got to question the sincerity of any apology that comes following such protests, but at least Dolce & Gabbana made it. However with the shopping rush that comes with the Chinese New Year approaching, the fashion house didn’t have a lot of choice, did it?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Ding Yuin Shan/Flickr]

Dolce & Gabbana Handbags on eBay

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Marc Jacobs’ playful personality is on show with this Petal to the Metal shoulder bag.

Such a saccharine purse won’t appeal to everyone, but I love its sugary pink leather. The golden bird buckle is perhaps a step too far, but it really suits this purse’s whimsical design. The hue and details are polarizing, but the very best fashion always takes risks.

I think those gambles pay off because they’re anchored by such quality. The leather is first class, and the design practical. It’s fairly small but that’s not unusual for a cross-body purse. While storage space is limited, those petite dimensions make carrying much more comfortable than a bulkier design. That vivid pink is also much easier to stomach on a smaller canvas.

The Petal to the Metal is a bag made for girls who’ve never completely grown up. I can’t imagine it becoming the everyday accessory of any adult, but for $246 it’s cheap enough to indulge in anyway. For that price it’ll happily sit in our wardrobes, just waiting for those times our moods need lifting!

More Features of This Marc by Marc Jacobs Pouch Cross-Body Purse

• Pale gold hardware
• Magnetic closure at flap
• A single exterior zip pocket
• Printed fabric lining
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 23 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 8 inches

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal crossbody, 2, “”, Natasha[/phpbay]

• Check the Shfarns eBay store to see if this Marc Jacobs bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Marc Jacobs Natasha bag, a great alternative to this bird decorated bag.
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Maison Martin Margiela’s created a clutch that can take us from a busy day of errands to cocktails with the girls with this Half Moon Purse from his Line 11 range.

I was instantly struck by this clutch’s lack of flash. It’s very understated from the choice of brown leather to the lack of embellishments. But by downplaying things we start to appreciate its finer points. We take in the half moon shape, which is a welcome change from the usual boxes and flap-over purses. We notice the burnished tinge to the brown leather which makes it appear beautifully weathered. We even start to appreciate the delicate zipper pulls.

I can imagine this clutch would look at home with jeans or a more formal ensemble, so I’m glad Maison Martin Margiela has made it larger than the average. A shoulder strap would have made it a lot more practical, but at least we’ve got enough space to carry everything we need.

There’s a lot to enjoy about this Half Moon Clutch, but its price is less admirable. I really like it, but I don’t know if I like it enough to spend $1095. It’s a clever design, but it’s probably too simple to command that sort of sum.

More Features of This Maison Martin Margiela Leather Clutch

• Golden zip closure
• Cotton lined interior
• Interior zip pocket
• Measures 18.5 x 8 x 4 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Maison Martin Margiela Half Moon Handbag:

• Available to buy at La Garconne
• Search online for this bag

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Versace is the latest high end label to release a limited edition purse line to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. The Italian fashion house joins Coach and Bally in ringing in the Chinese New Year.

The structured design is clearly influenced by the opulence of Imperial China, with its golden dragons, pendant and gem lined gold handle, and classic embroidery. The European baroque gold leaf print is a nod to Versace’s Italian roots. A golden plate inside each bag is engraved with the words “Year of Dragon 2012 Limited Edition” and its individual sequence number.

Personally I think the design is a bit over the top, but I’m sure that flamboyance will find a market amongst Versace fans.

Versace offers the design in black leather and red python versions. There are 210 of the black ones available, and just 60 of the snakeskin purses. The black versions cost 31, 800 yuan, or roughly $5000 US, and no prices have been announced for the red exotic alternatives, so they’ll probably max out your credit cards.

Unlike the other Chinese New Year releases though, we’ll need to take a trip to Asia to get our hands on Versace’s Year of the Dragon Limited Edition Jewel Handbag. They’ll be available exclusively through selected Versace stores on the continent.

[Source: NewStraitsTimes]
[Image Source: The Source Asia]

Versace Handbags on eBay

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While the fashion industry has been looking forward to warm weather for a while, I’ve been struggling to get on board. I’m very comfortable warming myself by the fire and slumming around the house in my sweats, thanks all the same. But Magid has made me change my tune with this Straw Beach Bow Tote.

This tote might just be the very definition of darling. Its candy pink and neutral hues are real crowd pleasers, at least if you’re in touch with your feminine side. And if you’re not there are always the black and white, earthy brown, or blue and tan alternatives.

It’s made from simple paper straw, but the devil really is in the details. I love the colored stripes which go this way and that, and the jaunty little bow centerpiece. These accents liven up the tote’s fairly traditional shape and make it something special. It’s disappointing that the back is bare, but that sort of corner cutting isn’t unexpected at this price point.

The interior’s pretty stock standard, but at least it’s large enough to accommodate beach towels, flip flops, and other beachside necessities. Sadly there’s no clasp for security, but that does invite us to overfill it. Just make sure you’ve got someone to watch it while you’re spending time in the waves.

Magid’s employed some obvious money saving strategies here, but that sees us paying just $26.50 for this tote. Suddenly I don’t mind those compromises so much!

More Features of This Magid Striped Tote

• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 15 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 19.75 x 5.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Magid Straw Beach Bow Handbag:

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

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Lady Gaga is about to own a Liam Findlay original. While the British teen may be far from a household name yet, if the pop queen takes a shine to his design fashion stardom may follow.

Findlay designed the bag as part of a competition run by Laga Handbags. The contest encouraged entrants to create a Gaga-inspired accessory which like the pop star embodied female empowerment. Participants could submit as many entries as they liked, and while Findlay took advantage of this he had the most confidence in his winning design.

The student from Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester said he was “very excited” about his win, particularly since his idol Lady Gaga would receive the finished product.

“It would be amazing personally and for my career aspirations if she were to use the bag one day, as well as wonderful promotion for the wonderful Laga Handbags,” he said.

Findlay’s admiration for Laga Handbags is well placed, as the company helps survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia rebuild their lives. He said he hopes his win raises awareness of the brand in England. If Lady Gaga does indeed carry Liam Findlay’s handbag, no doubt it’ll give Laga Handbags some money can’t buy publicity.

What do you think of Liam Findlay’s design?

[Source: Dorset Echo]

Laga Handbags on eBay

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We’re used to Maddalena Marconi creating high class evening accessories dripping in rhinestones and lace. We’ve criticized the label for being too lavish and too expensive, but we could rarely say it lacked class. So I’m surprised to see a very different side of the fashion house with this satin shoulder bag.

It’s hard to believe it’s the same Maddalena Marconi that created this bright pink monstrosity. It’s like a weird modern take on tribal with its neon colored body and rainbow hued strap. I don’t mind the beading or the overall treatment of the handle, but when paired with the iridescent pink it really seems too much. Thank goodness the bag’s body is such a plain pouch shape!

This shoulder bag doesn’t have the luxurious main compartment we see on so many other Maddalena Marconi handbags, but it does the trick. I like the way the sunken zip provides security without interrupting the already busy exterior. The patch pocket is a bit useless, but at least the space isn’t large enough to warrant many organizational aids.

Honestly the best thing I can say about this Maddalena Marconi handbag is that it’s cheap. At $248 it’s a fraction of the money we’d spend on the label’s high end clutches. Yet I can still think of several better ways to spend that sort of cash.

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Pink Shoulder Bag

• Lined in textile fibers
• Measures 1.2 x 9.6 x 10.5 inches

Get this Maddalena Marconi Satin Handbag:

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

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Mar Y Sol gives raffia a retro makeover with this Billie clutch.

There’s a fun 80s vibe around this ruffled purse. I’ve never seen raffia looking quite this feminine, or this pink. There are more sedate natural toned and espresso colored options, but if you’re going to go girly why not commit? The blend of raffia and cotton helps the ruffles fall softly around the purse. I can just imagine Molly Ringwald carrying this cheap and cheerful accessory in Pretty in Pink.

The frills have suckered me in, but the tasseled zipper pull probably takes things a step too far. It overcomplicates a design that was already pretty fussy. You could probably give it the snip if it really bothers you, but I don’t think it’s such a deal-breaker. It also makes accessing the main compartment a bit easier.

If you were expecting a lot inside, you’ll be disappointed. There’s only a single slip inside, and it’s too small to be much use. There’s no shoulder strap either, so we’re left clutching the Billie by hand.

For $79 it’s hard to get too critical though. While it doesn’t have the polish of a lot of evening purses, it’s much more versatile. Pair it with jeans or a flowing maxi-dress and wait for the compliments to roll in!

More Features of This Mad Imports Ruffle Clutch

• Top zip closure
• Cotton lined interior
• Measures 12 x 7 x 1 inches
• Made in Madagascar

Get this Mar Y Sol Billie Handbag:

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

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• Check the Its Good to be a Girl eBay store to see if this Mar Y Sol bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Mar Y Sol Marcella bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
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