With the winter chill still lingering in the air, it might be hard to think about spring fashions. But the warm weather will be here before we know it, and with all the leading designers looking ahead to the spring/summer season we might as well get on board too. You could grab one of the latest accessories, but if you want to save some cash and still represent the season it’s hard to pass up this With a Twist tote.

Unlike so many Kate Spade purses, this isn’t a tote to be taken seriously. She hasn’t, so why should we? The novelty aspect may turn off fashion snobs, but I think it’s perfectly suited to the irreverence of summer. Its colored cornhusk body is decorated to represent a slice of lemon, which is of course that twist that Spade promised us.

I appreciate the With a Twist’s playful style, but I’m also glad that it’s backed up by a practical design. It’s spacious enough to hold a wallet, sunglasses, and a trashy romance novel or two. I wish there was a clasp to keep those items secure, but at least they’re easy to access. We’ve also got a long zippered pocket in the back wall for safely holding valuables.

I can imagine many girls wondering what to wear this tote with, but personally I wouldn’t over-think it. Its two-tone design makes it more versatile than you might expect. Pair it with soft linen pants, denim cut-offs, or a floaty sundress and wait for the compliments to roll in!

More Features of This Kate Spade Lemon Tote

• Colored faille lined interior
• Dual ring handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 5 x 8.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kate Spade With a Twist Handbag:

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

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• Check the Flashy Fashion eBay store to see if this Kate Spade bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The orange Kate Spade With a Twist bag, a great alternative to this lemon bag.
• Searching for more Kate Spade bags on eBay

What’s in a name? Plenty if you’re fashion designer Angelica Cota. The founder of LuLA handbags is suing L’Wren Scott, who recently released an accessories line called Lula.

The capitalization may be different but Cota says the similarities between the names will cause confusion. The lawsuit claims that Scott’s use of the name “will irreparably harm and will undo all of Cota’s hard work in establishing her own identity under the LuLA trademark.“

It’s unclear why Cota settled on LuLA for her handbag collection, but the point is that she did, and first. Scott’s story about naming her own accessories line after her mother is touching, but that doesn’t mean Cota’s toes are feeling any less bruised. I’m sure the courts won’t be any more sympathetic for the familial connection either.

I suppose die hard fans will know that L’Wren Scott’s Lula bags are available exclusively through Barney’s New York while Angelica Cota’s LuLA purses are stocked at Nordstrom and other high-end retailers. But I probably couldn’t keep the two lines straight, and I have a real passion for fashion. So what hope does the general public have?

Often these lawsuits seem like nitpicking, but I think L’Wren Scott has a real case to answer here; don’t you?

[Source: Radar Online]
[Image Source: Robert Linder/Stock.xchng]

Lula Bags on eBay

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Kara Ross has created a purse for girls craving a bit more space with the Trinity.

This satchel’s mid-sized dimensions and functional features make a refreshing change of pace from the clutches Kara Ross is famous for. It’s every bit as luxurious as those evening purses, but much more practical.

I’m drooling over this Trinity’s electric blue alligator skin. It’s just one of many finishes available, but its hue is so vibrant and scales so sumptuous that I can’t take my eyes off it. The skin is used perfectly. Kara Ross lets it do all the talking and doesn’t over-complicate the design. The hematite clasp and golden hardware set off the skin beautifully without taking away any of our focus.

The short top handle is perfect for the Trinity’s look but probably not very practical if you’re spending a lot of time in transit. Thankfully Kara Ross has also added a longer strap for over-the-shoulder wear. It doesn’t look quite as smart, but you’ll be thankful for it when you’re on the go.

As this bag is made of alligator, the most prized of all luxury skins, I was nervous to look at the price. I had a right to be. At $14, 461 it’s equivalent to a decent down payment on a house. Maybe I should consider the more affordable python and ostrich versions after all!

More Features of This Kara Ross Alligator Satchel

• Measures 13 x 5 x 17 inches

Get this Kara Ross Trinity Handbag:

• Available to buy at Kara Ross
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kara Ross bags on BagBunch
• The latte ostrich Kara Ross Trinity bag, a great alternative to this alligator bag.
• Searching for more Kara Ross bags on eBay
• Other alligator satchel bags on eBay:

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Marion Cotillard isn’t the only acclaimed actress spruiking Christian Dior; Mila Kunis has just joined the French beauty as the label’s new international spokesmodel.

Mikael Jansson shot the softly lit images of the Ukranian-born actress for the feminine commercials. The moody blue hues don’t exactly scream spring/summer collection to me, but the campaign looks gorgeous. Of course Jansson had some great raw materials to work with though in Kunis and Christian Dior’s gorgeous dress and clutch purse!

Kunis said she was “thrilled” to join the Dior team, as the brand is “iconic in so many ways. It defines fashion, elegance, and sophistication.“

The ads featuring the Black Swan star will grace the pages of European fashion magazines Elle and Vogue and American style bibles New York Times and Vanity Fair later this month.

With a fresh new face on board, perhaps this is a sign Christian Dior is on the up and ready to put all that nasty John Galliano business behind it. Now if it would just announce a new creative director already we’d all be happy! Until then we’ll just have to contend ourselves with this stunning new commercial. What do you think of Mila Kunis’ modeling turn?

[Source: Stylelist]

Christian Dior Handbags on eBay

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With this Go Steady wallet, Juicy Couture encourages us to continue our recent love affair with the label. Sadly though I think the passion might be fading.

For some time now we’ve marveled at the way Juicy Couture has moved from tacky pink velour accessories to much more refined handbags. However in my opinion this wallet is a step backwards. The velour is back, and so is the over-embellished design. Did we really need all those charms, and the large tassel on the zipper? On a larger wallet the details may have worked, but here it seems like way too much.

In contrast to its exterior, the Go Steady’s main compartment is very basic. There are no pockets, no credit card slots, nothing but fabric lining. That makes it perfect for some coins and your keys, but not a lot else.

I suppose we should be grateful the Go Steady’s not pink, but that’s small consolation really. While we’re looking for positives, it’s also cheap at $48. That’s still not enough to sway me, but it’s a real plus for Juicy Couture fans.

More Features of This Juicy Couture Velour Purse

• Measures 5 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Juicy Couture Go Steady Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Mommy and Baby Boutique eBay store to see if this Juicy Couture bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Juicy Couture Go Steady French purse, a great alternative to this wallet.
• Searching for more Juicy Couture bags on eBay
• Other Juicy Couture Go Steady bags on eBay:

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When I fantasize about my ultimate handbags, they’re almost always Judith Leiber minaudieres. Their high prices put them out of my reach, but their exquisite crystal covered bodies and expertly rendered details always make me swoon. But perhaps I should reevaluate my stance, because her Ritz Fizz is putting me to sleep.

To be fair, this is probably the most versatile clutch Judith Leiber has ever made. It’s not likely to polarize audiences like her animal-shaped minaudieres, and it’s so simple that it really could work with anything. However it’s lacking the flair that Judith Leiber is known for, that special something that encourages women to become big spenders.

The Ritz Fizz has a silvery satin body, but you’d hardly know it with those clear Australian crystals covering every square inch. It’s a lovely effect, but also one we’ve seen before on many cheaper purses. If you’re as worried as I am about crystals coming free you may prefer to carry it using the shoulder chain. It doesn’t look quite as elegant this way, but it’s always good to have options.

And well we should for the money. At $1995 this is another expensive clutch from Judith Leiber, but sadly it doesn’t have the pizzazz that merits such a hefty price tag.

More Features of This Judith Leiber Crystal Covered Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Leather lined interior
• A detachable 19 inch shoulder chain
• Measures 4 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Comes with a protective signature bag
• Made in USA

Get this Judith Leiber Handbag:

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

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• Check the Atelier No.888 eBay store to see if this Judith Leiber bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Judith Leiber bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Crystal Pillow bag, a great alternative to this crystal bag.
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Following JCPenney’s acquisition last year, Liz Claiborne will operate under the new moniker Fifth & Pacific.

The new name signals a new era for the longstanding fashion house, which promises to focus on its remaining upscale labels. Many of the company’s lines were sold off over the last year but modern brands like Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, and Lucky Brand remain.

Company chief executive officer William McComb conceded that “it’s difficult to replace an iconic name like Liz Claiborne,” but said he felt Fifth & Pacific was a good fit the company going forward. He explained the name was inspired by America’s most fashionable states New York and California, a fitting tribute to the roots of its existing lines.

It’s disappointing to see so many brands, including Dana Buchman, Kensie, and Mexx, shed from the Fifth & Pacific roster. However those sell-offs have raised vital capital for turning the cash-strapped company around. The business’ streamlined approach should help it capture consumers with cash to spare, so it’s a vital strategy for reversing its fortune.

There’ll be a transition period, but the new Fifth and Pacific name is expected to become effective from May 15. The company will also rename its New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol to FNP and launch a new corporate website at www.fifthandpacific.com.

What do you think of Liz Claiborne’s new name?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Liz Claiborne Bags on eBay

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Joe’s Jeans has created a casual bag to be reckoned with. Meet the Westport.

This is a real departure from the sumptuous leather handbags we used to see from the label. Instead of contemporary styling and a chic skin we see hardy black canvas. There’s a hint of leather on the handles and nameplate, but they do little to really dress this bag up. They’re there for function rather than fashion, which is just what fans of the Westport are looking for.

I must admit, I find myself longing for the sophisticated label of old, but that doesn’t mean the Westport is without charm. It’s the kind of bag that’s made to serve, and in that role it performs admirably. It’s enormous, but it’s got the features we need to make the most of that space. The two large zippered pockets do a great job of keeping our small items in order, while the attachable padded shoulder strap should make carrying the Westport even easier.

I’d ordinarily suggest $130 is too much to spend on a canvas bag, but the Westport’s generous dimensions make it worth the added expense. I can’t see such a large bag becoming a part of anyone’s everyday wardrobe, but it’d be perfect as a weekender or piece of carry-on luggage.

More Features of This Joe’s Jeans Canvas Duffel

• Cotton twill lined interior
• Platform studs on the base
• Measures 10 x 20 x 13 inches

Get this Joe’s Jeans Westport Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Joe’s Jeans bags on BagBunch
• The Joe’s Jeans Canvas Argent bag, a great alternative to this canvas bag.
• Searching for more Joe’s Jeans bags on eBay
• Other canvas duffel bags on eBay:

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Fashion designer Isla Simpson will launch her new luxury handbag label, Aubrey, in British stores later this month.

Simpson said the understated and timeless bags are inspired by her own English heritage. They should appeal to twentysomethings as well as the more mature fashion lovers with their blend of neutral leathers and daring accents.

Snake printed trims, polished patent leathers, and limited edition patterns will enhance the classic, conservative skins. The bags also feature traditional enamel accents and inlay fittings inspired by vintage accessories. Aubrey’s distinctive leaping hare logo, which was inspired by Simpson’s country upbringing, gives each purse a quirky finishing touch.

Considering the high-end materials I’m impressed by the Aubrey bags’ prices. You can score one for as little as £79, and even the top end purses cost just £200.

Simpson learned her craft as a textile design student at St Martin’s College before honing her skills at other handbag labels Oushka and Ri2k. Launching her own signature line seems like the next natural step for this budding British designer.

Look for Aubrey’s spring/summer 2012 bags in high end retailers including Harrods, Fenwick, John Lewis, and Arnotts, as well as independent British boutiques, towards the end of January.

[Source: Drapers Online]

JJ Winters has crafted another celebrity favorite with this Tiny Turtle clutch.

I haven’t always warmed to the label’s purses as, in my opinion, they try too hard to follow trends. The Tiny Turtle takes a different approach though, and it’s a stronger bag for it. The purse’s crackled finish is unique, almost like the surface of a small turtle’s shell.

Personally I feel the mottling of gold and silver hues is a bit much; choosing one color or the other would have made the purse feel a bit more chic. However perhaps celebrity fans like Stephanie Pratt and Alessandra Ambrosio would disagree!

As its name suggests though, this JJ Winters purse is tiny. On one hand that’s a plus, as the mixed metallics would look even more ostentatious on a larger purse. But it does limit the items we can carry with us. The chain also isn’t detachable, so if we don’t want to use it it’ll clutter the already small main compartment.

I wouldn’t call it a bargain, but $285 isn’t unreasonable for a purse made from such luxurious materials, especially when it’s got such a unique look.

More Features of This JJ Winters Metallic Clutch

• Brass-toned closure
• A gold chains trap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.25 x 8 x 2.5 inches
• Made in Beverly Hills

Get this JJ Winters Tiny Turtle Handbag:

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

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• Check the Wild Cherry Style eBay store to see if this JJ Winters bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More JJ Winters bags on BagBunch
• The JJ Winters envelope clutch bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more JJ Winters bags on eBay