Just when I thought the fashion industry's big brands were heading further away from using the up-and-coming models or even models at all (like Buzz Aldrin for Louis Vuitton), one proves me wrong and chooses the next big thing for an ad campaign. 

Maybe big is the wrong adjective here since the new face of Calvin Klein's Fall 2009 ads is only 15 years old. Polish model Monika Jagaciak, known as "Jac", supposedly nabbed the gig last week and just might be the exclusive choice for the campaign. 

Jac is no newbie when it comes to modeling, though, since she has appeared on more than a few covers not to mention a Hermes campaign two years ago. Ironically, Jagaciak didn't appear on Paris runways because of age restrictions. It certainly doesn't sound like her age is slowing her down now!

[Source: fashionologie]

Calvin Klein Handbags on eBay

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Botkier certainly doesn't create bags without personality. Though the brand usually offers ones that are slightly tamer than this pewter-colored satchel, women looking for an eyecatching tote will gravitate toward the Violet.

I'm not always drawn to metallic handbags, but this particular combination of pewter with brown leather trim is somehow contemporary and classic at the same time. The contrast of the two styles creates a funky dynamic, and the details only add to that vibe.

The simple pleating on the front pocket is a nice addition to the look of the Violet, although it probably stands out more on this pewter-colored version than on the green or black color options. The small strip of brown leather that runs horizontally between the front pleat draws attention to the detail, whereas the other versions are one color from strap to bottom.

In fact, the brown trim on this Violet bag draws the eye to all of the features such as the buckled handle anchors with modern barbell-shaped hardware. However, this Botkier bag was built for more than style. The Violet satchel is roomy and comfortable to carry due to its rolled handles. You can get this stylish pewter handbag for $595.

More Features of the Violet Satchel

• 14 x 9 x 6 inches
• Double handles with 6 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Botkier Violet Bags on eBay

Botkier Violet Pewter Metallic Hobo Bag $695 US $199.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 19h 43m Make it yours...

• Get the pewter Violet satchel on Amazon
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Anyone for tennis? As summer approaches it's not just the pros heading courtside. Why struggle with your racket and sneakers when you could carry them all in this cute Bally Arkel Tennis Tote?

The tote is made from vibrant red patent calfskin trimmed with white leather. This bold combination may not work for your everyday wardrobe, but this fun, preppy look is entirely appropriate for the court.

The mesh front pocket takes care of your racket, while inside there's enough space for sneakers, balls, and a change of clothes for after the match. The open top design does offer easy access, but I'd prefer more security to ensure my gear doesn't wander while I'm playing.

This tennis tote is the same one that Serbian tennis ace Jelena Jankovic carries. Her winnings probably make the $1095 retail value seem like small change, but that's not so for the rest of us. Unless you spend a lot of time on the court, I'd probably opt for the much cheaper Traci Bags tennis satchels!

More Features of This Bally Arkel Sports Bag

• Patent leather trimmed twill lining
• Dual handles with a 6.75 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 18 x 4.5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag
• Made in Italy

Tennis Totes on eBay

Prince Tennis Racket Equipment Tote Bag US $24.95   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 16h 13m Make it yours...

New Kort Synthetic Leather Tennis Bag Red Tote US $24.95   0 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 10h 43m Make it yours...

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She's told style icons Nicole Richie, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Garner, and Mischa Barton what to wear for years. Now celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe is preparing to share her fashion secrets with the rest of us with the release of her clothing collection.

The fashion range is set to include handbags, ready-to-wear apparel, jewelry, and fragrance. You also won't need a celebrity salary to get your paws on these pieces. Like so many new lines these days, Rachel Zoe's fashion collection will be budget and recession friendly.

"It will be absolutely, 100% accessible fashion for sure - for everybody," Rachel told People magazine. "There's no reason for me to do a luxury-level design. That's not who I am. I don’t think it’s what people want from me. I think that I would need to give people that fantasy becoming a reality. That's my job."

There's no word yet on what Rachel Zoe will call her first fashion collection, but we can expect to see it in stores next year.

[Source: People]
[Image Source: Stanmar/Wikipedia Commons]

Celebrity Handbags on eBay

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New Designer Celebrity HOBO TOTE Handbag Purse Bag B06 US $19.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 5h 5m Make it yours...

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The Donna hobo by Alexander Wang reminds us that there's more to the current 1980s trend than colorblocked fabrics and glitz. Its more Pat Benatar than Pointer Sisters, with its black leather finish and rock and roll edge.

Your eyes are instantly drawn to the dual pockets up front, which combine practicality with style. The wraparound zips offer more security than regular slip pouches, while the silver hardware adds to the punk vibe. There are another two slip pockets above, but with their complementary suede trim they’re designed to blend in. It's refreshing to see a purse where all the elements don’t try to compete for attention.

We see another zip running from the top to the base. At first glance it looks like just another style decision, but it's so much more. Open it up to increase the hobo's storage capacity from large to luxurious.

I could probably be happy without the extra room, but in a world of oversized bags many will appreciate a little more space to spread out. I only wish the Donna came with the organizational features we need in oversized mode. The zippered pocket is roomy, but it's still not enough to keep everything in order.

The leather strap ties in a knot, so is size is completely adjustable.  It's also long, making it versatile enough to wear over your shoulder or slung across your body. That casual cross-body look is perfect for the Donna's edgy and slightly dangerous style.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Donna Hobo

• Opens with a zipper
• Black fabric lined interior
• Measures 15 x 12 inches

Alexander Wang Handbags on eBay

NEW Brenda Zip Bag Alexander Wang Leather handbag US $550.00   Auction Ends: 28d 21h 21m Make it yours...

NWT Alexander Wang blue jean washed leather chain bag US $200.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 17h 24m Make it yours...

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Models or actresses in a fashion ad? That's so last year. Well, maybe not since many brands are hiring some of the industry's best, but I wonder if that's what the marketing crew at Louis Vuitton was thinking when they cast famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin in their latest advertising campaign.

The rumor is that the second-ever moonwalker will appear with his space exploring colleagues Jim Lovell and Sally Ride. Aldrin apparently confirmed his involvement in the upcoming ads while at a recent social affair for Omega in Switzerland.

Of course, even Louis Vuitton can't book the moon's surface for their photo shoot (though I wouldn't put it past them to try). Where does one go to mimic the moon? I guess a desert will have to suffice. As one source confirmed, Aldrin and the cast will be photographed for the campaign by the legendary Annie Leibovitz in a desert somewhere in the U.S.

One thing is sure. With an unexpected, all-star cast such as this combined with the talent of Annie Leibovitz, I'm expecting some stunning photos.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: insidetwit/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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LOUIS VUITTON Mono Pegase 55 Rolling Carry On Suitcase US $1,150.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 32m Make it yours...

Vintage Louis Vuitton Bag US $60.99   5 Bids Auction Ends: 2h 5m Make it yours...

Sometimes croco-embossed purses can look more appropriate for the fall and winter seasons than our current time of the year. Maybe I've just seen so many this past winter in dark, jewel-toned colors with a patent sheen that I associate them that way.

Even though other textured leather materials are very popular right now, such as ostrich, croc and croco-embossed remains a widely available option, which has had me looking for one of these handbags in a season-crossing version. My eye was immediately drawn to the Nine West Bradley Tote because of its simple chic look and overall versatile style.

Granted, the denim blue and orange-y red color options are probably more suitable for spring and summer, but the black Bradley is what I consider the most practical color for this tote. It might not be the most exciting choice, but it's one that will take you in and out of seasons easily. When money is tight, that's exactly what I look for in an accessory.

It might be the lack of a shiny coating on the PVC material that makes it seem that way to me. I'm a gal who loves a little patent sheen every now and then, but it's not like you can wear that with every outfit in every season. This Nine West handbag's matte finish makes the croco-embossing less obvious. It merely adds a little visual interest to the tote.

If you dislike the contrast of black and light brown, you might want to skip this one or opt for one of the other colors instead. Personally, I think the color combo is timeless and chic when done right. The Bradley does it right, in my opinion, by adding some woven detailing on the handles and keeping the silver hardware to a minimum. This affordable Nine West tote retails for just under $100.

More Features of the Bradley Tote

• Measures 14.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches
• Logo plate on front
• Zip top closure

Nine West Bradley Bags on eBay

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• Get this black, blue, or red Bradley Tote on Amazon
• Click here to search more Nine West handbags on eBay

Zac Posen's stripped off his designer suit and gone casual with this fun Lucia hobo bag.

Strips of black and white leather are woven together to give this purse its cute geometric design. The patterned panels are complemented by wide white leather stripes running from the top of the bag to its base. A gathered drawstring pocket up front complements the purse's relaxed good looks, while offering practical storage space for the goodies you need at your fingertips. The thin tassels look a little cheap, but they're not completely out of character for this casual handbag.

The suede lining gives a little luxury to this large hobo handbag. The triangular shape looks cute, but I'll be surprised if your girly goodies don't work their way into the corners. Thankfully there's a large zippered pocket in one side, and two slip pouches in the other for storing those essentials.

The Lucia is adorable but $1800 seems a little pricey for such a casual handbag, especially in this current financial climate!

More Features of This Zac Posen Lucia Purse

• Silver metal hardware
• Zip top closure
• A 17 inch chain handle with soft woven leather center and 12 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 13 x 6 inches
• Made in Italy

Woven Leather Hobos on eBay

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Sharif Tooled Leather and Leopard Print Woven Hobo US $79.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 14h 6m Make it yours...

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The new breed of handbag designers is ditching traditional leathers and furs for more unique Asian fabrics.

For her Chako accessories, Asian designer Kazumi Nakanishi has looked to the past. All her purses are made from antique kimono and obi [the sash worn around a kimono] fabrics.

“I was never into ‘It’ bags and I really want to be unique,” she explained. “This one-of-a-kind element is what attracts my customers. Being limited and not mass-produced has given me an edge. The patterns within the material are already diverse, so every piece that is cut for each bag is very different.”

Kotur designer Fiona Kotur-Marin is also inspired by traditional fabrics. She only uses limited, eco-friendly, and artisanal Asian materials. These include vintage Chinese brocades and tinalak, a handwoven materials used for the wedding garb of the T'boli tribe in the southern Philippines.

Rafe designer Rafe Totengco has also looked to the Philippines for his handbag fabrics. His unique accessories feature dyed coconut beads, straw-textured weaves, abaca hemp, bamboo, and capiz shells all sourced from the islands.

“I like to use straw every spring/summer,” explained Mr Totengco. “It is tricky, because part of the beauty of using indigenous materials is that they are made by hand, but inconsistencies are part of the charm.”

Fiona Kotur-Marin says the marriage of eastern fabrics and western fashions is a natural one.

“I have found many similarities in traditions of eastern and western decorative arts,” she says. “What we think is exotically sourced in Asia is actually tied to western traditions. Shagreen was used in the art deco period, in furniture and in the Duchess of Windsor’s toiletry kit, for example. I also use pen shell as an eco-friendly tortoiseshell substitute because they are shells that have simply washed up on beaches, but they were also used in the Victorian era.”

And you thought handbags were simply fashion accessories. It sounds like these days they're also offering a sneak peek at other cultures as well!

[Source: Financial Times]
[Image Source: Quinn.Anya/Flickr]

Kotur Brocade Bags on eBay

KOTUR Blue Pink Vintage Brocade Clutch Purse Wallet NEW US $325.00   Auction Ends: 24d 13h 9m Make it yours...

KOTUR Blue Dress Brocade Clutch Purse Wallet NEW NWT US $325.00   Auction Ends: 24d 13h 9m Make it yours...

KOTUR Black Vintage Brocade Clutch Purse Wallet NEW NWT US $325.00   Auction Ends: 24d 13h 9m Make it yours...

The Bubble bag is the latest "It" handbag to come from the iconic fashion house of Versace. Halle Berry and Fergie have been snapped carrying the tamer nude and beige versions, but I prefer this vibrant orange purse. The shade accents the Bubble’s unique texture, and satisfies the current trend for all things 80s.

It’s that texture which gives the Bubble its name. The perforated leather is gathered and quilted, creating a cute squishy look which just begs to be touched. The texture continues through the handles, which are plaited for comfort and style. Signature rings on the sides of the bag mimic the tasseled zipper pull with their almost psychedelic concentric circles. There's a lot going on, which will probably alienate conservative tastes, but I believe that somehow it all works.

The generous interior is roomy without being overwhelming thanks to the abundance of pockets. Zip and slip pouches are on hand to store your personal technology, loose change, and other little essentials. They're all trimmed with leather to resist wear and tear for years to come.

It is lovely, but as with so many "It" bags the Bubble is out of the reach of many of us. With a retail value of $3440, eBay's the only option for most purse lovers!

More Features of This Versace Bubble Bag

• Gold-tone hardware
• A plaited shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 8 x 7 inches

Versace Hobo Handbags on eBay

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