Luxury Brand Christian Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy

Posted on: May 31

It's a sign of the times. Yet another luxury brand is dealing with negative numbers when it comes to sales.

Well-known couture apparel and handbag designer Christian Lacroix has filed for bankruptcy following a recent 35% downturn in fall/winter sales. It makes one wonder how long any of these high-end companies, like Valentino or Versace, can make it while shoppers are having to be frugal and cut out things like $1,200 clutch bags.

“Our intent is definitely a continuation of the business,” Nicolas Topiol, Lacroix’s chief executive officer, said in an interview before meeting with the firm’s 125 employees. “But the crisis has definitely hit us below the knees.”

Celebrities might continue to strut the Parisian designer's gorgeous looks on the red carpet, but it doesn't sound like many fashionistas are heading to Christian Lacroix boutiques to spend money on his items. Could this be the beginning of the end for the design house, or just a bump in the road?

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

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American West Sedona Sunsets Satchel | Tooled Leather Shoulder Bag with Vintage Vibe

Posted on: May 31

Tooled leather is a massive trend this summer. For vintage aficionados this is a blessing, a chance to drag their sexy retro belts and sturdy leather handbags out of fashion hibernation. Vintage style satchels and cross body purses such as this are just begging to be used and loved.

An eternal look that crosses so many generations and trends, this American West satchel is perfect to let you hit the ground with your vintage feet running. Carved out of a thick chestnut cowhide leather, this bag pays homage to traditional style and craftsmanship, even with studs to add to the on-trend theme.

To give you an idea of the durability of luxury leather and delicate floral tooling, this satchel even comes with a lifetime guarantee. Now that is a rare feature amongst the notoriously short lived handbag crowd!

Satchels are endlessly associated with functionality, and thankfully this chunky feminine purse doesn't let us down. The straps may be too short to allow cross body slinging, but they are strong enough to hold the weight of most belongings.

This is definitely a chance to buy an antique of the future. The vintage of tomorrow!

More Features of this American West Satchel

  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Matching accessories available
  • Tooled vintage style
  • 2 interior pouches
  • Snap closure

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Olive N Figs Turquoise Blue Hawaiian Handbag | Floral Sequined Jute Tote

Posted on: May 31

While it may not be gracing the pages of Vogue any time soon, this Olive N Figs Turquoise Blue Hawaiin Handbag is a really cute pick for summer. It's perfect for toting to a poolside bar or a backyard barbeque.

The Hawaiian floral print will never go out of style. It crops up every year to lure us into fantasies of the fabulous vacations we'll be going on that summer. But they fit in just as well at any outdoor occasion like a pool party or dining alfresco, no matter where you live.

The teal, white and gold color scheme of this bag is a chic adaptation of the typically brasher colors of the traditionally "surf" style print. The gold threads and sequins work as an accent and give some of the blooms a jeweled look. The mix of large and small flowers allows the one large turquoise bloom to really stand out.

Jute is a nice fabrication choice for this bag, and offers some structure to the silhouette. While the tote probably isn't big enough for a beach bag, you could definitely throw some sunscreen in here with your essentials to run to the park.

More Details About The Olive N Figs Turquoise Blue Hawaiian Handbag

  • Measures 11 x 5 x 8 inches
  • Biodegradable jute

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Stella McCartney Patent Rivet Detail Clutch | Edgy Black Rocker Chic Designer Purse

Posted on: May 31

Stella McCartney always puts an edgy downtown twist on her designs. Not so edgy that she doesn't have an uptown audience, though. Usually she walks a very thin line between classic and punk rock.

But on this clutch, I'm not sure the design is classy or edgy. The patent leather is sleek and high quality, but the rivet details that are supposed to pass as rock-n-roll just look terribly terribly cheap. It's not just the rivets themselves, either; it's what they do to the patent leather. I'm not sure if they've just been shoddily attached, but the material puckers up around them in a way that looks anything but classy.

To be honest, I am really disappointed, I expect a lot more from Stella McCartney, and certainly expect more from any bag that costs $725. The 12" x 7" x 2" dimensions are very of-the-moment, large, and the flap front has a magnetic closure. It's a very convenient size and decently organized if you like the look of it, but personally, I'll be waiting for something better to come around.

More Features Of The Stella McCartney Rivet Detail Clutch

  • Goldtone hardware
  • Logo embossed metal tag
  • Fully lined

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Elliott Lucca Aruba Drawstring Tote | Medium Lilac Handbag with Braided Details

Posted on: May 31

Drawstring totes can be considered mainstays of casual handbag fashion. They come in all shapes, sizes, prices, and textures ranging from the affordable patent Jessica Simpson Extra Extra to the popular designer Botkier James Satchel.

Because of the abundance this type of bag, I can't really call the Elliott Lucca Aruba a unique design. However, it is a lovely version of the commonly seen style. The Aruba's details make it a little more elegant than some.

The pebbled leather is crafted into a relaxed, slightly slouchy shape enhanced by its ruched base. Of course, the main attraction here is the drawstring that weaves through the top grommet holes of the bag. What I like best about it is the braided texture, which is repeated in the double handles.

The pinkish lilac is nicely complemented by silver-toned hardware. The metallic touches are seen on the drawstring's grommet holes, the o-shaped handle rings, and the similarly shaped rings on the drawstring ends. An engraved silver plate displays the Elliott Lucca logo on the front.

More Features of the Aruba Drawstring Tote

  • Measures 17 x 11 x 5 inches
  • Double braided handles with 9 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Retail price of $198

Elliott Lucca Aruba Bags on eBay

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Vintage Handbags Book Documents Purses Through the Ages

Posted on: May 31

Following on from her popular retrospectives Vintage Fashion, Vintage Furniture, and Vintage Shoes comes fashion expert Marnie Fogg's latest coffee table compendium, Vintage Handbags.

This beautiful book spans 100 years of handbag fashions, showcasing iconic styles from fashion's golden ages. It documents the key designers, technical developments, and cultural influences which shaped handbag design in each decade. See Elsa Schiaparelli's mesh bags for Whiting & Davis in the 1920s, Hermès Kelly bag from the 1950s, through the modern masterpieces like the Fendi baguette.

There are plenty of full-color photographs for us to drool over, including archive images, fashion photos, and specially commissioned shots of period pieces.

Vintage Handbags gets an extra dose of cred with a foreword by acclaimed designer Anya Hindmarch.

Vintage Handbags will be released in September through Carlton Books. The price is yet to be determined, but you can sign up for on-sale notification through Amazon.

[Source: Amazon]

Vintage Handbags on eBay

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Judith Leiber Foo Dog Ming Minaudiere | Chinese Jewel Encrusted Evening Purse

Posted on: May 31

Some say fashion should be fabulous, frivolous, and fun. Sure there's a place for practicality, but if you want to really make a statement you need something as outrageous as this Judith Leiber minaudiere.

It's carefully crafted to look like foo dog, one of the ancient Chinese pups resembling a guardian lion. His brilliantly colored body is studded with red rubies, green emeralds, purple amethysts, and clear and gold Swarovski crystals. His eyes are just as precious; they're shiny black onyx stones.

As you can imagine, all those glittering gems don't come cheap. You're looking at a whopping $5495 to take this baby home. If you're still on board, you may want to think about the storage space.

In short, there is none. Sure, it opens up to reveal a luxurious gold leather lined space, but what exactly are you going to put in it? The lumps and bumps of the dog shape make it virtually impossible to store even the essentials inside. You'll need Tetris-inspired packing skills to carry even the coin purse, comb and swivel mirror it came with!

But if you can wear the price, and handle the inconvenience, you're going to sparkle carrying this Judith Leiber cutie!

More Features of This Judith Leiber Foo Dog Purse

  • Ball pushlock closure
  • A tuckaway chain strap with a 19 inch drop
  • Measures 6 x 4 x 4 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag

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Carlos Falchi Heads to Target | Recently Sold Brand Attempts to Reinvigorate

Posted on: May 30

Marvin Traub's recent comment about breathing new life into Carlos Falchi is beginning to take form. Following the recent purchase of the company, involving Traub and Windsong Brand, the luxury label appears to be trying to turn things around with a new venture.

The luxury brand, known for their exotic leather handbags ranging from $400 to nearly $5,000, is taking their swanky style to Target. It's no surprise to see a major designer team up with the retail giant as they've worked with everyone from Isaac Mizrahi to Alexander McQueen.

I'm not sure if Carlos Falchi's faux snakeskin handbags will make as much of a splash as they're hoping, though. If an international crowd is what they're seeking to expand the brand's reputation, Target doesn't seem quite right as the place to start.

However, if the goal is to get the designer's name and styles into the hands of budget-loving fashionistas, a Target diffusion line is a great choice. Either way, the company is sure to get some much-needed buzz, which is probably the real goal anyway.

The Carlos Falchi for Target line of faux snakeskin handbags will hit Target stores from October 11 through December 27.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: Carlos Falchi]

Carlos Falchi Handbags on eBay

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Vitalio Vera Large Zane Hobo | Striped Multicolored Faux Goatskin Bag

Posted on: May 30

There is a lot to like about the Vitalio Vera Large Zane Hobo. Unfortunately, it is hidden beneath a few layers of a questionable taste level.

Let's start with the good. I actually rather like the color combination on this bag and the wide stripes don't bother me at all. It has a cute hobo shape that gets wider at the bottom to fit more stuff, always a plus. So in form and structure we're on the right path.

But then all the details pop up. In classic over-detailed fashion, if you removed the logo fob, tassel, and decorative contrasting side buckles, it would go a long way towards streamlining this look. As is, it's too cluttered.

The big logo clasp on the buckle closure (which is probably pretty inconvenient, by the way) looks a little tacky, as does the simulated goatskin. It could easily have been an original choice if it didn't turn out looking a bit too plastic-like in the picture.

This might be a good pick for a young girl in your life, or a Kathy Van Zeeland fan. While Kathy Van Zeeland bags are usually of higher quality construction, this bag does have their flair for fobs and tassels everywhere.

More Features Of The Vitalio Large Zane Hobo

  • Measures 11 x 14 x 3.75 inches, 7 inch strap drop
  • Antiqued brasstone hardware
  • Gray fabric lining with zipper pocket, open pocket and cell phone holder

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Nick and Nora Travel Pack | Comprehensive Travel Set with Cosmopolitan Vibe

Posted on: May 30

I am truly in holiday mood today. The sun is out and shining, and the time seems apt to explore the world of travel accessories.

Designed to organize your travels, handbag sets such as this cute example from Nick & Nora are aiming to put a little bit of fun into the arduous process. Thanks to the sweet designs and functional intentions, I think this bargain basement purse and accessories really fits the bill.

So what do you get in a travel set such as this? An adorable little bag is a necessity, perfect for storing makeup or jewelery. Your bibs and bobs need never get left behind now that you have this perfectly sized purse to hold them. Alongside the purse, you get a matching luggage tag to label your precious suitcase with, and a simple fold over wallet suitable for your passport and more.

The set is tied together by its matching design, of which there are four to chose from, each with individual color schemes and themes. If you, like me, are obsessed with shoes, then the featured Century of Shoes set is just right. If not, you can always choose from the Equestrian set, New York illustrations, or aptly named Bed of Roses.

Whilst the material quality and execution leave a little to be desired, these adorable sets do give you a lot for you money. And at only $24 for the three, I'd spend your excess on a beautiful designer suitcase for this cheap and cheerful travel pack to live in!

More Features of this Nick & Nora Travel Set

  • Four color combinations and designs
  • Glossy PVC outer
  • Durable fabrics to make it last

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