Balenciaga Arena Giant Rope Duffel Bag | Large Casual Leather Handbag with Plaited Straps

Posted on: Jul 15

Balenciaga has wooed starlets like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan with its contemporary handbags. Their purses are casual, yet always embody uptown chic. But the brand takes things down a notch with its Arena Giant Rope Duffel Bag.

The glazed electric blue leather is every inch as sophisticated as we'd expect from the Italian fashion house. The finish has a subtle gloss, without being quite as flashy as a patent. Honestly, when you're carrying an electric blue bag you don't need any more flash. A smattering of studs and side buckles add just enough edge, without overwhelming this simplistic design.

The large and luxurious body is what we'd expect from Balenciaga, but at the top the brand takes a left turn. A rope strap threads through silver hoops at the top of the bag. Really Balenciaga? Rope? The thick plaited strap looks far too relaxed for that lovely leather body. The rope gathers up the leather too, making it appear more like a casual drawstring purse than a high-end fashion accessory.

The problem is the Arena still has the high-end price tag. For $1295, I expect a purse with a little more sophistication than this.

More Features of This Balenciaga Duffel Bag

  • A zippered pocket on front
  • Fabric lined interior
  • An internal zip pocket
  • Measures 17 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches

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Posted in Balenciaga, Blue, Duffel Bags | Tell Us What You Think »

Hobo International Lauren Clutch | Slim Leather Wallet and Handbag Combo

Posted on: Jan 14

When Hobo International branched into the small handbag and wallet arena, they hit gold. They company has been churning out bags like the Lauren for several years now much to the delight of women everywhere. Like many of their other creations, this one has become a bestseller due to its sleek style and extremely practical design.

We all have the occasional dressy event to attend, and the outfit of the evening usually calls for a small handbag. As I've mentioned before, clutches are not the most practical of purses due to their size...unless, of course, you're carrying an oversized clutch, which is an entirely different matter of impracticality. However, despite the storage issue of most clutches, this Hobo International Lauren bag manages to pull a few tricks out of the bag for clutch skeptics.

The best feature is that the Lauren opens to lay completely flat for the easiest access to stored items. The interior functions more like a wallet than a typical bag with its multiple pockets, pouches, and ID holders. It even has a zippered pocket for storing valuables and cash.

I love that everything stuffed inside this little leather Hobo International number will be safely and neatly organized. The same cannot be said for most small handbags. Despite the fact that the Lauren acts and works like a wallet, it is uniquely styled to appear like a clutch thus giving the owner multiple uses for it. Stash it in a larger purse, or accessorize your LBD with it for a dinner party.

The Lauren is available in many colors including the mogano brown shown here as well as neutral shades and eye catchers such as olive green and spice red. Its retail price tag of $108 could seem a tad high for some shoppers, but don't forget that you're getting two in one with this pretty Hobo International bag.

More Features of the Lauren Bag

  • Meausures 8.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches
  • Kiss-lock clasp
  • Double frame design
  • Paisley printed lining

Hobo International Lauren Clutches on eBay

Posted in Brown, Clutch, Hobo International, Wallet | 2 Comments - Have Your Say »

Model Emma McLaren Stars in Bottega Veneta Spring Summer 2009 Ad Campaign

Posted on: Jan 5

Bottega Veneta is famous for its soft woven leather handbags and classic style. It brings us both in its new advertising campaign for the spring/summer 2009 collection.

British model of the moment Emma McLaren stars in this subdued commercial. Like so many Bottega Veneta advertisements it features striking architecture and an even more gorgeous model. I'm not sure about that ill-fitting potato sack dress they have Emma wearing, but she's so stunning she somehow manages to pull it off.

Needing no help though is that beautiful Bottega Veneta bag. It features the signature woven leather we love so much, but it features a wider color palette than we're used to seeing. Yet the toned-down earthy shades all work together for a unified, yet daring, look. The purse's slouchy style seems perfect for those relaxed days lazing by the pool or a picnic with your gal pals.

Award-winning San Francisco photographer Larry Sultan is behind the advertising campaign.

[Source: Models.com]

Bottega Veneta Bags on eBay

Posted in Bottega Veneta, News | Tell Us What You Think »

Jessica Simpson Arena Satchel | Sweet and Spacious Patent Leather Bag

Posted on: Mar 20

Jessica Simpson ArenaThis adorable Jessica Simpson satchel is made to be loved. You'll fall head over heels for the Arena's sleek synthetic leather exterior and neat design. And since it's all man made, your wallet will thank you too.

Opening the signature clasp closure reveals a roomy canvas lined interior. Front and back pockets and a cell phone slip make staying organized a breeze.

We all know girls can easily fill any handbag, no matter how spacious it is. But the plush rolled handles make carrying this Jessica Simpson satchel easy, regardless how much you load it up.

The flirty fuschia purse begs to party, while the basic black variety is made for the boardroom.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Arena Satchel

  • Top magnetic closure
  • An additional strap with luggage closure and lacquered logo
  • Silver-tone hardware rings at tonal straps
  • Dual rolled handled with a 5.5 inch shoulder drop
  • Made in China
  • Measures 10.5 x 15 x 3.25 inches deep

More Info

Posted in Black, Jessica Simpson, Pink, Satchel | 1 Comment - Have You Say »