Balenciaga breaks with tradition with this Whistle Handbag. The label's typical bold hardware and long tassels are gone, replaced with luxury leathers and a slouchy barrel shape.

The name comes from the shiny engraved whistle which hangs from the bag. Unlike so many gimmicks, this small whistle is endearing rather than obnoxious. It makes me think I could instantly alert passersby the moment I was threatened in a dark alley, or perhaps be a sexy police officer ready to halt a crime in progress!

The Whistle comes in a range of fabrics, from this luxury combination of lambskin with exotic trim, a lush goatskin, or the more casual (and less expensive) canvas variety. Unzip the top to reveal a generous lined interior. The shape reminds me of a gym bag, and there's probably the space to use it for just that. I just couldn't put my stinky trainers in anything so luxurious! I only wish there were the organizational features to match. A lone zippered pocket just isn't enough to keep such a large space in order.

A favorite with celebs like Katie Holmes, the Whistle bag is something a little different from Balenciaga.

More Features of This Balenciaga Lambskin and Ostrich Bag

• Top zip and hook lock closure
• A hanging mirror
• Double rolled handles
• Measures 12.5 x 8 x 5.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balenciaga Whistle Handbag:

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

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• Check the Bagteria eBay store to see if this Balenciaga bag in canvas is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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The Hills star Stephanie Pratt, the younger sister of Spencer, has become one of Hollywood's most popular style icons. But have you ever wondered what's inside her lustworthy accessories? Us Magazine recently lifted the lid, asking Stephanie what five items she always keeps inside her favourite Miu Miu studded leather purse.

Stephanie's love of designer labels is as evident inside her purse as it is out. She carries a Balenciaga wallet, which is always stuffed full of cards and cash. Then there are the Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses for beating the Los Angeles glare. Then there are dozens of lip glosses and miniature scents from Jacobs and Stella McCartney because "you never know what boy you're going to meet" and you "have to smell good." I guess it pays to be prepared! Stephanie's final must-have item is her Blackberry for Tweeting on the go.

Stephanie loves her handbags so much, she's begun to design her own. Three of the purses she carries in the current season of The Hills are Stephanie Pratt originals. Tune in to The Hills on MTV on Tuesday nights to see them for yourself!

[Source: Us Magazine]
[Image Source: 2009 MTV Networks]

Miu Miu Bags on eBay

Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst has appeared in a New York court after her Marc Jacobs handbag was stolen. The starlet says a Manhattan mechanic stole her purse during a movie shoot at the SoHo Grand in August 2007.

"It was probably a $2, 000 purse," she said of the brown Marc Jacobs handbag. "My purse had $2,000 in it, a pair of sunglasses, my wallet with all my credit cards."

It's alleged that 35-year-old James Jimenez slipped into the penthouse suite and stole Kirsten's bag, a $13, 000 Balenciaga purse, and an iPod and camera belonging to her How to Lose Friends and Alienate People co-star Simon Pegg.

"It dawns on you slowly because, obviously, you don't want to think that happened," said British actor Simon Pegg.

Mr. Jimenez faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of burglary. An accomplice, Jarrod Beinerman, is currently serving four years after pleading guilty. Both men were spotted in the suite by a production assistant, and captured by hotel surveillance cameras.

Something tells me Mr. Jimenez will join his friend in the slammer pretty soon!

[Source: NY Daily News]
[Image Source:David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Marc Jacobs Bags on eBay

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

Get this Balenciaga Arena Giant Rope Handbag:

• Check the Trenduet Boutique eBay store to see if this Balenciaga bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Balenciaga bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Monte Carlo bag, a great alternative to this electric blue bag.
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• Other Balenciaga Arena bags on eBay(see listings below):

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The resort collections have been going on for what seems like months, and we've been scouring the runways for the best bags and hottest trends for winter 09-10. Clutches are still big: literally and figuratively. The handheld bags that remain popular aren't your typical cocktail party, fit-in-the-crook-of-your-arm fare. They're a handful. The upside is that they fit handfuls of stuff like wallets and makeup bags that we once never dreamed of stuffing into a clutch.

The Sonia Rykiel Roped-Off Clutch is a great example of the silhouettes we're seeing on runways in both clutches and shoulder bags. A sort of vintagy, squared-off shape is being shown often with large flap closures, prominent trim and oversize pockets.

The trim on the Roped-Off Clutch is, you guessed it, rope. This is actually a great trend to hop on during the summer if you don't think "resort season" this winter is actually going to take you to sunny climes. Two front pockets add a sort of geometric aesthetic and are secured under the flap.

Other designers to feature squared-off clutches and bags for Resort '10 include Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga.

[Source: Refinery29]

More Features Of The Sonia Rykiel Roped-Off Clutch

• Buckle closure
• Oversize silhouette
• Available for Resort '10

Find Rope-Detail Handbags Now

• Buy the Dooney & Bourke Signature Rope Tote in Navy at Amazon
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Nothing's as slick and stylish as patent-shine lizard leather. Balenciaga has managed to make it even chicer with shiny silver studded plate hardware on the front of their Brilliant Pouchette Bague.

Horizontal seams and a thin vertical strap flap add to the geometric look of the bag, which is modern and fresh.

Even the interior is leather, and features an open pocket and two compartments. I'm not sure how much they'll hold with the 1.5 inch depth of the clutch, but this piece really isn't about practicality, is it?

Adding to the impracticality is the price tag: $2,675. You're obviously paying for a piece of Nicholas Ghesquiere's vision for Balenciaga, not the 6 x 6.5 inch clutch. And for those who can afford this bag, I'm sure that's just fine.

More Features Of The Balenciaga Brilliant Pouchette Bague

• Double gusset
• Made in Italy

Find More Balenciaga Clutch Handbags on eBay

Also See

• Click here to find out more about the Balenciaga Brilliant Pouchette using the BagBunch Handbag Search Engine
• Click here to search for more lizard leather handbags on eBay

When luxury brand-owning company PPR is involved with a film, there are sure to be some fashion goodies released along side the project.

The company, which owns major designer brands like Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, is sponsoring the soon-to-be-released movie Home. The film highlights environmental concerns around the world and attempts to show links that connect them.

To coincide with the film's topic, PPR-owned Yves Saint Laurent has created a collection of eco-friendly organic cotton t-shirts and tote bags to sold in select boutiques near the movie's release. One t-shirt reads "Save the Planet; Save Yourself". It's not YSL's typical item, but it does complement the theme of the movie.

Considering the broad scope of brands that PPR owns, I'm sure we can expect to see more fashion designers releasing limited edition items in correlation with the film. Home is scheduled to make its worldwide debut this year on June 5.

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

Organic Cotton Handbags on eBay

Girly girls need not apply. This Givenchy Military Satchel keeps the frills to a minimum for a no fuss look.

It's big, black, and boxy. Gold studs give the black leather a dangerous air like a motorcycle jacket. But unlike Nicky Hilton's Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag, there are no tassels to soften the look.

Just like the girls who'll go gaga for it, this Givenchy bag is all about practicality. Roomy side pockets close with a triple snap. The interior is generous, but there are enough pockets to help keep things in order. A zip, slip, and cell phone pouch will take care of the clutter, leaving you free to get on with your day! The dual shoulder straps are long, flat, and wide, so they'll feel comfortable on your shoulder no matter how much you're toting.

It might be a little masculine for some, but that's exactly what fans of the Military Satchel are bound to embrace. The conservative black color ensures this satchel is equally at home carried by day or night.

More Features of This Givenchy Studded Leather Bag

• Black canvas lined interior
• Dual 19 inch shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches

Givenchy Satchels on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the A Whole Lot and a Whole Lot More store on eBay – A Givenchy Handbags Retailer
• All Givenchy bags on eBay

Goldenbleu and Chanel aren't the only ones doing it tough in the global financial crisis. Fashion lovers around the globe are counting their pennies, which can be challenging with so many luxury lines releasing their new season purses! Don't they know how hard it is to resist?

The new style and fashion site madberries wants to make things a little easier, so they're offering their readers some fantastic free handbags.

The prizes include some of our current faves, including the See by Chloe Strappy Shoulder Bag and the Nine West Great Find medium-sized hobo. There are also beautiful handbags by Cole Haan, J.J. Winters, and Hayden-Harnett. Add a Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, Balenciaga sunglasses, and Minnetonka fringed boots and you could have a whole new look!

To enter just head to madberries, choose the prize you want to win, and leave your details. These giveaways are bound to be popular so we can't promise you'll walk away with that dream purse, but you've got as much chance as anyone else! Good luck BagBunch readers!

[Source: madberries]

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• Win a Coach Bag & Wallet (U.S Only)
• Win another Free Coach Handbag & Wallet (U.S Only)

Photo of Sarah Michelle Gellar via Celebutopia

Sarah Michelle Gellar has a fantastic eye for designer bags. She was recently spotted at an airport with her charming husband sporting one of the most fantastic handbags ever made. Of course I'm referring to the Balenciaga Work bag.

This fabulous carry-all is made from the yummiest lambskin leather (it is impossible to find leather as good as what you get with Balenciaga bags), and at 18 x 12 x 6 is roomy enough to use as an everyday bag or travel tote.

The Work doesn't come with a detachable shoulder strap like its' smaller sisters the City and First (a pity in my opinion), but its' surprisingly lightweight unless you pile in the junk like I do. If you're on the thin side, you'll certainly be able to sport this bag on the shoulder.

Unfortunately, I was never able to get the handles over my chubby upper arms. I have since parted with my beloved Work in lilac, and I miss her terribly. This bag is still a wonderful investment if only for the fact that it'll last forever. You can buye Sarah's sky blue version (I have the City in this color) or choose from eight other options including the "must-have" color for this spring - navy.

• Balenciaga Work Bag - $1595 via Balenciaga's website

(Via SenoraCartera: Celebrity Style: Sarah Michelle Gellar and the Balenciaga Work Bag)

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Balenciaga Work Bags on eBay