Whiting & Davis Lizzy Clutch | Metal Mesh and Lizard Embossed Leather Bag

Posted on: Nov 20

This Whiting & Davis design is truly a unique find. With its combination of texture, material, and vibrant color, the Lizzy Clutch makes for one fun, little evening bag.

The overall silhouette is fairly typical for a clutch. However, the structured and geometric v-shaped closure and bottom panel that meet in the middle combined with slightly gathered panels on the sides provides an interesting contrast.

It's the use of material that makes the Lizzy stand out, though. The sides are constructed with Whiting & Davis' signature metal mesh that gives the brand its undeniable vintage vibe. When that mesh meets up with lizard-embossed leather, however, the design takes on an appealing contemporary twist.

You can get the Lizzy Clutch in a neutral silvery gray, but the turquoise and hot pink choices definitely have more personality and really set of the contrasting textures. Plus, the pop of color is right on trend for cocktail parties and other dressy events this season. This Whiting & Davis handbag retails for $150.

More Features of the Lizzy Clutch

  • Measures 10.5 x 5.75 x 9 inches
  • Flap with snap closure
  • Optional chain strap

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Carlos Falchi for Target Satchel | Affordable Large Green Faux Snakeskin Bag

Posted on: Nov 20

Carlos Falchi has captured his signature style for less with this satchel, part of his capsule collection for department store Target.

Of course, to make this purse so affordable there are compromises made. There's not a hint of genuine python in the snakeskin collage body. The glossy finish probably gives that away, but by keeping the colors dark the design doesn't look quite as tacky as it could have. The combination of black, forest green, and charcoal gray PVC is striking and ideal for winter weather. And let's not forget, while real leather shows stains quickly PVC simply wipes clean.

The interior has a much lighter look with its colorful fabric lining. I love the way the Target logo is subtly incorporated into the whimsical printed polyester. The generous space is organized better than most bags in this price bracket, with a cell phone slip, zip pocket, a sunglasses pouch and a key ring holder. You'll also find another zippered pocket on the outside of the bag, just in case you were running out of storage options!

The shape isn't very inspired and the fabrics not very luxurious, but this satchel definitely has the Carlos Falchi stamp. And for just $50, it's an affordable alternative to the designer's high-end accessories.

More Features of This Carlos Falchi for Target Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap
  • Measures 14 x 4 x 15 inches

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Burberry’s Future Focuses on Handbags and Shoes

Posted on: Nov 20

Burberry plans to shift its focus to handbags and shoes in the face of the financial crisis.

The British brand reported lower pre-tax profits this year, mainly due to falling apparel sales. However, there is a silver lining, with profits up for leather goods, casual handbags, and shoes.

"One of the highlights is that handbags represent half of the non-apparel business. We can now say we have two solid backbone businesses - handbags and outerwear," chief executive of Burberry Angela Ahrendts told the Telegraph.

While I'm partial to a Burberry trenchcoat, I don't mind the British label's new direction one bit. Hopefully this will lead to a little more innovation from the Burberry brand, which can only be a good thing. I've seen potential in styles like the Lizzie, but with more focus on handbag design perhaps we can see some accessories that are even more fashion forward.

[Source: The Secret Sales Blog]
[Image Source: Colros/Flickr]

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Chanel Creates Limited Edition 2.55 Handbag for Boutique Opening in Melbourne

Posted on: Nov 19

Among its architectural masterpieces and other urban attractions, Melbourne, Australia also boasts the largest shopping center in the Southern Hemisphere. Chadstone, or rather "Chaddy" as it is sometimes referred to by locals, is home to a various collection of shops that ranges from Target to Tiffany's.

The luxury fashion precinct of Chadstone is actually a new addition, though. The elegant boutique section includes Burberry, Gucci, Coach, Chanel, and more with other major labels rumored to move in soon.

Chanel celebrated the opening by releasing an exclusive 2.55 quilted lambskin bag, which contains a special plaque inside to commemorate the launch.

“It was created by Karl Lagerfeld exclusively for the launch of our new boutique at Chadstone, which opened on Wednesday,” Susie Stenmark from Chanel Australia tells us.

You'll have to be in Australia to get your hands on one, though. This limited edition handbag is only available at the label's store at Chadstone.

[Source: Sassy Bella]

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tate | Sturdy Tote Bag with Logo Stitching

Posted on: Nov 19

I'm fairly certain that the words "pretty" and "nylon" don't go together all that often when it comes to high fashion, but evidently Marc Jacobs is attempting to change that with the Pretty Nylon Tate collection from his trendy designer line Marc by Marc Jacobs.

It's by no means the first time a designer brand has utilized nylon for a handbag. Even Kate Spade has gotten in on the action with her Coney Island Stevie Satchel. This use of the sturdy material on the Tate, however, is not particularly compelling to me despite its popular label.

The Pretty Nylon Tate is indeed made from durable, easy-to-take-care of nylon and could be called cute, in my opinion; but I'm just not completely sold on the pretty part. It's certainly not unattractive, but it's no Loopy Bow Pouchette or other feminine Marc by Marc Jacobs design.

On the other hand, I like the unique logo topstitching that covers the tote but doesn't stand out too much. It's just enough to add a little something to the simple design. The knotted handle rings are a nice touch as well. In addition to the practical material, the Pretty Nylon Tate has convenient double side pockets on the exterior as well as a very roomy lined interior for carrying around tons of stuff.

More Features of the Pretty Nylon Tate

  • Measures 21.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
  • Magnetic closure
  • Signature logo topstitching

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Moschino Vernice Luce Tote | Luxury Designer Patent Shoulder Bga

Posted on: Nov 19

When you can get $4k off a bag in a sale, and it can still cost over $3k, you know that you have a really expensive bag. No surprise then that this sophisticated, yet understated, patent purse is from handbag icon, Moschino.

If you are a designer handbag addict who loves having a good name and reputation on her arm, then Moschino may well be the most dreamworthy name on your lips. Owning a bag like this is narrowed to only a few people with limited production lines, so you know that you have that exclusivity and are unlikely to bump into anyone wearing the same one.

The Vernice Luce shoulder bag is a great and smart day-to-day bag, perfect for office work as well as carrying folders and business plans. Equally, the patent leather dresses it up for nightfall, as does the cute heart clasp. You also pay for luxury, and this unusual shade will allow you to stand out from the crowd with the rich glossy color.

Of course, all these upsides are very well and good, but nothing other than the name is going to make a bag this expensive. Sure the leather is gorgeous and the satchel-esque doctors bag shape divine, but you could find this in another cheaper designer brand. This is a status symbol, even if the handles are a little too short, and as such should be treated accordingly!

More Features of this Luxury Moschino Shoulder Bag

  • Duel handles with gathered attachment
  • Heart twist lock clasp
  • Patent leather
  • Compartment in the interior

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Bulgari Dalia Shoulder Bag | Elegant Hobo Style Calf Leather Purse

Posted on: Nov 19

Bulgari's Dalia bag has been spotted on the arms of Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, and Frieda Pinto. But it's not hard to see why. The relaxed hobo-like slouch of buttery soft leather combines with the simple, sophisticated design makes this Bulgari purse the ideal day-to-night accessory.

This is one bag that gives us options, although none of them are exactly cheap. This ebony calf leather Dalia is one of the most affordable at $2100. If your budget can stretch further you may consider the Dalia in buffalo leather or even python. Our alternatives aren't limited to fabrics either, with Bulgari releasing many different colors of this celebrity favorite.

I love the Dalia's sexy curves and soft, sensual pleats. The hardware is kept to a minimum; small buckles on the side and the logo embossed double ring in the center give a flash of metallic gleam while keeping the bag's classic looks intact.

This is an enormous bag, make no mistake, but as it doesn't dwarf the frame of its celebrity fans us mere mortals should be able to handle it. I'd have appreciated more than a the tiny zippered pocket and cell phone slip to keep such a large space organized, but I think carrying such a delicious piece of arm candy would be worth the extra effort!

More Features of This Bulgari’s Leather Shoulder Bag

  • Magnetic closure
  • Measures 22.8 x 19.3 x 9.8 inches

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Christie’s Auction House to Launch “Gucci Collector” Website for Vintage Item Appraisals

Posted on: Nov 18

Gucci has always been vigilant to crack down on counterfeiting and trademark infringement, but now they're taking a new angle on brand protection. This time, however, they aren't fighting the fight alone.

Legendary auction house Christie's is teaming up with the luxury brand to provide a "trusted venue for transactions of vintage Gucci items," according to Gucci's chief executive Patrizio di Marco who was quoted in a recent New York Times article. By the end of this year, Christie's will have a section on their website solely dedicated to helping appraisals of vintage Gucci goods.

The "Gucci Collector" section of the site will allow users to upload images of their items, which will then be evaluated and appraised by a bonafide Gucci archivist.

"I feel it is a noble, appropriate and modern way to provide access to original Gucci vintage products to a relevant and well-targeted audience," said Mr. di Marco.

[Source: NY Times]
[Image: Qiao-Da-Ye/Flickr]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

NEW AUTH GUCCI D RING GUCCISSIMA BRWN LEATHER HOBO BAG NEW AUTH GUCCI D RING GUCCISSIMA BRWN LEATHER HOBO BAG
US $539.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 16m
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Gucci Handbag Gucci Handbag
US $250.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 49m
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GOLD GUCCI TOTE GOLD GUCCI TOTE
US $275.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 56m
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B. Makowsky Brasilia E/W Satchel | Croc-Embossed Leather Handbag with Front Pocket

Posted on: Nov 18

Embossed leather is the way to go when you want the look of exotic material without the price tag. Whether using the technique on real leather or manmade material, brands have caught on to the popular trend, and embossed bags of crocodile, ostrich, snakeskin, and more are flooding in.

There are two things about this croc-embossed Brasilia satchel from B. Makowsky that set it apart from some other embossed bag candidates. First, the leather is real and soft, which is a signature of the label but not always the case with other brands. Second, the crocodile texture is somewhat subtle and spread out instead of compact and busy like some embossing.

These two factors, when combined with the Brasilia's other attractive qualities, make for a very decent handbag style. I wouldn't call it a simple design due to the other design features, such as the top corner panels, buckled details, and half-moon front zippered pocket. However, the details together somehow don't overwhelm the style but rather come together in a very appealing way.

The Brasilia is available in this E/W satchel shape as well as a smaller satchel and N/S shopper. This light "vachetta" brown is a nice, neutral choice as are the dark brown and black options, but the deep blue "pacific" color is both pretty and unexpected. This B. Makowsky satchel retails for $278.

More Features of the Brasilia E/W Satchel

  • Measures 16.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches
  • Double handles with 10 inch drop
  • Zip top closure
  • Coin pocket on back
  • Signature leopard-print lining

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B MAKOWSKY BLACK CROCO BRASILIA E W SATCHEL NWTS B MAKOWSKY BLACK CROCO BRASILIA E W SATCHEL NWTS
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B MAKOWSKY Gorgeous Vachetta BRASILIA E W Bag NWT B MAKOWSKY Gorgeous Vachetta BRASILIA E W Bag NWT
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Bulga Misa Hobo Bag | Medium Silver Snakeskin Purse with Pockets

Posted on: Nov 18

Bulga delivers a glitzy glamourpuss of a purse in the Misa hobo.

While it's called a hobo, it doesn't have the crescent shape or boho feel we associate with these type of bags. Sure it's slouchy, but so are a lot of purses. In fact, the Misa bears a striking resemblance to the De Beber satchel! But while the De Beber is smart and sensible, the Misa is a party animal. Snakeskin is never a shy print, and the shiny silver color only adds to the effect. It's safe to say this will be too loud for many, but it's still bound to have its admirers.

The thing I love most about the Misa is that, unlike many other showy bags, it doesn't forget about the practical perks. Two round zippered pouches sit side by side, giving the purse that motorcycle feel it shares with the De Beber. The addition of pockets to that loud fabric could easily have become confused, but by keeping the satchel's shape simple and the embellishments at bay it works well.

The zippered entry with its braided pull opens to reveal a space which is generous, but not overwhelming. It may have been considered large once upon a time, but today it's probably regarded as medium. Whatever the case, it's big enough to carry your daily must-haves without weighing you down. That's a good thing too, because the stiff too-short straps don't make carrying easy.

If you're a disco queen this glittering hobo may be right up your alley.

More Features of This Bulga Snakeskin Hobo

  • Printed plainweave fabric lining
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 3.25 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 11 inches
  • Made in the United States

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