Devi Kroell might have a Target diffusion line under her belt, but her newest venture is a far cry from her affordable line of handbags featured in the budget-conscious store. This New York-based designer is moving up in the retail world ... specifically to a new flagship boutique in Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side.

Since her first collection debuted in 2004, Kroell has been gaining momentum as well as more than a handful of celebrity fans. Fashionistas like Ashley Olsen, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna have carried her luxurious designs, and even Gossip Girl has caught the Kroell fever.

The award-winning designer has earned her spot on New York City's Madison Avenue, and the real estate couldn't be more impressive. Exotic skin handbags, jeweled clutches, gorgeous shoes, and other items are impeccably displayed in the two-story flagship store.

"I wanted to create an airy, secluded space where shoppers could have a serene experience and take in the pieces at their own pace," the designer says.

Hopefully this is one fashion brand whose sales and success will continue to rise rather than dip into dangerous territory necessitating layoffs and store closings. Be sure to check out the new boutique at 717 Madison Avenue next time you're in the Big Apple.

[Source: Style List]

Devi Kroell Handbags on eBay

Devi Kroell is the undisputed queen of the exotic. Her designs may not please PETA, but they're a favorite amongst fashion fans. It's not very politically correct, but it's hard to resist the charms of this Roman handbag.

The slouchy shape and casual styling is fairly traditional and tame. That allows the shiny snakeskin to take center stage. Each bag is painted by hand to ensure the colors are vibrant and long lasting. I love the rich, royal appearance of purple python, but it’s not for everyone. Thankfully the Roman is available in a range of colors in both python and eelskin.

We've also got some choices with the sizing. This large purse is on-trend, and ideal for making the transition from day to night. But if you're looking for something smaller, or less expensive, the Roman is also available in medium.

Girls downsizing don't miss out on the practical perks. Both sizes feature python leather cell pockets and iPod pouches. I'd appreciate a few more compartments, but when a bag looks so lovely I'm willing to forgive its shortcomings.

The bottom line is the price. Given that it's genuine hand-painted python leather, I know you're not expecting it to be cheap. $2,790 will never be considered small change, but it's not as daunting as I'd imagined!

More Features of This Devi Kroell Python Purse

• A hidden magnetic closure
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 23 x 13 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Devi Kroell Roman Handbag:

• Available to buy at Devi Kroell
• Check The Designer Insider eBay store to see if this Devi Kroell bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Devi Kroell bags on BagBunch
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If you are looking for a classic look with a modern origami handbag twist, Chocolate may have produced a pretty and surprisingly affordable option.

This folded tote isn't cheap as chips, but it only costs $131 and looks pretty high end. The fashionable origami shape is a particular favorite of mine, and tends to look similar whether you pay $100 or $1000! The colors too, muted tones perfect for the cool winter days, are classy and mature. If you want a spacious tote that will suit the evenings, why not try the gunmetal shade?

The handles are a little short for such a chunky hold-all, meaning that it will be a little uncomfortable when fully loaded. It should still hold some weight, but this tote by Chocolate won't be the most elegant bag around when full, unless you use the less than sexy long handle.

Inside the brown lining is sophisticated, yet somehow ugly. This pleated handbag will look great for a good few seasons to come, as long as no-one looks inside!

More Features of this Chocolate Larkspur Tote

• Optional long handle
• Pleated detailing
• Synthetic leather
• Rolled handles

Get this Pleated Origami Purse:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More origami bags on Bagbunch
• The Devi Kroell Accordian shoulder bag, a great alternative to this spacious bag
• Searching for more origami bags on eBay
• Other origami bags on eBay:

Well, it's not quite the CFDA Fashion Awards with such big names as Louis Vuitton and Alexander Wang. However, the Independent Handbag Designer Awards is an honor (not to mention free advertising) to all of the hard-working finalists involved.

I was more than impressed after perusing the finalist page on HandbagDesigner101.com to vote on some of the categories. Well, it looks like a few of the purses that caught my eye grabbed the attention of the judges, too.

Some of the winners include Alice Tapajos for Zibba in the Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design category as well as familiar name Adriana Castro for Audience Fan Favorite. You might recognize Castro's name from a recent Purse Blog and Luxaholics giveaway involving exotic leather bags.

In a short interview with HandbagDesigner101, Castro named fellow designer Carlos Falchi as inspiration. Interestingly, Falchi was among the judges on the panel presiding over the event. Also among the group was Devi Kroell.

Click here to see the full list of IHDA 2009 winners.

[Source: HandbagDesigner101]

Carlos Falchi Handbags on eBay

Devi Kroell offers up the best of both worlds with its Accordian bag.

At its smallest, the Accordian is a cute box purse. Fans of the oversized trend may feel they need to scale back to carry it compact, but most of us will see this as a manageable day purse. But the Accordion doesn't forget the packhorses. The top handle comes with a spring hinge, which helps the bag expand to nearly twice its original size.

This feature may be functional, but it's a shame the rest of the purse doesn't support it. The single strap is fine when traveling light, but it's a different story when the handbag is filled to capacity. It may have the space you need, but you still might want to rethink carrying the Accordian on those long days at the mall.

The Accordian comes in this gorgeous nappa leather or more exotic, and expensive, fabrics like origami eel and sea snake skins.

More Features of This Devi Kroell Accordian Handbag

• Hard frame closure
• Measures 11.5 x 8 x 5.25 when compact

Expandable Handbags on eBay

Also See

• All Devi Kroell bags on eBay

They might have more money than the rest of us, but even Hollywood style icons are tightening their designer belts in the financial crisis. Some of my favorite starlets shared their budget style tips at the recent New York Fashion Week.

Michelle Trachtenberg keeps her quirky style image by mixing pieces from budget retailers H&M and Target into her wardrobe. With designers like Hayden-Harnett and Devi Kroell creating cute accessories for Target, Michelle says even her teen fans can afford to follow her style.

"I have always kept in mind that my fans are teenagers and they don’t have a lot of money to spend. They like to get looks for less," she explained

Spending less is nothing new for 90210 star Jessica Stroup, who says she's "always been a bit frugal." She recommends looking out for sales and reinventing her old pieces. After all, yesterday's It bag is today's vintage statement!

Even heiress Nicky Hilton is getting more financially savvy.

"I'm being smarter about my spending. I'm not going into stores and buying anything. I am buying more pieces instead of just a bunch of clothes," she explained.

Gee, when Nicky Hilton becomes a spendthrift I think we all know times are tough!

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: WatchWithKristin/Flickr]

Designers for Target Handbags on eBay

The fashion-following editors at New York Magazine recently gave us a compact version of the recent bag trends seen on the runway at the Big Apple's Fashion Week. Their quick slideshow highlights some of our favorite designers and gives fashionistas a peek at what's to come for handbags.

Expect more big bags in the future as this is one style that just won't be shrugged off. I suppose too many consumers have enjoyed their ample storage space for designers to not discontinue their oversized styles. NY Fashion Week also brought on a rush of various textured and brightly patterned handbags that I, for one, can't wait to see more of in stores.

Looking for an chic way to tote around that pricey laptop you've got? Designers like Devi Kroell are filling a void of computer-carrying bags made of materials like croco-leather instead of nylon and canvas.

Check out NY Mag's full slideshow highlighting other handbag-designing royalty including Alexander Wang, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: vanberto/Flickr]

Donna Karan Handbags on eBay

Target's designer collaborations have resulted in some of the sexiest budget-friendly accessories I've seen. Devi Kroell's collection continued the tradition with this chic pochette.

The polyurethane fabric has a rich snakeskin-like texture. It gives the pochette a sophisticated finish which looks much more expensive than the $19.99 retail value. The colors may not replicate real snakeskin, but they're undeniably glamorous. Choose from silver, anthracite, bronze, and a subdued light gold.

A metal zip opens to reveal an interior that offers more features than you'd expect. Like most pochettes, it's quite small, but several slip pockets are on hand to ensure the tiny interior never gets too cluttered. While space is compromised, style isn't. The satin lining offers a surprising touch of luxury.

The slight stature makes it ideal for tucking underneath your arm, but that doesn't mean you'll want to carry it around all night. The removable strap gives party girls a hands-free option, perfect for those long nights spent on the dancefloor!

More Features of This Devi Kroell Metallic Purse

• Measures 8.5 x 4.75 inches

Devi Kroell Python Purses on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Definitelycollectibles1993 store on eBay – A Devi Kroell Handbags Retailer
• All Devi Kroell bags on eBay

Devi Kroell's for Target line encouraged us to get our hands on a designer purse for less. They quickly sold out in stores, but you can still nab one of these beautiful bargains on eBay.

One of my favorite is the oh-so-glam gold clutch. With a retail value of a mere $30, you might guess that the finish is faux snakeskin. But no one else will! This golden scaly fabric is so convincing, not even your closest friends will realize it’s not the genuine article.

This luxurious looking body is offset by a stunning jeweled clasp. Again, $30 doesn’t buy diamonds but the glittering rhinestones are almost as much fun. There isn’t a lot of space to spare inside, but the zippered pocket does help you keep the items you can carry organized.

The shoulder strap is so thin that I know it won’t feel good on your shoulder. This purse plus a strapless dress is a recipe for disaster. Tuck it away and carry this clutch in your hand unless you want tell-tale red marks on your shoulder!

More Features of This Devi Kroell for Target Bag

• Beige satin lined interior
• Measures 9 x 3.75 inches

Devi Kroell Python Purses on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Definitelycollectibles1993 store on eBay – A Devi Kroell Handbags Retailer
• All Devi Kroell bags on eBay

These sexy shoppers were snapped up when they were released as part of Target's New Luxury Collection. And it's not hard to see why! It's not every day that average girls can afford beautiful bags by award-winning designer Devi Kroell!

This spacious tote adds a sense of occasion to your regular shopping trip or a say out at the mall. The deep charcoal fabric is so durable you never have to worry about overloading this handbag. That should make it a little harder to resist a shopping spree! The gray material has a subtle sheen which looks amazing in the summer sun. Wide faux snakeskin straps look just as exotic as the real thing, and feel heavenly on your shoulder.

While this purse looks pretty, it's much more than just a fashion statement. The open top gives you easy access to the generous interior. There are also plenty of inner pockets to keep all your new purchases organized.

You won't find any of these left on the department store shelves, making eBay your best option if you want to score one of these exclusive shoppers.

More Features of This Devi Kroell Designer Shopper Bag

• Contrast piping
• Dual shoulder straps with metal accents
• Measures 14 x 12 x 4 inches

Devi Kroell for Target Bags on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Doty Enterprises store on eBay – A Devi Kroell Handbags Retailer
• All Devi Kroell bags on eBay