An expensive bag and luxury brand-name are all well and good, but that doesn't always mean that you will end up with an elegant and sophisticated purse. This over-decorated and dramatic evening bag from huge fashion-house D&G is a perfect case-in-point.

This individual key words for this bag paint a luxurious picture. The detailed and delicate beaded exterior, with its sparkling diamante layer. The soft deep-black tassel key charm, and the folded scrunched black satin fabric. Together, however, that spark of brilliance is missing.

Instead of heavenly, the actual finished result is a little over-the-top and a bit too much. I think the gold keyhole clasp clashes with the lighter silver diamante, and this in particular makes this very expensive luxury evening bag seem somewhat cheaper than it really is.

Slightly questionable looks aside, the bag is elegant and pricey. It may not be to my tastes, but that dramatic style may just be your cup of tea.

More Features of this Beaded Dolce & Gabbana Clutch

• Also available in a ruby red shade
• Leather sole and trim
• Luxury satin exterior
• Crystal diamante decorations

Get this Decorative D&G Purse:

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Well, I won't call these new minaudieres a completely unexpected look for Judith Leiber, the designer who has created bags in such strange shapes as parrots, dolphins, and peacocks. However, the teaming up of Leiber with Breeders' Cup, an organization that hosts championship horseracing events, is still just slightly random to me.

Leiber has joined with Breeders' Cup to give horseracing fanatics the chance to see the designs on their racing silks transformed into a crystal-studded handbag. Interesting collaboration aside, though, I'm actually really liking the direction that these new bags are taking. There's a lot of opportunity for some stunning looks.

Each Custom Silks minaudiere begins with an artist hand-painting the racing pattern onto the box followed by the intricate and meticulous addition of crystals over the design. The result, like just about any of Judith Leiber's bags, is quite stunning.

If you don't want a custom minaudiere, a hand-beaded minaudiere displaying the Breeders' Cup's signature logo is also available. The signature bag is available to purchase for $2,295, while the custom silks minaudieres range from $6,300 to $12,000. Now that's some serious dedication to the love of horseracing.

[Source: Elle]
[Image: Judith Leiber]

Judith Leiber Handbags on eBay

This glitzy D&G Vlada Clutch is practically begging for a glamorous winter party to attend. I cannot even look at this handbag without mentally pairing it with a fabulous cocktail dress, which is surely what Dolce & Gabbana had in mind. I'm guessing I am not the only one.

Only in a handful of social circles would a $1,475 special occasion accessory that you carry once or twice a year be considered a budget buy. For the rest of us, maybe we can categorize this one as a long-term fashion investment. A D&G bag isn't going to fall apart on you any time soon when taken care of well. While it might be a little trendy, this Dolce & Gabbana Vlada design is one that I can imagine continuing to be considered stylish for years and then vintage chic later on.

Though the majority of the clutch is a solid, gorgeous deep red satin, the front flap is covered with a veritable galaxy of shimmering jewels. It's the kind of feature that will sparkle in certain lighting and look absolutely stunning.

The keyhole-shaped closure is a clever twist-lock contraption that adds a whimsical touch to this fancy clutch. Although the Vlada bag comes in an equally elegant black, it's this ruby red color that I consider the prettier, more unexpected option.

More Features of the D&G Vlada Clutch

• Measures 12.5 x 9 x 5 inches
• Optional strap with 19 inch drop
• Twist-lock closure
• Satin body with jewel detail

Get this D&G Dolce & Gabbana Vlada Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

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Unless you told me that this was a La Regale handbag, I'd never have known. The brand normally favors minimalist, classic designs, but this vintage purse offers something else!

Traditional embroidery works with glitzy colored beads and sequins to create this tapestry design. The floral motif reminds me of the kind of pattern you might spot on a cushion in your grandmother's sitting room. That does make it authentically vintage I suppose, but I prefer my old-world fashions to be a little more rooted in modern styles. This busy design looks a little stodgy to me.

The antique appearance is only emphasized by the colored beads which form the dual handles. If it was your cup of Earl Grey, I suppose you'll like the extra splash of vintage. For me it's simply too much, not to mention a little impractical.

If you've fallen for the look, the interior isn't likely to change your mind. The satiny lining is lush, and the handy pocket for cards and cash is a little more than we might expect in an evening bag. You'll also find enough space for your lipstick, and a compact for powdering your nose!

I worry about beads and sequins going astray in time, but at least this La Regale evening purse won't break the bank. At $80 retail, this La Regale offers something a little different for vintage fashion fans.

More Features of This La Regale Antique Bag

• Magnetic closure
• Dual 17 inch handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 6.75 x 6.75 inches

Get this La Regale Tapestry Handbag:

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

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• Check the Ruby Jewels Gowns eBay store to see if this La Regale bag is in stock
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This is the second in a series of articles introducing you to the vintage styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. This week we discuss the elegant 1930s, the birthplace of not only the bias cut dress and sexy halterneck, but also a conservative era influenced by the terrible great depression.

The 1930s fashion reflected the hard economic times by moving away from the 1920s carefree attitude and replacing the daring, short beaded designs with stricter more conservative attire. Long satin gowns sweeping the floor were hugely popular, and women around the globe did their very best to make life feel luxurious by wearing furs and feathers wherever possible.

Avoiding over-decoration and opting for art deco touches, crocodile print or satin purses will instantly keep you in the 1930s vintage vibe. Putting a whole 1930s look together actually keeps in the same vein; choose bias cut dresses that fall to the floor, or cute clinched skirt suits with a tiny waist and chunky buttons. Use these outfits as your 1930s handbag inspiration; smart suits need chestnut crocodile print and bakelite, whilst satin dresses call for satin bags with diamante touches.

So what are the best 1930s inspired handbags around?

Unusual Pleated Satin Clutch in White

1930s-esque Satin Pleated Clutch

Bringing a thoroughly 21st Century twist to an elegant 1930s art deco design, this pleated satin clutch is great for a blushing bride or to accompany you to a luxurious winter party. The sculpted shape with the angular shadows will work brilliantly as a focal point with a long simple satin dress.

• This 1930's elegant satin clutch is available to buy on Amazon

Simple Art Deco Satin Purse in Black

Satin Framed Art Deco Purse

Keeping it elegant and simple is a major part of 1930s fashion. They did still like beading, but satin was the big discovery of the decade and produced some beautiful lines without need for embellishment. The metal frame of this art deco clutch really completes the simple 1930s vibe.

• This 1930's black satin purse is available to buy on Amazon

Italian Leather Crocodile Clutch in Black and Gold

Classy 1930s Crocodile Clutch

Finally we hit on one of the most popular and enduring trends in 1930s fashion handbags. Crocodile skin or print graced the leather of both smart day purses and satchels, and the smaller more delicate high sheen clutches for the evenings. This one is a beautiful example for smart lunches or parties.

• This gold accented crocodile clutch is available to buy on Amazon

What else to wear?

To pull off the real vintage 1930s look, team your sexy bag with an elegant suit, broad shouldered and tiny at the waist. Alternatively, choose to drape your dress across the floor and accessorize with cute evening gloves.

You may also be interested in:

• More satin clutches on Bagbunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Eros Clutch, a great alternative to these 1930s bags
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VINTAGE 30s Clutch Brown Gold Handbag Deco WWII Purse US $81.05   0 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 10h 25m Make it yours...

3 Vintage Crochet 30s 40s Purse Handbag Lucite Handle US $9.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 3d 15h 29m Make it yours...

1930s 60s CROCHET KNIT PATTERNS DRESS HAT HANDBAG ETC US $5.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 3d 16h 53m Make it yours...

Vintage Green Velvet Muff Purse Evening Handbag 30s 40s US $65.00   Auction Ends: 4d 16h 27m Make it yours...

VTG 30S 40S WWII ODD SHAPED GREEN SNAKE PURSE HANDBAG US $24.99   Auction Ends: 6d 20h 46m Make it yours...

Super Vintage Deco 1920 30s Flapper Needlework Handbag US $8.24   0 Bid Auction Ends: 8d 15h 6m Make it yours...

Isaac Mizrahi's show at the recent New York Fashion Week was quite a production. The designer with a personality as fun and crazy as his schedule brought a little of his quirkiness to the runway.

Mizrahi's new styles floated and flounced down the catwalk through an elaborate set involving two staircases, a platform, and even a little rain. The collection was reportedly inspired by "Fred Astaire, Anime, and 'The Obstacle Course to Glamour'."

Though the romantic silk and beaded paisley dresses were impressive, the accessories of the show were the real standouts. The belted shoes, flat-brimmed hats, and variety of handbags stole the show for me.

The common theme for bags was structure and more structure. The vintage-looking luggage cases and briefcase styles definitely had some Fred Astaire flair. Paired with the flat-brimmed hats, all that was missing was a cane. A few even looked like they might be holding a musical instrument.

The style was very specific and probably not up everyone's fashion alley, but I'm at least glad to see something different on the runway. No one can ever accuse Isaac Mizrahi of not being original. See looks from the designer's runway show here.

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Splendicity]

Isaac Mizrahi Handbags on eBay

This is the first in a series of articles introducing you to the vintages styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. To begin with, the brilliant era of life-changing politics and dramatic prohibition that produced flapper girls - the fabulous 1920s.

The 1920's, especially from 1925 onwards, were known as the "roaring 20s", and as such is characterized by the Charleston, evenings spent dancing despite the alcohol prohibition, and women rebelling against repression. There probably were day bags, but the real prized possessions to accompany complex flapper dresses and elegant feather boas were the delicate beaded art deco evening bags.
Read the rest of this entry »

Jessica Jensen has given a lift to the traditional tote with the Patience.

The geometric, flared shape is classic tote, designed for sophistication and everyday elegance. But Jessica Jensen couldn't let this bag blend into the background, so she's added rows and rows of tiny wooden beads to the front panel. From a distance I love the look, but up close I'm just not sure. The beads look a little kitschy against that lush rose lambskin.

With so many beads on the front, the back looks underdone with just a slip pocket. It's disappointing to see the flair confined to the front. Who wants to check which side is showing before they step out? I'd much rather grab and go! I suppose the pared-down back saves production costs, but at $858 I think we've already paid for the extra beads and labor!

What I enjoy most about Jessica Jensen is that the luxury isn't confined to the outside. It's incredibly satisfying to reach inside one of her bags and stroke the soft suede lining. The space too is luxurious, with plenty of room for the day-to-day essentials and creature comforts. There are two slip pockets for modern gadgets, a zippered pocket for change and other valuables, and a keychain too.

With room to spare and its chic design, the Patience tote is one of those rare bags which can easily make the transition from day to night.

More Features of This Jessica Jensen Beaded Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 18 x 7.5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag
• Made in the United States of America

Get this Jessica Jensen Patience Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited quantities)
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• The Jessica Jensen website
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When it comes to Global Elements, you never know quite what you're going to get. The label loves to frock up, but it can just as easily keep things casual with bags like this cute Beaded Flower Tote.

While its name suggests springtime blooms, there's just one beaded flower on the bag. Instead, the design is dominated with large leaves. One big leaf appears like a flame leaping across the bag. Just like the flower, it gets its color from thousands of tiny little beads. The other leaves are much subtler, their white beaded outlines providing a silhouette against the black backdrop. This tote has a busy look, with beaded tassels and colored handles completing the vibrant design.

The brightly colored lining matches the handles and flowers. This is a medium sized tote, so it should fit the things you need without tempting you to take extras. That may disappoint fans of the oversized fad, but it's also refreshing not to be weighed down. The lightweight fabric helps that, as do the long shoulder straps. My only criticism is the tie closure. It might be whimsical with its tasseled end, but it's not as secure as a zip or magnetic snap. It's also bound to become annoying before long.

It's not red carpet ready, but at $80 this Global Elements bag is a fun accessory for everyday outings.

More Features of This Global Elements Flower Tote

• A zip pocket and two slide pockets inside
• Four protective feet on base
• Measures 13.7 x 3.2 x 11.7 inches

Get this Global Elements Beaded Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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If you're traveling light, there are few options as convenient as a wristlet. They keep your hands free, and won't weigh you down like a regular handbag can.

This beaded purse from Global Elements is a fun option. The exterior is covered in thousands of teeny-tiny beads. The basic black backdrop helps emphasize the colored spots. Unlike many multi-colored purses, the dots here are fairly mellow in hues like green, gray, and brown. Even the red spots aren't blinding, particularly when paired with the other sedate shades. That makes the design seem a little more mature than many spotted purses.

If all those colors are still a little busy for your tastes, you could consider one of the single tone purses. Green and silver are grown-up options, while pink is pretty and playful.

While the beaded exterior is elaborate, inside this wristlet is a lot simpler. It's lined in plain black fabric, and there are no pouches or pockets. A zipper helps to keep all your bits and pieces safely inside.

As you might expect for its size and materials, this cute wristlet is cheap and cheerful at $28.

More Features of This Global Elements Spotted Wristlet

• A wristlet strap with a 7 inch loop
• Measures 7 x 0.5 x 3.5 inches

Get this Global Elements Beaded Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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