Big Buddha Mia Handbag | Affordable Synthetic Snakeskin Rose Bag

Posted on: Nov 17

In the tradition of Valentino's Rose handbags comes this more affordable, yet far less luxurious, Big Buddha Mia bag.

If your budget can stretch, I'd pass this one over for the Valentino alternative. While the rose is just as flirty and feminine, the stiff synthetic doesn't fall as softly as an authentic leather would. The snakeskin finish is also a little too garish for this already heavily decorated look. While the colors are sedate, a plain fabric would have made the large ruffled flower appear a little more elegant.

But it's not all bad news. The traditional domed satchel shape maximizes the space available, while pockets inside and out help your belongings stay organized. The curved carrying handles are cute, but they'd be a little awkward to use once your satchel's loaded up. That’s when the longer strap comes into play, allowing you to sling the Mia over your shoulder or across your entire body.

I may prefer the similar Valentino purse, but not everyone can afford to drop a few thousand dollars on a satchel. At just $85 the Mia does a fairly credible impersonation of the more expensive accessory.

More Features of This Big Buddha Rose Handbag

  • Top zip entry
  • Fabric lined interior
  • An interior zip pocket, slide pocket, and cell phone pocket
  • An exterior zip pocket
  • Measures 15 x 5 x 5 inches

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Madonna New Face of Dolce & Gabbana Summer/Spring 2010 Advertisement

Posted on: Nov 13

You just can't keep the queen down. She may have been dumped by Louis Vuitton for the much younger Lara Stone and Daisy Lowe, but Madonna's already found another modeling gig. The Material Mom will front Dolce & Gabbana's spring/summer 2010 campaign.

Acclaimed photographer Steven Klein shot the ads in New York last week, and the designers say they're thrilled with the "simply beautiful" images of Madge.

"To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true," designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana added.

This isn't the first time the talented trio has worked together. D&G were behind the costumes Madonna used for her Girlie Show in 2003 and last year's Sticky & Sweet tour. I don't expect anything quite so outrageous for Dolce & Gabbana's next collection; the fashions have to be worn by mere mortals after all. Yet Dolce & Gabbana has a habit of surprising us, so you just never know!

[Source: AOL United Kingdom]
[Image Source: Sasu/Wikipedia Commons]

Dolce & Gabbana Bags on eBay

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Jessica Simpson Sweetness Tote | Natural Slouchy Cut-Out Purse

Posted on: Nov 8

Jessica Simpson's latest purse brings a touch of the natural to an everyday tote.

Huge fancy decorations are one thing, but those bags aren't always suitable for casual functional everyday-wear. What you really need for carrying your bits and pieces is a neutral purse with some sexy characteristics: pretty, yet useful all the way.

This tote is a great example, with some funky cut-out decoration but a practical and inoffensive look. Tan is great for coordinating with any outfit, whilst the traditional shape is easy to carry and even easier to fill. The drawstring closure is a nice touch, adding a little extra security and making the size of the bag a little more versatile.

It is a shame that a purse this useful and work-friendly isn't actually made form the soft slouchy leather that it deserves. Instead, we are given a soft yet fake synthetic, which means I am not sure what your $118 is going towards.

This tote with its cute and girly gingham (and slightly clashing) interior is a great purse for functionality and day-wear.

More Features of this Jessica Simpson Sweetness Hold-all

  • Laser cut scalloped exterior
  • Synthetic leather
  • Contrasting black and gray gingham interior
  • Available in six color options
  • Double handles

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Tignanello Suede Bright Light Tote | Simple Bucket Handbag for Fall

Posted on: Oct 24

Tignanello is a great brand for generally budget-friendly handbags that use some of the most high quality materials possible for its price range. Some of the designs are somewhat simple and not overly exciting, but the brand's overall style is one that fits two major shopping categories: chic and affordable.

Although Tignanello sometimes throws in interesting color combinations and other details such as the Modern Mix Dome Tote, the Suede Bright Light tote is one of the not super-inspired yet somewhat interesting designs from the brand. I certainly wouldn't call it cutting edge, but there are some nice features that make it worth a look.

The suede material is great for fall and winter fashion, though maybe not ideal for rainy days. This terracotta orange, which hearkens mental images of changing leaves and pumpkins for me, seems particularly suited for fall. However, it's not the only option for the Suede Bright Light tote. There's quite a rainbow from which to choose including red, yellow, blue, purple, green, and black.

The bucket shape of this handbag is practical for daily use and especially convenient when combined with its zippered center divider. Although the silhouette is kind of slouchy, a bottom panel keeps it from falling right over when set down. This suede version of the Bright Light tote retails for a reasonable $129 and is also available in a slightly larger version.

More Features of the Suede Bright Light Tote

  • Measures 15 x 11 x 5.5 inches
  • Double straps with 8 inch drop
  • Magnetic closure
  • Interior zippered divider

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Charles David Marina Bowler | Sophisticated Camel Lambskin Dome Bag with Diagonal Stitched Detail

Posted on: Oct 4

The Marina Bowler from Charles David combines chic styling with undeniable luxury.

Calf leather is all well and good, but if you want that totally touchable, buttery soft surface, it needs to be lambskin. A framed panel with contemporary diagonal pleats jazzes up this classic dome shaped bowler. What a shame we don't see those same pleats on the bare and boring back!

You won't notice from a distance, but the hardware is also worth another glance. Grooves are cut into the silver rings that attach the shoulder straps. I love this accent. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, yet it's subtle enough to work with the sophisticated design.

Unzip the top to reveal the spacious ribbed grosgrain lined interior. The interior pockets are trimmed in leather, ensuring they stack up to everyday wear and tear. The base is also ready for everyday use. There are five metal feet ready to protect the sumptuously soft leather scuffs and scrapes.

The color palette is a little tame for my tastes, but it does make the Marina appropriate for the office. Choose yours in black, charcoal, burgundy, or this camel hue.

More Features of This Charles David Lambskin Bowler

  • Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 9 x 14 x 4 inches
  • Made in China

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Lunch a la Mode Handbags | The Chic Alternative to Brown Paper Bags

Posted on: Sep 24

You're dressed to the nines in a sleek business suit with a luxurious designer bag slung over your shoulder ... and carrying a brown paper lunch bag. Lunch a la Mode knows no woman wants their polished looks undermined by a lunch bag, so they created a sophisticated alternative.

"The fact that women are forced to tote around unappealing brown paper sacks or clunky cooler bags while wearing designer pumps when they are dieting or being budget conscious, seems contradictory to our desire to remain stylish," explained the label's creator, Amber Pollard. "The Lunch a la Mode collection enables women to work, play and eat in style."

Lunch a la Mode bags hold sandwiches and snacks in an insulated and removable compartment. This keeps your food away from your daily essentials, ensuring you don't get ketchup stains on those all important documents! There's also a beverage holder, mesh ice pack pouch, and of course plenty of space for your other everyday items.

Those practical perks inside are matched with contemporary good looks outside. The range includes the expandable Bistro shoulder bag, the roomy Picnic hobo, and the dome-shaped Trattoria tote. Lunch a la Mode handbags are available in genuine leathers and patents, as well as more eco-friendly vegan leather and hemp suede options. The colors are a little conservative for my tastes, but I suppose that makes them appropriate for any office environment. Prices start from $270 from the Lunch a la Mode website.

[Source: Earth Times]
[Image Source: Marketwire]

Lunch Bags on eBay

Tepper Jackson Dopp Kit | Chic Plain Leather Toiletries Bag

Posted on: Sep 2

This dopp kit is something a little different from Tepper Jackson. The bold patterns and vibrant colors we're used to are gone, replaced with elegant matte shades.

While it appears like leather at first glance, looks can be deceiving. This dopp kit is actually crafted from laminated canvas. It may not be quite as luxurious but it's a pretty convincing, not to mention affordable, substitute. The case is traditionally designed, with a classic domed shape and chic topstitching. Gender neutral colors like this moss green make this toiletries bag appropriate for lads and ladies.

While we girls might be taken in by the looks, Tepper Jackson knows it has to provide a practical package if it hopes to keep the men interested. The front and back are equipped with large zippered pockets which complement the main interior compartment. It's a little small for my liking, but so long as you stick to travel shampoos and stick deodorants you should manage. It's also nice to see the signature Tepper Jackson flair hidden on the colorful lining inside.

It might not suit pack rats or fans of Tepper Jackson's quirkier accessories, but this dopp kit is an excellent choice for those looking for a classic cosmetics bag.

More Features of This Tepper Jackson Toiletries Bag

  • Printed plainweave lining
  • Measures 5.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in moss, wine, white, and teal

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Tignanello Soft Touch Ball Shopper | Slouchy and Supple Leather Handbag

Posted on: Aug 28

I might be a little biased when it comes to reviewing Tignanello styles because I think they have some fabulous handbags, but I'm sure I'm not alone in liking the look and design of this Soft Touch Ball Shopper.

One of my favorite features of this moderately affordable purse is its real leather material. That's one of the great things about Tignanello; other than monogrammed fabric bags, they stick with a very decent quality of the real thing without marking up the price. Even brands like Jessica Simpson, which has a fairly similar price range and target market as Tignanello, tends to favor manmade and leather-like in lieu of the real deal.

The Soft Touch collection from this label is exactly what is described. The soft, buttery leather is perfectly relaxed and slouchy without looking overly sloppy or too casual.

Although it's not a particularly large handbag, you might be surprised by what you can carry inside the Ball Shopper. The slightly unstructured shape lends itself to filling the inside up and outward. It isn't very tall, so you won't be able to store things like paperwork or magazines, but there are tons of pockets for smaller items. There is even a zippered divider for keeping everything extra-organized inside. The bag's exterior pockets on the front and back make for even more storage.

The interior is lined with a cute, modern polka dot satin fabric. While the hidden magnetic snap is extremely convenient, it's certainly not the most secure form of closure. It does make it easy to access your stuff, though. The Soft Touch Ball Shopper's long, rolled leather handles are a comfortable way to carry this stylish leather bag.

More Features of the Soft Touch Ball Shopper

  • Measures 12 x 8 x 5 inches
  • Double handles with 9.5 inch drop
  • Also available in black, white, and ivory
  • Retails for $169

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Nine West Ranya Medium Satchel | Synthetic Leather Bag with Antiqued Hardware

Posted on: Aug 14

If you're not a regular at your local vintage shops but love the look anyway, it's good news that some brands offer vintage-inspired styles along with the popular trendy items.

Nine West is one of those companies, like Jessica Simspon's line, providing such a wide variety of affordable designs that they're bound to hit on at least one option for nearly every style out there today. Although I wouldn't call vintage-like their forte, they've touched on it fairly well with this Ranya satchel.

The shape is a traditional slouchy satchel silhouette easy for everyday use. The Ranya's design isn't overtly vintage-inspired, but there are some details that would make it attractive to fans of that style combined with a few modern details thrown in there as well. It's mostly the antiqued effect on the bag's chain straps and other hardware that remind me of fashion from the past, but the small studs on the top handle piece are definitely from today.

For only $89, you can't expect real leather from this Nine West number. What it lacks in high quality materials, though, it makes up for in storage, in my opinion. The interior has a very decent amount of space along with a zippered pouch dividing the interior in half. I'm not completely blown over by the Ranya satchel, but it's a nice option for a medium handbag with a little personality and an affordable price tag.

More Features of the Ranya Satchel

  • Measures 14 x 8 x 5 inches
  • Chain and synthetic strap with 9 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure

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Maxx New York Ava Bag | Glossy Synthetic Croc Embossed Dome Satchel

Posted on: Aug 7

The Ava comes to us from Maxx New York's vintage collection which pays tribute to the stars of cinema’s golden age. Being named after Ava Gardner gives this satchel a lot to live up to, and I'm not quite sure it delivers.

I'd never imagine Ava settling for embossed PVC when she could have had genuine crocodile skin. I especially can't see her approving of such a poor imitation. The finish is just a little shiny to appear authentic, and the scales lack definition. But perhaps I shouldn't be so hard on the bag. While Ava enjoyed the excesses of Hollywood, we're living through a global recession. While she could afford thousands, this $168 is much more achievable for us.

While the finish has its flaws, the design comes closer to perfection. The curved lines of the front pocket, handles, and corner patches unify the style. It's very retro chic, yet it doesn't look dated. Those looks are backed up with a functional design. The ample interior space is kept organized with two zippered pockets and two open ones. Those curved handles are a little short for comfortable all-day carrying, but they're complemented by a detachable shoulder strap.

The dark color palette fits its 50s muse, but I wish Maxx New York had offered a more contemporary version. There's nothing wrong with basic black or brown, but this bold design would really suit a more colourful alternative.

More Features of This Maxx New York Croc Embossed Satchel

  • Back zippered pocket
  • A detachable shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
  • A zip top closure
  • Fabric lined interior
  • Measures 13 x 9 x 6 inches

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