Bulgari Goes Vintage for 125th Anniversary | New Handbags Inspired by Classic Designs

Posted on: Nov 21

Bulgari has gone back to the vault to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The Italian luxury brand has revived classic collections – the Doppio Tondo, Leoni, Collezione 1910, and Twist – but given them modern makeovers.

The Doppio Tondo line retains the distinctive double overlapped round metallic rings engraved with the double "Bulgari" logo. These double rings take inspiration from the infinite loop, reminding us of the classic styling the brand represents. The wine red and forest green shades are new though, the jewel tones ideal for the cooler weather ahead.

We see the double logo again in the Twist, although this time it's printed on a duo of medallions. This season the line has a more relaxed feel thanks to the drawstring closure.

The Leoni bags are also a little more casual this time around, with their rounded corners. The original handles and clasps have also been moved to the center of the purse for a bold new look.

The Collezione 1910 hearkens back to the year the first Bulgari store opened in Rome. The collection features the brand's original Art Nouveau style advertisement printed on leather, oiled linen, or cotton canvas. Calfskin trimmings and handles add a little luxury to the less decadent fabrics, while the leather receives a special treatment for everyday use.

The retro Bulgari bags aren't cheap, with the leather purses clocking in at a few thousand a piece, but the classic styles might be worth a splurge.

[Source: Inquirer Lifestyle]
[Image Source: Bulgari]

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Alexander Wang Channels Football for Spring 2010 Collection | Preview of New Handbags

Posted on: Nov 20

It's hard to believe that any high fashion designer would draw inspiration from the world of sports, but that's exactly what got Alexander Wang motivated for his new Spring 2010 collection that was recently revealed on the catwalk: football.

Instead of tough, edgy, and majorly studded, this new line is sporty chic with an almost vintage-ish feel. When viewing images of the whole collection at once, I can't help but think of the recent 1920s-era George Clooney football film Leatherheads. I have no idea if Alexander Wang was thinking along those lines, but I can't help but see some similarities, though there's a definite modern take to the collection.

The most obvious display of the inspiration, in my opinion, can be seen on one of the new spring handbags. The Brady Football Clutch actually looks like a pigskin, just with a little decorative topstitching and a zipper running across the middle. It's quirky, which I'd expect from the designer, and a little odd, but I actually like it when combined with the other looks from the collection.

See a preview of Alexander Wang's Spring 2010 bags and shoes at Refinery 29.

[Source: Refinery 29]

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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]

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Jessica Jensen Origami Tote | Sophisticated Structural Leather Hold-all

Posted on: Nov 18

It is lovely to see an origami style bag that isn't just a tiny clutch. Here that beautiful structural design style is expanded to fit within a tote sized purse, and the result is fun to look at.

I feel that this tote is somewhat disproportionate. The long body and relatively short handles make it look rather unbalanced, and that origami texture is somewhat drowned by the sheer amount of dark brown leather. This could have been improved by a contrasting trim, stitching or some nice metal; the straight singular shade alone is simply too much.

When we look a little closer there are a number of lovely features about this bag. The soft pink lining is a great and eternally stylish color combination, and the folding is both casual and smart at the same time. The shape too is elegant, structured and sophisticated, even if the handles mean you won't want to pack it to the brim.

All in all this is a functional and feminine purse with some lovely touches and features. What it lacks in variety it makes up for in versatility.

More Features of this Jessica Jensen Hold-all

  • Folded seamed origami styling
  • Duel shoulder straps
  • Spacious size
  • Pink fabric lining

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Whiting and Davis Striped Mesh Clutch | Contrasting Shine and Matte Purse

Posted on: Nov 18

Yes, at first glance this is just yet another metal mesh bag from mesh experts, Whiting & Davis. It is hard to get wildly excited about another clutch that follows the same traditional slouchy metallic shape with a formal frame clasp.

If you ignore the Whiting & David heritage, however, and see this bag as a pretty purse in its own right, then it doesn't feel quite so "samey." After all, the majority of bags on the market are still leather, so it is nice to see one that still lets you have a black bag with a metallic twist.

Especially nice, and proof of the company's metal expertise, is the matte vs. shiny striping. As well as being visually pleasing for you to look at, it adds a certain art deco vibe that goes down well with plenty of smart evening outfits. The glam metal probably makes it too over-the-top for day wear, so at a posh event or urban club night this will look great.

Whiting & Davis are always great at adding in a handle to make your delicate clutch more functional. However, the handle added into this purse is in a chunky chain, which doesn't work well with the light and feminine mesh pattern.

If you want a traditional mesh purse with a modern style, this purse will do you well, although it won't revolutionize handbag design at all!

More Features of this Whiting & Davis Contrasting Clutch:

  • Available in gold, silver or black
  • Signature lining
  • Optional chain shoulder-strap
  • Brass mesh exterior

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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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50 Unusually Bold and Bizarre Bags 41-50

Posted on: Nov 16

Candy Wrapper Bag

[Image Source]

This bag was made from candy wrappers that would have ended up in the landfill, which makes it not only super cute, but eco-friendly as well. It reminds us of the Capri Sun bag, but in a cute, pocket-sized coin purse version. It looks like there are many kinds of candy wrappers to satisfy everyone's preferences, and there are fun colors to boot!

Saddle Bag

[Image Source]

This may possibly be the only saddle bag any woman wants. It's great for showing off a western flair and the perfect bag for true cowgirls. It also looks durable, which is definitely a plus. We just want to know how much it stores and how you carry it. Maybe you can just hold it by the horn. And don't we all wish it came with a free pony attached?
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Win a Jalda Julie Foldover Handbag from Bag Bliss and Stefani Bags

Posted on: Nov 13

Jalda's collection of super luxurious handbags is the stuff of a mid-range designer shopper's dream. With soft leathers and exotic textures like embossed ostrich, stingray, and eel skin for relatively reasonable costs, Jalda hits the right spot for a variety of women.

Even if you can't afford a $350 price tag, however, you can attempt to win one of these gorgeous designs. The folks over at Bag Bliss have teamed up with online retailer Stefani Bags to give away a Jalda Julie Clutch in super soft lambskin leather.

This two-in-one purse works as a classy handheld tote by day but folds down to a clutch for dressier nights. The metal cutout handle adds a contemporary flare to this luxurious design.

The contest is open only to residents of the United States, and it runs through to November 25 at 1:00 pm (EST). Get your entry in quickly before the giveaway is over, and check out these Jalda listings on eBay for other options.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

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Baby Phat Royal Status 4 Ring Satchel | Crown Motif Purse with Diagonal Pockets

Posted on: Nov 12

There's just nothing subtle about a Baby Phat bag. The label divides opinion more than most with its busy and brash designs. From any other brand I'd gasp in horror at the Royal Status 4 Ring Satchel, but it's just what I'd expect from Baby Phat.

The brown synthetic leather was probably conservative once. That is, until Baby Phat covered it in its ornate crown logo. Those crowns have got nothing on the bag’s centerpiece: a large metal crown adorned with studs. There are more studs along the base of the bag, and along the belts around the angular pockets. Sloping pockets tend to look edgy, but these belts create a vaguely equestrian feel. I suppose royalty ride horses, but the embellishment still feels a little out of place. The bold colored racing stripes streaking down the center of the purse are similarly confusing. They add color, but there was so much going on already that more design features was the last thing this satchel needed.

It's a shame that Baby Phat didn't care so much about adding features inside. The interior is spacious enough to comfortably carry a chunky wallet, must-have technology, and other daily essentials. But there are not enough pockets to help us truly stay organized. There's a zippered pocket for loose change, and an open pouch for a cell phone, but where will your iPod or Nintendo DS go? The handles are also a shade too short for comfortable over-the-shoulder carrying.

While I might obsess about its practical shortcomings, that's not likely to deter Baby Phat's legions of fans. If you've got to the confidence to carry off this cluttered look, more power to you!

More Features of This Baby Phat Crown Satchel

  • Platform base
  • Top zip closure with kitty logo pull tag
  • Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
  • Measures 13 x 6 x 8 inches

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Bally Cabala-E Traditional Tote | Spacious Slouchy Luxury Purse

Posted on: Nov 11

This is a Bally bag that Bally can be proud of. As some of the most expensive and desirable purses on the market, Bally bags always ooze glamor and luxury, and this huge spacious tote is no exception.

This soft leather hold-all is designed to last forever, from the quality leather to the artistic workmanship. For $1800 you expect nothing less than perfection, and the fantastically sculpted lines suggest that the Bally designers have done their utmost to make that the case.

This tote, with its slouchy shape and space, is great for carrying your belongings through day and night. With the huge and versatile capacity, however, I am surprised that the handles are so small. Despite the shape hinting at heavy loads to be carried, I get the impression that this status symbol bag is more about looks than actually being used. Somehow, although it isn't unexpected, I feel disappointed that such a fabulous bag doesn't quite live up to its hugely posh expectations.

Whatever the little hesitations, however, this is a true Bally bag. It is sophisticated and classy, and perfect for work or play. Taking you seamlessly from day to night, I love it!

More Features of this Bally Cabala-E Handbag

  • Available in purple and black
  • Belted/drawn closure
  • Snakeskin exterior
  • Short handles

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