Liz Claiborne Crocodile Wristlet | Traditional Vintage-Style Purse

Posted on: Nov 19

This Liz Claiborne wristlet brings posh and sophisticated class to an unusual shape.

Crocodile print, with its spacious pattern, is generally saved for bigger purses and vintage bags. To see it being used surprisingly effectively for a little clutch is a great change.

The styling of this wristlet is very vintage. Whilst wrist straps weren't common back then, everything else is so retro: the big gold buckle, the glossy patent leather. It is both evening wear and smart office wear, and brilliantly versatile.

I have to say that personally I am not convinced by the alternate bag color, branded "matte gold". Rather than being glamorous and mature, this color actually looks more murky dull brown. Not nice! In black it looks great though!

Whilst the looks of this bag are expensive, the materials aren't. And understandably so; you are only paying $40 for this, after all. With this in mind, however, and especially considering the thinness of the handle, I wouldn't hold out for this vintage clutch to last for many seasons. It is even less likely to last with all the wear it may just get!

More Features of this Liz Claiborne Traditional Wristlet

  • Available in gold or black
  • Patent leather exterior
  • Gray interior
  • Convertible strap

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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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Louis Vuitton Donates Online Sales to American Red Cross Charity

Posted on: Nov 14

The upcoming celebrity designer auction is just the start of Louis Vuitton's fundraising commitment to the American Red Cross. The luxury design house will donate 10% of this month's online sales of selected bags to the charity.

The fundraising drive commemorates the 150th anniversary of Louis Vuitton's Asnieres workshop. This location was the label's only production facility from 1859 to 1977. So many years later, Louis Vuitton's hard-frame luggage, special orders, exotic purses, and limited-edition lines are still crafted there today.

Donating to American Red Cross was a simple choice for the company's North American president, Daniel Lalonde.

"The Red Cross is committed to preventing and appeasing the sufferance of people weakened by instability and ever-growing de-humanization of our society. Louis Vuitton is honored to be aligned with such a significant and impactful organization," he said.

Bag lovers can do their bit by snapping up the brand's iconic Keepall, Speedy, Noe, or Alma purses. If you have ever considered buying one of these timeless styles, now's the time to do it!

[Source: Purse Page]
[Image Source: Hirski/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bags on eBay

Balenciaga Whistle Handbag | Sophisticated Red Lambskin and Exotic Leather Purse

Posted on: Nov 14

Balenciaga breaks with tradition with this Whistle Handbag. The label's typical bold hardware and long tassels are gone, replaced with luxury leathers and a slouchy barrel shape.

The name comes from the shiny engraved whistle which hangs from the bag. Unlike so many gimmicks, this small whistle is endearing rather than obnoxious. It makes me think I could instantly alert passersby the moment I was threatened in a dark alley, or perhaps be a sexy police officer ready to halt a crime in progress!

The Whistle comes in a range of fabrics, from this luxury combination of lambskin with exotic trim, a lush goatskin, or the more casual (and less expensive) canvas variety. Unzip the top to reveal a generous lined interior. The shape reminds me of a gym bag, and there's probably the space to use it for just that. I just couldn't put my stinky trainers in anything so luxurious! I only wish there were the organizational features to match. A lone zippered pocket just isn't enough to keep such a large space in order.

A favorite with celebs like Katie Holmes, the Whistle bag is something a little different from Balenciaga.

More Features of This Balenciaga Lambskin and Ostrich Bag

  • Top zip and hook lock closure
  • A hanging mirror
  • Double rolled handles
  • Measures 12.5 x 8 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in Italy

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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]

Foldover Handbags on eBay

Betseyville Lucky Stripes Hobo | Large Animal Print Bag with Metallic Trim and Matching Pouch

Posted on: Nov 10

Betsey Johnson appeals even more to the wild side than normal, if you can imagine, with this Betseyville Lucky Stripes Hobo. Instead of simply whimsical, cutesy, or retro like other styles from the brand, this handbag is exotic and dramatic.

Forget subtle details, though Betsey Johnson isn't always known for that, the Lucky Stripes bag takes this design full throttle with a blend of printed animal patterns, shiny metallic trim, and bright colors. There's nothing understated about it.

This shimmery fabric hobo is large in size and will fit plenty of extra items like magazines, paperwork, and even the bonus tiger-face zippered pouch that comes with the purchase. Although the handle isn't really long enough to wear across the body like a messenger bag, it is a comfortable length for getting things in and out quite easily.

The real surprise, however, is the fact that the solid-colored fully lined interior is printed with a large Betseyville logo on one side and embroidered lips on the other. The Lucky Stripes bag is completely reversible allowing you to decide whether you want to sport bright animal print or a solid color with embellishments. When you factor in the bonus pouch, that comes to a total of three bags for one price of $88.

More Features of the Lucky Stripes Hobo

  • Measures 15.5 x 13 x 4.75 inches
  • Single strap with 10.5 inch drop
  • Reversible
  • Bonus pouch included

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Yves Saint Laurent Customizes Roady in Los Angeles and New York

Posted on: Nov 10

Yves Saint Laurent's latest "It" bag, the Roady, shot to fame on the arms of glamorous celebs like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, and Leighton Meester. Now the in-demand purse will get a personalized makeover for shoppers in America's fashion capitals, Los Angeles and New York City.

The Roady already comes in a variety of shapes and colors, including black nappa and vibrant red and blue leathers. But Yves Saint Laurent artesan furriers will further customize the bags this month. Roady lovers can jazz up the handles with colored exotic skins, including ostrich, crocodile, and lizard. The lizard is the bargain option at $225, the ostrich will cost $385, and the crocodile clocks in at $515. To further add value, Yves Saint Laurent staff will also embroider your initials inside your Roady for nix.

The customized Roady bags are available in YSL's Los Angeles and New York boutiques from November 19 to December 1.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Yves Saint Laurent Roady Bags on eBay

NWT YSL Black Leather ROADY w Chain Detail NWT YSL Black Leather ROADY w Chain Detail
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YSL Yves Saint Laurent Roady Zip Hobo Bag Handbag $1695 YSL Yves Saint Laurent Roady Zip Hobo Bag Handbag $1695
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Whiting & Davis Iridescent Boa Foldover Clutch | Mesh and Snakeskin Printed Leather Handbag

Posted on: Nov 8

This Whiting & Davis handbag is just the sort of shiny thing that would attract a magpie. With its combination of gleaming brass mesh material and shimmery printed leather, the Iridescent Boa Foldover Clutch is certainly no wallflower of a handbag.

It is, however, infinitely appropriate for cocktail parties and other dressy events where you can make a statement with gleaming accessories. To be honest, it's not really what I'm used to seeing from the brand since Whiting & Davis bags often have a vintage vibe. Some of the label's recent details have been veering toward the contemporary, though, and I'd place the Boa Foldover clutch somewhere in between the two extremes.

Snakeskin and other exotic prints are quite the rage right now, placing this handbag right on trend. The effect here seems to be more about the shimmer than the texture, however.

I always like a foldover bag design, but Whiting & Davis made this one ever more interesting by mixing up the materials. The top half, which displays the handbag's modern cutout handles but also folds down when used as a clutch, is constructed from the prismatic snake-printed leather. Underneath that, the bottom half is made from the brand's signature brass metal mesh material in solid black. Although I wouldn't call it a very versatile look, this Iridescent Boa Foldover Clutch could go a long way for party attire.

More Features of the Iridescent Boa Foldover Clutch

  • Measures 11 x 5.75 x 1.75 inches
  • Cutout handles with 1.5 inch drop
  • Foldover style
  • Retail price of $195

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Jessica Simpson Sasha Satchel | Synthetic Leather Handbag with Crocodile Texture

Posted on: Nov 7

Jessica Simpson is not, by any means, the only one that's churning out the faux exotic skin purses, but the brand definitely has quite a few styles in this very of-the-moment trend. Animal activists and budget shoppers can celebrate together about the plethora of fake crocodile and snakeskin flushing the market right now.

This Sasha Satchel from Jessica Simpson's handbag line is a prime example of the affordable feature working on several different levels. Not only does the price sit well for most, ringing in at just barely over $100, but the simplicity of the design will appeal to many women who prefer the classic style of famous croc-users such as Hermes.

For the most part, the Sasha is tastefully devoid of superfluous details that would compete with the handbag's visually interesting texture. Except for a few pieces of hardware and a little buckled detail on the handles, this purse is mostly about the material.

You might be wondering about the miniature pouch hanging down from one of the Sasha's handles. However, this bonus feature is removable allowing you to use it for extra storage inside the bag or separately.

More Features of the Sasha Satchel

  • Measures 16 x 10.5 x 5.25 inches
  • Double handles with 9 inch drop
  • Interior zippered divider pocket
  • Synthetic crocodile

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Laura Matthews Designs Lambskin Clutch with Nickel Plate | Cobra Patterned Leather Mini Tote

Posted on: Nov 5

It's officially called a clutch, but this Laura Matthews Designs bag appears much more like a mini tote to me!

Names aside, this lambskin purse is a nice alternative to those ridiculously tiny clutches we're used to carrying. It comes with space for party essentials and then some, and the leather handle is more comfortable than the popular chain straps we typically see.

Just because it's comfortable doesn't make it altogether practical though. If only Laura Matthews Designs had added a few inches to the handle. Then we could have enjoyed the option of carrying the purse over our shoulders or in the crooks of our arms.

The handle isn't the only feature I've got a gripe about. The look rubs me up the wrong way. All the right elements are there. The buttery soft surface of lambskin has proven to be a more alluring alternative than traditional calf leather. The snakeskin texture is right on trend, and not so showy to offend conservative tastes. Yet it doesn't appear as luxurious as the combination of lambskin and exotic print should. The shiny surface looks a little cheap, and the nickel plate seems simply tacked on.

Laura Matthews Designs brings something different to the table here, but the looks just don't impress me.

More Features of This Laura Matthews Designs Cobra Clutch

  • Grosgrain lined interior
  • Magnetic closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 3.5 inch drop
  • Measures 9 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Made in the United States of America
  • Available in purple, black, and chocolate

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