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

JUDITH LEIBER LT GREEN SILK w CRYSTAL CLUTCH BAG NWT US $399.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 16m Make it yours...

Judith Leiber horse clutch purse US $1,100.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 12h 46m Make it yours...

FAB NEW$2095 Judith Leiber Floral Silk Crystal Bag nr US $289.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 14h 7m Make it yours...

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 »

The contents of your handbag are as important as the bag itself. I'm not talking about your makeup, countless receipts and your diary. Instead, I mean things like your check book holder, cute wallet, and kitsch coin purse.

The Anuschka check book case is just the sort of high class handbag content that I am talking about. The print, you see, is too bright and garish to work as a full hold-all or tote, but works brilliantly as a feature conversation point to guard your check book from damage.

Whilst the colorful peacock feathers are very elegant and pretty, I do wonder why the designers of this sophisticated check book case decided to use three different animal prints. Thankfully the abstract style make it work more than expected, but it still would have probably been better with just one!

Complete with signature and a convenient ID slot, this is a functional item that will keep your important check book nice and safe. Subtle, it is not!!

More Features of this Anuschka Peacock Check Book Case

• ID slot
• Foldover case
• Animal print exterior

Get this Decorative Animal Print Holder:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Anuschka bags on Bagbunch
• The Fossil Isabella Checkbook clutch, a great alternative to this functional purse
• Searching for more check book cases on eBay
• Other Anuschka handbags on eBay:

Organizer Handpainted Purse Handbag Anuschka style New US $84.99   Auction Ends: 21h 25m Make it yours...

Zebra Handpainted Hobo Purse Handbag Anuschka style New US $84.99   Auction Ends: 21h 37m Make it yours...

Messenger bags often get a raw deal in the style stakes, as designers look to functionality over frills. While this Peacock Messenger Bag isn't exactly red-carpet ready, it's likely to turn a few heads in the classroom or office.

Signature prints often look a little obnoxious covering accessories, but I don't mind this muted "TJ" print. By keeping the colors conservative, Tepper Jackson has stamped its mark without screaming it loudly. Some might say the brand has committed the cardinal sin by obscuring its brand with a screen printed peacock, but I love the unexpected splash of color it gives.

The long design is so unusual and practical to boot. The shape gives schoolgirls and career women the space they need to carry a folder, laptop, and other essentials. Yet the slender silhouette makes this messenger look a lot more elegant than many of its peers.

The canvas finish isn't just hard-wearing; it also keeps the price down to an affordable $62.

More Features of This Tepper Jackson Canvas Messenger Bag

• A single shoulder strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches
• Weighs 4 pounds
• Made in China

Get this Tepper Jackson Peacock Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tepper Jackson bags on BagBunch
• The Tepper Jackson leopard tote, a great alternative to this peacock bag.
• Searching for more Tepper Jackson bags on eBay
• Other canvas messengers on eBay:

Black Canvas Men Shoulder Messenger Satchel Bag FREE SH US $19.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 4m Make it yours...

Casual Outfitters™ Heavy Weight Canvas Messenger Bag US $9.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 2h 38m Make it yours...

If your fashion sense is more classic than cutting edge, you're probably already a fan of Kate Spade's all-American designs. Her chic style is definitely simple but sometimes with a twist in the details.

For example this Mini Maeda is very traditional, but the sunny marigold yellow makes it pop. The other two color options available, orange-ish red and peacock blue, are hardly for the wallflowers either. Leave it to Kate Spade to limit your options to those bright hues.

As you'd expect from a designer handbag, the details here are high quality and worth noticing. The boarskin leather on this satchel has a slight texture, though it's hard to notice when your eye is mostly drawn to to the color. The contrast stitching, which runs along the seams, is a nice addition as well.

This satchel from the Tarrytown collection is a mini, so it's not huge. However, with a front exterior pocket and an interior zippered pocket, you won't find yourself without storage. The Mini Maeda retails for $325.

More Features of the Tarrytown Mini Maeda Satchel

• Gold hardware with engraved logo
• Zipper closure
• Double handles

Get this Kate Spade Tarrytown Maeda Bag:

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

NWT authentic KATE SPADE Wellesley Small Maeda US $112.50   2 Bids Auction Ends: 1d 5h 9m Make it yours...

NWT Kate Spade Metallic Wellesley Small Maeda Purse Bag US $195.00   1 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 22h 32m Make it yours...

• Searching online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Tignanello Perfect 10 Tote, a less-expensive alternative to this classic satchel
• Searching for more Kate Spade Maeda bags on eBay

It was a wild evening at Central Park Zoo last week and not just because of the location's inhabitants. The Wildlife Conservation Society held their annual gala, and tons of guests showed up in support.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the impressive exhibition of animal-inspired Judith Leiber minaudiere handbags in the arms of guests. Though the designer's Madison Avenue boutique lent out some of their bags to guests for the evening. there were plenty of personally-owned Judith Leiber creations in attendance as well.

With choices like the Peacock and Foo Dog Ming minaudieres, Leiber certainly has no lack of animal options when it comes to her designs. Some of the ones specifically making a showing at the Wildlife Gala include lions, mallard ducks, butterflies, and dolphins.

"It's fantastic, and just right for me," the chairwoman of the event, Allison Maher Stern, said of her purse in the shape of a snow leopard -- a nod to the new exhibit of snow leopards at the Central Park Zoo, where the event was held.

As a rule, a minaudiere bag is anything but practical as it's almost always small, oddly-shaped, and gem-encrusted. However, practicality isn't exactly top of mind when it comes to dressing for a black-tie event, which is just about the only place the bag style is appropriate.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image: Judith Leiber]

Judith Leiber Minaudiere Bags on eBay

Judith Leiber Minaudiere Sparkling Sapphire Crystals US $1,199.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 17h 24m Make it yours...

JUDITH LEIBER VINTAGE CRYSTAL HANDBAG MINAUDIERE US $291.00   6 Bids Auction Ends: 21h 51m Make it yours...

JUDITH LEIBER CRYSTAL TRAIN CASE MINAUDIERE BAG NEW NIB US $1,049.00   Auction Ends: 22h 50m Make it yours...

We might be used to hearing the names Chanel, Valentino, and Versace when it comes to acclaimed handbag designers, but Handbag Designer 101 will be awarding some of the best unknowns in the purse world with their annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards.

The finalists for this year's awards ceremony have been named. The categories include Best Student Made Handbag, Best Handmade Handbag, Best Green Handbag, Most Socially Responsible Handbag, and Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design. They've even added a shoe design category this year.

Some of the student made bags are impressive, especially one rounded tote by 22-year old Susan Jina Lee of Movement. Other standout designs in the list of finalists include the Canopy Verde "Freesia" from the "Best Green" finalists and Brenda Zheng's handmade Peacock Shoulder Bag.

The winners of the competition will be announced on June 17 at the ceremony in New York City. If you'd like to voice your opinion on the final selections, go to Handbag Designer 101's finalist page to vote for your favorites.

[Source: fibre2fashion]
[Image: hbd101]

Designer Handbags on eBay

CHAPS DESIGNER MESSENGER HANDBAG HAMPTON BAYS PLAID NWT US $9.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 17m Make it yours...

ROCAWEAR DESIGNER HANDBAG PURSE HOUNDS TOOTH BLACK RED US $30.00   Auction Ends: 18m Make it yours...

New Brown Designer SHOULDER HOBO TOTE Handbag Purse Bag US $19.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 18m Make it yours...

Yoga enthusiasts have long struggled to their weekly class with a mat tucked under one arm and a gym bag over the other. Now LeSportsac has answered their prayers, creating the convenient all-in-one Lotus Yoga Bag.

This long spacious handbag has enough room inside for your mat, a change of clothes, and your towels. Three roomy pockets on the front offer extra storage space for smaller essentials like your keys and cell phone.

The Lotus bag comes in this fun peacock print, a glossy patent black, and many more unique prints and patterns. Each is made from high-quality manmade fabric, so they're strong enough to last your classes for years to come.

The dual straps are made for hand-held carrying, but I prefer the longer detachable strap. Just sling it over one shoulder and you’re ready to go!

More Features of This LeSportsac Exercise Bag

• Nylon upper and lining
• Zip top closure
• Dual straps with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 27.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get This LeSportsac Lotus Yoga Handbag on eBay

NEW lesportsac striped 7835 Lotus Yoga bag discontinued US $49.99   Auction Ends: 3d 19h 56m Make it yours...

• Click here to look at this LeSportsac manmade gym purse at Endless
• All LeSportsac bags on eBay

Loud and proud singer Beth Ditto is turning her hands to another creative pursuit. She's stepping into the world of fashion design.

The Gossip front woman has just signed a deal with the Arcadia Group's plus-size clothing brand Evans. The design deal continues Beth's long association with the brand, who she's also modeled for in the past.

Beth is slated to design handbags, shoes, and formal and casual apparel for the brand. Her clothes will be available in sizes 14 to 32, which should please all the curvy ladies out there.

Evans head of design, Lisa Marie Peacock, will work closely with the singer to ensure the fashions represent her flamboyant signature style. We can expect the collection to have a 1980s retro style with a little glam rock edge. Think studded purses, colorful graphic dresses, and draped jersey tops.

The Beth Ditto for Evans range is set to drop this July.

[Source: Hollywood Life]
[Image Source: Evolutionradio/Wikipedia Commons]

Evans Purses on eBay

BLACK LEATHER HANDBAG PURSE BY EVANS w LIGHTER COMB US $24.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 23h Make it yours...

1949 Carryall Evening Purse by Evans US $55.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 4d 20h 26m Make it yours...

Soul Eater Evans Wallet Purse Anime RARE c778 US $5.99   Auction Ends: 4d 23h 5m Make it yours...

Bulga's Tasia satchel strikes that elusive balance between city chic style and everyday practicality.

The Tasia's boxy shape is a surprise in a world of satchels sporting soft corners and curves. Personally I love the difference. It gives the Tasia a no-nonsense urban look, and also ensures it can offer more storage space than its competitors.

The buttery soft leather is rendered in a deep peacock blue. It might not be a traditional choice, but it's elegant enough that even the most conservative fashion lovers won't mind that it's the only shade on offer. The polished metal hardware makes the leather really pop.

The clasp closure looks stunning, and it's practical too. It might appear fiddly, but the hidden magnetic snap makes things simple. Inside a large zippered pocket divides the Tasia into three sections for easy organization. Additional pockets in the side wall offer even more storage space.

The Tasia features some of the widest handles I've ever seen, making it a pleasure to hold. The straps are a little shorter than I'd like, but they shouldn't make over-the-shoulder carrying impossible.

More Features of This Bulga Tasia Bag

• Printed plainweave paisley lining
• Dual shoulder straps with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 15.5 x 6.5 inches
• Made in the United States
• Retails for $838

Bulga Leather Satchels on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see thie Bulga box purse at Endless
• All Bulga handbags on eBay