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

Get this Big Buddha Mia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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Speigal add to their comprehensive set of handbag designs with this cute and versatile tweed rosette.

This little decorative pin is the perfect accessory for dressing up a simple handbag. Those old black bags that are stuffed in the back of the cupboard can be given a new lease of life with the simple pin addition of this pink shaded tweed beauty.

Handbag accessories such as this rosette are a great way to add a modern touch, although I do question how many bags a tweed addition will go with. The fabric chosen does limit this accessory's coordination potential, although it could work nicely to make a previously clashing bag match your tweed outfit.

All in all this is a nice little accessory than can inject some much needed modern attitude. If it was magnetic that would be an even nicer addition, avoiding pin damage on our lovely bags.

More Feature of this Spiegel Decorative Pin:

• Only available in berry shade.
• Tweed fabric
• Pin fastening

Get this Rosette Bag Accessory:

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

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If you're interested in the fashion industry, you're probably glued to the television when reality shows like Project Runway and The Rachel Zoe Project are on. Although the shows' concepts are different, the peek into the behind-the-scenes world of fashion is priceless.

Though now on Lifetime, Project Runway began on Bravo TV, the place that The Rachel Zoe Project calls home. The network has made fashion reality a priority, and it's hoping to continue the trend.

Evidently it's got it's eyes set on Marc Jacobs. After reading a past interview where the designer discussed wanting his own reality show, Bravo has been chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling.

Bravo executive Andy Cohen discussed the network's interest:

"I think he got calls from everywhere," Cohen told us. "And we've talked to him about it so many times, and we're grateful enough that he's appeared on 'The Rachel Zoe Project' for two seasons," he added. But then Cohen crumpled: "But we are desperate for Marc — to get him on Bravo."

If this project takes flight, I'm guessing it will be a huge hit for Bravo, possibly even filling the hole that Project Runway left.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: SwanDiamondRose/Flickr]

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

British luxury brand Burberry has followed up its successful showing at London Fashion Week with improved sales figures.

The group's shares are up by more than 3%, thanks to the enthusiasm for Burberry's fall and winter collections. Handbags and casual outerwear proved particularly popular with shoppers preparing for cold weather.

Like-for-like sales in Burberry outlets rose by 5% in the quarter to the end of September, compared to the flat performance seen in the year's first quarter.

The luxury brand sold best in the United Kingdom, buoyed by tourists taking advantage of the weak pound.

"Today's statement confirms our view that the Burberry brand is likely to continue to outperform the rest of the luxury sector in the current difficult environment," said Dennis Weber, analyst for Evolution Securities.

It's great to see iconic brands like Burberry continuing to thrive despite the economic downturn. With some analysts predicting the worst is over, it seems the only way is up for this revamped British label.

[Source: Press Association]
[Image Source: Soul2Love/Flickr]

Burberry Bags on eBay

Gustto combines the party-appeal of patent leather with the relaxed charms of nylon to create the Picia. Under the hands of a lesser designer the combination could seem confused, but I think Gustto may have just pulled it off.

Without the patent leather, this nylon carryall would be shapeless, and frankly, a little boring. But that polished leather saves it. The ruched fold-over flap is the most obvious head turner, with its big bold silver hardware. But look closer and you'll see more of the glossy leather accenting the top of the Picia, its base, and the long shoulder straps.

The nylon lined interior is luxuriously large, offering enough space for everything you need to get through the day, and a few things you don't! But good luck keeping your precious cargo in order! The single zippered pocket just isn't enough to for such a roomy space.

It may have genuine patent leather details, but the $550 retail value seems far too much to pay for a nylon handbag, no matter how stylish. Thankfully it's currently on sale for less than half price at Endless.

More Features of This Gustto Patent Trimmed Purse

• Turnlock closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 15 x 6 inches
• Made in Mexico

Get this Gustto Picia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
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It appears that the infamous "manbag" that many attribute to today's metrosexual trend is not as recent an addition to the fashion world as we might have originally thought. In fact, leather handbags for men date back even to the days of King Henry VII.

Among the many artifacts found aboard the sunken warship, the Mary Rose, a Tudor-era trendy leather manbag was discovered with a compact mirror and razor to boot. The vessel was actually raised back in 1982, and the hull has been on display ever since. The plethora of personal items also found aboard the ship, however, has not been seen by the public due to a lack of space to display them.

That is something that the Mary Rose Trust is trying to change, though, with a recent unveiling of the items, vintage manbag included, to reporters. It's hoping to raise money for a hi-tech museum project set for 2012 that will showcase all of the artifacts.

Perhaps the news that men have been carrying around practical, stylish bags for hundreds of years will encourage more lads to get on board with the manbag trend.

[Source: Reuters]

Men's Handbags on eBay

Some say that chocolate is a girl's best friend, so it's no surprise that the accessories brand which shares the name of the sweet treat has made a bag so girly! The Sophia Shoulder Bag is fun, feminine, and frilly!

A traditional shoulder bag shape is dressed up with a ruffled appliqué across the top. The twirls and curls of synthetic fabric looks a little like flowers, which only ups the girly appeal. This pale pink bag is the logical choice for feminine fillies. But the white bag downplays the obvious girlish nature of the Sophia, creating a look that's a little more modern and versatile.

Whichever you pick, you'll be impressed with all the carrying space inside. There's plenty of room for daily essentials, and a few luxuries besides. The zippered pocket and two multifunctional slips work to keep the clutter at bay.

While the design is impressive, the quality is less so. Some may argue that you get what you pay for, and that $93 doesn't buy much. But I've seen synthetics which imitate leather much better, and linings less stiff, for this kind of money.

More Features of This Chocolate Ruffled Shoulder Bag

• Zip top closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 16 x 5.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Chocolate Sophia Handbag:

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

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• The Whiting & Davis Leather Flowers bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• The Chocolate website
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This Jessica Simpson handbag design is a simple but interesting change of pace from a brand that can sometimes includes a few too many trends on one purse, in my opinion.

Granted, I have appreciated a few of Simpson's recent releases, such as the Jimmy Satchel and the Runway Tote. Now this Downtown Tote can now go on my somewhat short list of Jessica Simpson successes. It isn't the most stunning of handbag designs, but there's a certain appeal to its shape and texture that makes it a little unique.

The tote definitely has a downtown feel with its contemporary quartet of square studs on both sides and slightly square silhouette. There's just a hint of a slouch to the shape due to some soft pleating but not enough to give it a truly relaxed appearance. It's a nice mix of slightly structured and a little casual.

The Downtown handbag is, of course, faux leather like most of Jessica Simspon's purses. However, this one has a series of vertical lines or slashes that cover the material to add some visual interest and break up the synthetic look.

The double handles are rather short for the vertical shape of this tote and not exactly the most practical choice. Thankfully, the brand provided an optional longer strap for more convenience. As with other Jessica Simpson styles, I'm not entirely sure if this faux leather purse is worth its price tag, this one retailing for $118, but it does have some nice qualities that make it worth at least considering.

More Features of the Downtown Tote

• Measures 15 x 13.5 x 6 inches
• Double handles with 4.25 inch drop
• Zip closure
• Detachable strap

Get this Jessica Simpson Downtown Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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This Alexis Hudson clutch is an antidote to all those purses playing it safe. The Bloom is a clutch that believes that too much isn't enough.

The shape is simple enough, with its rectangular design and recessed zipper. But that's about the only part of the Bloom which is low key. Curved swatches of snake print leather are overlaid to create a contemporary patchwork finish. The mushroom, tan, and dark blue shades work well together, but the python markings make it really busy. That's why this clutch really doesn't need the flowers which inspire its name. We recently saw Guiseppe Zanotti use similar zipper edged blooms on its wristlet. On that much simpler purse, they shone. But here they clutter an already crowded design.

The creamy colored interior comes as a shock after seeing the showy outside. The Bloom is lined with practical twill, but there's nothing to rave about here. It's long but slender, restricting us to evening essentials only.

The Bloom is the kind of clutch whose distinct looks will only appeal to certain girls. If it has stolen your heart, beware. Unless you pair it with a basic black ensemble, you're going to look very busy!

More Features of This Alexis Hudson Snake Print Purse

• Measures 5.5 x 13 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Alexis Hudson Bloom Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
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Wristlets tend to be casual affairs, designed to help busy girls keep their cash and credit cards on hand. But Giuseppe Zanotti proves this style has red carpet potential with this sexy leather purse.

Black leather is a strange beast. At one moment it can look timeless and elegant. Add a few more details and it's biker cool. This wristlet strikes the balance between these two extremes. The curves and rose details are sophisticated. But the silver zipper trim gives the blooms a spiky edge, saving them from looking too frilly and feminine.

It's so small, it's no surprise that there's not much to crow about inside this wristlet. Its signature lining does the job, while the magnetic snap closure saves your spare change from spilling out. You might find space for a lipstick or teeny-tiny cell phone, but it's not likely to hold many luxuries.

I can imagine Pink, Katy Perry, or another of those outspoken musicians carrying this wristlet as they swagger down the Grammys red carpet. And at $695, those big stars might be the only ones that can afford to!

More Features of This Giuseppe Zanotti Rose Purse

• A leather wrist strap
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Giuseppe Zanotti Wristlet:

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

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