Handbags Fashion

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Bally Pemba Kid Suede Pouchette | Convertible Striped Tote and Clutch

If you’re going to pay over $900 for a replica bag, it might as well be one you can use several different ways. I appreciate how many designers today are offering handbags that can convert between two or more styles.

This Bally Pemba Pouchette is one of those clever totes that actually transitions between three different purses. You can carry it in your hands as a vertical tote, although this option might not be terribly comfortable for long periods of time. Also, the top half folds down so the bag can function as a clutch for dressier outfits. The last, but not least, option is to attach the single chain and leather strap and carry the Pemba on your shoulder.

Of the three styles, the shoulder bag is probably the most practical, but I do think that the style of the Pemba Pouchette is fully appreciated when extended as a tote. The soft striped suede is in plain view, and the modern square cutout handles are easily seen. These are two of the best features of the bag, so why not display them in their best form as shown in the picture.

However, it’s nice to know that you’ve got options with this fashion handbag. With Bally, you know you’ll be getting great quality and style, but you’ll be grateful for the versatility as well. If you like the concept but wish it were more basic, look for the Pemba Pouchette in an equally soft solid black leather.

Anya Hindmarch Patent Box Clutch | Sleek Black Patent Hardcased Clutch

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Sometimes during a long day of shopping, I feel lost in a sea of endless tassels, buckles, sequins, and bows. Then my eyes fall on something quietly sophisticated like this Anya Hindmarch Patent Box Clutch, and everything else disappears.

The shape of this clutch is sleekly simplistic, a box with rounded of corners. The glossy patent has a rich sheen that needs no embellishment, and I love the simple rectangular snap clasp at the top. This is minimalist design at its most desirable. I can see this clutch adding a touch of class to a bright day dress, or being the perfect complement to your favorite LBD.

At 8″ x 4″ x 1″, this is a classic clutch size, perfect for hand-holding, and hard to fit much into. Wherever you’re taking this little darling, you’re definitely packing light, as the hard case has zero give. But, it’s big enough for a credit card, keys, and gloss, and what else will you really need on a night on the town? Just leave your phone at home.

Even the price of this fashion bag is easy on the eyes. At $395 retail, this is a great investment piece. It’s classic enough that you’ll want to carry it for years, and sturdy enough that you’ll be able to.

Max Mara Stays Traditional and Neutral for Spring/Summer 2010 Ads

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Max Mara isn’t a name we often touch on here at Bag Bunch, but the stylish Italian label is full of goodies for designer divas to covet. The force behind the brand might be to produce top quality at reasonable prices, but this company can definitely be categorized as luxury…especially since “affordable” is quite a relative word in the designer world. Their most recent advertising campaign featuring fashion from the spring/summer 2010 collection stays very true to the label’s classic look. The tone on tone shoot reflects what was seen on the runway – neutrals, neutrals, and more neutrals. The ads, which feature model Malgosia Bela and was shot by photographer Mario Sorrenti, is a tad boring to me personally. I loved the overall understated elegance of the runway show for the collection, but this particular shot from the campaign doesn’t do it justice. On the other hand, the replica handbag in the shot is rather pretty once you are able to separate it from the other stark white of the model’s outfit. I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking or overwhelmingly fashion forward, but it’s classic Max Mara, which is sophisticated and a bit timeless.

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Burberry Haymarket Woven Warrior Bag | Metallic Gold Slouchy Drawstring Handbag

It often feels like if you’ve seen one Burberry plaid purse, you’ve seen them all. I start to long for something different. Then I see Burberry stray from that classic formula, and I yearn for those slightly boring bags!

The designs may not be revolutionary, but Burberry does the preppy plaid thing well. When the British label decides to be daring, it invariably falls apart. If you needed further proof, just look at this Haymarket Woven Warrior bag.

Woven leathers and drawstrings are the domain of casual purses. Glitzy metallic gold always looks ready for disco night. Combine these extremes and you might hope for a bag that’s versatile enough to travel from day to night. But here the unexpected mix just results in a purse that doesn’t readily suit any situation, or it’s warrior name for that matter. Can woven fabric ever strike fear into the heart of any enemy?

The gold finish is just a little too brassy, and the trim too chunky. Drawstrings are always fiddly, especially when combined with a magnetic closure. The shoulder strap might be adjustable, but that matters little when the maximum drop is a measly six inches. I don’t mind the interior, with its practical canvas lining and zippered pocket, but I’m clutching at straws.

I’m sure this shoulder bag will appeal to someone who likes their accessories large and loud, but personally I can think of much better ways to spend $1795.

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Heidi Mount and Quilted Purses Star in Chanel Spring/Summer Advertisement

Karl Lagerfield’s latest muse is Heidi Mount. The 21-year-old American model stars in Chanel’s latest advertising campaign.

Heidi and the iconic quilted handbags she shares the spotlight with are real life artworks in these commercials, which draw inspiration from the work of Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershoi.

The muted gray color scheme makes the black and white Chanel purses look a little more dramatic, but it’s an interesting choice for the coming season. Compared to the vibrant saturated hues we’ve seen in so many recent spring/summer campaigns, this looks positively drab. Karl says he was looking for inspiration in the natural light of sunset, but to me it looks like he’s missed the mark. Where are the bold oranges and pinks we associate with that time of day?

While the advertising campaign may seem more appropriate for winter, it’s not without its charms. I love the airy space of its Parisian apartment setting, and the subdued colors are ideal for Heidi’s ice princess good looks.

Yves Saint Laurent Creates Sustainable Collection | Eco-Friendly Clothes, Handbags, and Shoes Debut at Barneys

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If you thought environmentally-friendly fashion meant organic totes and recycled candy wrapper bags, Yves Saint Laurent is here to prove you wrong. The label has taken the idea of using recycled materials and gone in a new direction for couture.

Under the design direction of Stefano Pilati, YSL has released a new collection called “New Vintage” that constructed entirely from leftover cotton drill from past inventories. It’s a clever and creative idea for sustainability and something I didn’t really expect from the brand.

Within the classic collection, first unveiled at retail store Barneys, you’ll find simple dresses and trench coats as well as sandals and a redesigned version of the Downtown tote. The colors palette is pleasantly simple with earth tones and light pinks and blues.

Pilati explained, “‘New Vintage’ is my way to reflect our social and economic state by capitalizing on existing resources to translate sustainable ‘values’ into ‘forms.’”
Though the fabric is recycled leftovers, don’t expect the price to reflect that. The collection ranges in price from $495 to $4,100.

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SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Martini Glass Credit Card Holder | Whimsical Patent Faux Leather Wallet

This SR Squared by Sondra Roberts pocketbook is for gals who like a little whimsy with their accessories. It’s hard not to take notice of this quirky little bag.

If you’re not looking closely, it might be easy to miss the martini glass on the front of this credit card holder, but really it’s quite in plain sight when you know it’s there. The dead giveaway is the green and red olive on the tip of the envelope flap, or rather the “bottom of the glass.”

Although a patent sheen on synthetic leather isn’t always the best choice since it can sometimes make a bag’s manmade appearance stand out even more, it somehow seems appropriate on this SR Squared design given the topic. My only hesitation is the matching stitching that runs around the shape of the martini glass and olive. I would’ve preferred a solid shape instead to keep everything simple.

Classified as a credit card holder, this wallet-like bag is certainly not substantial in size and is meant to sit in a purse or handbag rather than function as a clutch. However, it would be great for a night on the town when you need your cards and cash close by. It’s nicely priced, too, at only $25.

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JJ Winters Suede Shoulder Bag | Slouchy Soft Black with Metal Studs

Icy weather looks like it’s well and truly set in throughout America and Europe. Rather than envying the folks in summery Australia, why not embrace the season with a plush purse like this one from JJ Winters?

The jet black suede is ideal for cooler weather. It’s got the same touchable appeal that wool does, but it’s just a little more dressed up. It’s that sophisticated suede and deep color that saves this slouchy bag from being simply a casual affair.

Metallic thread and gold and pewter studs glam things up further. Ordinarily the metal would add edge, but the effect is much softer here. It’s not exactly girly, but it’s not hard as nails either. I only wish the design continued around to the back of the bag. I might expect it in a cheaper bag, but at $425 this one isn’t exactly inexpensive.

I appreciate the generous interior, but the lack of features leaves me a little cold. The purse is almost oversized, so a lone zippered pocket just doesn’t cut it. Without the organizational features you need, you can expect to waste time rummaging about the bottom of this purse.

Gripes aside, this JJ Winters bag has a great look. Just remember to carry it the right way!

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Pink Studio Shiala Clutch | Crafty Raffia Button Purse

What with make-do-and-mend fashion on the rise, and craft being the name of the day, this Pink Studio clutch is perfectly on trend.

The actual body of this little Shiala purse is incredibly simple – purely raffia in a minimalist neutral tone. That leaves the cute button and thread detailing to do the talking, and what it is saying is earthy and pretty. I really like it, although most people could attempt something like it themselves!

Of course, the whole aim of this clutch is to look like a custom designed purse you could find on a site like Etsy. I personally think they have done well, although they haven’t produced anything revolutionary. I was a little disappointed by the cheap black interior, but most people will never even see it.

Although there is no optional handle, this is a smart little frame clutch for casual evenings out.

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Coach Signature Brown Purse | Small & Authentic Hamptons Hobo Style Shoulder Bag

This Signature Coach Hamptons Purse is currently the best selling Coach handbag on Amazon beating around 100 Coach Purses for the top position.

This is quite a small & cute signature shoulder bag at 9.5 inches long and 6 inches tall making it the perfect size for a night out, or for carrying your essentials around town.

This new Coach Signature bag is dressed in the detailed stitching style of the new Hamptons range.

It also features dark brown/reddish snakeskin and suede leather stripes showcasing the recognizable “C” of the Coach brand which works well against the soft black leather corners containing the detailed contrast white stitching.

This is a hobo style bag which is characterized by its crescent shape and has the typical soft and supple feel that you would expect from hobo purses.