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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.

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Balenciaga Cherche Midi Clutch | Grey Calfskin Leather Handbag

Balenciaga is killing me with all the fabulous purses they are selling, and I’m not referring to the classic “Motorcycle” bags (although those are always fabulous).

Last week I wrote about the Lune Clutch, and now I’m ready to introduce you to my next purchase (hopefully) – the Balenciaga Cherche Midi Clutch (pictured right).

This pale grey dream is crafted from patent calfskin leather (like butta!) and features a fold-over flap with turnlock closure as well as an exquisite stingray medallion on the front. The interior is lined in Balenciaga’s signature fabric lining and sports a zipped pocket to store smaller items.

It’s the perfect size (@ 12 x 8 x 1) for my needs. I seriously cannot wait to get my hands on this fashion bag. I confess I dream about it at night There, I said it. Whew! I feel much better now.

If you know Balenciaga and how well these bags hold up their value in today’s designer handbag market, then you know the Cherche Midi Clutch is a gorgeous bag at a great price.

Balenciaga Matelasse Handbag | Luxurious Quilted Chevre Bag

It’s easy to add a little luxury to your wardrobe with this beautiful Balenciaga Matelasse Bag.

The Matelasse is made from chevre, a sumptuous and strong goat skin which has been specially treated to make it extra soft. Most quilted bags are simply stitched, but look a little closer. This handbag’s quilting worked with the actual folds of the leather for a clean look.

The design is embellished with signature whipstitch handles, bold silver studding, and long leather zipper pulls.

The double top zip offer easy access to this stunning purse’s spacious interior. It’s got ample space for everything you need, and a handy zippered compartment for storing valuables. I also love the signature mirror, which is perfect for emergency make-up applications!

Style gurus like Sarah Jessica Parker and Lindsay Lohan love their Balenciaga Matelasse purses, but you don’t have to be an A Lister to enjoy these gorgeous bags.

Nicky Hilton Totes Black Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag in Los Angeles

Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag

The fashion handbag can dress up any outfit. Just ask Nicky Hilton! Paris’ little sister was snapped at The Grove restaurant in Los Angeles today with two great accessories. She’s got her man of the moment, David Katzenberg and one of her favorite replica purses, the Balenciaga Motorcycle handbag. Who could ask for anything more?

Nicky played it cool in a hooded sweatshirt and loose ponytail. But her chic black bag pulls it all together, taking her look from frumpy to fab. The leather looks so soft and slouchy and those round brass studs give this Balenciaga a real rock star edge.

Nicky’s got a handbag collection we’re all envious of, yet she’s been photographed carrying this same Motorcycle purse for years. It just goes to show you that a basic black bag with a classic design never goes out of fashion.

Do you want to steal her style?

Marni Straw Basket Bag | Cute Large Striped Handbag with Retro Button Details

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The wintery weather might be dragging on, but we’re already thinking about summer. This straw basket bag from Marni is just the thing to get you in the mood for the fun in the sun just around the corner!

This adorable handbag is made from soft, yet durable, straw. Chocolate and natural-toned stripes circle around the replica bag, giving it a chic Parisian feel. Large retro buttons near the base of the handles add a unique twist to this classic design. Those glossy patent leather shoulder straps offer durability, but their slick finish seems a little too polished for this casual basket bag. If only Marni had opted for more straw, this purse may have had a more unified look.

The generous size and traditional basket shape make this fashion bag perfect for stashing plenty. It might be narrow, but the straw is so supple overstuffing comes easily. Use this basket bag to carry your new purchases at the mall, or to take a towel and bathing suit to the beach!

It might be versatile during hot summer days, but in the evenings you’ll have to be a little choosier. It’s completely appropriate for a backyard barbeque or pool party, but you’ll want to select something a little dressier for most nights out.

Coach Amanda Satin Mini Satchel

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We don’t talk a lot about Coach handbags on this blog, and maybe that’s an oversight on our part. What better way to start correcting it, then, than by talking about the line of replica bags named after yours truly (ok, well, they’re not necessarily named after me. But I came first. So there.)? The Amanda Satin Mini Satchel is, by my standards at least, kinda cute. There are disadvantages to using a material like satin (snagging!), but the advantage that Coach replica handbags has realized is that it takes vivid color much better than almost any kind of leather. You get a sheen and brightness with satin that you don’t usually find in a fashion handbag, and in small doses (this satchel is “mini,” after all) it can be a beautiful addition to an ensemble. I wouldn’t suggest buying a massive satin handbag, but something petite and bright could potentially be a lot of fun, methinks. Particularly at such a friendly price point.

Luxist Defines What a Woman’s Handbag Choice Says about Her

It’s not the first time someone has attempted to define women by the type of fashion handbag they carry, and I’d be willing to bet it’s nowhere close to being the last. However, this new version of “What Your luxurious Handbag Says about You” from bagsbrand.com is a little more about personality than fashion taste.

From shoulder bags to oversized totes, this mini-guide to bag preferences and their implications isn’t entirely flattering in some categories. For example, women who choose designer labels “enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).” Yikes. What about the women who can simply afford the best quality? Also according to Luxist, those who carry knock-offs just might not be entirely true to themselves all the time.

That might be a bit of a stretch, but I can at least agree on some of the other categories such as shoulder bags possibly implying that someone has a practical nature or that an everyday clutch carrier might be the carefree, jet-setter type.

Click here for the full list of fashion handbags and what Luxist thinks they say about women. Whether you agree or not, it’s still a fun read.

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 replica 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.

Emma Hill Joins Mulberry as Creative Director

In July, editor of Pop magazine, Katie Grand, was named the replacement of Mulberry’s creative director, Stuart Vevers who is moving to Loewe in January. But Mulberry did not have an easy time assigning a new creative director, because just a few weeks ago Grand resigned only a few months before she was set to begin. While the reasoning for her resigning is still unknown, Mulberry had to re-start their search. Mulberry found another replacement naming Emma Hill as the creative director whose designs will debut with the spring 2009 collection. Emma Hill has previously worked at Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Chloe, and Gap.

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Mulberry announces the appointment of Emma Hill as Creative Director with effect from the Spring/Summer 2009 collections.

Emma is a widely acclaimed designer who is credited with the success of accessories collections for many of the great brands including the launch of Marc by Marc Jacobs and bags for Gap.

A Ravensbourne graduate, Emma is looking forward to coming home to a British brand after her years in New York and Paris.

Emma says “I’ve always loved Mulberry and look forward lending my skills to build on the brand’s exciting recent achievements and secure its position in the international marketplace.”

Mulberry welcomes Emma Hill to head the design team and oversee all creative functions of the company. Lisa Montague looks forward to bolstering the creative force of Mulberry as the brand embarks on new challenges and brings in resource for future development.