bag-bag

Mini bags get a bit of a mixed reception in the handbag world. They often try to be too many things, and the risk is that the designer tries to cram everything from a normal sized purse into a mini version. The Malis mini tote is partially guilty of these crimes. The traditional shape looks like a normal sized bag, and in addition to the gleaming white leather they seem to have added silver studs and silver print.Thankfully the clean color palette manages to reduce the busyness of this... Read Full Story

Add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe with this fun Krista shoulder bag from Rampage. Various textures and skins help to break up this enormous shoulder bag. The front and back feature casual vertical pleats, bordered by shiny patent swatches. None of these materials are real leather, but that's not unexpected at this price point. The patent seems a bit cheap, but the matte synthetic is as soft and supple as we could hope for. I'm less enthusiastic about the shoulder strap, which... Read Full Story

Comme des Garcons ' creative director Rei Kawakubo has teamed up with Paco Rabanne to relaunch the 69 chain mail bag made famous by Rabanne's label in the swinging sixties. The original handbag was named one of the 50 Bags that Changed the World by Design Museum of London. It's a legacy that has outlived Paco Rebanne's fashion house itself, which closed its doors in 2006. But now Rei Kawakubo, with Rebanne's help, is giving the famed fashion house a new lease of life and the rebooted 69... Read Full Story

Ralph Lauren goes back to basics with this Newbury tote bag. What this tote lacks in cutting edge style it makes up for in sophistication. The shape is familiar and its clean, uncluttered lines compelling. I love the unique texture and color of the leather, and the embossed crest in a classy way of branding it. I could have done without the polished metal stirrup dangling from the top though, as it appears a bit gimmicky. However this kind of accent isn't unexpected for the equestrian... Read Full Story

Matthew Campbell showed us he has an eye for the finer things with his colorful jewelry line, and now he's putting those skills to good use with a handbag collection. We can count on that same vibrant energy and superb craftsmanship with the M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza purses . The clutch bags offer the blend of funky style and luxury that Matthew Campbell is known for, with signature embroidered fabrics, luxe Italian leathers, and faceted jewels. Currently the line doesn't have the... Read Full Story

Rafe updates the tote bag for the 21st century with the Jordana. Once upon a time, totes were simple, boxy creatures. The Jordana is a world away from this kind of bag, with tight pleats, a buckled belt, and eye-popping gold stitching creating volume and drama. There's so much going on here, but in deep brown-purple I think Rafe manages to rein his accents in. The leather sadly lets this tote down though. While it is an authentic cowhide, it's quite stiff. That means the pleats don't sit... Read Full Story

Footwear label Two Lips has recently added a range of handbags and technology accessories to its fashion collection. There are 12 different handbags available in a range of different fabrics. Sequins and eye-catching hardware help to give these purses a "sexy, feminine slant" according to Teri Santella, the president of Two Lips licensee Pacific Group. The handbags are complemented with a range of technology cases, including sleeves for iPads, Kindles, and laptops. There's also a unique... Read Full Story

As winter gives way to spring, I'm looking to ditch my bright red leather bag for something more seasonal. This coral colored Canning Town tote from Radley may be just what I'm looking for. That sweet shade saves the Canning Town from being passed over. It's such a classic bag, with an otherwise unremarkable design. It's certainly stylish, but this traditional flap style probably wouldn't have turned heads. In this warm coral though, it's another matter. The kaleidoscope charm and beaded... Read Full Story

Devi Kroell's not letting the grass grow around her feet. After stepping down as creative director of her namesake company last year , Kroell has announced a brand new, and more affordable, label. The proud New Yorker will launch her new Dax Gabler line at the Big Apple's fashion week on February 16. Dax Gabler will sell apparel, shoes, and handbags at more affordable price points than Kroell's original line. They're not exactly cheap, with prices starting at $250 and topping $890, but... Read Full Story

Ever since the first summer accessories started to trickle into the fashion magazines, we've been looking forward to warmer weather. The snow storms blanketing much of the United States don't help matters either. But it seems that winter has well and truly set in, so we might as well embrace it. Puma helps us do that with this funky Ice satchel. This distinctive purse looks like it was crafted out of those puffy jackets we all used to wear. Its synthetic body is a bit cheap and cheerful... Read Full Story