Bag Of The Week: Deux Lux Fortune Hobo

imageI’ve spotted plenty of Deux Lux’s items over at Urban Outfitters, so I was pleased to see one of their more high-end (but still totally affordable) bags over at the Nordstrom purse department, one of my favorite places to lurk! When it comes to the Fortune Hobo, I’m totally digging the “Moonshine” metal mesh detail which looks almost holographic when the light hits it — it gives the otherwise simple bag a more futuristic, space-y vibe without making it look completely wacky or tacky. Plus, its practical shape and neutral navy faux-leather makes it appropriate for day or night, even with the added glitz. I just love slouchy bags that are big and roomy yet somehow still fit perfectly under your arm and at your side — it’s perfect for tossing in all your must-haves last-minute when you’re racing out of the house, as long as you’re willing to spend the extra minutes to fish out your lip gloss from its bottomless pit later!

What: the Deux Lux Fortune Hobo
Price: $158
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Deux Lux Fortune Hobo to the Hive.

City Series and Studio Line by Michael Young for Zixag

Hong Kong designer Michael Young has created a collection of computer bags for Chinese brand Zixag. (more…)

Ruffled Handbags Are Cute & Feminine Without Being Prissy

imageI’ve never really considered myself a girlie-girl, but something about this season’s ruffles have really been floatin’ my boat. Of course, ruffles can tread a fine line between sweet and… well, a little too frou-frou. So if you’re not about to go the overly-cutesie route, consider wearing your ruffles not on your sleeve or your neckline, but your handbag! What’s great about ruffled bags is that they let you go as frilly as you want without making you look costume-y, or just plain ridiculous. Go for something over-sized in a neutral shade like this romantic Be & D Ruffled Tote, or if you prefer something a little more subtle, this BCBG Ruffled Clutch has tiered ruffles that aren’t quite so voluminous. Check out the slideshow for my top favorite ruffled handbags!

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Bag Of The Week: Alexander Wang Cher Large Siamese Clutch

imageI’ve got major respect for Cher. No, not the matchy-matchy character from the movie Clueless, but the iconic performer! Can you believe the chart topping singer, Academy award winning actress and style chameleon is 63 years old? She’s still got it going on and I can see why young designers like Alexander Wang are still inspired by her style. The Cher Large Siamese Clutch is an oversized leather clutch with a double personality. The front features a mirrored leather panel that’s oh-so-Cher set at an angle to a suede pouch. The mirrored panel has a magnetic clasp while the suede pouch has a zippered opening so you can store double the lipstick, breath mints and credit cards. If you’re out karaoking to “I Got You Babe” or dancing to “If I Could Turn Back Time,” I’m sure this clutch will find its way to your nighttime repertoire.

What: the Alexander Wang Cher Large Siamese Clutch
Price: $780
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: facadeindreams was the first to add the Alexander Wang Cher Large Siamese Clutch to the Hive.

Poketo x Eco Party Mearry Bags

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In celebration of the upcoming Earth Day, one of our favorite creative collaborators Poketo got together with South Korea-based non-profit Eco Party Mearry to create a selection of adorable, unique bags made from recycled material.

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Fashioned out of discarded Korean billboards, leather jackets, couches, and second-hand clothing, each totally one-of-a-kind tote carries everything from new iPads to good ol’ books.

The bags start at $19 and sell directly from
Poketo’s online store
as of tomorrow.


Bag Of The Week: Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag

imageWhile based on size alone, this particular Antik Batik bag wouldn’t immediately be my ideal purse of choice (I like to carry a lot of stuff with me), the fact that I can’t stop looking at it has me tempted to branch out to smaller and cuter things. I mean… hot pink snakeskin?! It sounds like overkill, but its that compact size that keeps it from being an oversized eyesore. Since it’s mini, it can afford to be Barbie-bright (plus I love the tab closure!)… though the smaller the size, the less likely I am to spend the big bucks on something that lacks the storage room. But hey, if someone wanted to buy it for me, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed!

What: the Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag
Price: $252
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag to the Hive.

Stand Up Comedy x Whitney Book Bag

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The Whitney Museum store recently tapped Portland-based print, clothing and design wares shop Stand Up Comedy to conceive a new tote that would accommodate the weight and size of the typical art book. The resulting limited edition Book Bag is functionally pleasing, designed with super long straps and durable reinforced handles. Treated with abstract color washes in either gorgeously muted gray or pink, as well as a warm yellow tone, the look resists “popular graphic rhetoric.”

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The label sewed each of the 300 canvas bags in Portland and inked, stamped and numbered them by hand. Book Bag comes in three colorways—Hard (gold), Neutral (gray) and Soft (pink)—and sells online as well as the Whitney Museum store for $36.


Sac à Baguette

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A fresh market tote designed for the pedestrian lifestyle, Sac à Baguette provides an effortless mode for transporting groceries or other goods, and thanks to its detachable Baguette Quiver, cylindrical items as well.

Designer Marybeth Shaw created Sac à Baguette after watching Parisians break their baguettes in half in order to fit them down inside their reusable shopping bags. She brought the idea back with her to the States (where the bags are made), and added important details like a removable liner, water resistant cotton canvas exterior and essential zippered pockets.

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Sac à Baguette comes in three colorways—San Francisco, New York and Rotterdam (picture in that order from left to right above)—and is sold online. Prices span $299 for the bag and $329 for the bag and leather Baguette Quiver combo.


Bag Of The Week: Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch

imageThe one thing I regret missing at New York Fashion Week was the Ports 1961 show. Granted, it was my first day at the tents and it took me a good 20 minutes to find the check-in tent. Not all was lost though as I did get to watch the live stream in the lobby. Launched in 2004, the relatively new brand already has a strong celebrity including Olivia Palermo, Debra Messing, and Sienna Miller. The structural influences on the clothes can be found in their accessories too. At first glance, the Envelope Clutch looks like a piece of origami, but the clever design reveals much more. The clutch can act as a bold statement piece despite the neutral color if you’re going to a lunch meeting or hold all your essentials when you’re spending the night on the town. The leather clutch has open sides but before you think all your valuables will fall out, there’s a zippered organza pouch inside to hold everything safely.

What: the Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch
Price: $495
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: facadeindreams was the first to add the Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch to the Hive.

Glueline by Oscar Diaz

London designer Oscar Diaz will present a shopping bag made from canvas straps in Milan next week. (more…)