Jul 23

Customize Your Own Gentlemen’s League Bags!

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imageThere is rarely an “it” bag that gets my interest up. I usually prefer tried and true classics or something a little off kilter and unique. Maybe that’s why I find the bags by the gentlemen’s league so intriguing; they are the polar opposite of an “it” bag. The two gentlemen’s league masterminds, Adam Razak and Seth Stevens, personally create each bag. The designers hold private one-on-one consultations where you can co-create a piece of original art in which you can carry your daily essentials! Starting with a utilitarian Mason bag, the design is then realized with indelible ink on the canvas. You choose the leather color and the size and then let them pick your brain. Once they have an idea of who you are (or what animal you are) and what you want, the designing begins. Then voila! Within a few weeks you have your own piece of art! The line has been a bespoke company, focused on custom orders, but now limited editions are available at New York boutique Debut. At over $2,000 a pop, I better start my gentlemen’s league fund now! Check out the slideshow to see some previous designs and get your own at gentlemensleague.com!

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Jul 21

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Fakes

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imageHave you ever come across those sites or Google Ads for deeply discounted designer goods that make your heart swell? All of a sudden, you’ve come across the world’s best secret, where you can buy a buttery leather Chanel tote for less than the cost of a steak dinner. Most of the time, these scams are pretty evident, but every now and then, some deals slip through the cracks and actually seem legit. Becoming convinced and shelling out cash for what you think is a bargain, however, can have more serious repercussions than you think. Click on over to The Frisky to read on about why you should avoid the counterfeit just for the sake of a discount.
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Jul 10

New Clutch Helps Celebs Beat Paparazzi At Their Own Game

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imageMost of us insignificant peons have no idea what it’s like to be hounded by the paps. And I on occasion have thought celebs should just suck it up because if no one cares about you, then your celebrity is over. But they can soon mount a counter defense against the paparazzi: Adam Harvey is the genius behind the Anti-Paparazzi Clutch that gives off a bright flash when it detects a flash from a camera. The result is an obscured photo, which for the paps means no check. The clutch will have a limited release in early Spring 2010. Until then, annoyed celebrities will continue to scowl and hide behind a hood or bodyguard. Or they could just render paparazzi photos useless by hiring a photog to follow them, and then give the photos to the tabloids.
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Jul 02

8 Beach Totes That’ll Keep You Equipped In Style

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imageIf you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach (or a lake… or even a pool or sprinkler system, for that matter), chances are you’re water-bound or bust whenever the temperatures creep up past a comfortable level. But even the most impromptu of beach trips aren’t as breezy as your spontaneous “plans” aim to be — before you hop into the back of your friend’s coast-bound convertible, you have to dash back to your room for your wallet, your sunscreen, your sunglasses, your towel… not to mention a cute beachy bag to throw it in all into! We may not know where you misplaced your swimsuit, but we can help you pick out a posh and practical tote to lug all your pool-lounging loot in once you find it all! Whether your taste is expensive or bargain-hunting, you’re bound to grow attached to at least one of these beachy bags that’ll keep your stuff dry and organized, no matter how wet and wild the summer adventure (as if you really need another reason to go bag shopping)! Check the slideshow for my 8 beach-friendly favorites!

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Jun 22

Hot In The Hive: Hermes Apple Purse

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imageYou know what’s worse than a crappy economy? Bruised fruit. Are you with me? I mean, we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how on earth can we be expected to munch happily on our healthy snacks when they come out of our work bags and lunch boxes mangled and battered? Enter Hermes, our favorite source of wholly necessary and completely affordable leather goods and designer doodads (I know sarcasm can be lost over the ‘net, but you can be assured I’m using it now). Their lambskin Apple Holder is not just designed to hold and protect your apple from the trials of transportation (yes, one apple, so you better hope it fits), but it’s shaped like one too! Okay, okay — I have to admit it’s kind of cute looking, but would you actually use it? Eh… If your answer is yes, more power to you (I guess) — just don’t try to take it on an airplane. I doubt security would be too enthusiastic about its attached knife for increased snacking convenience.

Price: $365
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Hermes Apple Purse to the Hive.

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Jun 18

Back To The Classics: Our Top Five Designer Handbags

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imageIt seems that after many seasons of excess and “it” bags, the fashion industry has come back to reality. It might be the sobering effects of the economic downturn that’s making us look towards the classics. Then again, most of us could never actually afford a new designer bag each season to begin with. So instead of using your tax return on a few trendy items that will make you wonder why the heck you bought them come the next season, put your money into something that will last. Classic handbags never go out of season and look good with nearly every outfit. Yes, they may cost quite a lot of money, but these top designer bags are impeccably made and will last you nearly a lifetime. Don’t believe me? I have an old Chanel purse from my grandmother to prove it. The Chanel 2.55 bag is the traditional flap bag. It was first introduced in February 1955 by the ever-practical Coco Chanel, who wanted a hands-free bag with a shoulder strap. The 2.55 comes in one size only, but it’s the perfect size, small enough for evening, yet big enough to also use during the day. With its classic shape and iconic status, the Hermes Birkin bag is the holy grail of handbags. The wait list may have died down since its feature on “Sex and the City”, but if you don’t want to wait or pay full price, eBay and Portero.com are great places to look for them second-hand. No one can argue that the Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic– it has been Louis Vuitton’s best selling bag since Audrey Hepburn made it popular. Get it in the black or colored Epi leather to avoid getting sick of the logo. Some newer additions to the classic bag line up are the Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag and the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bags. The Muse was introduced in 2006 and has been a bestseller ever since. The Intrecciato bag from Bottega, otherwise known as the woven bag, is buttery soft, beautifully made, and has become an instant classic, with has a slightly lower price tag than some of the other investment bags. Check out the slideshow to see my top five!

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Jun 18

How to Make a T-Shirt Tote

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imageVictoria North is a contributor at CraftStylish, a web site devoted to fun and fashionable craft adventures! Below, she shares a tutorial on how to make your own t-shirt tote.

Check out bobbie’s tee tote tutorial! from Lee’s Do Stuff! blog. This simple technique should help you make a T-shirt tote in no time. Lee received a finished tote in the mail as a gift with instructions on how to make one herself. I think this would be an awesome gift idea for anyone crafty in your life. With school coming to an end and summer vacation beginning soon, this might be a great idea to keep kids busy. Share a project you have completed this summer with the instructions and materials included. It might be cool to see what creative things your recipient will come up with. For more fun crafting ideas, click over to our friends at Craftstylish!

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Jun 18

Hot In The Hive: Rebound Designs Book Bags

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imageAttention all bookworms and bag snobs! Despite the well-known cliche, we’ve all judged a book by its cover. We haven’t all, however, ripped that cover off of its book and turned it into a super cool handmade handbag! Rebound Designs does just that, recycling old or damaged hardcover books and transforming some of your favorite new and classic titles into cute, fully-functional and collapsible totes. From Little Women to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you can browse by title or just pick your favorite color and design combo — you can even contact the creators to donate your own used book for a fully-customized creation! It would still be super-dorky of you, but I think this is a much wiser way to wear your Twilight fandom on your arm than that tattoo you were considering…

Price: about $130 and up, depending on the design
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Book Bags to the Hive.

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Jun 16

Shop For The New Betsey Johnson Collection At Karmaloop Now!

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imageBetsey Johnson, the Goddess of Fashion, has just released her new collection of handbags, now available at Karmaloop.com. The Betsey Johnson handbag collection is one of the designer’s newest addition to her label, featuring bags of all sizes, of all colors, of all designs. Betsey Johnson’s bags are fun, girly and super chic. Nothing short of posh and trendy, they add style to any outfit. It’s no surprise that such a collection stems from the mastermind herself. The New York-based designer has built her long-standing and successful career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Infamous for her glorification of all things embellished and over-the-top, Betsey has been ruling the fashion industry with her unique and exuberant designs since the 1960s. Betsey’s love for dancing and costumes fueled her creativity and inspiration, which are still manifested in her designs today. She reflects her passions in her original and invariably popular pieces, shedding light on a new era of contemporary innovative fashion. Entice looks your way with the Overnighter in Black Sailor Girl, the Barrel Bag in Black Safari Park and the Small Hobo in Blue Rosey Ruffles. Check out the rest of the collection at Karmaloop.com.

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Jun 01

Hot In The Hive: Ceci Est Un IT BAG from Longchamps

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imageI think as “fashionistas”, we would all love to keep up on the latest “It” bag, dress like the latest “It” girls and always wine and dine at the latest “It” restaurants and lounges. With technology and society going as fast as it is, however, the latest “It” is always changing too. So, unless you are Paris Hilton or have the time and money like she does, you probably aren’t snatching up every $700+ bag that fashion gurus say you “must have”! There is a simple, chic and way more affordable way to have an “It” bag resting on your shoulder at all times. Longchamp is introducing their “It” bag, a durable, practical and super-chic tote that you know it an “It” bag because…. well, it says so! A picture of a stylish bag shape is printed onto the tote with the words “Ceci Est Un IT BAG” scrawled across. “Ceci Est Un IT BAG” translates into English as “This is an IT BAG!”. These “IT BAG”s come in varying sizes available in a white/ black or orange/black color combination. All the bags are trimmed in cowhide leather and start at $160 and go no higher than $500 for even the largest one! Check out Longchamp and get yourself the gift of the everlasting “It” bag now!

Price: $160 – $500
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Longchamp “Ceci Est Un IT BAG” to the Hive.

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