April 2, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Versace ‘Couture Fringes’ extra large hobo.
This season, I’ve seen many brands and designers add fringe detail to their accessories, (especially targeted in handbags). What do you all think of fringe? Is the style back, or should it stay in whatever fashion era it was left in? Personally, I can’t say I like it fringe, but I don’t hate it either. Some handbags look decent with fringe, while others can simply be called fashion-disaster!

Take for example, Versace’s Couture Fringes extra large hobo. Many can agree, that Versace’s extra ordinary handbags are either a hit or a miss, depending on whom you ask. Some like Versace’s noticeable handbags, while others, seem to dislike the extras Versace always seems to apply to its handbags. Versace’s Couture Fringes hobo is finished in a whole grained leather body, and two-toned hardware. Laced leather runs vertically through the center of the handbag, and yes, Versace did add one of its favorite details, studs! Studs can be found running down the side of the bag, and around its zipper area. I like the dimensions of this hobo. Measuring in at 21” x 14” (excluding the fringe), this handbag is huge, and certainly not an everyday-bag size. So overall, what do I think about this Versace? Personally, I dislike it a lot; it contains way too much fringe for my taste, and the shape of the bag isn’t really appealing to me. What about you Bagista’s? Would you wear this Versace?

Find Versace Couture Fringes Hobo with 46% off via Bluefly (dot com)

[ The Bag Forum: Versace ‘Couture Fringes’ extra large hobo ]

December 10, 2007

Gustto Estiva Metallic Shopper Bag
Mirror mirror on the bag…

You thought the Louis Vuitton Miroir Bag was a shinny piece of arm candy. Check out Gustto’s runner up, the reflecting ‘Estiva’ Metallic Shopper.

The bags surface consists of hundreds if not thousands of reflecting metallic leather facets, which to me resembles a disco ball. Sorry Gustto fans but this bag is just not doing it for me. Also is it just me, or do those silver circular bold metal disk decorations on the patent flap closure look more like old school amplifier knobs?

Discover the Gustto Estiva Designer Bag
Price: $465

November 21, 2007

Forever21 Does Marc Jacobs’ Hudson Handbag
Yep Forever21 is back to their old ways (did they ever quit even after getting hit with all those lawsuits) of replicating highly favored luxury designer handbags and spitting out a crappy cheap pleather imitation version.

It is far too obvious this time. I wouldn’t even have to tell the average designer handbag loving person; Forever21 totally replicated the Marc Jacobs Hudson bag. The Hudson was very popular last year and is currently completely sold out (try your luck on ebay), which I am assuming is why forever21 feels safe to put it up on their website. Anyway, this bag is a huge nay and belongs in the trash with all other faux designer purses.

October 26, 2007

Would you Wear this? Isabella Fiore Peace Out Jamie Shoulder Handbag
Isabella Fiore has gone retro for their fall 2007 handbag collection, one of the creations new to their hall of purses is the groovy 60’s Peace Out Jamie handbag. The big shocker, this bag costs almost $600. Would you spend that much on this 60’s inspired hippy sack? by Isabella Fiore?

If you like this bag, or any of the 60’s style Isabella Fiore handbags, then I would hold out for at least a month or so. Something tells me this bag is going to join the other unwanted handbags in the clearance section.

Discover the Isabella Fiore Peace Out Jamie Shoulder Handbag
Price: $595

September 19, 2007

Designer Zara Bag Pulled from Store Shelves!
What was Spanish fashion brand Zara thinking when they designed a handbag with a swastika on the print?

Fashion brand Zara is in hot water after a customer pointed out that their latest fall bag is decorated with embroidered bicycles, flowers and a SWASTIKA.

As well as being the Nazi symbol, the swastika is also a religious symbol for Hindus and Buddhists.

After pulling all the bags from store shelves as well as from their online catalog, a spokesperson for the fashion chain quickly released a statement of apology: “We did not realize swastikas appeared on some of the bags. Of course we apologize to anyone who was offended by the bag, and we will be withdrawing it from all our stores.”

… “some of the bags”

September 12, 2007

The Bulga Clear Vinyl Tote
It is a rare occasion for me to be blown away by a bag produced from the brand Bulga. Their bags are often boring in design and lack appeal. Which brings me to this bag, the clear pvc plastic Bulga Tote. The all-vinyl purse doesn’t show style or quality, or even some mark or characteristic that would show it’s by Bulga. It’s just a plain plastic tote that looks like you got from Target or something. Also summer is over. Why would you sport a clear plastic tote during the fall-winter season? That’s kind of a summer thing. I say toss in the junk bin. What do you guys think?

There is also this same bag for a couple hundred more in patent leather (brown or tan). Also at ShopBop.

Discover the Clear Bulga Vinyl Tote
Price: $410

August 7, 2007

Britney Spears loves her Replica Chanel Purse
It was only a matter of time before ex-pop star Britney Spears was added to the pool of celebrities who wear fake designer handbags. Joining the list with tennis pro Anna Kournikova who sports a fake Louis Vuitton Multicolore Speedy, reality t.v. star Nicole Richie who owns a few fake Balenciaga’s, American actress Michelle Trachtenberg who totes a replica Chloe Paddington Satchel, and now Britney Spears with her white-ish-pink bag that’s suppose to be “Chanel.”

I didn’t realize how much she has let herself go until I discovered this picture of her leaving Italian restaurant Cravings last night in West Hollywood with this dreadful piece of replica-crap on her arm.

Nay Britney, nay.

June 18, 2007

House of Dereon’s Big Tease Purse
Let’s ignore the popular saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all” for this post – well anytime we talk about House of Dereon Bags. From my view (and from thousands of other purse admirers), the bags are not classic or stylish. Some of the bags look terribly uncomfortable to carry. This bag in particular, the H.o.D. Tease Purse, features a super long shoulder strap that leaves the bag to rest on your hip side while the dangling tassels stretch down past your knees – Seriously is there a height requirement? Not recommended for those under 5’5”!

The bag probably could have sold faster (and without embarrassment to the brand) if they snipped off the fringe detailing and ripped off that circular beaded embellished. If they do so, the bag still could have a chance. I don’t know why H.o.D. hasn’t come to grips with the fact that “less is more”, I mean all of their bags for the last year have been living in the clearance section (that’s a strong hint). All of their bags are overpopulated with clutter details that distract you from viewing the beauty of the purse. Well actually, these bags were made in a China factory, so there may not be quality or beauty.

Side note: House Of Dereon is desperate to get rid of this Tease Purse, along with a dozen other unsold bags. For a limited time save an additional 15% off the already slashed prices.

Discover the House of Dereon Tease Purse
Price: $298 $69.99

June 12, 2007

Michael Kors Mesh Hobo Purse
I’m just going to come out and say it. I do not like the new Michael Kors Mesh Bag, at all. The link detailing reminds me of chain mail body armor.

This purse is covered in gold tone small metal rings linked together in a pattern to forming a mesh, trimmed with antique studded leather straps, and hiding behind the protective shield covering is the single pocket dark brown canvas lining.

Price: $278
Discover the Michael Kors Mesh Hobo Purse

May 15, 2007

Bottega Veneta Utility Fanny Pack
I never and I mean never-ever bash Bottega Veneta. Well that was until today when I discovered this bag. I adore the house of BV for their simple logo-less iconic hand woven intrecciato leather pattern design on a classic palette rather than trend-driven designs. But this “travel pack” reminds me of a heavy duty utility belt. The thick (1.5”) wide belt features a masculine heavy clunky pack (Bag measures 9” wide (excluding side compartments) x 10.5” tall) with a cellphone holder with snap top closure on one side and on the other end a water bottle holder that’s secured with a (oh my lord) a thin belt strap that oddly wraps around your thigh.

I couldn’t imagine the purpose or the occasion where one would wear this Bottega Veneta fanny pack. I guess if you are a stylish gardener or a trendy hiker then maybe this would be the purse of choice. Other than that, I say pass. I would rather spend a little bit less and get the (fabulous for spring) Bottega Veneta white woven leather mini clutch which is on sale for only $448. Also available in brown.

Retail Value: $790.
Sale Price: $632.
Discover the Bottega Veneta Utility FannyPack

May 6, 2007

Paris Hilton with her B. Fendi Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag
Spotted: Soon-to-be jailbird Paris Hilton photographed at the U.S. Launch Party for Boots, U.K.’s Number One Health and Beauty Brand. Bag for the occasion was her gleaming bright metallic gold B. Fendi shoulder bag. Paris has a lot of these B. Fendi shoulder style purses, and this one by far is my least favorite. Or maybe it’s just her whole outfit that I don’t like.

The bag body of the bag, dressed in metallic gold painted leather which slighty gathers to create ruched effect, features the signature double oversized buckles and aged brass hardware. Measurements of the B. shoulder are 12″ x 8″ x 3″. Discover it today at today where it retails for $1,260.00

May 1, 2007

Britney Spears with her 7 For All Mankind Handbag
Spotted: Dying to know the name of that bag Britney Spears has been seen with all over L.A. the last couple weeks? We finally have a name to go with that bag (thanks to people). B.S.’s new obsession is none other than the glossy rhubarb colored vintage-inspired framed 7 For All Mankind Doctor Handbag. The bag which retails for $575 has already sold out on the 7 site, but fear not I’m sure there will be more in stock within a matter of days.

April 28, 2007

The Boyfriend’s Ugly Travel Bag
How do I say this delicately?

Not to be rude or anything… but uhh, boyfriend you need a new Travel Bag. My boyfriend isn’t really into designer handbags ( *I hear a gasp* ) or man bags but since I am on most occasions traveling with my accessory boyfriend then he also needs to sport a hot travel bag.

Every now and then I’ve given him hints that his travel companion is way overdo for a meeting with the dumpster. I mean when you are walking down the airport aisle with your designer embellished girlfriend on one arm and on the other your hand-me-down multi-color fugly tweed bag that your grandmother made good use of during the sixties, then its time for a new bag. I mean I love vintage, but uhh, it’s just plain ugly.

Date Added: April 5, 2007

Juicy Couture the Inflatable Floaty Tote
Does it float to? I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t carry around a bag that looks like a floaty. I guess I would be worried, since it is made of inflatable plastic bubbles, that it’s susceptible to getting deflated. The life expectancy for a floaty is not that many years. I would say months. Maybe not even a whole summer, depending on how frequently used. So could this bag, being how it is part of the floaty-family, not last the whole summer?

This floaty-bag retails for $65 and is available in 3 different variations – The first version of the bunch is the clear with the bold bright pink Juicy Couture logo. Then there is the trio of the USA colors red, white and blue. And finally the one pictured above with its stripes of green, pink and beige.

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