Fashion News: Weekly Web Round Up!
TGIF, it’s Friday. Before you pack up and take off for the weekend check out these great articles from other sweet sites…

LA STORY suggests you “Surrender” to the luscious voice of Jane Monheit in her podcast!

It’s sale season at Bag Snob so get your goodies before they sell out!

Don’t you hate it when you spot another gal in your favorite outfit? Coquette introduces you to the unique handprinted fashions of Snoozer Loser

Zzzzzz…..time to catch up on your beauty sleep, advises Fashiontribes. In honor of Better Sleep Month, learn the secrets of a good night’s sleep from experts at the Better Sleep Council.

FitFlops are all the rage in London

Some dames dig dogs, other kittens cuddle cats-Kristopher prefers glammy dead animals, like a vintage alligator bag

Papierblog ponders whether Australian designer Josh Goot made a mistake going with Target

Second City Style is making beautiful music with the accordion…pleat this summer.

She Finds: Chic Luggage for Chic Travelers

Find out what’s tops for Pops with StyleBakery.com’s list of Father’s Day Gifts he’s sure to love

Styleaholics: Love the 80’s? Love Cassettes? Then you’re gonna love these wallets!

Stylehive has just launched Style Communities with great brands such as InStyle, Gap, Shopbop and Ron Herman! Check them out and join today!

Jewelry gets the bag as The Jewelry Weblog dicusses the idea of combining jewelry bling with hand bag function.

She’s Here: Balenciaga City Handbag
She is finally here! The black Balenciaga City that I scored from QualityCouture in The Bag Forum arrived just minutes ago and I haven’t been able to put her down yet. She’s so soft and pretty and dying to go outside to breath some fresh Seattle air… so we’re off to get sushi…

Join the club and get your own black Balenciaga City Handbag via Diabro.net for $1,286.96

Re-appearance: Frisky aka Mr. Kitters modeling the awesome Retrodelic Man Bag

Frisky the Turtle: Retrodelic Man Bag
Cats are just like children. If you don’t hear anything for a long period of time then you know they are getting themselves into trouble, at least with my crazy cat that is.

A couple days ago when I received this Retrodelic bag that the designer sent to my boyfriend to replace his Ugly Travel Bag, I left it out for no more than 10 minutes while I made my latte and when I returned this is how Mr. Kitters (frisky) laid. Hibernating like a turtle in the Retrodelic Man Bag.

New Purse Alert: Coach Patchwork Handbag Collection
eBelle5 is definitely obsessed with Coach designer handbags, even though they have changed so much over the years (some say for the worse). So without a doubt when a new purse hits their shelves, I will drop everything I’m doing to notify you all of the splendid news. Sometimes though if you don’t hear it from me here on eBelle5, chances are I would have posted something in the bag forum or on most occasions someone else has beaten me to the punch (lol).

Most of the opinions sprung from other purse obsessed tbf’ers is that this new collection is nothing to get your wallets out for and have categorized it with a big fat NAY. I definitely agree with everyone in the forum, but mostly because this bag is just not my style and won’t really match my wardrobe.

The new Coach Patchwork handbag collection combines two new favorites to the fashion label – the slouchy Ergo shape and a new version of the Patchwork pattern. The Coach Ergo shape gets its name for its unique ergonomic design. The bags are designed with super lightweight leathers that silhouette to conform to the contours of our bodies. That is the only thing I really like about this new collection. The patchwork as you can see is combination of ziggy zebra print, spotted leopard print, polka dots, overlapping optic, classic signature, with patches of solid denim, metallic, and suede. Available in the color palette of indigo or khaki.

What do you guys and gals think? Yay or Nay?

Price Range: $68 – $458
Discover the new Coach Patchwork Handbag Collection

Purse Deal: Lam Jutta Bag with Chain Link Strap
Who doesn’t look when there’s a purse sale?? I swear when I hear those words something goes off inside of me and I start acting like a kid in a candy store! This piece of eye-candy on sale is the stunning white Derek Lam Jutta Purse. Am I the only one who finds this purse adorable? Why is it on sale for 41% off? That’s a steal of a deal.

This charming purse is dressed in soft grained leather and features a belt detail that weaves through belt loops and secures the tummy of the bag with an aged brass Derek Lam combination lock. The top of the bag keeps your insides out of sight with a front flap with magnetic snap closure that pops open to reveal a dusty rose colored suede lining. So far so lovely. Another one of my favorite features is the thick chain strap, but if you do not share my liking for the chunky chain details then tuck it in and use the top leather strap. Also if you need some more room, the bag features a base zipper that unzips to expand the bags capacity for extra breathing room for your wallet and other purse necessities. Measurements: 11″ x 6″ x 3.25″ to 5″

Price: $1,100
Sale Price: $659
Discover the Derek Lam Jutta Bag with Chain Link Strap

eBelle5 Handbag Giveaway: Retrodelic Candy Clutch
As this month comes to an end, so does the Retrodelic Candy Clutch Giveaway. That’s right everyone, it has already been 23 days since the beginning of this month and when the Retrodelic giveaway kicked off. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up, don’t worry it is not too late. Just direct your mouse on over to the official sign up page and you will be on your way to participating in this once and a life time opportunity, to win the new sleek Retrodelic Kaki canvas clutch. For those procrastinators, there are about 8 more days left in this month so you have until the clock strikes midnight (est) on the 31st to sign up.

The giveaway was sponsored by the talented rising superstar in the handbag world, designer Ken Williams of Retrodelic. He founded the company only three years ago and already has a strong fan base among celebrities and fashionista’s all over the world. The vintage-inspired bags in the Retrodelic collection are all designed with quality material and classic styling techniques which ultimately create these timeless pieces that will surely last you years to come. And now is your chance to get one of these Retrodelic vintage-inspired purses without touching your bank account. Here are the details…

The Prize:

Retrodelic has decided to donate another fabulous goodie to feed our purse addiction. The clutch up for grabs is the Retrodelic Candy Clutch. The sleek thin body is dressed in a kaki shade fabric with accenting rich dark brown leather and accessorized with dual accenting buckles. When the flap flips over it reveals a single compartment lined with a bold blue paisley looped pattern with one inner zipper pocket. Measurements: 12” x 6” x 0.5”

How to Enter:

All you have to do is finish the form on the contest page. By entering your email address and zip code you will be automatically entered in the drawing pool to win this Retrodelic Candy Clutch.

Dates:

The contest will run for the whole month of May. So you have until May 31th 11:59pm EST to enter for this giveaway. The winner will then be crowned shortly after.

> Sign up for Retrodelic Candy Clutch Giveaway

> Shop Retrodelic

Purse Deal: Yves Saint Laurent Purple Reversible Double Sac
This probably isn’t going to come as a shock to all of you avid eBelle5 readers when I say that my favorite color in the whole world is vibrant purple (hot pink comes in at number two). So when I came across this gorgeous purple beauty I was star struck. Too bad I just purchased a Balenciaga City bag a couple days ago (which I am anxiously waiting for) from a tbf’er, so I’m going to have to wait a couple weeks before my next purchase. But that’s just me. If you are on the hunt for a vibrant purse to stroll down the street with this spring, then this is definitely a great pick. This is one that makes it on my top 10 list, and not just because it’s the Yves Saint Laurent 2-in-1 Reversible handbag but the color is just stunning (and yes the 2-in-1 part is a huge plus).

Two bags in one equals more bang for your buck! Which is way cool when you are planning a spring getaway and you want to save every penny you can. On side A of the bag it’s dressed in all deep purple and topped off with a stitched signature ‘Y’ overlay. Done with the purple? Then flip it. Side B of the bag is painted in ivory with purple straps and finishes with the ‘Y’ underlay. I am a huge fan of white bags. Every fashionista has to have at least one durable clean white handbag for spring. But really though, I don’t like the ivory side of the YSL double sac purse, I think that the purple straps are too distracting. If it was all ivory including the straps on the other side it would look so much better (imo).

The bag pictured above is the large sac (measures 17.5” at widest x 12” tall at center x 6” deep), but if you are not in with toting along giant bags or if you are just looking for a purse that’s smaller in size then you may be interested to know that this purple beauty is available in the small sac (measures 15” at widest x 11” tall at center x 5½” deep) as well. The best part �” It’s also on sale!

Price (large): $1,695
Sale Price (large): $1,356
Price (small): $1,395
Sale Price (small): $1,116
Discover the Yves Saint Laurent Purple Reversible Double Sac

Guess Who: Celebrity With The Cheap Yak Pak Handbag
Not all celebrities are photographed walking down the street with a $1,000+ designer handbag. Check out this 22 year old Canadian-born rock singer above, strolling out of the airport with her cheap $33 skull-design canvas Yak Pak tote.

Guess the owner…. Answer Revealed After The Jump

As Seen on Angelina Jolie: Seril “knockout” Clutch
As seen on the husband stealer herself, Angelina Jolie-Pitt in a previous season of People Magazine with the Seril “knockout” Clutch.

With the four fingers popped out hold this Knockout Clutch like a pair of brass knuckles, but be careful for finger cramps.

Price: $545
Discover the Seril “knockout” Clutch

Star Style: Celebrities with Their Moo Roo Evening Purses
After having a dream one night, designer Mary Norton, created the first few MOO ROO (nicknames of her two daughters, Micah and Reilly) bags on her dining room table as gifts for friends. Then within the next few years the label Moo Roo became widely popular among celebrities and bagista’s all over the world. Pictured above are only a few of the celebrities that have Moo Roo evening clutches hiding in their closet �” Paris Hilton, Penelope Cruz, and Queen Latifah.

> Paris is carrying the fluffy winter white Moo Roo lavish ostrich feather evening bag. Not many people can pull off the feather downy purse, but Paris does it well, she absolutely looks stunning. Price $295

> Penelope was spotted with the solid oval metallic leather minaudiere decorated with a swirl of dazzling swarovski crystals and trimmed with pearl. The mini purse comes with a detachable shoulder snake chain. Price $1000

> The Queen is pictured above with the gold and brown pouchette evening bag in hand. Price $375

If on the hunt for something shiny or dazzling that will last you years to come, then I think that a Moo Roo evening purse would be a great choice. Wander on over to mooroo.com to explore all of their fun a stylish arm candy.

Designer Bottega Veneta Colibri Handbag
The Bottega Veneta Colibri handbag is a thing of beauty. With a tri-fold leather frame top with snap closure, this gorgeous purse is dressed in a purple silk floral print with a pretty pink bird featured in the center, and topped off with the signature Bottega Veneta hand woven intrecciato leather pattern handle straps. This beauty will not be like all your other purse babies that spend most of their life sleeping in the dustbag, because this colorful piece of candy will be in style for years to come.

Price: $2,810
Discover the Bottega Veneta Colibri Handbag

Designer Chloe Silver Loaf Handbag
Chloe’s meteor silver purse has been discovered at Ron Herman. The silver distressed leather loaf shaped body features double brown arm straps, and silver hardware. The top of the bag keeps your insides secure with the zip top and snap closure that pops open to reveal a soft canvas lining and one single long zipper pocket. Measurements: 14″ x 9″ x 7″. Catch this meteor silver purse before it’s out of sight forever.

side note: The Ron Herman Site does not except returns or exchanges on designer handbags. I guess they have had a few issues with people returning replica handbags. tisk tisk.

Price: $1,380
Discover the Chloe Silver Loaf Handbag

Moo Roo Name Change & Biggest Sale Yet
Mary Norton, owner of the Fashion Designer label Moo Roo is undergoing a big transition, a name change. When the changeover is complete the new handbags will be marked with the new name, Mary Norton. The new change also gives birth to a wider selection of couture handbags, from croc-embossed totes to gold-brushed clutches with satin underlay. Sweet News!

In the mean time Moo Roo is having a gigantic super sale to get rid of all those Moo Roo label purses. Pictured above is the super lovely Baby Fou Fou small satin handbag adorned with Moo Roo’s custom-dyed farm-raised ostrich feathers in mix of gorgeous colors with exquisite caviar beading in deep violet and silver. Also comes with a wrist and shoulder snake chains. This Baby Fou Fou usually carries a price tag of $595, but lucky you, right now it’s on sale for $195

Purse Deal: L.A.M.B. Love Capri Satchel Handbag
Don’t press that checkout button! Right now over at Shopbop.com they are having a huge sale, like 30-70% off recently introduced designer handbags and clothing. My number one pick of the bunch sitting over on the virtual shelves, is (hands down) this creamy beige colored L.A.M.B. Love leather tassel handbag decorated with the velvet logo banding and shiny gold-plated hardware with logo lock.

Price: $550
Sale Price: $385
Discover the L.A.M.B. Love Capri Satchel Handbag

Designer Marc Jacobs Handbags for Under $65
Do you know how hard it is these days to find a nice long lasting handbag for under $300? That’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Well, thanks to Marc-y Marc’s Special Items line you can afford a chic designer label handbag without breaking the bank – its cheap chic time, featuring Marc Jacobs.

a) Can’t seem to score the new Anya Hindmarch Environmental canvas shopping tote? Then check out the Marc Jacobs canvas totes. A bag that will surely love to take the place of those “go-green” shopping totes while you are out exploring the market, and with a super inexpensive price tag of $10 why not get all three.

b) “Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs in collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote.” This simple dark blue tote can be discovered at most MJ boutiques around the globe carrying a shockingly cheap tag of only $12.

c) Walk around with Marc Jacobs signature with the new spring Panam Innovator shoulder bag. Dressed in PVC plastic this little shoulder bag retails for only $48. but if you are looking for a similar bag but are in need for a little bit more space, then check out the Explorer (d) Color availability: white or blue

d) Scribbled with Marc-y Marc’s signature it’s the bigger version of Panam (c), the Explorer Handbag. Color availability: white or blue.

e) This is the cheapest quilted north-south style Marc Jacobs handbag you can get. Oh this is such a great deal. Do you remember the north / south styled quilted tote that came out about a year ago, well it’s still available resting on the virtual shelves of eluxury where it retails for $1,175. That’s $1,127 more than this Marc Jacobs Special Collection Metallic Quilted Tote, which carries a retail price of $48. But prices aside, I would still chose this cheaper version pictured above. The shimmering metallic colors are so in right now, and will complement your spring attire like magic. Color availability: light rose (above), copper, black, light silver, and light gold.

f) The winner of all of the bags above, it’s the glossy metallic baby blue metallic shoulder tote. Available for only $44 this Marc Jacobs tote will surely last you for the whole summer, unlike other lower-brand inspired by handbags that retail for around the same amount.

Also go on over and check out their wallets and coin purses. Most of them retail in the neighborhood of $10 to $20.

side note: If you haven’t heard, the rumor circulating throughout the fashion industry is that there may be a new addition to the Marc Jacobs Family. Rumor has it that Marc-y Marc may come out with a third fashion line – not more expensive but a much cheaper line. Well, I don’t see how he can go much cheaper than this. You all know, there is the Marc Jacobs line which is on the pricier side ($700 to $1500 average for a handbag), then there’s the Marc by Marc Jacobs line ($100 to $500 average for a handbag), then on the super cheap side there’s the Special Items ($10 to $70 average for a handbag). Now I can’t imagine Marc-y Marc coming out with a line cheaper than that.

Price: $10 – $65
Discover the Marc Jacobs Special Handbag Line at most Marc Jacobs Boutiques

Versace Mirror Chain Link Handle Handbag
Mirror mirror on the wall bag who is the fairest one of all? Of course without a doubt it’s you, with your fabulous glossy Versace Mirror Chain Link Handle Handbag.

The frame top bag is dressed up in shiny vinyl-coated reflective metallic leather that’s embossed with a geometric pattern. The mirror body also features a grained metallic trim, polished gold metal hardware, chunky link chain shoulder straps with comfortable padded leather handles (7″ drop), three exterior easy access super big pouch pockets, protective metal feet, and topped off the golden oversized “V” and Medusa charms dangle from key ring on the shoulder strap. The zip top pops open to reveal the fine textile lining that holds a zip pocket, cell phone pocket, and patch pocket. Measurements: 14″x 9″x 9″

side note: If the mirror metallic version is not your style then wander on over to Saks.com and discover the black or deep ruby version.

Price: $2,320.
Discover the Versace Mirror Chain Link Handle Handbag

Add a Splash of Color: Lorelei Eel Skin Clutch
Its spring let some of that nice sunny weather reflect on your spring wardrobe. Like for instance this sunny bright yellow Lorelei Eel Skin Clutch will do the trick. Great accessory pick for those spring nights.

The little slender clutch is dress in sleek yellow colored eelskin with a hinged closure. Even though I own a few eel skin bags (10+ vintage) and love them to death, many of my purse enthusiast friends do not share my love for the texture. It’s a thin silky smooth slightly rubbery texture with long lasting durability. Eel skin has been proven to be 1.5 times more durable than leather of the same thickness.

Add a splash of color to your spring wardrobe with the new vibrant sunny Lorelei clutch today, for only $248

Price: $248
Discover the Lorelei Eel Skin Clutch

Lighten Your Path: Coach Mini Flashlight
Why? In case it’s late at night and you find yourself walking aimlessly down a dark ally with the purpose of talking a shortcut but you underestimated the lack of streetlights then the just pull out your trusty designer Coach flashlight and walla, you have light. Only available in the color black or blue and surrounded with soft pebbled leather it’s the Coach Maglite Mini Flashlight. Uses AA batteries. Lighten your way for only $68.

Price: $68
Discover the Coach Mini Flashlight

Fashion News: Weekly Web Round Up!
TGIF! This week has felt like the longest week e-v-e-rrrr and I am so glad it is over. All of my close friends have been stricken with the “lazy spring weather virus” that’s going around and have abandoned me to go on vacation out of town (for the last week). Even my boyfriend ditched me (for work). For the last week he has been all the way on the other side of the country, and I haven’t even spoken with him for more than 5 minutes before his cell connection would die (thanks AT&T).

So as this week comes to an end everyone is on their way back home to me. In the meantime I’m going to celebrate this Friday cleaning the house, soothing at Nordstrom’s Spa, giving the baby a bath, and of course reading some sweet articles from other fabulous sites. . . .

Earrings from Gem make Girlawhirl feel like she’s on vacation every time she wears them

Stripper shoes or top dollar chaussures? Stylebites looks into the case of the catwalk trend!

My Fashion Life asks that you take a stand against the disaster that is “Paris & Nicole on the cover of Harpers!”

Coquette falls in love with the prints and patterns of Diane von Furstenberg’s spring dresses.

Fashiontribes dives in & finds the Top 10 Glamour Girl swimsuits for splashy poolside lounging, Hollywood starlet style.

YSL Tribute shoe is the perfect platform for Kristopher to preach on.

LA STORY muses about taking her iPOD on the run– with IMainGO!

Papierdoll celebrates the arrival of Boots UK to Target

Second City Style ’s (Must-Haves (and Must-Not-Haves) for Summer 2007) is a Must-Read!

She Finds: Celebrity “It” Bags: Which Is Your Fave?

StyleBakery.com tested over 40 products to come up with their list of [Top 10 Sunless Tanners], plus they offer 10 Goof-Proof Tips for Getting the Perfect Faux Tan

Styleaholics: Discover hot new sneaker line Jezign!

Escape with Stylehive to only one of seven astronomic hotels worldwide, Nuestro Hotel’s Elqui Domos, where you can stay in a private dome stargazing with the complimentary telescope.

With all the graduates out there right now, don’t forget to give them a little something special. The Jewelry Weblog says that message jewelry, in fact, is a great way to show and tell how much you care.

Kate Moss for Topshop Studded Handbag
If you are looking for a price-y plain black pouch, check out Kate Moss for Topshop’s studded “rock & roll meets chic” purse. Yes finally, for those of you have been patiently waiting to take a glance at the new fashion line wait no more, wander on over to Topshop to see the whole Kate Moss line.

Personally I like (not love) the Kate Moss for Topshop Bag but I dislike the price (for what you are getting). It’s a simple black drawstring leather pouch embellished with moon and star studded details and features really long dual shoulder straps. Retail price for will set you back $160. Or if you are in the mood to spend a little bit more check out this person on ebay who is selling this bag for $225

What do you guy & girls think? Is this pouch worth $160?

Price: $160
Discover the Kate Moss for Topshop Studded Handbag