Dooney Bourke Founder Prison Sentence

Dooney and Bourke Designer Handbags Founder Frederic Bourke Prison Sentence

Dooney and Bourke handbags are excellent designer bags but founder Frederic Bourke (who hasn't been associated with te company for a long time) was given a one year and one day prison sentence yesterday for "foreign bribery". Last July he was convicted for investing $8 M with Czech Entreprenuer, Victor Kozeny, in the early 1990’s to bribe the Azerbaijan government in order to get in on the state’s private oil company. Burke will also have to serve 3 years probation after his release, and is also facing a fine of $1 million.
Bourke claims he is a victim of Kozeny, and that he didn’t know he was paying cash and jewelry to foreign government officials. He will appeal against the conviction and his lawyer feels Bourke has every chance of winning the appeal.

Dooney and Burke fell out a long time ago and Peter Dooney now runs the company. Back in May Bourke said that he believed Dooney was secretly injecting him with a “harmful substance.” Mr Dooney laughed off the accusation saying “I haven’t seen the guy in years and years. No secret injections. Categorically denied.”

On a more festive note Dooney and Bourke handbags are offering a number of special offers this month such as this excellent Calf Letter Carrier - Price $115 reduced from $165

Outside zip pocket
Inside zip pocket
Cell phone pocket
Strap drop length: 22.5"
Lined
Zipper closure

Home : Radley Bags
Related Posts : Dooney and Bourke Bags - Spot Dooney and Bourke Fakes

Radley Bags Sale One Third Off

Designer Handbags - Radley Bags Sale 30% Reductions !

Christmas is fast approaching and we all know that designer handbags make very good presents. Fortunately you don't have to break the bank to find a very good quality designer bags for that 'special other'. Radley bags are very high quaility designer handbags and what is even more interesting is that they have some of their bags on sale at the moment with a reduction of 30%. Here are one or two examples of what Radley is offering - see link on this page.

Radley Bags Petticoat Lane

Soft, natural leather with a detachable 59cm strap.
Zip top
2 zip pockets inside and 2 slip pockets
Polka dot pattern on the lining

Price : £77 - reduced from £110

Radley Bags - Camden

Incredibly soft leather
63cm Across body strap
Flapover top secured by concealed magnet
Handy zip pocket on the reverse and inside
Floral print on lining inspired by a woodblock carving from Jaipur

Price :£59 - reduced from £75

Radley Tavistock Bag

Soft natural leather
Adjustable strap, maximum length 59cm
Flapover top secured by concealed magnet
Handy slip pocket on reverse and underneath flapover top
2 zip pockets inside and a lightly striped, cotton lining
Small leather Radley dog on tear-shaped contrast coloured leather tag

Price £99 - reduced from £150
Home : Womens Handbags
If you prefer your handbags slightly more quirky and whimsical take a look at some Mary Frances handbags

Spot Dooney and Bourke fakes

Radley Bags Christmas Gift Ideas

Radley Bags for Christmas !

Womens handbag gift ideas for Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching so it's time to start thinking of Christmas handbag gifts and presents, don't leave it till Christmas Eve get it done early for once! Radley bags of London is doing a special free delivery for the UK, if you want to buy Radley bags in the USA, Lord and Taylor are offering free delivey on orders over $150.

At the Radley.co.uk site they are also offering special Christmas gift packs ranging from 50 GBP to 175 GBP, which include a bag, wallet/purse and umbrella or scarf, ideal if you are looking for a high quality bag as a gift, but do not want to break the bank.

Alternatively you can choose from their new arrivals such as the Radley Medium Shoulder Lambeth which is a shoulder bag, made from smooth leather with subtle stitch detail and contrast single stitch pattern along the top of the bag, on the strap and corners. Dimensions : W26 x H17.5 x D6.5 cm - Price £115


In the USA you could pick up a beautiful Radley Cavendish Place Tote for $275. The Cavendish Place is described as beautiful and full of color, and designed to grab attention! Made from the softest leather, it is a large tote with a gathered top and curved base. Hand-stiched criss-cross pattern on the leather shoulder straps and a brightly colored chunky resin bead charm with leather discs and the Radley dog tag. Someone will love it for Christmas !

Dimensions:16"w x 12"h x 4"d - Available in black, brown and red.

So do your Christmas shopping for your Radley bags now from the comfort and secret of your own bathroom !

Home : Womens Leather Handbags

Mary Frances Bags 20th Anniversary

Womens Handbags - Mary Frances Special Edition 20th Anniversary Bag

The first Mary Frances bags were created 20 years ago and to mark the occasion Mary Frances has designed a special handbag which is a whimsical mix of precious crystals, soft leather and metallics, plus one of Mary Frances' unique signature flowers and the Mary Frances 20th Anniversary logo. The bag is being retailed at $299 by Mary Frances Accessories - see the link on the side of the page.

Mary Frances 20th Anniversary Special Edition Handbag

W x D x H: 10 X 1.5 X 3.5"
STRAPS: 1
HANDLE LENGTH: 40.5"
WEIGHT: 1.25 LBS
STRAP DROP: 19.5"

Mary Frances handbags describes this bag as a fusion of whimsy and elegance, femininity and functionality. It is embellished with opulent natural stones and trims from around the world, each piece being handcrafted with intricate details. Mary Francas bags have been described as "wearable art" and they have been seen on the arms of Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson and Jessica Simpson, to name but a few.

As a special edition Mary Frances bag this could well become a collector's item so it might be worth tucking away as an alternative investment !

Home : Mary Frances Bags

Radley Bags Autumn Collection

Womens Handbags - Radley Bags Autumn Collection

For Mary Frances Bags click here - Mary Frances Handbags
The UK company Radley bags was founded in 1998 by Lowell Harder the current Creative Director of the company, who started by selling her designer bags at Camden Market in London. Initially retailers didn't appreciate Radley bags' colourful designs, but the company has progressed and Radley bags are now the best-selling UK designer handbags and are much appreciated by many celebrities including Natasha Bedingfield, Myleene Klass, and Cameron Diaz.
Radley Bag Mornington Crescent Large Multi-Way Grab
Radley makes beautiful colourful designer handbags and accessories with a distinctive design, and slightly eccentric as befits an English company. Radley bags explores the various cultures of the world to find inspiration.
Radley loves surprises and they love to surprise. They therefore approach their task of designing beautiful womens handbags with a completely open mind and their results are always surprising.

Radley has launched its Autumn Winter 2009 handbag collection to celebrate London. For the designers at Radley Bags, London tells stories of people with the same sense of adventure and fun as the peolpe at Radley bags. Stories of hidden places, discoveries. and inspiration
Radley Bag Knightsbridge Large Bowling Tote
The collection is based around different streets and areas of London in particular the Columbia Road Flower Market in East End of London.

Radley bags state that they express a "playful confidence and quirky British sense of humour", and that they enjoy a sense of freedom in design.

They see their handbags as works of art, but design their bags so that they are both practical and beautiful.

For Radley bags womens handbags are extensions of their bodies and an expression of each woman's individual style.
Radley Bag Grosvenor


Radley handbags are made with exceptional attention to detail and only the finest leathers are used. They have also developed over time in response to the ways in which women use their handbags.

Radley Bag Without A Paddle

See also How to Spot a Fake Radley Bag

Home : Radley Bags

Carlos Falchi Designer Bag Sale

Womens Leather Handbags - Carlos Falchi Designer Handbag Sale

Carlos Falchi was born in Brazil in 1944. He moved to New York in 1964 and soon started to work at Max's Kansas City where his design talent brought him into contact with the most celebrated rock and roll and pop stars of the day. He soon began designing stage costumes for artists such as Elvis Presely, Miles Davis, Tina Turner and Mick Jagger.
(Carlos Falchi Python Hobo)
He showed his work to Geraldine Stutz, the buyer for Henri Bendel and in one of those strange turns of fate she showed more interest in the bag in which he was carrying his samples. She placed an order there and then for a number of Carlos Falchi's bags and thus was born the Carlos Falchi accessories collection.

Carlos Falchi is famous for his innovative designs of handbags and accessories. He insists on using only the best craftsmen for his designs, and the finest leathers.

(Carlos Falchi Pleated Pouch Clutch)
He has many clients from the world of show business and rock adn roll such as Tina Turner, Susan Sarandon, Madonna, Cher and Melanie Griffith. His designs have also been used in numerous films and TV shows including The Way We Were, Convoy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and “Sex in the City.”

The number of his celebrity admirers has increased to include stars such as Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller, and Jessica Simpson.

Although best known for his designer handbags Carlos Falchi also designs jewelry, belts, and ready-to-wear.

His designs combine unusual textures, vivid colors, and unusual patterns, combind with his unique method for treating leather. “For me there is something magical about the creative process… I blend art and design to produce a dramatic and fresh take on the leather product” he says.

(Carlos Falchi Large Crocodile Bag)
His designs are available online at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Eluxury.

At the moment there is also a sale with a 50% reduction at ebags.com - see link elsewhere.
Carlos Falchi strives to protect species and ensure environmental controls by developing farm-bred, exotic skins. These programs have led to the increased availability of high quality exotic skins.

Target has commissioned Carlos Falchi to design its next collection of handbags. Normally Mr Falchi's snakeskin bags sell for $400 but in October his bags will be offered by Target for around $100.

For other designer bags see
Mary Frances Handbags
Radley Bags
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
How to Spot Dooney and Bourke Fakes
Home : Radley Bags

Burberry Handbags Better than Gucci

Womens Handbags - Burberry Handbags for the Rich and Famous

Burberry Handbags

Radley bags may be the best-selling UK designer handbags but long before Radley came along, Burberry's was already a British institution. Burberry's is a UK company that was founded in 1856 in Basingstoke by Thomas Burberry a draper's apprentice. Before Burberry handbags became desirable designer items, Burberry's accessories and clothing were bought by well-to-do British families with a taste that was quite peculiarly British.

Burberry is also known for having invented the gabardine, a fabric that is hard-wearing, and water-resistant but breathes. In 1911, they provided the clothes for Roald Amundsen, the first person to travel to the South Pole, and Shackleton, for his 1914 expedition across Antarctica. In 1914 Burberry's officer's coat was adapted to suit the conditions in the trenches of the First World War, thus creating the "trench coat".

Burberry is famous throughout the world for its checked pattern of course, which was created in the 1920s as a lining for its trench coats.

Burberry also created clothing for aviators and sponsored Mrs. Betsy Kirby Green amd A. E. Clouston on their flight which broke the record for London to South Africa in 1937.

The Haymarket check or "Burberry classic check" - black, tan, and red was not widely used on umbrellas, scarves, and luggage until 1967. The Novacheck was launched to appeal to the younger market, and was then "exploded" i.e. made bigger and changed into a diamond pattern.

Burberry has had some image problems in the UK as a result of being adopted by British football supporters and hooligans and assorted chavs but the brand has now succesfully thrown off this image and is in the process of reasserting itself as a high-quality British luxury brand with Royal Warrants from the Queen.

Burberry handbags are now a major part of its product range along with exclusive fragrances. The new Creative Director for Burberry is Christopher Bailey who has transformed the company and made it a competitor of such luxury brands as Gucci, Dior and Prada.

Burberry has achieved a number of major coups recently such as getting Glenda Bailey of US Harper's Bazaar and Carine Roitfeld from French Vogue were to attend there recent event in London along with Anna Wintour editor of American Vogue, the biggest name in the fashion business and persuading Sarah Jessica Parker to sport a Burberry coat during Sex and the City the movie.

Christopher Bailey has transformed Burberry into a competitor for the likes of Dior and Gucci. So you can now buy Burberry again without running the risk of people thinking you are common.

So if you want something snooty, expensive and British check out the Burberry checks they specialize in handbags, but also do boots and I confidently expect them to be worn by numerous fashion icons over the next few months as Burberry completes its rebranding campaign.
See also
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
Mary Frances Bags

Burberry handbags
Burberry designer bags
Burberry check
 Radley Handbags

Dooney and Bourke Summer Catalogue

Dooney and Bourke Handbags - Summer Catalogue

The handbag company Dooney and Bourke was created in South Norwalk, Connecticut in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke, but now is run exclusively by Peter Dooney who hasn't seen Frederic Bourke in years.

Here are some of the handbags from the recent Dooney and Burke summer catalogue.

Luna - $245.00


Size 14.25" x 1" x 9"

One internal zip pocket
Cell phone pocket
Zipper closure
Inside key hook
Lower zipper expands width of bag to 3.75"
Adjustable strap


Medium Chiara Bag - $345.00
Size 15.5" x 7" x 11"


Internal zip pocket
Center zip divider pocket
Internal key hook
Cell phone pocket
Strap drop length: 7.5"
Lined
Magnetic closure



Small Chiara Bag - $245.00



Size 11.5" x 5.75" x 9"

Internal zip pocket
Internal key hook
Handle drop length: 6.75"
Cell phone pocket
Lined
Magnetic closure


How to Spot Dooney and Bourke Fakes

dooney and bourke
dooney & bourke designer bags
dooney and burke
Home : Radley Bags

Mary Frances Handbags on Sale

Womens Handbags - Mary Frances Handbags Sale

Mary Frances handbags are certainly highly original. For nearly 18 years Mary Frances has, in her own words, "blended elegance with whimsy to create a unique style".

She designs five collections each year and her popularity continues to grow. Mary Frances handbags are have a unique bold look that means that many of her designs are collected just for the fun of collecting, by numerous Hollywood celebrities. Mary Frances accessories and purses are an additional means of investing in Mary Frances designer products in addition to the bags themselves.

Her handbags also have the added attraction of being affordable !

Mary Frances Handbag Sale

At the moment some Mary Frances bags are being offered on sale at ArtfulSoul who have reduced some of their prices - see the link elsewhere on this page.
Mary Frances Berry Beautiful for example is being sold at $122.40 instead of the normal price of $204 and the Mary Frances Artifact is on sale for $135 instead of $180.

Mary Frances Berry Beautiful

The bag has a hard shell inner construction and a hinged bottom. Flap over top and magnetic snap to close. Size 7 x 6-1/2 x 3 inches. Covered in orchid purple fabric embroidered with silver threads and purple/green iris beads along with clusters of pink sequin flowers. The front has a large flower with gilt petals, large plum color stone petals and purple crystals with blue crystal center. Shaped handle without shoulder strap. The interior of the bag is lined with rose fabric print

Mary Frances Bombshell

l - currently $152 from ArtfulSoul
Comfortable Wrist strap.
Size 7 x 5 x 8"
Details of seed beads, rhinestones and dangling beads.
A beautiful and extremely comfortable bag.

Mary Frances Twilight - currently $225 from ArtfulSoul
Stylish evening bag.
Size 8-1/4 x 3 x 2-1/2 inches.
Hard shell inner construction, hinged bottom, crystal-studded clasp on top.
Padded soft black leather covering, borderline anthracite black.
Tiny glass and crystal beads
The front has wonderful sculpted flowers with more clear and black crystals.
Lined in black.
Detachable shoulder chain.

Home : Radley Bags

Hermes Crocodile Birkin Bag

Womens Handbags - the Crocodile Birkin Bag

The Crocodile Birkin Bag (named after British singer/actress Jane Birkin) is one of the most expensive handbags in the world. The good people on CNBC have just been talking about the incresae in production of such bags as being a sign that the economy may be recovering. Erin Burnett said on CNCB that the bag cost around $6000. Well it appears that they start at around $5000 ,
(Hermes Matte Crocodile Birkin Bag)
but the one in this picture is encrusted with diamonds and according to Forbes, costs in the region of $120,000 ! Someone at Hermes must have winced when she was implying they only cost $6000.

The clasp of this 30-centimeter tote bag has 10 carats of white diamonds and the bag itself is made of crocodile.

Personally I think it looked better as a crocodile.
If you think you might like to buy one then check out the recomended links.


Famous people who own Birkin bags :

Jane Birkin,
Victoria Beckham
Sandra Bullock
Naomi Campbell
Mariah Carey
janet Jackson
Lindsay Lohan
and many more ... I hope they all paid for them.
There are of course handbags that are a lot more expensive - see the top ten most expensive handbags in the world
See also Mary Frances Handbags - Radley Handbags
Home : Radley Bags

Radley Bags Special Offer

Radley Bags - Radley's Three for Two Offer

Radley Bags at the moment are offering three items for the price of two on a number of ranges. Radley make excellent handbags and purses so their special offer is well worth a look. I don't get a commission from Radley so consider this a free plug for their bags and purses. Get yourself a genuine Radley bag !

There are some nice handbags in the Radley offer - here are two I spotted :-

Radley Canford Medium Shoulder Bag

A high quality soft bag with leather fringing and wooden beads. The leather of the tassel fringe extends up and forms the shoulder strap which if fitted with a comfortable leather shoulder pad.

Handy pocket on reverse.
Bag securely closed with a zip.
Shoulder strap is 10 inches long.
Patterned lining, two zip pockets, two slip pockets.

Price: £125.00 (+/- $195)

Radley Solent Across Body Bag

The Radley Solent collection full of energy and creativity. Panels of leather are decorated with appliqué pattern in contrasting leather. Round with small top flap and magnetic closure. Colorful tassels from the handle with a small enamel Radley Scottie dog. Three colors - spicy red with highlights in orange and green, ivory with turquoise and dark grey.

Adjustable strap - longest length 23 inches. Grosgrain fabric for lining. Two zip pockets. Two slip pockets

Price £145.00 (+/-$225)

Remember you get a third item free from Radley Bags' three for two offer.
For information on how to spot a fake Radley bag see - How to Spot a Fake Radley Bag radley bags radley handbags Radley bags special offer
Home : Radley Bags

Spot Fake Dooney Bourke Handbags

How to Spot a Fake or Replica Dooney and Bourke Handbag

Dooney and Bourke handbags , aka Dooney and Burke on some sites, have joined the ranks of womens handbags that are "knocked off" or copied. So how can you tell if a Dooney and Bourke is a fake or replica or is in fact genuine? Unfortunately it is not too easy. The best way to be sure of getting a genuine Dooney & Bourke handbag is to use their recommended outlets or their website - there should be a link somewhere on this blog.

(A Genuine Dooney and Bourke Python Medium Nikki Bag - $465)

Here are a few tips however to help you check out your Dooney and Bourke.

• The stitching on the leather logo tag should be the same color as the thread on the seams.
• Some people say that "British tan trim" is on all Dooney and Bourke handbags. Unfortunately not everyone agrees on this point e.g. when Dooney and Burke first started making handbags you could order your own trim color so a lot of 'vintage' Dooneys do NOT have the British tan trim.
• Old Dooney handbags in the Drawstring style, do not necessarily have the tan trim or the tan strap. And not all of them have the duck stitching inside.
• The hardware on a Dooney and Bourke bag will be solid brass. This applies to the protective feet, strap knobs or studs. Brass plated steel is not genuine.
• There should be a leather duck logo with visible stitching inside plus a red, white and blue registration number sewn beneath a leather seam.
• (A Genuine Dooney and Bourke Large Toggle Bag - $285)
• On the tag inside the bag it will say, "Dooney and Bourke", and it will have an SKU number printed on the other side. This number reveals the make and color of the bag. All Dooney Bourke handbags come with a registration card and a unique registration number.
• Online you would be advised to stick to commercial sites such as Macys, Nordstrom, or the Dooney site itself.
• If there is no registration card with the bag, look at the SKU and see if it matches the bag's SKU on the website.

If you don't fancy doing all that and you want to be absolutely sure that the Dooney and Bourke bag object of your desire is genuine, then we recommend you stick to the bona fide Dooney & Bourke outlets. dooney and bourke dooney burke handbags how to spot a fake dooney and bourke bag

Home : Radley Bags

Mary Frances Handbags

Womens Handbags - Mary Frances Handbags

In 1990 Mary Frances Schaffer started making handbags as a hobby in her apartment in the San Francisco Bay area, from these humble beginnings her handbags have spread and are considered highly desirable and are extremely popular with Hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Eva Longoria, Shania Twain, Kate Hudson Sheryl Crow and others. Mary Frances handbags are vibrant creations which reveal the designer's passion for life and her colorful personality. They are also considered by many to be more works of art than fashion items and as a result people collect them as investments.

The uniqueness of their design ensures that they will turn heads wherever you go ! They will also increase in value over time, so they really are a wise investment. Some people even go so far as to display them in their homes as works of art.

Each Mary Frances handbag is handmade, so each one is truly unique. Mary Frances handbags are made using only the finest quality materials and with almost obsessive attention to detail.
(Mary Frances Handbags - Lily Pond)
Mary Frances has received numerous accolades from the fashion industry, including "Accessory Designer of the Year at the 2004 Dallas Fashion Awards".

Mary Frances bags are a unique mixture of style, elegance, excitement and joie de vivre, they are also sold at reasonable prices.


(Mary Frances Handbags - Lemon Drop)
Mary Frances Accessories creates 5 collections each year of richly ornamented handbags that are genuinely 'one of a kind'. Each piece is created by hand by skilled craftsmen who pay close attention to each and every detail of the fabrics, stones, beads, and trimmings.
Home : Mary Frances Bags
Other handbag brands : Radley Handbags
B. Makowsky

Womens Handbag Theft Doubles

Womens Handbags - Handbag Theft on the Increase

Take care with your designer handbags and the stuff you put in them ! Recent research has revealed that the size of women's handbags has on average doubled over the last 10 years.

As a result more women carry documents such as passports, bank statements etc... with them.

The survey also revealed that one in ten men now have a "man bag" and over 60% of men carry their personal documents in them.

However, Kerry D'Souza,
card fraud expert for CPP, said: "It's easy to forget that your identity is as valuable to a thief as your wallet or car keys."

"As handbags get bigger and man-bags become more popular, people need to be aware of the risks attached to carrying around personal documentation and avoid doing so if at all possible."

"Ideally your passport, bank statements, passwords and payslips should be locked away at home in a secure place."

"If you lose your payments cards inform your bank as soon as possible."

The survey revealed that 83% of women have at least one document in their handbag showing their name, address or date of birth.

In the UK over 1.25 million women carry their passports around, and 1 million keep bank statements in their handbags.

Over 3 million women keep their payslips in their bags.

The latest figures show that bag theft is on the increase. There were over 700,000 thefts last year.

Most of these thefts take place on public transport and in pubs, with 10% being in a nightclub or shopping centre.

10% of women said their bag was wide open at the time.

So take care, although you may know that your Louis Vuitton designer bag is worth £2000, a thief is probably more interested in your passport and credit cards .
Home : Radley Bags

Dooney and Bourke Handbags

Womens Handbags - Dooney and Bourke Handbags Care and Gifts

Dooney and Bourke, aka Dooney & Bourke or even Dooney and Burke, for people who think two 'o's are quite enough for one name, make beautiful ladies handbags.

Dooney and Bourke handbags make great gifts.

Dooney and Bourke did in fact very thoughtfully create a special Mother's Day womens handbags gift section on their website where you could find for example the very colorful

Dooney Bourke Calf Large Luna for $275.00

Details
One inside zip pocket
Cell phone pocket
Zipper closure
Inside key hook
Adjustable strap
Bottom zipper expands width of bag to 3.75"
Strap drop length: 8"

Cleaning and Care of Dooney Bourke Handbags
Dooney & Bourke's Calf material is described as being water repellent and scratch resistant. Cleaning and care of D&B calf bags is easy. Just gently rub with a soft white cotton cloth which has been slightly dampened with water and a mild bar soap.

Your Mom might prefer the quality of the imposing

Florentine Vacchetta Shopper at $465.00

Details

Two outside snap pockets
Center zip divider pocket
Inside zip pocket
Inside key ring
Detachable coin purse
Cell phone pocket
Handle drop length: 8"
Lined
Feet
Snap closure

Care and Cleaning of Dooney and Bourke Handbags
Florentine vacchetta leather will get darker over time and with exposure to light. When wet it will darken briefly but when it dries the original color will return. Do not use creams, polishes, cleansing or conditional agents on this leather.

Dooney and Bourke's Florentine Vachetta Handbags are 100% cowhide leather. The waxed finish makes the surface water repellent and will help to stave off some soil.

Some grime can however be alleviated by gently rubbing with a slightly water dampened white cotton cloth. The waxed finish also helps in the removal of mild scratches. Just use an extra soft smooth cloth to remove most scratches.
Dooney and Bourke Dooney and Burke Dooney & Bourke dooney and bourke handbags womens handbags Designer Handbags

For information on How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton see Fake Louis Vuitton Bags

Radley Bags Special Offer

Womens Handbags - Radley Bags Spring Offer

Radley Bags Great Purses and Wallets

Radley Bags are very popular designer bags in the UK and are growing in popularity every year. They are in fact the biggest selling UK designed handbag mark. They are also expanding into the USA via their trulyradleydeeply site.

If you are looking for some great designer handbags to brighten up your collection then Radley is certainly worth a close look. They are relatively new but already have a solid reputation for quality and colourful innovation.

Radley Bags has a number of websites - radley.co.uk for the UK - radleylondon.com for the USA radleyandco.com and trulyradleydeeply.com - in addition to the Radley brand they also own the Tula and HiDesign brands - all of which you can see here - radleyandco.com/_explore/default.asp

Tula bags and handbag designs are described as "fresh and fashionable, combining great attention to detail with exceptional functionality"

HiDesign has been manufacturing leather bags and holdalls that are "handcrafted superior quality products" for over 30 years.

As summer is fast approaching Radley Bags have decided to promote their designer goods via a 3 for 2 offer, so this post is a shameless plug for their site as you may be able to pick yourself up a bargain. I don't get paid for advertising Radley Bags by the way, but you never know they might decide to make me an offer I can't refuse !

Radley handbags are always very colourful and original and of course high quality so check them out at radley.co.uk

Radley Bags - Small Flapover Coin Purse

A small purse with a flapover top with Radley playing with a butterfly. The pouch has a slip pocket on the reverse for a credit card.

Price: £20.00

Radley Bags - Medium Flapover Wallet

A classic expandable wallet for coins, credit card holders and a separate compartment for notes. Detailing shows Radley playfully leaping through a field of hay.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 10cm

Price: £40.00

Radley also have a very interesting leather bag for laptops in pink ! Got to be better than the normal plain old black offerings from other designers but then Radley Bags have always been known for their colourful designs.


Home : Radley Bags

B Makowsky Handbags

Womens Handbags - B. Makowsky Handbags

B. Makowsky handbags are fast becoming very popular among women who are looking for elegant stylish and affordable handbags. The philosophy behind the handbags is in some way similar to Coach handbags - they offer a combination of fine leathers, elegant hardware and beautiful designs with the aim of creating affordable leather handbags. Makowsky bags are known for their quality and attention to detail, and a timeless look. At the same time they are not excessively expensive costing hundreds of dollars instead of thousands.
(B Makowsky Soft Piped Shopper)
The Soft Piped Shopper is made from supersoft and supple leather. Exterior pockets are concealed within the pleats. Concealed magnetic closure. The shoulder strap is removable.
The brand bears the name of Bruce Makowsky, who created the brand along with Kathy Van Zeeland in 2006. B Makowsky bags are really a new phenomenon, in just two years they have experienced extraordinary success in developing the brand.

Where can you buy B. Makowksy handbags ?
The brand is expanding throughout the USA and can be found in major department stores and specialty stores such as :

Macy's, Dillards, Nordstrom, Von Maur and are sold by a number of online outlets.

(B Makowsky Studded Soft Pleated Hobo)
Studded Soft Pleated Hobo The studs follow the contoured lines of this supple leather hobo. Concealed magnetic closure. Interior zip. Wall pockets. Leather.

Home : Designer Handbags

Classic Chanel Handbags

Womens Handbags - Chanel Designer Handbags

The Parisian fashion house Chanel was created by Coco Chanel in the early part of the 20th century. The first handbag designed by Coco Chanel was the classic chain and quilted leather handbag in 1955.

Coco Chanel continued to work until her death in the 1970’s. The current head designer is Karl Lagerfeld.

Chanel handbags are well-known for their diamond pattern and the signature interlocking double-C.

A number of celebrities are known for their collections of Chanel handbags including Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham, and many more.

Coco Chanel was not only a fashion designer, she is widely recognized as being the very first fashion icon.

Her famous jersey-and-tweed suits brought men's and women's clothing closing together and her designs provided both comfort and style to women. In a time of rampant inequality, Chanel did away with rigid corsets and tight waists, preferring trousers and jackets for women - revealing herself to be a pioneer for women's rights as well as women's fashion.

(Chanel Classic Flap bag)

Coco Chanel was born in 1883 and raised in an orphanage in France. In 1912, she opened her first hat shop which was backed by wealthy aristocrat Arthur Capel. The fame of Chanel's designs slowly grew thanks to word of mouth, even during the Great Depression. Despite the economic problems of the time there were still enough people with enough money to pay $700 for a Chanel designer suit, from one of her stores in Paris or Biarritz.

After the invention of Chanel No. 5 perfume, Chanel became a household name and she started dressing the Hollywood stars of the fifties and sixties such as Katherine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly.

(Chanel Accordion Flap Designer Handbag)

During the war Chanel became romantically involved with a Nazi officer and fled to Switzerland, and was thereafter exiled from France for fifteen years, returning to fashion in the 1950s.

Coco Chanel died in 1971, leaving her brand in the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, who continues the Chanel style philosophy today.

Chanel are the third most popular of the designer handbags - after Louis Vuitton and Coach, and if they were not so expensive they would probably be even more popular.

For the single most expensive handbag in the world see - Hermes Birking

Home : Designer Handbags

Top Five Designer Handbags

Designer Handbags - The Most Popular Designer Handbags

Which are the most popular designer handbags ?

Designer handbags are one of the most popular women's fashion accessories. But where did this notion of designer handbags come from? Basically a designer handbag is just a handbag that somebody designed. And given that handbags don't design themselves then every handbag is a designer handbag.

What people mean by designer handbags of course is something totally different. In this status obsessed culture a handbag designed by somebody with a famous name becomes an object of desire, which is far more exciting than a handbag.

(Louis Vuitton Suhali Le Fabuleux Designer Handbag - $4360)

In addition to the famous name, however, a designer handbag also needs to be a high quality handbag and to be fair most of them are. They are of course generally either expensive, very expensive or extremely expensive, which just adds to their mystique and status of course. If you can't afford it, it must be good ! Even if it is rubbish.

So which are the top five designer handbags? If we ignore the subjective matter of taste and personal preference and look just at the figures, then Louis Vuitton is the clear winner.

(Coach Horse and Carriage Designer Handbag -$658)

In handbag and purse forums Louis Vuitton is the most talked about designer brand and in Google it is the most searched for designer handbag manufacturer. The reasons are fairly obvious. First, Louis Vuitton was the first. He started his luggage company in Paris in 1854 amd after his death in 1892 his son Georges developed the company into the first designer handbag manufacturer in the world.

The second most popular designer handbag manufacturer is the US company Coach, in terms of actual sales there may well be more Coach handbags sold than Louis Vuitton, it is difficult to know for certain. For one reason Louis Vuitton handbags are generally far more expensive than Coach handbags. Coach handbags are well-known for their style, their high qualty but also their affordability.


(<....Balenciaga Covered Giant Work $1925)

(Gucci New Jackie $3250.........>)
After Coach, in terms of popularity in the forums it is Chanel , Balenciaga, and Hermes but in terms of searches on Google it is Gucci, Balenciaga and Chanel. It is strange that Gucci handbags should not be in the first five in the forums.
Home : Designer Handbags

Marc Jacobs Designer Handbags

Designer Handbags - Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton

Marc Jacobs Womens Handbags

Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs are two of the most important names in the world of womens handbags and designer handbags.

Marc Jacobs was born on April 9th, 1963 in New York City, which makes him an Aries. He is currently head designer for Marc Jacobs, and also the Creative Director of the French designer handbag manufacturer Louis Vuitton.

(Louis Vuitton
Monogramouflage Speedy 35
$1,580.00 )

Marc Jacobs is well-known for his own distinctive style and the Monogramouflage was created by collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. It was inspired by Murakami's "Magic Ball."
The Monogramouflage is made of coated canvas with leather trim
Rolled leather handles with link attachments
Bright golden hardware
Removable luggage tag; embossed logo reads: "Monogramouflage Édition Limitée Takashi Murakami Louis Vuitton"
Contrasting canvas bands around the bag
Top closure by zip with padlock
Interior pocket
14"x 9"x 7.2"

Jacobs is a well-known celebrity in New York City. His fashion shows attract numerous celebrities and his collections generally make references to the styles of past decades from the '40s to the '80s.

Louis Vuitton

In 1997, Marc Jacobs was appointed Creative Director of luxury designer handbags and accessories manufacturer, Louis Vuitton, for whom he created the company's first ready-to-wear line.

Marc Jacobs likes to collaborate with popular artists for his Louis Vuitton collections and designer handbags and has worked with Steven Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and American artist Richard Prince.

(Louis Vuitton
Monogram Canvas Manhattan GM
$2,180.00)


Inspired by his own leather goods collection, Marc Jacobs' Manhattan GM has chunky gold metal hardware.
Monogram canvas - natural cowhide trim
Chunky Louis Vuitton rivets
Two exterior pockets - push-lock closures
Rounded cowhide straps - square gold metal links
Zipper closure
Buckled leather strap
Storage spaces for mobile phone, wallet, etc...
Taupe alcantara lining
15" x 10.2" x 5.5"


For Dooney and Bourke Handbags see - Dooney and Bourke
Home : Designer Bags

Designer Handbags Privacy Policy

Designer Handbags - Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

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Home : Radley Bags

Dooney Bourke Womens Handbags

Womens Handbags - Dooney and Bourke Handbags

Dooney & Bourke Handbags

Dooney & Bourke - NB spelling it is not Dooney and Burke - specializes in fashion accessories not just handbags, these accessories include iPod cases, bracelets, watches, luggage, and briefcases, plus sweaters, jackets, shoes, and scarves.

Dooney and Bourke handbags and most Dooney and Bourke products are made for women, but there are a few - e.g. sweaters, wallets, belts, briefcases, and someshoes made for men.

(... Dooney & Bourke Small Ashley bag - $385)

Dooney & Bourke was founded in 1975 and sells products which range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Dooney and Bourke handbags are perhaps not as well-known as Coach handbags or Louis Vuitton bags but they nevertheless sell very well and are high quality mid-level products priced so as to be affordable for budget conscious consumers.

The Dooney & Bourke company was launched in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke in South Norwalk, Connecticut. At present, however, Peter Dooney is reponsible for the day to day running of the company. Frederic Bourke is no longer involved in daily operations, he is on the other hand involved in a court case in which he faces charges of "international bribery".

In another bizarre twist it was reported on May 8 that Frederic Bourke believed that Peter Dooney was secretly injecting him with a “harmful substance.”

When told of the allegations Mr Dooney laughed.

“I haven’t seen the guy in years and years. No secret injections. Categorically denied.”

A curious relationship !

In 1981, Dooney & Bourke decided to make handbags and launched the Tack Case and Equestrian Bag, manufactured from bridle leather. There products are sold throughout the USA and in particular in Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, they also opened The Dooney and Bourke Company Store in Norwalk, Connecticut.

1983 saw the creation of the famous All-Weather Leather (AWL) bag, the first of which featured a duck logo with a russet leather trim.

2006 and 2007 saw the creation of the "Emma Bag," a small bag named after Emma Roberts.


The All-Weather Leather bag is made from cowhide and is waterproof, water just rolls off it. The AWL needs only minimal care. Difficult stains are removed using water and a bar of mild, e.g. Ivory or saddle soap. Take care if using creams to clean or condition the bags as the oils in the creams risk softening the leather and opening the pores, which would negate the effects of the special shrinking process adopted which renders the leather waterproof.

(... Dooney and Bourke Medium Zipper Pocket Sac - $235)


For information on the UK designer bag manufacturer Radley Bags see - Radley Bags

Dooney and Bourke Retail Outlets

Flagship Store
20 E. 60th St. between
Madison & Park Aves.
New York, NY 10022
212 223-7444

White Plains, NY 10601

Dallas, TX 75225

Tokyo
Japan

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Honolulu, HI 96814

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Old San Juan, PR 00091

Macau
China

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Dooney and Bourke Dooney and Burke Dooney & Bourke dooney and bourke handbags womens handbags Designer Handbags

For How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton see Fake Louis Vuitton Bags

Popular Designer Handbags

Womens Handbags - Coach Handbags, Radley Bags or Louis Vuitton

Womens Leather Handbags

Which are the most popular womens handbags? When it comes to designer handbags it is clear that women have very different ideas about which are the best bags. For sheer volume it appears that Louis Vuitton wins hands down. Louis Vuitton bags are the most searched for on the Internet and the LV name is probably the most famous and respected designer handbag brand in the world. One reason for this is that Louis Vuitton was the first maker of designer handbags and all the rest merely followed Louis Vuitton's example. This has led to a major problem with fake and replica Louis Vuitton handbags - see - How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton.

Of all the Louis Vuitton bags available it is probably the classic Louis Vuitton Speedy that most people think of when they think Louis Vuitton.

The LV Monogramouflage was created as a result of collaboration between Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Marc Jacobs and costs $1580.

Louis Vuitton handbags are of course extremely well made and high quality, but they are also very expensive.

On handbag and purse forums the most widely discussed designer handbags tend to be, in the following order

1. Louis Vuitton
2. Coach
3. Chanel
4. Balenciaga
5. Hermes
6. Marc Jacobs
7. Chloé
8. Gucci
9. Rebecca Minkoff
10. Mulberry
    With Louis Vuitton actually being talked about twice as much as Coach and ten times more than Mulberry
    
11. Coach Legacy Horse and Carriage Large $658
13. 
    I'm not surprised to see Coach handbags so high up on the list - Coach leather handbags are extremely well made and last for years but are nowhere near as expensive as Louis Vuitton leather bags. As a result they tend to be seen more on the streets than Louis Vuitton bags, so they may not be so select but if it is quality and a really nice looking leather handbag then Coach is an extremely wise choice.

Another high quality designer handbag maker that is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the UK, although they now also have stores in the US is Radley - see Radley Bags Radley Handbags. Sales of Radley bags are rising all the time. Radley bags tend to be very colourful and their quality is also very high something like Coach leather handbags. So they are well worth looking out for as something in the USA as a designer handbag which is not quite so well-known as the big names such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chanel Gucci etc...

Radley Nightingale approx. $450

However as a result of the great success of Radley bags - there are now fakes and replica bags on the market -Radley have taken innovative steps to combat the market in replica Radley bags - see How to Spot Fake Radley Bags

louis vuitton handbags radley bags coach handbagsfake designer handbags

Home : Radley Bags