Finally! Marc Jacobs has launched his e-commerce website, an online store loaded with apparel and accessories from both his main line and his lower priced Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. Though you’ll still find much more merchandise at other websites, this is a great start – and it doesn’t hurt that the site is absolutely adorable.

From a functional standpoint, it’s brilliant because it utilizes live animation to entice shoppers. The various male and female avatars “shopping” are always fun to watch. Click through to various sections for MJ runway videos and glean inspiration from your favorite looks. The site is actually designed with an actual Marc Jacobs store in mind, so step inside for a virtual taste if there isn’t a location near you.

Among the many finds available right now include the Genuine Alligator Veronica, a ladylike bag that takes its inspiration from vintage Hollywood. This is definitely something a great dame from the 1920s wouldn’t think twice about carrying. It’s got that glorious structured shape and dainty gold hardware, but it’s been freshly modernized with a cute lock and key and, of course, plenty of striking yellow alligator. Available for $14,900.

The Over the Rainbow Lana Bag is beautifully made. Not only does it exude sophistication thanks to its smart shape, it’s detailed with the kind of finesse only MJ could offer. From the supple, stamped buffalo leather to the gold link hardware and perforated diamond pattern, all of the elements work together to create a great everyday bag for fashion-forward women. The taupe color is another bonus; it’s versatile and perfect to carry at any time of year. Available for $1750.

Exclusive to Marc Jacobs stores and the new website, the Flash Metallic Kelsey is a baby sister to the much larger Flash Leola. Both are covered in edgy angled zippers, but this one is a much better option if you aren’t crazy about carrying huge bags. With its simple crescent shape and demure size, it’s perfect even for everyday use. Available for $358.

Shop the entire range at MarcJacobs.com.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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As these photos show, a good clutch can take you from dressy to casual. And it looks like Alexis Bledel has found a good one in the Cecelia Envelope Clutch. Cecelia purses are shaping up to be a celeb favorite, so if you’d like to get your hands on one, you can make a stop at Madison LA, Fred Segal, Peninsula Beverly Hills or CABANA in Dallas, Texas.

Photo: People.com

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Celebrity Purses, Celebrity Style
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Some bags stand out for their details or their size, others for their colors or materials. The Kate Spade Storm King Willa definitely falls into the latter category. This gleaming bag is made from Italian lizard-embossed sheepskin, a unique material that exudes exotic elegance from top to bottom. It also boasts the perfect slouch at its heart, so it’s perfect for toting along even if you’re at your most casual. Its refined material will polish things up nicely. Available for $695 at Kate Spade.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Kate Spade Handbags
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As much as I truly love this Valentino Black Bow-Tie Bag, I just can’t get over the name, it makes me think of bow-tie chicken pasta! I’m completely hung up on the name, and while I get that the ”bow-tie” relates directly to the adorable mini bows cascading down the front of the bag, I still lose it with the name. Otherwise, this purse is a flawless specimen, it’s 100% leather, big, soft, and in classic black. What’s not to love? Oh, that’s right, the obnoxious name! Find it at StyleBop for $1,810.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Valentino Handbags
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One of my favorite designers, Ted Baker, recently introduced a whole slew of fabulous new bags for fall 2010. Among them is this Crinkled Leather Tote, a clever interpretation of the everyday slouchy bag that combines the allure of brilliant leather with the playfulness of cords and a metal bead. Together, these elements work harmoniously to create a bag that adds a pop to your dark winter coats, instantly brightens up your work ensembles and even makes the transition from AM to PM without a hitch. Also in black and mink. Available for $275 at Nordstrom.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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Behold the difference a few studs can make. This Burberry Studded Check Print Satchel goes from plain fabulous to downright fierce in an instant thanks to a helping of oversize brass studs along the leather trim. The juxtaposition between that and the otherwise dainty, classic check print is almost jarring – but as usual, Burberry makes it work. Available for $795 at Nordstrom.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Burberry Handbags
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It looks like Coach is really trying to appeal to a younger audience with their Poppy line. I’ve got mixed feelings about the design. Take the Coach Poppy Applique Glam for example. This bag has got a great shape and what looks like lots of storage room. I actually like the purple, and I really like the pop of color from the tartan print. So what’s not to like about this purse? Well, I’m not super enthusiastic about the “Poppy Coach” emblazoned on the bottom, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker for me. Available at Coach for $278.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Coach Handbags
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Be honest. Doesn’t this Gianni Bini Piper Hobo Bag kind of make you look forward to the holiday season, even if you are still kind of daydreaming about summer? It does for me, and I’m the most anti-winter gal on the planet. But when else could you sling on such a festive, bow-adorned, red bag? It’s pretty and reasonably priced, but if you aren’t in the mood to channel the holidays, try the less assuming taupe or pewter shades instead. Available for $119 at Dillard’s.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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She’s not exactly under the radar, but Lulu Guinness also doesn’t quite receive the praise and admiration she seriously deserves. The English designer, whose penchant for quirky, creative designs has made her a cult favorite all over the world, launched her US website earlier this year to much excitement from loyal followers. Bags like her Stripe Small Wanda are exactly what makes Lulu such a treat for women who love even their most serious bags with some charm and personality. This purse is plenty sweet, showing off wide, almost painterly stripes on sleek satin, and finished with a large bow embellishment. It’s the perfect everyday carryall for women who prefer something bold. Available for $335 at Lulu Guinness.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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To call the new Marc Jacobs Bow Quilting Single Shoulder Bag cute would be an understatement. It’s more like some fabulous combination of charming, decadent and adorable all at once. By high-end standards, it’s even affordable. From its plush, striking gold leather to its dainty bow accent, this pretty purse is perfect for evening wear. Available to pre-order for $550 at Nordstrom.

posted: September 30th, 2010
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: No Comments