Who said pumpkins are just for Halloween?  Hermes encourages us to think of them all year round with this Pumpkin Tote.

I can’t help but imagine a Jack-O-Lantern as I look at this unique tote. I’m not sure whether it was intentional, but the cutout holes appear like a pair of eyes and tiny pursed mouth, especially against the orange colored leather. He’s not grinning like a traditional Jack-O-Lantern, but perhaps it’s just Halloween that makes this pumpkin smile!

It’s unusual but I’m not completely sold on this tote. The drawstring closure has a casual charm, but it’s not as refined as I expect from this esteemed fashion house. The twisted rope handles are also a bit too relaxed, and not as comfortable as I’d like. And it’s small, particularly for the price.

At $2600 this is far from the most expensive Hermes purse I’ve seen, but it’s also lacking for the money. This is one of those cases of paying for the name rather than the bag behind it. I suppose it’s an attainable way to own a piece of the fashion house, but I can think of many better bags to drop that kind of cash on.

More Features of This Hermes Cut Out Tote

• Polished silver-toned hardware
• Suede lined interior
• A twisted rope handle with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches
• Made in France

Get this Hermes Pumpkin Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hermes bags on BagBunch
• The Romygold Biker Slash Tote bag, a great alternative to this cut-out bag.
• Searching for more Hermes bags on eBay
• Other cut-out tote bags on eBay:

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It seems V73 learned nothing after Hermes went after Thursday Friday. Just like the other cheeky fashion house, V73 has emblazoned its latest canvas tote with the iconic image of the Hermes Birkin bag.

There was a tongue in cheek cleverness about the way Thursday Friday attempted to create a Birkin alternative for cash-strapped fashionistas. However this time around I simply feel that I’ve seen it all before.
And something tells me we’re about to feel even more déjà vu, because this is a lawsuit waiting to happen. If you remember Hermes sued Thursday Friday for trademark infringement. The company settled out of court and removed the offending bags from shelves.

The V73 totes seem to feature more of an artistic impression of a Birkin rather than a photo of the It bag, but I’m not sure that’ll appease Hermes’ lawyers. The concept is identical to the Thursday Friday tote, so I’m sure there’ll be similar legal ramifications. It’s inevitable these totes will be pulled from sale, so if you’re smitten you should snap one up from Luisa Via Roma for $265. Considering Thursday Friday charged a third of that price I think these are a bit steep, but they’re still only a fraction of the cost of an authentic Birkin bag!

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

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When I initially discovered Helena de Natalio’s designs I was struck by their luscious leather finishes. Lately though I’ve learned there’s another side to the label, one that’s glitzier and more brash. That showier style is epitomized by the Grace.

While I haven’t warmed to Helena de Natalio’s more flamboyant side, I can appreciate the approach she’s taken here. The diamond quilting is classic, and a lovely way to enhance the Grace’s soft suede body. While I think it’s a bit too much, I can also appreciate the material’s lace-like silver brocade finish. It’s so intricate and pretty that while it seems like overkill, I can admire its artistry. The coral hue is a bit sugary for my tastes too, but I think it’s preferable to the bland stone shade.

This handbag is generously sized as evening bags go, so it could add a little sparkle to a daytime ensemble. Just make sure you handle it carefully because suede always wears quickly. Personally I’d save it for special occasions to keep it looking its best, although at $198 it won’t cost too much to replace. Has this vintage inspired shoulder bag stolen your heart?

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Quilted Shoulder Bag

• Polished turn-lock closure
• Faille lined interior
• An interior zip pocket
• A detachable chain strap with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 10.25 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Helena de Natalio Grace Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Helena de Natalio Jamie petite pouch bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other quilted suede bags on eBay:

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Hayden-Harnett’s created a purse to take us from the morning coffee run to cocktails with this Pompidou Clutch.

It’s been one of the line’s staples for many years, and it’s not hard to see why. What it lacks in flash it more than makes up for in versatility. It might seem strange to call such a vibrant red clutch versatile, but the shade is perfect for adding a pop of color to any neutral ensemble. Hayden-Harnett has resisted the temptation to cover its vintage patent leather in studs or sequins, and the design is stronger for it.

It’s not just the minimal styling that helps the Pompidou suit any occasion. The clutch comes with a wide nylon webbing strap, which is fully adjustable for over the shoulder or cross-body wear. After five we could use the wrist loop, or leave it at home for a more dressed up look.

It’s small but smart, with zippered pockets in the front and back and four slots for credit cards. Its petite dimensions will challenge many of us, but I think there’s something liberating about culling our essentials and traveling lighter.

At $129 the Pompidou is a real steal for such a well made and well thought out purse.

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Patent Leather Clutch

• Antique brass hardware
• Zip entry
• Feather print canvas lining
• Measures 7.5 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches

Get this Hayden-Harnett Pompidou Handbag:

• Available to buy at Hayden-Harnett
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hayden-Harnett bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson Abby bag, a great alternative to this red bag.
• Searching for more Hayden-Harnett bags on eBay
• Other red patent leather clutch bags on eBay:

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Fashion designer Tracy Reese has teamed up with Fashion Fights Cancer to create a colorful limited edition tote bag.

The tote features a vibrant floral print and bold yellow and black leatherette straps and accents. These details are complemented by a round nameplate in the center which bears both the Tracy Reese and Fashion Fights Cancer logos.

All too often designers only give a percentage of their profits to charity, so I’m thrilled to see Tracy Reese being more generous. The designer will give 100% of the tote’s net proceeds to Fashion Fights Cancer. Funds raised will help develop therapeutic fashion and design programs to occupy cancer patients undergoing treatment and assist in Fashion Fights Cancer’s plans to build a wellness center in New York City.

We’re always cancer focused in October but it seems the disease falls by the wayside once that awareness month has passed. So it’s refreshing to see Tracy Reese bringing it back into the spotlight and doing her bit to raise funds for treatment programs and initiatives, even when it’s not popular to do so.

The limited edition Tracy Reese for Fashion Fights Cancer tote is affordably priced at $40. You’ll find it at Reese’s New York flagship store and her website.

[Source: Women’s Wear Daily]

Cancer Totes on eBay

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Harveys has dipped a toe outside its comfort zone with this Berkeley bucket bag.

The stitched seatbelt finish is Harveys trademark, but we’ve never seen the durable materials used in quite this way. The large bucket shape, with a drawstring closure, is much more intricate than the label’s usual accessories. I also appreciate the way Harveys has used colored seatbelts to create stylish stripes. When form and fashion meet like this it’s always a good thing.

I could do without the fiddly drawstring, but I concede that it gives the Berkeley a lovely casual slouch. There’s also a magnetic snap underneath it, so we needn’t worry about our cargo going astray. This bucket offers plenty of space and enough pockets to keep our small items in order.

As it’s part of Harveys Treecycle line, we can count on this bucket bag being a bit more eco-friendly than the rest of the label’s range. Its signature print lining is crafted from hemp, a material which leaves a much smaller carbon footprint than cotton and other popular choices. Its recycled logos are also green as they’re printed with eco-friendly ink.

We pay a small premium for Harveys sustainable choices, but at $168 this bucket is still really affordable. I think taking better care of the planet is worth that, don’t you?

More Features of This Harveys Treecycle Bucket Bag

• A single cross-body strap
• Measures 13 x 12 x 4.5 inches

Get this Harveys Berkeley Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Harveys bags on BagBunch
• The black Harveys Berkeley bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Harveys bags on eBay
• Other Harveys Treecycle bags on eBay:

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Egyptian art and history student Amina Diab has taken a surprising career turn and launched new accessories line Magnolia Handbags.

Diab developed a love of design while working in a textile store in 2008. She began to create purses for family and friends using any scraps of material she could find. She said she enjoyed the process from the start, and wanted to create her own collection since that time.

Magnolia Handbags are crafted using unique materials from exotic countries including Egypt, India, and Uzbekistan. Linens, silks, and crocheted fabrics are hand sewn together to create a head-turning finish.

While Diab uses materials from her homeland and surrounding nations, she looks to the west for creative inspiration. She says popular magazines like Elle and Vogue help her learn about the new season’s hottest colors and trends. These catwalk influences combine with Diab’s own sense of style to make Magnolia Handbags truly unique.

Magnolia Handbags is a small operation at this point, but it’s already attracting fashion lovers from around the globe. While it’s early days Diab already has big plans for the future. It shouldn’t be too long before we see pochettes joining the range. Diab also hopes to employ local artisans as the company expands.

[Source: Bikya Masr]

Harajuku Lovers hope to win us over with this Charming Satchel.

It probably won’t please the fashion snobs, but there is a certain charm to this playful purse. As an animal lover I’m finding this Furociously Cute print difficult to resist. It looks like it’s covered in pets, but it actually features Gwen Stefani’s favorite cartoon Harajuku Girls dressed up as cuddly critters. The pattern’s very busy, but this Charming Satchel is so simple that I think Harajuku Lovers gets away with it.

It looks like child’s play but this purse is actually very smart. It’s made of polyester, which makes up for its cheap finish in durability. It’s petite as satchels go, but with some careful packing it should hold the essentials. There’s a zippered pocket and card pouch inside for staying organized, and another zip pocket on the front for the items you want on hand.

The Charming Satchel is every bit as cheap and cheerful as it looks at just $72. That low price still won’t be enough to tempt uptown girls, but I’m sure tweens and teens will love this bargain.

More Features of This Harajuku Lovers Furociously Cute Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Contrast lining
• A Harajuku Lovers heart mirror key chain
• Measures 8.2 x 2.2 x 6 inches

Get this Harajuku Lovers Charming Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the Pandapanda2002 eBay store to see if this Harajuku Lovers bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Harajuku Lovers bags on BagBunch
• The Nordic Cuties Harajuku Lovers Charming bag, a great alternative to this Furociously Cute bag.
• Searching for more Harajuku Lovers bags on eBay

It might have a springtime name, but Halston Heritage’s April purse is one of those special accessories that looks fresh all year round.

You wouldn’t guess it from looking at the price tag, but the April is made from genuine watersnake skin. This authentic snakeskin has a gorgeous soft finish and a delicate scale. I especially like the subtlety of this black purse, but it’s also available in a mottled desert brown if you prefer a more obvious reptilian look.

Halston allows the exotic skin to do most of the talking. Vertical seams and a polished golden frame are the only embellishments on this fairly tame purse. Personally I appreciate its minimalism, as we can easily work it into our wardrobe for many years to come.

Despite the April’s generous length we still face many of the same problems we’re used to with evening bags. It’s very narrow so storage space is limited. Don’t think you can overfill it either, as the clasp will pop open defiantly if you try.

For a little less than $300 we’re getting a bargain here. I’m sure you could find an embossed leather clutch for less, but for the real deal this April’s a steal!

More Features of This Halston Heritage Watersnake Clutch

• Hinged frame
• Logo embossed closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 5 x 12 inches

Get this Halston Heritage April Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Halston bags on BagBunch
• The Halston Monique bag, a great alternative to this watersnake bag.
• Searching for more Halston bags on eBay
• Other watersnake clutches on eBay:

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Florida native Brian Burkhardt has taken out the first series of fashion focused reality TV show Project Accessory. The former sculptor took home $100, 000 in prize money to help make his designing dreams come true.

He’s already got a great head start on those plans, as Kenneth Cole promises to stock his distinctive unicorn handbag in stores across America soon.

In a recent interview with The Deadbolt, Burkhardt called winning the television contest “surreal,” and added that “it’s really amazing” to enjoy the kind of opportunities that come with the title. While Burkhardt always trusted in his abilities he didn’t expect the win. Throughout the competition he focused instead on the journey and doing his best in the challenges. When asked his secret Burkhardt modestly agreed that staying true to himself was the key factor of his success.

“I didn’t compromise what was my aesthetic and what I needed to do,” he explained.

At the program’s close Burkhardt promised “more crazy shit.” While his signature collection isn’t likely to carry this colorful title we should see it in stores early next year. The line promises to be luxurious with plenty of exotic leathers. Burkhardt admits he’s a novice at working with the materials, but he’s got a little time to perfect his skills!

[Source: The Deadbolt]