Osklen has always had one eye on sustainability, but its latest accessories line takes that commitment to the next level. Purses and shoes from the Fenix range are crafted from fish skins discarded by the seafood industry.

The skins are deemed as waste, but you’d never know that by looking at them. The scaly finish is as stylish as any exotic but much kinder on the planet. The skins come from sustainable fish varieties including salmon, tilapia, and pirarucu. Animal crusaders still may have issue with the sourcing of the skins, but I argue that those fish supplies will be depleted whether we indulge in the handbags or not. At least Osklen’s method only uses the skins of fish already caught and consumed, rather than going out and hunting down more sea creatures.

Each handbag has an e-fabrics tag which explains the product’s eco credentials. While this isn’t an official accreditation, it indicates Osklen’s commitments to raw materials, philanthropy, and fair trade business practices.

This isn’t simply a case of a label cashing in on the rise of eco fashion. Osklen was one of the first Brazilian fashion houses to become carbon neutral, and its designer Oskar Metsavaht is a UNESCO ambassador. This is a fashion house that’s been doing good for some time, and with its new fishy collection Osklen’s doing even better!

[Source: Osklen website]

Forget those overdone sequined and studded evening purses. Giuseppe Zanotti offers a much sleeker alternative with this Tassel Clutch.

Its body needs no embellishment to draw us in. Its soft suede surface is beautiful enough, particularly in this flattering cobalt blue hue. The color makes a refreshing change from the monochromatic and metallic shades that typically dominate evening accessories. Some might find Giuseppe Zanotti’s minimalist approach staid, but I prefer to think of it as restrained.

The purse is finished off beautifully with a silver chain tassel. I’m not always an advocate of these adornments, but the use of metal rather than the typical satiny fabrics is compelling. I also appreciate the way the tassel complements the hidden shoulder strap.

Shoulder straps are always welcome additions to evening bags, but the chain is particularly important here. Suede is notoriously quick to wear, and it’ll wear even faster under the pressure of our hands. Using the strap should help prolong the life of this clutch by a few seasons.

And for the price, a whopping $1039, you’ll want to keep this clutch looking its best for as long as possible!

More Features of This Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 2 x 3.5 x 6.3 inches

Get this Giuseppe Zanotti Tassel Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Giuseppe Zanotti bags on BagBunch
• The Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Bow clutch bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more Giuseppe Zanotti bags on eBay
• Other suede clutch bags on eBay:

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Brazilian artisans turn old canvas tarps into fashionable handbags and hats for the sustainable accessories line appropriately called The Real Deal.

As each hat and bag is handmade from old materials, we know that each one is truly unique. The individual character of the tarpaulins shins through the designs. You might find patches, Portugese writing, ink marks, or even small holes in the material, but these blemishes only add to the authenticity. They remind us of the journey the fabrics have taken to this point, which is a powerful message for any sustainable fashion accessory. The handcrafting also ensures each handbag and hat is of the highest quality. You don’t get expert stitching like this from a factory conveyor belt!

Sustainable design is one thing, but I’m thrilled to see The Real Deal also offers the little extras that bag lovers demand. We get cell phone pouches and divider pockets as well as a range of shapes. With backpacks, wallets, totes, duffel bags, and laptop cases, all that’s missing is after five wear!

I don’t expect to see high class clutches added any time soon, because The Real Deal bags don’t try to be anything they’re not. This isn’t a case of upcycled materials being transformed into high class materials. Instead they’re shabby chic, and proud of it. That rustic aesthetic is an acquired taste, but one that’s a refreshing addition to the fashion landscape. The Real Deal bags and hats are available from the label’s website.

[Source: The Real Deal]

The Real Deal Bags on eBay

[phpbay]real deal Brazil, 2, “”, hat cap[/phpbay]

Emporio Armani shows us that a messenger style bag can look sophisticated with this Calf Leather tote.

At its heart this is the same kind of bag we all carried around college campuses in our youth. But its calf leather is much more opulent than the fabric of any school bag. The crocodile like embossing adds another level of luxury to the design. It probably won’t fool anyone, but it makes the fairly pedestrian taupe colored skin seem a lot more inviting. The traditional flap is set off nicely with a polished golden turn-lock clasp.

This handbag is on the small side though, so it’ll require careful packing to hold everything you need when you step out. Those petite dimensions make this tote look a little more sophisticated, but it’s unfortunate that storage space suffers. The cheap polyester lining is also disappointing. While this tote isn’t exorbitantly expensive, I expect better for the money.

Its design is lovely, but this calf leather tote has its shortcomings. It’s up to you whether you can swallow them for the $800 Emporio Armani is asking.

More Features of This Emporio Armani Croc Embossed Tote

• Gold-toned hardware
• Two rounded handles
• Measures 4.5 x 8.3 x 12.2 inches

Get this Emporio Armani Calf Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Emporio Armani bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors Mini Flap bag, a great alternative to this croc-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Emporio Armani bags on eBay
• Other croc-embossed leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]croc-embossed leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It may be proudly Swiss, but Bally’s not about to let its European heritage stop it from marking the Chinese New Year. The fashion house will celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the launch of two capsule collections.

Men have the Dragon line while women should look to the Phoenix collection. The range’s unusual names were inspired by the Chinese proverb which states “When the dragon soars and the phoenix dances, there is peace and tranquility for all.”

Both genders will enjoy shoes, accessories, and ready-to-wear apparel items adorned with the mythical creatures. I really like the designs, but I’m slightly disappointed that the men get those modern dragons, aren’t you? It seems to me that both Asian motifs would work for people of both genders, so it’s a shame they’re segregated.

It might seem strange for a European label to honor a Chinese holiday, but I think it makes a lot of business sense. Let’s remember that China is one of the key markets for luxury brands, so a release like this should give Bally an edge over its competitors.

The collections will hit Bally stores, including the fashion house’s website, in January. In case you missed it, that’s just in time for the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. I wouldn’t mind receiving that tote from the man in my life, would you?

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Bally Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Bally, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Giani Bernini threatens to put us all to sleep with its traditional Annabelle tote.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the Annabelle. Its pale signature print is a subtle and inoffensive way to brand the bag. Its trim and handles are made from real leather, and its shape a true classic. But goodness it’s boring.

It’s the right size for everyday use, not too big and not too small as Goldilocks might have said. Its interior is well appointed with an array of pockets, and there’s another one on the outside for items we need on hand. There’s even a cute removable change purse inside, which could double as a clutch. A sunken zip keeps that pouch and our other goodies safe and secure. It’s even got metal feet to protect its base, which is virtually unheard of at this price point.

The Annabelle has an awful lot going for it, not least of which is its $75 price tag. But it’s got no flair, no style, no razzamatazz, and no pizzazz. With that elusive X factor missing, this Giani Bernini tote is really a hard sell.

More Features of This Giani Bernini Signature Tote

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 13 x 9 x 3.5 inches

Get this Giani Bernini Annabelle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Giani Bernini Annabelle Tulip tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Jewelry Handbags Charms Pendants eBay store to see if this Giani Bernini bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Giani Bernini bags on BagBunch
• The Giani Bernini Geraldine bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Giani Bernini bags on eBay

Ghibli gives the classic black and white color combination some retro flair with this Flap Satchel Bag.

I really like the playful way Ghbili has interpreted this traditional handbag style. Black hues are wardrobe staples, but Ghibli’s added more interest by using matte leather and nubbly soft suede. White accents and contrast stitching makes the darker color really come alive.

This satchel isn’t enormous, but you should find enough space inside for carrying everything you really need. It’s also a breeze to keep your cargo organized thanks to the cleverly divided interior.

The top handle isn’t as long as I’d like, but it does bring the right amount of retro flair. Attaching the longer strap will make your life easier if you’ve got a distance to travel.

Ghibli hasn’t knocked my socks off here, but it also hasn’t really put a foot wrong either. The $540 it charges is a bit rich, but also not exorbitant for a handbag with an Italian pedigree.

More Features of This Ghibli Suede & Leather Satchel

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 11.81 x 7.87 x 5.12 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Ghibli Flap Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ghibli bags on BagBunch
• The Ghibli Quilted Tote bag, a great alternative to this retro bag.
• Searching for more Ghibli bags on eBay
• Other retro satchel bags on eBay:

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Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Adrienne Maloof is expanding her footwear line. Next year the reality star will introduce handbags, apparel items, and more affordable shoes to her label.

Details of all these endeavors are a bit thin on the ground at the moment, but that’s nothing new for Adrienne Maloof. She was already talking up her footwear line when she’d only designed a single shoe after all. For all we know Adrienne Maloof hasn’t put pen to paper on her new fashion items yet!

But I have to wonder whether Adrienne Maloof is biting off more than she can chew. In the same interview she also indicated she wants to open a restaurant and helm her own reality TV show.

Something tells me Adrienne Maloof’s business endeavors might be more about spending time in the spotlight than any real creative drive. Adrienne Maloof insists that she only signed on for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to generate publicity for her business interests, but I’m not so sure. What do you think?

Whatever happens with Adrienne Maloof’s fashion line, hopefully it continues to create some legendary catfights between the would-be designer and her arch nemesis Lisa Vanderpump! Her designs haven’t excited me yet, but those showdowns have!

[Source: Lalate News]
[Image Source: Natalie Killian/Sxc.hu]

Just like the Amazon goddesses that inspired it, this Fural Amazzone satchel knows how to make a big impression.

It had me at that lush metallic color. I rarely warm to metallic leathers, but this one is just subtle enough to win me over. Called Argento, it’s a mellow alternative to gold. It’s every bit as rich, but not as gaudy as the more common shade can be.

The Amazzone is a generously sized satchel, but you can make it even larger. The vertical zips aren’t just a pretty complement to the leather; they also help the bag expand when they’re undone.

Given its generous dimensions, Furla really should have offered more functional features. I appreciate the Amazzone’s clean exterior, but would it have hurt to put more pockets inside? The zippered pocket and lone slip are really inadequate for keeping the space organized, particularly when the satchel’s expanded.

While I’m griping, the handles also aren’t up to par. While they might look the part, they’re too short for over-the-shoulder carrying. That wouldn’t have been a concern on a smaller satchel, but it makes this large one really awkward to manage.

The Amazzone’s not quite as practical as it professes to be but this satchel still is lovely. Whether it’s $598 worth of lovely is another matter though. For that price I expect substance as well as style.

More Features of This Furla Metallic Satchel

• Fully lined interior
• Metal feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 10 x 7 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Furla Amazzone Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Furla Amazzone Bauletto, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Furla bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The Furla Amazzone shopper bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay

A vintage Cartier handbag raised £2600 for the Helen & Douglas House when it was auctioned off recently. The stunning silk purse commanded significantly more than its £300 to £500 estimate.

All money raised at the auction will go to the Helen & Douglas House, a children’s hospice based in Oxfordshire. The purse was donated anonymously to the charity’s fundraising store in Gloucestershire. Store employees knew the purse was “something different,” but couldn’t imagine the money it would eventually raise.

Helen & Douglas House representative Sarah Offill said she could “hardly believe it” when two telephone bidders began to compete against one another, pushing the price sky high.

“The tension and excitement was unbelievable and I am so happy that it raised this amount,” she explained, adding that the sum will pay for one of the group’s nurses to provide one-on-one patient care for almost a month.

Even though it fetched more than the estimate, I think the lucky bidder got a bargain. The purse was made of silk and finished with a gold, enamel, and garnet clasp. It’s a gorgeous example of vintage fashion design, and it comes packaged with a healthy dose of good karma. That sounds like a good deal to me!

[Source: BBC News]

Cartier Clutch Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Cartier clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]