When an ordinary weekender just won’t do, look to this ultra luxurious Scott Lula bag from L’Wren.

The Scott Lula’s exterior is classic and refined, with smooth black leather and minimalist brushed silver hardware. I love its clean, contemporary lines, and that deep front pocket.

The interior is spacious and lined with leather for extra opulence. Its long zipper extends conveniently down the bag’s sides. This feature helps us easily pack and unpack our travel essentials. The generously sized interior is well appointed with a trio of gadget pockets, a secure zippered pouch, and a document wallet. This is removable, so you could use it as a clutch when you’re stepping out and exploring your holiday hotspot.

The straps are a disappointment though. They’re sturdy and strong, but a shade too short for easy carrying. If you utilize all this space I imagine things will get awkward, especially if you’ve got a busy airport to navigate.

The price is also a real drawback for all but Hollywood’s A List. At $4000, us mere mortals might have to settle for a staycation or a trip to an interstate trailer park. You’ll need to be a keen jetsetter to see value from this travel bag.

More Features of This L’Wren Black Leather Travel Bag

• A wallet measuring a 5 x 12 x 1 inches
• Measures 14 x 20 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this L’Wren Scott Lula Handbag:

• Available to buy at Barneys New York
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More travel bags bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Brick Intrecciato weekend bag, a great alternative to this luxury travel bag.
• Searching for more leather weekend bags on eBay
• Other black travel bags on eBay:

[phpbay]black travel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Australian label Helveticus turns Switzerland’s old army blankets into stylish and sustainable accessories.

Once upon a time the Swiss army stockpiled these blankets in their bunkers and depots throughout the Alps in case of war. However there never was any conflict, and when the blankets were replaced with sleeping backs in the 60s they become obsolete. Where many people saw waste Switzerland’s Karlen family saw a fashion opportunity. They use their cobbling knowledge to turn the blankets into handbags and other accessories. These items are then distributed throughout Australia and the world by Helveticus.

Each Helveticus bag proudly boasts its history. The virgin wool fabric is emblazoned with a red panel and white Swiss cross, so there’s no doubt about its origins. The use of leather on the straps and trim might lose Helveticus a few green points, but it’s worth noting that it uses recycled leather wherever possible. The leather is either taken from soldiers’ belts and gun leashes or sourced from local Swiss tanneries which use traditional production methods.

The Helveticus handbags are available at selected Australian boutiques and the label’s online store. Unfortunately with the Aussie dollar going strong these handbags aren’t the bargains they once were, but they’re so well made it’s probably worth international fans paying a little more for.

[Source: Helveticus]

Blanket Bags on eBay

[phpbay]blanket, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

There are few accessories more reliable than a classic tote bag. Big Buddha dresses up this wardrobe staple with some reptilian embossing to create the Dakota.

Exotic embossing can make a handbag look much richer when it’s done right, or much cheaper when it’s not. Thankfully Big Buddha excels with this lizard like design. It’s not obviously trying to mimic any species, which is perhaps why it seems so convincing. The mix of differently sized scales creates a realism that’s impressive on a bag of this price.

The interior does the job without exceeding our expectations. It’s tending towards enormous, but the trio of inside pockets helps it feel more manageable. I’d enjoy a few more organizational pockets, but perhaps that says more about my own shortcomings than those of the tote.

Big Buddha offers plenty for our $94.95, including choice. I’m drawn to this burnished brown shade, but I’m happy to see it’s not our only option. The traditionalists are catered for with basic black, but there’s also yellow, green, and berry red for a pop of color. Which one’s your favorite?

More Features of This Big Buddha Embossed Tote

• Made of synthetic
• Fully lined interior
• Top zip entry
• An exterior zip pocket
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 17 x 13 inches

Get this Big Buddha Dakota Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Dakota, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the LuggageWorldOnline eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Sophia bag, a great alternative to this embossed bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Michelle Kline offers an alternative to mass-produced, mass marketed bags with her fashion label xobruno.

The accessories from xobruno are handcrafted in Kline’s adopted home of Portland, Oregon. The line’s moniker pays tribute to her grandmother’s maiden name. It’s a fitting homage as Nana Kline taught Michelle how to thread a needle at age eight, and later how to crochet and embroider.

These techniques have served Kline well in creating canvas and leather handbags with classic styling and a unisex sensibility. Using a combination of canvas and leather, rather than all-over cowhide, is a great way to keep costs down. However Kline says she also appreciates the way the materials complement one another. The leather will age beautifully while the canvas will soften as the years pass by.

While Kline’s proud of her new Oregon digs her handbags are named after the places, people, and things that made her time in New Orleans so special. It was here that Kline honed her craft and did a little too much partying.

We find in xobruno bags the attention to detail that is often missing in the world of fast fashion. This is a company that cares about the material it uses and the way these fabrics are put together.

The xobruno messengers, shoulder bags, clutch purses and other accessories are available from the fashion label’s website.

[Source: xobruno website]

Nike brings a little hippie flair to the traditional duffel with this Gym Club bag.

I’ve never really warmed to gym bags, perhaps because I’ve never really warmed to gyms. Just like the best athletes they care more about getting the job done than looking good while they do it. So I find Nike’s approach here refreshing. Tie-dye print isn’t exactly fashion forward, but it’s more fun than the plain masculine colors we typically see.

The Gym Club bills itself as “the perfect companion for an on-the-go lifestyle,” and it makes good on the promise. As a gym bag it works really well. I particularly like the removable nylon bag hidden away inside, which allows us to isolate our sneaker and sweaty gym gear. But I can also imagine this bag working well once your enthusiasm for fitness has passed.

Its range of carry straps offer versatility no matter what your destination, while the spacious main compartment is large enough for storing anything you might need on a day out. I also appreciate the smaller interior pocket, which offers a secure place for storing valuables.

Gym bags are never the height of luxury, and this one’s doesn’t buck that trend. Happily though, Nike doesn’t charge us a lot to own it either. At $70 this is a very cheap way to schlep around your sneakers or anything else you need.

More Features of This Nike Tie-Dyed Duffel

• Made from a blend of polyurethane and polyester
• Zip top main compartment
• Protective feet on the base
• A detachable shoulder strap
• Dual cushioned tubular handles

Get this Nike Gym Club Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nike Gym Club duffel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Just Do It 4 Less eBay store to see if this Nike bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More duffel bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Coachella shoulder bag, a great alternative to this tie-dyed bag.
• Searching for more Nike bags on eBay
• Other tie-dyed duffel bags on eBay:

Evening purse queen Fiona Kotur has teamed up with America’s favorite retailer J. Crew for a small capsule collection of clutches.

There are just two styles to choose from, but theyre available in a range of colors and fabrics and finishes. The Union has a crisp and clean box shape while the Colony is a little curvier and more contemporary. Both feature classic pillbox closures and tuck-away chain shoulder straps.

I’m especially taken with the embossed snakeskin finishes pictured, but if you prefer something less exotic there are several other options. Flannel has a grungy casual appeal, while the shagreen leather is edgy and unique. And if you’re heading out on the town you could choose silk brocade or glittering sequins.

I appreciate a designer focusing on just a few styles rather than extending themselves. However I can’t help wishing for more differences between these two clutch purses. If you weren’t looking for the variations you’d probably miss them.

I’ve always respected both Kotur and J. Crew’s commitment to attainable fashion, so I’m thrilled to see the fashion houses haven’t priced this collection out of our reach. The Kotur for J. Crew clutches are available for $425 from J. Crew.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Kotur Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Kotur clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

If you believe the rumors Alexander Wang is earmarked to succeed John Galliano at Christian Dior. And looking at bags like the Marion, it’s not hard to see why.

This sling bag has an easy mix of contemporary flair and classic influences. Wang hasn’t tried to do anything too fancy. There’s nothing to alienate anyone here. But the rich ruby red lamb nubuck body and facetted metal corners help make the Marion’s design something special.

It is small though, perhaps too small for many modern girls. But personally I think its dainty dimensions work in its favor. We can carry it using the long cross-body strap during the day, then detach it and carry it clutch style once the sun sets. The strap is a little too narrow for my taste, but if you don’t overburden the bag it shouldn’t tug at your shoulder.

At $650 the Marion’s a bit too expensive. Wang’s large bags don’t cost a lot more after all. However if you can manage to work it into your daytime and evening wardrobe you may see value for money.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Lamb Nubuck Sling Bag

• Lock closure
• An interior zip pocket
• A single strap with a 21 inch drop
• Measures 7.5 x 6 x 4 inches

Get this Alexander Wang Marion Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Alexander Wang Marion, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Jade bag, a great alternative to this metal corner bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang bags on eBay

Eternal Threads is working to combat human trafficking with its handmade Lungi sling bags.

The bags are so named because they’re handcrafted from old Lungis, which are traditional garments worn by the women of Nepal. These women handcraft the conventional apparel items into these casual cross-body bags. They’re large enough to hold essentials, but the soft fabric ensures they don’t look too bulky even when they’re packed full.

The Lungi bags are affordably priced at $25 a piece, a tempting bottom line considering the good karma packaged with the accessory. Proceeds from the bags’ sales benefit organizations which help people victimized by human trafficking in Bombay’s brothel trade. These women are given a new lease on life through the counseling, education, and skills programs the charities offer.

And like all Eternal Threads accessories, the manufacture of the Lungi sling bags gives the women in Nepal employment under fair trade conditions. The company also works with artisans in India and Afghanistan for its other accessories, which include totes and hand woven silk scarves.

So why line the pockets of a big name designer or retail chain this Christmas? Gifts from a non-profit organization like Eternal Threads seem a much more tempting proposition!

[Source: Life Goes Strong]

Kate Spade continues to wow me with her colorful, whimsical creations. Last week I was lusting after her cute Confectionary Anastasia clutch, and today I’m swooning over the Sorbonne Square Evangeline Shoulder Bag.

This shoulder bag features the same colors as the clutch, but they’re rendered in a slightly more subtle way. Instead of large faceted gemstones we get colored satin ribbons crisscrossing this way and that against the black patent cowhide body. The ribbons create a cute checkered pattern across the purse’s surface that I find so appealing. I love the way the colors pop against the bag’s neutral base. I’m so smitten that I’m finding it hard to be objective.

It’s easier to gain perspective when I look inside. Without the pretty colors to distract me I can admit the interior’s only just so-so. It’s big enough for holding essentials but not a great deal more. Its pair of pouches and the single zippered pocket also do the job without sending us into raptures.

But for an affordable $345, the Sorbonne Square Evangeline Shoulder Bag doesn’t need to be amazing in all aspects. It just needs to tick all the boxes, which it definitely does. I swore I wouldn’t spend any more money before Christmas, but hopefully I’ll find this cutie underneath my tree!

More Features of This Kate Spade Satin Decorated Shoulder Bag

• Turn-lock closure
• 14-karat light gold plated hardware
• Woven dot print fabric lining
• A single shoulder strap
• Measures 8.4 x 10.7 x 2.1 inches

Get this Kate Spade Sorbonne Square Evangeline Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade Gold Coast Evangeline bag, a metallic alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Kate Spade bags on eBay
• Other Kate Spade Evangeline bags on eBay:

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Coach might be as American as apple pie, but in three years the fashion house hopes that China will be its largest market. Not content with the $300 million it expects to make in China by the end of the year, it aims to post $500 million in annual Chinese sales by 2014.

The company isn’t deterred by signs of economic slowdown, and plans to open more stores in the region to achieve its financial goals. It will open around 30 stores each year for the next three years in rapidly growing urban centers located just outside China’s largest cities. It’s confirmed plans to open boutiques in far west Urumqi and Nanning, and we can expect more store announcements soon.

Coach also plans to establish kiosks outside major department stores and build large regional retail spaces to showcase products not shown in its regular stores, including knitted apparel, coats, and fragrances.

To take advantage of the rising number of online shoppers Coach also plans to launch a Chinese e-commerce site by the end of 2012.

China is already Coach’s fastest growing market, but it makes sense to chase a bigger piece of the pie. The Chinese have a large appetite for luxury and plenty of disposable income, which proves a pretty potent mix.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
[Image Source: Slgckgc/Flickr]

Coach Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]