Jil Sander delivers a bag that lives up to its name with the Simple Tote.

It is very simple, but that often derogatory term doesn’t quite convey its charm. I’ve been won over by its cheerful Curcuma Yellow color, which is so rich and warm. It’s almost veering towards orange, and the kind of hue that we don’t see every day. It’s far too bright to appeal to everyone, but I’m excited at the pop of color it could bring to my wardrobe.

The vibrant color isn’t the only thing the leather has on its side. It’s got a gorgeous texture, and it’s of excellent quality. We wouldn’t expect Jil Sander to use anything less from though!

Jil Sander’s minimalist approach isn’t all about the exterior though, which is one of this tote’s greatest flaws. It’s enormous, and the pair of pockets we’re given just doesn’t cut it. The dual straps are also too short for my liking. Thankfully we can attach a much longer cross-body one for those times we’re on the go.

The price is the other big sticking point for me. A “simple tote” should never cost us $1445, even if it does have a big designer name attached.

More Features of This Jil Sander Yellow Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Silver-toned hardware
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 5.25 inch drop
• An attachable cross-body strap with a 16 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 20 x 7.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Jil Sander Simple Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The Isaac Mizrahi Spazzalato bag, a great alternative to this colored simple bag.
• Searching for more Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other simple leather tote bags on eBay:

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Australia’s Coles supermarket chain has partnered up with the Cathy Freeman Foundation to create a contemporary new reusable shopping bag. The shopper features colorful artwork from Jimeka Richardson, an indigenous student living on Australia’s remote Palm Island.

Richardson says the vibrant pinks, greens, and blues she’s used in the pattern reflect the parts of her island home that she believes are the most special.

The teen’s involvement in the project is particularly important as a percentage of proceeds of the bag’s sale will benefit the Cathy Freeman Foundation, a charity which focuses on improving the lives of Palm Island’s youth. The Olympic gold medalist has a strong connection to the island after her mother and grandparents were born there.

Freeman said she’s excited about the release of the shopping bag and what it will do for her foundation, adding that she believes “all children deserve the same opportunities to learn, experience life, explore their talents, and fulfill their dreams.“

The limited edition shopping bags will be available soon for $3.99 from Coles supermarkets across Australia. Fifty cents from the sale of each shopper will directly benefit the Cathy Freeman Foundation.

[Source: Coles Magazine]
[Image Source: Cathy Freeman Foundation Facebook]

Jessica Simpson brings just enough glitz to this Prima Donna satchel.

Given its name, I fully expected this satchel to be a real show pony. However, at least in basic black, this satchel goes just far enough. The studs are small and applied sparsely so they don’t appear too much, especially when paired with the silvery buckles and zip accented panels. I love the way this metal pops against the black pebbled synthetic. It’s a classic color combination, but one that never fails to create a cool biker vibe.

Note that I did say synthetic, rather than real leather. That’s nothing new for Jessica Simpson, and certainly nothing new for a bag costing only a little more than $100. I wouldn’t say the synthetic is luxurious, but it’s far from the worst leather impersonator that I’ve seen.

The material is really the only area where Jessica Simpson has cut corners. The interior features a zippered pocket and pair of slips for personal technology. There’s even a clip for your keys.

Not all Prima Donnas are created equally though. While matte colors like black, luggage brown, and garnet look classy, the sickly vachetta pink and animal print alternatives leave a bit to be desired. Which one will you choose?

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Zip Accented Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles
• Measures 10 x 16 x 6 inches

Get this Jessica Simpson Prima Donna Handbag:

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

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

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• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson Prima Donna cross-body bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
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Travelpro is preparing to launch the Maxlite 2 collection, its latest range of lightweight travel bags. The 11-piece line features expandable rollaboards, expandable spinners, regular and rolling duffels, a rolling tote, and a garment sleeve.

The bags are Travelpro’s lightest, but they also don’t skimp on durability. While the lightweight design is the biggest selling point there are a host of other features intended to make life easier for frequent flyers and occasional jetsetters.

As with all Travelpro travel bags, the Maxlite 2 collection is sold with a lifetime warranty which guarantees each suitcase’s materials and workmanship. Each one is made from tough polyester, which is stain and abrasion resistant. The wheeled models are fitted with inline skate style rollers, which offer 360-degree maneuverability and smooth travel. The handles extend to 38 and 41 inches, to make them ergonomic for travelers of various heights. And the built-in pocket in the front of each bag makes it easy to access your passport, boarding pass, and keys. Their looks aren’t innovative, but we can enjoy a little bit of personality with a couple of colors. The new Maxlite 2 bags are available in your choice of traditional black or ocean blue.

The new Maxlite 2 travel bags will arrive at retail stores and luggage outlets that typically stock Travelpro products soon.

[Source: Howard R. Miller Communications]

Travelpro Travel Bags on eBay

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Jessica McClintock shakes up the traditional frame purse with this modern Weave Stone clutch.

I really love the nubbly texture of the wide woven fabric. In black the effect of the interlocking material is subtle, but when you look at it up close you can really appreciate the craftsmanship. The frame has also been given a modern twist with sparkling crystal accents. These sit up proudly along the top of the purse, creating a really striking silhouette. Who would have thought a black purse could appear so daring?

It’s got some interesting touches, but Jessica McClintock hasn’t forgotten about the things we really want in a clutch purse. It’s a small purse, but its material body means you should be able to sneak a few extras inside. Just don’t push things too far, as the clasp will pop open if it’s put under too much pressure.

Given the purse’s small stature it’s a bit disappointing that the chain strap isn’t detachable. I’d hate to have it cluttering up the already small interior. It could also stand to be a few inches longer. However as we don’t always get a chain strap for this money, perhaps I shouldn’t be griping about its execution!

At $75 this clutch purse is reasonably priced, particularly considering its original style.

More Features of This Jessica McClintock Woven Clutch

• Satin lined interior
• A chain strap with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Jessica McClintock Weave Stone Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

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• The Jessica McClintock Metallic Frame bag, a great alternative to this frame bag.
• Searching for more Jessica McClintock bags on eBay
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When I saw Winter Pierzina using her bra as a handbag I thought she was onto something. It seems that Portuguese designer Rita Almeida agreed with me, as she’s now upcycling Wonderbras into cute purses.

Almeida’s website doesn’t reveal much about her manufacturing techniques, but it seems pretty straight forward. The two cups appear to be sewn together, and a flap added for security. And when you’re dealing with old brassieres, the strap is already in place!

When you look at these Wonderbra purses it’s pretty easy to see where they came from. In some cases I appreciate a recycled purse which proudly shows its history, but I’m not so sure this time. Would you want to carry a bag that looks just like a used bra? I think it’d take a very quirky fashionista, or an ardent environmentalist, to appreciate this unusual attempt at upcycling.

At this point it seems that Almeida’s bra bags are more of a pet project than a serious business idea, as her website doesn’t have any obvious way to shop for the purses. Perhaps she loves them so much she wants to keep them all for herself! Given the concept I’m sure anyone with a sewing kit and a little know how could whip up their own though!

[Source: Treehugger]

It might not be as innovative as its name suggests, but the clean design of this Original Tote from Jessica Jensen has still turned my head.

White leather is always a show stopper, at least when it’s brand new. Few colors can make the impact of this clean monochromatic hue. Of course once it’s gone through a few seasons of punishment that’s likely to be a different story, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now the leather is lovely, and made all the more appealing with its vertical line accents.

It’s a little disappointing to see the decorations aren’t continued on the back, but at least we get a handy pocket there. It’s a slip, so it’s not as user-friendly as a zippered pouch would have been, but it gives us a handy place for stuffing receipts and notes.

The interior is generous and kitted out with all the pockets we need to keep our items in order. I particularly like the pink suede lining, which feels luxurious and contrasts beautifully with the white leather. Again I wish for a zipper, this time rather than the magnetic snap which closes the top, but it’s a minor quibble.

I’m much more concerned with the bare base, which seems destined to become scuffed and stained before too long. White leather is prone to wear, and it’s a shame Jessica Jensen hasn’t helped us prevent it.

I can’t imagine being as enamored with it after a few years wear, but for $798 I’m willing to take a chance on this bright, white beauty.

More Features of This Jessica Jensen White Leather Tote

• Dual handles with a 7.75 inch drop
• Measures 14.25 x 13 x 5.5 inches
• Made in the United States
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Jessica Jensen Original Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Jensen bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Patience tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Jensen bags on eBay
• Other Jessica Jensen tote bags on eBay:

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Spanish fashion house Custo Barcelona will introduce accessories with its spring 2012 collection. The new “premium” price collection features handbags, belts, footwear, jewelry, and small leather goods.

The label’s designer Custo Dalmau said he hopes his accessories collection with reach a “more heterogenerous market,” but one that still appreciates the “playful and eccentric spirit” embodied by the brand.

There are handbags and leather goods to suit day time use and evening wear. All are made from high quality leathers and feature stylish, minimalist designs. The footwear range is similarly comprehensive, with everything from ballet flats to thigh-high boots. Jewelry lovers will enjoy gold and silver plated jewelry across four distinctive ranges: Custo Love, Custo Rock’n Roll, Custo Rebel, and Custo 100%.

The new Custo Barcelona accessories collection is currently available in selected Custo Barcelona stores, but it will soon be sold in a range of other accessories boutiques. Its release comes at the perfect time for the Spanish brand as it coincides with the label’s plans to enter new markets including Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It currently has 80 stores in 40 different countries around the world, but with its new accessories line it seems certain that that number will grow.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

It might not be very high class, but my inner boho chick has fallen in love with this Blues Satchel from Jesselli Couture.

This bag is a real free spirit, with colorful embroidered patterns decorating its rich teal velvet body. The accents perhaps are more fashion throwback than retro cool, but there’s a certain charm to them. I could have done without the tassel hanging down from one side, as I think it takes this satchel into kitschy territory, but you could easily ditch it with a quick snip.

It looks like an open topped purse, but there’s actually a sunken zipper hidden away. I really appreciate that because the design remains clean, but security isn’t compromised. This Blues bag is enormous, but its array of interior pockets ensures it stays manageable. I also appreciate the long shoulder straps with their cute stitched edges. They’re as fun as they are functional!

Modern misses may snub this satchel but I appreciate its retro appeal, especially for an affordable $117.

More Features of This Jesselli Couture Retro Satchel

• Made of 100% cotton velvet
• Plainweave lined interior
• Measures 13.5 x 19 x 6.5 inches
• Made in India

Get this Jesselli Couture Blues Handbag:

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

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• More Jesselli Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Jesselli Couture Lauren hobo bag, a great alternative to this velvet bag.
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Jack Georges claims it’s created a contemporary briefcase with this business bag here, but I’m failing to see anything modern about it.

Its look is very clean, but it lacks any real flair. I’m not suggesting anyone should go crazy in the office, but surely we deserve something more interesting than this neutral color palette and tired clasp closure. Its leather is very lovely, but that’s only going to get you so far.

Perhaps Jack Georges calls this briefcase contemporary because its interior is made for modern working men and women. There’s a padded compartment capable of holding a laptop with a 14-inch screen and an easy access interior.

Those modern conveniences are lovely, but I don’t think Jack Georges has thought of the contemporary world quite enough. That short handle is classic, but it’s just not practical for commuters. A much longer cross-body strap might not have looked the part, but it’d be much more functional.

I suppose the superior leather makes this briefcase worth its $465, but it’s likely to appeal to stuffy businessmen rather than modern misses.

More Features of This Jack Georges Leather Briefcase

• Polished nickel hardware
• Keylock
• An open back pocket
• Durable ballistic lining
• Measures 15.8 x 7 x 12.5 inches
• Also available in cognac and black

Get this Jack Georges Contemporary Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jack Georges bags on BagBunch
• The Jack Georges Belting Briefcase bag, a great alternative to this classic business bag.
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• Other burgundy briefcases on eBay:

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