When we think of Vegas we think of wild nights and plenty of bling. And this box clutch from Inge Christopher certainly lives up to its flashy name.

The large asymmetrical Swarovski crystals decorating this classic box clutch make it a whole lot of fun. They’re a little tacky and tawdry, but it wouldn’t be a Vegas clutch if they were delicate! These large gems are set against metallic leathers of various colors, but I think this silver one is the pick. It’s a great complement to the crystals, and I prefer that unified look here. If you want the oversized gems to stand out in all their glory, opt for gold or bronze.

This is the kind of purse that can fit little more than gambling money inside, and perhaps a slim cell phone to call for a cab at the end of the night. It’s small as all good box clutches should be, and made smaller when the serpentine chain is tucked away. Thankfully that’s detachable, so if you won’t use it you can always leave it at home.

I must admit, while I accept the functional limitations of clutch purses I hesitate to spend a lot of money on them. My social calendar just isn’t full enough to warrant it. I’d ordinarily suggest $220 is too much to pay, but the Vegas’ high quality materials are enough to tempt me.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Box Clutch

• Metal clasp closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Inside slip pocket
• A detachable snake chain with a 24 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches

Get this Inge Christopher Vegas 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 Inge Christopher bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Vegas clutch bag, a great alternative to this box clutch bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher bags on eBay

Rebecca Minkoff is making a play for the dollars of budget-conscious shoppers with her new leather-free label, R&Em.

In place of Minkoff’s favorite skin we see flat, perforated, and washed polyurethane and whipstitched straw. Personally I think PU always looks a bit cheap, like it’s trying too hard to be leather, but I think the straw designs have real potential. I also appreciate the fun spring color palette which includes vibrant hues like rhubarb and curry along with more subdued cashew, navy, and black hues.

If you think this new collection is missing Minkoff’s usual design flair you could be right. Minkoff isn’t actually involved in the design process of the R&Em goodies, but they are developed by an in-house team from her parent company. I suppose the designer can only spread herself so thinly, and with her signature label and the newish Ben Minkoff menswear collection to consider there’s only so much creative juice to go around.

The collection, which the company describes as “fun and flirty,” has been available through Macy’s for some time but now it’s finally hitting other retailers, including R&Em’s own website. Most of the R&Em purses cost under the magic $100 mark. Clutches and mini-bags are priced from an affordable $75, while the most expensive tote fetches $115.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Rebecca Minkoff Bags on eBay

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It’s called a Daffodil, but there’s not even a sniff of flowers in Imoshion’s elegant tote purse.

Personally I think this bag is better for taking the path less traveled. It would have been very easy for Imoshion to use flowers to win over its female target audience. Instead it’s used delicate swaths of crocheted lace, a timeless twist-lock closure, and some elegant buckled details. It reminds me of a Mulberry bag, but softer thanks to that lace. In black though you’d hardly call the Daffodil a pushover!

The interior is already spacious, but its adjustable sides allow packrats a little more storage room. I’d still resist the urge to load the Daffodil up though, as the top handle is our only carrying option. I love the vintage vibe that this carry strap brings, although the modern girl in me concedes that it’s not very practical.

But perhaps it doesn’t have to be at this price point. Personally I’m willing to pay $109.99 for looks alone, although more frugal fashionistas may prefer an accessory whose practical perks match its poise.

More Features of This Imoshion Lace Tote

• Gold toned hardware
• Measures 13 x 12.5 x 6 inches

Get this Imoshion Daffodil Handbag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Imoshion bags on BagBunch
• The Imoshion Diana satchel bag, a great alternative to this lace decorated bag.
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With colder winter ahead it makes sense that the United Kingdom is celebrating wool with its annual Campaign for Wool event this week. Some of the country’s leading designers have dabbled with the wintery material for the festivities.

Prince Charles founded the Campaign for Wool last year to boost the natural material’s popularity. Sales have slumped recently as more designers pass over wool for cheaper synthetics. However its supporters, including Vivienne Westwood, still believe in its appeal.

“Wool is one of the world’s great natural fibers, famous for its versatility and comfort: warm in winter, cool in summer,” Westwood explained. “I do believe that because it is such a luxury fabric that its status will increase. People will not want man-made fibers anymore and luxury will be seen in the great traditional, natural, fibers.“

Wool has been used for fabrics since around 4000 BC, but its contemporary face will be celebrated at the Wool Modern exhibit. The display at London’s La Galleria pairs wooly works from the archives of Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, and Thierry Mugler with exclusively designed pieces created by Westwood, Alexander McQueen , Burberry, Paul Smith, Mark Fast, and Vivienne Westwood. I’m particularly intrigued by Giles Deacon’s woolen eggs, which sound like a quirky tribute to Faberge.

There are more unique woolen items at Harvey Nichols, which will commemorate the festival with an installation of bespoke woolen purses. Fashion houses including Westwood, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Anya Hindmarch, and Alexander McQueen created the handbags, which will be auctioned off at the end of the month. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Prince’s Countryside Fund, an initiative which looks to make British farming more sustainable.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Wool Handbags on eBay

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Hype serves up a hobo that’s more military than boho with this Claudia hobo.

The structured design and high quality leather make the Claudia feel really tidy. I love the stud and strap details that decorate the center of the purse, but I’m less fussed on the studs around the edges. All that silver just feels like overkill to me. Removing them would have made the Claudia a lot less complicated, and in my opinion a bit more stylish. As they say, sometimes less is more.

The interior is roomy enough to handle everything you really need, but I wouldn’t call it large. Personally I think that works in the Claudia’s favor, as we’re not tempted to fill it with junk. The handle’s really too short to make carrying anything more than what’s vital easy.

The high-quality materials make the Claudia worth its $225, although I still have my reservations. Military inspired accessories look stylish right now, but once the trend passes this hobo may date.

More Features of This Hype Military Hobo

• Zip around top
• Zip and slide pockets inside
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 15 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hype Claudia Handbag:

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

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• Check the Connecticut Trading Post eBay store to see if this Hype bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Rebecca hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Hype bags on eBay

Some accessory styles never seem to go out of vogue. They may enjoy a renaissance every now and again, but they’re never truly unfashionable. So while a purse like the Libby might seem particularly on trend as we all try to emulate the Mad Men look, it’ll become a wardrobe staple long after the vintage fad has passed.

We’ve seen many similar purses in the past, but few have the Libby’s attention to detail. Its leather is lovely, whether you choose a matte or patent. I’m particularly impressed that Hobo International’s used it to cover the frame, creating a seamless, unified design. The circular clasp is like a little cherry on top, capping off what is a very stylish vintage-inspired number.

Its interior is simple but sufficient, with a slip pocket for a cell phone in the wall. Those girls of the swinging sixties never needed their handbag to accommodate technology, but Hobo International knows we do! It also appreciates that hand-held clutching is a bit of pain, so provides an optional carry strap.

I really like this mustard-yellow citrus shade, but it’s far from our only choice. In fact, Hobo International spoils us with 11 different color options. You’ll find each one priced at a relatively inexpensive $68. That’s a small price for such a timeless design.

More Features of This Hobo International Framed Purse

• Fully lined interior
• A 51-inch chain link strap
• Measures 6.25 x 5 x 1 inches

Get this Hobo International Libby Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in some colors)
• Check the Chezmia Handbag Store eBay store to see if this Hobo International bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Lauren bag, a great alternative to this framed clutch bag.
• Searching for more Hobo International bags on eBay
• Other framed clutch bags on eBay:

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Project Runway season two alum Andrae Gonzalo has joined forces with Los Angeles design firm Silvr Lining to create an innovative solar powered handbag for charity. The tech savvy purse will be auctioned off for Keep a Child Alive, a youth AIDS initiative, during Fashion’s Night Out.

Gonzalo’s duffel bag features two independently functioning solar panels which allow fashionistas to charge their cell phones and other technology on the go. Silvr Lining donated their panels to the project, while Gonzalo in turn donated to the prototype to the auction.

The original Andrae Gonzalo solar-paneled bag will make its debut at the Keep a Child Alive charity auction, along with many other luxury handbags made exclusively for the fundraiser. There are some lovely purses from designers including Milla Hermanovski, Suede, and other former Project Runway contestants. With its bright red color though, I’m sure Andrae Gonzalo’s purse can stand out from the pack!

If you miss out on the auctioned prototype I wouldn’t worry too much, as the handbags will be available from Andrae Gonzalo’s website once the auction ends. These bags will likely be a bit cheaper, but you won’t get that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from supporting a worthy cause!

[Source: PR.com]

Hilary Radley brings some modern style to a traditional satchel with the Buckler.

Angular buckled straps give the Buckler its name and personality. I really like the way these details set off the satchel’s compact design. I’m less enthusiastic about the crocodile embossing on the synthetic, but it’s gentle enough that it’s not a deal breaker. Exotic embossing usually attempts to make a material seem richer, but here it only adds another layer to an already intricate design. Using a matte skin would have made the Buckler seem much cleaner.

While Hilary Radley’s skimped on exterior materials to keep costs down, I don’t feel we’ve been shortchanged inside. While the Buckler has a neat, boxy shape it’s really quite roomy. Its cotton blend lining is hardy yet soft, and its synthetic trimmed pockets are also made to last.

At $105 this satchel is an affordable way to carry your stuff. It’s modern yet not slavish to trends, so you should happily be able to use it for as long as the synthetic lasts.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Strap Satchel

• Zip closure
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 16 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hilary Radley Buckler Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the FabulousFindsbyGG eBay store to see if this Hilary Radley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Hilary Radley Limelight Buckle satchel bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay
• Other black satchels on eBay:

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When it comes to fashion, there are few collections more prestigious than a fashion house’s signature line. Tod’s has been delighting accessories lovers for decades, but it’s finally treating us to that level of pampering with its new Signature Collection line.

This line is stunning with its rich candy colors and timeless yet youthful styling. Creative director Derek Lam has outdone himself here. It’s hard to decide which one I like best. If I had to pick just one though I think it’d be the Signature shopper that Anne Hathaway is holding in the advertisement. I love its rich textured body and its poppy electric blue color. It’s just begging to be paired with my favorite dark denims, don’t you think? I also believe this shopper represents better value for all but the biggest social butterflies. At $2165 it’s certainly not cheap, but I think it’d get more mileage than the thousand dollar clutch purses.

Anne Hathaway is the face of Tod’s fall/winter 2011-2012 campaign which showcases the new Signature line. She looks predictably gorgeous, partly due to her ridiculous genes and partly because Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott are geniuses behind the lens. The fashion photographers referenced French fashion snapper Guy Bourdin in this color-saturated campaign.

Tod’s Signature Collection will hit stores this October.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Tod’s Handbags on eBay

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Helena de Natalio can ordinarily be counted on for elegant leather accessories that ooze sophistication. But there’s none of that refined charm in the Claire hobo, a bag which takes things just a step too far.

It’s ironic that the Claire has some of the most interesting design elements I’ve seen from Helena de Natalio. The metallic finish which imitates linen, albeit with much more glitz, is really striking.

I also really like the soft petals which cascade down one side of the bag. It’s the combination of the two elements that really sends things over the top. I’d have preferred those petals on a matte leather, or the metallic finish on a simpler shape, but together I think it’s just too much. The ring handles are also intriguing, but I’m not confident they’ll be easy to use, particularly when the Claire is full.

The Claire looks like a show pony, but its interior is actually quite smart. It’s got plenty of space for storage and pockets trimmed in leather to help them last. We really couldn’t ask for anything more!

The Claire would certainly work with a little black dress; I think it really needs neutral ensembles to shine. If you have enough simplicity in your wardrobe you might see value for your $163.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Linen Metallic Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Faille lined interior
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 6.75 x 13.5 x 1.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Helena de Natalio Claire Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Helena de Natalio Katherine tote bag, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other Helena de Natalio hobo bags on eBay:

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