I’ve never been one of Guess’ biggest fans, but against my better judgment there’s something about the Avignon that’s caught my eye.

I really shouldn’t like it, as it goes against so many of my handbag mantras. Its logo is so large that it’s almost obnoxious. Its trim is made from vinyl rather than leather, and not a particularly high quality one at that. Yet by keeping things muted, Guess has won me over. I really like the look of the delicate herringbone print fabric, and the cute box shape is another winner.

It is on the small side, but personally I think that works to our advantage. It makes the logo covered purse seem a bit less ostentatious, and the box shape a little more adorable. I can’t fault it on a functional level either. The interior isn’t large but it’s got enough space for everything you really need. And with an array of interior pockets, staying organized shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Not all Avignons are created equally though. While this black bag is refined, the alternative with its brown body and pink trim is hideous. You’ll find both versions for a reasonable $98.

More Features of This Guess Fabric Box Satchel

• Silver-toned hardware
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles
• Measures 9.75 x 5.5 x 9 inches

Get this Guess Avignon Handbag:

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

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• Check the Brands Palace eBay store to see if this Guess bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Guess bags on BagBunch
• The Guess Avignon large satchel bag, a great alternative to this box satchel bag.
• Searching for more Guess bags on eBay

Jewelry designer Katie Hillier has teamed up with Loewe to create a limited edition handbag collection.

The collaboration is brand new, but Hillier has a long history with Loewe’s creative director Stuart Vevers. The designers have been pals since meeting as students at the University of Westminster in London. Vevers decided it was time to join forces after admiring Hillier’s diamond-eyed animal jewelry collection. He said that collaborating with Hillier “seemed an obvious and fun thing to do,” adding that he was attracted to her playful creatures.

Hillier is also an admirer of Vevers’ work. listing the Amazona bag as one of her favorites. She says this popular purse is “a classic bag for cool girls.”

So perhaps it’s not surprising to see Katie Hillier has reworked the Amazona along with the Ida. They’re given a little Hillier flair with animal shaped buckles. The snails, rabbits, and mice are very cute substitutes for Loewe’s signature padlocks. I also really like the vibrant color palette which features navy blue, red, and pink. What do you think of the bright hues?

The Katie Hillier for Loewe purses are scheduled to hit Colette in Paris next March before being rolled out in Loewe stores later in 2012.

[Source: Fashion for Lunch]
[Image Source: The Trendy Girl]

Loewe Amazona Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Loewe Amazona, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Gucci reminds us that a little extra luxury isn’t always a good thing with this Smilla tote.

I love the timeless quality of this handbag. Its rusty colored leather is beautiful on its own and even more so when combined with antique gold hardware. The Gucci stamped logo is an elegant way to brand the bag, and its clean lines are hard to resist.

But then we get those raccoon tails, which take the Smilla from opulent to overkill. I can’t help thinking of Louis Vuitton’s fox tails and the controversy they caused last year. I know PETA wouldn’t be in favor of their addition, and I’m not either. Even if you take away the animal cruelty element, I’m not sure they enhance the design at all. So why include them?

I concede that these tail accents are detachable, but I’m not sure that simply unclipping them is really a solution. We’ve still had the animal sacrifice after all, whether you choose to wear the evidence or not.

The Smilla’s timeless style might have convinced me to put this $2490 tote on my wish list, but those raccoon tails have left a bad taste in my mouth.

More Features of This Gucci Leather Tote

• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Snap top closure
• Protective metal feet
• A central zippered compartment
• Two interior open pockets
• Cotton linen lining
• Measures 16.75 x 11.75 x 7 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Gucci Smilla Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

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

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I’ve often admired the clean designs and high quality finishes of Gorjana’s purses, but sadly this Thompson wallet has me feeling a bit flat.

The quality I love is still there. The pebbled lambskin is soft yet refined, and classic in basic black. But Gorjana doesn’t really do enough with it. Diamond quilting is classic too, but this stitching is nothing special. The zippered exterior pocket is convenient, but it also seems a bit disruptive to the design.

I’m a little more enthusiastic about the interior, which with card slots on both sides should suit even the most seasoned shopaholic. Those slips are paired with three larger open sections for holding paper money and receipts. The long wraparound zip makes the Thompson really easy to use.

It might be smart, but the Thompson still feels lackluster. I feel like it’s all done before, and often for less than the $140 Gorjana is asking.

More Features of This Gorjana Quilted Wallet

• Gold-toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Gorjana Thompson Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gorjana bags on BagBunch
• The Juicy Couture Leather Broque wallet, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more Gorjana bags on eBay
• Other quilted wallets on eBay:

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Vogue Japan is celebrating Coach handbags with a new editorial spread. Model Ebba takes on eight different looks as she clutches different Coach purses in the Yasunari Kikuma photographed article.

Stylish Satoshi Hirota has done a wonderful job dressing Ebba in outfits from Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, and Catherine Maladrino. And isn’t it surprising to find that no matter what the ensemble, a Coach bag seems like the ideal accessory?

As I look at the dramatically different looks, which move from 60s mod in the Modern Cosmo image to nouveau riche with the New Elegance photo, I’m struck by how effortlessly Coach handbags work with each style. The purses manage to impress in each and every photograph.

You can click here to see every photo from the spread on Bloginity. Which Ebba look is your favorite? Personally I love the enigmatic retro glamour of the Lady in the 50s shot, with the stunning leopard print coat, gorgeous vintage earrings, and reptilian ivory Coach handbag.

It’s been a while since Coach was the name on everyone’s lips. Perhaps this Vogue Japan spread is just what the brand needed to start us talking again. Are you impressed by this stylish fashion shoot?

[Source: Bloginity]

Coach Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Global Elements has created a real head-turner with this Polished Diamond Jorn on Natural Horn clutch.

Thankfully this purse is easier to use than its name is to say! Its fabric body is embellished with square black buffalo horn tiles. I was a bit unsure about the use of buffalo horn, but as the material is recycled I suppose it’s ethical. The tiles’ polished centers are in contrast with their weathered corners, which make a diamond print when they’re all sewn together.

The finish is so striking, but I think the rest of the purse’s quality lets it down. The wrist strap is functional but it’s so thin that it looks a bit cheap. I’m also not a fan of the base material which we see poking out from the sides. It’s hard to pick apart the aesthetics when we look at the price tag though. When a purse costs just $24, some corners are bound to be cut!

Size is another area where Global Elements has skimped. This clutch’s petite dimensions mean it’s really made for little more than a slim cell phone, vital cards, keys, and loose change. That might seem limiting to some, but what else do you really need on an evening out?

The Polished Diamond Jorn on Natural Horn clutch isn’t quite the purse it might have been, but it’s still great value for the money.

More Features of This Global Elements Buffalo Tile Purse

• Top zip closure
• Measures 3 x 6 x 0.5 inches

Get this Global Elements Polished Diamond Jorn on Natural Horn Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Global Elements bags on BagBunch
• The Mad by Designs Zebra Bag, a great alternative to this horn bag.
• Other Global Elements bags on eBags
• Other horn bags on eBay:

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If you’re planning on shopping up a storm this Fashion’s Night Out, (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you may want to make time in your itinerary to stop by Miu Miu. The Italian fashion house will sell four limited edition mini clutches in all participating Fashion’s Night Out stores around the world.

These small evening purses take their cues from Miu Miu’s retro inspired fall 2011 collection. These tiny mink, suede, and nappa leather purses hearken back to the 1940s golden age of Hollywood. They’re on a much smaller scale than most Miu Miu purses, but the micro-quilted workmanship is just as high class as the regular accessories.

I’m particularly fond of the burgundy suede clutch. Which one has stolen your heart?

These purses are super cute, and I’m crossing my fingers that perhaps their small stature might see them costing a little less than the regular versions. I won’t hold my breath though, as limited edition lines often tend to demand a premium. And goodness knows they’re sure to fly off the shelves on Fashion’s Night Out as everyone will be in the mood to shop. I suggest making an early stop in at Miu Miu if you hope to get your mitts on one!

[Source: Glamazon Diaries]
[Image Source: Nitrolicious]

Miu Miu Clutch Purses on eBay

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

Givenchy creates a clutch for night and day with this edgy Bahia purse.

The secret here is the use of eel skin. It looks so much more dramatic than traditional calf or lamb leathers. With snake skins and crocodile flooding the market, this underutilized exotic even makes a bigger impression than reptile. I love the way this wrinkled, weathered skin works with the gold-toned hardware. These polished metal links are modern and edgy, a great foil to the studs at either side of this hardware-highlighted accent.

This is a small and slender purse really made for carrying the bare essentials. The eel skin is soft but unsightly lumps will develop if you try to push it to the limit. Frankly I’m afraid even a slender phone might make it bulge.

And then there’s the lack of shoulder strap, which means we’re left to clutch it by hand all night. Are you starting to wonder whether it’s worth the effort? The price tag may make up your mind. At a whopping $1370 this is a real investment piece. Personally my wardrobe doesn’t have space for such an expensive clutch, even if it will work during the daylight hours. If it did though, I’d be sorely tempted despite my better judgment!

More Features of This Givenchy Eel Skin Clutch

• Snap closure
• Fabric lined interior
• An organizational pocket inside
• Measures 7 x 9.5 x 0.25 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Givenchy Bahia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Givenchy bags on BagBunch
• The Jalda Kona clutch bag, a great alternative to this eel skin bag.
• Searching for more Givenchy bags on eBay
• Other eel clutch bags on eBay:

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Giuseppe Zanotti brings some glamour to a classic black pouch with this Crystal Bow Clutch.

The crystal studded bow is the real star of the show here. The liberal application of Swarovski crystals really helps the thin ribbon pop against its black suede background. Bows are always feminine, but by keeping the rest of the purse simple Guiseppe Zanotti’s ensured this clutch doesn’t feel too girly.

This clutch does what it says on the tin, and nothing more. The zipper loop gives us a hands-free carrying option, but I can’t imagine this clutch will look very elegant dangling from your wrist. The interior is also very basic, with only a token slip inside. It might handle receipts and a credit card, but it’s not really very practical as a pocket. Still, for evening basics this clutch will do the job.

Sadly I want a purse that does more than that for $885. I want to be wowed, and I’m not. This is quite a lovely purse, but it’s certainly overpriced. It is just a plain suede pouch with a few Swarovski crystals thrown in after all.

More Features of This Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Clutch

• Zip closure
• Logo print lining
• Measures 5.25 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Bow Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

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

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Daring French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has joined forces with Kipling for a small collection of four accessories lines.

The ranges have monikers that are just as colorful as the featured bags and belts. There’s the video game themed Game Ever, with its black and block colored sections. Then there’s the quilted, English hunting gear inspired NylonClub, which despite its name is actually available in nylon or leather. Candy-Say is playfully patterned with polka dots, space monkeys, and other child-like prints. And finally there’s the psychedelic Psycho-Daisy, with its neon hued three wise monkey pattern.

The primary-color dominated ranges reflect Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s love of pop art, music, and culture. Each accessory from the new collection features the signature Kipling monkey keychain dressed up in a limited edition spacesuit. Too cute!

The NylonClub bags seem a little pedestrian and don’t quite fit in with the rest of the collection, but I’m in love with the irreverence of the other lines. They’re too cutesy to suit every fashionista, but it’s refreshing to see a fashion collaboration that’s having this much fun.

All the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac for Kipling items hit Kipling stores today, including its online arm, following their exclusive early release at Selfridges.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Kipling Bags on eBay

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