Footwear queen Sam Edelman is expanding her fashion empire with the launch of a handbag collection next spring. This kind of development was promised when Brown Shoe Co. took the reins of the label a year ago, and I’m thrilled that purses are the first new addition.

The purses will be affordable by designer standards, but they should be a step up from the label’s cheap as chips shoes. The handbags start from $98 and will all be priced at less than $500, which should mean we’ll enjoy leather rather than synthetic.

The sneak peek of the collection shows clutch purses and a satchel, but there should be plenty more where that came from. The Sam Edelman handbag range is set to feature four different lines, which should amount to a generous amount of eye candy!

I’m particularly taken with the colorful clutch purses from the Discotheque collection. Can’t you just imagine taking these poppy colorblocked purses to Studio 54? The aqua and blue and pink and orange color combos are ideal for the season. The satchel we see below isn’t quite as inspiring, but it does look like it’d be very serviceable. This bag from The Parisian Street line does have a real urban vibe, but sadly I feel like I’ve seen it all before.

Are you excited to see Sam Edelman adding handbags to her repertoire?

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Colorblocked Clutches on eBay

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

Elaine Turner takes us back to the beach with this woven April tote bag.

I’ve seen many woven tote bags in my time, including several from the Elaine Turner stable, but none quite like this. The external pockets give it a striking structure which I find really interesting. Perhaps they look a little tacked on, but they also take the typical box tote design to another place. And let’s not forget how practical they are!

The tote’s finish is also interesting, although I’m not sure this works so well. The honey-colored natural fibers have a really tropical island feel which doesn’t quite gel with the futuristic golden leather trim. The braided shoulder straps do their best to unify the look. They’re like a glammed up version of the rope handles we often see on beach bags. However I’m not quite convinced.

The interior is a lot more luxurious than that of your average straw tote. It’s large and fully lined, with a leather trimmed zip pocket built into the wall. That’s where I’d store valuables, as we couldn’t rely on anything in the side pockets to stay safe.

At $350 this tote is also more expensive than your average straw beach bag. However its quality and attention to detail might make it worth the splurge.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Woven Tote

• Light gold hardware
• Measures 4 x 16 x 11.5 inches

Get this Elaine Turner April Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Gidget bag, a great alternative to this woven tote bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner straw bags on eBay:

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I love minimalists. They always restrain themselves to releasing just a few accessories and leave it at that. Jil Sander is no exception, and this two-tone leather clutch shows off her signature clean style in a pretty remarkable way.

The colors on this clutch make my heart go pitter patter. They are so well-chosen, just a few shades off of primary, and go together beautifully. The white accents add dramatic contrasts and seem to amp up the brightness.

The aerodynamic design of this evening bag is stunning. There’s really nothing better than a simple foldover clutch, and I honestly can’t think of one more simple and elegant than this. It manages to be extremely eye-catching without going anywhere near over-the-top. The only embellishment is the tiny strap closure, and it suits the bag perfectly.

This is one of those bags that is absolutely gorgeous on its own, but could become deadly with the wrong outfit. I wouldn’t pair it with too many loud prints, but other than that, I’d take it most anywhere.

More Features Of The Jil Sander Two-Tone Leather Clutch

• 13″ x 8″ x 1″ size
• 13″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get This Jil Sander Two-Tone Clutch:

• Available to buy on Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You May Also Be Interested In:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The Jil Sander Drawstring Purse, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other two tone purses on eBay:

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I think it’s really interesting that the fashion world has heard very little from Gucci in the past five years or so, but now that it’s come back, it’s made a distinct return to its roots. The classic equestrian preppy Gucci look is in full swing on this leather messenger bag.

I feel a little back and forth about the weathered treatment on the leather. The base brown is a lovely shade, and the weathering is so exaggerated that it almost looks ombre, which doesn’t really make much aesthetic sense with the overall style of the bag. I do, however, really appreciate the beautiful braid trim and the weaving on the shoulder strap.

The shape is only kind of messenger-like. It’s really more of a saddle bag. Either way, the soft edges add a lot to the tailored preppiness of the style. The hook and tab closure is beautiful against the leather, and the strap detail adds to the utilitarian look. The combination of a leather hangtag and a tassel both on one side is a little much, but one of them could be easily removed.

Overall, this is a very classy casual bag, and once it’s actually weathered and the ombre effect has faded a bit, it could become  your go-to bag for the next decade or so.

More Features Of The Gucci Leather Messenger Bag

• 13″ x 12″ x 2″ size
• 13″ strap drop
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined

Get this Gucci Leather Messenger Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Jackson Shoulder Bag, a larger, daytime alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Gucci bags on eBay
• Other brown leather messenger bags on eBay:

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The days of bold retro colors seem to be far behind Eenamaria. The formerly quirky accessories label seems to have tamed its creative vision in recent seasons. This black studded Saddle Bag is typical of the new breed.

I talk of those good old days of Eenamaria with yearning, and even now try hard to find the point of difference with the new creations. You’d think I would have learned by now. Sadly this is like so many handbags on the market; nice enough but also not incredibly compelling. I don’t mind the brassy studs dotting the envelope flap, and I find the stitching detail really striking. But sadly I’m still looking for more.

Eenamaria delivers it on a practical front, with handy side pockets, a front slip, and plenty of other organizational pouches inside. These pockets help make the relatively small space seem larger than it really is. The studded strap is fully adjustable, and wide and flat to maximize comfort.

There’s nothing especially wrong with this saddle bag, but there’s nothing especially right about it either. Bargain hunters might not mind its mediocrity though, as it’s priced at a very affordable $49.99.

More Features of This Eenamaria Studded Shoulder Bag

• Polyester lined interior
• Zip closure
• Measures 7.25 x 9.5 x 4 inches

Get this Eenamaria Saddle Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Eenamaria bags on BagBunch
• The Eenamaria Gilded Lilly bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Eenamaria bags on eBay
• Other studded shoulder bags on eBay:

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Portugese eco-friendly accessories label Tela Bags has teamed up with IKEA to create its quirky new special collection. The range’s totes, zipper-topped cosmetic pouches, and wallets are all made from old IKEA catalogs!

The IKEA line is the latest of Tela Bags “special collections,” an initiative which sees the accessories label teaming up with department stores, museums, and other institutions keen to save the planet. All these collaborations see Tela Bags upcycling waste materials into wearable pieces of art.

Each one of the IKEA purses has a label bearing the IKEA name, and details of the raw materials that have been recycled in its creation. They look kind of like the collages we used to create as kids, don’t they? I love the sense of nostalgia this design approach creates, and the knowledge that we’re keeping the catalogs out of landfill.

I only wish we knew more about the other materials Tela Bags uses to make its purses. I can see some sort of fabric used to reinforce the catalogs, but I’m not sure of its green credentials. I think any label touting its eco-friendly practices really should be ore forthcoming on all these aspects.

Tela Bags’ IKEA purses start from an affordable €6 for the wallets, and top €35 for the totes. That’s still pretty cheap for a bag that’s so quirky and green! You’ll find them all at the Tela Bags website. Make sure you click for the English translation to make your shopping experience much easier!

[Source: Ecouterre]

Recycled Paper Bags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled paper, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ed Hardy accessories rarely float my boat, but the loud label’s come a little closer to pleasing me than usual with the Filina satchel.

I’m certainly not head over heels, but there’s a certain charm to the blue suede fringing and matching chunky handles. Washed canvas does a passable denim impersonation as it peeks out from underneath the fringe. The large engraved studs that border the bag’s top and the golden tiger crest probably take things a step too far, but it wouldn’t be an Ed Hardy creation if it showed a great deal of restraint, would it? Personally I’m just glad to be rid of all those tattoo-esque graphics!

The Filina is a mid-sized bag, with enough space for carrying the things you really need. Zip and slip pockets help those items stay in order, while the zip top keeps them safe. The handles are sturdy but a shade too short for my tastes. That’s no matter though, as Ed Hardy also offers up a longer cross-body strap.

We’re not left wanting for functional features here. Ed Hardy’s certainly done everything it can to win me over, except tempt me with an affordable price. Sorry Ed Hardy, but at $306.67 you’ve lost me.

More Features of this Ed Hardy Fringed Satchel

• Zip closure
• Printed plainweave lining
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 13 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Ed Hardy Filina Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Filina, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Absolute Top Brand eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The Ed Hardy Ferris wristlet bag, a great alternative to this fringe bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Louis Vuitton’s love affair with India continues with the release of its new Enchanted India Interactive ad campaign. The interactive video is a lavish production with director Carter Smith at the helm.

The video takes us around the city of Jaipur and across its famous Amber Fort. The beautiful backdrop is the ideal showcase for Louis Vuitton’s travel collection. I can’t fault the production at all, but the casting is questionable at best. If the video is meant to be a celebration of India, where are the country’s models? All the European beauties seem really out of place in this exotic location. There are a handful of Indians seen, but they’re cast as boat drivers, guards, and porters, rather than major players. It may not have been the intent, but it all seems a little bit racist.

The advertising campaign follows the fall 2010 release of the Diwali Collection, which was designed in collaboration with Indian artist Rajeev Sethi. The collection featured installations made up of Louis Vuitton pieces and vintage saris sourced from India’s most fashionable cities.

It makes sense to make a play for the Indian market. The country’s upper class is growing rapidly, especially as young people educated abroad return home. These switched on young things have plenty of disposable income, and an awareness of the global market. What a heady combination. However Louis Vuitton’s execution leaves a lot to be desired here. If it hopes to encourage Indian people to indulge in its accessories, shouldn’t its Indian themed advertisements show just that?

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Travel Bags on eBay

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Dooney & Bourke shows it’s done some growing up recently with this sophisticated Florentine satchel.

This elegant creature is a world away from the rainbow colored signature bags and Disney collaborations I’ve come to associate with this youth label. Here it shows a much more adult side, choosing natural brown leather and a classic satchel silhouette over a quirkier approach.

And it seems the satchel is better for it. Customers rave about its high quality vachetta leather and versatility. They also appreciate the little touches which help it stand out from the other satchels on the market, including the whipstitched handles and braided leather zipper pull.

Its size is both a blessing and a curse though. While it’s great to have the space to hold everything you need and more, shorties may find they look a bit out of proportion carrying it. It’s really one for those long and lean girls who can pull off an oversized bag without being dwarfed by it.

At $362.18 the Florentine isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it’s got such a timeless look that would suit any occasion or season. And in classic colors like tan and black, it’d probably even suit any ensemble! That versatility ensures you’ll get your money’s worth.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Vachetta Leather Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Gold-toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• A detachable, adjustable strap with an 18 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Dooney & Bourke Florentine Handbag:

• Available to buy at Macy’s
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Dooney Bourke Florentine satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Craftmanshop eBay store to see if this Dooney & Bourke bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Textured Leather Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay

Donna Sharp serves up more of the same, but on a smaller scale than we’ve seen, with this Mini Connie bag.

There’s nothing wrong with clinging so fiercely to a design vision, of course. It’s a great way to build brand loyalty, as fans can rely on you to deliver accessories they love. However, when it comes to Donna Sharp, I’m starting to feel like I’ve seen it all before. When I discovered the brand I saw it as a hipper little sister to Vera Bradley, but now I’m beginning to get bored. The Mini Connie does the job, but it doesn’t do it with an awful lot of style.

This Provence printed material is probably the pick of the range, but that’s not saying a lot. I like the cheerful combination of primary red, yellow, and blue, but the execution is a bit busy. I’ve seen Donna Sharp mix patterns well before, but the blend of florals and plaid seems pretty cluttered here.

The shape of the Connie is simple enough, but it’s got its problems too. Those long straps are practical, but they also throw this small purse out of balance. Thankfully we can at least applaud the functional features. I love the addition of an open pocket on each end, and the selection of interior pockets.

Perhaps those practical perks alone make the Connie worth its affordable $36 price tag. However I still find myself wanting a bit more style for my dollar.

More Features of This Donna Sharp Patchwork Mini Purse

• Magnetic snap closure
• Quilted polyester lining
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 9 x 6 inches

Get this Donna Sharp Connie Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Donna Sharp Connie, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Donna Sharp bags on BagBunch
• The Donna Sharp Connie bag in Bear Walk, a great alternative to this Provence print bag.
• Searching for more Donna Sharp bags on eBay