I’m always hesitant to spend a fortune on an evening purse. As I get older I tend to find myself settling in as the sun sets, rather than kicking up my heels. My opportunities for such accessories are few and far between, so I don’t see the point in spending a fortune on them. Thankfully there’s Bourne, a label who creates cute evening accessories that won’t break the bank. I think the Vera may be one of my favorites.

Don’t the jewels gathered about the base remind you of the bubbles in a champagne glass? They’ve got the same frothy, playful feel about them, especially against the gentle blush satin background. This material and that classic box shape make this clutch feel much richer than its price tag.

It’s not the perfect purse though. It’s very small by modern clutch standards, and its structured design doesn’t allow for any wiggle room. Its chain strap also feels too heavy for such an elegant purse, although I suppose we should be thankful that we get one at all.

For $159 though I feel bad quibbling. That’s really reasonable for an evening purse with so much style.

More Features of This Bourne Box Clutch

• Clasp closure
• Logo print lining
• A chain strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 3.75 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Bourne Vera Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bourne bags on BagBunch
• The Bourne Dita bag, a great alternative to this box bag.
• Searching for more Bourne bags on eBay
• Other box clutch bags on eBay:

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French handbag brand Tintamar is expanding its Very Intelligente Pocket, or VIP, collection with two limited edition lines.

The label channels the rebellious spirit of the devil’s music with its VIP Rock line. The black and taupe nylon purses are given some obligatory edge with rivets and shiny rubber visa tags. The range features a classic organizer, box mini bag, and Access purse in three different sizes. They look a little bit rock by numbers, but they’re still quite cute.

The label shows a preppier side with the Tartan collection, a range made from plain puffer jacket material in three fun color combos. Again we see the classic organizer, box bag and Access purses, but they’re complemented by some other designs. Look for an easy travel vanity bag, expandable Bag ‘n’ Roll, U-Turn messenger, collapsible Magic Bag, and practical pocket filled Bi-Bag.

Tintamar chairman and creative director Edith Petit says the new offerings will help the fashion house’s range stay “fresh and up to the minute.” Some more unusual looks might have helped that cause, but what’s here is solid if a little predictable.

Tintamar’s Rock and Tartan collections will make their debut at the Tax Free World Association World Exhibition in Cannes next month before being rolled out in stores in fall.

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Tartan Purses on eBay

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Bottega Veneta takes a break from its usual woven handbags with this Breezy hobo.

I must admit, I’m struggling to see the hobo in this hobo. With its boxy shape, relative structure, and lack of bohemian embellishments it really doesn’t look like any hobo I’ve ever encountered. Frankly it seems like more of a tote, but a good looking tote at that.

Never underestimate the sophisticated, gentle contrast of black on black. When it’s created using luxury materials like this pebbled leather and snakeskin, it’s so much the better. I also love Bottega Veneta’s use of more python on the straps, even though I know we’re paying a premium for all that luxury skin.

I wouldn’t mind the $3900 price tag so much if Bottega Veneta has remembered the basics, but unfortunately there are just too many niggling issues here. Its platform base doesn’t have any metal feet, a real oversight seeing how fragile snakeskin can be. I’m also disappointed by the open top. Sure it makes access easy, but it seems anyone carrying a purse as classy as this shouldn’t have to worry about spilling their cargo.

The little touches like the suede lining and luxury materials make me feel pampered, but I’d much rather that Bottega Veneta focused on the basics. Without them the Breezy feels like a bag that’s all show and no substance.

More Features of This Bottega Veneta Leather & Snake Hobo

• Zip and open pocket inside
• A single handle with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 15 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Bottega Veneta Breezy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Cervo hobo bag, a great alternative to this tote-style hobo bag.
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Other Bottega Veneta hobo bags on eBay:

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It seems the organizers of Fashion’s Night Out were thrilled with Brahmin’s commemorative tote last year, as the New England accessories company has created 2011’s model.

Brahmin worked closely with Vogue magazine to create the limited edition canvas bag, which will be available at participating Fashion’s Night Out stores. The tote is available in three color combinations. Choose from the black logo on white tote with your choice of tan and coral handles, or the white logo on black tote with hot pink straps.

Brahmin’s chief marketing officer Jim Bunn said it was “exciting and rewarding” to collaborate with Fashion’s Night Out on this year’s tote. Early responses to this year’s version have been so positive Bunn predicts “these totes will sell out immediately!”

The limited edition totes are relatively affordable at $50, but that price seems even more reasonable when you consider a generous $20 from each sale will benefit the NYC Aids in the Community Trust. While Fashion’s Night Out doesn’t happen until September 8, the totes are already available at selected FNO stores including Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Macy’s Neiman Marcus, and Brahmin. As they’re only available while stocks last, I’ll be surprised if there any left for the big night!

[Source: Enhanced Online News]

Brahmin Totes on eBay

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Botkier takes woven leather in an innovative new direction with this Kasper hobo handbag.

Delicate stripes of woven leather help to dress up this traditionally shaped hobo bag. The weave is open and relaxed, allowing the silvery metal underneath to shine through. We’ve seen metal up front and center with studs and grommets in the past, but I think I prefer this much subtler use of silver. It’s really appropriate for this bohemian styled bag, as it gives a little personality without assaulting the senses.

The woven detail is the star, but don’t overlook the quality of the lambskin. Its softness is what gives the Kasper that trademark hobo slouch. Such a delicate material really deserves protecting, so it’s a shame the Kasper doesn’t have any metal feet. But this is really the only practical omission.

The Kasper is luxuriously large, but its selection of pockets ensures it doesn’t feel too big. Inside we see the standard trio of pockets: a pair of open ones for gadgets and a zippered one for loose change, keys, and other valuables. They complement the pair of slip pockets you’ll find on the back. I also appreciate the choice of shoulder and cross-body straps. Both are flat so they won’t slide off your body.

The Kasper is a great bag for modern girls who appreciate a bargain. At $319.90, our money buys a lot of style and substance.

More Features of This Botkier Woven Leather Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Signature logo lining
• A single shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 14 x 5 inches

Get this Botkier Kasper Handbag:

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

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• Check the Urbane Chic eBay store to see if this Botkier bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Botkier bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Ava bag, a great alternative to this lambskin hobo bag.
• Searching for more Botkier bags on eBay

I’m really excited by this Prince clutch. Seriously, I’ve been looking forward to reviewing it for weeks. It has all the style that Choo is known for with a laid back, minimal touch. This is one seriously spot on bag, y’all.

The tan suede on the Prince is so amazingly perfect that I don’t know how to describe it. Sure, you might say, it’s just tan suede. But it gives this clean tailored style a very soft, casual look that is balanced and beautiful.

The shape of the Prince is nothing revolutionary. It’s a simple over-sized envelope clutch, but all the details make it really ideal. The slotted front has a cool menswear vibe, and the buckle and strap closure is both sleek and utilitarian. The size makes it practical for women who want a sleek look by day or a boho look by night.

$695 may seem like a lot for a simple clutch, but it’s pretty fair considering the usual prices of the posh Choo line.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Prince Suede Clutch

• 11″ x 7″ x 1″ size
• Fully lined
• Calfskin leather

Get this Jimmy Choo Prince Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Simone hobo, a stylish alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other tan suede clutches on eBay:

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I have to tip my hat to Bodhi. While other designers slavishly follow the trends, it consistently surprises. This Fiji Elastic tote is another unusual purse from this contemporary fashion house.

Its name takes us to the South Pacific, but this purse has a much more European feel to it. The elastic part of its name comes from the treatment of the tote’s top. The elasticized finish creates gathers and girly ruffles all around.

Another designer may have rested on its laurels, but not Bodhi. The central panel underneath this is decorated with a helping of heavy metal. Curved zips dart this way and that, mirroring the line of the studs above them. The combination of domed studs and flattened embossed ones is really interesting. I’m still not sure whether I like the variance, but it’s caught my attention.

On another bag all those unusual details could become messy, but by using a creamy sand color Bodhi ensures the elements stay under control. They make what is underneath it all a fairly bog standard box tote really eye catching.

All too often designers want to charge us a packet for an unusual accessory, knowing that as we can’t get it elsewhere we’ll pay a premium. But not Bodhi, who keeps this authentic leather bag reasonably priced at $348.

More Features of This Bodhi Elastic Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 14.5 x 10.5 inches

Get this Bodhi Fiji Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bodhi bags on BagBunch
• The Tianni Elle tote bag, a great alternative to this zip decorated tote bag.
• Searching for more Bodhi bags on eBay
• Other Bodhi Fiji bags on eBay:

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Fendi’s teaming up with Hawaiian artists Eli Baxter and Aaron Padilla to launch the Fatto a Mano for the Future platform. The initiative, which translates to “handmade for the future,” will see Fendi collaborate and support up and coming modern artists.

The program will begin with two two-day events at some of Fendi’s Hawaiian stores. Today and tomorrow Eli Baxter will work with Fendi’s Italian artisans at the Ala Moana boutique between 11 am and 8 pm. On August 14 and 15 the program will move to Fendi Royal Hawaiian. Between midday and 9 pm you can see the folk from Fendi working with Aaron Padilla. The artisans will work together to create modern pieces that combine the artist’s signature style with Fendi’s classic sensibility.

I’m predicting that we’ll see some really interesting things. Both artists have incorporated Fendi Selleria bag leather into their pieces. However Eli Baxter loves to upcycle modern items like bike tires, while Aaron Padilla prefers to work with wood and other organic elements.

During the events customers can schedule a private appointment with the visiting Fendi craftsmen, who will create made to order Fendi Selleria bags. No doubt these customized handbags won’t come cheaply, but with 20% of the event’s proceeds benefiting the University of Hawaii’s Art Department at least you can feel better about the splurge!

[Source: East Oahu Sun]
[Image Source: Michael Gray/Flickr]

Fendi Selleria Handbags on eBay

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Think you can’t find a real leather handbag for less than $100? Bisadora shows us that low prices don’t always mean cheap materials with this leather studded hobo bag.

On paper this leather studded hobo seems irresistible. It’s got a classic hobo crescent shape to root it in tradition, but just a sprinkling of studs around the edges to make it feel contemporary. The metal isn’t applied too heavy-handedly so it shouldn’t date, and it really pops against the black background.

The shoulder strap is long enough for easy carrying, and flat so it shouldn’t slip off your shoulder. Whip-stitching around the sides of the leather give this relatively simple handle a bit of personality.

The main compartment is slender but spacious, so with some Tetris skills you should be able to fit the things you need inside. There is the usual assortment of pockets and even a pen slip to give you the organizational edge.

So why aren’t I feeling excited? The price is right, the quality is good, and it’s got its fair share of practical perks. But sadly this hobo is missing pizzazz, and that’s what encourages me to hand over my cash.

More Features of This Bisadora Leather Hobo

• Top zip entry
• Microfiber lining
• Measures 1 x 12 x 9 inches
• Also available in camel, purple, and sky blue

Get this Bisadora Studded Handbag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Bisadora bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bisadora bags on BagBunch
• The Bisadora Metallic Foil hobo bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Bisadora bags on eBay