After cutting her eye teeth designing for Bulgari, Acqua di Parma, and Jimmy Choo, Letizia Morandi has finally launched her own handbag collection. The purses from the Italian designer’s debut range were unveiled in London late last week.

Morandi has designed her purses for independent, cosmopolitan women, the kind of girls who put quality and sophisticated design above all else. Morandi says her women are “confident and fashion-forward,” trend setters rather than blind fashion followers, who have an air of “pride and natural elegance.”

The Letizia Morandi handbags have classic soft shapes and modern touches that help to separate them from the pack. The designer works with only the best materials including buttery soft leather and exotic skins. Her summer bags have more muted colors than we might expect to see in warm weather, including neutral beige and brown hues. The shades get richer for winter with classic blacks and browns mixed with unexpected purple and khaki green tones.

No prices have been announced at this point, but whenever a designer emphasizes the luxury and sophistication of their line you can be fairly certain the bags won’t be cheap. I suggest you start saving now, as Morandi’s designer pedigree could easily see these purses running into four figures.

[Source: Easier Lifestyle]
[Image Source: Letizia Morandi website]

Balmain channels the 70s punk movement with this edgy Safety Pin clutch.

I’m not talking about that watered down Good Charlotte style pop punk that’s so prevalent today. This purse embodies all the rebellion of punk’s early days with its daring safety pin accented flap. Of course the safety pin has become almost a cliché of the punk movement, but as we rarely see this detail on purses it feels really fresh. I love the way the safety pins transform what is otherwise a fairly conservative envelope clutch into something more dangerous.

Don’t expect much more than what you see here though. The interior is minimalistic, and there isn’t a shoulder strap either. I don’t mind the simple main compartment, but I do miss the strap. This purse might be a fashion rebel, but there are times when it’s practical to toe the line.

And something tells me that real punks would reject the $1210 price tag. This movement is all about anti-consumerism and counter culture, so it seems hypocritical to charge a packet for the look.

More Features of This Balmain Tumbled Leather Clutch

• Silver-toned hardware
• Toggle closure
• Made in Italy
• Also available in red

Get this Balmain Safety Pin Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Balmain bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander McQueen military skull bag, a great alternative to this punk bag.
• Searching for more Balmain bags on eBay
• Other safety pin bags on eBay:

[phpbay]safety pin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Okay, I won’t lie. DKNY doesn’t really have a distinctive aesthetic. But it makes posh and trendy looks at affordable prices, which is equally important, as far as I’m concerned. With this shoulder bag it’s given a classic look a modern makeover.

The deep gray color of the leather on this shoulder bag is very chic, and the metallic finish gives it a little extra something. The texture keeps the metallic look from being too shiny, which keeps the whole aesthetic from going over the top.

The shape of this shoulder bag is pretty traditional. It’s basically just a flap front pouch, but the elegant seam details and stiff material make it look structured rather than slouchy. The very sleek geometric clasp pulls the whole look together in a very modern way. Even the interior of the bag is well designed, with a divided main compartment to keep you organized.

$225 is more than reasonable for a bag with such a balanced combination of style and utility.

More Features Of The DKNY Metallic Textured Leather Shoulder Bag

• 9″ x 8″ x 3″ size
• 13″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this DKNY Metallic Textured Leather Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other DKNY bags on Bag Bunch
• The Jimmy Choo Caro Leather Shoulder Bag, a chic alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more DKNY handbags on eBay
• Other grey leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]grey leather handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Cross-body bags tend to be casual affairs, but Bally has dressed the style up with this elegant Christa purse.

I immediately fell for its easy blend of retro and contemporary influences. Its sturdy structured design is a bit of a fashion throwback, but its bright blue leather gives it a very modern pop. I love the unique texture Bally’s applied to the skin. It’s so much more dramatic than regular pebbling, but it’s not showy enough to distract us.

The Christa is a small bag, but Bally crams plenty inside it. While it’ll never handle large items its cleverly organized compartments are perfect for holding small essentials. Its petite dimensions may put some people off, but I think they’re also part of the Christa’s charm. It’s so dainty that it could easily work for an evening out, just as well as it would for a café brunch.

That price is far too high though. I appreciate that it’s well made from high quality materials, but I still can’t see $1295 worth. That doesn’t stop me lusting after it though!

More Features of This Bally Leather Cross-Body

• Clasp closure
• Twill lined interior
• A single strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 8 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Bally Christa Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bally bags on BagBunch
• The Bally Mairie bag, a great alternative to this blue bag.
• Searching for more Bally bags on eBay
• Other blue cross-body bags on eBay:

[phpbay]blue crossbody, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

British actress Brenda Blethyn is auctioning off one of her red carpet purses for charity. Blethyn carried the pale pink Swarovski crystal clutch to the 2000 Golden Globe Awards when she was nominated as best actress in a motion picture musical and comedy for Saving Grace.

I’m not sure anyone will snap it up for its practicality, but it’s worth noting the small mirror stashed away inside. It also comes complete with a picture of Blethyn holding the handbag on the Golden Globes red carpet, and a small hand-written note from the actress.

You can bid on the bag via celebrity auction website Sellebrity.org.uk until August 14. It’s early days so the reserve hasn’t been met yet, but right now it’s only going for £50. Who knows; maybe it’ll end up being a bargain!

Part of me hopes not though, as the more it sells for the more money reaches Blethyn’s chosen charity, the Prince’s Trust. This charity, founded by Prince Charles in 1976, offers financial grants and training and mentoring programs to disadvantaged young people. All the proceeds from the auction will benefit this non-profit organization, so it’s a great reason to dig deep. Not to mention that you’ll look gorgeous carrying this shiny Swarovski crystal purse!

[Source: Look to the Stars]

Swarovski Crystal Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Swarovski crystal clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Its name makes it sound like a paper bag, but Balenciaga’s Papier A5 tote is a much more luxurious creature.

The Papier A5 has a much more uptown feel than many of Balenciaga’s bags. The label’s typical hardware heavy approach is pared back a bit, and that more minimalist design allows the brown calfskin to shine. It’s still unmistakably a Balenciaga bag though; the decorative studs and tassels see to that. But it’s a much more conservative interpretation of the label’s classic style, and thus a more versatile handbag.

There are some really nice features inside, including the leather bound cosmetics mirror and removable base liner. I also really appreciate all the space we’re given, and the generously sized patch pockets. But the lack of lining is really disappointing at this price point, as is the lack of closure.

I like the Papier A5 a lot, but its omissions are just a bit glaring for me to ever consider spending $1445 on it. Luxury touches are all well and good, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of the basics.

More Features of This Balenciaga Leather Tote

• Small zip pocket on front
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 11 x 5.25 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balenciaga Papier A5 Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Balenciaga Papier A5 tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the BondNY Luxury Accessories eBay store to see if this Balenciaga bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Balenciaga bags on BagBunch
• The Balenciaga Tube Tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Balenciaga bags on eBay

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian are giving us a sneak peek at their K-filled Kardashian Kollection for Sears.

It’s an exhaustive range with 41 pieces in all, including casual jump suits, sexy mini dresses, lingerie, sunglasses, handbags, and much more. The line allows us to dress head to toe like a Kardashian if we want, but we don’t need the girls’ bulging bank balances. Nothing is over $70, so you can afford to indulge in a few pieces.

Personally I’ve got my eye on the snake-printed flap purse pictured. Its monochromatic color palette is stunning, and the synthetic woven chain strap screams vintage glamour. The python patterning isn’t the most authentic looking I’ve seen, but it’s also far from the worst. It could look a bit tacky with the wrong outfit, but I think it’d be perfect with the Kardashian Kollection’s basic black dresses. These neutral ensembles could easily look boring, but when the pieces come together I think they’ll complement each other beautifully.

The complete (or should that be komplete?) Kardashian Kollection hits Sears stores around the United States on August 11, but you can pre-shop for selected items now for a limited time through the Sears website. Are you excited about the socialite sisters’ newest fashion creations?

[Source: Fashionista]

If you thought Baggu only created reusable shopper bags, think again. With this Daypack the label shows us it also knows a thing or two about backpacks.

This backpack has a fairly traditional design, but its nautical sailor stripes give it a bit of personality. I love the way those stripes are continued on the handles, straps, and accents, areas which are often overlooked.

Baggu got a reputation as a green brand with its reusable shoppers, and it continues the trend here. This backpack is made entirely from recycled cotton canvas, so it’s as sustainable as it is strong.

The combination of toggle drawstring and snap closure gives us twice the security, but frankly I think these measures are a bit unnecessary. The drawstring makes the main compartment fiddly to access, and I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. That area is spacious but fairly minimalistic, with only a snap pocket to keep small items in order. There’s another zippered pocket in the front of course, but I’m not sure that’s quite enough to keep most of us organized.

This backpack is pretty simple, but it’s also very cheap. That old saying that you get what you pay for is true, and when that’s just $22 it’s pretty hard to find fault!

More Features of This Baggu Stripe Backpack

• Dual adjustable straps
• Measures 10.5 x 13.5 x 5 inches

Get this Baggu Daypack Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Baggu Daypack, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baggu bags on BagBunch
• The Baggu Neon Daypack bag, a yellow alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Baggu bags on eBay

Few people need one of Baggallini’s practical purses like busy New Yorkers. So it’s only fitting that the label has created this handbag to pay tribute to Big Apple natives.

Baggallini bags are never known for their style, but I think this one is a little more chic than its stable mates. I particularly like the large ring-pull inspired zipper tags, and the slouchy, casual pouch shape. And like the rest of the Baggallini collection the New Yorker comes in an impressive range of colors, ten in all, so there is sure to be one to suit you.

But again like other Baggallini bags, the New Yorker’s features are what’s likely to draw fans in. Its crinkle nylon material isn’t very opulent, but it’s very user friendly. All it takes is a damp cloth to wipe most stains or marks away. Its main zippered compartment is crammed with features including holders for lipsticks and pens, credit card slots, a key fob, and of course, plenty of pockets. Inside you’ll also find a coin pouch, which you can easily detach for quick trips to your favorite shopping strips.

I really like the New Yorker’s wide, woven cross-body strap. It’s much more substantial than many similar straps, so it should feel heavenly slung across your body. However as the New Yorker isn’t enormous you may prefer to detach it and use the bagg as a clutch.

At $89.95 the New Yorker is one of Baggallini’s more expensive bags, but it’s still not exorbitant. Personally I think those extra practical perks make it worth the added expense.

More Features of This Baggallini Nylon Cross-Body Bag

• A detachable, adjustable 52 inch strap
• Measures 12 x 1 x 11 inches
• Made in China

Get this Baggallini New Yorker Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Baggallini New Yorker, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baggallini bags on BagBunch
• The Baggallini Sydney bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Baggallini bags on eBay

Global Mamas is a fair trade, non-profit organization which helps Ghana’s talented female artisans gain economic independence. By empowering women, Global Mamas helps Ghana’s people move towards sustainability and decrease their dependence on foreign aid.

When you purchase one of Global Mamas handbags, outfits, jewelry, homewares, or skin care products you won’t just enjoy high quality, authentically African goods. You’ll also be helping the women who made them, their families, and their communities. The proceeds are distributed amongst the artisans and non-profit business development initiatives working within their local area. These women work under fair trade conditions for the sort of real wages that are difficult to find in their country.

With tribal and ethnic fashions making a splash on the world’s runways, it makes a lot of sense to go directly to the source. Global Mama’s handbag collection features traditional batik bags, and purses made from recycled flour sacks, juice boxes, and fabric scraps.

Global Mama’s handbags, clothes, accessories, and homewares are reasonably priced with the entire range costing less than $100, and many items around the $20 mark. They’re available from a range of retailers including Global Mama’s partner site, Trade for Change, and the eco-conscious online store Earth Lover.

[Source: Global Mamas]

Batik Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Batik, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]