Badgley Mischka cleverly creates the illusion of real luxury with this snake printed Tess Dome satchel.

Badgley Mischka has taken a few fashion risks here, but I think each one has paid off. Snake print has the potential to look like an inferior copy of the real thing, but I think it works really well here. Metallic finishes can also look gaudy, particularly on large day bags, but again Badgley Mischka’s managed to avoid this pitfall. In fact, the use of silvery snake actually looks more luxurious than most authentic python purses!

It’s just a shame that the finish wasn’t employed all over. I suppose Badgley Mischka intended to use plain silver leather for the sides to contrast, but instead it seems like a cheap cop-out. An all-over exotic skin would have seemed much more indulgent.

The Tess’s trapezoidal shape gives it real character, but that distinctive silhouette doesn’t come without its own challenges. This design means we’re destined to lose small items to its corners, which are difficult to access. I’d definitely utilize those interior pockets to ensure nothing too vital goes astray.

But the biggest problem with the Tess is its price. For $3450 I could have found a real snakeskin purse. That’s simply too much to pay for a leather impersonator, no matter how good the embossing.

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Dome Satchel

• Twill lined interior
• Zip closure
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 18 x 7 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in China

Get this Badgley Mischka Tess Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Badgley Mischka bags on BagBunch
• The Ed Hardy Galactic Rock Calisto satchel bag, a great alternative to this snake print bag.
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• Other snake print satchel bags on eBay:

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Will Hammond has turned his childhood interest in the environment into an accessories empire with this label, Willrecycle. The cleverly named company turns old plastic bags into vanity cases, wallets, and other purses.

Hammond began creating his upcycled plastic bag accessories as a teen attending Art College. Back then he sold his wallets and card holders to locals at the Greenwich market on weekends. He still has that stall at the Greenwich Covered Market, but these days his sustainable purses have found a global fan base through his online store.

Hammond’s collection is very practical, with its vanity bags, wallets, change purses, and pencil cases. Each one is made by fusing layered plastic bags together to create a much thicker, and stronger, material. This leather-like fabric is also easy to keep clean and resistant to water and oils. The colors and prints come from the original bags, rather than at the end of the design process, to minimize the carbon footprint.

Around 10 billion bags are distributed each year in the United Kingdom, yet only one in every 200 is recycled. Willrecycle looks to curb this problem and save many of these bags from landfill. It’s a great concept, so it’s a little disappointing that the collection is so restrictive. I’d love to see evening purses and even larger day bags created using the same techniques, wouldn’t you?

[Source: Magnifeco]

Recycled Plastic Bags on eBay

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As one of the world’s most fashionable mamas, it makes sense that Kimora Lee Simmons has created some of the most stylish diaper bags I’ve seen. This ostrich embossed diaper tote is another impressive accessory from her Baby Phat label.

This diaper tote is made from synthetic rather than real ostrich, or even embossed leather, but I don’t think that’s such a bad thing. This is a diaper bag after all, an accessory that will face more punishment than the average tote. Stains from sticky fingers, spilled juice boxes, and goodness knows what else should simply wipe away. It’s also much more affordable than its luxury materials. While real ostrich would easily see this tote costing four figures, this Baby Phat alternative is priced at a family-friendly $39.99.

I love the ostrich finish, so I’m disappointed Baby Phat has muddied it up. We really didn’t need that tacky looking patent trim, or the metal logo charms. It just makes a tote that should have been classic appear like it’s trying a little too hard.

This ostrich tote might look like a glamourpuss, but it actually works as hard as any baby bag. Its deep side pockets are ideal for storing the items you want on hand, while its interior pockets help busy moms stay organized. It also comes with a matching change pad for those diaper emergencies.

It might not be as restrained as I’d like, but I can see real value in this chic Baby Phat diaper tote.

More Features of This Baby Phat Diaper Tote

• Dual handles
• An adjustable, removable strap
• Measures 21 x 14 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Baby Phat Ostrich Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Baby Phat bags on BagBunch
• The Baby Phat faux python diaper bag, a great alternative to this ostrich bag.
• Searching for more Baby Phat bags on eBay
• Other Baby Phat diaper bags on eBay:

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After a brief hiatus Rafe, designer Rafe Totengco’s signature line, is back and under new management. The fashion house is now part of the Jones Group, the company who also oversees Totengco’s other creative interest, Nine West. Totengco will have his work cut out for him, serving as the creative director of both labels for the foreseeable future.

Totengco admitted that he will have “a very busy time,” before conceding that he’s thrilled to have the Rafe line back in business. It seems things will be business as usual despite the changing of the guard, with Rafe staying committed to its design aesthetic, affordable price points, and original retailers.

Rafe will relaunch in spring 2012 with a collection which took Totengco back to his Philippines home. It sounds like a meeting of heritage and modern influences, with leather and canvas bags embellished with woven and ikat prints. Totengco predicts ethnic and tribal themes will be big in fashion next spring, so it seemed like the perfect time to return to his own roots.

With the handbag line moving forward once again I’m sure many fashion fans will be wondering about the fate of Rafe’s footwear collections. Hopefully this too will return in good time!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Rafe Facebook page]

Rafe Bags on eBay

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B. Makowsky ordinarily focuses on the trends, but with its Classics collection it takes a more traditional approach. This Vivian satchel is a great everyday option for girls who prefer a little more polish in their purse.

This satchel is free of the embellishments I ordinarily associate with B. Makowsky. There are no studs, no showy hardware, and no frills or fringe. Its color palette is also classic, although the metallics seem at odds with the no nonsense design. The much cleaner appearance makes a great change from B. Makowsky’s usual offerings.

I’m not sure it’s entirely successful though. The Vivian is quite structured, but its soft leather doesn’t sit up quite as cleanly as I’d like. That slouch makes it feel more casual than it really should. I also don’t like the way the leather puckers around the belted top. It all makes the Vivian feel a little like an awkward teen wearing her mother’s clothes, rather than an accessory that’s really refined. It’s close to sophisticated, but it doesn’t quite get there.

The Vivian’s design is much smarter than its exterior. You can see the large zippered pocket in the front, but if you turn it around you’ll also find a generous slit pocket in the back. The interior is large but not excessive thanks to its trio of pockets. The magnetic closure keeps everything inside safe and secure.

The Vivian’s $258 is very reasonable for a bag that’s made of leather and very practical. I just wish it fulfilled its promise. I can see the makings of a really great satchel here, but sadly it’s only halfway there.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Classics Satchel

• Fabric lined interior
• Dual rolled handles
• Measures 7 x 14 x 10 inches

Get this B. Makowsky Vivian 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 B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Classics Liberty satchel bag, a great alternative to this traditional bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

French fashion house Lancel is preparing to launch a new handbag collection inspired by Spanish surreal artist Salvador Dali.

Collection Daligramme will feature 20 handbag styles, 13 made from jacquard and seven crafted from luxury leather, and other small leather goods and accessories. The range features bags inspired by Dali’s secret “love alphabet” and bearing cute names like DaliDay and DaliCious. Amongst them are two updated versions of the original Dali handbag Lancer created in 1970. The bicycle chain handles we saw on the originals have been replaced by more practical leather ones but the new handbags, called DaliDol, still retail their slim, rectangular shapes.

Lancel will celebrate the launch of its new accessories range with a photography exhibition at its Paris flagship outlet at department store chain Galeries Lafayette. The display which will run from September 1 to 20, will feature never-before-seen candid shots of the artist and his wife Gala. Lancel has worked with the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation to stage the retrospective art exhibition.

The art and fashion worlds have always made great bedfellows, but it’s particularly exciting to see Lancel taking inspiration from one of the world’s most enduring creative minds. It remains to be seen whether the new Collection Daligramme will be as weird and wonderful as anything Dali himself made!

[Source: WWD]
[Image Source: Library of Congress/Wikipedia Commons]

Lancel Handbags on eBay

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When it comes to Ashley M, we never really know what we’re going to get. It might be paying homage to a pop culture hero, serving up some silly novelty, or even channeling high fashion. Or with this Sailor Skill Striped Tote Bag, it seems to be saluting the high seas!

This tote delicately straddles kitsch and catwalk. Blue and white stripes scream nautical fashion, but the sporty emblems take this bag to another place. The Marine Paradise slogan and red hearts are very sweet, while the pirate-like skull and crossbones bring just a hint of spice.

This looks like a very simple tote, but it’s likely got a few more features than you might expect. There are several small pockets inside the fully lined interior, so it’s a bit easier to keep that generous space in order. That lining feels a bit cheap, but when we’re paying as little as we are for the bag that’s easy to forgive.

One thing we can always rely on from Ashley M is affordable prices. At just $30, this tote is an inexpensive way to enjoy the nautical trend before summer fades!

More Features of This Ashley M Striped Tote Bag

• Snap top closure
• Dual handles
• Measures 8.3 x 13 x 12.5 inches

Get this Ashley M Sailor Skull Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Ashley M bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The O’Neill Moody Blues bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
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Nine West has again teamed up with Council of Fashion Designers of America and the group’s foundation for its new Fashion Targets Breast Cancer messenger bag. This year’s handbag, called the Runway Relief Messenger, makes a bold statement while supporting an important cause.

Through the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign, Nine West has raised almost $50 million dollars in funds, not to mention an invaluable amount of awareness about breast cancer. This year’s effort is sure to push that tally even higher as 100% of all sale proceeds will benefit the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer program.

The casual and durable design of the Runway Relief Messenger is sure to appeal to gym bunnies, college kids, or anyone looking for a relaxed handbag that can hold plenty. I’m also pleasantly surprised that it steps away from the usual pink hues we see on breast cancer fundraising handbags. There’s nothing wrong with pink, of course, but it’s refreshing to see one targeted at girls who shy away from those ultra feminine purses.

This Nine West Runway Relief Messenger Bag is available to pre-order for $59 from the Nine West website ahead of its official September 6 release.

[Source: The Purse Page]

Breast Cancer Charity Bags on eBay

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Anya Hindmarch looks to put an end to parking change headaches with this playful Parking Change Pouch.

Anya Hindmarch loves to create accessories for very specific purposes, but this one probably looks the least kitschy. The silver leather should be a lovely complement to your coins, while the stamped title leaves no question as to what’s inside! The perforated scalloped trim and Anya Hindmarch’s signature bow finish things off beautifully.

The interior is simple but functional considering it’s very basic purpose. The twill lining is tough as can be, and the signature stamping in the material makes it feel that bit more luxurious.

This is a relatively large coin purse, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes your After Work Cocktails Pouch and your Highway Toll Pouch. And well it should for the money. I can’t imagine spending $175 on a purse that’s strictly for parking change, but as a more versatile pouch it’s a much more tempting proposition!

More Features of This Anya Hindmarch Metallic Coin Purse

• Tasseled zip fastening
• Measures 7 x 5 x 2 inches

Get this Anya Hindmarch Parking Change Pouch Handbag:

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

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• More Anya Hindmarch bags on BagBunch
• The Lulu Guinness Rainy Day Fund clutch bag, a great alternative to this novelty coin bag.
• Searching for more Anya Hindmarch bags on eBay
• Other silver coin purses on eBay:

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We all know Echo’s fabric and terry cloth beach bags, but soon the label will release a more versatile range of handbags.

The fabric purses feature prints inspired by the label’s famous scarves, including animal motifs and bold tribal patterns. The solid colored bags will have printed linings, while the patterned purses will give our eyes a break with matte interiors.

The new Echo bags are also soft, lightweight, and comfortable to carry, just like the brand’s beach bags, but they have a bit more style. Customers can choose from classic designs like square and north-south totes, messengers, and shoulder bags.

I can’t see any clutch purses or evening bags in this first crop, but perhaps that’s the next step! These new handbags certainly show us a more flexible side of Echo, but they’re still relatively casual. I’d love to see the brand really pushing itself and creating accessories that are truly sophisticated.

There are 45 different styles available in the new Echo collection, and each one is affordably priced. It doesn’t seem like the label’s charging us a premium for its brand new sense of style, as the bags are priced between $78 and $128. Look for them soon at the regular retailer outlets and Echo’s online store.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Echo Handbags on eBay

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