Chloe’s high class hip aesthetic has won it many fans over the years. Personally, I go back and forth on the brand, but I really like what I’m seeing here. This wristlet is a beautifully sleek bag to carry for almost any evening out.

The smooth black leather on this wristlet is as minimal as the design itself. It’s supple, and Chloe hasn’t muddied its inherent beauty with any embellishments. The gold hardware keeps the look very upper crust.

I’m a big fan of this easy-to-carry pouch shape. It’s structured enough to be practical, but soft enough to be comfortable in the palm of your hand. The best part of the clutch is the shiny gold bracelet strap. It’s modern and a very beautiful combination of cutting edge and traditional. I really can’t imagine a more petitely perfect accessory.

The bag itself is beautiful, but the price tag is a little out of touch. $875 is a pretty hefty price to pay for such a tiny piece of beauty.

More Features Of The Chloe Wristlet Leather Clutch

• 8″ x 6″ x 4″ size
• 3″ strap drop
• Fully lined in nude leather

Get this Chloe Wristlet Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloe bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Chloe bags on eBay
• Other black leather wristlets on eBay:
  [phpbay]black leather wristlet handbag, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

What in the world is going on here? Valentino may have retired, but the man isn’t dead, and he must be absolutely seething about what the new designers are doing with his name. Namely plastering the logo all over jaquard bags. Uninspiringly mismatched bags, at that. For shame, nameless new creative director at Valentino.

The V-logo print on this bag is not the most terrible I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely not very interesting. I know the designers were probably trying to make something at a lower price point that still said “Valentino,” but they didn’t need to take the idea so literally. I’ve never seen a Valentino logo bag before and I hope I never do again.

The tote shape is really neither here nor there. It’s basically what you would expect if you looked up “tote bag” in the dictionary, I think. So, besides the logos, what’s the problem? Are you checking out this color scheme? Mauve-y light brown jacquard and pale yellow leather? No. Please, no.

At $945, this bag is reasonable for Valentino. But it’s only reasonable if you just want something that says Valentino on it. In which case I have a plastic bag and a permanent marker you can borrow.

More Features Of The Valentino Jacquard And Leather Tote

• 16″ x 13″ x 6” size
• 7” strap drop
• Removable shoulder strap
• Fully lined

Get this Valentino Logo Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Valentino bags on BagBunch
• The Bebe Metallic Mesh Clutch, an edgy evening alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Valentino handbags on eBay
• Other jacquard totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]jacquard tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Paco Mena only appeared on my radar recently, but since discovering the brand I’ve been impressed by its elegant but affordable evening purses. This Duprea clutch is another shining example from the range.

This is a lovely looking purse, with its sophisticated pleating and rich satiny finish. The row of crystals and beads provides just the right amount of bling, while the midnight blue color makes an unexpected neutral. It’s one of four shades on offer, in a color palette which really has something for everybody. The classic beauties are covered with black and stone, while the girly girls will love the vivid fuchsia hue.

The Duprea is boxier than the usual clutch, which tends to be more rectangular. That helps to set it apart, but also makes it a bit awkward to carry. You can’t hold it in your hand as easily, so I predict the drop-in chain will get plenty of use. I don’t think it looks quite as elegant in this mode, but carrying it this way is a lot more practical.

It’s hard to find fault for $53 though. At that price you needn’t be a social butterfly to indulge!

More Features of This Paco Mena Crystal Embellished Clutch

• Polyester lined interior
• Modern kiss lock closure
• A drop in strap with an 18 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 6.75 x 1.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Paco Mena Duprea Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Paco Mena bags on BagBunch
• The Paco Mena Montepulciana clutch bag, a great alternative to this square bag.
• The Paco Mena website
• Other navy blue satin clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]navy satin clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

New York based designer Lia Cinquegrano takes a mishmash of materials and uses them to create bold and unusual handbags with her label Thomas IV.

Her handbags are produced in The Big Apple’s Garment Center, and really embody the casual, contemporary vibe of the city. She was compelled to launch the line as she struggled to find handbags that reflected her unique sense of style. There’s definitely nothing else like them on the market!

Cinquegrano believes that purses should be as functional as they are attractive, so you can count on the Thomas IV handbags to work for you. Functional features are cleverly incorporated into the designs. You’ll have to look hard to see the hardware and pockets, but they’re definitely there.

I don’t blame you for being nervous about carrying bags with so much color, but Lia Cinquegrano insists they’re easier to wear than you might think. They can easily become the statement piece in a monochromatic outfit, or even work with a colorful ensemble if you’ve got the confidence. They certainly won’t suit all tastes, but at least you can’t say they’re boring!

The Thomas IV bags are available from $240 from the fashion house’s website and selected stores in New York, Arizona, and Florida.

[Source: Thomas IV website]

We’ve admired Zara Terez’s clutch purses, but with the Precinct Holster Bag we see what she can do on a larger scale. I’ve got to say, I’m impressed.

This unique purse is simple, but so effective. Its asymmetrical design flap and top really make it feel like a gun holster, although you’ll be able to fit a bit more inside it. The lines of this purse are clean and crisp. You need to get up close to really appreciate the details, so I’m thrilled Zara Terez has chosen some vibrant colors to add further interest. This Clementine orange is my favorite, but it’s also available in lime green, wine, and black.

The Precinct Holder bag isn’t very large, so I’m sure many girls will struggle to fit all the items they deem essentials inside. However it’s a good option for those times when you don’t want to be weighed down, like morning tea with the girls and the school run. The leather lining is an unexpected touch of luxury at this price point.

I wouldn’t call this Zara Terez bag a bargain at $125, but it’s also not exorbitant for such an original accessory.

More Features of This Zara Terez Leather Cross-Body Bag

• Snap closure
• Measures 7.25 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Zara Terez Precinct Holster Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Zara Terez bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors Structured Leather bag, a great alternative to this orange bag.
• Searching for more Zara Terez bags on eBay
• Other orange leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]orange leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Apolis has launched a line of bags to help farmers in Uganda. The Field and Philanthropist totes are both crafted from organic cotton grown by the African country’s farmers.

Uganda was once a cotton farming powerhouse, but the nation’s agricultural industry began to decline when civil war broke out during the 70s. Sadly Uganda’s farming sector, and its workers, have never recovered.

The eco-friendly bags are part of Apolis’ long-running work with Invisible Children’s Cotton Initiative. Invisible Children sponsors sustainable development and education in Northern Uganda, and its cotton program is a key part of this. Sales of the Apolis bags help the struggling farmers support their families and the nation’s sustainable farming practices.

The movement behind the Apolis totes means many of us won’t mind spending a little more on them. I usually have a rule that a fabric tote shouldn’t cost more than $100, but these Apolis bags are some of the rare exceptions. The Field Tote costs $196, while the bridle leather handles on the Philanthropist Tote make it a bit more expensive at $296. Both are fully lined with front pockets for stashing the items you need on hand. They’re available to buy now through the Apolis website.

[Source: Take Part]

Organic Cotton Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Organic cotton tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Gray has been the new black for a while, and it doesn’t get more gorgeous than the shade chosen for Carla Mancini’s Dylan tote.

The soft weathered finish on this buttery leather tote is really lovely. It’s such a gentle hue that it should be able to work its way into your warm weather and winter wardrobe, no matter what the occasion, for years to come. The high quality leather is really the centerpiece of this simply shaped tote, although it’s supported well by a practical buckle decorated pocket.

The Dylan’s tall design is interesting, but it’s not entirely practical. While we can store some essential items in the leather trimmed pocket, there’s bound to be things that will fall to the bottom corners. As these are such a long way down, they’ll be difficult to retrieve, and I’m just not sure the unique look is worth that hassle. The choice of carrying straps does a bit to appease me, but I’m not sure they do enough.

The $620 price is also a little more than I’d expect to pay for a Carla Mancini purse. The leather is lovely, but the Dylan’s impractical dimensions still make me hesitant to splurge.

More Features of This Carla Mancini Leather Tote

• Faille lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• An attachable strap with a 16.5 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 13 x 5 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Carla Mancini Dylan Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Carla Mancini bags on BagBunch
• The Gorjana Madison bag, a great alternative to this gray bag.
• Searching for more Carla Mancini bags on eBay
• Other gray leather tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]gray leather tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Schoolbags for Kids is an exciting new backpack brand that gives back to the globe’s neediest students.

For every backpack purchased the innovative company donates another schoolbag, stocked full of stationery and other supplies, to a child in need. The company’s founders Kalon Gutierrez and Luis Garcia met while working for luxury fashion houses in New York City, but soon realized the glamorous world of haute couture wasn’t quite for them. They were inspired to create their altruistic business model after Luis spent time working with underprivileged children in Tanzania, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, India, and Ecuador. He returned home with a clear vision of the company that would soon become Schoolbags for Kids.

That generous business plan is one reason to invest in the company, but its practical knapsacks are another. The backpacks are made from 600-denier polyester, a material which is durable, lightweight, and water resistant. Each one has padded, contoured adjustable shoulder straps so they can grow as your child does. They also come with a padded sleeve for protecting a laptop, and plenty of exterior and interior pockets. Their clean design is matched with child pleasing bright colors and accents.

The company’s backpacks won’t officially be available until August 11, but they’re currently available to pre-order through the Schoolbags for Kids website.

[Source: Inhabitots]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Kensie Girl delivers a playful take on the military trend with its Cute as a Button cross-body bag.

This is one of those rare bags that lives up to its name. I think it’s positively adorable, and definitely cute as a button, with its shiny metal accents and irregular pleats. The synthetic body isn’t as soft as leather would have been, and that makes the pleats fall a little awkwardly, but that doesn’t detract too much from the design.

The toffee brown and black colors are nice enough, but it’s a shame Kensie Girl hasn’t created something more exciting. Something tells me it’s young fans would prefer the option to carry a brighter shade.

Its name might suggest that this cross-body is all about its appearance, but it actually has a really smart design. It’s on the small side, but it’s crammed with so many pockets that there’s no excuse for clutter. Its strap is adjustable, so you can wear as a cross-body or shorten it and use it as a shoulder bag.

Kensie Girl keeps the price right for its teen target audience. This Cute as a Button bag will set you back just $68. That’s a great deal for a handbag that has as much personality and practical nous as this one.

More Features of This Kensie Girl Button Decorated Cross-Body Bag

• Zip closure
• An adjustable strap with a 13 to 25 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches

Get this Kensie Girl Cute as a Button Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kensie Girl bags on BagBunch
• The Kensie Girl Cute as a Button satchel bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Kensie Girl bags on eBay
• Other Kensie Girl Cute as a Button bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Kensie Girl Cute as a Button, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

London-based mergers and acquisitions company Permira has sold its stake in Proenza Schouler to a team of investors led by Theory chief executive officer Andrew Rosen and his business partner John Howard.

Permira bought Valentino Fashion Group, including its 45% share of Proenza Schouler, in 2007. Rumors have swirled for the last year that Permira was looking to offload its share in the accessories company, and it seems to have found the right buyer in Rosen.

Rosen has personally invested in Proenza Schouler, rather than doing so through Link Theory Holdings, which Theory falls under. The acquisition’s bulked up his already considerable fashion portfolio, which also includes investments in Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, and Gryphon.

Rosen and Howard told Women’s Wear Daily that they believe Proenza Schouler represents “the future of American luxury,” a label that can mix it with the dominant European fashion houses on the global stage. They believe that their resources and experience will help Proenza Schouler achieve that potential.

Andrew Rosen and John Howard have such a major stake in Proenza Schouler, it’s bound to affect this exciting fashion house in a major way. Are you optimistic about the investment duo’s involvement in the brand?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Popbee website]

Proenza Schouler Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Proenza Schouler, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]