Remember when I wrote yesterday about the inconsistency of B. Makowsky’s handbag collection? I should have known as I was singing the Varick satchel’s praises it wouldn’t be too long before the designer disappointed me. And he has with this Alexis shopper.

Like too many B. Makowsky bags, the Alexis is one of those accessories that tries so hard to be cool. By focusing on current trends it’s become a purse that’s destined to date. And even now while it’s appearing modern, I’m still not sure that I like it.

The slashed leather is … interesting. I’m in two minds about it frankly. On one hand it brings some drama and texture to the design, but on the other I question hacking apart a luxury material like leather. It seems almost disrespectful to the cows that gave their life in the name of fashion. It also seems disrespectful to our wallets. We’re still paying the big bucks, but the skin is so chopped up that we can’t really enjoy its quality. To add insult to injury there’s all that chain running all over the slashed section. It just looks so messy.

The Alexis isn’t without its positives though. There are pockets in the front and back, and even more inside. Drawstrings are never my first choice of closure, but at least with a magnetic snap beneath it we’re getting double security. I also appreciate the flat platform base, with its protective metal feet, and the long, flat carry straps.

But really, after destroying the leather I think B. Makowsky has a hide charging us $278 for it. That Varick satchel is looking more attractive by the minute.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Slashed Leather Shopper

• Fabric lined interior
• Divided interior
• Measures 5 x 16 x 10 inches

Get this B. Makowsky Alexis Handbag:

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

[phpbay]B Makowsky Alexis shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Poloponies 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 Alexis hobo bag, a great alternative to this slashed leather bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

Frankly I love gym bags just about as much as I love the gym, which is something like the way I love brussel sprouts and squealing children. However just like exercise, a sports bag like this is a necessary evil, and one that’s made much more appealing when it has bold pink accents.

Those pink flashes might have attracted me to the Reilly, but it’s got more going for it than some girlish flair. I really like the sling design, which is more manageable than the conventional sports duffel. While a pair of straps might have offered better back support, the single one is sturdy and quite comfortable to carry. As an added bonus it has a small built-in pocket for stashing an iPod or cell phone.

This little pouch is just one of many pockets the Reilly provides. It’s a really well organized bag, which is more than we can say for many gym accessories. The mesh back panel helps your sweaty gym gear breathe, while the front compression pocket offers space for the items you want on hand. The zips are small and a bit flimsy though, so you’ll need to treat them carefully to ensure they last.

You get what you pay for though, and at $55 Adidas isn’t charging us a lot here. For that price we won’t feel too guilty if we can’t manage to stick to that exercise routine!

More Features of This Adidas Sling Bag

• Measures 10 x 19 x 15 inches

Get this Adidas Reilly Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Adidas Reilly sling, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Adidas bags on BagBunch
• The Adidas Redondo sling bag, a great alternative to this sling bag.
• Searching for more Adidas bags on eBay

At its worst Nine West is a derivative label that makes barely veiled designer replicas in tacky, cheap materials. But at its best the fashion house delivers really stylish handbags that cost far less than their competitors. The label might be inconsistent, but when it gets it right as it does with this Turn the Corner shoulder bag, the results are dynamite.

The most appealing thing here is that this is a cheap and cheerful bag, but it doesn’t look like one. Its pebbled synthetic body does a credible leather impersonation, and its gentle curves are very high class. I love the way the polished gold-toned hardware pops against the red leatherette, especially at the corners.

This Turn the Corner back is small but it’s smart, with tough synthetic trimmed pockets and faux leather padding on the chain straps. Some girls may feel restricted by the purse’s petite dimensions, but I think that size only adds to its sophistication.

I was already sold, but the affordable price tag seals the deal. At $69, you’ll be hard pressed to find better value.

More Features of This Nine West Red Shoulder Bag

• Zip closure
• Leopard print lining
• An external pocket with snap closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 6.5 x 9.75 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Nine West Turn The Corner Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nine West Turn Corner shoulder, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Nine West Turn the Corner satchel bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Nine West bags on eBay

Kyle Richards is following the lead of her reality TV sisters Carolina Manzo and Gretchen Rossi and creating her own handbag line. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star plans to have her purses on shelves this spring.

With so many bags shrinking these days, it’s interesting to note that Kyle Richards’ bags will be oversized. They’ll come in a range of colors and fabrics, although given their affordable prices we shouldn’t expect anything too high class. Richards’ favorite is a purple snake print doctor bag, which is likely to be every bit as ostentatious as it sounds.

Richards has been very hands-on with the design process, choosing everything from the fabrics and hardware to the colors. She aimed to create bags she’d feel proud to carry, and you can’t do that unless you get your hands dirty!

The bags will be named after Richards’ nearest and dearest: her daughters and her friends, including her fellow housewives. Apparently her co-stars have already spent some time flipping through her sample book, picking the purses they hope will share their names.

The Kyle Richards handbags will cost around $100, which is refreshing. I didn’t expect this Beverly Hills housewife would create something so affordable. Perhaps she’s not as out of touch as she seems on the Bravo show!

[Source: InStyle]
[Image Source: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills website]

Marc Jacobs is such an American powerhouse. How can you not love a man who manages to be both clean cut and covered in tattoos? His personal style definitely trickles down to his design aesthetic, which is classic and edgy at the same time. This Bowery tote embodies his style perfectly.

The two-tone leather on this bag is totally ideal. The combination of brown and tan is a classic one, and here the contrast is textural as well. The exaggerated grain of the darker brown is enhanced by the smoothness of the tan detailing.

The Bowery is basically a bowler, but it’s not like any bowler I’ve ever seen before. It’s preppy and posh, but with a little sporty flavor. The lack of embellishment shows off the great lines and materials. This would make a great daily bag for a conservative woman who wants a hipper look or for a hipster chick looking to add a little bit of preppy chic.

$1,195 seems pretty low considering the usual price tag of Jacob’s bags, and this is a pretty fabulous one, so I vote yes.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs The Bowery Two-Tone Leather Tote

• 16″ x 13″ x 6” size
• 6″ strap drop
• Fully lined in twill

Get this Marc Jacobs The Bowery Bowler:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other brown leather bowlers on eBay:
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