I often gush about Alexander Wang’s accessories on BagBunch, but when the designer continues to churn out purses as stylish as this Angela Pouchette, what’s a girl to do?

Pouchettes are often buttoned up evening purses, but not the Angela. It has a cool, urban look which really sets it apart. The buttery black pebbled leather is quite frankly, gorgeous. It’s the sort of skin that just begs to be touched. Its neutral shade does need some extra pizzazz though, and this comes in the form of gleaming rose-gold hardware.

I really like the asymmetrical placement of the zip, and the raised studs on the short strap. The same studs we saw on the Coco’s base are repeated here. I loved the way these accents combined form and function then, and my opinion hasn’t changed since they were first trotted out. What a way to finish off an irresistible purse.

So I could quibble about the side opening, which while super stylish isn’t as practical as a more conventional configuration. I could bemoan the wrist strap, which while cute isn’t likely to be as convenient as a longer strap. But Alexander Wang’s sweetened all those niggles with devastating style. At $650 the Angela is no bargain, but it’s also competitively priced for a designer purse.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Leather Pouchette

• Nylon lined interior
• Measures 7 x 8 x 3.5 inches

Get this Alexander Wang Angela Handbag:

• Available to buy at Barneys New York
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Alexander Wang Angela, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Green M and M eBay store to see if this Angela Wang bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Coco Duffle bag, a large alternative to this pouchette bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang bags on eBay

In general if you asked me my opinion about patchwork bags, I’d tell you they’re passé. They’ve had their day in the sun, but in 2011 they’re just not chic. The Jesse from Fossil does nothing to convince me that patchwork has become sophisticated, but funnily enough I love it anyway!

After all, the Jesse’s not trying to be anything other than a cute and casual bag. Its vibrant geometric patches create a bold tribal design. The use of pretty pink ensures it’s not very authentic, but I can’t say that I mind too much. It’s playful and feminine, and just what such a simply shaped tote needs. The pale purple tassel seems a bit out of place, but thankfully it’s easily removable.

The interior is spacious but well appointed, with open pockets for gadgets and a zippered one for holding valuables securely. I’d have preferred a zippered closure rather than the magnetic one, as it would have enhanced the bag’s security, but really I’m nit-picking here.

I wouldn’t stay this bag’s a steal at $128, as it’s only made from coated canvas, but I don’t think it’s a bad buy either. The Jesse is a relatively affordable and surprisingly modern take on patchwork. I can’t see it leading a revival, but it’s still lots of fun.

More Features of This Fossil Patchwork Tote

• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 5.8 x 14.8 x 14 inches

Get this Fossil Jesse Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the All Seasons Sports/Designer Apparel eBay store to see if this Fossil bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Jesse bird bag, a great applique alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more Fossil bags on eBay
• Other Fossil Jesse tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Fossil Jesse Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Jimmy Choo is amazing. How does the label make such dramatically posh designs with such widespread appeal? It’s a mystery to me. This Carine clutch is spectacular.

The Carine has a double whammy of exotic textures. The ultra cool main primary material is leopard spotted calf hair, which is pretty luxe all on its own. Combined with the crocodile effect closure, the Carine makes a seriously striking statement.

The shape of the Carine is simple, but the design is made more complex by the envelope style. I love the way the lines of the seams contrast with the curviness and texture of the prints. The Carine strikes the perfect balance of complexity and simplicity. And while its boldness may make it less appealing to women with more conservative style, its versatile in terms of what you could wear it with.

At $1,350, this is a really pricey way to express yourself, but if you choose to do so, you will be well served by the Carine.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Carine Crocodile Effect And Calf Hair Clutch

• 11″ x 8″ x 2″ size
• Fully lined

Get this Jimmy Choo Carine 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 calf hair clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]calf hair clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

In this world of mass-produced fashion, it’s not often that we can say that a handbag is truly one of a kind. The purses from Hide Handbags, the label developed by Adrienne Herro, enjoy being some of the few exceptions to this contemporary rule.

Fashion design is clearly in Herro’s blood. Some of her earliest memories involve playing in New York’s Garment Center while her pattern maker father worked. These days fashion is work for Herro, but looking at her accessories it seems she’s never lost her sense of fun.

Herro takes Italian lambskin, suede, vintage saddle blankets and other unique materials to create her one-of-a-kind handbags. The bags typically feature her signature braided handles, a nod to one of her other great loves: hose riding.

There are several common shapes, of course, but the individual blending of leathers, exotic skins, and other fabrics ensures no two Hide handbags are exactly the same. And if you’re not completely happy with something you see on the Hide Handbags website, Herro will happily customize a bag to suit your taste.

Hide Handbags are available at specialty stores across the United States. If you’re interesting in a customized purse you can order one using the e-mail address provided on the Hide Handbags website.

[Source: Refinery29]
[Image Source: Hide Handbags website]

I thought Orla Kiely was all about colorful retro prints on canvas, but the designer’s proved me wrong with this striking Posy purse. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and there’s not a hint of patterned flowers in sight.

I’m bowled over by the over-sized leather buckle detail on this small purse. I’m not sure how easy the intricate structure will be to manage, but it’s so beautiful that I almost don’t care. At least there’s a magnetic snap hidden underneath it, so security isn’t an issue.

That stunning buckle makes this fairly boring colored brown bag come alive. Funnily enough, I actually prefer it to the more eclectic apricot pink and mint green hues. I think a bag with such an unusual feature needs to be rooted in tradition to make it wearable. The Posy is the kind of purse you could easily slot into your wardrobe to give it the wow factor.

The Posy is called a mini bag, but with careful packing you shouldn’t have to leave anything you really need behind. Its long strap makes carrying a cinch, whether you prefer to sling it over your shoulder or across your body. Those functional features are welcome, but really they’re secondary to the Posy’s striking good looks. $250 is a bit much for a run-of-the-mill mini purse, but you could never accuse this Orla Kiely creation of being that!

More Features of This Orla Kiely Leather Cross-Body Bag

• A single strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 6.5 x 6.75 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Orla Kiely Posy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More mini bags on BagBunch
• The Orla Kiely Rosemary satchel bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Orla Kiely bags on eBay
• Other Orla Kiely leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Orla Kiely leather, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Fair trade organization Project Have Hope is helping skilled women from Uganda’s Acholi Quarter take their handiwork to the masses. From its early days selling hand-rolled paper beads five years ago, the project has grown to feature backpacks, yoga bags, headbands, homewares, and jewelry.

The accessories and homewares created reflect the African communities where they were made, so they fit in well with the current Western love of tribal fashion. The handbags are all made from native African fabrics embellished with the continent’s distinctive ethnic prints. The Project Have Hope website isn’t forthcoming about the types of textiles used, but as Green America has approved the initiative we can only assume the materials are eco-friendly.

Project Have Hope is part of a new breed of charities, which focuses on helping individuals rather than simply throwing money at them. It assists the women as they move out of poverty and invests all its profits back into their Ugandan communities. To date Project Have Hope has sponsored more than one hundred school children, made more than 75 loans to budding African entrepreneurs, and run vocational training, adult literacy, and agricultural programs.

The Project Have Hope bags and accessories aren’t as intricate as many fair trade purses we’ve seen, but they’re also much more affordable. This initiative is a great way for recessionistas to support artisans abroad.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Project Have Hope website]

Fair Trade Bags on eBay

[phpbay]fair trade, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Inge Christopher shows us that a minaudiere doesn’t have to be covered in crystals to attract attention with its Donatella purse.

The Donatella isn’t as showy as many minaudieres, but that doesn’t make it any less striking. This midnight shade is so dark that it’s almost black, a color that makes the lizard embossed skin seem dangerous and dramatic. There’s also a petrol tone, but sadly it doesn’t have the rainbow undertones its name suggests. If you’re after basic black though, you’ll be glad for the option.

I love the Donatella’s clean looks, but I find its features sadly lacking. We never expect a lot of space from structured purses like this, but that doesn’t make its limitations any less disappointing. It’s essentials only when you’re carrying this baby.

But I’m even more disappointed with the chain strap, which is too short to really be of use. It can’t comfortably fit over your shoulder, so you’re left dangling it awkwardly over your arm. I wouldn’t want to use it, but as it’s not detachable the only alternative is to leave it cluttering the already small interior.

The Donatella is a welcome alternative to the more ostentatious minaudieres on the market, but I’m not sure I can overlook those niggles for $150. Can you?

More Features of This Inge Christopher Lizard Embossed Minaudiere

• Made of leather
• Clasp closure
• Black satin lining
• A chain strap with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 2.4 x 3.5 x 7.3 inches

Get this Inge Christopher Donatella Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Inge Christopher Donatella minaudier, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Donatella Honey clutch bag, a great alternative to this minaudiere bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher bags on eBay

Big Buddha delivers Western style, and just a hint of edge, with this Saddle messenger bag.

The embossed flourishes and contrast stitching around the uniquely shaped flap give the Saddle its country character. It’s no hick though. The turnlock closure has been one of the most popular clasps in recent seasons, and its neutral colors are right on trend. I’m particularly fond of this earthy pink, but the Saddle’s also available in stormy gray and a dirty cream hue. And then there are those spiky studs, another contemporary touch which give the Saddle real personality. I’m not quite sure the metal points gel with the rest of the design, but they do give this messenger real attitude.

The Saddle’s casual, everyday looks are matched with a functional design. It’s large but not very wide so it’ll sit comfortably against the body. The dark blue inner lining doesn’t make it easy to see what you’re carrying, but there are enough interior pockets to keep your smallest valuables organized. The regular strap is too short to be really useful, but thankfully Big Buddha also includes a much longer one. It’s adjustable too so you can wear the Saddle as a shoulder bag or cross-body purse.

At less than $100 the Saddle is a bargain, but thankfully it doesn’t look like one. It’s made from one of Big Buddha’s better synthetics, and as such the Saddle is one of the label’s better bags.

More Features of This Big Buddha Embossed Messenger

• Printed polyester lining
• A single handle with a 4 inch drop
• An attachable handle with a 15 to 24 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 13.5 x 3.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Big Buddha Saddle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Saddle messenger, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the All Shopper’s World eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Donna tote bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay