Summer calls for us to ditch the dark, heavy colors of winter and embrace paler, lighter hues. That makes this casual Linen Sac purse from Vanessa Bruno ideal for the season.

I always love linen for summer, and I wonder why more designers don’t play with it. This soft fabric looks relaxed and earthy, but Vanessa Bruno dresses it up with some ivory toned leather. The material is also embellished with a crest design, a classic print which gives this sac a rich feel.

I really like the look, but this sac isn’t all that practical. There is a pair of pockets inside, but I think a bag of this size really deserves a few more organizational aids. There’s also no closure, so security is a concern.

The short handles are the final insult for me. They look the business, but once the bag is full they’ll be difficult to manage. A few extra inches would have allowed us to sling the bag comfortably over our shoulder, rather than struggling with it by our side.

The price is the final kicker for me. At $488 it’s much more expensive than any linen bag has a right to be, even if it does come with a designer name attached.

More Features of This Vanessa Bruno Fabric Sac

• Dual 7 inch handles
• Measures 14.25 x 14 x 4 inches

Get this Vanessa Bruno Linen Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Vanessa Bruno bags on BagBunch
• The Etienne Aigner Vienna tote bag, a great alternative to this linen bag.
• Searching for more Vanessa Bruno bags on eBay
• Other linen tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]linen tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Valentino has created the perfect warm weather purse with this Flower-Appliqued Raffia Clutch.

This really is a pretty purse, with its soft pastel flowers and natural toned raffia. By using appliqué rather than a print, Valentino has given its garden some real texture and drama. The attention to detail is stunning, with each petal perfectly formed.

This clutch is slender but sizable, so with careful packing you might just fit everything you want inside. Happily that doesn’t have to include a shoulder strap, as that is detachable. I’m thrilled that Valentino’s chosen leather, rather than the traditional chain, for this strap, as it’ll be much more forgiving against our skin.

The interior is also better designed that I expect the average clutch to be. There are zip and pouch pockets for holding our technology and valuables, and the rose pink leather lining is heavenly.

But then again, no Valentino clutch could ever be called “average.” At $1,995 this Valentino purse is predictably pricy. But can’t you just imagine how darling it’d look paired with a pretty summer dress at a country club luncheon? This one’s definitely going on my wish list!

More Features of This Valentino Raffia Clutch

• Gold hardware
• Clasp fastening
• A 40 inch strap
• Measures 13 x 9 x 1 inches

Get this Valentino Flower-Applique Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Valentino bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Jane on a Chain bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Valentino bags on eBay
• Other raffia clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]raffia clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

When Reed Krakoff, head designer for Coach, announced his eponymous line, I was dubious about its potential. Honestly, I really dislike the logo crazy aesthetic of Coach and I thought this line would be more of the same. Fortunately, I was wrong, and Krakoff’s line is full of stylish, pared down classics like this ribbed leather clutch.

I don’t remember the last time I saw ribbed leather. The texture gives it a fabric effect that is beautiful, but the fact that it’s actually leather makes it seem a little bit edgy and very, very modern. This bag would be great in almost any color, but in black it is the very definition of elegance.

The shape of this clutch is a soft and feminine pouch. It’s a style that’s traditionally reserved for evening wear, but in leather it would also be suitable, and quite sassy, for day. The slim, detachable shoulder strap is barely sufficient, but it’s nice to have the option, and the size is small enough that it’s also reasonable to carry. The shiny black metal geometric clasp is the perfect addition to the style.

At $460, this is one of the best priced Krakoff bags that I’ve seen, and the style is so perfect that the price is more than justified.

More Features Of The Reed Krakoff Ribbed Leather Clutch

• 7″ x 5″ x 2″ size
• 19″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get This Reed Krakoff Ribbed Leather Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Joe’s Jeans Tess Tote, an edgy, inexpensive alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Reed Krakoff items on eBay
• Searching for black leather clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]black leather clutch handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

If your wardrobe is looking a bit tired, eBay’s Fashion Vault may have just the thing to spruce it up. The popular auction site’s discount designer apparel and accessories division is currently selling luxury handbags and shoes for less.

Until 9 pm on July 1 you can enjoy savings of up to 75% on accessories from Hype, BCBGeneration, BCBGMaxAzria, and B. Makowsky. There are some real gems amongst the 77 items on offer, including the basket weave canvas like tote and matching clutch from BCBGMaxAzria, the classic Chanelesque large quilted shoulder bag from BCBGeneration, and Hype’s unique scalloped cross-body bag.

I certainly have a tough decision to make. Even though they’re significantly reduced, I definitely can’t afford to take one of each! But I probably shouldn’t wait too long before I make up my mind. The Fashion Vault only opened its door this morning and 9 am, and already items are selling out. If you had your heart set on that BCBGeneration quilted mini crossbody bag, with its 62% discount, you’re sadly out of luck!

If you’re looking for an excuse to splurge it’s worth remembering that American customers enjoy free shipping and handling on all items sold through the Fashion Vault.

[Source: eBay Fashion Vault]

BCBGeneration Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]BCBGeneration, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Mulberry makes high class designs with contemporary flair. I’m often impressed by the quality and timelessness of its accessories. This Polly Push Lock satchel is a great example of its posh but casual style.

The textured black leather on the Polly Push Lock is really interesting. It’s so textured that it almost looks embossed. This rugged material takes the classic look of the bag and makes it a little more casual, although certainly no less durable. The smoothness of the brown leather handles and straps contrasts beautifully with the main compartment.

The Polly has a simple, tailored look. The surface of the bag is completely free of embellishment, save for the giant push lock, which is both sturdy and beautiful. Its shininess lends a posh look to the bag. The only thing I don’t really love about the style is the way the sides bow out. The flap doesn’t completely cover them, and the effect is the slightest bit sloppy.

Timeless though the bag may be, I’m not sure that the Polly Push Lock is exactly worth its $1,050 price tag.

More Features Of The Mulberry Polly Push Lock Small Textured Leather

• 11″ x 9″ x 3″ size
• 2″ strap drop
• Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap
• Fully lined in designer stamped twill

Get this Mulberry Polly Push Lock Satchel:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mulberry bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Patent Leather Tote, a large, sleek alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Mulberry bags on eBay
• Other black leather satchels on eBay:
  [phpbay]black leather satchel handbag purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Tylie Malibu gives us a lot for our dollar with the Prana tote. But is it too much?

Honestly, I think so. There’s so much going on here that I can barely take it all in. It’s made with a range of different fabrics, each with a vibrantly colored tribal print. These clashing swatches would have certainly been enough on their own, but Tylie Malibu adds another layer with embroidery. Tiny pom poms and shiny silver coins are the final straw in a very intricate purse. I suppose I should appreciate the attention to detail, but instead I find my eyes hurting.

Thankfully they get a rest inside, where we find a plain brown microfiber lining. This space is enormous, which should please the girls who fancy the Prana becoming their new beach bag or gym tote. However I only wish Tylie Malibu had given us enough pockets to keep this space organized.

I always balk at spending more than $100 on a fabric tote, so at $265 this one well and truly breaks my rule. Tylie Malibu’s probably added enough details to justify this high price tag, but perhaps it would have been better learning that less is often more.

More Features of This Tylie Malibu Oversized Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 27 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Tylie Malibu Prana Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Tylie Malibu Prana, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Bag Lady Collection eBay store to see if this Tylie Malibu bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tylie Malibu bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Key-Per convertible tote bag, a great alternative to this tribal bag.
• Searching for more Tylie Malibu bags on eBay

Online retail giant Beauty.com has expanded to feature a range of accessories.

The selection is diverse, but in keeping with Beauty.com’s goals the items all strive to make women look and feel more beautiful. The purses, jewelry, lingerie, sunglasses, and other items are a great complement to the site’s existing skincare products and make-up.

The goodies come from some of BagBunch’s favorite companies and designers, including Matt & Nat, Christopher Kon, Betsey Johnson, and Harajuku Lovers. The range of wallets and purses is by no means exhaustive at this point, but hopefully we’ll see the site adding more items as its accessories sector becomes more established.

Beauty.com’s new accessories wardrobe is very user-friendly though, with links on the left side of the page allowing prospective customers to browse for the type of item they’re looking for, something from their favorite designer, and something in their price range.

To shop for the new items simply choose the accessories tab on the Beauty.com main page. And remember that all purchases over $25 enjoy free shipping and a 5% credit for future purchases, so it’s worth indulging!

Are you excited by this new, more fashionable direction that Beauty.com is taking?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Tusk injects a bit of retro flair into a wardrobe staple with this Chelsea shopper.

In many ways this is a fairly traditional shopper, with its clean trapezoidal shape and black pebbled leather. But the devil’s in the details, the tan topstitching and complementary leather rings at the base of the straps. These accents give the Chelsea a cool mod vibe which ensures it doesn’t just blend into the background.

Tusk calls it a small shopper, but I think that’s a bit of a misrepresentation. It really does have enough space for all but the most serious packrats. The purple plainweave lining gives a fun pop of color that’s practical too. The fabric is tough, and as it’s so bright it makes it easy to locate the items you’re carrying inside.

Considering the quality of its materials, and its easy blend of classic and contemporary styling, I think the Chelsea is a great buy at $190. It doesn’t have some of those little touches we enjoy on more luxurious bags; the pockets aren’t reinforced with leather, and there are no metal feet to protect the base. But for this price I still see value.

More Features of This Tusk Black Leather Shopper

• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Tusk Chelsea Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tusk bags on BagBunch
• The Tusk Chelsea compartment tote bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Tusk bags on eBay
• Other black leather shopper bags on eBay:

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Cassidy Randall is the latest new handbag label hoping to stand out in an already crowded accessories marketplace. Company founders and best friends Katie Cassidy and Nola Randall are resting their hopes on their contemporary versions of classic handbag styles including totes, clutches, and shoulder bags.

The New York based designers have worked hard to ensure that each purse in their range is lightweight. These girls know that women already carry enough weight on their shoulders without handbags adding to it!

I particularly like the removable accents featured on many of the bags. There’s a scarf here, a feather there, interesting details that add a bit of modern flair but are easily removable once they start to look tired. Then you’re left with a clean and classic design that will withstand any trends.

I also appreciate that the designers have paid attention to the straps of their bags. They’ve decorated these often overlooked elements with braiding, contrasting colors, stripes, and more. It makes a nice change from those tired silver chains, doesn’t it?

The Cassidy Randall bags start at $115 for the non-leather purses and $395 for the lambskin variety. The handbags are available at selected stores in the United States and Canada and Cassidy Randall’s website.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Treesje’s promising us bliss with this Nirvana cross-body tote.

I’m not sure whether it’s going to take us to a higher plane of existence, but I am charmed by the Nirvana’s softly pleated body and rich coffee colored leather. The pleating keeps the silhouette relaxed, while the structured frame design ensures it never gets sloppy.

The Nirvana is spacious without being unwieldy, and packed with durable pockets. The leather trim will help those pockets survive the everyday punishment they’re sure to receive. A long zip across the top keeps your precious cargo secure.

The rolled handles are long enough for over-the-shoulder toting, but Treesje also gives us another option. If you’ve got a busy day of running errands ahead, the longer cross-body strap will make your life a little easier. This strap is wide and fully adjustable for the most comfortable fit.

The earthy color palette might disappoint more daring fashionistas, but I think the Nirvana is well placed to become a part of your everyday wardrobe. That versatility helps to justify the tote’s $550 price tag.

More Features of This Treesje Cross-Body Tote

• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• A cross-body strap with an 18.5 to 23.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 13.5 x 10.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Treesje Nirvana Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Treesje Nirvana, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Huntley tote bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Treesje bags on eBay