Italian fashion house Pierotucci has launched a luxury eco-accessory for the ladies and the lads with its Unisex Fortuna Bag.

It might seem unusual to call a leather bag green, but Pierotucci created it from off-cuts collected from local Florentine leather companies. With several different leather styles and colors at its disposal, Pieotucci decided to create small limited edition versions of the new design. Each one is numbered to emphasize its quality and unique style.

Unlike so many of Pierotucci’s creations, the Fortuna was styled to capture the imagination of younger fashion fans. The look is a bit more contemporary and casual than previous designs including The Royal Highness and Tucci, and it’s got some very clever design features.

The Fortuna appears like two bags in one, with metal hooks helping you fold it down or expand it depending on your needs. There’s also a range of carrying options, including top handles and a removable strap. Depending on how you use it, the Fortuna can be anything from a clutch to a cross-body bag, carried by hand or slung over your shoulder.

The finishing touch is the corno rosso, a chili pepper symbol that represents good luck in Southern Italian culture. I’m not sure whether the Fortuna will bring you such fortuity, but it probably can’t hurt!

The Fortuna bags are available from selected stores in Florence and Rome, as well as the Pierotucci website.

[Source: Online PR Media]

Recycled Leather Handbags on eBay

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Steve Madden’s created one for the girly girls with the fun BHarmony handbag.

With its ruffled top and diagonal detail, not to mention its oversized bow, this shoulder bag is ultra feminine. But in this gentle nude blush, I think Steve Madden gets away with all those saccharine accents. The bland color tempers the frothy embellishments, and they liven up what could have otherwise been a pretty boring bag.

It looks like it’s all play, but the BHarmony is actually quite a practical carry-all. Its dual handles are long enough to sit on your shoulder, but rolled straps do have a tendency to go sliding. There’s also a detachable cross-body strap, which is probably a more functional carrying option if you’ve got a distance to travel.

The BHarmony is generously sized, but its divided interior makes the space very manageable. There are also zip and slip pockets tucked away so there’s no excuse for disorganization!

Steve Madden does use pleather rather than real leather, and it’s too thin and shiny to fool anyone. But it also puts the price at a relatively affordable $108. Do you think it’s worth the compromise?

More Features of This Steve Madden Bow Handbag

• Magnetic clasp closure
• Measures 18 x 10 x 8 inches

Get this Steve Madden BHarmony Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Steve Madden Harmony, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Bellabacciusa eBay store to see if this Steve Madden bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Steve Madden bags on BagBunch
• The pewter Steve Madden BHarmony bag, a great alternative to this blush bag.
• Searching for more Steve Madden bags on eBay

In a world where handbags begin to look the same, the purses created by American designer James Piatt really stand out. This controversial artist makes accessories which are shaped like dead dogs, deserted infants, rifles, and more!

Piatt created his first handbag, the original PeaceKeeper, as a gift in 2004. It received such a rapturous reaction on the street that Piatt couldn’t help but create more. It’s changed a little since its first inception, but the PeaceKeeper continues to be Piatt’s signature creation. Two new handbag styles are added in limited quantities to the range each year.

Such unusual purses won’t speak to everyone, but they certainly can’t be ignored. And even if they’re not your cup of chai, it’s hard not to appreciate Piatt’s materials. He works with high quality leathers, including skins with exotic alligator and mirrored metallic finishes. Just like the designs Piatt creates, these materials are incredibly eye-catching.

Piatt’s designs are more like works of art than traditional handbags, so it’s little surprise that some come with big price tags. You’ll find the PeaceKeeper 400 purses for just $85, but one of the copper colored Foundlings will set you back $989. That might be a bit much for an accessory that seems like a novelty, but if your fashion sense is kooky enough you might just see value.

[Source: James Piatt website]

Stella McCartney is one of those designers I can’t help admiring, despite not always being impressed by her line. Her commitment to cruelty free design is admirable. But just as I invariably crave meat while eating a vegetarian dish, I mostly find myself wishing her materials were just a little more luxurious. Her Alexa is one of those rare accessories that doesn’t make me long for leather.

While many of Stella McCartney’s vegan alternatives seem cheaper than their price tags would suggest, I’ve got no such complaints here. The woven body has a retro wicker vibe, which is complimented beautifully by the gently stained brown leatherette. If I didn’t know better I’d assume this trim was real leather rather than an admirable copy.

Its quirky half circle shape is another fun throwback to the 70s. This decade’s fashions are right back on trend, and the Alexa fits in well with the current retro offerings. I worry that it might date once the fad passes, a worthy consideration considering its hefty $1329 price tag. But I think you’ll have a lot of fun wearing this one while it’s in vogue. If you can afford the Alexa, then why not indulge?

More Features of This Stella McCartney Woven Shoulder Bag

• Designer stamped golden hardware
• A concealed magnetic press-stud fastening
• A detachable zip-fastening wallet
• An adjustable buckled shoulder strap
• Measures 12.6 x 10.2 x 2.8 inches

Get this Stella McCartney Alexa Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Stella McCartney bags on BagBunch
• The Wailea Wicker Tote bag, a great alternative to this wicker look bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney bags on eBay
• Other woven shoulder bags on eBay:

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Shopping website NOVICA, in conjunction with National Geographic, brings the work of independent artisans living in poor communities around the world to the masses. The site’s Handbag Boutique is an ideal place for socially minded fashionistas to find a unique accessory.

NOVICA really has bags for all occasions and personalities, from casual distressed canvas bags and quirky totes made from soda pop ring pulls to dazzling metallic evening purses. They’re imbued with a sense of place, and designed with that aesthetic that’s so different from anything we see in the Western world.

NOVICA does not charge its artisans a fee to list their works on the site. These craftsmen also remain completely independent. They can lower and raise their prices as they see fit, and can cut ties with NOVICA whenever they wish. Although goodness knows why they’d want to!

This is more than simply a charity operation though. NOVICA showcases rare and unique items that we won’t find at our local shopping mall. It’s ideal for girls who want to stand out in a crowd, the kind who’d never dream of carrying the same purse as anybody else at the party. It serves as a bridge between third-world artisans and a fashion hungry marketplace, helping craftsman make money from their wares and bagistas find that something special.

[Source: Novica Handbags Boutique]

Novica Bags on eBay

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We can always count on Spiegel for low priced accessories, but they’re not always the best looking. When the label attempts to replicate leather the shortcomings of its materials are obvious. That’s why I think this canvas tote is one of Spiegel’s best.

This tote isn’t trying to be anything that it’s not, which may be why it works so well. Just like a little black dress, we always have space in our closet for a black tote. This one is given some extra punch with white shoulder straps and large black buttons. The buttons give this tote a retro vibe, but with the classic white and black color combination it doesn’t feel dated.

I didn’t expect much more than a lot of space inside this simply designed tote, but Spiegel delivers that and then some. A selection of open pockets is on hand to hold our essential technology and sunglasses. A zip top closure helps to keep whatever you’re carrying secure. I wouldn’t say Spiegel has overwhelmed us with practical features, but it’s certainly exceeded my expectations.

The price is the clincher for me, a bargain basement $49. For the money you’re not likely to find many totes as cute and clever!

More Features of This Spiegel Canvas Tote

• Made of 100% cotton canvas
• Measures 24.5 x 14.5 inches

Get this Spiegel Button Trim Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Spiegel bags on BagBunch
• The Diesel Bubble Wrap Air satchel bag, a great alternative to this button bag.
• Searching for more Spiegel bags on eBay
• Other button tote bags on eBay:

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The MICHAEL line has been a little up and down, lately, but this Hamilton tote has a solidly classic aesthetic that’s really working. It also has a few urban touches that keep it looking contemporary.

The taupe color of the leather is great. Sometimes neutral equals boring, but this color is soft and rich and will go with anything. Unfortunately, the quilting on the leather is sort of badly executed. The leather is just a little smooth and thick to take the pattern very well, and it comes off looking a little plastic-y.

The design of the Hamilton is really pared down. There is little embellishment, and what embellishment there is is mostly functional. The front strap isn’t, but it has an eye-catching silver padlock closure that makes it cool anyways. The chain and leather strap is a great touch on this classy bag, as it adds a subtle edginess.

Overall, the style of the Hamilton is solid enough to make a great everyday bag for a woman with classic, but modern, style. And at $350, the Hamilton requires a minimal investment for a high return.

More Features Of The MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Quilted Leather Tote

• 14″ x 13″ x 4″ size
• 4″ strap drop
• 30″ shoulder strap
• Fully lined

Get this MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Quilted Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, a very cool alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors handbags on eBay
• Other taupe leather totes on eBay:

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