Rampage looks to offer us exotic style for less with this Mia shopper, but its execution lets it down.

The label uses some age old tactics here to keep the price down. The Mia’s made from polyurethane rather than the exotic skin is mimics. Some embossing takes care of the looks, although I’m sure even fashion novices will guess it’s a fake. The synthetic material is thin and far too shiny to ever fool us. The scales are delicate though, and that makes them feel more refined than many similar finishes.

I expected some compromises to be made on the material. The result isn’t perfect, but it’s not a deal breaker either. I’m much more disappointed with the ill-conceived pleats and gathers that plague the Mia. I suppose Rampage added them to make the silhouette more interesting, but they just make the synthetic fall awkwardly.

I’m not the greatest fan of the synthetic adorned chain strap either. Rampage has obviously paid homage to Chanel here, but there’s a fine line between appreciation and imitation. Sadly though while the chains make Chanel’s purses seem more refined, these straps make the Mia seem like a pretender.

It might not be all it’s cracked up to be, but at least we can say the Mia’s practical. It’s an enormous bag, but with a pair of gadget pouches and a spacious zippered pocket to help us it feels manageable.

As a style statement it’s lacking, but as a smart shopper for girls on a budget the Mia holds its own.

More Features of This Rampage Snake Embossed Shopper

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 17 x 4 x 14 inches
• Made in China

Get this Rampage Mia Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Rampage Mia shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Vintage Jewelry Store eBay store to see if this Rampage bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Rampage bags on BagBunch
• The Guess Socialite Doctor bag, a great alternative to this snake-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Rampage bags on eBay

Indian shoppers should start saving their rupees; Gucci will release limited edition New Bamboo and Emily bags exclusively through its Indian flagship stores later this year.

The New Bamboo capsule collection features five new bags available in three special leathers. The luxury purses are available in a gold perforated diamante pattern laid over black or pale pink leathers, and an exotic golden crocodile skin. The pale pink perforated New Bamboos promise to be the biggest sellers as they’re available in three different sizes. Each purse from the range features the bamboo fringed tassels and bamboo closures characteristic of the line. Tags on the internal mirror case of each of these New Bamboos are embossed with the words “India Exclusive” to set them apart.

The Emily bags are also available in three different sizes. There’s the everyday tote, a more petite day bag, and a cocktail purse to meet your after five needs. The cocktail purse is available in elegant champagne leather, the small day purse comes in perforated beige leather, and the tote is made from sophisticated wheat colored ostrich skin. Again we find the “India Exclusive” slogan inside, but this time the words are printed on a metal plaque.

Look for Gucci’s exclusively India lines at the label’s Mumbai and New Delhi boutiques this September.

[Source: Fibre2Fabric]
[Image Source: Suresh/Stock.xchng]

Gucci New Bamboo Bags on eBay

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Ralph Lauren celebrates classic design with this Hancock satchel.

The Hancock isn’t the kind of bag that will turn heads, but it’ll serve you well for many years to come. Its high quality nappa leather is sophisticated and versatile in classic tan. The criss-crossing double buckle tabs at the side make the design feel a little more modern without pushing the point too far.

Ralph Lauren also offers an emerald green version, which has the same brown trim, but I’m not sure it’ll look as fresh once the colorblocking trend has passed. If longevity matters to you, the tan one is a safer bet.

The Hancock’s elongated shape maximizes storage space. In fact, I think it might be a bit too large for everyday use unless you’re a real packrat. Even if you’re not I can imagine the Hancock working well as a weekender or piece of carry-on luggage.

The two-way zipper offers easy access to that generous main compartment, and minimizes the frustration if one starts to stick. The space is lined in durable plaid cotton twill and fitted out with an array of leather trimmed pockets. The short handles look the part but I can’t imagine they’ll be very manageable once the Hancock is full. An attachable cross-body strap would have made this satchel much more user-friendly.

But really this is my only quibble, and I can live with one niggle for the price. At $398 the Hancock represents real value, don’t you think?

More Features of This Ralph Lauren Nappa Leather Satchel

• Reinforced base with golden metal studs
• Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 15.5 x 6.25 inches

Get this Ralph Lauren Hancock Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ralph Lauren Hancock, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Product Valley eBay store to see if this Ralph Lauren bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ralph Lauren bags on BagBunch
• The Ralph Lauren Newbury tote bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more Ralph Lauren bags on eBay

Ethnotek takes traditional handwoven textiles into the 21st century with its ethical handbag collection.

At their heart, Ethnotek’s messengers and backpacks are tough accessories crafted from ballistic nylon. They’re made for the digital age with padded laptop compartments and plenty of practical, accessible pockets. But a removable handcrafted textile detail, called a Thread, helps make these functional accessories feel a bit more fabulous.

The decorative Threads are handwoven, printed, or embroidered by artisans working in third-world countries. Each one is backed by hardy, water-resistant nylon fabric for protection. Ethnotek currently sources Threads from Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ghana, and Vietnam, and it’s planning on expanding operations in the future.

Ethnotek cofounder and designer Jake Orak said he considers himself lucky to encounter so many talented artisans keen to work with the brand during his global travels.

“It’s thanks to them that we are able create a product like no other,” he explained. “These are people who inspire us, and who we build solid trust with over time. As a designer, it’s incredibly satisfying to create a quality product that also serves as a vehicle to share, celebrate and sustain global culture and awareness.“

Ethnotek bags are available through major retailers including Urban Outfitters and REI, as well as other smaller boutiques around the world and the label’s online store.

[Source: PR.com]

If Chanel’s Shell Clutch was too rich for your blood, perhaps the Sirene Minaudiere is more your speed. Considering the plain Chanel purse cost a hefty $33,000, this Rafe purse seems like a steal at only $395.

The Sirene’s shape isn’t quite as elegant as the Chanel purse, but the difference certainly isn’t worth the massive price discrepancy. The Sirene doesn’t bear such an esteemed name, but it’s still made with quality materials. The Sirene is crafted from solid shell and finished with stainless steel hardware.

It’s more petite, but personally I think that makes it look smarter. Who wants to spend their evening holding a giant shell? While storage space is more limited, carrying a bag like this will always be about making a style statement rather than serving a practical purpose. It will hold your vital cards, a tube of lip gloss, a slender cell phone, and some keys though. What else do you need on a night out?

The addition of a shoulder strap would have made the Sirene a bit more satisfying. It’s ergonomically shaped so it should be easy enough to carry, but a hands-free option is always appreciated. But let’s remember that Chanel didn’t offer one either, and it charged so much more!

Like Chanel’s Shell Purse, the Sirene is too quirky to become part of your everyday wardrobe. But as it’s significantly cheaper, it doesn’t need to!

More Features of This Rafe Shell Minaudiere

• Flat bottom
• Top magnetic closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 8 x 1.5 x 5.5 inches
• Also available in black

Get this Rafe Sirene Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Rafe bags on BagBunch
• The Rafe Maryanne Minaudiere bag, a great alternative to this artistic bag.
• Searching for more Rafe bags on eBay
• Other shell minaudiere bags on eBay:

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A denim backpack is amongst the fashion offerings in Topshop’s new eco-friendly Reclaim to Wear collection.

The British fashion retailer teamed up with green label From Somewhere’s eco-conscious Reclaim to Wear initiative to create the pieces entirely from discarded fabrics. Surplus stocks and production remnants were utilized to create the rucksack, some maxi-dresses, cheeky boy-shorts, lightweight baseball style pullovers, and more.

From Somewhere’s co-creator Osola Castro says the Reclaim to Wear program is the first step towards creating zero-waste fashion lines.

“I trust that the Topshop team’s commitment to new sustainable solutions will lead to the reconsidering of consumption versus disposal throughout the whole fashion-industry supply chain,” she added.

The Reclaim to Wear capsule collection is Topshop’s latest green effort. You might remember the fashion chain collaborating with urban music star Pharrell Williams on a denim collection crafted from recycled PET bottles in 2010. Last year it commissioned local designer Izzy Lane for a line of ethical woollen coats produced using the fleece from her personal flock of rescue sheep.

And it seems this won’t be Topshop’s last Reclaim to Wear range either. The chain’s buying director Emma Wisden said, “The blueprint that Orsola and Filippo have developed with us will hopefully allow Topshop to scale this project and apply the learning across a broader section of the supply chain, for the next collection.“

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The debut Topshop Reclaim to Wear collection, featuring that casual backpack, hits Topshop stores on June 15.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Recycled Backpacks on eBay

[phpbay]recycled backpack, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Radley serves up a modern take on the classic woven basket with this Mornington tote.

From a distance I thought the unusual yellow lines may have been printed onto this classic tote, but the Mornington is actually far more intricate than that. Radley’s cleverly woven thin leather strips together and laid them over the top of casual canvas for a much more distinguished look.

Radley hasn’t rested on its laurels either. The Mornington offers everything you could really want in a tote. Its sunken zip offers security without diluting the impact of the design. Open it up and you’ll find a spacious and well-appointed interior, with an array of zip and slip pockets. Its handles are also a little longer than the average, so we should have no problems slinging them over our shoulder even once we’re wearing heavy winter coats. I wouldn’t say our expectations are exceeded, but they’re certainly met.

Radley’s been very clever with the Mornington’s design, as it’s used just a little bit of leather for maximum results. By keeping the cost of luxury materials low, it’s been able to pass the significant savings on to its loyal customers. At just $248, you’ll be hard pressed to find such an unusual and well-made tote for the money.

More Features of This Radley Woven Leather Tote

• Made from canvas
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 15.5 x 4 inches

Get this Radley Mornington Handbag:

• Available to buy at Lord & Taylor
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Stars Fishnet Clutch bag, a great alternative to this leather overlay bag.
• Searching for more Radley bags on eBay
• Other woven leather tote bags on eBay:

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It’s been in the works for a few months, but it’s now official. Kenneth Cole has bought enough shares in his namesake fashion house to take back control of the firm, making it a private corporation once again.

The deal is estimated to be worth $245 million, and reportedly saw Cole paying $15.25 a share, up from his initial offer of $15 a piece.

Personally I think it’s fitting to see Cole taking back total control of the firm he founded in 1982. He was instrumental in the brand’s expansion from a single signature line to a collection of diffusion brands selling handbags, footwear, apparel, and other accessories.

The company has faltered in recent times, with sales dipping in the last two quarters. However Cole says he’s confident that his company will bounce back and grow as a private entity.

“I believe it is increasingly difficult to develop this type of culture in a public company context, where the public markets are increasingly focused on short-term results,” he wrote to his board members. “I am convinced that private ownership is in the best interests of the business and the organization and that this proposal is in the best interests of the shareholders.“

Do you think privatization can resurrect Kenneth Cole?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Manfred Werner-Tsui/Wikipedia Commons]

Kenneth Cole Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Kenneth Cole, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Proenza Schouler’s a company with a clear creative vision, but there are only so many PS1s and PS11s a girl can see without becoming bored. So I was excited to see the label trying something new with the Tiki clutch. It doesn’t measure up to those revered angular accessories, but at least it’s fresh!

The Tiki has some great elements, but it’s not a very cohesive clutch. I love the pop of the neon tinged lime stingray fabric. The regular leather trim offers an elegant contrast to the gently speckled skin.

If Proenza Schouler had stopped there, the Tiki would have been a playful minimalist purse, but sadly it went over the top. The cylindrical dark wood clasp is well made and would probably look gorgeous on a different purse, but it seems too chunky for the Tiki. The white leather pin buckle doesn’t quite gel either. And while I respect Proenza Schouler’s decision to offer more than a stock standard silver chain, this too appears overworked.

Sometimes perhaps we should be careful what we wish for. I longed for Proenza Schouler to start thinking outside the square, but I think it can do better than the Tiki. Especially when it costs a whopping $2170!

More Features of This Proenza Schouler Stingray Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Orange suede lining
• An interior zip pocket
• A removable chain link strap
• Measures 11 x 6 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Proenza Schouler Tiki Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Proenza Schouler bags on BagBunch
• The Proenza Schouler Evening Clutch bag, a great alternative to this neon bag.
• Searching for more Proenza Schouler bags on eBay
• Other stingray clutch bags on eBay:

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L.L. Bean’s new limited edition handbag pays tribute to its local baseball team the Red Sox and their home ground, Fenway Park. The Fenway Boat & Tote is crafted from the same tarpaulin that protected the baseball field from inclement weather during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

The release seems to have come from left field, but aficionados will note that the timing is perfect. Both L.L. Bean and Fenway Park are celebrating their 100th birthdays this year. That shared milestone inspired the label to turn the functional rain delay tarp into a fashionable product. I hear many even sport grass stains for an extra dose of authenticity!

With 2012 produced, the Fenway Boat & Totes aren’t exactly in short supply, but L.L. Bean still expects they won’t last long. After all, at an affordable $59.95 these simple totes will make a fairly inexpensive piece of memorabilia for Red Sox fans. The label will restrict sales to one per customer to ensure everyone gets their fair share when they go on sale on June 12. Look for the Fenway Boat & Totes at L.L. Bean’s Freeport flagship store, its three outlets in Maine, and the company’s website.

What do you think of L.L. Bean’s baseball inspired limited edition tote bag?

[Source: Boston.com]

L.L. Bean Totes on eBay

[phpbay]LL Bean tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]