In the hands of the right designer, even the most unlikely accent can become desirable. This Barnett Cicada clutch by Kotur is a case in point. Who ever would have thought the most annoying of summer insects could be given such a glamorous makeover?

This cicada accent is dripping in rhinestones, which elevate it from humble buzzer to chic decoration. I’m not sure it’ll win over anyone who hates creepy crawlies, but it certainly makes this simple woven purse much more desirable.

It’s worth mentioning the metallic treatment of the straw too. This isn’t the sort of woven purse you’d pick up from an island souvenir store. That bronze finish makes it much richer, both in appearance and in price. Frankly I’m not sure a straw purse should ever command $450, but at least this one looks the part.

Kotur attempts to offer value with a chain shoulder strap and elegant brocade interior lining, but I’m not sure the materials justify the high price. Still, if you want to stand out in a crowd this summer, carrying this unusual clutch may be the way to do it.

More Features of This Kotur Woven Straw Clutch

• Rounded hard shell style
• Measures 5 x 7 x 3 inches

Get this Kotur Barnett Cicada Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kotur bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Scarabee Knot bag, a great alternative to this insect clutch bag.
• Searching for more Kotur bags on eBay
• Other woven clutch bags on eBay:

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With spring’s unpredictable showers, stepping out with a bag made of paper doesn’t sound like a good idea. Or does it? New York fashion label Paper No 9 encourages us to think about paper a little differently with its range of sustainable, cruelty-free handbags.

At first glance it seems like the label’s brown bags are made from buttery soft shearling, but they’re actually carefully crafted from paper. This isn’t yesterday’s newspapers though. Paper No 9 treats recycled shipping cardboard so thoroughly that you’d never guess its discarded roots. Natural oils, heat, and a healthy massage turns the cardboard into a luxurious soft fabric. The new material is then backed with canvas for strength before being turned into stylish and green accessories.

What I love most about this material is that it actually gets better over time. Your natural body heat will see it evolving to reveal the canvas hidden underneath. A bag that’s an ever-changing piece of art is intriguing, particularly when it’s so sustainable.

Paper No 9 bags and accessories are available from the label’s Etsy store. Would you be nervous to carry a designer paper bag in stormy weather, or are you excited by this new innovation in eco-friendly design?

[Source: Ecouterre]

Kooba goes wild with this python printed Kiley satchel.

I usually love snake scales, but frankly I think they confuse what could have been a very elegant purse. I find myself trying to look past the mottled skin to take in the Kiley’s unique structured shape, and the chic envelope pocket with its stylish silver clasp. In a matte leather we’d have been able to appreciate these details better, and the effect wouldn’t have been so overwhelming.

I can’t fault the design though, which is just as functional as I hope for in a day bag. It’s enormous, but with its assortment of leather trimmed pockets it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. And remember, there’s always that pocket in the front for the items you need on hand. The handles are a shade shorter than I’d like, but petite girls should be able to sling them over their shoulder.

I’m sure many girls who lust after snakeskin but can’t quite afford the genuine article will appreciate the Kiley’s $595 price tag. Personally though, I can’t help wishing that Kooba had pared things back a bit here.

More Features of This Kooba Python Satchel

• Twill lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 15 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kooba Kiley Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kooba Kiley, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check The Designer Fairy eBay store to see if this Kooba bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Lacing Python shoulder bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Kooba bags on eBay

Be an all out glamorpuss with this Bourne Lara clutch.

This is one of those purses that begs for a floor length gown. It just dreams of being paired with cascades of glittering diamonds, and a killer pair of heels. In essence, this is one for the real black-tie dos, for looking gorgeous and very expensive.

It happens to be that looking expensive in this case is the same as being expensive. This crackled metallic suede body doesn’t come cheaply, and it is a good job that it looks really remarkable. Still, it would have to be quite an event to justify spending nigh on $200 just on the purse!

Of course, if you are willing to shell out then you do get a lot for your moolah. The main thing is, of course, that amazing gem covered clasp, which is incredibly decadent and yet really quite elegant. The comparatively plain body means you aren’t overpowered by the sparkles, and ensures they really stand out.

With a convenient handle and decent amount of space, this is a beautiful purse that should help you make a real impact.

More Features of this Bourne Suede Clutch

• Metallic suede exterior
• Optional drop-in chain strap
• Rhinestone covered clasp
• Solid frame construction

Get this Rhinestone Lara Evening Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bourne bags on BagBunch
• The Clara Kasavina Zeta clutch, a great alternative to this luxury bag.
• Searching for more rhinestone bags on eBay
• Other Bourne bags on eBay:

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Kensie Girl promises to send us into raptures with its Seventh Heaven hobo.

I’m not sure that I’m in ecstasy over this purse, but it does have a certain charm to it. While the hot pink shade is sure to polarize audiences, my inner 80s child can’t help getting excited about it. The perforated finish is also lovely, although I’m not sure about the synthetic. It’s got that slightly too shiny finish that the cheapest manmade material have, and I find it a bit off-putting.

I also could have done without the tassels on the zipper pulls, as the rest of the bag doesn’t have the same boho vibe, but these hippie accents aren’t really deal breakers. However it’s hard to get too critical when a label manages to price their purse under $100.

Disorganized girls will love this hobo as it really makes it easy to keep things in order. There are four open pockets and two zippered pockets on the outside and even more tucked away inside the spacious interior. This is one of those bags that really does have a place for everything; the hard part is remembering exactly which one has your cell phone!

At $94 this hobo represents excellent value for girly girls on a budget.

More Features of This Kensie Girl Perforated Hobo

• Magnetic snap closure
• A single handle
• Measures 8.5 x 13 x 13 inches

Get this Kensie Girl Seventh Heaven Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kensie Girl Seventh Heaven, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kensie Girl bags on BagBunch
• The Kensie Girl Tutti Frutti hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kensie Girl bags on eBay

Maura James has been named the new president of Carlos Falchi IP, LLC, the company which manages all aspects of Carlos Falchi’s brands.

James brings to the position 30 years of experience in retail merchandising and store management. She began her career as a buyer for Bloomingdales and worked her way into various executive positions in retail and marketing. Most recently she held high level roles for Macy’s home division, overseeing marketing, storewide, and lease.

In her new position James will work closely with Carlos Falchi’s core handbag partner Artisan House, as well as 13 other licensees. She will also liaise with Carlos Falchi’s retail partners around the globe on the label’s marketing and business development.

Carlos Falchi said he was “so happy” with Maura James’ appointment, adding that her background will serve the firm well as they look to develop further retail and licensing opportunities.

It seems like a bit of a mutual admiration society, as James called Falchi “one of the most innovative, influential, and unrivaled designers of our time.” With enthusiasm like this I’m sure she’ll fit right in at Carlos Falchi, and lead the fashion house to even more success. Do you think she’s the right woman for the job?

[Source: TFinancial Post]

Carlos Falchi Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Carlos Falchi, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kenneth Jay Lane makes a dramatic style statement with this Dragon Head Clutch.

Basic black clutches are rarely exciting, so Kenneth Jay Lane thought he’d jazz this one up with dragon heads. They really are works of art, with their polished golden finish and striking emerald eyes. But just because they’re beautiful doesn’t necessarily mean they belong on a purse. It’s the sort of thing I can imagine pagan girls loving, but I’m not sure it’ll strike a chord with your average fashion fan.

If you’d taken the dragons away the purse probably wouldn’t have turned a lot of heads, but it would have been quite timeless. I really like the pop of the golden leather trim, and I can’t fault the clutch on a practical level either. I always feel a bit spoiled when a designer gives us a free cosmetics mirror and the golden chain strap is a lovely, convenient complement to the leather trim.

The workmanship probably makes this purse worth its $235 price tag, but I’m still not buying. Are you?

More Features of This Kenneth Jay Lane Black Leather Clutch

• Magnetic fastening underneath flap
• Satin lined interior

Get this Kenneth Jay Lane Dragon Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kenneth Jay Lane bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Lady Bug clutch bag, a great alternative to this dragon bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Jay Lane bags on eBay
• Other dragon clutch bags on eBay:

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Carolina Herrera says you’re never too young to start designing. To celebrate the talents of pint-sized fashionistas she’s launched the My First Andy Bag contest, an initiative that challenges kids to create their own version of her iconic handbag.

Children aged between two and 10 are encouraged to dream up an Andy bag for their mother. The lucky winner will see their vision leap from paper to the real world. The winner’s design will become a limited edition handbag, which will be sold exclusively at CH Carolina Herrera stores. And of course, the winner’s mom gets hers for nix! Yes, this is just the kind of competition to make me wish I hadn’t procrastinated about parenthood for so long. Who knew having rugrats could be your ticket to scoring a free designer purse?

Carolina Herrera will also recognize the efforts of other promising young designers. The second prize winner will score a brand new wardrobe from the CH Carolina Herrera children’s line, and the third prize winner gets a teddy bear!

Head in to your nearest CH Carolina Herrera store to get your little artist their official sketchpad. They’ve got until June 30 to get their entries in before the big winner’s decided!

[Source: GlamChic]

Carolina Herrera Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Carolina Herrera, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kenneth Cole attempts to confuse us with the curiously named No Slouch Hobo.

Given its name you might expect the No Slouch hobo to have a very structured look. Instead its shape is just as relaxed as any hobo. Its buttery leather slouches just as it should, so why the misleading moniker?

Perhaps Kenneth Cole is a fan of irony. Perhaps he just wants to puzzle his passionate fans. Either way this is a hobo with just as much slouch as any other. The color attempts to set it apart, an attention-grabbing shade of pewter. It’s a bit too brassy for my tastes though. I expect pewter to be silver’s sedate cousin and this one isn’t quite elegant enough. It should appeal to anyone who likes to add a bit of glitz to their nine to five though.

Because this hobo really is an everyday bag, the kind of purse you can fit your life inside and easily transport. Its wide, attachable strap makes carrying it a bit more comfortable, while its leather trimmed pockets are made to withstand daily punishment.

While it’s not my cup of chai I can certainly see value in this $299 hobo purse.

More Features of This Kenneth Cole Leather Hobo

• Logo print lining
• Zip top closure
• A single handle with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 16.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kenneth Cole No Slouch Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kenneth Cole No Slouch hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Couture on a Cart eBay store to see if this Kenneth Cole bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kenneth Cole bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Cole Smart Draw bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Cole bags on eBay

Brown and black may be a controversial color combination, but on the One Stop tote it manages to work.

I think the success of this tote lies in the fact that, largely, it is just a simple black patent purse. The brown is only a detail, a contrasting trim that defines the otherwise simple shape, and which works well with the contrast stitching. The only real concession to fun and frolics over work-appropriate style is the dangling Nine West accessory, a cute looking flat metal disc that breaks up the expanse of black.

Were this an expensive handbag, this is the point at which I would be complaining about the lack of real leather. After all, whilst it might look smart, it doesn’t feel as nice. However, for just $48 we can’t complain, and if you don’t want to spend too much the leather is where you should be willing to sacrifice!

This synthetic purse isn’t the most exciting tote on the market, but it is elegant and affordable, making it a great option for looking smart at work, especially with all those super-useful pockets and compartments!

More Features of this Nine West One Stop Purse:

• Also available in blue, red or white
• Synthetic patent leather exterior
• Multiple interior divisions and pockets
• Magnetic snap top closure

Get this Synthetic Patent Tote:

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

[phpbay]Nine West One Stop Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Nylon Editor’s tote, a great alternative to this formal bag.
• Searching for more patent leather bags on eBay