We’ve all heard of box purses, but purses that look like boxes? That’s something you don’t see every day!

Prezzo embraces its silly side with this Present Box Wristlet. It really does look like a neatly wrapped gift, complete with a ribbon decoration! My feminine side can’t resist this pretty powder pink version, but there’s also a navy one if you prefer something more subdued. It seems funny to call any purse that looks like a present subdued, but that navy color really tones things down!

It goes without saying that the dainty present body won’t hold a lot at all. It’s teeny tiny, without room for much of anything! It’ll handle your loose change and some keys, but it’s more about looks than function.

I’m sure you’re wondering when you’d carry such a whimsically styled purse. Distinctive looks like this just can’t blend into your everyday. However at a mere $21, it doesn’t have to. For that price you won’t mind wearing it to the occasional wedding or special occasion!

More Features of This Prezzo Novelty Wristlet

• Made of satin
• Flap closure
• A single wrist loop
• Measures 3.75 x 3 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Prezzo Present Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Juicy Couture Gifting Bow bag, a great alternative to this present bag.
• Searching for more Prezzo bags on eBay
• Other novelty wristlet bags on eBay:

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Prada puts some sparkle into your evenings with this Torpedo Frame Sequin Clutch.

Such a glitzy number won’t appeal to everyone, but I’ve fallen in love with this pretty Prada purse. Its pastel sequins create a gentle ombre effect which is just so striking. I’m not always a fan of bags covered in the flashy metal discs, but by muting the colors Prada’s helped make its Torpedo more accessible. I can just imagine the way this pale purse would punch up my favorite little black dress!

Its exterior isn’t perfect though. Prada can never resist putting a bit of branding on its bags, but the golden nameplate is to the Torpedo’s detriment. It’s not large or ostentatious, but the metal motif still disrupts the clutch’s flow.

Clutch purses are rarely practical. They’re too dainty to carry much of anything, and this puts them behind the eight-ball. But I’m impressed with all the zip and slip pockets Prada’s added here. The Torpedo is also a bit longer than the average evening purse, so we might be able to slip a few sneaky extras inside it.

There’s no chain strap though, and I feel its absence. Of course I miss its convenience, but that’s not all. While I’m sure Prada’s done its best to secure the sequins, these kind of discs usually come loose. A hands-free carrying option would have extended their life, and kept the Torpedo looking its best for longer.

At $1030 there’s no denying that the Torpedo is too expensive, but that hasn’t stopped me coveting it!

More Features of This Prada Sequined Clutch

• Made of sequin covered satin
• Golden metal frame
• Hidden push-lock clasp
• Satin lined interior
• Measures 5 x 12 x 2 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Prada Tornado Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Prada bags on BagBunch
• The Alexis Hudson Miranda clutch bag, a great alternative to this sequined bag.
• Searching for more Prada bags on eBay
• Other sequined clutch bags on eBay:

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As shoppers everywhere tighten their belts, luxury loving Chinese customers are looking to second-hand stores to satisfy their desires for designer goods.

Second-hand outlets including Hong Kong’s Milan Station and Japan’s Brand Off are popping up all over the Asian nation. These outlets offer a more refined shopping experience than pawnshops, although these are also still popular amongst shoppers seeking out second-hand bargains.

Chinese shoppers once saw second-hand goods as lower in quality and status. The practice of buying preloved goods was even seen as shameful. However the current slow economy and changing consumer attitudes has seen gently used fashion items embraced.

Most fans of second-hand shopping are young women with a limited budget. However, second-hand stores have also proved popular with wealthier customers. These cashed-up consumers generally seek out preloved limited edition handbags and other rare fashion items, such as Hermes Birkin bags. What a great way to avoid those wait lists!

Both Brand Off and Milan Station are looking to capitalize on the changing Chinese marketplace with new stores around the country. It’s hoped these stores will squeeze out knockoff outlets capitalizing on the legitimate second-hand chains. With names like Milan Fashion, Guangzhou Milan Station, and Milanstation, these shops sell designer replicas rather than authentic second-hand goods.

Do you shop second-hand, or are you a sucker for a brand new bag?

[Source: Jing Daily]
[Image Source: David Lisbona/Flickr]

Pour La Victoire serves up an everyday bag for the packrats with this Vivien tote.

The size is worth mentioning straight up, as it seems to be a bone of contention for customers. Pour La Victoire lists it at 12 by 14.5 by 6 inches, but shoppers say it measures significantly larger than that, especially when you unzip the sides. Its array of exterior and interior pockets, its removable zippered pouch, and its detachable shoulder strap, help make this bulky bag a bit more manageable but there’s only so much these features can do.

If that weighty proposition doesn’t turn you off, then the Vivien might be right up your alley. There’s no questioning its quality. Its leather is plush and soft to the touch, with the classic pebbled exterior that brings sophistication to its slouchy silhouette. Hardware is also kept to a minimum to ensure the Vivien doesn’t date.

At an affordable $475 the Vivien represents real value for money. That’s not cheap enough to make it an impulse buy, but we’re getting a lot of bag for our dollar and quality to boot. If you love your bags large, I expect you’ll carry this tote for many years to come.

More Features of This Pour La Victoire Vivien Tote

• Open top style
• Twill lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 13 inch drop
• Made in China

Get this Pour La Victoire Vivien Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Bo’s Happy Bags eBay store to see if this Pour La Victoire bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pour La Victoire bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Slouchy Oversized Leather Tote bag, a great alternative to this slouchy bag.
• Searching for more Pour La Victoire bags on eBay
• Other Pour La Victoire totes on eBay:

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Iranian born sisters Bita and Rouzita Vaggabaghai pay tribute to their Persian and American heritages with their new range of Ita handbags, dubbed the Jewel series.

The handbags feature an unusual fusion of metals and high quality Italian leathers, which informs their structure and finish. The Jewel purses distinctive finish takes its cues from the world of architecture, which is fitting as Rouzita started her career as an architect.

Each Ita bag has also been bestowed with a Persian name. The Farah clutch pictured is named after the designers’ mother, and the Iranian word for happiness. It’s been well received by the public and fashion critics, and is even competing for the title of best handbag in InStyle Magazine and Handbag Designer 101’s annual Independent Handbag Design Awards. Ita’s Jewel line also features the delicate Soraya, which means Brightest Star, and the Talla named for its golden color.

Bita and Rouzita Vaggabaghai have quickly attracted a loyal fanbase, which they intend to capitalize on with future expansion. The sisters hope to develop Ita into a comprehensive lifestyle range with apparel items, fragrances, and even homewares. It sounds like this just the start of a thriving career for the Iranian sisters!

[Source: Huffington Post]

Puma shows it knows about more than sports bags with this chic Ferrari Shopper.

This handbag was created in conjunction with the sports car maker, and it seems some of its designer pedigree’s rubbed off on the sports label. This is a much more sophisticated accessory than most in the Puma stable, with its clean curves lines and refined pebbled finish. It looks like buttery soft leather, but it’s actually a synthetic. Nature lovers will happily note that Puma’s used PVC-free polyurethane, a sign of its ongoing commitment to the planet.

The Scuderia Ferrari shield stands proudly in the middle of the bag, while the iconic Puma panther leaps from the shopper’s corner. There’s a lot of branding going on, but by keeping the logos discreet the bag maintains its elegance.

You needn’t worry about leaving anything behind when you’re carrying such a large shopper, but you might struggle to keep your items organized. Such a spacious compartment really needs more pockets to support it.

It might not be Puma’s most practical bag, but it’s definitely one of its best looking. And at just $80, it’s a piece of Ferrari that we can all afford!

More Features of This Puma Sports Car Shopper

• Snap closure
• Synthetic carry handles
• Measures 16 x 6 x 14 inches
• Also available in red

Get this Puma Ferrari Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Puma Ferrari Shopper, 2, “”, mini safari[/phpbay]

• Check the Ferrari of Tampa Bay Florida eBay store to see if this Puma bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Puma bags on BagBunch
• The Puma Ferrari Gym Bag bag, a great alternative to this shopper bag.
• Searching for more Puma bags on eBay

Pilar Abril turns heads with this striking Calathea Shoulder Bag.

I’m in love with this shoulder bag’s unique textured finish. Pilar Abril has slashed and twisted its leather to create its scaly looking panel. Cleverly placed stitches keep the design looking its best without detracting from it. This three-dimensional surface looks modern but as it’s so original it shouldn’t date.

Pilar Abril hasn’t just rested on its laurels though, as the Calathea’s appeal goes beyond its surface. Its spacious main compartment is well supported by a collection of leather trimmed pockets. Its signature lining is bright white, so it should be easy to locate anything you’re looking for. Its strap is also much longer than the average shoulder strap, and a little wider too for comfort.

I might sound like I’m gushing, but I’m finding it difficult to detect any real flaws with the Calathea. Of course any bag that dares to be different will have its haters, but I don’t think the designer should have done anything differently. Pilar Abril has created a truly original shoulder bag with quality materials here. Ordinarily that combination would break the bank, but the Calathea is a real bargain at just $99.

More Features of This Pilar Abril Slashed Shoulder Bag

• Zip closure
• An adjustable strap with a 19.5 to 21.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 12 x 2.5 inches
• Made in Spain

Get this Pilar Abril Calathea Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Pilar Abril bags on BagBunch
• The Gustto Masilia Hobo bag, a great alternative to this slashed bag.
• Searching for more Pilar Abril bags on eBay
• Other slashed shoulder bags on eBay:

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Rachel Zoe has followed in Victoria Beckham’s footsteps and named a handbag in her fall 2012 collection after her young son. Just as Beckham brought us the Harper, Zoe is preparing to release the Morrison, which shares the middle name of her one-year-old Skyler Morrison Berman.

The Morrison will be available in two sizes: a medium cross-body bag and a slightly larger satchel style. Both baby inspired purses feature the same golden hardware.

The Morrison hasn’t hit stores yet, but Zoe gave fans a sneak peek with a few recent Instagram images. The first photo shows Zoe with the smaller leather bag slung across her body as she poses with her company vice president Mandana Dayani, who carried the large one. Not long after she posted a similar pic with her pal. Zoe captioned the second image featuring the two Morrisons with the sentences “OMG we’re matching by accident! Great minds!”

I’m not sure there’s a lot that’s accidental about Zoe’s efforts to promote her new creations though. Call me cynical, but I’m pretty sure Zoe’s been very calculating in ensuring we see both versions of the Morrison. She’s also been papped carrying the larger one while she’s out and about.

No doubt this visibility will help Zoe’s Morrison bags fly off the shelves this fall. Are you a fan?

[Source: Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Christopher Macsurak/Wikipedia Commons]

Rachel Zoe Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Rachel Zoe, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Paul Smith tones down his usual colourful aesthetic with this Formby cross-body bag.

Gone are the familiar rainbow swirls, replaced with an almost gloomy taupe hue. The color was a shock at first, but I concede it’s probably more wearable than the vibrant hues Paul Smith usually favors. The neutral leather is embossed with elegant crocodile scales for extra interest. It’s not the best exotic embossing I’ve seen, but it’s also far from the worst.

The Formby’s dual compartment design makes staying organized a cinch. The bag’s a bit too petite to handle the stuff you need on an average day out, but at least what you are carrying will stay in order.

The Formby’s small stature has its limitations, but it also brings some unexpected perks. It won’t weigh us down while we’re running errands or shopping up a storm. We can also strip away the strap entirely and turn it into an easy-carry clutch for an evening out on the town.

Personally I think I’d use the petite Formby as an evening bag more than a daytime carrier. At a little under $400 that makes it seem like an expensive proposition. If you can work it into your everyday wardrobe too, I expect it’ll seem like much better value.

More Features of This Paul Smith Croc Embossed Cross-Body Bag

• An adjustable, detachable cross-body strap
• Printed fabric lining

Get this Paul Smith Formby Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Paul Smith bags on BagBunch
• The Abas Dylan cross-body bag, a great alternative to this croc-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Paul Smith bags on eBay
• Other croc embossed cross-body bags on eBay:

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Chinese shoppers are becoming more discerning and passing over Louis Vuitton and Gucci for labels they believe epitomize “absolute luxury.”

Critical Chinese shoppers suggest these labels are on the way out as they’ve become too commonplace. Instead cashed up customers are seeking out more exclusive accessories from Chanel, Hermes, and Bottega Veneta.

“I have two Louis Vuitton handbags but I no longer carry them although they are still in fashion,” explained 31-year-old cosmetics worker Daisy Liu, a part of this new breed of shoppers. “I don’t think the brand fits me anymore.“

Vincent Liu of Boston Consulting Group says in the past, Chinese shoppers simply bought bags from big name brands. However that meant handbags from these favorite firms became overexposed. In contrast, labels like Hermes that only produce a limited number of its accessories have become the bags true luxury lovers aspired to.

“In China, Louis Vuitton is seen as the brand that even your ai-yi, or domestic helper, can afford,” confirmed a local retail consultant. And no one with big bucks to throw around wants to carry the same bag as their help.

So what can labels like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to lure the lucrative Chinese market? Or have these designer firms simply had their day?

[Source: Reuters]
[Image Source: Kent Wang/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Louis Vuitton, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]