I’m not sure it’s appropriate for a Greek goddess, but KC Malhan has created an elegant and affordable clutch in the Athena.

The black beaded body of this simple flap clutch is quite beautiful. Those beads will catch the moonlight, glimmering with more subtlety than sequins. Black can be a bit boring, but the beads give the neutral shade texture and drama. It’s also a very smart shade as it’s easy to coordinate with almost anything you want to wear on an evening out.

But there’s a fine line between minimalist and boring, and KC Malhan may have crossed it here. I’m sure the real Athena would have wanted to carry something much more glamorous and eye-catching than this clutch.

But let’s remember, Athena would have had riches at her disposal. If you’re a bit more skint, you’ll welcome this Athena’s $32 price tag. That bottom line doesn’t buy us one of those handy chain straps, but it does afford a hardy purse with more space than the average evening bag and a zippered pocket to boot. It might not be luxurious, but this Athena purse is excellent value for girls on a budget.

More Features of This KC Malhan Beaded Clutch

• Made of rayon with rayon lining
• Magnetic closure
• Measures 3.75 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches
• Made in India

Get this KC Malhan Athena Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More KC Malhan bags on BagBunch
• The KC Malhan kiss-lock Athena bag, a great alternative to this flap clutch bag.
• Searching for more KC Malhan bags on eBay
• Other beaded clutch bags on eBay:

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

When is a hobo bag not just another hobo bag? When it’s a Molo Hobo! This innovative label’s hobos cleverly work double duty as portable lanterns.

Molo was inspired by the way the streets of Milan light up once the sun goes down. It created the hobo from translucent fibers which allow the light source hidden inside to filter through. It can operate on batteries or plug into a socket. The light is very energy-efficient, so you needn’t worry about being left in the dark when you’re on the go. And the complementary cork peg helps you hang it. What a unique way to illuminate an al fresco dinner party!

If you’d prefer something more traditional you can opt for Molo’s felt hobos. What you see is what you get here; a basic bag made of gray or black felted wool. The hidden magnets which help it close are pretty cool, but it’s hard to get excited about this version when there are the light-up ones to consider!

Molo has also released a special version of the hobo to raise funds for Japanese relief efforts. All proceeds from the sales of these limited edition Heartfelt Lantern for Japan handbags will benefit Architecture for Humanity’s reconstruction projects in the Asian country. There are just 50 of these charity hobos available from Molo’s exhibition at Milan’s Temporary Museum for New Design. If a visit to Italy isn’t in your future you can still get the other Molo Hobos from the label’s website.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Kavu’s never tried to go toe to toe with high end fashion designers. Its accessories never bow to trends, or attempt to turn heads. Instead it marches to the beat of its own drum by consistently delivering affordable and practical bags like the Sydney satchel.

The Sydney’s packed with more features than meets the eye. You can see the cool curved zip pocket on the front which has a snap for holding your keys. Turn it around and you’ll find another zippered pocket on the back. Without the curves it’s not quite as compelling, but it’s every bit as convenient.

Inside we find a plethora of pockets and a hardy nylon lining. The interior is large but not unwieldy, just the right size for a busy day of urban sightseeing or hitting the open trails. The ergonomic design moulds to your body, and the shoulder strap is adjustable, so you should feel comfortable carrying it all day.

And then when you’re done, simply wash it by hand and pop it on the line. It sadly won’t survive a trip through the washing machine, but at least we’ve got some way to keep it clean.

For a mere $34.95 the Sydney could be the bag that frequent travelers and busy girls have been waiting for.

More Features of This Kavu Cotton Satchel

• Measures 1 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
• Made in Vietnam
• Available in a range of prints

Get this Kavu Sydney Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kavu Sydney, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Go2Outfitters eBay store to see if this Kavu bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kavu bags on BagBunch
• The Kavu Seattle Sling Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this casual bag.
• Searching for more Kavu bags on eBay

Canon has teamed up with handbag label Jill-e to create a stylish way to carry your faithful camera, the Deluxe Gadget Bag.

Handbags of this ilk are nothing new for Jill-e. The fashion house is one of the few labels that creates camera bags that value style as much as practicality. The label’s fashion forward accessories look like regular designer handbags, messengers, and backpacks, but they’ve got all the features that shutterbugs crave.

The collaboration with Canon is something a bit different though, but it has real promise. The company certainly knows cameras, and must have informed the Deluxe Gadget Bag’s functional design.

Its polka-dot patterned padded exterior is made to hold a DSLR body, up to four lenses, a few flashes, and some other accessories. The adjustable dividers ensure your equipment sits snugly and stays protected.

There are also plenty of exterior pockets for extra batteries, cables, chargers, a card reader, and other photography essentials. The Deluxe Gadget Bag looks the business too with its slick faux leather exterior. And inside there’s a removable spotted purse, which could easily do double duty as a clutch.

You’ll find Jill-e’s Deluxe Gadget Bag exclusively at the Canon online store for $109.

[Source: Popular Photography]

Jill-e Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Jill-e, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Kathy Van Zeeland’s accessories are rarely subtle, but she offers us a bit more sparkle than usual with the Dazzle Up hobo.

This bucket shaped hobo is covered in literally thousands of tiny rhinestones. Some might say it’s too flashy, but by using dainty, delicate gems I think Kathy Van Zeeland gets away with being a bit excessive. I love the way the clear stones contrast with the bold blue synthetic, although I could have done without the angular zippered pockets. They offer convenient storage space, although won’t be as practical to use as more traditionally configured pouches. But they interrupt the flow of the design, so perhaps they’d be better placed on the bag’s plain back.

The interior is spacious but not especially luxurious. I love the look of the pretty blue patterned lining, but its polyester finish feels a bit cheap. I also wish Kathy Van Zeeland had trimmed the pockets for extra strength, even if it was just in more of the synthetic. Still, we’ve got all the pouches we need and a secure zip closure, so perhaps we shouldn’t be complaining too much.

After all, Kathy Van Zeeland has kept the Dazzle Up under the magic $100 mark. At $99 it represents great value for girls who love to shine in the spotlight.

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Rhinestones Hobo

• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 15 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kathy Van Zeeland Dazzle Up Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy Van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The Alexis Hudson Twinkle shoulder bag, a great alternative to this rhinestone bag.
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay
• Other rhinestone covered hobo bags on eBay:

[phpbay]rhinestones hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

There are some things that everyone should own. A wallet is one, whether you are a guy or a gal. Whatever your gender, a leather wallet offers so much to everyone that wants organization in their lives!

Whilst there are plenty of silly and gimmicky purses and wallets out there, it is probably fair to assume that the real “lifers” will be the ones that deliver on performance but which aren’t slaves to trends or fashion. A classic design is vital, therefore, especially if you are spending the sort of money that a quality wallet design like this one from Floto demands. They don’t come cheap, and this particular traditional example could set you back $144.

Whilst the buttery soft leather is what makes this so expensive (the designers boast that it is dyed with Aniline, the highest quality natural dye available), I doubt whether the interior lives up the demands made by such a price. Three credit card pockets and an ID window just isn’t enough; judging by the number of cards normal people have you would expect a lot more than that!

I think too much time has been put into the (admittedly lovely) leather, and not enough into adding function that goes above and beyond.

More Features of this Floto Leather Clutch

• Also available in black leather
• Aniline dyed leather body
• 3 credit card slots
• ID Window

Get this Compact Unisex Wallet:

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

[phpbay]Floto Leather Compact Clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More wallets on BagBunch
• The Fossil Talita clutch,a  great alternative to this leather wallet.
• Searching for more leather wallets on eBay

I thought I loved an ice cold can of Diet Coke as much as the next girl, but I’m starting to reevaluate my stance. It seems there are women out there who love the low calorie soda so much that they’d carry a purse celebrating the beverage.

Not just any purse, mind you, but a Kathrine Baumann original. You know what you’re getting here. It’s covered with colored Swarovski crystals painstakingly applied to resemble a Coke can. It’s clever, but also kind of tacky.

This isn’t the most impractical Kathrine Baumann bag I’ve seen though. Its cylindrical shape offers more storage space than Baumann’s more unusually shaped designs. I’m not saying you can fit the kitchen sink in here, but you might just be able to carry everything you need for an evening out. I also appreciate the golden chain strap, which is both stylish and convenient.

I don’t appreciate it enough to spend what Kathrine Baumann will surely charge me though. Her website won’t even print the bottom line, but as a used one costs around two thousand on eBay I’ll bet it’s not cheap!

More Features of This Kathrine Baumann Soda Purse

• Leather lined interior
• Measures 5 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches
• Comes with a signature protective case

Get this Kathrine Baumann Diet Coke Handbag:

• Available to buy at Kathrine Baumann
• Check the Laxury Closet eBay store to see if this Kathrine Baumann bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathrine Baumann bags on BagBunch
• The Kathrine Baumann Coke Can bag, a great alternative to this Diet Coke bag.
• Searching for more Kathrine Baumann bags on eBay
• Other Diet Coke bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Diet Coke, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Have you planned your summer vacation yet? If you’re a Gucci fan you may want to spend some time in Cancun. The coastal location is the only place you’ll find the Italian luxury label’s new limited edition tote and matching wallet.

The gray woven tote is dressed up with pale brown leather handles and trim. That same skin is used to make the wallet. Each one bears the words “Made in Italy by Gucci Cancun.”

Frankly, the whole thing does little to inspire me though. The colors are very drab, which is surprising considering that they’re being sold in Cancun. Wouldn’t you have expected something brighter and more summery? The print is also predictable and pedestrian. I think this is one of those limited edition accessories that will sell simply for its exclusivity, rather than the product’s quality. It’s well made as all Gucci bags are, but it just fails to ignite any real passion in me.

The handbag set is only available at the Mexican city’s La Boutique Palacio store. Gucci hasn’t released any price for the accessories set, but considering there are only 50 available I’m expecting them to fetch top dollar. I know I certainly won’t be buying, even if I could afford that Cancun getaway. What about you?

[Source: Elite Traveler]

Gucci Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Gucci tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kate Spade delivers a dash of whimsy with this Ladybug shopper.

The shopper’s style is classic, with clean lines and a bucket shape. But that bright red ladybug decorating the corner pocket ensures this handbag is anything but ordinary. I love the way Kate Spade has picked up the beetle red again with complementary handles and trim. These details give this creamy shopper some real personality without undermining its traditional style.

It looks like so many shoppers on the market, but its design actually offers a few sneaky perks. The red lines on the front seem purely decorative, but they’re actually trimming deep open pockets. There are more of those inside, and a zippered one for your valuables.

The only thing that hasn’t won me over is that tie closure. Its bow looks very sweet, but it’s a fiddly way to secure your cargo. It’s also not likely to be as effective as a zipper. I’m frankly not sure it looks good enough to overcome its functional flaws.

At least Kate Spade’s not charging a fortune for this shopper. At $155 it’s a relatively affordable and adorable way to tote your everyday essentials.

More Features of This Kate Spade Canvas Shopper

• Made of coated canvas
• Dual straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 17.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches

Get this Kate Spade Ladybug Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kate Spade ladybug, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Phinnian’s Rainbow eBay store to see if this Kate Spade bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Fontanelli Ladybug bag, a great alternative to this ladybug decorated bag.
• Searching for more Kate Spade bags on eBay