Jessica Simpson goes retro with this classic Whitney clutch.

There’s a real vintage charm about this purse, from its golden turn-lock to its kiss-lock clasp. But the leopard printed body punches things up a bit, taking it from old Hollywood glamour to retro rockabilly. I’m not always a fan of this classic animal print, but on such a traditional design I think it makes things just a little bit different.

The Whitney looks like most clutches, very cute but not very practical. But there’s more to this purse than meets the eye. With the kiss-lock on top, I originally assumed the turn-lock was a mere decoration. However it actually hides a pocket. There’s another one tucked away beneath the flap on the back. And that’s all before we even get inside!

There we see a zippered pocket and a long strap. This helps the Whitney easily convert from a clutch to a cross-body. I can imagine using the Whitney in hands-free mode during the day, then dressing it up and taking the strap off once the sun goes down.

If you’ve been charmed the price is likely to seal the deal. You’ll find the Whitney for just $42.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Leopard Print Clutch

• A detachable 24 inch strap
• Measures 3 x 10 x 7.5 inches

Get this Jessica Simpson Whitney Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Jessica Simpson Whitney, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The black Jessica Simpson Whitney bag, a great alternative to this leopard print bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Simpson bags on eBay

If you missed out the first time you’ll be happy to know Katharine Hamnett is continuing to encourage us to protect our planet with the relaunch of her Save the Sea bag.

The slogan tote has been re-released, along with a brand new Save the World bag, as part of Project Ocean. This program is the brainchild of Selfridges and the Zoological Society of London. It looks to raise awareness of the problem of over-fishing the world’s waterways.

The Katharine Hamnett totes are just as green as their statements, as each one is made from 100% organic cotton. They’re also machine washable to 40°C, although I suggest using a much colder cycle if you really want to go green.

Each limited edition tote is affordably priced at £18, and £10 of that will benefit the Zoological Society of London. The group plans to maintain existing marine reserves and build new ones to protect the world’s sea creatures. Selfridges assures us that it’s not making any profits on the sale of the handbags; the £8 difference is simply what it takes to manufacture these green totes.

These Katharine Hamnett totes aren’t particularly exciting but they do make a strong statement, which is really all many of us ask of our fashion accessories!

[Source: The Bag Lady]

Organic Cotton Totes on eBay

[phpbay]organic cotton tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The ordinarily reserved Jessica McClintock shows us her wilder side with this East/West Soft Clutch.

This is a very different purse from Jessica McClintock. She typically favors classic, feminine designs but this one is much edgier and more modern. The black leather-like flap is cut asymmetrically to make it look a bit more rebellious and dangerous. It’s trimmed with a shiny silver zip, which opens up to reveal a handy pocket. And there’s the leopard print body, which is simultaneously classic and untamed.

This is a surprisingly slender purse, although its soft body will help you cram more inside it than you might think. I still wouldn’t suggest it if you’re a packrat, but it’s nice to be able to add a couple of extras on special occasions.

Its petite dimensions make it easy to manage by hand, but Jessica McClintock has added a chain strap too. It’s not likely to feel exceptionally comfortable on your shoulder, but it’s always nice to have a hands-free carrying option.

If you’ve fallen for this Soft Clutch’s animal magnetism you’ll be thrilled to see its price tag. At just $42, this Jessica McClintock purse is a real bargain.

More Features of This Jessica McClintock Animal Print Clutch

• An interior slide pocket
• Faille lined interior
• Measures 0.8 x 9 x 4.5 inches

Get this Jessica McClintock Soft Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica McClintock bags on BagBunch
• The Dolce & Gabbana Lory bag, a great alternative to this leopard print bag.
• Searching for more Jessica McClintock bags on eBay
• Other leopard print clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]leopard print clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Jessica Jensen’s woven handbags aren’t as renowned as Bottega Veneta’s, but with this convertible tote she reminds us why they’re worth a look.

I’ve never really been a fan of brown bags, but the wide purple and white racing stripe running down the center of this one makes me reevaluate my position. The way these stripes are created is so clever. From a distance they appear like a solid blocks of color, but up close you realize how the colored swatches are intricately woven backwards and forwards.

Those rolled handles are a bit short for my tastes, so I’m thrilled to see Jessica Jensen’s offered not one, but two extra straps. One converts this tote into a shoulder bag, while the other makes it a cross-body. They attach at the sides of the tote, where it droops a little. Honestly I prefer the tote in these modes, but I appreciate Jessica Jensen’s offered a few options for girls of all tastes.

The interior means business, with its tough canvas lining, leather lined pockets, and ample space. It’ll hold everything you need to carry during the day and then some, and even work as a weekender for those short getaways.

At $1298 this convertible tote certainly isn’t cheap, but its superior quality and versatility have convinced me.

More Features of This Jessica Jensen Convertible Tote

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 19.5 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Jessica Jensen Woven Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Jensen bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Thruway tote bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Jensen bags on eBay
• Other woven tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]woven tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

In 2008 a chance encounter between fisherman Ali Lamu and traveling photographer Daniela Bateleur in an island off the coast of Africa led to love and a thriving handbag business.

Ali came to Daniela looking for employment. She didn’t have any work for him, but she told him she was looking for an old Indian dhow sail. Ali set off in search of the sail that Daniela saw “as a piece of art designed by the wind, the salt of the sea water, the sun, the rain, and years of traveling over the ocean.” On his return the pair set about painting the nautical canvas, which they later turned into a set of weekender bags.

Today Ali and Daniela are married and still making sustainable handbags from recycled sails. They now employ around two dozen local fisherman who help meet the demand for Ali Lamu purses. In turn money goes back to these local fisherman, and the small community of Lamu Island.

Most of us probably don’t have a trip planned to the tiny African island, so it’s exciting to see we can also purchase the weekenders for $250 from the Ashe Collection website. Can you imagine carrying one on your next getaway?

[Source: Take Part]
[Image Source: Ashe Collection website]

Recycled Sails Bags on eBay

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

Philadelphia is putting its city banners to good use through a unique program which transforms the advertising into unusual, green totes.

Banners have adorned the streets of Philadelphia for decades. Once taken off display, these colorful flags typically find themselves banished to a warehouse. The Banner Bags bring these posters out of hiding and give them a new lease on life.

The totes are handcrafted by workers at Baker Industries, an organization which trains locals who need a leg up. Some are homeless, others are on parole, and some have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. They’re given a second chance through the program, as well as skills they can take into the workforce. The group’s president Turk Thacher hopes that the Banner Bag project might lead to further sewing opportunities which could see Philadelphia becoming a garment industry powerhouse once again.

The Philadelphia Banner Bags are affordably priced at $20. I think that’s a small price to pay to save these banners and support the vital work of Baker Industries. You’ll find the totes at several city locations including Portfolio at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Café Cret, Big Green Earth, Open House, and the Pennsylvania General Store.

[Source: ABC Action News]

Recycled Banner Bags on eBay

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

Jesselli Couture goes old school with this embroidered Gingham tote.

Frankly this is the kind of purse I expect to see old ladies peddling at my local crafts market. There’s no denying the work that’s gone into it. The white ribbon embroidered flowers are intricate and quite striking. But while I appreciate the workmanship, I’m not sure it has a place in the modern fashion landscape. The red gingham fabric only makes it appear more old fashioned.

I’d hoped Jesselli Couture would wow me when I looked inside, but there’s no such luck. All we get is a magnetic clasp. That’s right folks; there are no pockets or pouches, not even an interior lining. In short, this tote is about as basic as it gets.

This tote’s $95 price tag really isn’t bad considering its artistry, but I’m still not buying. I’ve seen some great totes from Jesselli Couture, but I’m afraid the label’s missed the mark here. If you like it and you’ve got some craft skills I’m sure you could make a similar bag for less.

More Features of This Jesselli Couture Embroidered Tote

• Made of lightweight cotton
• Dual handles
• Measures 19 x 13.25 x 6.25 inches

Get this Jesselli Couture Gingham Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jesselli Couture bags on BagBunch
• The blue Jesselli Couture Gingham bag, a great alternative to this red bag.
• Searching for more Jesselli Couture bags on eBay
• Other gingham tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]gingham tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

A bird inspired motif is always a winner, and never more so than when the bag in question can actually be worn during the normal day to day.

The neutral yet classic color scheme in this Fossil tote ensures that you really can carry this around wherever you want. The tan goes with almost all outfits, and the brighter colors are muted enough to ensure that this is still work appropriate. More to the point, of course, it is just really cute, as well as having a lovely crafty vibe thanks to that pretty appliqué detailing.

The shape, as with most Fossil handbags, is pretty ordinary. The label is much more concerned with the design than the shape, and perhaps that explains why its purses rarely cost more than $150. Still, there is only so much you should mess with in a basic tote anyway, and if you can fit in folders and work stuff then it generally deserves a thumbs up. A divided interior might have been even better, but I really am just picking.

All in all this is a pretty purse with a sweet and easy going vibe. I think it will be perfect for work over the summer, and even for cheering you up during the winter.

More Features of this Fossil Jesse Tote

• Canvas fabric exterior
• Interior zip pocket
• Two side slide pockets
• Dual shoulder straps

Get this Bird Print Purse:

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

[phpbay]Fossil Jesse Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumbled Birds tote, a great alternative to this bird print bag.
• Searching for more bird print bags on eBay

Is it just me, or is Juicy Couture getting more tasteful by the day?

The Sunday Straw clutch doesn’t look like a traditional Juicy Couture handbag. There is no velour, no pink. There are no diamanté gems! Instead, the chosen color scheme is cream and tan, perfect for coordinating with such a wide range of outfits, as well as being quite understated and grown-up! As for the materials, the Lurex clutch opts for fabric and a straw mesh, which is a very summery combination.

Don’t misunderstand me though; this isn’t a dull purse. The straw is interwoven with pretty glittery strands, and the shape brings to mind St Tropez cocktail parties and decadent yacht trips. It is still glamorous, just in a somewhat different way.

Although a  handle would have really increased the usability of this purse, I am still inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt, and declare this one of the rare Juicy Couture handbags that I actually love!

More Features of this Juicy Couture Lurex Sunday Straw Purse

• Also available in “Dark Natural”
• Straw and fabric exterior
• Interior zip pocket
• Zip top closure

Get This Striped Summer Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Pink Studio Kola clutch, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more straw bags on eBay
• Other Juicy Couture bags on eBay:

[phpbay]juicy couture handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]