When we’ve got a busy day ahead, the last thing we want is a clunky accessory weighing us down. Hobo International helps us travel light with this stylish Aster cross-body bag.

The Aster’s sexy curves and polished turn-lock closure are pure vintage, but the patent leather brings it into the 21st century. I love the bold pop of this orange Aster, but it’s also available in a stunning spring green and conservative black and ivory hues. The only one I’m not wild about is the printed Sea Flower version. With its floral pattern and reptilian embossing, there’s just too much going on. It detracts from what is a very chic and simple design.

There’s no getting around the Aster’s small stature. It’s made for essentials only ladies, and I mean essentials. Prepare to leave many of those items you typically take out at home, and consider what’s really vital. I think there’s something liberating about paring back your possessions, although pack rats may disagree!

The dark chain strap is a lovely complement to the Aster’s turn-lock, but I’m not sure it’s such a practical choice. Chains are never forgiving on our shoulders, and while it won’t pull as it would with a larger bag attached, it’ll never be truly comfortable.

This is a minor quibble about what’s essentially a pretty little purse. If you’re looking to downsize you could do a lot worse.

More Features of This Hobo International Small Cross-Body Bag

• Printed plainweave lining
• A chain strap with a 24 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 5.5 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hobo International Aster Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hobo International Aster, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Sofie’s Handbag and Fashion Soiree eBay store to see if this Hobo International bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Aster mini bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Hobo International bags on eBay

It’s hard to believe that more than two months have passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Many designers were quick to release accessories to raise funds for relief efforts, but a few new ones are still trickling in.

This tote bag is the latest; it’s the work of Japanese artist Pesu who worked with J. Crew on the project. His “Love Save Japan” graphic is printed on durable cotton canvas. It has long carry handles with an 8 inch drop, and at a substantial 15.75 x 17.5 x 6.25 inches it should handle plenty of groceries.

This tote is currently available from J. Crew’s website for $25, ahead of its in store release in early June. Shipping is free, and 100% of the profits will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society. This non-profit group has been working tirelessly in Japan, offering medical care and emergency supplies to those affected by the disaster.

With so many designers contributing only a portion of their profits to relief efforts, it’s refreshing to see J. Crew going to the extra mile. But is it a case of too little too late? Do you like Pesu’s charity tote, or do you think we’ve all given as much to Japan as we’re willing?

[Source: The Purse Page]

Japan Charity Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Japan charity tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Hilary Radley goes cheap and cheerful for The Outfield tote.

From a distance this is a good looking bag, minimalist but stylish with its berry red body and sophisticated leatherette trim. It’s only when you start to look closer that the illusion fades. The nylon body looks really cheap, like something we’d see on a gym bag rather than an everyday handbag. The synthetic leather trim isn’t too bad, but its chunky contrast stitching doesn’t really do it any favors.

What The Outfield lacks in opulence it makes up for with functionality. It’s generously sized, with exterior and interior pockets to spare. Each one is trimmed in more of that synthetic to help it withstand regular use. A zipper across the top keeps everything safe and secure. The long, flat handles should also make carrying comfortable, even when the tote is full.

At $95 this isn’t a very expensive tote, but I’m still not sure it’s worth its money. It’ll do the job, but it won’t impress fashion snobs.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Nylon Tote

• Twill lined interior
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 18 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hilary Radley The Outfield Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hilary Radley Outfield, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Great Luggage 4 Less eBay store to see if this Hilary Radley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hilary Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Hilary Radley Limelight Buckle satchel bag, a great alternative to this nylon bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay

Raffia and crochet: two sublimely summery ingredients combined for the first time in this Mar Y Sol purse!

You see, that pink layered rose is actually constructed from raffia. Raffia in a crochet pattern, granted, but lightweight raffia nonetheless. Usually rose purses like this are made from leather or a chiffon fabric, so to see the shape in such a rigid and textured material is actually quite refreshing. Even better, it makes this clutch totally summer appropriate, updating the look for the coming season.

Other than the raffia, this handbag has been done before. However, sometimes all it needs is a little reinvention, and what Mad Imports has done is probably enough. We could perhaps use a little thought in the practicality. I wish every bag had to be built with an internal pocket, for instance. But it stands out brightly and cheerfully enough to almost excuse it.

$79 isn’t as cheap as we might have expected for a purse like the Maybelle, but at least you know that the range of colors will let you stand out in a crowd!

More Features of this Mar Y Sol Crochet Clutch

• Available in a range of colors
• Crocheted raffia exterior
• Top zip lining
• Raffia tassel but no handle

Get this Raffia Maybelle Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Pink Studio Shiala clutch, a great alternative to this raffia bag.
• Searching for more crocheted bags on eBay
• Other raffia bags on eBay:

[phpbay]raffia handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Karen Elson is the latest celebrity to turn fashion designer, with a capsule collection for Nine West in the works.

The flame-haired Brit will design shoes, handbags, and jewelry for Nine West’s Vintage America line. The collection should appeal to fashionistas of all budgets, with pieces starting from $32 and topping $269.

Early sketches suggest Elson’s collection will appropriately celebrate all things vintage, with velvet lace embellishments, old-fashioned charms, and antique inspired chains. She says that designing the collection, which she calls a “true reflection” of herself, fulfills a longtime dream. I’m always a little concerned when celebrities try their hand at design, but as Elson was mentored by Nine West’s creative director Fred Allard I don’t think we’ve got anything to worry about here.

Karen Elson is no stranger to the camera, so it’s no surprise that she’ll also model the collection. American shoppers should start seeing pieces arrive in their local Nine West store in late August. The complete collection should be available in American stores in September, and United Kingdom boutiques in October.

Are you looking forward to Karen Elson’s capsule collection for Nine West, or do you think this is one celebrity line we could have done without?

[Source: The Bag Lady]

Nine West Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Nine West, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Hermes is a fashion house that celebrates classic accessories, rather than releasing purses that play to current fashion trends. So rather than giving us something new, Hermes has reinvented its Evelyne style with the Evelyne III.

This time around Hermes has made its strap adjustable. It’s a small change but a very convenient one which helps this messenger style purse convert from a shoulder bag to a cross-body. I like it on a practical level, but I feel its styling leaves a bit to be desired. The fabric makes it feel more casual than a bag with this price tag deserves. Using the same pebbled leather as the body would have made the Evelyne III feel that much more opulent.

I can’t fault the quality of the craftsmanship, but I’m afraid the Evelyne isn’t inspiring the envy of a Birkin or Kelly bag. I’m no more enthusiastic about the perforated H logo than I was the first time I saw it, and the brown color is a bit drab. I can imagine it’d look cute with jeans or riding garb, would it wouldn’t turn heads.

And frankly, for a whopping $2625, I want to at least turn heads. This really seems to be a case of paying for the designer name, rather than the bag.

More Features of This Hermes Leather Cross-Body Bag

• Silver and palladium hardware
• An external pocket
• A leather tab closure
• Measures 11.25 x 12 x 2.5 inches

Get this Hermes Evelyne III Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hermes Evelyne, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Italy Station eBay store to see if this Hermes bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hermes bags on BagBunch
• The Hermes Wool Travel bag, a great alternative to this perforated logo bag.
• Searching for more Hermes bags on eBay

Who said boho had to be scruffy? This spectacularly complex Cleobella hobo shows that beads and tribal prints can look utterly classy.

Were this just a fabric bag, then it seems fair to assume that the Nikko wouldn’t necessarily stand out from the crowd. The pattern is exotic and interesting, but it is also muted enough to mean it could blend into the background. Not so, however, with the addition of layers and layers of intricate beading. Now the purse glitters and glistens, as well as having a depth of texture that hints at the painfully expensive price.

Whichever neutral and natural color scheme you opt for, that luxury birthright is obvious. That said, this is still just a slouchy hobo, and the casual shape may be more than a little deceptive. If someone glances at the bag without noticing the level of attention to detail, they may well not understand just how remarkable it is.

If I can stop going on about that wonderful beading for a minute (can you tell I like it?) then the actual practical aspects need to be discussed. They are pretty simple though: a reasonably size interior zip pocket with lovely leather trim, and a convenient adjustable handle, not to mention the roomy soft bag itself.

It may be a beaut, but do you have a spare $720 hanging around just waiting for a tribal patterned purse like this?

More Features of this Cleobella Nikko Hobo:

• Also available in ivory and khaki
• Hand-beaded exterior decoration
• Single interior zip pocket
• Leather trim and handle

Get this Luxury Beaded Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cleobella bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances Wild Abandon hobo, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more beaded bags on eBay
• Other tribal bags on eBay:

[phpbay]tribal handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Most Helena de Natalio bags are elegant creatures that ooze luxury, but most of us don’t live our lives attending a string of high teas and charity luncheons. So it’s refreshing to see the label offering something a little more low key with this Shandi tote.

The Shandi is a real hippie chick with its Ikat style tribal prints. Some have accused its colors of being a little dull, but I think the muted tones make this bag much more versatile. The pattern is printed on soft suede, which is complemented by tan leather. The buttery skins gather casually around the drawstring tie. I’ve never been a fan of these closures on a practical level as they’re a bit fiddly to use, but they’re perfect for giving the Shandi its summer festival feel.

The Shandi is a great size for everyday use. I wouldn’t call it large, but it should be able to handle everything you need. It’s also not so big that you’ll struggle to use it, especially with the convertible strap to help you out. Doubled over it works like a shoulder bag, but you can also extend it to carry the tote cross-body.

Given its less luxurious style, I had expected Helena de Natalio to shave off the price of this purse. We’ve had no such luck though; this tote will set you back $286. That’s not exorbitant for a tote, but it’s also not exactly a bargain.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Ikat Print Tote

• Exterior zip pockets
• Magnetic closure
• Faille lined interior
• A convertible braided strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 12 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Helena de Natalio Shandi Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the Catspeaks Place eBay store to see if this Helena de Natalio bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Helena de Natalio Olivia hobo bag, a great alternative to this ikat print bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other ikat bags on eBay:

[phpbay]ikat, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]