Hobos are typically relaxed and carefree handbags, but Gustto dresses its up with this Falcha bag.

The first thing that drew me in was that washed Italian lambskin. The treatment makes this already soft skin appear even more sumptuous, which makes it a genius idea for a bag of this ilk. That traditional hobo slouchiness only emphasizes the leather’s beauty, yet the material’s quality makes sure things never look too relaxed. This is the kind of hobo you’ll want to carry out to dinner at a great restaurant, rather than a summer music festival.

The details elevate that skin into the stratosphere. The asymmetrical top flap is striking, and I’m pleased to see it mirrored in the pocket below. This is also situated just off center to continue the Falcha’s quirky appeal. I don’t like quirk for quirk’s sake, but this pocket is so practical that I don’t mind Gustto’s had a bit of fun with it.

You’ll use that front pocket for all the items you need on hand, and fill the ample interior with all the rest. This space is really a pleasure to use with its sueded lining and leather trimmed pockets. There is enough room for everything most of us need, but it’s also expandable for those times you need a bit extra. You feel like you’re pampering yourself every time you take the Falcha out, which is something I honestly don’t expect for this price.

That’s right folks; Gustto is offering us this level of luxury for just $495. Are you buying?

More Features of This Gustto Washed Lambskin Hobo

• A rolled handle with a 10.5 inch drop
• An attachable cross-body strap with a 23.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 14.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Gustto Falcha Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Gustto Falcha, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gustto bags on BagBunch
• The Linea Pelle Alyssa Tote bag, a great alternative to this washed Italian lambskin bag.
• Searching for more Gustto bags on eBay

Nine West has teamed up with Giles Deacon for a playful new accessories range. The handbags, footwear, and jewelry in the collection features Deacon’s cute character, Eek. He’s sort of like a cross between a ghost and a mouse, both figures which would make us scream “Eek”!

I really like the character decorated tote bags, which feature convenient laptop cases inside, and the modern belted black boots. The jewelry may take a step too far though, with necklaces and bracelets adorned with large Eek charms, but I’m sure someone will love their whimsy. Deacon and Nine West’s creative director Fred Allard say they’re ideal for younger girls, and I can’t say that I disagree.

I’m not a fan of all of the pieces but generally I think the collaboration manages to balance Giles Deacon’s quirky design aesthetic with Nine West’s more traditional approach.

The prices are right too. You’ll find the totes for $99, the shoes priced between $99 and $149, and the jewelry ranging from $24 to $26. That’s really quite affordable for a limited edition collection created by respected designers, and also appropriate for the range’s young target market.

Look out for the Giles Deacon line in Nine West stores across America this August.

[Source: Fashionista]

Nine West Totes on eBay

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

Ordinarily I shy away from Guess’ trend conscious approach to design, yet there’s something about the Gibraltar satchel that I just can’t resist.

All of the major hardware trends are represented here: studs, grommets, and angular zippered pockets. It could have easily appeared too much, but I’m glimpsing some rare restraint. There’s enough white space, or perhaps that should be blue space, to balance the design.

I don’t even mind the use of vinyl rather than leather. It’s obviously a man made skin; it’s too stiff to easily slouch around its curves, and not as soft as the genuine article. But its pebbled grain is convincing, and its price appealing too. By using vinyl, Guess has ensured this satchel stays around the magic $100 mark.

The Gibraltar is made for everyday use, with plenty of space and pockets too. The angled design of the exterior pockets isn’t the most user-friendly, but the ones inside are much more manageable.

I really like the faded blue of this Gibraltar; it’s very seasonal and the perfect foil for jeans. However if it’s not speaking you to, look for this satchel in black, white, and pale pink.

More Features of This Guess Studded Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Braided shoulder straps
• Measures 14.25 x 7 x 11.25 inches

Get this Guess Gibraltar Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Guess Gibraltar satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Guess bags on BagBunch
• The Guess Gibraltar hobo bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Guess bags on eBay

Well, it really is true love with this perfectly named “True Love” tote by Rebecca Minkoff.

You see, I love it when Rebecca Minkoff truly embraces her dark biker side. She is more than capable of fusing edgy metal work with leather in a way that isn’t overpowering, and in my humble opinion this is just what she has achieved with this metal mesh purse. The main body is in a tightly woven silver metal mesh (great for protecting yourself with in those unexpected sword fights), and the solid black leather is used to break up the expanse and give this tote some much needed shape.

Aside from the key feature of all that hardware, the True Love bucket bag is simple and effective. The spacious fully-lined interior does have room for more compartments than they offer, but this is a minor niggle rather than a deal breaker. Plus, you do get two exterior side pockets. All in all it works well as a tote, and equally well as a conversation starter.

Highly tactile and gorgeous, this punk inspired tote is a pricey candidate, but at least you get something dramatic for the $495 tag.

More Features of this Rebecca Minkoff True Love Handbag:

• Leather and metal mesh exterior
• Lined interior with zip pocket
• Single leather and hardware handle
• Two exterior side pockets

Get this Luxury Metal Mesh Bucket Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Rebecca Minkoff bags in BagBunch
• The Melie Bianco woven tote, a great alternative to this mesh bag.
• Searching for more metal mesh bags on eBay
• Other Rebecca Minkoff bags on eBay:

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Gucci shakes off its stuffy image and puts on the glitz with this Malika clutch.

Gucci is ordinarily so staid and refined, that I hardly believed it was behind this playful purse. Happily it’s just as luxurious as any handbag we’d expect the Italian fashion house to produce, but it’s a lot more fun.

Ordinarily I might shy away from such a garish metallic color, but the soft bow shape makes this purse appear as if it’s made from liquid gold. That’s real python skin too, not some cheap synthetic or embossed imitation. You’ll pay $1900 for the privilege of carrying the real deal, but I’m sure fashion purists won’t mind that one bit.

I love the look, but I’m not sure whether I’d be as enthusiastic if I were using the Malika. You’ll need to unknot that silky braided tie every time you want to access the interior. You can fit plenty inside the oversized space, but if it’ll be such a trial to get to, would you really want to?

This is a very luxurious purse, but it lets us down on a few practical points. That’s not uncommon for an evening bag, but when a clutch costs this much I expect it to come closer to perfection.

More Features of This Gucci Python Purse

• Inside zip closure
• Leather lined interior
• An interior zip pocket
• Measures 14.25 x 6.25 x 1 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Gucci Malika Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors Python Envelope bag, a great alternative to this gold python clutch bag.
• Searching for more Gucci bags on eBay
• Other python clutch bags on eBay:

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

Etienne Aigner’s flagship store in Munich has been given a shiny new makeover just in time for spring. The German fashion house enlisted architect Jorg Hahn to give the store just the right ambience to showcase its leather goods and apparel items.

The 200-square-meter store feels luxurious with large, open spaces, high-contrast lighting, and warm, earthy colors. Glass display cases, curved mirrors, and rounded ceiling lines hearken back to the 70s, and give the space an elegant vintage feel. The boutique is divided into various “presentation domains,” well lit areas which showcase handbag collections and small sets of leather goods.

Green fashion lovers needn’t stress about such a well lit space either. Etienne Aigner utilizes energy-saving LED lamps, which provide just the right ambience without leaving a massive carbon footprint.

The Moodie Report has published a picture of the refurbished Munich boutique and it looks beautiful. I’m not sure exactly what it looked like before the renovations, but what’s there really is lovely. Etienne Aigner handbags haven’t really turned my head, but if I were to shop for them this is where I’d want to be.

Will you call in to this Munich store next time you’re in the German capital?

[Source: The Moodie Report]
[Image Source: Jessjamesjake Vintage/Flickr]

Etienne Aigner Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Etienne Aigner, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Gorjana brings a bit of color to its collection with this Lexington clutch.

I’m used to seeing Gorjana sticking with just the one shade, so it’s interesting to see the label flirting with color-blocking. I’m not usually a fan of this retro trend, but I think it works really well here. The pastel pink lambskin would have been a bit boring on its own, but the tan leather gives it a bit more punch. It also helps emphasize the bold asymmetrical flap, ensuring we notice this feature that makes the Lexington more than just a standard clutch purse.

This is the kind of purse that would work easily during the day thanks to its casual style and size. It’s larger than the average, and with a zippered pocket, a pair of patches, and another pocket underneath the flap it’s more organized too. Unfortunately though, Gorjana doesn’t offer us a chain strap. That’s disappointing for a purse of this size, as carrying will become awkward once the Lexington is full. I also worry how that pastel pink skin will look once it’s been handled for a season or two.

Despite those flaws flaw, I’m tempted. The Lexington is well priced at $215, and that might just be enough to overcome my reservations.

More Features of This Gorjana Asymmetrical Clutch

• Rose gold hardware
• Custom lined interior
• Measures 10 x 7 inches

Get this Gorjana Lexington Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gorjana bags on BagBunch
• The Gorjana Lexington pouchette bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Gorjana bags on eBay
• Other lambskin clutch bags on eBay:

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

I’ve seen some oversized handbags in my time, but Ries Niemi’s purse takes the cake. The industrial artist’s 14-foot handbag is now on display at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington.

The stainless steel sculpture, which stands in the Lightcatcher building courtyard, is billed as the World’s Largest Walk Thru Handbag. However I’d wager it might just be the world’s largest handbag of any description! It was inspired by the ever-expanding bags of women everywhere, and the drive-through tree stumps found in America’s Northwest.

You could never utilize a handbag quite so large, so what’s the point? Niemi seems to be making a statement about modern society and its obsession with the almighty dollar, as the sculpture’s open metalwork is decorated with diamonds, $100 bills, and dollar sign motifs.

Happily you don’t need to have a lot of cash lying around to enjoy it. The sculpture is accessible to the public even if they don’t pay for museum entry. It’ll remain on site until September 11, and then who knows?

I’d hate to see such a metal monstrosity ending up in landfill. Perhaps Niemi could dissect it and create many smaller metal handbags for us to use. Although after creating such a ginormous one, perhaps he doesn’t want to see another purse again!

[Source: KY3]
[Image Source: Jongela19/Flickr]

Global Elements has some fun with this summer Beaded Sandal Handbag.

This large beach bag is covered in hundreds of tiny pairs of sandals. The attention to detail is really striking, with tiny beads giving each perfectly rendered shoe just a little more style. I only wish these pretty peep-toes were continued on the back of the bag instead of the boring black fabric!

I love the footwear, but I’m less enthusiastic about the grommets which grace the sides of this tote. They muddy the design, obscuring some of those shoes and not really adding anything. Perhaps Global Elements thought they’d help wet beach towels to dry by allowing air to circulate, but I’d rather a much cleaner look.

Speaking of looks, the rattan handle adds to this beach tote’s tropical appeal. However I’m not sure it really works either. I just don’t trust this thin natural fiber to hold any weight. Perhaps you could thread some fabric through the grommets once the rattan breaks, but that’s an inconvenience most of us don’t need. The lack of any kind of clasp is also a bit of a concern.

At $65 this isn’t an expensive beach bag, but I’m still not sure it’s got the staying power to warrant that kind of money.

More Features of This Global Elements Beach Tote

• An interior cell and zip pocket
• Measures 13 x 17 x 5 inches

Get this Global Elements Beaded Sandal Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Global Elements bags on BagBunch
• The Radley Foot Loose bag, a great alternative to this shoe decorated bag.
• Searching for more Global Elements bags on eBags
• Other beaded beach bags on eBay:

[phpbay]beaded beach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Givenchy gives the hobo bag a luxurious makeover with the Tinhan.

This hobo still has that boho spirit, but it’s been rendered in a very different way. The traditional crescent is gone, replaced with a tall and unique curvy silhouette. The soft brown leather has a bohemian spirit about it, but it’s also quite conservative. It’s a lovely complement to the elegant golden Givenchy logo at the bag’s base.

The Tinhan really is a striking creature, but it’s when you start to use it that you realize exactly why it’s so expensive. It’s already a large bag, but you can get a bit of extra room by peeling down those side zippers. Perhaps Givenchy should have added a few extra pockets to make it more manageable when expanded, but the zippered pocket and pair of pouches can take care of the essentials.

As I hinted at, this is one expensive hobo at $1815. You’ll have to be positive to make such a commitment, but if you’re sure I have a feeling this hobo will serve you well as an everyday handbag.

More Features of This Givenchy Leather Expandable Hobo

• Canvas lined interior
• Dual flat leather handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 14 x 7 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Givenchy Tinhan Handbag:

• Available to buy at Barneys New York
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Givenchy Tinhan, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Givenchy bags on BagBunch
• The Tusk Nolita tote bag, a great alternative to this expandable bag.
• Searching for more Givenchy bags on eBay