Accessories created with mom in mind are flooding the marketplace ahead of Mother’s Day. There’s a time and place for such staid handbags and purses, but it’s enough to make a modern girl scream! Thank goodness for eBay and its funky new Fashion Vault sale.

eBay opened the doors of its Fashion Vault this morning to clear out Hype handbags and shoes and purses from the queen of quirk, Betsey Johnson. These whimsical accessories are not for the faint hearted, but girls who love to have fun with fashion can save up to 80% on these accessories.

Items include Hype’s studded Alex tote, zippered Cara hobo, and feathered Kate satchel. From Betsey Johnson there’s a cheeky embroidered Lip satchel and tote, the playful Fancy Face tote, and range of floral cosmetics cases. Each has been heavily discounted, and as an added bonus American customers won’t pay any additional fees for shipping or handling.

The Fashion Vault is open until 9 pm Pacific Time on Friday May 6, but I wouldn’t wait that long to secure your stash. Some of the most popular items have already sold out, and no doubt more will walk out the doors before the sale’s close!

[Source: eBay Fashion Vault]

Betsey Johnson Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Betsey Johnson bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Why treat yourself with just one new handbag, when you can enjoy two? This clever convertible satchel allows you to experience a little extra indulgence.

At first glance this Fontanelli Two-in-One appears like any other satchel. Its purple leather is regal, especially with its polished golden hardware. I’m not so enthusiastic about the contrasting golden stitches, but I suppose they give this purse a bit more personality.

It’s only when you look inside that you start to appreciate the Two-in-One’s true beauty though. Its suede lining actually lifts right out to become its own clutch purse! Its pretty pink shade might be too sugary for some, but I think it could work well with those dark blacks, navies, and charcoals that are so popular in the evening.

Best of all, as it was originally satchel lining the clutch has an open pocket for your cell. An attachable strap for this smaller bag would have been the cherry on top, but unfortunately we’re left to clutch this purse the old fashioned way.

However I consider us lucky to find one high-quality Italian leather handbag for $359. To get two for that price is a real bargain!

More Features of This Fontanelli Convertible Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles
• Measures 12.99 x 8.66 x 3.94 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Fontanelli Two-in-One Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fontanelli bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Terah Tote bag, a great alternative to this handbag with removable clutch bag.
• Searching for more Fontanelli bags on eBay
• Other purple leather satchels on eBay:

[phpbay]purple leather satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

We all want to keep our shiny portable technology safe and dry, so what better way to do it than wrap it up in a wetsuit? A range of laptop and iPad cases made from recycled wetsuit neoprene is available from the Uncommon Goods website.

Each case is made from wetsuit offcuts to minimize the carbon footprint and prevent the excess material ending up in landfill. The nylon neoprene is stitched together to create a green case which protects your iPad from scratches and water splashes. The tiny zippered pocket you see is designed to hold small valuables, including business cards and small change.

A shoulder strap would have made these cases a bit easier to manage, especially for commuters. However these snug-fitting cases should fit inside a sizable briefcase or office tote.

It’ll take a bit of care to keep this wetsuit tablet case in tip top condition though. It’ll survive a trip through the washing machine if you use a cold-water cycle, but it won’t appreciate the heat. That means tumble drying is out, although you can hang it on a clothesline.

There are wetsuit cases designed to hold iPads, 10 inch netbooks, and laptops with screens measuring 13, 15, and 17 inches. Get them from the Uncommon Goods website from $26.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Foley + Corinna’s created a purse that’s small in stature but big on features with this Half Pint Pac Bag.

Honestly this purse put me offside with its colorblocked finish. I’ve never really been a fan of this retro look, and the Half Pint Pac does little to change my stance. The neutral toned leather and glossy black patent are lovely on their own, but together the design seems a bit busy.

However I can look past the colorblocking to appreciate the Half Pint Pac’s practical charms. I’m also not the biggest advocate of drawstring closures, but with a zippered pocket in the front and two more on the sides there’s enough accessible space for storing the items you need on hand. It’ll be a bit more fiddly to access anything you’ve put inside, but at least these items will be secure.

I also like the convertible strap, which gives us more carrying options than the average bag. We can attach the strap along the top like a typical cross-body, or adopt a more unusual top and bottom sling configuration.

The colorblocked finish is likely to polarize fashionistas, but anyone who’s warmed to it will certainly see value for their $295.

More Features of This Foley + Corinna Mini Cross-Body Bag

• Twill lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• A cross-body strap with a 16.5 inch drop
• Measures 7.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Foley + Corinna Half Pint Pac Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Foley Corinna Half Pint Pac, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the TwentyFourStore eBay store to see if this Foley + Corinna bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Foley + Corinna bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Wrapped cross-body bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Foley + Corinna bags on eBay

I don’t mean to scare you, but Mother’s Day is just a week away. If you still haven’t settled on a gift for your dear mom, Modnique.com may have the answer. The shopping website is discounting handbags from leading designers and some new names.

For the next two and a half days you can save up to 50% on Koret handbags, including the label’s signature purses and quirky Soho handbag.

For something a bit more luxurious, look to Modnique.com’s sale on Christian Dior handbags. You can save up to 51% on a range of Italian leather handbags. The savings are even bigger on Tod’s handbags. You can enjoy a discount of up to 62% on the famed fashion house’s purses, including its Micky Ferrari bag and cosmetics cases. And finally there’s also a sale on Valentino bags. You’ll save a massive 75% on luxury handbags made from genuine alligator, python, and fox fur.

We’re definitely spoilt for choice. And best of all, Modnique.com is offering free shipping to all American customers, and a small flat freight fee of $4.99 for international shoppers. It’s wonderful to know we’re not going to be slugged with unexpected extra charges!

Remember to tell your friends about the sale too, as every new customer you refer will put extra shopping credits in your Modnique.com account.

[Source: Modnique.com]
[Image Source: Gabriella Fabbri/Stock.xchng]

Koret Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Koret, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Fendi has given its iconic Roll tote a floral makeover just in time for spring.

This classic styled tote is given a bit more pizzazz with its embroidered flowers, strawberries, and ladybugs. The seasonal appliqué is laid over the top of Fendi’s famous Zucca signature print. I’ve never been a fan of this logo pattern, so I’m happy to see it obscured!

Unzip the top and you’ll find a sizable interior lined in white fabric. This isn’t the most practical choice, as it’ll show pen stains and lipstick smears quickly, but at least they’ll be hidden away inside! Otherwise the interior is well appointed with a large zippered pocket on one side and a pair of open pouches in the other.

The straps are long enough for easy over-the-shoulder carrying, but they’re also a bit thin. The more slender the strap, the more it’ll drag on your shoulder, especially if this tote is filled to capacity. Carrying the Roll Tote might be easy, but I can’t say it’ll be comfortable.

Given that it’s made from coated canvas rather than a more luxurious material I think Fendi has a hide to charge $880 for this tote. This is one for serious Fendi fanatics only.

More Features of This Fendi Flower Tote

• Polished gold-tone hardware
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 11 x 4 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Fendi Roll Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Fendi flower roll, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fendi bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Sunflower tote bag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more Fendi bags on eBay

Most of us have a mountain of handbags in our closet. It’s always difficult to find our favorite bag, which is inevitably pulled from the pile misshapen and messed up. Californian-based designer Josh Jakus has solved the problem with his nifty Um carry bags.

When they’re not in use, these modern purses simply unzip and lie flat, easily storable until their next outing. Then when you’re ready to take them out, simply zip them together and enjoy their minimalist styling. I really love the unexpected contrast of the soft gray wool and the poppy orange zippers. The cut-out handles on the clutch are a bit small for easy carrying, but they add to the purses clean European looks.

Green fashionistas can also enjoy the Um carry bags with a clean conscience. They’re made from industrial wool left discarded by factories, which would otherwise have found its way into landfill. A place in your wardrobe is a much more desirable location!

You’ll have to work a little to keep these purses clean though. They’ll survive hand washing or a trip to the dry cleaners, but don’t even try to pop them into the washing machine or dryer!

Josh Jakus’ Um carry bags are available from the Fuz website.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Felix Rey’s designs have been so whimsical lately that I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to take them seriously. The oversized hearts, bows, and smiley faces would be perfect for a junior line, but they’re a bit harder to accept from a grown-up fashion house. So I’m thrilled to see Felix Rey rein things in a little with this Doris wristlet.

Notice that I said he’s reined things in a little. In the black and gold spotted version and the gold cheetah, Felix Rey’s wristlet is every bit as silly as I’ve come to expect. But in basic black we can appreciate the design’s subtlety. The bow accent Felix Rey loves so much is less obvious here, a structured bit of folded fabric that is incorporated into the design rather than simply tacked on. It’s oversized, but in the same fabric it doesn’t seem as ostentatious as it might have been.

All too often wristlets fail on a practical level, but the Doris is a functional filly. Its dimensions are a bit chunkier than the average, and it’s appointed with a few usable pockets. That wrist strap is also detachable, so you can remove it and carry the Doris like a clutch.

At $120 the Doris is probably a bit expensive for a fabric wristlet, but it also shows Felix Rey taking a few steps in the right direction.

More Features of This Felix Rey Bow Wristlet

• Zip top closure
• Faille lined interior
• Measures 3.75 x 6.25 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Felix Rey Doris Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Felix Rey bags on BagBunch
• The Felix Rey Doris tote bag, a great alternative to this wristlet bag.
• Searching for more Felix Rey bags on eBay
• Other Felix Rey wristlet bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Felix Rey wristlet, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Canada’s WANT Les Essentials de la Vie is getting into the spirit of the London Olympics early, with the release of its limited edition De Gaulle bag.

If you were contemplating which colored handle you’d prefer, don’t. The De Gaulle is actually just one bag with five colored interchangeable leather handles inspired by the Olympic Rings. Each one was made in Italy, so you know it’s been done right.

When I say the De Gaulle bag is limited, I mean it. There were just 47 of the bags created, one for every city that’s hosted the modern Olympic Games. Each one is also engraved with each of these international locations.

The games might not be until 2012, but you can get these limited edition bags now at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada, Le Bon Marche in France, Harvey Nichols in Dubai, and a handful of other stores around the world. WANT Les Essentials de la Vie hasn’t released any price for these handbags, which makes me think they’re expensive. This level of exclusivity never comes cheaply, does it?

Does this De Gaulle bag get you excited about the Olympic Games, or do you think you’ll save your pennies for one of the other inevitable games inspired accessories?

[Source: WANT Les Essentials de la Vie website]

Olympic Games Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Olympic Games, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Evans takes its cues from Lanvin with this ladylike Ribbon Chain Bag.

The structured flap over design and navy grosgrain ribbon accents certainly call to mind the famed French fashion house. The contrast of the navy ribbon against the white purse is striking, and the threading of this ribbon through the chain strap elegant. If you’re on a budget, you could certainly do worse than this £16 purse.

But designer snobs will sneer at the compromises made to keep this price down. Evans has used PVC rather than real leather of course, a necessary sacrifice for the budget brand. The stitching also isn’t quite as delicate as it should be, and the bow doesn’t sit quite right.

This purse’s dimensions are just right for channeling the Mad Men vintage vibe, but modern girls may find them a little small. This is a slight and slender purse, so it’ll require careful packing to make it hold all your essentials.

But for what it is Evans has done a great job. This is a pretty purse that doesn’t appear as cheap as it actually is!

More Features of This Evans Flap Cross-Body Bag

• A front plaque
• Measures 7 x 6 inches

Get this Evans Ribbon Chain Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Evans bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Happicolo bag, a great alternative to this ribbon accented bag.
• Searching for more Evans bags on eBay
• Other ribbon chain bags on eBay:

[phpbay]ribbon chain, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]