After seeing so many classic, and dare I say dull, leather handbags from Etienne Aigner I was taken aback by this Stonebridge tote. Surely such a casual creation couldn’t come from such a buttoned up label!

Well yes it has, and not a moment too soon. While I’m not sure I warm to this tote’s clashing color palette, there’s a certain charm to the Stonebridge’s relaxed vertical stripes and yellow leather trim. The design is fun and quirky, perfect for springtime picnics and lazy café brunches.

The large exterior pocket is just the start of the Stonebridge’s functional features. The generously sized interior is packed with several open pockets for gadgets and a larger zippered pocket. The flat platform base is another perk, as it allows us to easily pack and unpack this purse once we set it down.

I’m not sure this is my favorite Etienne Aigner purse, but I always appreciate it when a fashion house steps outside its comfort zone and takes a risk. And when that risk is priced under the magic $100 mark, it’s doubly appealing!

More Features of This Etienne Aigner Canvas Tote

• Silver-toned hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches

Get this Etienne Aigner Stonebridge Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Dali Dayna Unique and Vintage Gifts eBay store to see if this Etienne Aigner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Etienne Aigner bags on BagBunch
• The Christian Louboutin Melides tote bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Etienne Aigner bags on eBay
• Other striped canvas totes on eBay:

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I’ve heard of green companies recycling plastic shopping bags to create new materials, but after seeing this Kaleidoscopic clutch I wonder why they bother! Workers in the Cambodian town of Kampot show us you don’t need such exhaustive processes to create green purses from plastic shoppers.

The plastic shopping bags are rescued from heavily polluted areas in the Cambodian town, sanitized, and then spun into a usable yarn. This thread is perfect for crocheting into this hand-stitched clutch purse. I love the soft rainbow of colors, and the gentle weathered patina the plastic gives.

The simple flap-over style isn’t revolutionary, but that only makes it more versatile. I can imagine this clutch looking just as fresh with a casual, flowing skirt or a more sophisticated maxi-dress. The lack of shoulder strap is disappointing considering this woven clutch’s everyday application, but it’s also not entirely unexpected at this price point.

The Kaleidoscopic clutch is also a smart option for this unpredictable April weather, as it’ll happily resist spring showers or salty air at the beach. Minor marks can be wiped away with a damp cloth, and you can give it a more thorough clean with water and mild soap.

This Kaleidoscopic clutch from Reloop Designs is available for $35 through the Uncommon Goods website.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Woven Plastic Bag Handbags on eBay

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Emilio Pucci’s famous geometric prints are back on show with this satin evening bag.

This swirling blue pattern is known as the Mindanao, and it really is the star of the show. I love the way this print spices up this bag’s satin body, giving it a fun retro feel. Its abstract nature works well with the folds created by the drawstring, ensuring nothing vital is obscured by the soft pleats. I’ve never been the biggest fan of drawstrings, as they are a bit fiddly to manage, but I like the look of this complementary satin string.

As it’s made from soft satin, you’ll be able to squeeze a few more items than usual into this evening bag. This purse also won’t lose anything if it’s packed to capacity, unlike so many other clutches. Just make sure you don’t stuff it too full if you want to take advantage of the mirror Emilio Pucci’s hidden in the base. It’s an inconvenient spot for this kind of feature, as we’ll have to upend our bag to use it, but I’m sure girls will go to such lengths in a cosmetics emergency!

While I can admire much about this purse, its bottom line is a real turnoff. $1495 is too much to pay for a simple satin evening bag, no matter whose name is attached to it.

More Features of This Emilio Pucci Patterned Evening Bag

• Double strap with a 22 inch drop
• Lined in silk
• Measures 4.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Emilio Pucci Mindanao Satin Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilio Pucci bags on BagBunch
• The Emilio Pucci Foldover tote bag, a great alternative to this patterned bag.
• Searching for more Emilio Pucci bags on eBay
• Other Emilio Pucci satin bags on eBay:

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The new handbags from Feel Handmade don’t just feel as if they’re handcrafted; they actually are!

The new line is the brainchild of hudband and wife designers Joshua Karl and Erin Kaleel. Every purse in their collection is made from luxury materials hand-pieced together to ensure their quality. Green fashionistas should note that Feel Handmade does use genuine leather, although this skin is ecologically certified and tanned using vegetable dyes. That’s a small step towards being truly eco-friendly, but one which luxury lovers should appreciate. Every Feel Handmade bag is fully lined in luxurious silk, and signed and numbered by the designers.

While I appreciate the inherent quality of any handmade accessory, I’m especially impressed with Feel Handmade’s fashion forward designs. I’m particularly taken with this Above the Branches tote, with its clean lines and striking silver and bronze tree accent. Best of all, there are just 150 pieces of each design from Feel Handmade’s Beaks + Feathers + Branches collection, so you needn’t worry about coming across someone carrying your purse.

If you’ve fallen for one of the Feel Handmade handbags simply complete the contact form on the label’s website. The designers will then get back to you with the price of your prized purse, and how it can be yours.

[Source: Magnifeco]
[Image Source: Feel Handmade website]

Handmade Leather Handbags on eBay

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Emilie Sloan can keep your cosmetic essentials organized with this cute Anna make-up purse.

This is the kind of cosmetics purse you’ll stash inside a larger tote, rather than one for lugging your entire make-up collection on vacation. It’s itty bitty so it really is made for carrying a few vital pieces only. That size has turned many a make-up fan off, but if you know how to downsize you’ll be happy with the Anna’s petite stature.

The dome shape gives the cosmetics bag a bit of personality, but essentially this is the same kind of purse we’ve seen time and time again from Emilie Sloan. The floral prints are becoming familiar and, dare I say it, a bit tired. Some folks love that level of predictability, but I’d love to see the designer throw a few more looks into the mix.

The coated canvas is another Emilie Sloan staple, but it works well here. It only takes a damp cloth to keep it clean; loose powder and lipstick is no match for this hardy fabric.

At $18.50 this isn’t an expensive purse, but it’s still a bit much for what we’re getting. The material isn’t luxurious, there isn’t much of it, and the zip closure is the only real feature, if you can call it that. Still, this cosmetics purse is a lot more affordable than a high-end designer make-up case, even if it isn’t really the bargain its low bottom line would suggest.

More Features of This Emilie Sloan Floral Make-Up Purse

• Brown fabric lined interior
• Measures 4 x 5 x 2 inches

Get this Emilie Sloan Anna Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Emilie Sloan Anna, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Emilie Sloan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilie Sloan bags on BagBunch
• The Emilie Sloan Natalie bag, a large alternative to this cosmetics bag.
• Searching for more Emilie Sloan bags on eBay

Embrace interesting shapes and deep textures with the Nine West Fun and Fancy purse.

Although the leather in this teal bag is actually synthetic, it still gives a nice sheen and classy look. More to the point, the gentle shine helps the folded sections stand out all the more, creating shade when the curvy folds and layers of that structured form overlap. The effect? A funky sun-like pattern radiating out from the center, with plenty of depth and definition.

Aside from the gorgeous exterior, the rest of the purse is quite basic. A sophisticated and formal lining with a single zip pocket does its job, and delivers pretty much exactly what you would expect for the bargain price of $54. Plus, the range of colors is perhaps more extensive than you would expect for that price, meaning that the chance of everyone else having the exact same bag is greatly reduced.

All in all, this is a smart and affordable tote that would work equally well for home and office!

More Features of this Nine West Faux-Leather Tote:

• Also available in yellow, white and “haze”
• Synthetic leather exterior
• Single interior zip pocket

Get this Fun and Fancy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nine West Fun Fancy shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Joe’s Jeans Capos tote, a great alternative to this layered bag.
• Searching for more faux-leather bags on eBay

Just like the soulful singer that shares its name, this Elliott Lucca Adele clutch is a real hit.

The Adele is the sort of purse that you could happily carry anywhere, and it’d never look out of place. The turnlock clasp and flap over design are rooted in fashion’s traditions, but the flap’s woven body gives it some contemporary flair. I love the way the weave contrasts with the smooth matte leather to create a purse that’s really texturally appealing. It’s not in your face, but it’ll still turn a few heads.

I never expect much from clutch purses; they’re notoriously impractical creatures with only surface appeal. But not the Adele, which packs a real practical punch. There’s a zippered pocket hiding beneath the flap and another one inside. There you’ll also find a pair of slip pouches ready to hold your cell phone and sunglasses. You can clutch it the old fashioned way or attach the wrist strap and let it dangle.

You can’t say that Elliott Lucca isn’t giving us value for our $158!

More Features of This Elliott Lucca Woven Leather Clutch

• Grosgrain lined interior
• Measures 11.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Get this Elliott Lucca Adele Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Lifestyle Handbags and More eBay store to see if this Elliott Lucca bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elliott Lucca bags on BagBunch
• The Calvin Klein Liquid Leather clutch bag, a great alternative to this woven clutch bag.
• Searching for more Elliott Lucca bags on eBay
• Other Elliott Lucca Adele bags on eBay:

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The bidding war over Jimmy Choo is heating up with several major companies making some big bids.

Private equity firm TPG, who has Neiman Marcus and The J. Crew Group in its stable, has its sights set on the company. So does Jones Group Inc., who knows it bit about fashion through its overseeing of labels like Nine West, Jones New York, and Stuart Weitzman. And finally there’s a joint bid between Bahrain’s Investcorp and German luxury label, Labelux Group. All parties have made an opening bid of 500 million pounds, which is equivalent to around $825 million US.

Unfortunately Jimmy Choo has had to drop out of the race to regain his namesake company. It was rumored that he’d join TPG on its bid, but the private equity firm has denied it. That’s probably good news for creative director Tamara Mellon, who is reportedly on less than friendly terms with the designer. She will retain her 17% stake in Jimmy Choo, no matter which firm takes the reins.

The companies have until mid-May to submit their next bids. After that hopefully we’ll have a better idea of who’s likely to take control of the fashion house. Which company would you like to see win out?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Jimmy Choo Handbags on eBay

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A star by name and a star by nature, this Ellington clutch twinkles a little brighter than the rest.

In my line of work I see a lot of handbags. I admire so many of them, but it takes something really special to make me want to reach for my credit card. Ellington has done it by taking a few calculated risks. The asymmetrical flap is one such risk. It’s a contemporary take on classic design that really pays off here.

But Ellington doesn’t stop there. Instead it gives the Star a hint of vintage style with a golden corner clasp. It reminds me of something we might see on a classic purse, although no old-fashioned designer would be so daring with its placement! The risk pays off though, as it gives this clutch practicality and pizzazz.

While it’s not as surprising, I’m also a big fan of the glazed lambskin finish. It’s got just a hint of shine, and it’s so temptingly touchable. I imagine it’d feel gorgeous in your hand. That’s a good thing too, because Ellington hasn’t offered a carrying strap.

That lack of strap is disappointing, but not enough to make me change my mind. This clutch is a real star!

More Features of This Ellington Asymmetrical Flap Clutch

• Logo print lining
• Measures 5.75 x 9.25 x 1.75 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in red and blue

Get this Ellington Star Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

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

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A Hermes Birkin bag donated by its namesake Jane Birkin raised more money than any other item sold though EMI’s recent celebrity auction. The designer handbag raised $163, 000 of the auction’s $470, 000 total takings.

EMI matched the money raised, eventually donating $940, 000 to the Red Cross. These funds will assist the charity in its relief efforts following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

I’m sure we all wish we owned that Birkin bag, but there were plenty of other covetable items on offer. These included a 1987 model Ferrari owned by the electronic band Daft Punk, and diamante costume head used by DJ and producer Deadmau5, a day on tour with Simple Minds, and the cupcake trampoline used during Katy Perry’s California Dreams tour.

Roger Faxon, the chief executive officer of the EMI Group, says the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised was a “wonderful result.” He also praised the generosity of more than 200 contributing EMI artists and friends, including Arcade Fire, Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue, and Lady Antebellum.

“It has been a privilege for all of us at EMI to have participated in this effort to raise money to help the people of Japan who have suffered so much,” he said.

[Source: Star Pulse]
[Image Source: Nicolas Genin/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

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