If you thought patchwork was passé, think again. Celine shows us just how sophisticated this finish can look with this Leather Inset Bowling Bag.

I’ve often marveled at the subtle beauty of black on black designs, but I’ve never seen it look quite as stunning as it does here. Celine uses swatches of black leather, deerskin, calfskin, and buffalo.

They’re cleverly assembled to create a subdued abstract design which is modern, yet timeless. This finish really jazzes up this simply shaped bowling bag, ensuring it’s a high end handbag rather than an accessory for carrying balls to your local lanes.

This bowling bag is generously sized, so it’s a bit disappointing that Celine hasn’t supported it with practical features. The single zippered pocket has a very big job to do keeping the interior organized. The short handles are also inadequate. They look great, but they’re going to make carrying this bowler difficult once it’s loaded up. A few extra inches, allowing us to carry the bag over our shoulder, would have made all the difference.

These practical limitations are small niggles rather than major design flaws, but they’re enough to make me pause. When a bag is priced at $1650 I expect perfection, and we don’t see that here.

More Features of This Celine Leather Patchwork Bowling Bag

• Silver-toned hardware
• Top zip closure
• Dual 16 inch tubular handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Cotton lined interior
• Four protective metal feet at the base
• Measures 16 x 15 x 5.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Celine Leather Inset Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly
• Check the Bluefly eBay store to see if this Celine bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Celine bags on BagBunch
• The Coccinelle Raquel Tote bag, a great alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more Celine bags on eBay
• Other leather bowling bags on eBay:

[phpbay]leather Bowling Bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Its name sounds delicate and feminine, but the Grace hobo from CC Skye is all rock and roll.

I can’t help thinking of a Balenciaga bag as I take in the chiseled-off cone studs and external zippered pocket. It stops well short of being a carbon copy though by taking a more minimalist approach. There’s just a smattering of silver hardware to pop against that buttery black leather. It’s definitely biker chic, but not self consciously so. That restraint will ensure the Grace doesn’t age, so you’ll get plenty of value from your $450 investment.

The exterior impressed me but the interior certainly holds its own. The combination of generous dimensions and a slouchy silhouette always irks me, but this bag isn’t completely unmanageable. The zippered pocket inside works with the external one to offer space for the items you need on hand. I wouldn’t have minded a few more pouches, but at least we should be able to locate the items we really need without fuss.

With so much storage space there’s the potential for the Grace to get heavy, but the wide shoulder strap should make carrying it reasonably comfortable. And honestly, I’d be willing to struggle a little to have this sexy number on my arm!

More Features of This CC Skye Black Leather Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 16 x 11 x 6 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this CC Skye Grace Handbag:

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

[phpbay]CC Skye Grace, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Artisan Gems Boutique eBay store to see if this CC Skye bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More CC Skye bags on BagBunch
• The anaconda embossed CC Skye Grace bag, a great alternative to this matte leather bag.
• Searching for more CC Skye bags on eBay

Poketo has teamed up with a South Korean non-profit design firm for its new collection of upcycled leather accessories.

Leather is rarely considered a green choice, but we can enjoy these leather purses with a clear conscience. Each one is made from the leather used in furniture destined for landfill. It’s not just a green option either; leather always feels softer with use, so with recycled leather we’re enjoying the beauty of aged leather without needing to break it in. The new Poketo range specializes in small accessories including ribbon bound clutch purses, passport and card cases, pouches, and button wallets.

As Poketo crafts each purse from salvaged materials, no two skins are alike in color, texture, or origin. That makes each piece in the collection a true original, which should please girls who like to stand out in a crowd.

Poketo is the brainchild of husband and wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, a couple who believe in “art for your everyday.” They’ve realized this vision through collaborating with artists around the world.

Purses in the Poketo Upcycled Leather Small Goods range start from $32 for the card cases and wallets, and top $44 for the passport cases and clutches. A percentage of this price will also benefit environmental and economic programs supported by Poketo.

[Source: Magnifeco]

Recycled Leather Purses on eBay

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

Carlos Falchi generally lets his exotic skins speak for themselves. But he shows us his whimsical side just in time for spring with this Floral Cutout clutch.

The red python Carlos Falchi uses is truly stunning, but it’s given an added dimension with the flower appliqués. These flowers are made using more of the python, pleated together to create structured blooms. Floral appliqués tend to look a bit fussy and feminine, but with their angled edges and poppy red color these ones are much more modern.

While the exterior is surprising, the rest of this clutch is pretty standard stuff. It’s not especially small, but I wouldn’t call it large either. That’s a very good thing, as there’s no shoulder strap on hand to assist us. You won’t fit the kitchen sink inside it, but the above average dimensions should help it hold a few extras.

At $1105 this definitely isn’t a clutch for everyone, but if you’ve got the budget prepare to turn some heads!

More Features of This Carlos Falchi Python Clutch

• Flap top
• Cotton lined interior
• Measures 7.85 x 6 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Carlos Falchi Floral Cut Out Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlos Falchi bags on BagBunch
• The Laurel & Sunset Dirossi satchel bag, a great alternative to this floral applique bag.
• Searching for more Carlos Falchi bags on eBay
• Other flower clutch bags on eBay:

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

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has never been a fan of Victoria Beckham’s best selling handbag line, and now the animal rights group is taking another swipe. It claims that the crocodiles used to make Beckham’s £18, 000 ‘superbag’ were not treated humanely.

“PETA pledges to eat its own cloth hat if the animals skinned to make Victoria Beckham’s bags are humanely or ethically treated,” a spokesperson for the animal rights group said.

However, Mrs Beckham’s press agents say all animals used were “ethically sourced” from American farms, and then treated within “strict ethical guidelines,” as specified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

However, operating within ethical guidelines isn’t always cruelty free. Farmers are allowed to keeps hens in battery cages and pigs in confining sow stalls under industry guidelines, but animal lovers still frown upon these practices. PETA claims that most fashion labels, including Victoria Beckham’s, slaughter crocodiles and alligators by driving long steel chisels into the neck to sever the spinal cord. If it all goes according to plan this is quick and humane. However often it’s not, and the reptiles survive for up to two hours after they’re skinned. If this is what’s happening, it makes that crocodile bag a lot less appealing.

Then again, we all know that PETA takes a really hard line against the use of exotic skins. Even if the Beckham camp was doing the “right thing,” I doubt the animal activists would see it that way. Whose side are you on?

[Source: Daily Mail]

Crocodile Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]crocodile, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Carlo Fellini reminds us that a purse doesn’t need to be lit up like a Christmas tree to sparkle with this Jessamine clutch.

It could so easily have appeared over the top. Hundreds of sequins are arranged in a geometric pattern, which is completed by thousands of tiny beads. These decorations will all catch the moonlight as you move, making the brown color appear much more exciting. The color palette is the key to the Jessamine’s success really. Brown and black won’t get anyone’s heart pumping, but they save this purse from looking too ostentatious. Also think about how easily these neutrals will slot into your evening wardrobe!

After being dazzled by the front, the boring plain back is a bit of a letdown. I don’t blame Carlo Fellini for cutting corners to keep the price down to $65, but I don’t have to like it.

The Jessamine is probably small enough to manage by hand, but I’d definitely employ the chain strap. I worry about bumping off those sequins and beads with too much handling. As they’re strung together, if you lose one you’ll lose many. Their absence will also be really noticeable, but perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself.

For now the Jessamine is a lovely and affordable way to add a twinkle to your evening outfit. And if you treat it right, it’ll do it for many soirees to come!

More Features of This Carlo Fellini Sequined Clutch

• Made of satin
• Kiss lock closure
• Satiny lined interior
• A slide pocket inside
• A 21 inch shoulder chain
• Measures 2.5 x 11.5 x 5 inches

Get this Carlo Fellini Jessamine Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Carlo Fellini Jessamine, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Niceties by Julie eBay store to see if this Carlo Fellini bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlo Fellini bags on BagBunch
• The Carlo Fellini Prudence bag, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more Carlo Fellini bags on eBay

Silva has created an eco-friendly way to transport your new MacBook with its bamboo laptop case.

Bamboo is one of the world’s most sustainable materials, and it’s used to great effect in this modern, minimalist tech accessory. The bamboo pieces are machine cut, then hand assembled and sanded, before being rubbed with natural tung oil for a smooth, glossy finish. The wool felt lining helps to protect your 13 inch or 15 inch MacBook.

It’s just a shame that this bamboo case isn’t quite as green as it first appears. The strap is made from burnished leather, a material which is tough and stylish but not very eco-friendly. The handle is very short so the company isn’t using a lot of leather, but it’s still not very animal friendly. And since there isn’t a lot used, why is a green company using it at all? I wouldn’t have minded recycled leather, but this skin is brand new. Does it offend your eco-friendly sensibilities?

At $179.99 with free shipping, this tech case is a unique way to carry around your MacBook Pro. It’s just a shame that it won’t suit the many other laptops favored by tech enthusiast. Until Silva expands its range, PC users and MacBook Air owners are out of luck.

[Source: Ecouterre]

MacBook Cases on eBay

[phpbay]MacBook, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Carla Mancini gives us all of the exotic good looks of python without the high-end price tag with this Amalfi clutch.

I’m not always a fan of exotic leathers, as far too often they seem to miss the mark. But in basic black, the Amalfi does a very decent imitation. A purse that’s too shiny can look tacky, but this one stops short of that with just a hint of gloss. The golden turn-lock closure gives the Amalfi a bit more polish and poise.

The Amalfi is large as clutch purses go, although its slender profile ensures it stays elegant. You’ll be able to slip a few extra items inside without ruining the Amalfi’s clean lines. Personally I think it’s a bit big to carry by hand, so I’m thankful for the additional shoulder strap. Since its made of chain it won’t feel entirely comfortable on bare evening shoulders, but it will make managing this clutch that much easier.

At $455 the Amalfi isn’t cheap, but it’s a relatively affordable alternative to an authentic python purse.

More Features of This Carla Mancini Python Print Clutch

• Faille lining
• An attachable chain strap with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 14.25 x 2.75 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Carla Mancini Amalfi Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Carla Mancini bags on BagBunch
• The croc-embossed Carla Mancini Amalfi clutch bag, a great alternative to this python printed bag.
• Searching for more Carla Mancini bags on eBay
• Other python printed clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]python print clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti line will feature snakeskin handbags for the first time this fall.

Over the past 60 years we’ve admired the Serpenti collection’s jewelry and watches. It only makes me wonder why the purses have taken so long! Now they’re almost here though we can look forward to ultra luxurious accessories made from Karung snakeskin. The natural beauty of this exotic skin is enhanced with a snake pattern and bold jewel colors, including jade, red, and amber. A Serpenti snake head clasp made from black and enamel with malachite eyes completes each opulent purse. The range will also feature a reptilian minaudiere made from cool black enamel.

It should come as no surprise that these luxurious Bulgari handbags will command the big bucks. The smallest snakeskin purse will cost $2100, and the larger version will set you back $2500. If you’ve got your heart set on the minaudiere completing your favorite evening outfit prepare to shell out $4600.

Those are some big prices, but the combined might of Bulgari and its Serpentine line will entice many cashed up bagistas. These aren’t mere everyday accessories after all; they’re collector pieces designed to be handed down to your daughters. Are you tempted?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Karung Snakeskin Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]karung snakeskin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Calvin Klein combines practicality with pizzazz with this Unzipped cross-body satchel.

This is a cleverly designed satchel where every feature has a purpose. Its zippered pockets are the most striking feature, adding contemporary style and convenience to the oblong shaped satchel. It’s hard to make a bag with plenty of exterior pockets look clean. We saw it go terribly wrong with the DKNY Pocket Bag recently. But rather than lumps and bumps, Calvin Klein has made the practical features appear sophisticated and chic.

Not all pockets are created equally though. The end ones are bound to be the most practical, as vertical and angled pockets are notoriously difficult to use. They do look fabulous though, so I’m sure anyone who loves their appearance will persevere with them.

The Unzipped satchel offers plenty of space, which is both a blessing and a curse. I love a bag that doesn’t require me to pare down my daily swag, but that bulky oblong shape makes it a bit awkward to manage. It’s so generously proportioned that carrying it feels a bit like lugging a diaper bag about. Shrinking it down would make it much easier to manage.

At $248 this stylish Calvin Klein bag is quite reasonably priced, but some little tweaks could have made it that much better.

More Features of This Calvin Klein Leather Satchel

• Satiny lining
• Zip top closure
• An adjustable cross-body strap with a 12.5 to 26 inch shoulder drop
• Measures 7.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Calvin Klein Unzipped Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the That’s The Bag eBay store to see if this Calvin Klein bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Calvin Klein bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Decker shoulder bag, a great alternative to this zippered pocket bag.
• Searching for more Calvin Klein bags on eBay
• Other cross-body satchel bags on eBay:

[phpbay]cross body satchel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]