Many designers have released bags lately to raise funds for charities helping Japan rebuild following the devastating earthquakes and tsunami. These initiatives are certainly worth supporting, but I wonder why the accessories are all so cheap and cheerful. If you’re looking for a more glamorous way to show your solidarity, this Alexander McQueen Samurai Skull clutch could be just the ticket.

Now admittedly this purse doesn’t raise those much-needed funds for relief efforts, but it does look the part. Alexander McQueen’s classic skull box has been given an Asian makeover. The skull’s wearing a samurai helmet, and the silk-satin body with its golden embroidery looks like it could have come from a kimono. It’s dramatic but not as ostentatious as many of the clutches in this collection. It’d take a little black dress from ordinary to something special, or provide the piece de resistance for an Asian inspired evening look.

As with all box clutches though, it comes with some real limitations. While the leather lining makes the interior feel luxurious, its small amount of space is anything but. There’s also no shoulder strap, so we’re left to clutch it the old fashioned way. That’s a shame really because your hand will cover the embroidery, which should really be admired.

And the final limitation is, of course, the price. Alexander McQueen’s accessories never come cheaply and at $2195 this one’s no exception. You’ll need to have a very full social calendar to justify spending that sort of cash on this clutch.

More Features of This Alexander McQueen Japanese Clutch

• Beaded appliqué
• Samurai clasp fastening with black Swarovski crystal eyes
• Golden frame
• Measures 7 x 4 x 2 inches

Get this Alexander McQueen Samurai Skull Clutch:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Diamante bag, a fabulous alternative to this skull bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other Alexander McQueen skull clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]Alexander McQueen skull clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Marni is turning trash into treasure in its quirky new capsule collection. The Italian fashion house has released a tote bag, hat, and bib necklace embellished with recycled plastic rosettes. The small eco-conscious collection is part of Runway to Green, an initiative which challenges high-end designers to create apparel and accessories from eco-friendly products.

I’m sure these unusual accessories will polarize fashionistas, but isn’t that what the very best fashion does? These green goodies push the fashion envelope and, best of all, they do it without creating a massive carbon footprint. Whether you love or loathe them, that innovative green approach design has to be admired.

I don’t admire the prices though. Clearly we’re not getting any discounts because Marni’s using recycled materials. The bib necklace will set you back $420, the tote costs $1020, and the hat is the most expensive of the lot at $1055. Ouch! At least that money will benefit charity rather than lining Marni’s already full pockets.

As with all Runway to Green products, proceeds will be distributed amongst Conservation International, Central Park Conservancy, the National Resources Defense Council, and Oceana. If you’re still keen you can pick up Marni’s unusual new accessories through Net-A-Porter.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Marni Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Marni, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Aldo offers an affordable alternative to a Hermes bag with this Cyphert satchel.

While it’s not a carbon copy, I can’t help thinking of the Kelly bag when I see the Cyphert. It’s very structured and ladylike, with clean, crisp lines. The front tassels help to soften the satchel’s visage just a tad, but with their golden metal base they look more elegant than boho.

The optional cross-body strap is a practical addition, but it doesn’t compensate for the Cyphert’s functional flaws. The magnetic closure is really weak and prone to popping open when you walk, so your cargo will fall out if you’re not paying attention.

There also isn’t the attention to detail we’d see in a Hermes bag, or even a mid-level designer accessory. Customers have complained about the pockets tearing away from the lining and the handle breaking. This certainly isn’t a bag for overstuffing, as it seems incapable of delivering when pushed to its limits.

Of course, if your bank account allows for a Hermes bag you won’t settle for this $45 purse. If it doesn’t though, you might just need to accept those flaws to get the vintage look!

More Features of This Aldo Synthetic Satchel

• Interior lining
• A top handle with a 4 inch drop
• An attachable, but not adjustable, strap with a 24 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 11.5 x 5 inches

Get this Aldo Cyphert Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Aldo bags on BagBunch
• The Hermes Kelly bag, a luxury alternative to this budget bag.
• Searching for more Aldo bags on eBay
• Other synthetic satchel bags on eBay:

[phpbay]synthetic satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Alaia gives the traditional basket tote a chic makeover with perforated leather!

The shape and style of this tote reminds me of the kind of bags I filled with flowers as a child. However no bag from my youth was quite this luxurious! While my childhood purses were made of raffia and wicker, this one is made of perforated black leather.

It’s worth pausing to look a little closer at this material, because the perforations really are something else. Not content to use traditional round cut-outs, Alaia has spiced things up with some half moons and triangles! The effect up close is dazzling, but it’s careful not to dominate when you look at it from a distance.

This tote is pretty expensive at $1985, a price which makes me very conscious of its limitations. Honestly I expect perfection or something close to it when I’m considering spending that kind of money, and this tote isn’t it. It’s got no zippers or closures, so security is seriously compromised. Thankfully there’s a zippered pouch for holding small valuables, but this really doesn’t go far enough. The lack of lining makes those perforations look more appealing, but we run the risk of small items getting caught in the holes, or even sliding out.

I really love the look of this Alaia tote, but I’m not sure that’s enough to sell it for me.

More Features of This Alaia Black Basket Tote

• Dual top handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 11 x 6 inches
• An internal detachable designer-stamped mirror

Get this Alaia Perforated Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alaia bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Blythe satchel bag, a great alternative to this perforated leather bag.
• Searching for more Alaia bags on eBay
• Other perforated leather tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]perforated leather tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Glamorous designer Judith Leiber has teamed up with Lauren Bush’s FEED Projects for some sparkly new charity FEED bags.

They’re not studded with Swarovski crystals, but these FEED clutch bags are still unmistakably Judith Leiber. Each one is made from Italian linen coated with either gold or silver metallic foil for that trademark Leiber shine. Instead of crystals we get a beaded design modeled after traditional Guatemalan patterns. On the other side there are the words FEED 1000, reminding us of the thousands of meals provided through the project. A long chain strap is the finishing touch, allowing us to wear the purse across our body or carry it in classic clutch style. Totes which follow the traditional FEED style, with a little extra Judith Leiber pizzazz, will also be available.

As with all FEED Projects bags, money raised by the sale of the Judith Leiber bags will help provide meals for people in poverty around the world.

If you want to get your mitts on them first, and you’re feeling cashed up, why not bid on them through Charity Buzz’s 3rd Annual Mothers Day charity auction. The prize includes two of the Judith Leiber for FEED Projects bags and tickets for Lauren Bush’s Bergdorf Goodman reception. You’ll even get to meet Lauren on the day!

It’s not likely to go cheaply though. While the package is only sitting at $350 at this point, there’s still plenty of time left for the price to be driven up!

[Source: Charitybuzz]

FEED Projects Bags on eBay

[phpbay]FEED Projects, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Adidas has given its popular Diablo bag a fun, feminine makeover with this printed version.

Everything that made the Diablo such a classic Adidas bag has been retained, but the patterns should help to endear it to female gym junkies. I really like the subtlety of this mumm print, with its earthy pink chrysanthemums darting across the brown fabric. The bubble alternative is a bit louder, with diamond detailed concentric circles set against a vivid purple background.

Whichever Diablo you decide on, most gym fans won’t fault its functionality. Its top loading style makes the Diablo easy to pack and unpack, and while it’s smaller than the average gym bag it’s got enough space for most of us. You’ll certainly be able to carry your work-out clothes and trainers to the gym in here, although you may struggle to fit sweat towels and sports paraphernalia inside.

The Diablo is a very simple gym bag though. There are no small pockets inside, and none outside either. I wish we had somewhere separate for storing our cell phone and keys, but it’s not a deal breaker for me, particularly considering this duffel’s bargain $25 price tag.

More Features of This Adidas Printed Duffel

• An adjustable shoulder strap
• Dual webbing carry handles with a padded wrap
• Measures 10 x 18.5 x 11 inches

Get this Adidas Diablo Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Adidas Diablo printed duffel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Adidas bags on BagBunch
• The plain Adidas Diablo bag, a great alternative to this patterned bag.
• Searching for more Adidas bags on eBay

Get ready for summer festival season with this boho styled shoulder bag from Accessorize.

This purse revels in its bohemian vibes, from its long fringing to its earthy color palette. The delicate cut-out work and braiding decorating its flap only adds to this bag’s cool, earth mother feel. It won’t be too everyone’s tastes, but those accents help the Festival bag make a very strong style statement. Does it speak to you? Even if you think the patterned flap is a bit flower power for your fashion vision, it’s hard to dismiss the detail of these decorations. Especially at this price point, I don’t expect to see such intricacy.

The Festival’s strap is adjustable, but it’s still not as long as I’d like. Even fully extended it won’t suit cross-body wear. It’s a bit ironic considering that cross-body bags are all the rage at music festivals, isn’t it? Perhaps Accessorize isn’t as in touch with its young fans as it claims to be!

It might not be the perfect festival bag, but there’s still an awful lot of work in this purse for its affordable £70 price tag.

More Features of This Accessorize Cut Work Shoulder Bag

• Fully lined interior
• Made of leather

Get this Accessorize Festival Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Accessorize bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors crescent fringed bag, a great alternative to this boho bag.
• Searching for more Accessorize bags on eBay
• Other fringed shoulder bags on eBay:

[phpbay]fringed shoulder, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Bollywood queen Kareena Kapoor is about to get her own handbag collection. The Indian actress known as Bebo has proved a popular ambassador of Lavie handbags, so it’s only fitting that the label is preparing to release a limited edition range of purses which share her nickname.

It’s a surprising move considering that Kareena’s only been the face of the brand since March 19, but I think it’s also a smart one by the Indian brand. Despite relatively little time passing since appointing Kareena its ambassador, Lavie’s already seen its sales significantly increase.

However, Kareena isn’t content to just be Lavie’s silent cash cow. The feisty actress also wants to give her suggestions and input into the Bebo designs and marketing.

The luxurious limited edition Bebo bags will be available in glamorous gold and silver and more conservative beige and black shades. Each one will be embellished with Kareena Kapoor’s signature. That autograph is sure to make them collector’s items in India, and perhaps even the rest of the world.

At this point it seems Lavie will only release evening-ready clutch bags in the Bebo line, but if they’re popular, who knows? Perhaps larger day bags will be next on the agenda!

[Source: Sawfnews]
[Image Source: IndiaFM/Wikipedia Commons]

Exotic lovers claim that there’s no substitute for the real thing, but I think this Josie wallet from Abas might make them change their minds.

It might not be made of real python skin, but the leather on the Josie is every bit as beautiful, particularly in this Grecian white shade. I love the soft mottled gray markings which make the pale scaly skin seem even more inviting and authentic. The Josie is also available in blue or brown if you’re worried about the pale shade getting dirty, but in my opinion these hues aren’t quite as striking.

Abas calls this a wallet, and it has all the features you’d expect in this kind of accessory. There’s a zippered pocket for coins, open slots for carrying credit and store loyalty cards, and larger pouches for bills and receipts. It’s slender so you won’t want to cram it with too many coins, but that only adds to its alluring good looks.

It seems a shame to hide this purse away inside a tote though. Its finish is so stunning, it deserves to be admired. If you know how to travel light, or you’ve got a boyfriend willing to hold your possessions, the Josie would make the perfect evening clutch. And for just $135, it’s an affordable party alternative!

More Features of This Abas Python Wallet

• Clasp closure
• Grosgrain lining
• Measures 4.5 x 7.5 x 0.75 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Abas Josie Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Abas bags on BagBunch
• The Abas Cate accordion wallet, a great alternative to this exotic bag.
• Searching for more Abas bags on eBay
• Other python wallets on eBay:

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

7 Chi reminds us that feminine good looks don’t have to come covered in bows or splashes of lurid pink with this gentle Rosa clutch.

The Rosa gets its girlish charms from its soft ruffled edges. The structured frills are pinked on the edges, which makes them a bit neater and more tailored. This is definitely a buttoned up kind of femininity, especially in this gray shade. The color has just a hint of pink, although it’s nothing that would offend those who favor conservatism.

The Rosa is also available in brown, but I’m not so enthusiastic about that hue. It has a deep grained surface, almost like wood, which really over-complicates the look. Those ruffles should take center stage, but they fight for attention with the finish.

While its looks impressed me, I’ve also been won over by all the carrying options 7 Chi offers. We can carry it clutch style, but if we’d prefer to go hands-free there are a couple of straps. The shortest one is made of chain threaded with complementary leather, while the longer cross-body strap is made exclusively with leather. Each strap is removable so we can enjoy a clean look no matter what mode it’s in.

7 Chi rarely works with leather, so I’m excited to see it doing so here, especially as the Rosa is still affordably priced at $85.

More Features of This 7 Chi Ruffled Purse

• Plainweave lining
• Zip top closure
• A short strap with an 8 inch drop
• A long adjustable strap with a 13 to 24 inch drop
• Measures 5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this 7 Chi Rosa Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More 7 Chi bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Alexis clutch bag, a great alternative to this ruffled bag.
• Searching for more 7 Chi bags on eBay
• Other ruffled clutch bags on eBay:

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