Forget hobos. B. Makowsky shows us that shoppers can be just as boho chic with this Dakota handbag.

This purse is relaxed and carefree, with its slouchy profile and long tassels. The high quality leather slouches in all the right places, working with the drawstring to create the kind of bag Sienna Miller would adore.

I love the Dakota’s soft, bohemian looks, but I know it’d be a pain to use. Drawstrings are fiddly to manage and not as secure as snaps or zips. Thankfully we have the zippered pockets up front and another inside for carrying anything really precious, but no one wants to worry about their cargo going missing. That unstructured profile will also make such an enormous bag difficult to manage, so be prepared to wrestle with it a little.

It’s got its practical limitations, but B. Makowsky hasn’t forgotten about functionality altogether. There are several interior pockets to complement the ones outside, and each one is trimmed in leather to make it last. The metal feet on the base will help keep that Dijon mustard colored leather looking its best, and the straps are wide and soft.

It’s not perfect, but at $278 I’m willing to accept a little less than that, especially when it’s wrapped up in such a good looking package.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Boho Shopper

• Leopard print lined interior
• Measures 3.6 x 15 x 10 inches

Get this B. Makowsky Dakota Handbag:

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

[phpbay]B. Makowsky Dakota shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Grannie’s Gifts eBay store to see if this B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Dakota cross-body bag, a great alternative to this shopper bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

With a pop of color and some fashion forward details, Big Buddha has created a stylish casual satchel with this Jackie bag.

This is one of those handbags that manages to incorporate modern details well into a time honored design. The Jackie’s shape is just as we’d expect, but the scalloped perforated trim helps to make it a bit more fashion forward. These accents work really well with the vivid blue color to create a bag which seems both contemporary, yet determined to stay in vogue.

Its practical design holds its own too, with just the right amount of space for everyday use and just enough functional features. The complementary blue lining is stunning, and it’s got enough pockets inside and out to make its generous size feel manageable. The handles are slightly too short to feel comfortable, but it’s also got a long cross-body strap for easy over-the-shoulder or cross-body carrying.

I’ve mentioned the blue color because frankly the others let me down a little. The yellow is that drab, almost mustardy shade, and the details tend to get lost in the black. I can’t fault Big Buddha for offering choices though, and it does that with red and white options too. Whatever color Jackie you warm to, you’ll be thrilled to find it costs just $89.95.

More Features of This Big Buddha Perforated Satchel

• Top entry with zip closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• An attachable strap with a 14 to 25 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 13 x 6 inches

Get this Big Buddha Jackie Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Jackie satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Candy satchel bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Britney Spears has revealed she’s an online shopping addict who often succumbs to the charms of designer handbags and jackets.

The pop princess, who’s about to release her brand new studio album Femme Fatale, says that she loves to shop in online boutiques rather than heading to the mall. Considering the army of paparazzi that follows her every move, I can’t say that I blame her!

And when we consider the millions that her early pop singles made, I also can’t blame her for lacking a bit of self control when it comes to fashion. She told Us Magazine that she owns more than 50 purses and more than 50 jackets. If I bought every fashion item I fell for online, I’m sure I’d have a much more crowded closet!

I only wish that Us Magazine had revealed which designers have earned pride of place in Britney’s wardrobe. We’ve seen her carrying handbags by Versace, Nancy Gonzalez, and Chloe. I also wouldn’t be surprised if she scored a few Candie’s purses after her modeling gig in 2009. But what else do you think is in Britney’s closet? I know I could go nuts in those online shopping boutiques, but I wonder which bags have stolen her heart!

[Source: Independent Woman]
[Image Source: Peter Cruise/Wikipedia Commons]

With its sexy curves and stitching, there are certainly shades of Chloe’s Marcie bag in this affordable Dakota purse from Melie Bianco.

If you can afford the original, I can’t imagine the Dakota would tempt you. But as a designer substitute, this one does a pretty good job. What I like most about it though is that it doesn’t completely mimic the Chloe bag; it simply takes inspiration from it. The Marcie’s braided handles are traded for a more practical cross-body strap, and Melie Bianco’s polka dot lining is much more fun than Chloe’s drab green-gray material.

Of course, for a mere $85 we don’t expect the sort of luxury materials Chloe uses. The synthetic material is great quality though, and its pebbled texture helps it pass for genuine leather.

The Dakota’s practical cross-body strap is paired with a spacious interior. That satiny spotted lining instantly won me over, but it’s also got the right amount of pockets and space.

For me the biggest disappointment is the choice of colors. The Dakota has a real Western vibe, so the selection of poppy turquoise blue or hot fuchsia pink seems really strange. Some more sedate options, including tan or chocolate brown, would have worked much better with this style.

More Features of This Melie Bianco Cross-Body Saddle Bag

• Zip top closure
• An adjustable cross-body strap with an 18.75 to 21.75 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 11 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Melie Bianco Dakota Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Chloe Marcie python bag, an exotic alternative to this saddle bag.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco bags on eBay
• Other cross-body saddle bags on eBay:

[phpbay]cross-body saddle, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

For centuries handbags were strictly a female domain, but it seems the tide is turning. Rebecca Minkoff has launched her man bag collection, Ben Minkoff, and it’ll soon by joined by similar lines from Coach, Jimmy Choo, and Swarovski, to name a few.

Fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily says that the trend towards masculine accessories is driven by a variety of cultural changes. Men’s fashion is becoming a mainstream concern, and this has allowed men to feel freer to accessorize.

And let’s not forget all of those irresistible tech gadgets that require bags to protect them while they’re in transit. When once men only needed to worry about holding their keys and credit cards, they now want to have their technology at their fingertips. MP3 players and cell phones can fit in pockets, but it’s much harder to have a tablet or laptop on your person!

Many men, particularly those living in busy metropolitan centers, are also ditching their car in favor of public transport options. This is another factor leading to a greater need for bags to transport office essentials.

When you think about it, it only makes sense for men to start carrying bags around just as women have done for centuries. Do you embrace the trend towards man bags, or do you think they’re still strictly for metrosexuals?

[Source: Racked]
[Image Source: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr]

Man Bags on eBay

[phpbay]man bag, 2, “”, tent sculpture[/phpbay]

Felix Rey lays its heart on its purse with this romantic I Heart You Pochette.

The designer often crosses the line between whimsical and novelty, and I think he may have done it again here. The concept is sound, but the execution is just a bit obvious. I love the kookiness of the spotted brass metal mesh body, but it’s overshadowed by that larger than life heart. Its size dwarfs the pochette, and the black crystals are just a further attempt to dominate the design. I just wish Felix Rey had reined things in a little, because this purse had real potential.

That large heart will make clutching this pochette awkward, so it’s disappointing that there’s no shoulder strap or wrist loop to help us out. While we’re talking limitations it’s also worth noting that this purse is very small. I’m not even sure my evening essentials could fit inside it, so I hope you know how to travel light.

Considering its size and practical constraints, I think Felix Rey has a hide charging $140 for this pochette. Sorry Felix Rey; I’m just not feeling the love.

More Features of This Felix Rey Spotted Mesh Pochette

• Zip top closure
• Printed faille lining
• Measures 3.5 x 4.25 x 1.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Felix Rey I Heart You Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Felix Rey bags on BagBunch
• The Felix Rey I Heart You clutch bag, a great alternative to this pochette bag.
• Searching for more Felix Rey bags on eBay
• Other Felix Rey mesh bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Felix Rey mesh, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

In 2006 Joy Gryson gave us her signature line, Gryson. In 2008 she served up more affordable, youthful accessories with Olivia Harris, a collection named for her daughter. And now, as we’re emerging from the global financial crisis, Joy Gryson is offering opulence with her 2011 collection, Capsule by Joy Gryson.

These purses are seriously luxurious, made with exotic skins including shark, stingray, and python, and furs such as Mongolian lamb, astrakham, and Karakul wool. Something tells me Joy Gryson won’t please PETA with the line, but if you can put aside the animal cruelty aspect it’s easy to appreciate the range’s rich good looks.

There are eight different evening bags in all in two different shapes. Choose from the structured box clutches with removable chain straps, or more traditional teardrop shapes. The purses are embellished with polished pyrite, distressed metallic foil, iron’s eye stones, and ebony trim.

There are so many affordable diffusion lines flooding the market at the moment, so I’m thrilled to see Joy Gryson going in a completely different direction. I may not be able to afford the prices she’s commanding, but I’ll have a lot of fun drooling over those purses! Look for Joy Gryson’s Capsule collection in stores this fall.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

Joy Gryson Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Joy Gryson, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Feathers can have a tendency to lean towards the drag queen end of the fashion spectrum, but if used wisely they can actually be a very glamorous and stylish decoration. Thankfully this is exactly the case in this Zara Terez clutch.

You see, the feathers don’t dominate the body of this purse, but are instead used to highlight the shape. This is the same on all of the other versions and color combinations; the  various shades of feathers and beads line the curved flap, making the shape stand out that much more.

With a soft suede leather body, the Birds purse is luxury to the max, hence the $315 price tag. The luxury is built on, somewhat surprisingly, by a sparkling glittery interior, which no-one saw coming!

More Features of this Zara Terez Birds Clutch

• Suede exterior
• Genuine feather trim
• Glittery interior with zip pocket
• Optional long strap

Get this Feather Decorated Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More feather bags on BagBunch
• The Maison Martin Margiela feather clutch, a great alternative to this luxury bag.
• Searching for more feather bags on eBay
• Other Zara Terez bags on eBay:

[phpbay]zara terez bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Vera Bradley looks to bring a bit of color to your everyday with this fun Jazzy clutch from her Patchwork collection.

Vera Bradley has fun with patchwork here, using curved swatches of her signature fabrics to create a finish which is quite stylish and modern. What it lacks in luxury it certainly makes up for in personality. This is definitely an improvement over those tired old square patches!

The Jazzy clutch looks relatively simple, but its interior is actually packed with features. I was pleasantly surprised to find slots for five cards tucked away in there. That might not be enough for a serious shopping spree, but in a purse that seems so basic at first I’m thankful for what we get!

Hand-held clutching’s all well and good, but it can become tiresome by the end of the day. Thankfully Vera Bradley adds a removable wrist strap for those times we want to go hands free.

Vera Bradley’s crammed a lot of value into this purse, which helps to justify its price tag of $45. That’s a bit expensive for a Vera Bradley bag, especially one so small, but I’m still seriously tempted.

More Features of This Vera Bradley Fabric Clutch

• Zip top closure
• A 6-inch removable wrist strap
• Measures 10.75 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Get this Vera Bradley Jazzy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Vera Bradley Jazzy clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Faux Pas Memphis eBay store to see if this Vera Bradley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vera Bradley bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley Jazzy clutch bag in Call Me Coral, a great alternative to this purple bag.
• Searching for more Vera Bradley bags on eBay

Coach does away with its famous signature prints for this sleek Mia Mini Maggie Purse. Personally, I think it’s a better bag for it.

Some Coach fans may like to carry around those telltale C covered handbags, but fashion is moving towards a more minimalist, less showy aesthetic. This pretty purse fits in with that perfectly.

Without a signature print to distract us we can focus on the details. I love that rich pinky purple raspberry shade; it’s girly but not incredibly sugary. I can just imagine the playful pop of color it’d bring to a neutral outfit. The V-shaped pleat is also stylish, as are the antique style brass buttons near the handles.

Coach calls this a mini bag, but we all know size is a relative term in the fashion game. While it’s smaller than the average day bag, I don’t think it’s quite as pint-sized as that name would lead us to believe. With some careful packing I think everything we really need could fit inside it, and with style like this it might be worth the effort.

I’m sure many minimalists out there will be tempted by this Coach offering, particularly when they spot its relatively reasonable $198 price tag.

More Features of This Coach Patent Leather Mini Bag

• Made of leather
• Zip top closure
• Fully lined interior
• Zip, cell phone, and multifunction pockets inside
• Dual straps with a 9.25 inch drop
• Measures 9.25 x 7.25 x 3.75 inches

Get this Coach Mia Maggie Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Coach Mia Maggie Mini, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Pro Shopper 4 You eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The large Coach Mia Maggie bag, a great alternative to this mini bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay