Reed Krakoff released his new line to great fanfare. As the head designer at Coach for many years, he was able to bridge the gap between high design and the mainstream consumer. This Gym Bag I is a great example of Krakoff’s refined, sophisticated aesthetic.

The crisp pale gray leather is so close to white that it passes easily for a summertime staple, but could also easily work with your winter or fall wardrobe. The delicately pebbled texture of the bag is akin to its tone; it’s so subtle that you’ll overlook it if you’re not paying attention, but its subtlety is crucial to the overall look of the bag.

What really makes the bag work is the clean, but interesting, design of the bag. At a glance, it looks like a simple rectangle, but the small details show the quality of thought behind the design and construction. The cutouts on the top corners of the bag are a really interesting design feature, but I’m not entirely sure they’re the most practical feature. I’m already having visions of the bag overturning and being left with change and keys on the ground beneath me, but maybe that’s just because I’m a klutz.

Despite this one small foible, the bag is beautiful, and at $790, it’s quite a buy.

More Features Of The Reed Krakoff Gym I Leather Bag

• 18″ x 13″ x 6″ size
• 3″ shoulder strap
• Removable shoulder strap
• Lined in grey twill

Get This Reed Krakoff Gym I Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Joe’s Jeans Tess Tote, an edgy, inexpensive alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Reed Krakoff items on eBay
• Searching for gray leather handbags on eBay:

[phpbay]gray leather handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I am slowly establishing the fact that Michael Stars likes to produce handbags that are textually interesting.

What hinted this to me? Well, where to start? I could talk about the tightly woven and summery soft straw body. Alternatively, I could point to the cross-hatch upper layer, which is in a synthetic leather fabric whose smoothness contrasts with that rustic straw. Put together, it is a mish mash of textures, feels and styles, which I sense may cause a bit of a love/hate reaction in some people.

The over all effect of the Fishnet clutch, if I am honest, can be summed up in one word: rural. For some reason it brings to mind straw hats, and fishing nets, and sunny days sat by the river. Whether this is good or not, I don’t really know! What do you think?

Real leather would have been nice, but at least it does make this straw purse a lot more affordable!

More Features of this Michael Stars Straw Clutch

• Also available in “natural”
• Single interior zip pocket
• Wristlet handles
• Synthetic leather and straw body

Get this Rustic Fishnet Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More straw bags on BagBunch
• The Magid Clear Cane clutch, a great alternative to this straw bag.
• Searching for more straw bags on eBay
• Other Michael Stars bags on eBay:

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Hilary Radley brings a bit of glitz to your everyday with this modern Metric Bucket Tote.

This Metric is a great example of the reason I tend to shy away from metallic colors on large bags. On a clutch it’d provide just a pop of shine, but on such a large bag the metallic tone tends to appear gaudy and overwhelming. That tackiness is only amplified on a synthetic surface, as it appears a bit too glossy. I do like the canvas-like finish Hilary Radley has used, but even that’s not enough to temper the pale silver hue.

While I like the look of the braided shoulder straps, I wonder why Hilary Radley chose to make them brown. I suppose the handles were intended to clash delightfully, but instead they just clash. It’s an interesting take on color-blocking though, so perhaps fans of this retro treatment would approve.

I’m much more enthusiastic about the Metric on a practical level. The cotton blend lining is of great quality, and those trimmed pockets should stack up to daily punishment. I also really like the zippered rear pocket, which will sit against your body for extra security.

The Metric is a bit too brash for my tastes, but at $100 I can’t deny that it’s a bargain.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Bucket Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Dual straps with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 17 x 8 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hilary Radley Metric Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hilary Radley metric, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Luggage World Online eBay store to see if this Hilary Radley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More bucket bags on BagBunch
• The Marc Jacobs The Small Parachute bag, a great alternative to this silver bucket bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay

Matt & Nat has unveiled a brand new collection of ikat handbags to raise money for charity.

Ikat is a traditionally loomed fabric in keeping with the label’s famous eco-friendly approach to design. There are four different styles to choose from and two bright color schemes: safari and purple haze.

Each limited edition ikat bag is green inside and out. They’re all lined with Matt & Nat’s famous suede like material made from recycled plastic water bottles.

Perhaps it’s fitting then that Matt & Nat are using this collection to raise money for a water focused charity. A significant $21 donation will be made to Charity: Water for each handbag sold. This charity ensures that people in poverty-stricken communities around the world have access to clean drinking water. That amount of $21 might seem like a strange figure to pick, but it’s actually the amount it costs to give one person sanitary drinking water.

The ikat bags are available now from Matt & Nat’s website and Mat & Nat retailers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Prices start at $165 for the Hendrix clutch and top $235 for the large Devo shoulder bag. Which one of the new limited edition ikat bags is your favorite?

[Source: Ecouterre]

Matt & Nat Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Matt Nat, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Lodis offers a retro alternative to all those bland, black briefcases with this Maxwell Jones office bag.

It won’t be for everyone, but I love the 70s style colors and diamond print on this briefcase. The extra nappy suede also helps transport us back in time. The olive-brown handles and trim completes this funky office bag.

That argyle print is well and good, but Lodis knows it’ll take more than that to impress hard nosed employees. The Maxwell Jones isn’t lousy with features, but it has enough practical perks to take care of business. It’s large enough to accommodate most laptops, and it’s got zip and open pockets for taking care of stationery and small gadgets.

I only wish Lodis had made the straps a bit longer, or even added a cross-body one. It’ll be fine for carrying about an office, but if you’ve got a long commute ahead things may get uncomfortable.

Stuffy offices might prove too stiff for the Maxwell Jones, but if you have a creative workplace this briefcase is a great way to add flair to your nine to five. At $468 it is on the pricy side though, so interns may have to do some serious saving.

More Features of This Lodis Diamond Suede Briefcase

• Zip top closure
• Twill lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 16 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Lodis Maxwell Jones Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Lodis Maxwell Jones briefcase, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lodis bags on BagBunch
• The Lodis Maxewll Donald iPad sleeve, a great alternative to this briefcase bag.
• Searching for more Lodis bags on eBay

Forget about the handles, say fashion trend forecasters. The latest way to hold a handbag is to disregard the straps and hold your purse underneath your arm. Called the “cradle hold,” the technique is already being practiced by in-the-know celebs like Naomi Campbell, Lily Allen, and Victoria Beckham.

The new trend was apparently born from our passion for clutching technology like the iPad and Kindle. Body language expert Judi James says that just like holding the technology, the cradle hold implies intellect rather than superficiality.

“This body look is pseudo professional, as though the women have a desire to be taken seriously in the boardroom.”

Far be it for me to argue with the experts, but it seems much smarter to me to use the handles bags were given. This new cradle hold sounds pretty impractical and awkward to achieve, particularly if your bag is large and packed to capacity, or if you’ve got a full day running errands planned. I can’t imagine carrying your bag this way would look clever at all; just like you don’t know how to hold a handbag the way it was intended. Call me old fashioned, but this new style trend confuses me.

Are you a fan of the cradle hold, or a skeptic like me?

[Source: This Is London]
[Image Source: Melissa Ramirez/Stock.xchng]

Lucky Brand plays it safe with this Carnaby Street bowler bag.

I’m used to seeing more bohemian efforts from Lucky Brand, so I was taken aback by how straight this bowler is. A little bit of braiding around the base is the only really original accent, but in a complementary color it’s pretty easy to miss.

While the Carnaby Street is a bit pedestrian, it shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. While it doesn’t push the envelope it is quite sophisticated, and made in classic colors that will work with everything in your closet. Don’t be surprised if this versatile little number becomes your go to bag.

It’s certainly up to the task, with its generous dimensions, practical front pocket, long shoulder straps, and hardy plainweave interior. A few little extras like protective feet and leather trimmed pockets would make me a little more comfortable with carrying it every day, but I also don’t expect these perks at this price point.

At $189 this bowler bag is a classic accessory worth considering.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Leather Bowler Bag

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 14.5 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Lucky Brand Carnaby Street Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the Cottagelane by Carrie Reis eBay store to see if this Lucky Brand bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lucky Brand bags on BagBunch
• The denim Lucky Brand Carnaby Street bowler bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Lucky Brand bags on eBay
• Other Lucky Brand bowlers on eBay:

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The Dylan is something of a familiar face in the Linea Pelle range, but it keeps bringing out new and exciting versions to keep us on our toes.

This particular release sees a vaguely familiar compact clutch shape, with a cute exterior pocket and little front flap. The main selling point, however, is that stunning perforated leather, which in combination with the limey-olive color makes quite a retro impression. You could just see this teamed with a little summer dress and some espadrilles!

Whilst that gorgeous pattern makes the leather the focal point, we mustn’t overlook the sensible design. The adjustable strap may well in fact be my favorite feature, as it gives so much more versatility, making this the sort of clutch some of us couldn’t live without. That said, no amount of versatility will change the fact that this color may not be everyone’s cup of tea, nor every outfit’s.

This perforated Dylan is a fun and flirty summer purse from a grown up brand.

More Features of this Linea Pelle Leather Clutch

• Perforated Italian leather exterior
• One exterior and one interior pocket
• Adjustable optional cross-body strap
• Zebra print lining

Get this Perforated Dylan Cross-Body:

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

[phpbay]linea pelle dylan perforated, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Linea Pelle bags on BagBunch
• The Rebecca Minkoff Heartthrob satchel, a great alternative to this perforated leather bag.
• Searching for more perforated leather bags on eBay

Gucci creates a Boston bag for the traditionalists with the Joy.

Honestly I think this bag’s a bit drab for one with such a cheerful name. Its tan signature printed coated canvas and chocolate leather trim are both conservative choices, and the shape is also predictable. Girls who love Gucci’s rich heritage will probably lap up that nod to the past, but I’m longing for something a bit more exciting.

Even though the design is a bit boring, the Joy certainly does its job. It’s spacious enough to suit daytime use as an office bag, carry-on case, or everyday handbag, and its subdued colors should easily work its way into any wardrobe. The single pocket has a big job to do, but this bag isn’t so overwhelming that I want many more. I also wish the straps were a bit longer, but what they lack in practicality they make up for in refined style.

But unfortunately the Joy is on the expensive side at $950. That’s a whole lot of cash for a purse predominantly made from canvas, no matter what prestigious name is attached.

More Features of This Gucci Signature Boston Bag

• Light golden Gucci embossed hardware
• Zip top closure
• Brown fabric lined interior
• Platform base
• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 9 x 7 inches
• Comes with a dust bag and Gucci booklet
• Made in Italy

Get this Gucci Joy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Gucci Joy boston, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the BondNY Luxury Accessories eBay store to see if this Gucci bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Gucci Crystal GG tote bag, a great alternative to this Boston bag.
• Searching for more Gucci bags on eBay