Disclaimer: I am really about to rave right now. This is one of the coolest bags I have ever seen in my life. Bottega Veneta has taken its signature chic and made it into something exotic and amazing. This small python messenger bag is a great example of a totally timeless, totally amazing accessory.

The teal color of this bag is so perfect, I don’t really know where to begin. It’s bright, but the color is slightly muted by the snakeskin texture. I’ve seen a lot of colorful exotic bags, lately, but none of them have pulled it off with this much panache.

The style of this bag is also really great. It’s a messenger, but all the edges have been rounded off, which makes it a lot sleeker and more feminine than your average messenger. That, and the size is more manageable. It’s really hard to see in the picture, but the bottom of the bag has intrecciato concertina-style sections (like an accordian), which gives it another bit of personality without hitting you over the head with obvious design gimmicks.

At $4,500, this bag is a significant investment, but one definitely worth making since it will always look as hip and contemporary as it does now.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Small Python Messenger Bag

• 11″ x 8″ x 6″ size
• 24″ strap drop
• Fully lined in  leather and brown suede

Get This Bottega Veneta Python Messenger:

• Available at Net-A-Porter
• Check the Passion 4 Fashion 4 Less eBaystore to see if this Bottega Veneta clutch is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a neon green alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Searching for other snakeskin messengers on eBay:

[phpbay]snake messenger purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Antik Batik is one of those quirky lines that manages to put bags on the mainstream market that somehow look totally one-of-a-kind. This fabulous Florine bag has a gorgeous, gilded bohemian look that is sparkly and subdued at the same time.

I am completely crazy about the material on the Florine. The suede base is supple and durable and the pastel sequin finish is extraordinary. The peach, gold, and gray geometric pattern has the perfect amount of subtle contrast. The braided, beaded strap is a beautifully delicate complement to the overall look.

One of the most interesting things about this bag is the way the delicate, shimmery material contrasts with the practical shape. It’s basically a simple messenger bag with a staggered front flap. The size is great for day, and even though I wouldn’t ordinarily consider sequins daytime fare, I feel like the Florine might be perfect with some jeans and pointy skimmers.

At $370, the Florine is amazingly priced for how decadent and luxurious it is. If you’re into a more opulent version of boho, it’s really a great buy.

More Features Of This Antik Batik Sequined Suede Shoulder Bag

• 10″ x 7″ x 1″ size
• 23″ handle drop
• Fully lined in designer-stamped cotton

Get this Antik Batik Florine Sequined Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Antik Batik bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Mitzy Hobo, a larger,  more minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Antik Batik bags on eBay
• Other sequined suede bags  on eBay:

[phpbay]sequin suede purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

The Marc by Marc Jacobs line is a budget fashionista’s dream. Its up to the minute styles are affordable and chic. Unfortunately, the Franny tote is not the best the line has to offer.

The gray PVC on the Franny tote leaves a lot to be desired. The snake embossing is just not that good. It’s not deep enough to give it the texture of actual snake skin, but it isn’t interestingly fake, either. The worst thing about the material is that it looks exactly like what it is: fake snake made out of PVC. The color isn’t bad though.

The Franny design itself is pretty cool. Its generous sizing means will accommodate more than most women need to carry in a day, including a laptop and all its accessories. Unfortunately, the shoulder strap is pretty thin and flimsy, so it’s not really going to be that comfortable to carry. And despite the fact that it will be conveniently waterproof, I’m just not sure I would want to carry around this gray plastic all day.

At $360, the Franny is totally affordable, but since it’s not that interesting, it really should be.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Franny Snake Effect PVC Tote

• 18″ x 13″ x 6” size
• 7″ strap drop
• Fully lined in brown and white twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Franny Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other gray snake print totes on eBay:[phpbay]gray snake tote handbag,2,””, “”[/phpbay]

Gucci seems to have taken inspiration from Louis Vuitton with this GG tote.

You must see what I mean; the colors and tones of this GG monogrammed purse resemble the designs of Gucci’s famous competitor. The main difference (apart from the lettering, obviously!) is the choice of fabric. Rather than leather or plain canvas, Gucci have opted to make this luxurious tote out of something they call “crystal canvas.” Highly glossy, this is a patent canvas that is durable and clearly expensive. It takes the whole “canvas bag” idea into a new (and very posh) dimension.

Still, even with the fancy patent technology $599 is a lot of money for a bag. The leather trim and spacious interior are good, but I am not convinced that they do anything remarkable enough to make this worth as much as it is priced at. Still, if you want a brand name bag that is unlikely to go out of fashion, this could be one tote that you will carry around for many years to come.

Sleek, smart and sophisticated, this is the designer lover’s tote.

More Features of this Gucci Patent Tote

• Single interior zipped pocket
• Magnetic closure
• Dual leather handles
• “Crystal” patent canvas exterior

Get this Designer GG Handbag:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay:

[phpbay]Gucci Crystal GG Medium Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Louis Vuitton Suhali L’Ingenieux tote, a great alternative to this monogrammed bag.
• Searching for more canvas and leather bags on eBay

Few things get me in the mood for spring like flowers and bright, white handbags. Combine the two as Big Buddha has with the Arlene and it must be a recipe for seasonal success!

We’ve seen many designers play with structured flowers like this, but it’s rare to see a mainstream label create blooms as lovely as these ones. Valentino himself would be proud of these perfectly layered petals and leaves! Of course, he’d charge us much more than $90 for them.

It’s not unexpected that Big Buddha had to cut corners to deliver a bag so beautiful for under the magic $100 mark. This is synthetic, and by some accounts not a high quality one at that. Customers have reported the colors flaking off before long, so don’t be surprised if you only get a season or two from it.

While it lasts though the Arlene will be a lovely spring companion, adding some femininity to a favorite jeans and T-shirt ensemble and serving as a perfect partner to a flowing dress. White is a color that scares many bagistas as it shows stains so easily, but it’s just one of ten available shades. Which is your favorite Arlene?

More Features of This Big Buddha Flower Satchel

• Gold-toned hardware
• Zip top closure
• Metal feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• A detachable adjustable strap with an 11 to 23.5 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 15 x 13 inches

Get this Big Buddha Arlene Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Arlene, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Wild Cherry Style 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 patent Big Buddha Arlene bag, a great alternative to this matte bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

I was down with the return of neon colors, but I never imagined our obsession with the 80s would see fanny packs on the comeback trail. However the evidence is undeniable, with high-end designers and celebrities all embracing the retro belted satchel.

Several of our favorite designers will release fanny packs this season. In fact, Diane von Fusternberg is releasing a whole range of the hands-free purses! Her creative director Yvan Mispelaere says they will have “a functional shape, but with a touch of glamour, a touch of luxury and a touch of seriousness.” We can expect to pay $325 for DVF’s brand new fanny packs.

If you thought that was steep, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Korean-American designer Sang A Im-Propp has made a belt bag from alligator skin, with an high-class price tag to match. Would you spend $1995 on an exotic fanny pack?

If you needed further proof that fanny packs are back, just look to the celebrities. The always ahead of the trends pop star Rihanna loves her Louis Vuitton fanny pack. Ciara was also seen wearing a red fanny pack in her latest music video.

Fashion forecasters are telling me otherwise, but I’m still not sure we’re ready for the return of the fanny pack. Would you wear one?

[Source: Click On Detroit]
[Image Source: Jason Anfinsen/Flickr]

Fanny Packs on eBay

[phpbay]fanny pack, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Some artfully placed grommets and stitching help Kooba’s Bryce bucket bag turn heads.

It’s rare for a bag in a mellow shade like taupe to draw me in, but this handbag has done it. The leather laced grommets and diagonal stitched seams are really quite stunning. They make this traditionally shaped bucket bag interesting but not obnoxious, particularly in this subtle shade. It’s a bit darker and warmer than the nudes we’ve been seeing, and I think a bit more wearable.

The drawstring closure adds to the Bryce’s relaxed style, but it’s a bit fiddly to use. Coupled with the magnetic closure underneath, it almost seems like too much effort to get in and out of this bag. On the plus side though, at least security isn’t an issue!

Kooba offers the Bryce in a few more color combinations, but they leave me a bit cold. The black leather contrasts with the golden grommets, making them stand out and seem a bit too trend conscious for my tastes. And then there’s the olive green snake print; it’s rich but that texture detracts from the Bryce’s design. Sometimes you’ve just got to know when enough is enough.

More Features of This Kooba Grommets Bucket Bag

• Twill lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 13 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kooba Bryce Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kooba Bryce bucket bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the ChicBoutique OC eBay store to see if this Kooba bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The whip-stitched Kooba Bryce bag, a great alternative to this grommet detailed bag.
• Searching for more Kooba bags on eBay