I recently told you about the Fashion Vault, eBay’s bargain basement home of brand new designer goodies. On Monday the site will open up the vault doors to clear out handbags from two of our favorite designers, Carlos Falchi and Betsey Johnson.

These designers are rarely mentioned in the same circles, so it’s surprising that they’re part of the same sale. But perhaps this is a smart move on eBay’s part. The Carlos Falchi bags will appeal to classic beauties who appreciate exotic skins and the finest things in life. Meanwhile girls who just want to have fun can embrace their flamboyant side with the Betsey Johnson purses! No matter what your flavor, you’ll no doubt enjoy the savings of up to 65%!

But you’ll need to be quick though. The Fashion Vault opens on Monday, February 28, at 9 am Pacific Time, and slams shut on Friday, March 4, at 9 pm. However don’t expect the most popular bags to stay stocked for all five days!

[Source: eBay Fashion Vault]

Carlos Falchi Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Carlos Falchi, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Sara Berman seems dedicated to recreating some of the best looks from the 80s for a new generation. I’m not entirely sure, though, that she knows how to pick the trends that actually deserve a reprisal. This Elfie shoulder bag is awkward in so many ways.

First of all, this burnt umber color is not terribly interesting. And the suede, once its been woven, takes on the texture of velour. Actually, come to think of it, the fabric that this reminds me of chenille, and I don’t mean that as a compliment. It reminds me of horribly tacky throw blankets. Also, the looseness of the weave ensures that the liner will show through in a not very elegant way.

The shape of the Elfie is, also, not interesting. It’s a hobo in the manner of those hippie-dippie late 80s hobos that teenagers who hung out in malls carried. Basically, I can’t find anything nice to say about the Elfie except that it’s not poorly made, despite its appearance.

But really, for $470 being well made is the minimum that I expect from a bag.

More Features Of The Sara Berman Elfie Woven Suede Shoulder Bag

• 20″ x 16″ x 3″ size
• 14″ handle drop
• Fully lined
• Magnetic fastening at top

Get this Stevie Elfie Bag by Sara Berman:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sara Berman bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag, hip alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Sara Berman bags on eBay
• Other brown suede hobos on eBay:
  [phpbay]brown suede hobo handbag, 2, “”,””[/phpbay]

Gorjana makes the traditional boxy tote a bit more feminine with the Greenwich.

The shape is something we’ve all seen before, but the cleverly placed studs and ruched diagonal panels give it a new dimension. These voluminous stripes make the Greenwich more feminine, but in this subtle pale gray you could never accuse it of being girly. Our other option is also office appropriate; a deep blue-gray shade called indigo. Girly girls may long for something a bit more spirited, but considering a tote’s everyday application I think these conservative shades are very appropriate. They temper those ruches just enough, helping the Greenwich work in the office as well as it does after quitting time.

If you do intend to make it an office bag it’s worth noting its limitations though. While the Greewich is a good size it is slim, so you may struggle to fit a laptop inside it. And if you can, there’ll be room for little else! However if you don’t need portable technology it’s certainly capable of carrying the things that you do!

Considering its style and high quality materials, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Greenwich priced at $395.

More Features of This Gorjana Ruched Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Herringbone fabric lined interior
• A single strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 13.5 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Gorjana Greenwich Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gorjana bags on BagBunch
• The Gorjana Greenwich cross-body bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Gorjana bags on eBay
• Other ruched tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]ruched tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The Michael Kors line is unusual in that I usually prefer his diffusion line to the signature collection. But this sassy orange bag is so cool that I might just change my mind. I often enough find the MK collection lacking in zest and personality, but this bag has both in spades.

The burnt orange color of this bag is absolutely perfect. It’s bright enough to be eye-catching, but subdued enough to be versatile. The combination of the color and the smoothly pebbled texture is reminiscent of Hermes, but the style is so different from the Hermes aesthetic that it doesn’t seem like a rip off or knock off.

The ultra-structured shape of this bag is so ideal. Its boxiness makes it perfect for women who like to organize their handbags like filing cabinets, with everything fitting neatly in place. I’m not always a fan of bags this boxy because of the awkward way they fit against the body, but Michael Kors has solved this problem by keeping the size reasonable and the strap short.

This is an extremely well-designed bag, and one of my MK favorites. It’s also not badly priced at $595.

More Features Of The Michael Kors Structured Leather Handbag

• 9″ x 3″ x 3″ size
• 14″ strap drop
• Interior pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in beige twill

Get this Michael Kors Structured Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, a very cool alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors handbags on eBay
• Other orange leather bags on eBay:

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

Reed Krakoff’s new eponymous line has really impressed me so far. When I heard news of it, nightmares of logo-covered mallsy crap flashed through my mind, but I was so wrong. Krakoff has proven himself to be an interesting and subtle designer. This Bridle tote is a great example of where his fledgling line is headed.

The color combination on this bag is pretty classic, but the prominence of the mustard yellow leather makes it really eye-catching. I’m not even a big fan of mustard, but it really does look great here. The contrast with the black leather makes it look warm and bright at the same time.

I am seriously infatuated with the shape of this bag. It’s like a classic ladylike satchel, but with these wider sides that give it a more exaggerated geometric look. I basically like everything about this bag, even though it’s completely not within my usual style parameters. Which just goes to show that the editorial excitement of Krakoff’s line was very well deserved, even if I was formerly in the naysayer camp.

More Features Of The Reed Krakoff Bridle Two-Tone Leather Tote

• 15″ x 12″ x 8″ size
• 5″ shoulder strap
• Lined in grey twill

Get This Reed Krakoff Bridle Tote:

• 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 two-toned handbags on eBay:

[phpbay]two tone handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Simple and utterly desirable, this classic silver clutch shows just how to make complex beading look incredibly good!

Unlike many over-decorated purses, there is something understated about the Luna. Perhaps the simple linear shape and angular design keep it so sophisticated; this is no wild splash of beads and colors, but more of a practised and thought through arrangement. The delicate layered beads, in all those different shapes just works, simply and truly.

Whilst this long clutch looks like it is made in glittery canvas, it is actually leather. This knocks the evening bag up in the luxury stakes, as does the the convenient wrist strap. All that could make it better in my opinion would be a drop in shoulder strap, and maybe an interior pocket.

The Luna clutch is smart and sophisticated, not to mention very pretty!

More Features of this Donald J Pliner Beaded Clutch

• Metallic leather exterior
• Delicate beaded decoration
• Optional wrist strap
• Magnetic clasp

Get this Luxury Luna Evening Bag:

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

[phpbay]donald j pliner luna, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Stuart Weitzman Stanza clutch, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more beaded bags on eBay

New York artist Gina Nagy Burns is giving accessories a bit more flair with her unusual business The Painted Sole. Nagy Burns treats shoes and handbags like canvases, and turns them into wearable works of art.

Nagy Burns works with her clients’ own items, whether they’re beloved accessories in need of a facelift or new shoes and handbags lacking in individuality. Some of her favorite surfaces include silk, satin, suede, and nubuck, but she’ll happily work on leather or any other material you desire.

Extensive consultation ensures the customers are generally thrilled with the finished works.

“It’s a very collaborative effort,” explained Nagy Burns. “The client can send me their own image references or use my gallery and archive, and then I will send them a sketch. However, I will do a freehand design on the actual accessory so it doesn’t look like a print.“

Prices vary depending on the accessory’s finish and the design’s intricacy, but expect to pay several hundreds of dollars for your customized purse. Remember too that this cost doesn’t include the accessory itself. Original art never comes cheaply though!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: The Painted Sole]

Handpainted Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]handpainted, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ordinarily I’m about as enthusiastic about gym bags as I am about the gym itself, but Puma has managed to pique my interest with this Volcano Grip Bag.

The Volcano looks athletic, but not in that sloppy way that cotton totes and sweats do. This is the kind of bag you’d imagine the girl with her perfect ponytail and sexy little singlet top carrying to a yoga class, where you know she’d barely break a sweat. It’s just got that refinement that we rarely see in a sporting accessory. The familiar is Puma formstripe is subtly defined with stitching, and the bright red color is eye-popping without being too brash.

Anyone craving real luxury may be disappointed that the Volcano is made from synthetic rather than leather, but let’s get real. This is a gym bag, and a high-quality synthetic is really all most of us need, particularly when it’s priced under the magic $100 mark.

While this is a sophisticated looking sports bag, it’ll still do the job. The generously sized interior is ready for carrying your sweat towels and stinky sneakers after a serious training session, and the polyester lining shouldn’t hold odors.

The Volcano has made such an impression on me I’m almost considering digging out my work clothes and sweating it out at my local gym … almost.

More Features of This Puma Stitched Grip Bag

• Zipper closure
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 18 x 8 inches
• Also available in purple
• Made in China

Get this Puma Volcano Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Check the Rock’s Sports Accessories Store eBay store to see if this Puma bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Puma bags on BagBunch
• The Puma Volcano Tote bag, a great alternative to this grip bag.
• Searching for more Puma bags on eBay
• Other Puma Volcano bags on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Puma Volcano, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Prostate cancer survivor and Shusokumb creator Robert Ginyard has pledged to donate a portion of his brand’s sales to Zero – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. The initiative looks to eradicate prostate cancer, which is currently the second-deadliest cancer for men.

“Because of my wife’s active involvement in my health, and the fact that most women are generally more proactive when it comes to health issues, it was a no-brainer to donate a portion of the sales of Shusokumb® bags to Zero – The Project to End Prostate Cancer,” explained Ginyard.

“It is my hope that by making a contribution to Zero, we increase awareness and support an organization that has zero tolerance for prostate cancer, and is committed to improving the lives of men and their families.“

The multiple compartments of Shusokumb totes have seen them become popular with women who like to wear comfy sneakers or flats for their commute before changing into heels for the office. The totes are available at major retailers including Nordstrom, Strawbridge’s, Woodward & Lothrop, and the Shusokumb website.

[Source: PR Newswire]
[Image Source: Shusokumb website]

Cancer Charity Bags on eBay

[phpbay]cancer, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Imoshion tries to recapture the dramatic fashion looks of yesteryear with the Diana. But I wonder whether it’s overreached here.

The competing elements cause me to hesitate here. On separate bags I’d applause the feminine finish of the lacy crochet, the effect of contrasting leatherette trim, and the nostalgic bamboo handle. But all together? I’m just not sure. It makes the Diana look like it’s trying too hard to be a precious heirloom passed down through generations rather than the real deal.

I am thankful for the modern creature comforts though. The Diana isn’t enormous by modern standards, but it’s got so many compartments that it feels much bigger than it really is. Credit card slots and pouches for gadgets are welcome 21st century additions. The bamboo-fashioned turn-lock clasp keeps everything together.

$80 isn’t a bad price for a purse like this, but I think you’d find something cheaper and more authentic at a thrift store.

More Features of This Imoshion Vintage Satchel

• A central zippered compartment with zippered pocket and two open pockets
• A slip compartment on the back
• Snap closing compartment on the front
• Polka dot print polyester lining
• A bamboo handle with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 7.5 x 12 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Imoshion Diana Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the Nanna’s Knick-Knacks eBay store to see if this Imoshion bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Imoshion bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Summer Clutch bag, a great alternative to this bamboo handle bag.
• Searching for more Imoshion bags on eBay
• Other vintage satchel bags on eBay:

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