The La Boheme brings Jack Rogers’ signature chunky stitching to a simple rectangular tote.

If the shape is simple, the design is anything but. Firstly we have that panel of tiny circles of leather, stitched delicately with a cross hatch pattern of thin thread. It’s textured, complicated, and interesting. Above that is the more decorative part, with thin panels and round sections featuring chunky stitches. Were it not all one shade, that brushed silvery gold, then it would seem somewhat over the top, but in the single color it manages to somehow work.

That said, Jack Rogers does seem to have some trouble reining the La Boheme in. Even the handle is decorative, with that twisted leather design. I do wonder whether this might dig into your shoulder, something that is boring but important!

There is certainly plenty to keep you occupied on this leather tote, but the question is whether all that detail justifies the price of $270. What do you reckon?

More Features of this Jack Rogers Metallic Tote:

• Also available in brown and black
• Glazed leather exterior
• Single interior zip pocket

Get this Stitched La Boheme Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jack Rogers bags on BagBunch
• The Sondra Roberts Reese tote, a great alternative to this stitched bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Jack Rogers bags on eBay:

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I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard of the Tylie Malibu brand before. It certainly isn’t one of the design houses always being bandied about by the fashion elite, but I think that is something of a shame.

You see, the Gypsy clutch deserves recognition. It does, as expected, channel that boho “Romany” vibe, mainly in the form of that stylish leather thong that wraps around and around the centre of the purse. To go with the apparent stereotype, the carved metal beads and cute silver coins put me in mind of having my palm read in front of a beautiful vintage wooden caravan!

Yet whilst the skinny wrap seems boho, the rest of this purse seems actually quite luxurious. That deeply crinkled leather, for example, explains the $244 price tag. There are some other leather options, such a a patent gold, or snakeskin, but interestingly these somehow actually look cheaper.

The design of this beaded clutch may have worked better in a roll up shape to match the wrap thong, but all the same it is a pretty take on a plain leather purse.

More Features of this Tylie Malibu Gypsy Clutch:

• Available in a range of other colors and patterns
• Bead decorated leather wrap
• Leather exterior
• No interior pockets

Get this Skinny Beaded Wrap Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More wrap clutches on BagBunch
• The Berge Designs wrap clutch, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more leather clutches on eBay
• Other Tylie Malibu bags on eBay:

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Pilar Abril delivers an everyday satchel with a bit of attitude with the Selene.

The rust-colored synthetic is dressed up with a snakeskin print. The shine means most discerning fashionistas would never mistake this skin for the real thing, but it is pretty discolicious. If you view it as simply an interesting texture rather than a snake substitute, it’s easier to swallow.

The use of matte synthetic around the handles is a bit strange to me. While the colors are complementary, the difference between the finishes is a bit jarring. I do like the exposed zip which encircles this patch though; it gives the Selene just a hint of edge.

The Selene is one of those bags designed for everyday use rather than occasional wear. It’s roomy enough to stash everything you need and a few extras, and its pockets should keep those items organized. These are trimmed in more of that synthetic to help them hold up to everyday use. I imagine the Selene could get heavy when filled to capacity, but Pilar Abril does offer a longer cross-body strap to help us out.

For me the biggest sticking point is the price. At $186 it’s certainly not exorbitant, but it’s at that point where I start expecting leather. This satchel will certainly do the job, but I’m still not sure I see value.

More Features of This Pilar Abril Synthetic Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Logo print lining
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 15 x 5.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pilar Abril Selene Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Pilar Abril Selene, 2, “”, tote[/phpbay]

• Check the CSN Stores eBay store to see if this Pilar Abril bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pilar Abril bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Helen doctor satchel bag, a great alternative to this snakeprint bag.
• Searching for more Pilar Abril bags on eBay

Models have a reputation as being little more than walking coat hangers. But Patricia Velasquez is one model showing she’s much more than a pretty face. The Latina beauty is the brains behind the Wayuu Taya Foundation and its colorful boho bags.

The foundation looks to improve the lives of the Wayuu people living in the Guajira Peninsula of Northern Columbia and northwest Venezuela. However its careful that these improvements not come at the cost of the tribe’s beliefs, traditions, and culture. This population suffers from a range of problems including poverty, malnutrition, lack of education, and gastrointestinal disease caused from a lack of clean drinking water.

Women in these communities create the Wayuu Taya handbags at Shukumajaya, a center which teaches the handicraft alongside lessons on parenting, nutrition, hygiene, and family planning. Proceeds from the sale of the bags are distributed amongst the artisans.

Unless stated, every bag on the Wayuu Taya Foundation website is a one-of-a-kind. You’ll ordinarily pay a lot more for something so unique, and it won’t come with that dose of good karma!

[Source: Goodlifer]

At its best ruching can soften a handbag and show off the quality of its leather. At its worst the accent looks a little something like this.

I’m not sure what Zac Posen did wrong here, but the result looks off to me. The ruched finish sits awkwardly, and the bows at the side only add insult to injury. The frame also seems out of place, rising about the ruches like some kind of disappointing phoenix. Yeah, I’m just not feeling this one.

It’s a shame because were it a better looking bag I could really dig it. Posen’s definitely delivered on the practical front. That wide shoulder strap is adjustable and detachable, so we can work this purse as a clutch, shoulder bag, or a cross-body depending on our mood. The size is just right too; not too big to work in clutch mode, not so small that we have to leave the things we really need behind. And then we see those metal feet on the base ready to protect the soft leathery finish.

If we look at the quality of this purse, its $295 price tag seems quite reasonable. But its looks really let it down. I understand that this is from Posen’s affordable diffusion line, but style is one area I don’t expect him to skimp.

More Features of This Z Spoke by Zac Posen Purple Shoulder Bag

• Golden hardware
• Double zip fastening top
• Magnetic fastening pouch pockets at the sides
• Navy twill lined interior
• Zip and pouch pockets inside
• A single detachable handle with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 7 x 2 inches

Get this Zac Posen Ruched Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at The Outnet
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Zac Posen bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington Lindsay Duffel bag, a great alternative to this ruched bag.
• Searching for more Zac Posen bags on eBay
• Other ruched leather bags on eBay:

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Yali Derman has beaten the odds, and now she hopes her Carry On bags will help others do the same.

Yali was diagnosed with leukemia at age five, and again at nine. The sunny spot during her illness came from her involvement in the art and music therapy programs funded by K.I.D.S.S for Kids at Children’s Memorial Hospital, so it’s only fitting that proceeds from her new totes will benefit the initiatives that inspired her.

The Carry On totes are embellished with a peacock, an animal that holds great personal significance for this nursing student. For her the bird symbolizes renewal and new beginnings, themes she hopes will inspire anyone who buys her bags.

The Carry On totes will make their debut on Sunday, March 6 at Saks Fifth Avenue Renaissance Place in Highland Park, Illinois. Yali will be on hand at 11 am to present her collection and meet her fans. You can reserve a tote to pick-up at the event at Yali’s Carry On website.

[Source: Trib Local]
[Image Source: Yali’s Carry On website]

Who says that satin should only be seen on tiny clutch purses? Yves Saint Laurent throws out the rulebook with this Tanger tote.

By using satin, Yves Saint Laurent has made this simple tote bag much more sophisticated. It’s the sort of bag that seems made for lunch at the country club followed by dinner with a new beau or cocktails with the girls. The satin has a beautiful luster, and that distinctive stitched Y on front and back points to the bag’s heritage in an elegant, subtle way.

I am a little hesitant though. My fears may be unfounded, but I wonder how durable this tote will be. It’s so large that it seems to invite us to load it up, but can the satin withstand the pressure? It’s such a delicate cloth that I’m just not sure. Perhaps it punches above its weight, but for this price I’d want to be certain.

After all, Yves Saint Laurent never comes cheaply and at $645 the Tanger is no exception. If the material can withstand some punishment I’d probably be willing to pay that, but I’m not sure I’d take the risk.

More Features of This Yves Saint Laurent Satin Tote

• Gold-toned hardware
• Top snap closure
• Four protective feet on the base
• Satin lined interior
• Zip pocket and cell phone pouch inside
• Dual 15-inch handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 16.5 x 14 x 4 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Yves Saint Laurent Tanger Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Yves Saint Laurent Tanger, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Designer Discount Closet eBay store to see if this Yves Saint Laurent bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Yves Saint Laurent bags on BagBunch
• The Halston Heritage metallic cotton bag, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more Yves Saint Laurent bags on eBay

Mulberry is one of those lines that has kind of taken me by surprise. I had all but written it off as a bastion of conservative aesthetics, but lately, it is putting out some very fashionable, but still traditional, accessories. This Cory shoulder bag is the perfect example of how it is able to update its classic design sensibility for a modern audience.

The texture of the leather on the Cory is pitch perfect. It looks like a sort of glossy tweed, but it’s actually leather. This is great for someone like me, because I love the look of tweed, but the durability of leather is far more suited to my lifestyle. If you’re like me, there’s no way a nubbly fabric bag is going to last you very long.

The old-fashioned shape of the Cory is offset by the contemporary strap. By old-fashioned I don’t mean out-of-date, but it is more conservative and ladylike than a lot of today’s designs. The very structured look works well with the gold chain strap and prominent turn-lock closure, and the animal-print tassel adds the tiniest touch of edginess.

This is the perfect bag for a woman with conservative taste who still wants to look on trend. But its timeless design ensures that your $1,395 will be an investment that lasts longer than a single season.

More Features Of The Mulberry Mulberry Cory Textured Leather Shoulder Bag

• 13″ x 11″ x 5″ size
• 10″ strap drop
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in designer stamped twill

Get this Mulberry Cory Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mulberry bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Patent Leather Tote, a large, sleek alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Mulberry bags on eBay
• Other black tweed bags on eBay:
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You know when your best friend does something really embarrassing and you feel the need to apologize for her? That’s kind of how I feel about Lanvin right now. This is a line that I really, truly love, and I don’t think there’s any excuse for this drastically overpriced 22 Faubourg Cabas tote.

The natural color of the cotton canvas material that makes up this tote is fine. The gaudy, oversized flower appliques aren’t even that bad. In fact, I think with the right outfit, they could be really interesting. (I’m not quite sure what the right outfit is, but pay no mind.) The ribbon logo is even fine. But put all these elements together and what you have is a mess. A slightly artful mess, but a mess nonetheless.

There’s nothing revolutionary about the design of the 22 Faubourg tote. It’s fully lined, which is nice, and the handles seem sturdy. But honestly, it’s just a tote, and it’s not particularly pretty or interesting even though it is particularly expensive.

Seriously, I could see throwing down $150 for this thing, but $1,470? You’ve got to be joking.

More Features Of The Lanvin 22 Faubourg Cabas Appliqued Cotton Canvas Tote

• 15″ x 15″ x 6″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Lanvin 22 Faubourg Cabas Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Amalia Shoulder Bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin handbags on eBay
• Other floral canvas totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]floral canvas tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ooooh. Ooooooooh. I’m sorry; when presented with an item of such beauty as the Mairie tote, how am I meant to write anything coherent?

I’m a cynic normally. I like to pick flaws, to complain, to look first at the negatives of a handbag, and then at the positives. However, this is one of those rare bags that causes extensive waxing lyrical, and for that I apologize.

What I don’t apologize for, however, is my assertion that this patent tote is wonderful. Utterly classic, utterly classy, and utterly wonderful. What makes it so? Well, the high gloss of that patent leather, to start with, with the delicately crafted folds and ripples emphasizing its shine. Then the shape, clearly formal yet at the same time with enough fashion oomph to make it stand out in a sea of black tote bags.

Of course, a lot of it has to do with the name. Bally is such a leather connoisseur that it never disappoints, but even so, the Mairie seems a cut above the rest. Even the interior sings of practical expertise, with just the right number of pockets. In essence, this tote allows its owner to be sensible and fabulous all at the same time.

It may be yet another black tote, but it seems that this patent purse may have slain my heart.

More Features of this Luxury Bally Tote

• Also available in “blueberry” and “shell”
• Calfskin patent leather exterior
• Three interior compartments, one zipped
• Wide base with metal feet

Get this Patent Leather Mairie Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bally bags on BagBunch
• The Issac Mizrahi Spazzalato tote, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more patent leather bags on eBay
• Other Bally bags on eBay:

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