Diane von Furstenberg is known for being able to achieve balance between boho and upper crust styles, but she isn’t exactly known for being cutting edge. That is, however, exactly what I’d call the Harper: cutting edge. It contains some traditional design elements, but combines them in a way that is new and interesting.

Honestly, when I first looked at the Harper, I had trouble figuring out what exactly was going on on the bag. It has sort of a sculptural look, and the colorblocking creates an almost trompe l’oeil effect that is a bit disorienting. But von Furstenberg’s combination of black, olive, and white leathers with a large amount of bright brushed gold hardware is disorienting in a modern art sort of way that I really like.

The geometric patchwork of the leather is interesting in its own right, but the softly rounded shape of the bag hems it in and makes it work. I love the over-sized clasp on the front. You can’t even call it a clasp, really; it’s more of a plate. The white leather tassel adds a little of that signature DVF boho appeal, but manages to meld well with the overall design.

I usually don’t like bags with this much going on, but somehow it all comes together quite well on the Harper. I’d say that $425 is more than reasonable for an accessory that is sure to become a collector’s item.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Harper Small Tasseled Leather Shoulder Bag

• 6″ x 4″ x 3″ size
• 24″ strap drop
• Press studs at sides to expand
• Fully lined in brown twill

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Harper Tasseled Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a slouchy everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other tasseled shoulder bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]tassel shoulder, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Alexander Wang is one of those designers that I wish I saw more of. But the beauty of his line is that he doesn’t flood the market with a bunch of logo-covered crap. Instead, each piece is an iconic work in its own right. This Eugene bag is a great new addition to the collection.

I love Wang’s color choices. He is always right on the cutting edge of the trends. In fact, I’d say he’s one of the trend setters. This deep, smoky, washed out gray is so perfect. It’s almost black, but a little softer. The rich color works perfectly with the silver hardware, and creates a less obvious contrast than would happen against black leather.

The design of this bag is fabulous on so many levels. It has a great tough look, but it’s totally practical. The multitude of external pockets give you a lot of organizational options, and leaves the main compartment open to carry larger items. The detachable shoulder strap unzips to two straps, in case you prefer that style-wise or comfort-wise.

Wang’s Eugene is another affordable designer winner, in my book. At $750, it’s a total bargain.

More Features Of The Alexander Wang Eugene Leather Shoulder Bag

• 12″ x 9″ x 6″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Adjustable, detachable shoulder strap
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Alexander Wang Eugene Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on eBay
• The Alexander Wang Coco Duffel Bag, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang handbags on eBay
• Other zippered black leather bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]zipper black leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ooh, quilting and art deco inspiration? This cute clutch has both, and as such I love it!

Lauren Merkin has really pushed her boundaries with the Iris clutch. It is totally different from anything she has done before, and it really works. OK, so some people may not be huge fans of the rather boring brown color, but when you imagine this retro purse worn with some 1940s inspired shades and clothes, it would really work.

Of course, color is only a minor consideration in the looks of this purse. Far more important is the quilting, which avoids the common trap of looking staid and dull by only being quilted in the horizontal. Plus, the fact it is leather helps too! Those horizontal stripes are further accentuated by the true centerpiece of this flap clutch: the beautiful art deco metal clasp. It’s eye catching and just damn gorgeous, as well as that little bit bling.

The shape of this leather purse is bigger than most clutches, so the long chain strap will be much appreciated. In fact, I bet not many people will carry it as a clutch; it is simply too big. Still, at least the size means you can carry a decent amount of “stuff”!

Luxurious and unusual without being too over-priced, the Iris clutch by Lauren Merkin is one smart customer!

More Features of this Lauren Merkin Leather Handbag

• Also available in black
• Leather exterior
• Optional long chain handle
• Single interior zip pocket

Get this Quilted Iris Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lauren Merkin bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Matelasse clutch, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more quilted bags on eBay
• Other Lauren Merkin bags on eBay:

[phpbay]lauren merkin handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

As the proud owner of two Yak Pak bags I firmly believe that once you go Yak, you never go back. The label’s accessories don’t turn a lot of heads, but they work so well that I don’t mind one bit. The Kani is another one of the brand’s bags that promises to work double, or perhaps triple duty.

On the surface is appears like so many cotton clutches. Its colorful print is fun, but its shape is unremarkable and its material less than luxurious. But dig a little deeper and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

There’s a generously sized snap pocket on the front, and a secure zip along the top. Open that up and you’ll find three separate compartments inside. I was stunned to see these kinds of organizational aids. The Kani’s a reasonably sized clutch, but we don’t tend to see these kinds of features in much larger ones. The only thing that could make the Kani better is a shoulder strap!

I’m excited to think of all the ways I’d use the Kani. It’d make a great casual purse for those times you need little more than a cell phone and keys. I can also imagine stashing it inside a larger tote, using as a coin purse or a cosmetics case. And all those applications come for the bargain price of just $19.99!

More Features of This Yak Pak Printed Clutch

• Various prints available
• Measures 9 x 5 inches

Get this Yak Pak Kani Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Yak Pak Kani, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the EtrnityCaliGal eBay store to see if this Yak Pak bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Yak Pak bags on BagBunch
• The Yak Pak Fuji bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Yak Pak bags on eBay

It’s a common myth that discount shopping websites clear out the handbags that no one else wants. Modnique.com disproves the theory with its current sale, which offers up to 75% discounts on luxurious Valentino handbags.

There are some truly opulent purses in the collection, including handbags made from authentic alligator and python. Of course these exotic bags still aren’t cheap; even with the discounts they’ve got four-figure price tags. But if you’ve got the cash to spend on this kind of luxury, this is the time to do it.

If your budget is a bit more restricted, don’t despair. The significant savings see these Valentino purses going from as little as $209. That’s still not small change, but you won’t find genuine, brand new Valentino bags cheaper.

You’ll need to be quick though. There’s only a little more than five days to go, and styles are already selling out. Remember to tell your friends about the sale too, as every new customer you refer will put extra shopping credits in your Modnique.com account.

[Source: Modnique.com]

Valentino Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Valentino, 3, 63852, serendipity[/phpbay]

If Ed Hardy bags have a bit too much attitude for you, consider the light alternative with this XOXO Tattoo You shoulder bag.

Frankly I’m unimpressed by this bag. Signature prints have never been my cup of tea, and this one is even more disappointing. The tattoo style pattern seems to be trying too hard to be cool, like a pesky little sister emulating the fashions worn by an older sibling. The reptilian trim also seems a bit desperate, and frankly unnecessary.

While the look leaves me cold, the Tattoo You isn’t a bad bag once you get down to it. It’s got plenty of space for essentials and extras besides, and all the pockets we need to keep it organized. When loaded up the bag might get heavy, but we can extend the strap to make carrying your load a bit easier.

At $69.99 this Tattoo You bag doesn’t cost a lot of money, which is a good thing because I imagine only tweens with limited pocket money will want it.

More Features of This XOXO Logo Print Shoulder Bag

• Top zip closure
• Satin lined interior
• Measures 15 x 12 inches

Get this XOXO Tattoo You Handbag:

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

[phpbay]XOXO Tattoo You, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Rebel Fashions eBay store to see if this XOXO bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More XOXO bags on BagBunch
• The XOXO Waterside bag, a great alternative to this colorful logo bag.
• Searching for more XOXO bags on eBay

R&Em is set to hit the big time; the affordable handbag line will be exclusively available at Macy’s department stores from today.

The brand is the brainchild of acclaimed fashion blogger Keiko Lynn. She’s created a spring 2011 collection which nods to fashion trends without surrendering to them. You can expect to pay as little as $15 for the small accessories, and only a shade more than $100 for the largest.

To keep the prices down Lynn obviously can’t work with leather. But I love the array of affordable materials she’s opted for instead. There is faux leather, of course, but thankfully it’s not our only option. I often feel that faux leather seems like a disappointing substitute for the real thing, so I’m much more interested in the denim, raffia, and canvas purses.

New Yorkers can meet Keiko Lynn at Macy’s Herald Square store today. She’ll be on hand for the line’s launch at 5 pm. The rest of us will have to be content seeing the collection at Macy’s stores around America and the department chain’s website.

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Macy’s Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Macys, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Frilly purses have a tendency to look too frothy for contemporary tastes, so it’s refreshing to see Whiting & Davis toughen up the accents with its Contrasting Ruffles Clutch.

By choosing metal mesh over more traditional soft silks or satins, Whiting & Davis creates a rather-space age looking embellishment. Who would have thought that a vintage material could look so modern? The ruffles are also small and neat, which undoubtedly helps Whiting & Davis’ cause.

The glitzy metal exterior is likely to suck you in, but it’s great to see Whiting & Davis delivering on a practical front too. Clutches are never meant to hold an array of daytime staples, but this one offers enough space for everything you need once the sun goes down. I’m also thankful for the sexy snake chain, which is ready to play when you’re ready for hands free fun. It’s also detachable, so it needn’t clutter the purse’s interior when it’s not in use.

Some folks may hesitate to spend close to $200 on a purse that won’t make an appearance until after five, but I think this one is worth the splurge. It’s got modern style, but by refusing to succumb to trends I think this purse will look good for decades to come.

More Features of This Whiting & Davis Metal Frill Clutch

• Hidden magnetic closure under flap
• An interior slide pocket
• Signature Whiting & Davis logo polyester lining
• A detachable chain strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 2.5 x 6.8 x 3.2 inches

Get this Whiting & Davis Contrasting Ruffles Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Whiting Davis Contrasting Ruffles clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Leather Ruffle bag, a great alternative to this ruffle bag.
• Searching for more Whiting & Davis bags on eBay

Lanvin is one of my favorite lines. Not only is it the oldest fashion house in Paris, but it’s managed to stay entirely relevant in today’s market. This Reflex shopping tote is a great example of how it’s pulling off modern design.

The perforated tan leather on the Reflex is basically genius. The perforated leather has a great motorcycle chic look that is tempered by the neutral tan color. The black python accents add a touch of luxury to the look and a little extra texture, but without taking away from the sleek, minimal design.

The shape of the Reflex is streamlined and modern. The simple, flat design shows off the materials and will add a touch of posh, but slightly edgy, chic to your daytime looks. I love the way the placement of the detachable shoulder strap adds to the design, and the convenience of the Reflex. You’ll, definitely need it, too, because this bag is huge.

At $2,075, the Reflex is a significant investment, but it’s also one that could significantly effect your wardrobe in a positive way for years to come.

More Features Of The Lanvin Reflex Shopping Leather And Python Tote

• Bronze hardware
• Turn lock fastening
• Fully lined

Get this Lanvin Reflex Shopping 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 perforated leather handbags on eBay:
  [phpbay]perforated leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]