Today I wanted to write about a purse that was romantic and pretty, whilst avoiding writing about yet another handbag that is either heart-shaped or covered in the damn things!

And so I came across this glittery little purse from Menbur. It ticks all the boxes, but in an unusual round shape. This set it apart, and made it worth paying attention to.

The Pisanello clutch is both regal and bling in the same sweep. It reminds me of one of those Sovereign’s Orbs (or, according to Monty Python, Holy Hand Grenades!), although obviously the peach satin means it is clearly in the accessories domain! I also have a feeling such a royal implement is unlikely to be covered in metal strands and cute gold or diamanté flowers!

As for the shape, well it is likely to keep you from taking your wallet with you to that posh do. However, it is deep, and that amount of room means that you can still get away with lippy and a cell phone. You can even sling it over your shoulder, thanks to that long chain strap.

This purse is glamorous, and different! Oh, and not too badly priced either!

More Features of this Menbur Pisanello Clutch

• Available in two other colors
• Satin exterior
• Solid metal frame and detailing
• Interior slip pocket

Get this Satin Frame Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The La Regale Mirror minaudiere, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more satin bags on eBay
• Other Menbur bags on eBay:

[phpbay]menbur handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

We all know we shouldn’t indulge in authentic fur accessories, but all too often the faux alternatives appear like inferior copies. Thank goodness for Stuart Weitzman, who fooled me with this Cortes Serengheti Post hobo.

The earthy spots covering this hobo look so much like real snow leopard skin, but instead it’s made of haircalf. Animal lovers will still need to pause though, as this pelt is made from cows. So while the purse protects an endangered creature, it sadly does take the life of another.

The ethics of the finish aside, the Cortes Serengheti Post is a lovely looking thing, with rich brown leather complementing the soft animal printed panels. Its womanly curves don’t resemble any hobo I’ve ever seen, but the subtle slouch and leather’s weathered finish gives it the prerequisite boho vibe.

The Cortes Serengheti Post is enormous, but I think there are enough pockets to help us out. The large compartment on the front is a great place for storing the items you need on hand, while the interior pockets can take care of the rest.

At $995 this hobo is perhaps priced a bit high, but its strong style statement helps to justify the extra dollars.

More Features of This Stuart Weitzman Snow Leopard Haircalf Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Satin lined interior
• A single handle with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 16.5 x 7.5 inches
• Made in Spain

Get this Stuart Weitzman Cortes Serengheti Post Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Stuart Weitzman bags on BagBunch
• The Charles L Thomas Raquel shoulder bag, a great alternative to this haircalf bag.
• Searching for more Stuart Weitzman bags on eBay
• Other haircalf leopard print bags on eBay:

[phpbay]haircalf leopard, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ally, meet our readers. Readers, meet Ally, a cute little patent wristlet from Hobo International.

Wristlets like this tend to double for wallets, and the Ally is no different. Sure she has a cute little detachable wrist-strap, but inside she is geared more to carrying your cards and loose change than to holding the rest of your handbag belongings. You could fit a cell phone in at a stretch, but it seems likely that most people tempted by this little creation will carry it inside a bigger handbag the majority of the time.

Other than the card slots and little pockets, the Ally wallet is simple. The outside has no decoration at all, save for the beige patent leather, and there are no features that really stand out. She is, above all else, simple and efficient.

That simplicity means this Hobo International purse could easily get lost in amongst all the other purses on the market. However, at least it is made from real leather. Is this enough to make you buy this classic wristlet?

More Features of this Simple Hobo International Wallet:

• Available in other colors
• Patent leather exterior & strap
• Multiple interior slots and compartments
• Popper closure

Get this Patent Leather Wristlet:

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

[phpbay]HOBO INTERNATIONAL Ally Wristlet, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Baggalllini Little Spender wallet, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more wristlets on eBay

Simple origami folding and a sumptuous lizard-print leather make this Lauren Merkin clutch a luxurious option.

The glamor in the Caroline clutch is simple and understated. No big jewels, no bright colors, just a simple beige fabric that exudes all kinds of class. The lizard print is subtler than snakeskin, with a smaller pattern, yet it still has that stylish texture and exotic feel.

As for the shape, well the structure of this flap clutch is relatively traditional, formal and kind of dull. The interest is added by those three center folds, which are relaxed yet classy. It probably isn’t a purse that will change lives, but it is very work-appropriate at the same time as being pretty darn stylish.

OK, so a handle would be a nice addition to this leather clutch, and there is no big song and dance in the design, but this Lauren Merkin clutch is sleek and luxurious, and very unlikely to go out of fashion.

More Features of this Lauren Merkin Caroline Purse

• Also available in a lilac tint
• Lizard-print leather exterior
• Striped fabric lining
• Single interior zipped pocket

Get this Luxury Lizard-Print Clutch:

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

[phpbay]Lauren Merkin Caroline, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lauren Merkin bags on BagBunch
• The Lauren Merkin Allie clutch, a great alternative to this folded bag.
• Searching for more envelope clutches on eBay

iSkin turned our heads with its sophisticated and high-tech Aura iPad cases, and it’s impressed us again with its latest feminine line. The Q.West collection combines the fashion-forward, feminine looks we crave with all the practicality we demand.

The Q.West accessories look oh so cute with their bright matte colors and puffy quilted finishes. That finish is made of Italian nylon, which while not very luxurious is tough and affordable. In hues like purple, teal, and red I hardly care that the bags aren’t as opulent as many of their peers.

This is another Mac focused collection from iSkin, with bags made for iPads and MacBooks. However the more generic travel bags and camera purses should please the PC lovers out there.

It’s refreshing to see a range of tech accessories focused on the ladies rather than the lads. Goodness knows most of us are just as addicted to checking e-mails on the run after all!

You’ll find the Q.West accessories at selected retailers and the iSkin website.

[Source: iSkin website]
[Image courtesy of iSkin]

Quilted Laptop Bags on eBay

[phpbay]quilted laptop bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready to shake off winter snow and get set for summer. A cute nautical bag like the Gayle from Straw Studios could be just the accessory you need to get you there.

What the Gayle lacks in luxury it makes up for in personality and street smarts. The canvas body is playfully patterned with navy anchors. This blue hue is picked up again in the trim around the pockets and bag’s top. This color always makes me think of setting sail, but there are also red versions with anchor and crab prints if you prefer.

While canvas doesn’t feel very luxe, you’ll be happy for it if you’re spending your summer at the beach. This material is virtually indestructible, so you needn’t worry about the salty sea air or unexpected summer showers. The thick rope handles are just as tough, while also adding to the Gayle’s nautical vibe.

It looks like a simple bag on the outside, so I was impressed to see how well appointed it is. The interior is lined with cotton, and kitted out with three pockets. That lining is pale so it’s bound to show stains quickly, but who really cares in a casual bag like this?

Straw Studios is known for its affordable prices, and it doesn’t let us down here. For $54, this shoulder bag is a cheap and cheerful way to usher in the new season.

More Features of This Straw Studios Nautical Shoulder Bag

• Snap closure
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 10 x 8 inches

Get this Straw Studios Gayle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Straw Studios Gayle, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Straw Studios bags on BagBunch
• The Straw Studios Josephine bag, a great alternative to this nautical bag.
• Searching for more Straw Studios bags on eBay

Heavy Eco is helping to improve the futures of Eastern European crims with its eco-friendly range of accessories.

Prisoners in Eastern European jails make all Heavy Eco accessories from recycled billboard banners. The program gives the creators vital skills, which elevates their self esteem in the short term and improves their job prospects once they’ve served their time.

There aren’t any evening ready bags in the collection as yet, but the messengers, totes, laptop sleeves, and wallets should have you covered during the day. Organic cotton T-shirts and underwear complements the Heavy Eco accessories range.

Heavy Eco’s humanitarian efforts go beyond the prison walls. Seven percent of the proceeds of Heavy Eco goods benefits charity projects committed to helping to improve the quality of life of Eastern Europe’s orphans and homeless population.

You can support Heavy Eco’s charity work, and enjoy a fun eco-friendly accessory at the same time, by purchasing an item from selected European stores or the company’s website.

[Source: Heavy Eco website]

Recycled Banner Bags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled banner, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Looking at this Hampton hobo from Stone Mountain, I find myself wondering whether the label knows what a hobo is at all! With just the faintest of slouch around the top of the bag, and a structured shape more reminiscent of a bucket than a crescent, there’s barely a hint of boho style to be found!

It doesn’t really matter what it’s called though if you like this handbag’s style. It’s not very fashion forward, but it makes up for playing it safe by appearing elegant and sophisticated. You shouldn’t worry about this bag falling out of fashion’s favor, but you’ll need to rely on your outfit rather than your accessory to turn heads.

Personally I don’t mind a bag that takes a back seat, particularly when it delivers on functionality. The Hampton is a mid-sized bag, so I was pleasantly surprised to see Stone Mountain dividing the interior into two separate compartments. Even the most scatterbrained amongst us should manage to keep these spaces organized thanks to the spacious wall pockets and snap-in key ring hidden away inside.

I love the look of this bone leather Hampton, but if you’re not careful with it this skin will appear grubby before too long. If you’re hard on your handbags, the darker navy or taupe shades might be just the ticket.

More Features of This Stone Mountain Dual Compartment Hobo

• Signature nylon lined interior
• Brushed gold pearlized hardware
• A single adjustable shoulder strap
• Measures 5.5 x 11 x 8.5 inches

Get this Stone Mountain Hampton Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Stone Mountain Hampton top zip, 2, “”, pouch[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Stone Mountain bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stone Mountain bags on BagBunch
• The Stone Mountain Hampton pouch bottom hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Stone Mountain bags on eBay

Last year we wrote about Miche Bag inspirational Hope purses which looked to raise money for Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute. One year later and the purses’ sales have generated more than $700, 000 for the cause, and Miche Bag’s charity efforts are still going strong.

This year new yellow and black bags join the original black and white version. Just like the original, magnets help these shells fold around Miche Bag handbags to create exciting new looks. They’re also accented with moving quotes from real life cancer survivors, which serve as powerful reminders of where the funds raised go.

“All we wanted to do was find some sort of way to help and give back, and our customers really got behind us,” explained Corbin Church, the chief executive officer of Miche Bag. “We’ve had so much support for the ‘Hope’ shells. I think it’s because everyone can personally relate to cancer somehow. We all know someone who’s been affected by it – whether it’s ourselves, a family member or a friend. Cancer has touched all of our lives.“

Miche Bag hopes to donate one million dollars to the Huntsman Cancer Institute by early 2012. It will do that by releasing two new styles every six months to keep its collection feeling fresh. $5 from the sale of all Hope purses, no matter what their size or color, benefits the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

You can help Miche Bag achieve its goals by purchasing a Hope bag shell through its website.

[Source: AOL News]
[Image Source: Miche Bag website]

Miche Bag Hope Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Miche Bag hope, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Diane von Furstenberg is one of the most prolific designers working today. Her styles are popular everywhere from posh urban enclaves to suburban malls. This Penny bucket bag represents kind of a new direction for her, with its graphic look and slouchy, casual design.

The gray and white leather combination on the Penny is very striking indeed. Gray and white is an unusual combination, and it looks fabulous on this slouchy style. The gold hardware is a little bit too yellow, and it doesn’t really look right with the cool tones of the leather. Fortunately, it doesn’t interfere much with the overall look of the bag.

The bucket design of the Penny is very of-the-moment. Bucket bags have been making a major comeback this season, and this on is really well done. It doesn’t have any exterior pockets to mar the smooth, slouchy design. Frankly, I think the white rope drawstring is a little much, but I like the gray tassels with their long fringe.

At $695, the Penny is a pretty good buy considering its size and quality. Plus, it will be great now with your winter garb, but will still look fresh come spring.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Penny Large Leather Bucket Bag

• 17″ x 13″ x 9″ size
• 12″ strap drop
• Fully lined in twill

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Penny Bucket 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 gray drawstring bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]gray drawstring, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]