Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t love an affordable, yet, beautiful purse?

Sure, high-end designer bags can be gorgeous, and perhaps more to the point they can be seen as status symbols. However, when we just want a pretty purse that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, it is good to know that designers like Steve Madden are there to help us out.

The BBullet clutch is one such purse. The $58.95 price tag ensures we don’t get the luxury of real leather, but to be honest that crinkled tan faux-leather does a pretty good job of looking like the real thing. It may not feel authentic, but if we are honest does this actually matter? When the color coordinates so nicely with the brassy gold studs along the front, I expect details like the feel aren’t really going to be a priority.

As for the function, well this tidy clutch offers a decent amount of it. It folds over to close, offering plenty of room, and it comes with a top zip and an internal zip pocket, all of which is very handy. There is no handle though, which is a shame.

Still, the BBullet is a pretty purse for those on a budget.

More Features of this Affordable Steve Madden Clutch

• Also available in bronze
• Synthetic leather exterior
• Zip closure
• Interior zipped pocket

Get this Synthetic BBullet Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Steve Madden bags on BagBunch
• The Orciani leather clutch, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more studded bags on eBay
• Other Steve Madden bags on eBay:

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Watch out when you’re fishing this wallet out of your tote bag; Sonia Rykiel’s Stud It bites!

The pointy silver studs which cover this wallet give it an edgy attitude. If your hand comes in contact with them, you might suggest they give it too much attitude! But I like the way they work with the surprising metal bow to toughen up this retro-styled coin purse.

The design is slender but smart, as we’re not left wondering where we put our coins. They’re naturally kept inside the outside pouch, while the larger main compartment is left for cards, notes, and receipts.

Considering a wallet spends most of its life hidden away in a larger tote, I hesitate to spend more than $100 on one. The Stud It is priced at $251, and I’m not sure Sonia Rykiel has done enough to warrant those extra dollars. This wallet makes a rebellious statement, but not one I’d contemplate spending this kind of dosh on.

More Features of This Sonia Rykiel Studded Wallet

• Cotton twill lining
• Zip around closure
• Measures 8 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches

Get this Sonia Rykiel Stud It Purse:

• Available to buy at Revolve Clothing
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Sonia Rykiel bags on BagBunch
• The Roberto Cavalli studded wallet, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Sonia Rykiel bags on eBay
• Other studded wallets on eBay:

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Brooklyn restaurant Marlow & Sons is offering diners handbags, belts, and wallets made from their lunch! The eatery’s owner Andrew Tarlow has commissioned his wife, designer Kate Huling, to make leather goods from the same cows he serves.

It might seem like a morbid idea, but Huling says it allows customers to “honor the animal” they’ve just consumed.

“Look at how quickly you can eat a burger, and that animal sacrifice for you is just gone,” she explained. “Whereas with the bag, that’s something that can last for generations and generations.“

Marlow & Sons is committed to sourcing local, grass-fed cows. After a quick trip to the slaughterhouse the meat is delivered to the restaurant and the skins sent to the tannery. It’s turned into a stylish accessory at Midtown’s Fashion District, and then returned to the restaurant.

Personally I love this no waste approach, although I’m sure it’ll still make some women squeamish. Marlow & Sons seems committed to the project though, as it plans to introduce rabbit-fur hats and lambswool goodies next fall.

[Source: Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Stef/Stock.xchng]

Leather Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]leather handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Fringed hobos are typically hippie dippie accessories but, with this Pinpoint Fringe Stud bag from her SR Squared label, Sondra Roberts has toughened things up.

All those familiar elements are there, but they’re interpreted in a new edgy way. While fringe typically flows down in soft cascades, here it’s made with short, structured loops. Each one is punctuated with a silver stud for an extra dose of edge. That familiar hobo slouch is present too, but in black leatherette it’s got more of a dangerous motorcycle jacket feel. This hobo is also available in brown, but in my opinion that color doesn’t have quite the same punch.

This hobo’s generous size and relaxed profile work against us on a practical front through. You’re bound to spend time scrounging around for lost items which will become buried under the inevitable clutter. Sitting it down won’t help you, as the unstructured sides will just collapse. I suggest storing the essentials in the pockets or you’ll never find them!

The $90 doesn’t buy us real leather, but it does by a hobo that makes a strong and unique style statement. Personally I think that makes it money well spent.

More Features of This SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Loop Synthetic Hobo

• Made of synthetic
• Zip top closure
• Polyester lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8.25 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 20 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Pinpoint Fringe Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sondra Roberts bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Soho bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Sondra Roberts bags on eBay
• Other studded fringe bags on eBay:

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We all know that eBay is a great place for buying pre-loved purses, but did you realize you could also bag a bargain on new designer goodies? eBay works with top labels like Carlos Falchi, Betsey Johnson, and Dolce & Gabbana to offer the latest accessories and fashion items for up to 80% less through the Fashion Vault.

Sales are open to all eBay members, and as registration is free no one need miss out. While you’re at it, I’d register for updates too as you’ve got to be an early bird to catch the Fashion Vault worm. The sales only last for a maximum of 60 hours, and as goods are limited items sell out quickly.

Some shopping websites claim to offer big savings but then slug you on the shipping costs. Not eBay though, who offers free shipping to anyone in the continental United States on most Fashion Vault purchases. It’s great to know exactly what you’re spending when you spend it for once!

eBay also rewards folks who tells their friends about Fashion Vault with a $10 voucher, so why not share the love and enjoy an extra discount on your next designer It bag?

[Source: eBay Fashion Vault]

Listen up mods; Soapbox has got a bag for you!

The Metro City Bag looks like it’s stepped out of another time, and I like it. While it might seem a bit incongruous with the modern fashion landscape, there’s a free-spirited energy about the retro spots which adorn this purse which is difficult to resist.

The ring handles complete the modish look. I really like the look, and I can’t imagine it’d be too impractical to carry either. They probably won’t be as comfortable as a wide, leather strap, but you should be able to swing them over your shoulder.

Like any good retro bag, The Metro City isn’t very big. That might seem like a drawback, but with modern handbags seeming to shrink with every season I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It just helps you resist the temptation to carry a lot of clutter, leaving space for the essentials like a wallet, cell phone, and sunglasses.

The Metro City is a fairly simple bag really, a fashion throwback without any trappings of luxury. Thankfully it doesn’t come with a contemporary price tag either. It might have been a small fortune in the late 60s, but right now the $49.95 asking price is a steal!

More Features of This Soapbox Mod Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• Inside zip and slip pockets
• Nickel feet

Get this Soapbox Metro City Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Soapbox bags on BagBunch
• The cream alligator Soapbox Metro City bag, a great alternative to this spotted bag.
• Searching for more Soapbox bags on eBay
• Other spotted bags on eBay:

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I love Yves Saint Laurent’s signature French style. Even though the line fades in and out of fashion’s center scene, it’s always reliable for traditional, beautiful clothes and accessories. This Smoky tote delivers a little less than I expect of the line, but it does have a lovely look.

The beige leather is such a spot on color for the season. Pale, nutty, and versatile, it’s the kind of color you can wear with everything. It’s definitely not plain or boring either, particularly when you notice the subtle weathering and gloss.

I love this carpet bag shape. The frame top gives the bag structure, but the bottom is voluminous. The contrast is held in check by the addition of the ruching, which also gives the Smoky a feminine, but not girlish, look. The round handles are another ladylike touch. Unfortunately, the Smoky is just a little too big, and the combination of its size and sweetness don’t work that well together. Frankly, it comes off looking like a cougar in pigtails.

At $1,995, the Smoky is also overpriced. I just don’t think its design warrants such a hefty price tag, especially considering the pigtails.

More Features of the Yves Saint Laurent Smoky Large Leather Bag

• Internal zipper and pouch pockets
• Fully lined in black and white flowered twill

Get this Smoky Bag by Yves Saint Laurent:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Yves Saint Laurent bags on BagBunch
• The Halston Foxy Pochette, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Yves Saint Laurent bags on eBay
• Other tan leather bags on eBay:

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See by Chloe’s line of Poya bags have this great laser cut leather lace on them that adds a girlish charm to their very sophisticated aesthetic. Personally, I’m not a big purveyor of girlish charm, but these bags are so sweet and retro cool that I feel drawn to them. This Poya tote is one of the most grown up of the lot.

I adore the combination of colors on this tote. Blush and taupe are both so versatile, and the effect of using both of them is soft and delicate. Even though this bag has a pretty streamlined design, the subtle contrast between them creates a patchwork feeling that really work’s with the Poya’s vintage vibe.

The design of the Poya tote is sweet, but it’s not so adorable that you couldn’t take it to the office. In fact, the design has some tailored, briefcase-like aspects that make it look mature in its own special way. The only thing I don’t really like about the bag is that none of the design flourishes are functional. I would have greatly preferred front pockets to the leather plackets and straps on the front, even though they do look cool.

For $540, the Poya tote is a good, but not great buy. It’s reasonable for a designer bag, but I wish it had a few more organizational features for the price.

More Features Of The See by Chloe Poya Vintage Leather Tote

• Full zipper top
• Three interior pockets
• Fully lined in grey twill

Get this See by Chloé Poya Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloe bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Chloe bags on eBay
• Other vintage totes on eBay:
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If you have found a more season appropriate clutch than the Aagaarda, then feel free to let me know!

You see, spring/summer 2011 is all about romanticism. It’s about taking florals, and lace, and delicate fabrics, and wearing them in a new and over-the-top way. Think layer upon layer of cream lace in a romantic dress, bold florals in colors never seen, complex prints and feminine features. The combination on this clutch of traditional rose based florals and a thin and metallic silver thread means it fits neatly into the trend.

Whilst definitely right for the coming season, I am not entirely sold on the silver thread. If it fitted in more with the pattern then I might be better convinced, but as it is the delicate glitter is just a layer on top, and I don’t think it works as well.

Menbur have made a cute and pretty purse here, but does its feminine romance tempt you?

More Features of this Menbur Aagaarda Clutch

• Also available in a nude color
• Floral fabric exterior
• Optional long chain handle
• Single interior zip pocket

Get this Floral Fabric Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The Nancy Gonzales Appliqué clutch, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more floral bags on eBay
• Other Menbur bags on eBay:

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There’s something a bit fishy about this Giocanda satchel from Serpui Marie.

Puns aside, I can’t help thinking about silvery seafood when I look at this metallic satchel. The leather scales adorning its front bring some real personality to the Giocanda’s simple box shape.

I love the look, but I also hesitate to carry it. It’s such a bulky bag, so I’m not sure how practical it would be to carry around on a daily basis. At least I’d never have to leave anything behind, but I imagine lugging all those possessions wouldn’t be a picnic. If like me you prefer to travel light, perhaps you could use it as a weekender!

It really would be a shame to count this satchel out due to its size. It’s a lovely looking thing, and its wraparound zip makes it easy to pack and unpack. I’d have appreciated a few more pockets, particularly if it’s going to have an everyday application, but this niggle if you’re filling it with bulky goods.

The price does make me pause though. At $625 I really want a bag I can carry every day, not just on select occasions. If you love your oversized satchels though, this scaly purse could be right up your alley.

More Features of This Serpui Marie Scaly Satchel

• Floral print canvas lining
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 15 x 7 inches
• Made in Brazil

Get this Serpui Marie Giocanda Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Serpui Marie bags on BagBunch
• The Rampage Michelle clutch bag, a great alternative to this scaly bag.
• Searching for more Serpui Marie bags on eBay
• Other scaly leather bags on eBay:

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