A handbag-wielding granny foiled the plans of a gang of would-be jewelry thieves in Northampton, England recently.

The men were using sledgehammers to break into the local jewelry store as frightened employees looked on. But the plucky pensioner wasn’t intimidated. She started to wail on the thugs with her purse, and sent them on their way!

“We were terrified. We locked the door. We hid under the desk. We were really scared,” explained jewelry store employee Sarah Jane Brown. “And then, we looked outside and, God love her, she was running down the road, with her handbag in the air, banging them on the back of their helmet with her handbag.“

The old lady’s efforts worked a treat. One of the men fell off his moped as he made a hasty retreat. The waiting crowd detained him until police arrived on the scene. As the altercation was caught on tape, three further suspects have been arrested.

Now that’s what I call purse power!

[Source: CBS News]

Savanna takes us back to a more refined time, when men opened doors for the women they courted, and those women behaved like ladies, with this Savanna satin frame clutch.

While so many vintage style purses deliver a modern interpretation of classic trends, this one embraces the period that inspired it. That makes it look a bit like something your grandma might carry, but it’s still a beautiful thing. Its classic silver frame is ornately carved, and beads create pretty flowers across the satin body.

Savanna hides two different straps inside this clutch purse. The chain strap is the most stylish, but it’s a shade too short to be truly practical. The thin rope is much more functional as it allows for cross-body wear, but sadly it looks cheap and out of place on such an old-fashioned purse. At least it’ll feel comfortable on your shoulder though, so perhaps we should be grateful for small mercies!

The price is what really sells this clutch for me. At $37, this purse is an affordable way to add a bit of vintage glamor to your evening wardrobe.

More Features of This Savanna Frame Clutch

• Metal kiss-lock closure
• Satin lined interior
• Measures 2 x 7.5 x 5 inches

Get this Savanna Satin Handbag:

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

[phpbay]savanna satin beaded flower, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Savanna bags on BagBunch
• The Savanna Crepe Satin evening bag, a great alternative to this frame bag.
• Searching for more Savanna bags on eBay

Rebecca Taylor is doing her bit for animals in need with the release of a new limited edition eco-tote.

The hand-painted image of two dolphins decorates the tote’s eco-friendly canvas body. It’s disappointing though that Rebecca Taylor has opted for leather handles. Clearly she cares more about the dolphins than the world’s cows. Choosing more of the same canvas, as she’s done with the longer shoulder strap, would have been a much more eco-friendly choice.

Rebecca Taylor goes some way towards redeeming the situation by donating 100% of the profits to the National Wildlife Foundation. The funds will help wildlife affected by last year’s BP oil spill and assist in clean-up efforts. Most designers only donate a portion of their charity tote proceeds to their chosen cause, so it’s refreshing to see Taylor going the extra mile.

This new limited edition eco-tote is available for $135 from the Rebecca Taylor website.

[Source: Examiner]

Rebecca Taylor Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Rebecca Taylor, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Sara Berman creates the sort of purse you just want to reach out and touch with this Dylan Make-Up bag.

The Dylan is made from luxuriously supple sheepskin, which only appears softer in this weathered antique finish. Sara Berman also offers more traditional matte colors like black and cognac, but I think this dark mottled surface is much more interesting. The brushed brass studs are a great complement to this worn-looking leather, an accent which seems more about style than simply following the trends. Just be careful when you’re fishing it out of your tote; those spikes could hurt!

This is a fairly small cosmetics purse, the kind of accessory that’s made for carrying the essentials to a club rather than your entire make-up kit. But Sara Berman makes the most of the space on offer. The Dylan has a clever dual compartment design, with elastic rings for holding gloss and mascara in place, and a zippered pocket for other small items.

I’d ordinarily hesitate to spend $180 on a cosmetics case, but the Dylan has enough style and substance to tempt me.

More Features of This Sara Berman Studded Make-Up Bag

• Zip top closure
• Leopard print cotton lining
• Measures 6 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in India

Get this Sara Berman Dylan Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sara Berman bags on BagBunch
• The Sara Berman Sam wallet bag, a great alternative to this make-up bag.
• Searching for more Sara Berman bags on eBay
• Other leather make-up bags on eBay:

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Santi might not have the celebrity following of Judith Leiber or Kara Ross, but its evening purses certainly wouldn’t look out of place on an awards night red carpet. This pretty jeweled clutch is a fine example of the label’s commitment to style.

Just like a Judith Leiber purse, this clutch is covered in pretty, faceted jewels. Unlike an authentic Leiber though, this clutch doesn’t carry a four-figure price tag. $190 might not be exactly affordable for an after-five accessory, but when compared to the alternative it’s almost a bargain!

This purse doesn’t have that same designer pedigree, but I can’t fault Santi’s attention to detail. Each and every jewel is encircled by tiny little beads, which give the surface a kind of fashionable Middle Eastern feel.

I can’t imagine those gems will feel too comfortable against your hand though, so I’m glad to see Santi’s included a chain. This strap is extra long, allowing us to carry the purse over our shoulder or across our body depending on what takes our fancy. I don’t expect this kind of versatility at this price, but I certainly appreciate it!

Perhaps it’s Valentine’s Day ahead which has me favoring the romantic fuchsia color, but Santi gives us a couple of other options. The black and red hues are classic, and there’s also a multicolored combo called fall. Which one would you choose?

More Features of This Santi CPM4315 Clutch

• Kiss lock closure
• Satin lined interior
• A single chain strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 9 x 3.5 inches
• Made in India

Get this Santi Jeweled Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock in some colors)
• Check the Handbags Beautiful eBay store to see if this Santi bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Santi bags on BagBunch
• The Santi Audrina bag, a great alternative to this jeweled bag.
• Searching for more Santi bags on eBay
• Other Santi clutch bags on eBay:

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I have been totally in love with See by Chloe lately. The fashionability and affordability of its accessories line makes it extremely attractive. But this Yates messenger leaves a lot to be desired, and I am more than a little disappointed by it.

The brown leather has a sort of icky green tinge to it. It’s just not the nice, rich, nutty brown that I would like it to be. The silver stitching is interesting, but honestly, I don’t really get it. It’s a little flashy, but kind of tacky, and unlike the other Yates bags, I don’t really feel like the zig-zag pattern is doing much for the design.

The shape of this Yates messenger is really more of a hobo than a messenger. It’s sleeker and more minimal than your average hobo, or it would be if it weren’t for the floppy leather bow accents on the sides and the oddly placed belt. Why does a handbag need a belt, anyways? Overall, I just don’t think this version of the Yates is that interesting, even if at $75, it is pretty affordable.

More Features Of The See by Chloe Yate Messenger

• Full top zipper
• Interior zipper and pouch pockets
• Fully lined in animal print twill

Get this See by Chloé Yate Messenger:

• 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 brown leather hobos on eBay:
  [phpbay]brown leather hobo, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I rarely get excited about office bags, but this Samsonite Leather Portfolio has the stuff to turn my head.

Its looks aren’t very fashion forward but they drew me in. The brown cowhide leather looks thick and luxurious, and one touch confirms its quality. The flap over design resembles a messenger, but that leather really dresses things up. That makes this portfolio ideal for college students looking to climb the corporate ladder.

The design isn’t just smart, but clever too. Its front compartment features a padded computer sleeve, which you can remove for those important meetings and presentations. There’s another three padded accessory pockets too, so you’ll have space for all your essential gadgets. The generous rear compartment has a two file divider for folders and documents.

The top handle’s too short to really be of use, but there’s a long, padded strap on hand ready for over-the-shoulder and cross-body carrying. You’ll need it too, because this bulky portfolio can get really heavy.

This Samsonite Portfolio is the kind of bag that will last you for years, and only look better with age. Considering how long you’ll spend in class or the office, it’s $169.99 well spent.

More Features of This Samsonite Brown Portfolio

• Fully lined interior
• Double gusset construction
• Fits most laptops with a 15.4 inch screen
• Measures 13 x 9 x 4 inches

Get this Samsonite Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Samsonite bags on BagBunch
• The Samsonite Polyester Portfolio bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Samsonite bags on eBay
• Other leather messenger bags on eBay:

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For a hint of designer grace without any of the flash, look to an elegant purse like this Crossing shoulder bag from Salvatore Ferragamo.

This is one of those purses that I might easily have passed over if not for its European pedigree. It’s smart but in many ways unremarkable, with classic elements meant to coordinate rather than draw attention. The black pebbled leather is of excellent quality, and the signature Gancio buckle ornaments add that something special, but I’m still not finding anything to get too excited about.

The mid-sized interior does the job, with a long zippered pocket and pair of open pouches. But I’m surprised that these pockets aren’t trimmed with more of that calfskin. While I’m griping, I’m also disappointed to see the base has no protective feet either. Salvatore Ferragamo really should have done more to protect our investment.

And what an investment it is at $1190. That might not be too expensive by designer standards, but that price usually buys more features and fashion forward good looks. When compared to the rest of the crop, this Crossing bag seems lacking.

More Features of This Salvatore Ferragamo Calfksin Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Jacquard lined interior
• A single adjustable shoulder strap with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.6 x 7.5 x 3.3 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Salvatore Ferragamo Crossing Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Check the ShowMeSteals eBay store to see if this Salvatore Ferragamo bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Salvatore Ferragamo bags on BagBunch
• The Chloe Darla leather bag, a great alternative to this flap bag.
• Searching for more Salvatore Ferragamo bags on eBay
• Other black leather shoulder bags on eBay:

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Is YSL making a comeback? I mean, it’s maintained a steady place on fashion’s periphery for decades, but lately, it seems to be heading back into the forefront, at least in terms of accessories. It brings its sophisticated, ladylike aesthetic to bear on this great Multy hobo.

I’ll be honest; I’m not a big fan of beige. But there’s something really buttery about this particular beige that’s making me rethink my opinion. The supple leather has a gently weathered texture that is casual and elegant at the same time, and the shiny gold hardware accents both the rich color of the bag and its texture nicely.

I love YSL’s take on the hobo. It’s so much more streamlined and elegant than the usual slouchy boho version. I also really like the addition of the side pocket, which is the perfect size for a cell phone or PDA. The slim strap gives the bag a delicate, balanced look, but is substantial enough to carry the weight of the bag. I’m not really sure about the logo hang tag, but it’s removable, so it’s not really important either way.

At $1,495, the Multy is a pricey addition to any wardrobe, but it’s also part of a classic line that never goes out of style.

More Features of the Yves Saint Laurent Multy Leather Hobo bag

• Top zip fastening
• Internal zipper and pouch pockets
• Fully lined in beige cotton

Get this Multy Hobo 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 beige leather hobos on eBay:

[phpbay]beige leather hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

When I think of Treesje, the Mortale print is what I think of. Vaguely Alexander Wang in inspiration, it is an embossed print that looks bloody gorgeous!

It is lovely, therefore, to see this signature print on a bigger bag than its cute little clutches. Now we can look edgy and Gothic while still being able to carry all of the belongings we need. The large rectangular shape even makes it suitable for carrying folders and textbooks, and the handles look like they could hold a good amount of weight. In essences, this Grande tote is the mother of all Mortales!

Of course, you pay dearly for a bag this well designed, and you pay even more when that bag is made in a sumptuous silver printed leather. For this skull purse you will have to shell out about $350, and although I kind of think it is worth it, it does mean you need to treat it as an investment. Can you afford to spend that much on a bag that, thanks to the skulls, may not be wholly work appropriate?

This Treesje tote is a gorgeous and luxurious way to brink a bit of punk into your outfit.

More Features of this Treesje Mortale Purse

• Also available in gold
• Printed leather exterior
• Single interior zipped pocket
• Dust bag included

Get this Luxury Skull Grande Tote:

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

[phpbay]Treesje Mortale Grande, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander McQueen canvas tote, a great alternative to this skull bag.
• Searching for more skull bags on eBay