Snakeskin handbags are lovely, but I’ll bet the snakes aren’t as enamored with our lust for exotic materials. So we’re thrilled to see Freitag offer the scaly good looks of authentic serpentine in this snake-friendly Hind bag.

The Hind is actually made not from real snake skins, but from vintage truck tarpaulins hand-knotted to create the cascading scales. The effect isn’t quite the same, but it’s interesting enough to impress, especially if you prefer to shop green.

The Hind is one of 22 bags making up Freitag’s new Reference line, a collection inspired by modern writers that combines contemporary style with retro fashion. The Hind was named after feminist writer Ella Cora Hind, the first female journalist working in Western Canada.

I’d love to see this Hind bag inspire other designers to look for greener alternatives to exotic skins. We’ve all seen the poor embossed imitations on cheap synthetic, but this one is so much cooler. Don’t you agree?

[Source: Ecouterre]

Faux Snakeskin Bags on eBay

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Louis Vuitton has gone high tech with the launch of its new iPhone application. Called Amble, the app is designed with discerning travelers in mind.

The app interacts with a dedicated Amble website, so jetsetters can plan their next getaway on their desktop computer at home or their iPhone or iPad while they’re on the go. Louis Vuitton calls Amble “an invitation to explore the world at a leisurely pace [and] make serendipitous discoveries.”

These discoveries can then be recorded with text notes, photos, videos, and audio through the “My Amble” part of the app. It sounds like it has the potential to be a great travel diary and way to connect with folks back home, as users can share their favorite memories with friends via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.

Amble also draws on the information collected for the Louis Vuitton City Guides, although the number of guides provided free with the app is limited. Additional city guides can be purchased via iTunes, but that extra expense is something worth considering. The Amble app is free, but if you’re a frequent flyer it’s easy to spend a lot of money on those additional guides.

It’s interesting that Louis Vuitton chose a travel angle rather than a more general fashion theme for its first iPhone app. However, perhaps this unique strategy will pay dividends for the brand. Amble is available to download now through iTunes.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: iTunes]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

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First, a warning. The latest “Lily” isn’t one for those who hate fur. With so many quality fur alternatives on the market you would have thought that a designer like D&G could make it out of something other than coyote but I shall leave that argument for another day.

There isn’t anything subtle about this Twist satchel. Apart from the vast expanse of fur, you have a swathe of  soft, crinkled leather. Everything is about decadence, luxury, and making a fashion impact in the most obvious and expensive way possible. I don’t just mean expensive looking, by the way; this satchel costs in the region of $1700. Ouch.

Away from the design you actually have a very practical bag. The “Three-Zip” part of the name applies to the three big center compartments, which are ideal for storing lots of belongings and toting around everything you need. At least this is sensible!

It certainly won’t be for everyone, but if this is your type of handbag it is no doubt one of the most luxurious options out there.

More Features of this D&G Three-Zip Lily Twist Satchel

• Coyote fur and leather exterior
• Detachable long strap
• D&G tag accessory
• Multiple interior compartments and pockets

Get this Luxury Fur Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The Fendi mink spy bag, a great alternative to this fur bag.
• Searching for more fur bags on eBay
• Other D&G bags on eBay

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Get yourself some old school romance in time for Valentine’s day with the Loveletter clutch from Rebecca Minkoff.

Whilst the Loveletter clutch looks traditional at first glance (from the over-sized stitching to the deep brown leather), there are a few touches that make this cute purse more modern. In particular it is the addition of those signature angular zips, adding a nice edgy vibe.

There is something unassuming about a leather purse in one single color. In such a crowded handbag world it is easy to overlook the subtle purses like this, but I honestly feel you will miss out if you only look for glitz and glamor. The details on this envelope style purse may not be in neon colors, but they are both beautiful and sweetly traditional.

With a surprising number of little-but-useless pockets and a cute lining, the Loveletter clutch is a fun way to spend $237, even if there is no handle option!

More Features of this Rebecca Minkoff Stitched Clutch

• Leather exterior
• Multiple interior and exterior zipped pockets
• Pink and white printed lining
• Dust bag included

Get this Leather Loveletter Purse:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Rebecca Minkoff bags on BagBunch
• The 3.1 by Phillip Lim convertible clutch, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more stitched bags on eBay

Roxy has really blossomed as a fashion house in recent years. When once it was the go to brand for beach-loving babes, these days its accessories are ideal for any fashionista on a budget. While the label’s bags are affordable, the label rarely skimps on style. No wonder this hobo is called a Delight!

Roxy keeps the price down to just $46 by using synthetic rather than genuine leather, but that’s not altogether a bad thing. The leatherette has a gorgeous weathered look to it, so it’s much more appealing than your average synthetic. The casual finish works with the hobo’s characteristic slouch to make the Delight an ideal everyday bag.

The side of the Delight is accented with a long tie. You could leave it hanging as pictured for a relaxed feel, or create a bow for a more feminine feature. I like that versatility. All too often bows are pinned tightly in place, but with the Delight we can enjoy two separate looks in the one bag.

Surprisingly considering the prices it charges, Roxy never lets us down when it comes to the important stuff. This Delight bag is has enough space for everything we really want to carry, and the pockets we need to stay organized. Sure we miss out on the trim around the pockets and a luxe lining, but for this price I expect that kind of corner cutting.

This beige colored Delight is right on trend but it’s not our only option. Roxy also makes this bag in black, khaki green, and a pretty pinky orange shade. What a delight!

More Features of This Roxy Bow Hobo

• Magnetic snap closure
• An adjustable shoulder strap
• Measures 6.5 x 14 x 12 inches

Get this Roxy Delight Handbag:

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

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• Check the DeLmAr Y Sol eBay store to see if this Roxy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Roxy bags on BagBunch
• The Roxy Honeysweet bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Roxy bags on eBay

Yves Saint Laurent’s creative director Stefano Pilati has designed a new Las Vegas YSL boutique he calls “the opium experience.” The name comes from the amber/red lacquer used on the ceiling and wall panels, and YSL’s perfume which permeates the retail space.

The 400-square foot space at CityCenter is a real departure from other stores in the area, both in terms of design and eco-friendly ethos. The bright and vibrant boutique features new high-tech ductal concrete and energy efficient lighting.

It’s also a new look for Yves Saint Laurent. You might remember the mostly black, rough-hewn interiors favored by the fashion house in the early 2000s. The pale stone walls work with the lacquered fixtures and polished brass accents to create a much lighter, more uplifting mood.

If you like the look of the new Opium retail store you’re in luck. It will be used as a template for all new Yves Saint Laurent boutiques in the future.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Wesley Viera Fonseca/Flickr]

Yves Saint Laurent Bags on eBay

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Sometimes an accessory doesn’t add up to the sum of its parts. Sadly that’s the case with this studded wallet from Roberto Cavalli.

On paper this wallet sounds promising. Take classic black leather, pair it with on trend golden studs, and you should have a modern, yet timeless wallet on your hand. But entrust these elements to Roberto Cavalli and you might have something a bit lackluster.

Frankly the lack of creativity here astounds me. Too often I’ve accused the designer of being too flamboyant and ostentatious, but he’s gone too far in the other direction here. Surely there should be a happy medium!

This isn’t a bad wallet, but it is really underwhelming. Its internal compartments and card slots do the job, but I wish they did it with a bit more style. There are many wallets that are merely functional after all.

At $230 this wallet is reasonably priced for a purse of this quality, but I can think of many other ways I’d prefer to spend that sort of cash.

More Features of This Roberto Cavalli Black Leather Wallet

• Snap button closure
• Measures 0.6 x 5.9 x 4.1 inches

Get this Roberto Cavalli Studded Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Roberto Cavalli bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Joss wallet bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Roberto Cavalli bags on eBay
• Other studded black wallet bags on eBay:

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Anya Hindmarch is making her first foray into the world of man bags with a bespoke collection of around 50 pieces.

This briefcase is our first look at the Anya Hindmarch men’s leather line. The brown leather office bag is the ideal mix of masculinity and style. And well it should be, as it was created with the help of Dylan Jones, the editor of British GQ magazine.

“I have always been obsessed with men’s accessories, because there is such a straitjacket when it comes to the limitations of what men can and will — and indeed won’t — wear,” Hindmarch recently told the magazine.

This briefcase doesn’t really push the fashion envelope, but its sophisticated design should appeal to most men. The exterior is sleek and clean, while the interior is packed with pockets for Blackberries and business cards, keys, and a small laptop. Hopefully there’s another piece in the collection that caters for larger computers.

At $1760 this Anya Hindmarch bag isn’t cheap, but it’s certainly not exorbitant considering its quality. It’s available now by special order from Anya Hindmarch boutiques.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Brown Leather Briefcases on eBay

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Reed Krakoff reminds us of the beauty of restrained design with this large nappa leather wallet.

In complementary white cotton, you have to look closely to see the stitching which adorns this wallet, but it’s worth the effort. Diagonal lines darting this way work with curved stitches to create a modern geometric masterpiece. This gentle artwork takes center stage on an otherwise simply designed purse.

What it lacks in flash it makes up for in size and substance. Shopaholics will likely be drawn to this purse’s size, and thrilled that Reed Krakoff uses the dimensions well. A zippered envelope runs down the center, offering a space for change and separating the wallet into three usable segments. Each side wall is packed with credit card slots ready to take your store loyalty memberships, driver’s license, and other essential cards.

I worry that the white leather might not look so pristine once its spent time inside a tote, but I think I’d chance it. For $300 this wallet isn’t cheap, but it’s not exorbitant for a purse with so much style.

More Features of This Reed Krakoff Stitched Wallet

• Metal zip fastening
• Measures 8 x 8 x 1 inches

Get this Reed Krakoff RK Nappa Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley Meet Me in Paris wallet, a great alternative to this stitched bag.
• Searching for more Reed Krakoff bags on eBay
• Other white leather wallets on eBay:

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I’ve been really excited about Anya Hindmarch’s latest offerings. She’s been maturing as a designer and has developed an upscale urban flair of her own. Which is why this Pimlico tote is such a disappointment. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with it. There’s just nothing particularly right with it, either.

The medium brown leather material is just the beginning of the Pimlico’s ho-hum aesthetic. It’s not a very rich tone, and the fine grain is sophisticated, but not very interesting. The symmetry of the over-stitching shows the quality of the workmanship, but honestly, who cares how good the quality is if the bag isn’t fabulous?

The shape of the bag is, like the rest of the design, pared down and traditional. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but overall, it lacks oomph. The singular design detail is the tassel, but frankly it’s not enough to take this bag anywhere interesting. Also, it hangs a little oddly. For $1,250, I want a lot more than what the Pimlico has to offer.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Pimlico Leather Tote

• Embossed designer signature at front
• Internal pouch pocket
• Fully lined in stone suede

Get this Anya Hindmarch Pimlico Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Anya Hindmarch bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Jackson Shoulder Bag, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Anya Hindmarch bags on eBay
• Other tasseled leather bags on eBay:

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