Marc Jacobs has an extremely extensive style repertoire. Somehow he manages to run the gamut between edgy elegance and ladylike traditionalism without ever sacrificing something signature. This Billy handbag is a great example of a more minimal Marc Jacobs.

Smooth-grained navy leather is sort of the epitome of classic to me. It’s as dark as you can go without going black, so it has the benefit of being both versatile and also conservative. I’m not always a fan of conservative, but preppy looks like this can add great punctuation to edgier styles. The straw tassel adds a tiny pop of color to the look without making it too much.

The small size of the Billy is right in line with the trends. That’s right, ladies, bags are getting smaller. It’s good news for your aching shoulders, but bad news for women who refuse to give up the kitchen sink. In any case, the size of the Billy makes it perfect for throwing over your shoulder or across the body without weighing you, or your look, down at all.

At $950, the Billy is a little bit pricey for its small size, but it’s so beautifully made and timeless that it doesn’t seem exorbitant.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Billy Small Leather Shoulder Bag

• 10″ x 6″ x 3″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in pink polka dot twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Billy Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other navy leather shoulder bags on eBay:

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Jessica McClintock releases a frame clutch in her Sequins & Satin range.

The over the top heavily sequined exterior of this clutch matches the original version of this bag, although the color scheme has changed. The old one was blue and silver, and the red and silver edition is a lot brighter and bolder. In my opinion the combination doesn’t work as well, and looks a bit cheap, but you may disagree!

As for the frame, what else would be appropriate but silver metal to coordinate with all those sequins? The structure the frame adds to the soft satin body is great, as it makes the whole bag looks a little more cohesive, not to mention improving the design overall. Oh, and the long strap is a good addition too!

If sequins are your idea of evening bag glamor, then this Jessica McClintock clutch is right up your street.

More Features of this Jessica McClintock Sequins & Satin Purse

• Also available in black and silver
• Sequin and satin body
• Optional long strap

Get this Reflective Metallic Clutch

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica McClintock bags on BagBunch
• The KC Malhan Technology clutch, a great alternative to this sequin bag.
• Searching for more sequined bags on eBay
• Other Jessica McClintock bags on eBay:

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Recently we told you about Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body, the Nomi Network’s purses which help sex trafficking survivors rebuild their lives. But it’s not the only program doing this vital work. In a similar vein there is Made by Survivors, an initiative developed by The Emancipation Network.

Through Made by Survivors, former sex slaves are given the skills they need to craft handbags, jewelry, homewares, and other stylish items. The scheme is the brainchild of Sarah Symons and John Berger, a caring American couple who left their careers behind to help women in need. They are currently aligned with 18 different shelters in nine countries, including one in New York.

The website details not only the items available for purchase, but the place the artisan of each product came from. The goods are all very affordable, and 100% of the profits go back to the survivors and the shelters that have helped them rebuild their lives.

We can’t give to every charity that comes along, but if you’re in the market for a new purse, T-shirt, rug, or just about anything else the Made by Survivors website is a great place to look.

[Source: Take Part]
[Image Source: Made by Survivors store]

Perhaps it’s all the love in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, but I’m finding it hard to resist the charms of this Love Moschino Cuori Tote.

This tote certainly isn’t subtle. The shiny red outlined hearts that cover this tote are charming but probably only appropriate for the most creative of workplace environments. More of that red patent leather forms the trim and handles, clashing delightfully with the deep teal leather. It’s vibrant and colorful, lots of fun but perhaps not very versatile.

Cotton fabric in that same bright color lines the generously sized interior. This really is a big bag, and that only makes the loud exterior more noticeable. On the plus side though it ensures we never have to leave anything we want behind. The mix of open and zip pockets is stock standard, but they do the job. I’d prefer a zipper on a bag this wide rather than the magnetic snap though; you’ll need to watch to make sure nothing slips out of the sides.

I’m not sure I’d get enough wear from this tote to justify its substantial $480 price tag, but boy I’d like to try!

More Features of This Love Moschino Heart Tote

• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 17 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in blue and white

Get this Love Moschino Cuori Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Moschino bags on BagBunch
• The Harajuku Lovers Poppin satchel bag, a great alternative to this heart accented bag.
• Searching for more Moschino bags on eBay
• Other heart tote bags on eBay:

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Dame Vivienne Westwood is putting her design weight behind a good cause with her new limited edition handbag collection for the Ethical Fashion Africa Project.

There are three bags in the range, each made from recycled materials. The romantic Gaia Heart and tribal Orb bags are crafted from old safari tents, while the cheeky Get a Life tote is made from recycled advertising banners. Each is handcrafted by artisans in Nairobi, Kenya, and relatively affordable at £150.

We don’t mind spending that sort of money when we know that 100% of the funds raised by the bags will support the Ethical Fashion Africa Project, which is part of the International Trade Center. The organization works with marginalized women, whether they are HIV or AIDS victims, single mothers, widows, or women living in extreme poverty. It helps these needy groups connect with international distributors and fashion labels, who can in turn help them make products to be sold around the world. With jobs to do and a regular income, these women can support their families and communities, and dramatically change their lives.

The Ethical Fashion Africa Project does such important work, so it’s wonderful to see someone of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s standing throwing her support behind it. Look for the Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa Project totes in stores next month, and online now.

[Source: Treehugger]
[Image Source: Bella Naija]

Vivienne Westwood Bags on eBay

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Moonsus toots its own horn here, claiming its hobo bag is Deluxe.

That sets up some pretty big expectations, and I’m not sure Moonsus really lives up to them here. But this is still a lovely handbag, even if it’s a very different purse from your typical hobo bag. The lines are much cleaner, and the style more sophisticated than the boho bags we’re used to. I like that though, as it makes this Deluxe hobo a more versatile wardrobe addition.

This is a good mid-sized bag; it’s got all the space we really need and nothing more, so we’re not tempted to overfill it. There’s more pockets than I’d expect for a purse of this size, and they can take care of everything from pens to personal technology.

But calling it deluxe may be stretching things a little. It’s not particularly head-turning or fashion forward. We don’t get a choice of carrying straps, and there aren’t even any metal feet to protect the leather base.

Just like any other bag, this Deluxe hobo has its shortcomings. But cost isn’t one of them. For $218 this Moonsus hobo is relatively affordable for a bag of this quality and classic style.

More Features of This Moonsus Leather Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Satin striped lining
• A single strap with an 8.25 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 13 x 4.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Moonsus Deluxe Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Moonsus bags on BagBunch
• The Moonsus Urbane hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Moonsus bags on eBay
• Other Moonsus hobo bags on eBay:

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Reed Krakoff’s line has been the toast of the fashion world for the past few months. The highly acclaimed Coach designer struck out on his own, and struck gold, this season, by releasing his own line, which has been replete with posh, but traditional offerings. This gorgeous miniaudiere lizard clutch adds an extra dose of luxury to the line.

I am such a fan of the miniaudiere style. Hard, small, constrained; it has all the hallmarks of elegance. This bag is not, of course, the one to choose if you’re the kind of woman who has a whole lot of stuff to truck around, but for a special night on the town, it’s just right. I love the flat, boxy shape, even if I could barely slip my wallet inside.

The bronze lizard leather is nothing less than breathtaking. The texture of the skin makes the metallic finish shimmer in a subtly beautiful way. The deco style gunmetal clasp is understated, but has a heaviness that balances out the rest of the clutch. I can’t think of a a better way to punctuate an elegant evening ensemble.

I’m a little surprised at the $990 price tag. Most of Krakoff’s designs have been priced on the high side, so for this exotic skin, the price is pretty solid. Plus, this is the kind of beauty that just never goes out of style.

More Features Of The Reed Krakoff Miniaudiere II Lizard Clutch

• Lined in gray leather
• Internal card slots

Get This Reed Krakoff Miniaudiere II Lizard Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Joe’s Jeans Tess Tote, an edgy, inexpensive alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Reed Krakoff items on eBay
• Searching for other lizard clutches on eBay:

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Marc Jacobs sure has come a long way since his grunge days. Now, not only is he the head designer at Louis Vuitton, but he has two eponymous lines of his own. Not only that, but his style has evolved into an elegant, ladylike sensibility that defines American design. This Julie tote is a beautifully low key everyday bag with just enough bells and whistles to make it interesting.

Taupe is not one of my favorite colors, but this particular taupe is so smooth and nutty that I just love it. It has a creamy color and texture that just screams upscale. The bag is delightfully free of embellishment, which allows the great quality of the workmanship to shine through in the design.

The standard shape of this tote is almost perfect. It’s simple, classic, and effortless. The large size makes it great for an everyday bag, even if the skinny, pretty chain strap isn’t the epitome of practicality. I really like the way the gold chain has been threaded with darker brown leather to contrast with the bag. The multicolored silken tassel gives just the right amount of color and asymmetry to make the Julie far from boring.

$1,250 seems to be about the going rate for everyday bags these days. I think it’s a little high, given the recession, but I might be willing to make an exception for a timeless design like this one.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Julie Large Leather Shoulder Bag

• 16″ x 13″ x 6″ size
• 10″ strap drop
• Fully lined in pink polka dot twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Julie Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other taupe leather totes on eBay:

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Versace’s accessories line seems to be making a comeback this season. I haven’t really seen much of the label in the past few years, but the past few months its signature version of Italian chic has definitely been on my radar. Classic, but eye-catching bags like this raffia tote are a breath of fresh air in a monochrome-obsessed marketplace.

Orange. It’s such a table-turner. All you really need to make a significant statement about your personal style is a touch of orange. Especially a color like this one that says, “Nope, I’m not scared of anything.” Still, it’s a far cry from neon, and it has a unequivocally classic appeal, especially when combined with raffia.

I adore the shape of this bag. It’s just not your ordinary tote. Not only does it have a really interesting geometric shape, but the bottom edges are scooped out in a really interesting way that softens up the look a bit. The smooth orange leather trim classes the design up, and the warm gold hardware is nice and low key.

$1,295 is a great price for a Versace bag. The raffia helps keep the price down, and is a great choice for spring and summer. I feel an eye-popping woven bag trend coming on faster than you can say, “The tulips are finally blooming!”

More Features Of This Versace Large Leather Trimmed Raffia Tote

• Internal zipper and pouch pockets
• Fully lined in orange satin

Get this Versace Leather Trimmed Raffia Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Versace bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Mitzy Hobo, a larger,  more minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Versace bags on eBay
• Other woven orange bags on eBay:

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Since Alexander McQueen’s death last year, the fashion world has become semi-obsessed with his glam punk aesthetic. As a lover of cutting edge design, I’m thrilled, and it’s great to see high brow meeting low brow in such a fabulous mish-mash. This New Box Knuckle Duster is a great example of how great the combo can be.

The all-gold look of this bag is really fascinating. On a more traditional design, using all gold might be risky, but on something a little odd like this, the choice seems restrained. Actually, this color scheme is what I think keeps the New Box in the the wearable category. It creates stylistic coherence, and gives a very ornate bag consistency.

The shape of the New Box is nice and simple, a perfectly rounded off rectangle. Anything else would be too much to compete with the elaborate handle, which is truly extraordinary. The skull and lotus blossom knuckle duster design undulates across the bag in a sexy, edgy way. Can’t you just imagine topping off a fabulous black column gown with this baby? Way to make a statement.

As usual, McQueen doesn’t come cheap. $1,760 seems like a lot to pay for anything in this economy, so you’re going to have to justify it by thinking of it as a collector’s piece by a dead artist.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen New Box Knuckle Duster Leather Clutch

• Fully lined in gold leather
• Gold frame

Get this Alexander McQueen New Box Knuckle Duster:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Tina bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other gold leather clutches on eBay:
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