Everywhere I look Jack Rogers seems to be popping up at the moment. Luckily his dramatic signature stitching looks great, so so far I’m not fed up with seeing his designs!

The spacious shopper style of this handbag works perfectly with the chunky gray stitching. Granted, the sleek white patent may be difficult to keep clean, but you can’t deny that the Newport’s minimalist lines look smart enough to warrant putting a little extra effort into keeping it looking tidy. Of course you could just opt for the navy blue version, but then you don’t get the great contrasting detail.

The simplicity of this tote may make some people hesitant to spend 295 of their hard earned dollars on it. However, if you are looking for a spacious and practical bag this certainly goes some of the way, and the cute floral lining just helps to seal the deal.

More Features of this Jack Rogers Newport Signature Handbag

• Also available in navy
• Patent leather stitched exterior
• Single interior zip pocket
• Reinforced base with feet

Get this Luxury Patent Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jack Rogers bags on BagBunch
• The Isaac Mizrahi Spazzalato tote, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more patent bags on eBay
• Other contrast stitch bags on eBay:

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BCBG Max Azria brings its geometric mastery to a new clutch bag shape with this luxe gold sequined purse.

Interestingly, I actually prefer the sequined hardware adorning the outside of this evening bag when it is on a slender envelope clutch like this, as compared to the somewhat chunkier shape of previous designs. You still maintain the Grecian inspired vibe, but the shape is a little more wearable, a little more ladylike. This is even more the case with that delicate border of tiny gold beads, making this whole metallic evening bag very pretty indeed.

Of course, such an expanse of gold may well be too much for some people. It will certainly be an eye catcher, and it is up to you whether this is good or bad! I also have to question how this beaded clutch will look when the ravages of time have led to a few of the sequins falling off. Will the coordinating gold background be enough to stop it standing out too vividly?

Whilst this cute evening bag design would have been improved with a simple chain strap, it is still a pretty and affordable way to add some glamor to your outfit.

More Features of this BCBG Max Azria Beaded Evening Bag

• Beaded metallic fabric exterior
• Single interior slip pocket
• Gold satin fabric lining

Get this Geometric Metallic Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More BCBG Max Azria bags on BagBunch
• The BCBG Max Azria Geometric clutch, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more beaded bags on eBay
• Other BCBG Max Azria bags on eBay:

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Fashion tends to have a bad reputation as an industry that’s vapid and self absorbed. It’s not always undeserved, but initiatives like Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body help to buck the trend.

The scheme was developed by The Nomi Network, an organization which helps young Cambodian women escape from sexual slavery and trafficking situations. Buy her Bag, Not her Body gives the women an alternative to selling their bodies, arming them with skills to boost their self esteem and make a living.

The ladies use recycled rice bag materials to craft handbags, wallets, cosmetics purses, and other eco-friendly accessories. Each one is designed in New York City, but the creators in the Big Apple aren’t lining their pockets. All the profits go back into the training and career programs for former Asian sex workers.

The program is compelling, but the handbag designs are just as tempting. This Slogan Tote is one of my favorites, as it spreads the message for a meager $30. I also like the way this purse zips up into a small version of itself, perfect for stashing inside larger handbags before hitting the grocery store. There are plenty more accessories where this one came from too, each with the same altruistic aim and affordable price.

Get your recycled rice bag purses online from the Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body website for a healthy dose of good karma.

[Source: The Purse Page]

Recycled Rice Sack Bags on eBay

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

Diane Von Furstenberg is a household name. In fashionable households, you don’t even need to use the full name; the DVF abbreviation is more than enough. This striking Laragh bag is a good example of what helped Ms. Furstenberg attain that status, even if it is a little unusual within the larger spectrum of her aesthetic.

The canvas on the Laragh is used in an extraordinarily innovative way. This is something that I think we’ll be seeing a lot from designers who are trying to keep prices down by working with less expensive materials. Still, the canvas doesn’t come off as plain or boring in the least. It’s hard to resist the bold black and white striping.

The shape of the Laragh is innovative as well. It is simultaneously voluminous and geometric, an effect that is highlighted by the graphic print. The folded knot ties at the sides fold the bag into an interesting, avant garde shape, but the tan leather strap keeps it on the classic side. I love the way the gunmetal hardware melts right into the bag, and doesn’t take away from its dramatic flair.

For $185, the Laragh is a bonafide bargain. You almost never see a price like this on a designer bag, so you better get your credit card out ASAP if you want to get your hands on one!

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Laragh Large Striped Canvas Shoulder Bag

• 22″ x 15″ x 7″ size
• 8″ strap drop
• Full zip top
• Fully lined in red twill

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Laragh Tote:

• 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 black and white canvas bags on eBay:
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Love it or loathe it; there’s no denying that this Maddalena Marconi evening clutch makes a big impression.

This Italian label isn’t in the business of pleasing everybody. Instead it revels in opulence and ostentation, often at the expense of good taste. Like so many of Maddalena Marconi’s evening purses, this one is a bit hit and miss for me.

The golden beads are a real hit to me. They’ve been applied by hand, so you know that they’re going to survive several up-market outings. But the tulle covered green crystals embedded amongst them are a real miss. I just don’t understand these embellishments at all; I suppose they’re interesting but they just don’t rev me.

Another miss for me is the quilted black faux leather on the reverse side of the box clutch. The label calls it eco-leather as an attempt to appeal to all of the green fashionistas out there, but let’s not play the semantics game. It’s synthetic, and for $1198 we expect, and deserve, better.

The quilting is lovely, and I like the concept of using a different finish on each side for greater versatility. But that offending cheap material really lets things down here.

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Evening Clutch

• Swarovski crystal embellished kiss-lock clasp
• Green metallic leather lined interior
• A small interior pocket
• A single chain strap with a 3.5 inch drop
• Measures 6.3 x 3.94 x 2.36 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Maddalena Marconi Beaded Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Maddalena Marconi bags on BagBunch
• The Maddalena Marconi Jeweled Box Clutch bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Maddalena Marconi bags on eBay
• Other beaded clutch bags on eBay:

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The brand Sammy Handmade in Ethiopia is a bit of a mouthful, but this is a label that’s worth paying attention to. It’s just released this Aster wallet, a playful coin purse with an important purpose.

The embroidered animal motif, vivid hued leather, and rainbow colored zip might be a bit childish for fashion snobs, but there’s certainly a charm to its innocence. And let’s remember that wallets spend most of their lives hidden inside a larger handbag, so we have a little more freedom to embrace our silly side with these accessories.

If you need more convincing maybe the Aster’s altruistic purpose will do it for you. Just as the label’s name suggests, this purse is handcrafted by Ethiopian women working in a co-op. Their story is unique, as each of their families has been affected by AIDS in some way. They were trained in embroidery and other handicrafts, and can now support their needy families.

The Aster wallet is available for $165 from Barneys New York.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

African Wallets on eBay

[phpbay]Africa wallet, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Mad Imports gets us ready for the warm weather ahead with this summery Marielle Clutch.

Few fabrics evoke the steamy heat of summer like woven raffia. This fiber is tightly woven here, so it looks classier than most of its peers. I’m not suggesting you could rock it on the red carpet, but it could be just the thing for beach parties and summery cocktail parties.

The simple styling also makes it very versatile. Most of the Marielle’s are brightly colored, but there’s also a brown and natural toned purse if you prefer to take things down a notch.

There’s more to this clutch than meets the eye. You can open it up and carry it by that wooden handle if you want a little more storage space. But I’d use this feature sparingly. Woven raffia isn’t strong, and it may struggle to take the weight of heavy items. That wooden handle also won’t be forgiving once the clutch is loaded up.

$75 is slightly too much to pay for a purse with such limitations, but if you treat it right I’m sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

More Features of This Mad Imports Raffia Clutch

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 9 x 12 inches when folded

Get this Mad Imports Marielle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Mad Imports Mariel*, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Sage Naturalceuticals eBay store to see if this Mad Imports bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Mad Imports Leilani bag, a great alternative to this flap bag.
• Searching for more Mad Imports bags on eBay

Jimmy Choo walks a sort of interesting line as a fashion house. Its classic work is prized by posh fashionistas from the Upper East Side to the Left Bank, but it sometimes veers off into very bold territory. The drama of the Batheth tote makes it the kind of bag that you’ll either love or hate immediately.

I’ve never really seen raffia used this way before. Usually, it’s a material that I think should be reserved for basket weaving, but printed in high contrast snakeskin it looks pretty fabulous. The natural texture of the raffia also helps the snakeskin look somewhat more authentic, although you would never mistake it for the real thing. The black elaphe trim adds a touch of genuine luxury and brings out the nuances of the overall pattern.

The style of the Batheth is familiar. Choo makes a lot of bags that have a similar design. I’m not always a fan of non-functional shapes, but the Batheth needs these edgy little extras to make it work. The size is such that you can easily run a day’s worth of errands with it, but not so large that it will become uncomfortable to carry.

$1,250 isn’t much to pay for a Choo bag. The raffia used in place of snakeskin keeps the price low, but the style high. It won’t be quite as durable as a skin bag, but it will definitely hold up for a decade in terms of both materials and style.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Batheth Large Snakeskin Trimmed Raffia Tote

• 13″ x 14″ x 7″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in beige suede

Get this Jimmy Choo Batheth Raffia Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Simone hobo, a stylish alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other raffia totes on eBay:[phpbay]raffia tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Isaac Mizrahi once again brings that certain “something” to his designs by mixing up the traditional dimensions of this Spazzalato tote.

This large mint green tote, you see, is a good few inches taller than you would normally expect. Despite the average sized handles, you have a huge bucket shaped body that gives you a much increased capacity and the sort of shape that makes a simple bag manage to stand out from the crowd. My only hesitation is that the handles may not be long enough; will that rigid patent leather get in the way and make it tough to carry, especially when full?

Still, what I keep coming back to is that leather. The pearlescent patent is not only in a gorgeous texture, but is in one of those unusual shades that is just scrumptious. It almost looks edible! It is especially delicious in combination with the cream leather interior, as even other luxury brands tend to use fabric as the lining, no matter how much they charge. Still, a couple of compartments would have made it even nicer!

At $1350 it ain’t cheap, but it sure is pretty!

More Features of this Isaac Mizrahi Patent Hold-all

• Leather exterior and interior
• Interior zip pocket
• Dual leather handles
• Available in many varieties

Get this Over-Sized Spazzalato Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Isaac Mizrahi bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade London Quinn tote, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more patent bags on eBay
• Other Isaac Mizrahi bags on eBay:

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