The snow may have set in around the Northern Hemisphere but rest assured, it’ll be spring before we know it. A new season calls for a few new accessories, and few purses seem as appropriate for the warmer weather as this Laura Matthews Designs clutch.

Its vibrant lime green hue screams spring, and the butterfly is just the kind of thing you can imagine flitting around the gardens. All the right elements are there, but I’m not sure about the execution. The stiff patent leather makes the ruching pucker unevenly, and the plastic butterfly seems cheap. I like the way it works as an interesting nameplate, but it’d look so much classier in metal.

There’s nothing wrong with a cheap and cheerful purse, but with a price tag of $275 I expect more here. The aesthetics aren’t the only thing that lets it down. There’s no shoulder strap either, which may make the purse tiresome by the end of the day.

There’s a real spirit of fun here that’s perfect for welcoming the new season, but I wouldn’t expect too much from this Laura Matthews Designs patent leather purse.

More Features of This Laura Matthews Designs Butterfly Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Satiny ribbed fabric lining
• An interior zip pocket
• Measures 5.5 x 14.5 x 1 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in the United States

Get this Laura Matthews Designs Patent Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Laura Matthews Designs bags on BagBunch
• The Laura Matthews Designs 3-Ring Resin bag, a great alternative to this patent clutch bag.
• Searching for more Laura Matthews Designs bags on eBay
• Other butterfly clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]butterfly clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

In the past few weeks, some seriously amazing Hindmarch bags have hit the shelves, and I’ve been more impressed than ever about the evolution of her aesthetic. This Oakley baby bag, though, is only okay. It definitely does a great job masking its purpose, but it doesn’t do so in a particularly interesting way.

The black nylon on the Oakley is exactly what it should be: practical. It’s black, so it won’t show stains, and it’s also easy to wipe off in case something really offensive gets spilled or wiped on it, which it inevitably will. The patent leather trim and handles add a little touch of sleek shine.

The interior has a lot of organizational features, including a changing mat, which can be a lifesaver for busy urban moms. It also has well-designed compartments for bottles, food, and diapers. The large front pocket is perfect for throwing in towels and other often-needed accessories.

The thing about the Oakley is that while it looks good, it’s just a little ho-hum for $695, even if it is made for carrying disposable diapers and anti-itch ointments.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Oakley Nylon Baby Bag

• 12″ x 13″ x 6″ size
• 7″ strap drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Anya Hindmarch Oakley Baby Bag:

• 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 black baby bags on eBay:

[phpbay]black baby bag purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Get glitzy with this Lodis Haley Gala purse.

There is a strange trend that I am noticing within the handbag world, towards unusual handles and peculiar design. In essence, handbag designers seem to be creating purses that resemble the bags I had in my dressing up box as a child. You must see what I mean: the metallic glitter, and the strange and pointless little rectangular handle.

Of course, perhaps you like this style. The metallic leather is lovely after all, especially with the reasonable $105 price tag. Usually you don’t get leather at that price point, especially not of the gold variety! You may also like the stripy clasp, although I am not entirely convinced about its coordination.

OK, so this Lodis clutch isn’t winning me over. But maybe its glitz will convince you?

More Features of this Lodis Haley Gala Clutch

• Available in gold or champagne (pictured)
• Leather exterior
• Single interior zip pocket
• Clasp closure

Get this Metallic Leather Evening Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lodis bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors python clutch, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Lodis bags on eBay:

[phpbay]lodis handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Anya Hindmarch’s feminine upscale designs have won me over completely the past few seasons, but this is a totally new look for her. Frankly, I’m blown away by the decadent beauty of this Rossum woven leather clutch.

The shiny gold leather on the Rossum is breathtaking. I don’t always like woven bags, but this is definitely an exception. The intricate design has a baroque appeal that could dress up even the drabbest outfit. The only thing I don’t like about the weave is the Hindmarch bow logo they’ve woven into the top. It’s a girly touch that doesn’t seem in keeping with the rest of the bag, but luckily, it’s pretty easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

The shape of the Rossum is softly rounded, which perfectly suits the geometric pattern of the weave. The foldover flap fastens with a discrete magnetic clasp, so there’s nothing to take away from the look of the clutch. The tassel at the bottom corner of the bag adds a little extra asymmetrical glamour.

Seriously, for $545, the Rossum is a seductive steal, and I wouldn’t let it pass me by if I were you.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Rossum Woven Leather Clutch

• 10″ x 6″ x 2″ size
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in brown twill

Get this Anya Hindmarch Rossum Woven Clutch:

• 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 woven gold clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]woven gold clutch purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Anya Hindmarch is one of those designers I didn’t really take to right away. When she first came on the scene a few years ago, it seemed like she hadn’t really found her own style, and her designs went back and forth between elegant and girly, with a lot of kitschy tote bags thrown in the mix. Now, however, her work is a little more defined, and I like her classy uptown take on everyday basics. The Westbourne is a great example of her more mature work, but it certainly isn’t stuffy.

The weathered tan leather on the Westbourne has an almost bohemian appeal. The color has that faded look, and the appearance is distressed, but it’s still smooth and supple to the touch. The warm tone of the gold hardware is the perfect complement to the color of the leather, and it adds the tiniest bit of bling.

I love how every aspect of the Westbourne has a geometric look. Every corner has been subtly rounded, which keeps the lines from looking too harsh and gives the whole look an elegant appeal. The front seam detail adds a bit of textural interest, and draws your eye towards the fabulous center clasp.

Honestly, the only drawback I see in the Westbourne is the fact that it’s kind of large and doesn’t have a shoulder strap. Personally, I would be more likely to use this bag as a weekender than as a daily bag, and I would eventually get tired of hand-carrying it. But, for its size and quality, the $1,100 price is right.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Westbourne Distressed Leather Tote

• 12″ x 10″ x 6″ size
• 7″ strap drop
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in designer stamped twill

Get this Anya Hindmarch Westbourne 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 tan leather totes on eBay:

[phpbay]tan leather tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Nancy Gonzalez is one of my favorite designers to come out in the past few years. Her designs are never overdone, and her exotic farm-raised skins make other exotic skins look lackluster in comparison. This crocodile hobo has a fabulously minimal, but still very exciting design that shows off Gonzalez’s best work.

The color of this bag is extraordinary. The rich jewel tone is a total knockout, and it brings the fabulous texture of the crocodile skin into incredible relief. The skin also has a great gloss on it that ensures that it catches the light in all the right places.

I love the stiff, structured look of this hobo. It’s got a great teardrop shape, but without any messy slouchiness. The inset center piece adds another layer of detail to the texture, and the whole thing has a very highbrow patchwork quality to it that’s irresistible.

$3,750 is really not unreasonable to pay for a bag of this size and quality. Gonzalez keeps costs down by using skins from animals from her own farms, and from hiring artisans in her native Colombia. The results are beautiful and more than worth the price.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Hobo

• 18″ x 12″ x 7″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in nubuck

Get this Nancy Gonzalez Large Croc Hobo:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nancy Gonzalez bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay
• Other crocodile hobos on eBay:
  [phpbay]crocodile hobo, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Joe’s Jeans is taking another stab at the world of handbags. After previously working with the Betesh Group, the popular denim brand has struck up a new licensing deal with Vogue Trimmings.

The partnership should be a happy one, as Vogue Trimmings have been behind the label’s belts for the last year.

The collection features leather and canvas bags, as well as all-leather ones, for men and women.

“The leather and canvas mixes have gotten a phenomenal response because that’s what’s happening right now, particularly in the natural canvas coloration,” explained Frank Valensi, the president of Vogue Trimmings.

These bags cost between $140 and $150, while the all-leather ones are a bit more expensive at $200. That price seems justified though, as Joe’s Jeans works exclusively with buttery soft lambskin.

You won’t find upmarket handbags in Joe’s Jeans’ The Bag range, but the diverse selection of totes, satchels, cross-body bags and clutches should find a place in most everyday wardrobes.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Joe’s Jeans Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Joes Jeans, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Latico offers more than meets the eye with this Julia hobo.

There are very few bells and whistles on this purse, so it’s very easy to ignore. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything remarkable about it at all. Its purple color is so dark that it’s almost black. Its triple-milled leather is lovely and soft, but not show shopping. And its styling while inoffensive is nothing to write home about. That makes the Julia very versatile, but it also doesn’t really tempt us to part with our hard earned cash.

But open this baby up and it really starts giving. The colorful patterned lining hints at all the joy you’ll have using this clever space. It has a row of slots for all your vital cards and loops for pens alongside all of the regular pockets. Each one is trimmed to ensure they stack up to daily use, and the magnetic closure keeps everything you’ve packed safely inside. We really need little else, but the front pocket for stashing vital items is still a welcome touch.

I wish it was a bit more fashion forward, but the Julia is still one of the most practical wardrobe staples I’ve seen. As basic bags go, this hobo delivers plenty for its $205 price tag.

More Features of This Latico Basic Hobo:

• Plainweave lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in India

Get this Latico Julia Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Latico Julia, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

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

African inspired bags from the likes of Bally, La Perla, Trussardi, and MAX&Co will go under the hammer for COOPI’s Bags4Africa auction.  COOPI is an Italian aid organization which has fought poverty around the world since 1965.

The charity auction will raise funds for development projects in Senegal and Sierra Leone. Proceeds will be distributed between a scheme designed to team young mothers in Senegal skills for the fashion industry, and a program teaching Sierra Leone about literacy and their land ownership rights.

The one-of-a-kind pieces, which were all specially designed for the project, will be auctioned off by Clarice Pecori Giraldi, the general director of Christie’s Italy, on January 27.

If you’re in Milan you can bid on one at the Palazzo Clerici from 7 pm. If you’re somewhere else in the world, you’ll need a solid grasp of Italian to place a bid via the COOPI website. That site also shows you all the bags created for the auction. Which one is your favorite?

[Source: Fashion and Runway]
[Image Source: COOPI]

African Bags on eBay

[phpbay]African, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]