This Victoria hobo is a bag that screams luxury, from its neutral watersnake material to its gold-toned grommets. And since it’s from Halston’s affordable Heritage label, it likely costs a lot less than you’d expect.

This purse is a world away from the traditional bohemian totes. There’s the old familiar slouch, but the delicate snakeskin and polished metal really dresses it up. I can appreciate the elements, but I’m not so sure about the execution. The gold metal looks a little glitzy against the subtle snake material. Perhaps hardware in the same tone as the Halston H would have been more appealing.

I’m more enthusiastic about the interior though, which has all the essential pockets we’d hope for and a hidden magnetic closure to keep our goodies safe. This is a very deep bag though, so I’d make sure any vital items are stored in the pockets for easy access.

I imagine most of us would expect to pay a four-figure sum for a watersnake bag, especially one as large as this, so I’m sure the $595 price tag comes as a welcome surprise. I’m not sure how Halston’s diffusion line manages to offer such quality for this price, but I’m certainly not complaining!

More Features of This Halston Heritage Snakeskin Hobo

• Hidden magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Get this Halston Heritage Victoria Handbag:

• Available to buy at Nordstrom
• Check the Couture Apparels eBay store to see if this Halston Heritage bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Halston bags on BagBunch
• The CC Skye Blake hobo bag, a great alternative to this snake bag.
• Searching for more Halston bags on eBay
• Other watersnake bags on eBay:

[phpbay]watersnake, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Now that the dust has settled on the silly season, frugal shoppers are all venturing back to the malls to snare some post-Christmas bargains. But anyone in the know realizes that you can get some great deals, and avoid the crowds, if you stay home and log on to websites like Modnique.com.

If you’re quick you can enjoy amazing discounts on Tosca and Capri handbags. Modnique.com has some prices set, but if you fancy saving a bit more cash why not simply make them an offer? There’s no guarantee that the site will accept your proposal of course, but you could score a real bargain this way! This sale is only available for the next 12 hours though, so you’d better hop to it.

Modnique.com is also clearing out luxury Valentino bags as part of its “Best of 2010” sale. You’ll save 68% on purses like the alligator rosette bag, rhinestone hard shell clutch, and metallic python hobo. Of course even with that discount these bags still cost a real chunk of change, but if you love Valentino you’ll feel it’s an investment worth making.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far then check out the clearance on Stella & Stevie bags. These affordable totes, cross-body bags, and clutches have been discounted by up to 60%, which makes them all less than $30.

And while you’re searching for bargains don’t forget your friends, as you’ll earn extra shopping credits for each one you refer to Modnique.com. All that extra cash should come in handy when the site next has a great sale!

[Source: Modnique.com]
[Image Source: Michael Lorenzo/Stock.xchng]

Valentino Bags on eBay

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

The affordable Miss Gustto diffusion line delivers devil-may-care rock star attitude with this Cynthia shoulder bag.

All of the right elements are there: edgy black material, shiny studs and grommets, and casual lacing through the handles. It’s dark and dangerous, the epitome of motorcycle chic. That attention to detail makes it easier to overlook the faux synthetic, which is just a bit too shiny to ever pass as real leather.

I’d become bored with studs lately, but the use of tiny domed studs and grommets is appealing here. I love the way the hot pink lining peeks through the metal trimmed holes, adding just a pop of color to the moody exterior.

This shoulder bag is well designed, with plenty of space and the pockets we need to match. The large zippered pocket runs down the center of the interior, effectively dividing it into three usable portions. A zippered pocket lies in one side wall, while the other is kitted out with open pouches for a cell phone and pair of sunglasses.

It may not be the most luxurious rock and roll purse on the market, but for a mere $89.95 it certainly holds its own.

More Features of This Miss Gustto Studded Shoulder Bag

• Top zip closure
• Zip pocket on back
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 14 x 5.5 inches
• Also available in charcoal

Get this Miss Gustto Cynthia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gustto bags on BagBunch
• The Miss Gustto Karen bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Gustto bags on eBay
• Other black studded bags on eBay:

[phpbay]black studded, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Two Malaysian handbag thieves got more than they bargained for when they snatched the purse of a feisty teacher in Kepala Batas.

The two men stopped Azzahida Othman to ask for direction on Friday morning. She sensed something was amiss and retreated to her car.

“Suddenly the pillion rider got down from the motorcycle and smashed the left side window and grabbed my handbag,” she recounted. “I tried to hold onto the handbag strap but let go when the man whipped out a knife.“

The furious teacher reversed her car into the men’s motorcycle, but they still managed to get away. She pursued them until the rider lost control of his bike and crashed. She then sounded her horn and alerted neighbors, who caught one of the suspects. Police nabbed the other man some 30 minutes later.

Azzahida’s handbag was recovered, along with another purse belonging to a woman in a nearby town. Good on her for bringing these thugs to justice!

[Source: AsiaOne News]
[Image Source: Georgie C/Flickr]

I’m not sure whether Guess was inspired by A.A. Milne’s beloved characters of the Hundred Acre Wood, but there’s definitely a little of Winnie the Pooh’s striped friend in this Tigger satchel.

But while the bouncy children’s character was bold and orange, Guess takes a surprisingly reserved approach here. I’ve never thought of Guess as a conservative label, but there’s an understated elegance about the silvery tones employed here. They’re much more sophisticated than traditional orange and black would be, and for that I’m grateful. Animal prints are always a little wild, but this one wouldn’t seem out of place at a good restaurant or the office.

I think that restraint was really necessary, as the Tigger is such a large bag. Loud prints always appear so much more garish on big canvasses after all. This is a generously sized bag, but its four interior pockets are up to the challenge of keeping it organized.

I only wish the straps suited the Tigger’s size. They’re really too short for comfortable over-the-shoulder carrying, and without a longer one to help us out, I think we’ll struggle when this bag is full.

It’s got its faults, but I think this is still one of the most stylish Guess bags I’ve seen. That makes it well worth it’s affordable $98 price tag.

More Features of This Guess Animal Striped Satchel

• Made of synthetic material
• Zip top closure
• Silver-toned hardware
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 7.5 x 8.5 inches

Get this Guess Tigger Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Guess Tigger satchel, 2, “”, choice[/phpbay]

• Check the Yuskie Style eBay store to see if this Guess bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Guess bags on BagBunch
• The Guess Tigger tote bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Guess bags on eBay

Marni’s winter season has been amazing. It manages to strike a unique balance between tough, minimal, and feminine. This pocketed leather bag is one of the best bags I’ve seen all season.

I love the super matte finish on this leather. It’s so durable that it would hold up to a lifetime of use, and it’s beautiful. It gives the bag sort of a tough, motorcycle chic look that combines gorgeously with its chic, minimal styling.

This bag has a shape like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s got the rectangular shape of a messenger, but without the unwieldy front flap. Instead it’s got these great front pockets, which are perfect for stowing your phone and subway card. The zippered main compartment is generously sized and delightfully simple.

At $965, this bag is a minimal masterpiece at a totally decent price. Its timeless good looks and super-practical design make it a highly covetable bag.

More Features Of The Marni Pocketed Small Leather Bag

• 11″ x 8″ x 2″ size
• 23″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this Marni Pocketed Small Leather Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marni bags on BagBunch
• The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marni bags on eBay
• Other black cross body bags  on eBay:
  [phpbay]black cross body, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It’s clearly still the silly season, because I can think of no other reason for Gucci to release this packable Nylon Tote.

The iconic fashion house seems to be offering up a belated Christmas gift with this bag, as it’s attached a teddy bear to it! The bear is made from the same hot pink logo printed nylon we find on the tote. I suppose some bagistas might find this critter cute, but personally I’m glad it’s removable.

Strip it away though and you’ve got a bag that’s boring and pretty tacky. It certainly appears cheaper than a $355 tote should. Not even the leather trim can dress up the cheap nylon body. But as its name suggests, at least it’s packable right?

Perhaps that’s a good thing, because I imagine a tote like this would spend a lot of time in a closet. But I might be judging it too harshly. Its materials may be low class, but they’re tough. And the tote is well made, so it should last for many years.

It seems many bagistas see something in this Packable Nylon Tote that I don’t, as it’s flying off the shelves! So tell me fashion fans; what is the appeal?

More Features of This Gucci Pink Logo Tote

• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15.75 x 15.5 x 4.75 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Gucci Packable Nylon Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Mabel Tote bag, a great alternative to this nylon bag.
• Searching for more Gucci bags on eBay
• Other Gucci logo tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Gucci logo tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Our love affair with the 80s seems to be fading, but one trend that is sticking around is color-blocking. New handbag label Bella Borz is one brand that captures the appeal of this bold look beautifully.

The line is the brainchild of Emilce Borz, a former perfume packaging designer who recently turned her aesthetic flair to accessories. Her bags pair neutral tones with bold hues for a color-blocked look that is striking but not faddish.

The looks will draw you in, but there’s enough substance here to satisfy us in the long term. Each Bella Borz bag is made in New York City from high-quality Italian leathers. They’re also packed with features including durable fabric lined interiors and detachable pockets which become coin purses or clutches.

Bella Borz bags are reasonably priced considering their quality, starting at $78 for the clutches and from $365 for the handbags. You’ll find Bella Borz bags at selected American boutiques, including the label’s New York City showroom.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Color-Blocked Bags on eBay

[phpbay]color block, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Whimsical embroidered dragonflies dart across this pretty pea green purse from Global Elements.

An awful lot of effort has gone into this clutch. As if the delicate embroidery wasn’t fiddly enough, the clutch is covered in thousands of tiny little beads. I’m glad my hands weren’t slaving away over it. Considering the handiwork involved, it really is a steal at $43.95. So why aren’t I satisfied?

Perhaps it’s something to do with that simple shape, or the lack of features. Either way, despite its detail I’m left feeling underwhelmed. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity, but this plain pouch silhouette isn’t very elegant. And there are no pockets or straps to make our life any easier. That fairly pedestrian execution makes it more suited for casual days out than evenings on the town.

But as I said before, this Global Elements purse is still a bargain at $43.95. You certainly couldn’t make it yourself for that price!

More Features of This Global Elements Embroidered Purse

• Top zip closure
• Measures 8 x 4 x 1 inches

Get this Global Elements Dragonfly Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Global Elements bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Hamptons wristlet bag, a great alternative to this dragonfly bag.
• Searching for more Global Elements bags on eBags
• Other dragonfly clutch bags on eBay:

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

Some 56 years after the death of Jacques Fath, the company which bears his name has been resurrected by France’s Alliance Designers Group. There seems to have been a bit of nepotism at play, as the group’s owner has put his daughter Laurence Dumenil at the helm.

While her familial connections haven’t hurt her job prospects, Dumenil should silence the critics with her first accessories collection for the line. The London College of Fashion schooled designer has made a chic collection of statement purses targeted at women aged 25 to 40. Each one is handcrafted in a family-owned factory in France. That attention to detail helps to justify the substantial prices, which range from $690 to $2000.

The purses are stunning, but Dumenil is refusing to rest on her laurels. She hopes to add apparel and footwear to the collection in the future, although for now she sees handbags are vital to reestablishing the label’s identity.

Look for Jacques Fath’s spring 2011 collection next year at Gregory’s stores in Las Vegas, Houston, and Dallas, Satine in Los Angeles, and Hirshleifers in Manhasset. Are you happy to see the brand back?

[Source: Fashionista]

Jaques Fath Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Jacques Fath, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]