Phillip Lim’s signature minimalism attracts a wide fan base. Perhaps it’s because he makes bags that are simple and practical that will never go out of fashion. This Brea shoulder bag is a great example of Lim’s clean, uncluttered style.

The off-white leather on the Brea has a distinctive canvas texture and has been thickly coated. This is great, because light bags are usually so difficult to keep clean, but the finish on this one makes it easy to wipe off. It also looks really cool, and has the casual look of canvas, but the durability of leather.

The shape is a little unusual for a handbag, because it looks basically like an old school camera bag, complete with accessory pockets on the sides. When I was in my high school photography phase, I hated having to carry one of these things around all full of lenses, but it never occurred to me to use it as a purse. As a handbag, the Brea is pretty practical, but it’s a little clunkier than Lim’s usual fare.

For $525, the Brea is a decent buy. It’s practical and simple, and will never go out of style. Unfortunately, it’s just not terribly exciting.

More Features Of The 3.1 Philip Lim Brea Canvas Coated Leather Shoulder Bag

• Zip fastening at top
• Fully lined

Get this 3.1 Phillip Lim Brea Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More 3.1 Phillip Lim bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Darcy Shoulder bag, a more minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Phillip Lim bags on eBay
• Other off-white leather bags on eBay:

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When I set off for my seasonal holidays, I rely on the same beat-up old suitcase I’ve been using since my teenage years. I’m yearning for an upgrade, and if I got my way I’d replace by canvas luggage with this ultra luxe Ghibli travel trolley.

I thought leather suitcases were opulent, but this one takes things to the next level with its exotic reptilian skin. Strangely Ghibli is keeping mum about the skin’s origins, preferring instead to simply call it “reptile.” This is a really unusual step by the brand. Its $2460 price tag means it’s uncertain whether this is embossed leather or some kind of real reptile. It’s certainly not lizard, but without seeing it up close and personal I’m left guessing.

At any rate, the mottled beige and gold hues in the scales are lovely, and they’re only made more appealing with the addition of tan leather trim. This suitcase is sure to stand out on any baggage carousel, but it’s more important that it works for you on your vacation. The good news about this trolley is that it probably will.

The zippered pockets we see outside are matched by the generously sized interior. It has another zippered pocket in the lid, and straps for holding down your clothes and other travel essentials.

Whatever it’s made from, I wouldn’t trust airport baggage handlers with it. Exotic skins are notoriously fragile, and cowhide isn’t much better if it’s punished. But if you’re taking a road trip or looking for an enviable piece of carry-on luggage this could be your bag. At least that is if you’ve got a few thousand to spare!

More Features of This Ghibli Exotic Travel Trolley

• Gold-toned hardware
• Beige fabric lining
• A push button retractable handle
• Two leather handles
• Measures 12.6 x 18.9 x 7.09 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Ghibli Reptile Suitcase:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ghibli bags on BagBunch
• The Kristine Accessories croc-embossed travel set, an affordable alternative to this reptile trolley bag.
• Searching for more Ghibli bags on eBay
• Other trolley bags on eBay:

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Thale Blanc designer Deborah Sawaf offers a cute new way to carry your cell phone with her La Pochette purses.

It’s only fair to call the La Pochette cases purses, but they do much more than simply hold cell phones. With their side pockets for credit cards and other vital items, they might do away with wallets altogether. The versatile carrying options also make the La Pochette feel like a handbag. These purses can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder, or across the body, so you can easily dress them up or dress them down.

La Pochette’s are not created equally. Leather and suede options are quite luxurious, but for real opulence look to the ostrich skin La Pochettes. The bags are then given their unique personalities through ribbons and bows, tassels, charms and chains. If Sawaf’s work isn’t enough for you, you can buy additional chains for more bling.

The Thale Blance La Pochette cell phone purses are available from the label’s website and priced between $134 and $400.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Cell Phone Purses on eBay

[phpbay]cell phone, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Furla proves that a hobo can be elegant with this chic Adriana handbag.

The crescent shape is familiar, but there’s just a hint of the slouch we associate with hobos. The buttery leather can’t help but fall softly, but we get the feeling that Furla is in complete control of this hobo’s shape. Even the V-shaped pleat in the front has a very deliberate structure. That means this isn’t really the hobo you’ll choose for the summer music festival season, but it’ll work in the office or on your next hot date.

The mirrored logo plaque is a bit obnoxious, but thankfully it’s easily removed. The discreet embossed logo and signature lining are much more elegant ways to show the brand’s heritage.

That lining covers the generously sized interior, which while not outstanding does the trick. I’m much more impressed with the choice of straps. The short one is ideal for over-the-shoulder toting, while the longer allows us to carry this hobo across our body. Making them detachable would have given this hobo a cleaner look, but it’s not really a deal breaker.

This bag is much more stylish than most we’d snare for $545. If we have to lose out on leather trimmed pockets and protective metal feet for that price, so be it.

More Features of This Furla Pleated Hobo

• Polished silver-toned hardware
• Top zip closure
• A 14 inch handle with an 8 inch drop
• A 39.5 inch pin adjustable shoulder strap
• Measures 19 x 14 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Furla Adriana Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Furla Adriana hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Vintage hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay

Californian designer Heather Heron clearly enjoyed collaborating with Environment Furniture last year, as she’s releasing her second line with the green homewares brand.

Heron has sourced vintage Swedish army fabrics to create her new accessories, which include laptop cases, shoulder and bucket bags, and this chic pleated Ghost Tree clutch purse. They’re all made by skilled artisans in Heron’s local California factory to help keep her company’s carbon footprint down.

Heron told Goodlifer that in designing her latest line, she was inspired “to take one simple thing of beauty that already exists on the planet and design a collection from its roots. All five pieces in the collection are designed and built from the one style of vintage army bag.“

The new Heather Heron collection ranges in price from $65 to $210. It’s available at Environment Furniture outlets and the Heather Heron online store.

[Source: Treehugger]

Recycled Material Bags on eBay

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

Frye keeps it simple with this no frills Carson clutch.

While the Carson’s clean pouch style is simple, it’s not without luxury. It’s made from buttery soft leather, complemented by matching stitching and stamped with the Frye Company logo.

Some bagistas may feel Frye’s minimalist approach is a bit boring, but I can appreciate its understated charm. The effect is one of sophisticated refinement; it’s elegant but not extravagant. That makes the Carson perfect for daytime use, and even casual evenings out.

The Carson is generous but not unwieldy. Its main compartment is not cluttered by pockets, but there is one on the back if you want to keep small items separate and secure. It’s easy enough to manage the old-fashioned way, but the wrist strap is a welcome addition when you feel like going hands-free.

At $148 this Carson clutch is well priced for a purse of such quality and versatility. I love the deep blue-purple of this plum shade, but you’ll also find it in black, dark brown, emerald, and burnt red if it’s not for you. With all of those options there’s bound to be one, or even more, to suit your wardrobe.

More Features of This Frye Minimalist Clutch

• Twill lined interior
• Zip top closure
• A 7.5 inch wrist strap
• Measures 9.5 x 5 inches

Get this Frye Carson Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Frye Carson clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Vintage Mary’s Modern Finds eBay store to see if this Frye bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Frye bags on BagBunch
• The Frye Carson wristlet bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Frye bags on eBay

Christmas may be done and dusted, but I can’t help thinking of the bow on top of a seasonal gift when I look at this cute Sabine clutch from Franchi. Thankfully it’s not as brightly colored as a festive treat though, so we can happily carry it all year round.

I rarely warm to metallic leathers, but this neutral cappuccino shade is one I can really get behind. The softly pleated body helps the skin catch the light just so, attracting attention without demanding it.

This is a very large clutch, so I’m grateful for the addition of a detachable shoulder strap. That strap is made from leather rather than the more traditional chain. This skin will be more forgiving on bare evening shoulders than metal, although it doesn’t have quite the same refined style.

Such a hefty space could be difficult to keep straight, but Franchi has added enough features to help us cope. There are open pockets for girly gadgets and a zippered pocket for loose change, much more than I expect to see in an evening bag!

At $345 this is one of Franchi’s most expensive clutch purses, but it’s also one of the label’s best looking.

More Features of This Franchi Bow Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Measures 12.5 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Comes with a signature dust bag

Get this Franchi Sabine Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Franchi bags on BagBunch
• The BCBG Max Azria Indie Rock bag, a great alternative to this bow shaped bag.
• Searching for more Franchi bags on eBay
• Other bow clutch bags on eBay:

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Gleeks will know the Kendall Kollection from the brightly colored notebooks that McKinley High School students carry. Now designer Jackie McFee has expanded her line to include tote bags, all in the name of charity.

The brightly colored pink and purple totes are made from hardy polypropylene and feature the same patterns seen on the notepads. They’re incredibly affordable at $2.99, but even though they don’t cost a lot McFee still donates a portion of each sale to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The cause is one close to McFee’s heart as her niece Kendall was diagnosed with leukemia four years ago. If you love the Kendall Kollection tote bags you can save money by buying them in bulk. A pack of two will set you back $4.99, or you can get 10 totes for just $16.99. That represents a saving of almost $13!

It’s clear that McFee has worked hard to capture the imaginations of female fashion fans, but what a shame there are no masculine or unisex designs. I can’t imagine my husband willingly carrying this shopper to our local grocery store!

[Source: Examiner]
[Image Source: Jackie McFee eBay store]

Kendall Kollection Tote Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Jack!e tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Francesco Biasia gives the classic hobo a practical twist with this pocketed Denise.

The angled pockets near the bottom corners are certainly convenient, but they also give the Denise more structure than the average bag of this type. We still see a little of that characteristic slouch around its opening, but it’s not the kind of hobo that will fall over on itself.

The contrast stitching around these compartments is a playful, contemporary touch but I’m less impressed by the leather’s color. This brown shade is called lion, but it doesn’t roar very loudly. There’s a place for traditional, but such a simple hobo really calls for a more inventive color palette.

The Denise is amply sized and well appointed, with a long zippered pocket running along one wall and a pair of open pouches in the other. Each one is trimmed with leather to protect it from everyday wear and tear. The only disappointment inside is that pale lining, which is bound to show lipstick stains and ink marks before too long.

At an affordable $298 this is a solid effort from Francesco Biasia. It’s not the most exciting bag around, but it will certainly do the job.

More Features of This Francesco Biasia Leather Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Platform base
• A single shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 5 x 10 inches
• Comes with a sleeper bag

Get this Francesco Biasia Denise Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Francesco Biasia Denise hobo, 2, “”, small[/phpbay]

• Check the The Review Shoppe eBay store to see if this Francesco Biasia bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Francesco Biasia bags on BagBunch
• The Francesco Biasia Alice bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Francesco Biasia bags on eBay

Michael Kors is one of those designers that seems to follow, rather than determine, the trends. That doesn’t mean his work is all bad though. On the contrary, some of the best designers are those that are able to interpret cutting edge ideas and make them accessible to a wider audience. This Hadley Darrington takes the simultaneous trends of nude, neutral leathers and motorcycle chic and blends them in a totally sophisticated way.

The taupe leather on this bag seems a little off to me. It’s too brown to be nude, but a little peachy to be rich. The color just looks a little synthetic to me. The glossy finish doesn’t help matters much either, nor does the prominent seaming. Overall, I think the material is just a little ill chosen.

The shape of the Hadley Darrington is sharp. It’s a sleek, simple tote with great zippered pockets on the sides that make it very practical. The problem is that Kors has gone a little overboard with the buckles and hardware. There’s simply too much silver on this bag, and it’s a little overwhelming.

While this bag combines prominent trends at an affordable price point, I still think that $995 is a little much to pay for a bag that isn’t very well thought out.

More Features Of The Michael Kors Hadley Darrington Tote

• 15″ x 12″ x 6″ size
• 7″ handle drop
• Fully lined in beige twill

Get this Michael Kors Hadley Darrington Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Micahel Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, a very cool alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors handbags on eBay
• Other taupe leather totes on eBay:

[phpbay]taupe leather tote,2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]