We recently told you the story of Ginger Littleton, the Florida school board member who auctioned off the Brahmin handbag she used to fend off a gunman at her local meeting. Now we can report that the auction raised more than $26, 000 for Salvage Santa, the charity headed by the security guard who eventually took the shooter down.

The crocodile embossed handbag with the fabulous story was won by an anonymous bidder from Arlington, Virginia. She paid $13, 100 for the faux exotic bag, but the good news doesn’t stop there.

Brahmin, the label who made the now famous bag, heard about the story and decided to match the money raised by the auction.

“We applaud the outstanding bravery of all those present at the meeting, especially of Ginger Littleton,” said James Bunn, chief marketing officer for Brahmin. “In recognition of Ms. Littleton’s tremendous courage in taking action by standing up for others while risking her own life by doing so, Brahmin is proud to support her wonderful initiative to raise funds for charity.“

That means the auction raised $26, 000 for the local Florida children’s charity, an impressive markup on the purse’s original $345 price tag. How wonderful that something so positive could come out of such a harrowing situation!

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Brahmin Bags on eBay

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

Fossil has created an affordable and stylish purse for far less than we’d expect to pay with this Talita clutch.

Fossil has always represented great value, but I was still surprised to see this purse priced at a budget friendly $50. That’s a small price to pay for an accessory so stylish, but for one made from real, good quality leather it’s a steal.

It’s called a clutch, but it’s a far cry from the glitzy purses we carry of an evening. Instead it’s a cute daytime accessory for girls traveling light, or a wallet for those who can’t resist carrying a full tote.

The simple design is given a feminine flair with delicate petals running down the seams, and gentle pleats underneath the flap. They’re such small touches, but they really make this purse something special.

I prefer to think of the Talita as a wallet rather than a clutch, because its well organized interior lends itself to carrying cash and cards. You might struggle to find a place for a bulky cell phone or set of keys, but the 12 card slots, zip pockets, and removable ID holder are impressive.

I like the classic appeal of this camel purse, but the Talita is also available in navy and pink sangria for girls who prefer more color in their lives.

More Features of This Fossil Leather Flap Clutch

• Snap closure
• Measures 7.5 x 1.25 x 4 inches

Get this Fossil Talita Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Fossil Talita clutch, 2, “”, double pouch[/phpbay]

• Check the 2 Grand Sisters eBay store to see if this Fossil bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Talita double pouch bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Fossil bags on eBay

With its summery wicker finish and wintery fur trim, Forzieri attempts to make a bag for all seasons with this Capaf shoulder bag. Sadly though I think the designer has created an accessory which simply seems confused.

The black woven wicker has a classic charm and appealing gloss, but I’m not sure the fuzzy trim was the right companion for it. This luxurious looking pelt is lovely but it only appears out of place here, like it found itself tacked on to the wrong purse. Animal lovers will be happy to hear the gray hair is a synthetic material known as eco-fur, but it would have been much more appealing on more refined handbag.

This shoulder bag is mid-sized, so if you like to load up your handbags you may like to look elsewhere. Wicker is a fragile material with a rigid structure, so there’s no pushing it beyond its limited capacity. With some careful packing though you should be able to carry everything you really need with a minimum of fuss.

This Forzieri bag is relatively affordable at $227, but I can still think of many better ways to spend that kind of cash.

More Features of This Forzieri Woven Shoulder Bag

• Cord drawstring closure
• Black fabric lined interior
• A zippered internal pocket
• A single 23.22 inch shoulder strap
• Measures 7.68 x 8.46 x 7.68 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Forzieri Wicker & Eco-Fur Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Forzieri bags on BagBunch
• The Forzieri Capaf Wicker bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Forzieri bags on eBay
• Other wicker woven bags on eBay:

[phpbay]wicker woven bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

We all know riding a bicycle is a more eco-friendly transport option than hopping in your gas-guzzling car. But storage space has always been a problem when you’re getting about on two wheels, until now. Vindberg Design makes it a bit easier to reduce your carbon footprint with its Boot Bag.

This handbag has plenty of space for ferrying important documents and a laptop to the office, or taking your fresh produce home from the farmers markets. In fact, Vindberg Designs says it’ll happily hold a watermelon!

Leather lovers will find the Boot Bag in classic brown or black (vegetable dyed of course), but if you prefer a vegan option you can choose a recyclable polypropylene bag in one of seven bright colors. Hopefully more eco-friendly options will join the range in future.

Cycling enthusiasts can buy the Boot Bags from Vindberg Design’s website for €39.95 for the polypropylene bags and €334 for the leather alternative. If that price difference isn’t enough incentive to choose an animal-friendly version I don’t know what is!

[Source: Ecouterre]

Bicycle Bags on eBay

[phpbay]bicycle bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Fontanelli offers a relaxed take on the classic bucket bag with this multicolored striped number.

This bucket is more squat, and more slouchy than the average. That works with the gentle spring-time toned stripes and gathered top to create a look that’s perfect for lakeside picnics and lunches at al fresco cafes.

This bucket bag offers more luxury than many casual accessories though. It’s made of suede accented with real leather stripes. These high quality materials are complemented with rich polished gold-toned hardware and whip-stitched handles.

The interior is spacious and kitted out with a zip and cell phone pocket. I would have appreciated more features to make this generous space more manageable, but this isn’t the most disappointing thing for me. Rather than using real leather as it does outside, Fontanelli has opted for a cheap synthetic alternative. Perhaps it figured no one would know what’s tucked inside, but that corner cutting is unfortunate.

This is a lovely bucket bag, and its $490 price tag isn’t exorbitant for an accessory of this size of quality. However that’s still more than I’d want to pay for something with such a relaxed style.

More Features of This Fontanelli Leather Bucket Bag

• Hook closure
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13.78 x 9.84 x 7.09 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Fontanelli Striped Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fontanelli bags on BagBunch
• The Sara Berman Stevie bag, a great alternative to this bucket bag.
• Searching for more Fontanelli bags on eBay
• Other striped bucket bags on eBay:

[phpbay]striped bucket, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The high prices of Victoria Beckham’s maiden accessories collection haven’t deterred eager shoppers. The first two styles released sold out just an hour after hitting Net-A-Porter.

I would have assumed people were still smarting from Christmas, but keen bagistas still found the £8,950 asked for that ultra luxe hexagonal chain crocodile bag. If sales are any measure of success, it seems that Victoria Beckham’s place in the fashion world is assured.

When I first got wind of the high price tags attached to these purses, I was incredulous. Victoria Beckham might be a stylish woman, but she’s untried in the world of fashion. I wasn’t sure the former Spice Girl had what it takes to mix it with high end designers. But with results like this, it seems like the prices weren’t so ridiculous after all.

If you’re one of the unfortunate souls you missed out on a Victoria Beckham bag, don’t worry. A second delivery is expected to arrive in February. That’ll give you a little time to save up the thousands Becks is commanding!

[Source: Catwalk Queen]

Victoria Beckham Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Victoria Beckham, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Hobos tend to be floaty, flower child accessories, but Foley + Corinna amps up the attitude with its edgy Plated Hobo bag.

The design approach is very clever, with a smattering of studs working well with striking metal plates. This shiny hardware along the edges of the hobo gives it more structure than most bags of this ilk, and in my opinion a more interesting look. The attention to detail is impressive here, with Foley + Corinna using the plates on front and back.

The metal takes center stage, but don’t overlook the modern seams which add interest to the basic black leather. If you look at the lines just right they appear like the facets of an expensive jewel, although at $545 this accessory is much more affordable than any diamond ring!

I can’t fault the interior, which is both spacious and functional. The cotton lining isn’t exactly opulent but its quality makes it very appealing. The pair of zippered pockets tucked away is another unexpected treat.

This Foley + Corinna hobo is also available in cool gunmetal gray. The hardware doesn’t have quite the same pop against this paler material, but if you prize subtlety that effect might be just what you’re looking for.

More Features of This Foley + Corinna Studded Hobo

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual leather wrapped rope handles with a 3 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 18 x 4.5 inches

Get this Foley + Corinna Plated Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Shop Savoy Truffle eBay store to see if this Foley + Corinna bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Foley + Corinna bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Plated cross-body bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Foley + Corinna bags on eBay
• Other Foley + Corinna plated bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Foley Corinna plated, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Marc Jacobs is having  a banner 2010. The year is almost over, but he’s still pumping out great bags that women will love for years. This Jumbled Birds tote has all the sweetness and light of a resort bag, but with a little downtown kick.

The print on this bag is so sugary, it’s giving me a toothache. The fabric has a soft sheen, but it’s not exactly shiny. There’s a tonal jumbled Marc Jacobs logo underneath the more prominent bird print that is so subtle that, despite my hatred of logos, really doesn’t bother me. But it’s the richly colored bird print that really shines. The birds look almost hand-painted, and they have a semi-abstract look that I love.

The easy shape of the bag guarantees its versatility. Its softness is feminine, which is enhanced by the gentle gathering created by the drawstring closure. Honestly, this is not the most functional bag on the planet. Its soft color will stain easily, and the shape is perfect for staying disorganized if you’re prone to just throwing things in your bag. Plus, the slim straps are a little wimpy. But, let’s be honest; this is a cute inexpensive bag that may not last forever, but at $190, it really doesn’t have to.

More Features Of The Marc By Marc Jacobs Jumbled Birds Tote

• 16″ x 15″ x 9″ size
• 8″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumbled Birds Tote:

• 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 printed totes on eBay:

[phpbay]print tote handbag,2,, “”[/phpbay]

Marni is really making waves these days. It has a unique way of making bags that are modern and edgy, but still somehow very feminine. This pocketed leather tote is definitely one of the bags helping the label become a household name.

The subtle combination of colors on this tote is one of the things making it work so well. The body of the bag is navy, and the handles and ribbon ties are black, but the handles are a much warmer tone than the ties, so it looks as thought there’s three colors at play. The effect is refined, but just off-kilter enough to be eye-catching.

The slouchy, open shape of the tote wouldn’t be that remarkable, except that Marni added these very convenient front pockets and tied them off with ribbon bows. The style is very minimal and casual, but the ribbons add an understated feminine flair. Add in the generous size, and you have the kind of tote that’s just begging to be taken everywhere.

Unfortunately, at $1,500, the price is a little high for many of us. But just wait until those post-Christmas clearance sales start popping up. You might get a great deal, yet.

More Features Of The Marni Pocketed Leather Tote

• 17″ x 16″ x 7″ size
• 11″ strap drop
• Fully lined

Get this Marni Pocketed Leather Tote:

• 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 navy leather totes  on eBay:
  [phpbay]navy leather tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Burberry has really been stepping out of its usual understated aesthetic to make more urban accessories that appeal to a younger, hipper demographic. This check canvas tote is a great balance between its traditional style and a a newer, more downtown look.

The printed canvas is strong, durable, and easy to clean. If it weren’t for the leather trim, the bag would also be washable. It’s sort of a shame that it’s not, since the bag has so much white on it, but no matter. The airbrush effect of the plaid print more than makes up for it.

The great tote shape has been augmented slightly with rounded corners that give the carryall a more sophisticated appeal. The black leather trim ensures the durability of all the most used parts of the bag. I really like the simple metal hardware handle attachments and the slim, but still practical, straps.

At $295, this is really a buy from Burberry. This is the kind of tote that will work as both an everyday bag and an errand bag, so its versatility more than alibis the price.

More Features Of The Burberry Printed Canvas Tote

• 14″ x 16″ x 8″  size
• 17″ handle drop
• Fully lined in black fabric

Get this Burberry Printed Canvas Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Burberry bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Lizzie Handbag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Burberry handbags on eBay
• Other plaid totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]plaid tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]