Fashion designer Rachel Roy is spreading a little Christmas cheer to flood victims in Pakistan with the release of her new UNICEF Charity Tote.

The simple burlap tote is emblazoned with a quote from novelist Amelia E. Barr, “Kindness is always fashionable.” How very true! The back of the tote is filled with signatures of prominent public figures supporting the tote, including Oprah Winfrey and fellow designers Tory Burch and Michael Kors.

So often designers pocket a significant amount of the proceeds from their charity lines, so I was thrilled to see all $20 from the sale of each UNICEF Charity Tote will reach children affected by the Pakistani flood. With some 10 million kids touched by the natural disaster, goodness knows there’s a lot of work to be done!

This charity tote is fairly basic but it is very affordable and, unlike so many charity bags, its purchase will do a whole lot of good. You can get yours now from Shopbop.com.

[Source: The Purse Page]

UNICEF Totes on eBay

[phpbay]UNICEF tote, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Elaine Turner looks to appease women of all tastes with its Bianca clutch. There are several different Biancas to choose from, all with a very distinct evening look.

I think the pick of the bunch is this crocodile embossed purse. No one will think it’s an authentic exotic, but I really like the way that silver peeks out between the pale ivory scales for just a hint of glitz. If the effect is too subtle for you, you won’t be disappointed with some of the showier designs in the Bianca range. The espresso toned lizard bag and the bronze ring lizard purse are too gaudy for my tastes, but I know someone will fall for them!

Elaine Turner can get away with making some of her Biancas very flamboyant because the base design is so simple. The bamboo shaped turn lock closure is interesting, but everything else in this flap-style purse is pretty stock standard.

Ordinarily I’d think the drop-in chain was too heavy for an evening bag, but I think Elaine Turner gets away with the gamble here. It works well with the bamboo shaped clasp, but I wish it was longer. You might be able to hang it over your shoulder if you’re petite, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

The lack of storage space is also disappointing, if not unexpected for an evening purse. The leather trimmed zip and accessory pockets are nice perks, but I’d trade them all for more room.

I’m not sure Elaine Turner has done enough to warrant charging $250 for the Bianca clutch, but that price still isn’t exorbitant for an evening purse.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Bianca Clutch

• Made of leather or fabric
• Signature pink crown lining
• Measures 1 x 7 x 12 inches
• Made in China

Get this Elaine Turner Bianca Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Elaine Turner Bianca, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Especially ‘Hot’ Couture eBay store to see if this Elaine Turner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The Elaine Turner Bianca basketweave clutch bag, a great alternative to this croc-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay

Most athletes are motivated by the thrill of competition, the adulation of the fans, and their own will to win. So you might be surprised to learn what keeps British heptathlete Jessica Ennis going. This Olympic hopeful is inspired to do her best by the lure of designer handbags!

“I love fashion and especially designer handbags. I’ve bought two by Mulberry after competitions as a treat. They’re really expensive but it’s lovely to have something to show for all the hard work,” she told The Sun.

Personally I would have thought the gold medals hanging around her neck would be enough to show off, but I suppose it’s not practical to wear those every day! And as a handbag enthusiast myself, I can certainly relate to what drives Ennis. Perhaps I need to start promising myself designer bags if I get off the couch and exercise!

If the experts are right, Jessica Ennis is going to have a full handbag closet by the end of the London Olympics in 2012. Lucky girl!

[Source: The Sun]
[Image Source: Eric Van Leeuwen/Wikipedia Commons]

Mulberry Handbags on eBay

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

Eenamaria shows us its serious side in its diffusion line for Target. Gone are the bold primary colors and retro styling, replaced by neutral finishes and contemporary details.

With the Dauphine Stud Hobo, Eenamaria gives us a relaxed slouchy hobo with a rock and roll finish. Rows of round and pyramid studs curve around the bottom corners and top flap, giving the dark brown skin a healthy dose of attitude.

That skin isn’t leather but polyurethane, although it does a really good job of mimicking the more expensive cowhide. In fact, this pebbled material actually looks richer than the PVC used in Eenamaria’s more expensive line.

This is a well designed purse, with plenty of space and the features you need to stay organized. There’s a large zippered pocket and pair of pouches inside, and two more pockets on the sides for items you need on hand.

There’s a lot to like about the Dauphine, but it’s so similar to other bags that we’ve all seen before. The label’s signature look is gone, replaced by one that could suit any fashion house. These bags for Target may be more modern, but I find myself longing for Eenaamaria’s unique mod vision.

More Features of This Eenamaria Stud Hobo

• A single shoulder strap with an 11.5 inch drop
• Measures 16.5 x 6 x 12 inches
• Made in China

Get this Eenamaria Dauphine Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Eenamaria bags on BagBunch
• The black Eenamaria Dauphine bag, a great alternative to this brown bag.
• Searching for more Eenamaria bags on eBay
• Other studded hobo bags on eBay:

[phpbay]studded hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

When is an Ed Hardy bag not an Ed Hardy bag? When it’s the Hattie Demi Satchel!

Seriously this bag is very different to anything we’ve seen from the Ed Hardy stable. Gone are the colorful tattoo style graphics and the loud looping Ed Hardy signature. In its place we have an oversized bow accent and a subtle logo plate. The feminine pleated satin is complemented by glossy black synthetic. This trim looks a little cheap, but I never expect a high class veneer from Ed Hardy. Something tells me this is as close to it as we’ll ever see.

If this design seems a bit staid for your tastes, the Hattie is also available in tan and gray leopard prints. I can’t imagine carrying anything as daring as this animal spotted purse, but I appreciate that Ed Hardy has tried to cater for conservative fashionistas and divas here.

The retro shape is complemented by the playful leopard lined interior. This is a smart space, well sized and with zip and slip pockets reinforced with more of that shiny black synthetic. A sunken zip across the top finishes the Hattie with style, offering security without compromising Ed Hardy’s design vision.

This Hattie satchel isn’t a perfect bag, but it definitely shows Ed Hardy stepping in the right direction. Although the designer’s faithful fans may not agree!

More Features of This Ed Hardy Bow Satchel

• Protective button feet on the base
• Silver-toned hardware
• Dual rolled shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 4 x 10.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Ed Hardy Hattie Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Hattie, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Holidaydaddy eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The Ed Hardy Brandy bag, a great alternative to this demi satchel bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Monica Botkier has teamed up with renowned American artist John Baldessari, for a limited edition leather tote. The collaboration came about to celebrate 35 years of the non-profit art promotion organization, Independent Curators International.

Botkier seems thrilled to have worked with Baldessari on the totes, which feature one of the artist’s iconic collages printed on one of her equally famous bags.

“I had the pleasure of attending the opening of John Baldessari’s Pure Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” she said. “His latest retrospective at the Met includes drawings, paintings, photos, and books ranging from his earliest work to new pieces—five decades of thought-provoking work that makes this a must see. A favorite artist of mine, Baldessari pioneered the conceptual movement and inspired a generation of artists.“

The standard John Baldessari Monika Botkier bag is available for $300, while an autographed version will set you back $500. Proceeds from the tote’s sales will help the Independent Curators International stage more art exhibitions, events, and education programs. They’re both available now through the Independent Curators International website.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Botkier Totes on eBay

[phpbay]botkier tote, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Much of the Northern Hemisphere may be knee deep in snow, but the fashion world is already looking forward to summer. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a new season wardrobe, you can join them with this Echo Sundial Handbag.

This casual cotton canvas bag features a delicate Indian style sunflower print. The fine white lines of the floral pattern are a gentle contrast to the springtime bag hues, which include coral, aquamarine, and this periwinkle blue. It’s a nice change of pace from all the brightly colored bags we usually see on the beach, and one which would see the Sundial work just as well away from the shore. Its casual style does limit its use somewhat, but I can imagine it’d make a great gym bag or overnighter.

As the name of this bag suggests, its handles are skinny. But don’t underestimate these straps. As they’re made from cotton canvas they’re really strong, so while they might pull on your shoulder if the bag is loaded up, they’re not likely to snap.

There’s one zippered pocket inside, but if you’re toting precious cargo that might not be enough to keep your valuables safe. The lack of closure does make it easy to access what you’re carrying, but it also compromises security. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important.

A bag costing $42 is rarely flawless, but I think the Sundial’s limitations aren’t too hard to live with.

More Features of This Echo Cotton Canvas Bag

• Polyester lined interior
• Measures 14 x 14 x 5.5 inches

Get this Echo Sundial Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Echo Sundial, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Echo bags on BagBunch
• The Echo Shark Attack hobo bag, a great alternative to this beach bag.
• Searching for more Echo bags on eBay

The Gap and Lauren Bush’s FEED charity are facing criticism after it came to light that the Made in USA FEED bags sold exclusively through The Gap stores are actually made in China.

The offending Made in China tag is placed right next to the Made in USA stamp and patriotic American flag hang tag. Well that’s awkward. And frankly, it’s disappointing.

It’s admirable that $5 from the sale of every one of these limited edition FEED bags helps to improve the quality of school lunch food for American children. But when no money benefits American manufacturers, that donation begins to feel pretty hollow.

This is a major gaffe for The Gap and Lauren Bush’s charity, which is sadly going to sully the non-profit’s good work feeding children around the world. What do you think about the controversy? Will it make you think twice before buying a FEED bag in future?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: FEED USA website]

American Made Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Made in USA, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]