Botkier is one of my favorite handbag lines. I really love its signature practical minimalism. Which is why I am so disappointed by this Conor shoulder bag. It’s a little over-designed, and also a little under-thought.

The material used on the Conor is a major part of the problem. The chevron-embossed leather just isn’t really working. The medium brown color is great, but the texture is a little cheesy, a little too “Western” looking. Combined with the cowgirl-inspired design, it’s just too much.

The shape of the Conor is interesting and unusual. It has almost a crescent shape, like a hobo, but with a drawstring top and fold-over flap with a zipper pocket. The drawstring ends pull through a D-ring at the center of the bag, which, frankly, doesn’t make a lot of sense, design-wise. It’s a non-functional, fussy addition that just detracts from the aesthetics of the bag.

At $475, the Conor is, like most Botkier bags, very well-priced for the quality. Unfortunately, I’m not sure it’s worth it this time around, unless your urban cowgirl look just won’t be complete without it.

More Features Of The Conor Bag by Botkier:

• 13 2/5″H x 18 9/10″D x 5 9/10″W
• 11″ strap drop
• Fully lined in jacquard

Get this Conor Shoulder Bag by Botkier:

• Available to buy at Bergdorf Goodman
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Botkier bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Margot Tote, a bright and feminine alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Botkier handbags on eBay
• Other brown leather hobos on eBay:

[phpbay]brown leather hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Frankly, I am getting a little tired of Stella McCartney’s accessories. I am completely behind her use of animal-friendly materials, but I just can’t tolerate her cheap-looking materials or unexciting designs. Not only that, but her exorbitant prices are more than a little off-putting. This shoulder hobo is just another example of her over-priced, lackluster designs.

The crinkled black faux leather material on this hobo looks more than just a little faux. The shine on it is particularly thin and cheap-looking, and the gathering around the handle attachment only emphasizes the problem.

The shape of the hobo is kind of sweet, if you can overlook the terrible material. It has a more voluminous shape than most hobos, and a curved handle that gives the bag a lovely balloon shape. Unfortunately, the shape is the best thing about this hobo. The details are uninspired, to say the least. The grosgrain ribbon trim just sort of hangs there, and the coin logo is really bland.

You can have all this boring design for $745, or you can do the animals of the world an actual favor and donate that money to your local shelter.

More Features Of The Stella McCartney Shoulder Hobo

• 9 3/4″H x 19″W x 3 1/2″D
• 7 1/4″ strap drop
• Fully lined in logo-embossed sea green jacquard

Get this Stella McCartney Shoulder Hoboe:

• Available to buy at Bergdorf Goodman
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stella McCartney bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag, a hip alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney items on eBay
• Other faux leather hobos on eBay:[phpbay]faux leather hobo handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I have only recently begun to pay attention to Carlos Falchi’s designs, and I am totally blown away. He has an uncanny knack for understanding what modern women are looking for in a handbag. This ombre feed bag is a fabulous, low key everyday bag with an exotic appeal.

The ombre-dyed python skin on this feed bag is amazing. The color pattern changes gradually from pale tan to golden brown and then to a deep, rich umber. The tones are neutral enough to look natural, but just purposeful enough to add drama to the design. The bag is also available in olive tones, if you prefer an even more dramatic look.

The shape of this feed bag is perfectly slouchy. Frankly, I’m happy to see a slouchy bag that’s not a hobo. The shape of this one will lend itself well to boho chic or rock ‘n’ roll inspired styles. The asymmetrical whip-stitching is an edgy touch that mimics the diagonal pattern of the snakeskin panels and adds another layer of texture.

The details on the bag are subtle, but very successful. I am particularly taken with the strap on this feed bag. The graduated shape and seam reinforcements make it look very snakelike and authentic. The asymmetric flap front closure adds to the elegantly off-kilter design.

$2,195 isn’t a bad price for such an exotic and well-designed handbag, particularly one that’s casual enough to carry everyday, but striking enough to add a lot of kick to your wardrobe.

More Features Of The Carlos Falchi Diagonal Ombre Feed Bag

• Fully lined
• Made in the USA

Get This Carlos Falchi Feed Bag:

• Available at Bergdorf Goodman
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlos Falchi bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors Python-Embossed Hobo, an affordable alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Carlos Falchi bags on eBay
• Other snakeskin shoulder bags on eBay:

[phpbay]snake shoulder bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

If you are looking for a party clutch, then this metallic creation from Nine West is sure to be tempting.

Silver is always a winner for winter, and the crackled pattern gives it a certain modern feeling without being too over the top. Add to that a seemingly arbitrary pattern of luxurious folded ruffles, and you have a purse that could have been designed purely for the party season.

It looks good, but I have to express a little disappointment at the lack of real leather. I know that Nine West is a cheaper brand, but those looks in combination with a soft crinkled leather would have been sublime. Still, for the $45 price tag you can’t really complain; instead, all you can rather aptly do is show off!

This metallic purse is an affordable and stylish option to wear to your Christmas do.

More Features of this Nine West Show Off Clutch

• Also available in plum or gray
• Studded ruffle detail
• Synthetic leather exterior
• Optional long shoulder strap

Get this Ruffled Metallic Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Menbur ruffled satin clutch, a great alternative to this ruffled bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Nine West bags on eBay:

[phpbay]nine west handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Lucky Brand adds a feminine feel to its otherwise androgynous Abbey Road range, with the embroidered Forkloric tote.

At first glance this looks like a giant tote. It is huge, with enough capacity to fit pretty much anything you could imagine, and plenty of supple leathery space. However, it is only that size by choice.

Should you have less to carry, then it folds over and converts into a much more manageable satchel size purse. This, of course, makes it more practical, as well as giving you plenty of function and carrying options to make life a little easier.

Practicality is clearly ticked off on our list of handbag requirements, but what about looks? One without the other just simply isn’t worth the effort. Thankfully, however, Lucky Brand have added in some pretty touches, with snowflake or flower style designs embroidered onto the leather, and chunky over-sized stitching. The color may be a little dark for some, but it is certainly season appropriate and the neutral tones will make it easy to wear.

With plenty of carrying options and certain amount of class, the Forkloric tote is one to watch.

More Features of this Lucky Brand Leather Fold-Over Tote

• Navy/Brown leather body
• Embroidered decoration
• Interior and exterior pockets
• Multiple carrying options (long and short handles)

Get this Forkloric Abbey Road Hold-All:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lucky Brand bags on BagBunch
• The Fendi Peekaboo tote, a great alternative to this embroidered bag.
• Searching for more embroidered bags on eBay
• Other Lucky Brand bags on eBay:

[phpbay]lucky brand handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I must admit, there are few things I love more than a bargain. So at £35, this pretty Fantasy clutch bag from Accessorize has definitely piqued my interest.

Even if it didn’t have that affordable price tag on its side, I’d be falling all over this purse. Its delicate geometric weave is like nothing I’ve seen before. It might not inspire the kind of envy of Bottega Veneta’s exotic skins, but I think this satiny purple material is pretty as a picture. The large jewel clasp does seem like overkill, but with the season of excess upon us perhaps we can get away with a little more glitz!

Considering its price it’s probably not surprising that this purse’s appeal doesn’t go far beneath the surface. Its hard case design brings with it all the usual storage limitations, and without a shoulder strap we’re left to clutch this purse by hand all night long.

Personally though, I’d put up with those flaws for the privilege of carrying this little beauty! How about you?

More Features of This Accessorize Woven Hard Case Clutch

• An internal card slot
• Silver-toned frame

Get this Accessorize Fantasy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Accessorize bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Bubble and Flat Mesh clutch bag, a great alternative to this hard case bag.
• Searching for more Accessorize bags on eBay
• Other purple clutch bags on eBay:

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

Recycled fabrics and retro style come together in the fun accessories from Aster+Sage. For this label, eco-friendly practices are key as founder and designer Linda Yesline explains.

“Our philosophy is to design first and then find recycled materials to compliment our vision. We believe our ‘design first’ attitude promotes awareness of recycled fabrics in two ways: consumers are exposed to the possibilities of recycled materials, and our products’ popularity encourages fabric mills to manufacture material with recycled content.“

The result is playful colored shoulder bags and messengers adorned with funky retro appliqué accents. Aster+Sage currently uses polyesters sourced from fabric remnants and soda bottles, but Yesline is always on the lookout for new sustainable sources. While some may find the use of recycled fabrics limiting, she insists that her conservative use of materials actually fuels her creativity.

The eco-friendly Aster+Sage bags are available from selected American retailers, Artel in the Czech Republic, and online through the label’s own website and Supermarket.

[Source: Aster+Sage website]

Recycled Fabric Bags on eBay

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

I’ve always admired the way Abas creates exotic looks for less. But I’m sadly a little disappointed in this cylinder clutch.

Abas typically has a knack for creating embossed finishes that look just like the real thing. These crocodile scales aren’t as convincing as some other skins, although they’re not as bad as some other imitators I’ve seen! Perhaps the problem is that patent finish, which gives the clutch a cheap looking gloss. Either way, it’s just a little bit off to me.

At least we’ve got quality on our side. That shiny material isn’t cheap synthetic, but genuine calfskin. I also love the clutch’s classic cylindrical shape, which will only endure as the years pass. Beyond the looks, the curves make it easy to hold in your hand. Thank goodness too, because we don’t get the optional shoulder strap of so many evening purses.

Unless you fill this clutch to the brim I can’t imagine you’ll miss the strap too much. That’s easy to do with such a long design, so make sure you only pack what you really need. It’ll get cumbersome if you overload it.

Abas might not have wowed me this time around, but it’s done enough to justify that $148 price tag.

More Features of This Abas Croco Clutch

• Asymmetrical flap closure
• An interior zip pocket
• Measures 1.5 x 4.2 x 12.2 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Abas Cylinder Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Abas cylinder clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Abas bags on BagBunch
• The Abas cylinder clutch bag in snakeprint, a great alternative to this croco bag.
• Searching for more Abas bags on eBay

Women might not easily be able to wear men’s clothes, but they can carry them with the cute and colorful wallets from Rogue Empire.

The new label from Illinois turns neck ties, trousers, shirts, and even Scottish kilts into purses. Each one is trimmed with leather for durability and a little extra panache. Of course this undermines the brand’s green credentials as the leather isn’t even recycled, but it also adds some real luxury to the designs.

The retro prints suck me in, but it’s all the features Rogue Empire packs inside that will make these wallets wardrobe staples. There are six credit card pockets, a cash pocket, and two hidden pockets for stashing phone numbers and receipts. The smooth leather interior also makes these wallets seem ultra luxe.

Considering their high quality materials, Rogue Empire wallets are affordably priced at $46. Get one for someone you love online from Supermarket.

[Source: Supermarket]
[Image Source: Rogue Empire Facebook page]

Neck Tie Wallets on eBay

[phpbay]neck tie wallet, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

It seems it’s time to bid the patchwork bags we knew adieu. These days designers seem determined to push the patchwork envelope, and bags like this Triangle Tote are a result.

From a distance I was dazzled by this unusual tote, but up close I’m not so sure. Rather than inspired, the differently shaped patches just start to look a bit messy. I can’t help thinking of an armadillo as I look at the triangular swatches on the front panel, but that illusion is lost when I see the scalloped patches on the sides and back. I suppose we should be grateful that 7 Chi stuck to complementary leather shades, but it still feels a bit muddled to me.

I’m more enthusiastic about the interior, which is so luxuriously large and well appointed to boot. The nylon/cotton blend lining is pretty cheap, but in basic black at least it’s practical. There are three pockets inside, including one that’s the ideal size for your average cell phone. You can probably fit just about anything you want inside this enormous tote, and it’ll stay safe thanks to that zip across the top.

I’m still in two minds about this tote’s unique styling, but at least at $120 the price is right.

More Features of This 7 Chi Brown Leather Tote

• Brass tone hardware
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 17 x 7 inches
• Also available in black

Get this 7 Chi Triangle Patchwork Handbag:

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

[phpbay]7 Chi Patchwork tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check The Purses Boutique eBay store to see if this 7 Chi bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More 7 Chi bags on BagBunch
• The Cocinelle Raquel bag, a great alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more 7 Chi bags on eBay