Clava has recently gone green with the launch of its Carina Collection.

These eco-conscious bags are crafted from coated canvas and trimmed with vegan leather. These purses don’t go as far as many environmentally friendly lines; the zips are all brand new and the carbon footprint from the nylon linings is pretty large. But it’s great to see any label making steps towards more environmentally responsible design practices.

The Carina bags have a casual, sporty feel about them, but their appeal goes beyond the aesthetics. The materials are tough enough to last everyday punishment, and waterproof to boot. Most of the day bags are on the large side, with totes, weekenders, and gym bags all part of the range. However the biggest come with matching pouchettes, which zip free of the large bags when you’re on the go.

Clava’s new Carina bags are priced between $20 and $225. They’re available from the Clava website.

[Source: Clava website]

Clava Carina Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Clava Carina, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

When the snow is beating down, there are few things as fashionable as an ivory handbag. This beautiful crocodile printed bag from Alaia is an excellent example.

The exotic embossing gives the leather the kind of opulence we don’t expect for under $1000. I love the minimalist approach Alaia has taken here. The clean, smooth lines really help that lovely leather shine. There’s no exposed hardware, just see a few ripples around the drawstring closure.

That drawstring puzzles me though. I suppose it was intended to give this shoulder bag a casual versatility, but I think it undermines that exotic looking skin. It’s also not the most practical of closures; it doesn’t offer the security of a zip, and it’s fiddly to manage when your cell phone is ringing.

I also worry about how that pale leather will age. Alaia doesn’t offer metal feet to protect the base, so that ivory skin will be exposed to the elements. Treat it with kid gloves and you might keep the stains at bay for a while, but it’ll never look as good as a dark leather bag would after a few years.

Still, it’s also not as expensive as a darker bag might be. If you love this purse I say to live in the moment and enjoy it while it looks this good!

More Features of This Alaia Exotic Embossed Shoulder Bag

• Fully lined interior
• Internal zip pocket
• Dual 19.7 inch straps
• Measures 5.5 x 12.2 x 13.8 inches

Get this Alaia Crocodile Print Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alaia bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Crocodile Effect Leather Shopper bag, a great alternative to this embossed bag.
• Searching for more Alaia bags on eBay
• Other crocodile embossed bags on eBay:

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When every bag seems to be covered in sequins or glitter, it is sometimes nice to come across a simple black evening bag.

Of course, this clutch is by Hobo International, and that means that you aren’t just getting a black leather purse. At first glance it looks like a little square, but it is actually a unique diamond with the clasp built across two of the edges. It’s a little touch, perhaps, but one that adds just the right amount of quirkiness in my humble opinion.

The Marabel clutch is a meeting of evening bag and spacious cross-body. The practicality is definitely there, and the price of just $88 is more reasonable than you would expect. I suppose some will say you don’t get a lot for your money, but that is kind of the charm.

More Features of this Hobo International Marabel Clutch

• Available in a range of colors
• Leather exterior
• Cute patterned interior
• Long cross-body strap

Get this Diamond Leather Cross-Body:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Cynthia Vincent Slash pouch, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more diamond bags on eBay
• Other Hobo International bags on eBay:

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Diane Von Furstenberg makes feminine, sophisticated clothes that are known for being fabulously flattering. Her accessories line, however, has never been one of my favorites. It’s just a little uneven, sometimes boho, sometimes chic,and sometimes a great combination of the two, but sometimes neither. When the original Marlene was introduced, however, it was love at first sight, and this version is even more exciting.

Let’s be honest here. There’s a lot going on on this bag. Leather, feathers, and snakeskin don’t always make for the most elegant combination, but the Marlene pulls it off fabulously. The background fabric on the clutch is a textured red orange, overlaid with brown watersnake, pink feather, and black leather accents. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but somehow it comes together just right.

There is just nothing ordinary about the Marlene. The overall shape is a simple enough rectangle, but the patchwork and metal overlay spruces it up considerably. The gunmetal hardware has a hammered, multi-dimensional effect that brings out the brightness of all the other colors and adds another layer of texture. The snap flap closure and generous size make the Marlene a practical bag, even though it doesn’t look like it.

At $495, the Marlene is well-priced for such a richly complex bag. It’s not one, however, for women with a subdued sense of style, as the fabulously complicated Marlene will take over your whole wardrobe if you let it.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Marlene Evening Shoulder Bag

• 6 1/4″H x 10 1/2″W x 1/2″D
• 10 3/4″ handle drop
• Zipped internal pocket

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Marlene Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a slouchy, colorful alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other watersnake clutches on eBay:
  [phpbay]watersnake clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Marcela Calvet exemplifies sophisticated, ladylike style with this gorgeous Silvia handbag. It’s just the kind of thing I could imagine Jackie Onassis carrying during her term as First Lady!

While it takes its cues from classic fashion, this beautiful bag is given a modern edge thanks to the use of tegu lizard skin. The skin of this South American lizard is durable for an exotic, but it’s also lusciously soft and pliable. Its markings are beautiful brand new, but the skin only becomes more stunning as it ages.

Tegu skin already has a warm, shiny gloss, but this is further emphasized with a little glaze. It gives the Silvia an attractive polish which only makes it more tempting.

This purse’s petite, structured shape is both its greatest attraction and biggest drawback. Unless you know how to travel light, you’ll struggle to fit everything you need inside. Personally I think it might be worth leaving a few items behind to have this purse on your arm, but packrats might disagree.

This purse’s $770 price tag is very reasonable for an exotic accessory, but even more so when we consider how wonderfully well its surface will age.

More Features of This Marcela Calvet Lizard Handbag

• Gold plated brass hardware
• Turnlock closure
• Lined with Argentine calfskin
• A single adjustable shoulder strap
• Measures 8.5 x 7 x 4.25 inches
• Made in Argentina

Get this Marcela Calvet Silvia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marcela Calvet bags on BagBunch
• The Marcela Calvet Bacall I bag, a great alternative to this lizard bag.
• The Marcela Calvet website
• Other lizard bags on eBay:

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Shira Entis has cleared out her Fleabags warehouses for a new limited edition Indian Blanket collection. The bags in the range are crafted from Fleabags’ old stock Pendleton wool.

There are two styles available: the classic Original Flea and the boxy shaped Gun Powder bag. While the jacquard-loomed material is upcycled, we can’t really call the bags eco-friendly as they’re trimmed with leather. However, this skin is colored with vegetable dyes so at least the label’s made a bit of an effort to go green.

Tribal handbags are still in vogue, so the bold prints of these Fleabags are sure to strike a chord with many fashionistas. I particularly like the versatility of this Gun Powder bag, which has dual handles and a much longer shoulder strap with a cushy leather shoulder pad.

Both bags are available over the holiday period from the Fleabags website. The Gun Powder bag will set you back $440, while the tote style Original Flea is a little more expensive at $485. Both are much pricier than their standard equivalents, but with their tribal Indian Blanket finishes I think they’re worth the splurge.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Fleabags on eBay

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

Reed Krakoff is back with a brand new Cadet bag.

The Cadet II doesn’t completely lose the slouch we came to know and love, but it’s a lot more structured than mark one. Personally I think this is a really good thing. It dresses up the bag, making it versatile enough to carry during the day and then through to the evening. It also makes it more user-friendly, as we can easily get our goodies in and out without fighting with a mass of leather.

Given its edgy name, I expected to see more attitude from the Motorcross Cadet II. In fact, the last Cadet had more of a rebellious streak than this purse. I don’t think that’s a bad thing either. The mocha color is gorgeous and right on trend. It’d work for a conservative office or dinner with your gal pals.

Those elegant good looks come with a fair amount of substance behind them. The enormous interior is kitted out with a zippered pocket and two small pouches for keeping your gadgets safe. The handle is probably too short for comfortable carrying once the Motorcross Cadet II is full, but there’s a longer adjustable strap for those occasions.

Considering the quality and attention to detail here, I’m impressed by the price of $990. Anytime a designer purse comes under $1000, I’m happy. It’s still not small change, but it’s a great price for a bag which will last for many seasons to come.

More Features of This Reed Krakoff Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag

• Gunmetal hardware
• Zip top fastening
• Brown twill lined interior
• A single handle with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 15 x 4 inches

Get this Reed Krakoff Motorcross Cadet II Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Reed Krakoff bags on BagBunch
• The Reed Krakoff Laced Cadet bag, a great alternative to this Cadet II bag.
• The Reed Krakoff website
• Other nappa leather bags on eBay:

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Princely Couture Handbags want to make your ultimate purse a reality with its Design Your Dream Handbag contest.

The winning accessory will be created and presented to the lucky guest designer. The purse will also be featured on the Princely Couture Handbag homepage for the entire world to see.

Disappointingly for those with design flair you must choose from Princely Couture’s existing material swatches, and your design must follow one of Princely Couture’s current styles. You do get some freedom with colors and accents, but that’ll be cold comfort for people with real creative vision. On the flip side though, it does make things easier for anyone who barely knows the first thing about fashion design!

If you’d like to take part in the competition you’ve got until December 24 to get your entry in. Simply fill in the easy form on the Princely Couture Handbags website and you’re in with a shot. Good luck!

[Source: PR Web]

We’ve seen some beautiful and quirky clutches from Nicole Miller recently, but I’m not sure this Charlize purse lives up to the line’s promise. It’s quirky to be sure, but it doesn’t seem quite as refined as the other clutches we’ve seen.

The bronze fabric covered case is adorned with sparkling clear rhinestones and round metallic beads. Honestly, the arrangement of these large accents seems a bit too much already for my tastes, but it’s certainly pushed over the edge by the braided coils. It all seems clumsily put together, a far cry from the delicate South African actress that shares the purse’s name.

Looks aside, the Charlize is more practical than many hard case purses on the market. It’s not oversized, but it should comfortably hold a cell phone, your vital cards, a set of keys and a lipstick for emergency touch-ups. The zippered pocket inside is also more functional than the pockets inside most clutches, so Nicole Miller has done something right there. I do wish there was a chain strap to make carrying a bit easier once the night wears on, but at least the purse is well-sized to clutch by hand.

At $174.95 this is one of Nicole Miller’s most expensive purses, but sadly I don’t think it’s one of her best.

More Features of This Nicole Miller Jeweled Purse

• Signature metallic lining
• Snap closure with logo-embossed rectangular bar
• Measures 7.25 x 4.25 x 1.25 inches

Get this Nicole Miller Charlize Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nicole Miller Charlize, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Nooriel’s Eclectic Store eBay store to see if this Nicole Miller bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nicole Miller bags on BagBunch
• The Nicole Miller Brandy bag, a great alternative to this bronze bag.
• Searching for more Nicole Miller bags on eBay

I am willing to bet that you have never heard of a brand called Silverhooks. Well, this $22 clutch is bound to make you sit up and pay attention!

OK, so perhaps the fabrics of this purse aren’t all that fancy. You have a geometrically quilted faux leather, in a relatively simple shape. It is perhaps a little over-glossy, and not really remarkable in any way. However, the moment you unfold it you really realize why it is a little different to the rest.

You see, this practical cross body has a detachable long strap. And an optional wrist strap. And a mirror. Essentially it is a really functional purse, and the fact that you can buy a matching cell phone case too is even better.

For the affordable price this is a great option for those who pride function over looks.

More Features of this Patent Quilted Clutch

• Available in other colors
• Multiple functional additions
• Faux leather exterior
• Multiple carrying options

Get this Silverhooks Cross Body:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More quilted bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Matelasse clutch, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more patent bags on eBay
• Other quilted bags on eBay:

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