In honor of this holiday season, I am vowing to pay a little more attention to wallets. Because chances are good that you won’t necessarily splurge on a pricey designer bag for your best girlfriend, but you certainly might gift her with an elegant wallet. This chic Jimmy Choo Francine wallet will make a great present for a woman with low key, sophisticated style.

The Francine uses a beautiful combination of subtly textured black leather and black snakeskin. The snakeskin gives the wallet more depth and textural contrast. The warm gold of the hardware contrasts with the coolness of the black. It’s nuances like this that make Choo’s designs interesting, even when they’re really understated.

The Francine isn’t just good looking though; it’s also practical. The front flap closure opens to a zipper-fastening main compartment, which is divided into three sections. The center compartment is a zippered change purse, and the other two sides are amply spaced pouch pockets lined with credit card slots.

At $675, the Francine would make a generous gift, even if it’s just for yourself. The combination of utility and sophistication makes it a wallet that will serve you well for years.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Francine Snakeskin Trim Leather Wallet

• 8″ x 4″ x 1″ size
• Fully lined in leather

Get this Jimmy Choo Francine Wallet:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Simone hobo, a stylish alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other snakeskin wallets on eBay:
• [phpbay]snakeskin wallet, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Lucky Brand takes the cross-body bag back to the Wild West with its Back in the Saddle handbag.

The purse’s half-moon shape and the delicate tooling around the edge of the flap closure makes this purse look more like a saddle than any saddle bag I think I’ve seen. It’s a clever design approach, but more than just a gimmick on the part of Lucky Brand. The style is very wearable, whether you’re mixing it with a downtown ensemble or your favorite thigh high boots and a cowboy hat!

The quality of the leather is amazing considering the bag’s more than reasonable price of $149. It’s been tumbled to make it super soft and supple; this is the sort of thing you’ll find yourself absently stroking.

That might make you think Lucky Brand has skimped on the features, but I really can’t see any corners cut. The Back in the Saddle is a great mid-sized bag, not large enough to weigh you down but not so small you need to leave vital items behind. The single zippered pocket inside may be disappointing ordinarily, but when combined with the large slide pocket hidden underneath the flap I feel like we’re taken care of.

It’s not very fashion forward, but this Back in the Saddle bag certainly offers enough to tempt me.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Saddle Cross-Body Bag

• Fully lined interior
• An adjustable canvas lined shoulder strap
• Measures 3.5 x 10 x 7 inches

Get this Lucky Brand Back in the Saddle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Lucky Brand Back in the Saddle, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Designerhandbagfashionista eBay store to see if this Lucky Brand bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lucky Brand bags on BagBunch
• The Cole Haan Saddle bag, a great alternative to this saddle bag.
• Searching for more Lucky Brand bags on eBay

Los Angeles design studio Modist has surprisingly been influenced by furniture for its latest collection of eco-friendly canvas totes.

Each bag in the range is hand-screened with the image of a funky mid-century chair. It’s not a print I’d ever think to include on an accessory, but with furniture and fashion both celebrating style perhaps it all makes sense.

The Modist handbags have serious green credentials, with each tote made from undyed and untreated entirely natural cotton canvas. Those screen prints are done with non-toxic inks, so even they stack up to green scrutiny. They bags are generously sized and made to last, so don’t hesitate to load them up with your groceries or textbooks.

The chair-printed Modist totes are available from the Modist website and Etsy shop for $20 each. They’re probably not stylish enough to inspire fashionistas, but they could be a great gift for the furniture lover or eco-warrior in your family.

[Source: PR Web]
[Image Source: Modist website]

Canvas Tote Bags on eBay

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

Mark Cross is rising from the ashes after striking a new exclusive deal with Saks Fifth Avenue.

This American heritage brand hasn’t been seen for many years, but if you’ve seen Rear Window you might remember Grace Kelly showing Jimmy Stewart how much she could fit inside her Mark Cross overnight case. Elizabeth Taylor also reportedly snapped up 70 pieces of matching Mark Cross luggage for her travels with Richard Burton.

But the legacy came to an end in 1997, until new CEO and president Neal J. Fox came to the rescue. He snapped up the trademark and revived the label that he calls “America’s Hermes. America’s Gucci.”

The new imagining channels the heritage looks that made Mark Cross an icon. There are 11 styles in all, including the equestrian styled Gerald buckle bags and the croc-embossed Maddox clutch, pictured.

Considering the quality of the materials, the new Mark Cross bags are reasonably priced between $465 and $795. That’s not so different to the prices in the mid-1990s, so they can be considered bargains in the current climate.

The complete Mark Cross collection will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores by early December. Are you glad to see Mark Cross bags back on the shelves?

[Source: Stylelist]

Mark Cross Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Mark Cross, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It’s bound to be too much for conservative fashion fans, but I’m strangely drawn to the playful retro style of this Melrose bag from Imoshion.

There’s definitely a vintage vibe about this purse, but it’s created in such an unusual way. Silver pyramid studs typically have a modern rock flair, but the uniform path these take down the oversized flap closure help make the Melrose feel more rockabilly than heavy metal. It’s a little rebellious, but it won’t scare too many oldies.

The sheen of the skin and the relatively affordable price tag probably give away that this isn’t a real leather handbag. The synthetic does a decent job of pretending though. It’s soft, but not as plush to the touch as an authentic cowhide would be. On the flip side, it’s much kinder to our animal friends.

What we lose in luxury, Imoshion attempts to make up for with functional design. This is such a practical purse, with generous dimensions and a plethora of pockets inside and out. I can imagine it helping to jazz up your basic jeans and T-shirt ensemble, and even working well for a casual evening out with the girls.

For $89.95, I can see real value here despite the use of synthetic.

More Features of This Imoshion Studded Handbag

• Two outer side pockets
• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 16 x 12 inches

Get this Imoshion Melrose Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Imoshion Melrose, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy Now or Never Bargain Resource eBay store to see if this Imoshion bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More studded bags on BagBunch
• The blue Imoshion Melrose bag, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Imoshion bags on eBay

Juicy Couture seems to be channeling the style of Lanvin with this pretty pom-pom style pouchette purse.

What I like most about this purse is the departure it represents for Juicy Couture. I’m so used to seeing pink velour and crowns from the brand, that anything that breaks the mold proves a welcome change. Yet the label doesn’t divert too much from its vision; just like the accessories that made Juicy Couture a household name this one is unashamedly girly.

If you’re not an ultra girly girl, this Luxe Chiffon purse will be far too feminine for your tastes. That ultra pink shade is quite shocking, and it only makes the chiffon overlay seem more sugary. There are other colors available if your tastes are more conservative, but a bag with such a frou-frou style will never appear truly traditional.

If you’re aiming to stand out though, carrying a purse like this is a great way to do it. The leather trim and brushed gold hardware help add value and justify the fairly significant $178 price tag. I know I’d never carry it enough to make that investment worthwhile, but if you love kooky accessories you just might!

More Features of This Juicy Couture Girly Pouchette Bag

• Leather drawstring closure
• Crown logo print lining
• A chain strap with a leather insert
• Measures 8 x 8 x 3 inches

Get this Juicy Couture Luxe Chiffon Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The black Juicy Couture Luxe Chiffon bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Juicy Couture bags on eBay
• Other chiffon bags on eBay:

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This fall, Mulberry teamed up with Apple to create a line of laptop-friendly accessories, and the results are spectacular. Honestly, before this line, I’ve never seen a laptop case that I actually wanted to carry, much less one as enviably beautiful as this Bayswater case.

The black patent leather material that this case is made of is extraordinarily shiny and sleek. The smooth edges of the front flap have very tight seaming, which allows the surface to stay slick and unmuddied. The shining silver turnlock clasp perfectly complements the high gloss of the patent.

The Bayswater laptop case has a concealed front pocket, excellent for stowing your power cord, CDs, and even a small mouse. The gently curved seams of the pocket make a beautiful, low key design on the front of the bag. The case itself is meant to hold a 13″ MacBook, but it will hold any 13″ or smaller computer.

This laptop case is chic enough that it could even double as an oversized clutch for evening. And for a bag that does double-duty in such timeless style, $650 doesn’t seem terribly unreasonable.

More Features Of The Mulberry Bayswater Patent Leather Laptop Case

• 14″ x 11″ x 1″ size
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Bayswater Patent Laptop Case By Mulberry:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mulberry bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Patent Leather Tote, a large, sleek alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Mulberry bags on eBay
• Other Mulberry Bayswater bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]mulberry bayswater, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I don’t know what Marc Jacobs is thinking with all the over-the-top bright metallic bags he’s been putting out lately. Luckily, this PVC Vanity bag will stay safely out of sight to everyone but those who dare venture into your hotel bathroom.

The metallic turquoise PVC material is ultra-shiny and completely covered in embossed Marc Jacobs logos. Frankly, I think it’s hideous. It’s just too much for my two retinas to handle. On the plus side, it’s pretty practical. It won’t matter if a little water gets splashed on the outside of the bag, and it will probably keep your clothes safe from any cosmetic products that leak from the inside.

As far as vanity bags go, this one is well-designed. The interior has one large plastic pocket, one smaller one, and a convenient hook for hanging. The two side pockets are perfect for stowing powders and brushes, or anything that isn’t likely to spill.

If you can get over the over-the-top look of this bag, you will be well-served by its many practical features. But at $150, is it really worth dealing with an eyesore?

More Features Of The Marc By Marc Jacobs Mini Vanity PVC Wash Bag

• 8″ x 7″ size
• Elasticized panels in interior compartments

Get this Marc By Marc Jacobs Mini Vanity Bag:

• 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 vanity bags on eBay:

[phpbay]cosmetic travel,2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ecozuri is making its line of eco-friendly shoppers even more attractive with free shipping on all products ordered between November 18 and January 3.

“This holiday season we decided to offer free shipping on our entire line, as our gift to those who are looking to promote a green lifestyle,” said Lily Wu, President and founder of Ecozuri, Inc. “Our products aim to help others embrace an eco-aware lifestyle. The holiday season is a great time to spread that concept.“

I’m not sure the Ecozuri bags are really stylish enough to become Christmas gifts for your gal pals, but they’ve got great eco credentials if you want to make your own shopping trips greener.

Each one is made from 100% certified recycled materials, and comes packaged in a green gift box. They also hold up to 50 pounds of groceries, and they can survive a trip through the washing machine if your juice or meat trays leak!

And just so you never forget the bags when you’re heading out to the supermarket, each Ecozuri bag set comes with a complementary reminder kit. With a door hanger, steering wheel wrap, and buckle for your key chain there’s no excuse for leaving the shoppers behind!

The Ecozuri bag sets are affordably priced from $19.95, so it’s refreshing to see the brand donating 10% of its sales to the Bricks and Books Foundation. This American based charity was founded by high school and college students to provide education opportunities for children in Tanzania.

Are some Ecozuri bags on your Christmas wish list?

[Source: Web Wire]
[Image Source: Ecozuri website]

Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags on eBay

[phpbay]eco-friendly shopper, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Exotic handbags never come cheaply, but designer Andria Mitsakos makes this level of luxury more affordable with her accessories line, Dea Rosa.

While authentic exotic purses typically fetch a pretty five-figured sum, her purses are priced between $490 and $2000. That’s still no small change, but I’ve seen many designers charging these kinds of prices for embossed leather.

So how does she do it? Mitsakos says her secret is conservative cutting during the assembly of the purses. This allows her to use less skin and reduce the bottom line. It’s such a smart idea, I wonder why other designers have never thought of it!

The collection features handbags made from python, crocodile, and lizard skins. Each one is crafted in Italy and named after one of the country’s cities. I love the clean lines of the accessories, which are all the better for showcasing those exotic skins.

Look for the Dea Rosa bags at selected American boutiques next spring.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Crocodile Handbags on eBay

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