When Halston chose Sarah Jessica Parker as its creative director, the fashion world was turned upside down. Even fans of SJP wondered if she had the chops to actually design clothes and accessories, as opposed to just looking good in them. But her simple, chic, and affordable designs are making a big hit and proving the naysayers wrong. This Maritza clutch is a great example of the urban, feminine style that SJP is bringing to Halston.

The nap on this deep black suede is extremely short, which gives it a smooth, rich look. It will also be much easier to keep clean than a bag with longer nap, as it is less likely to pick up dirt and such. Unfortunately, it will also get worn down and shiny easily, but for the price, that’s something I’d be willing to tolerate.

The design is perfectly minimal and elegant, a simple foldover pouch. The geometric Halston logo adds a modern touch, and the chain link strap is very of-the-moment. This is one of the most sophisticated bags I’ve seen for under $200, and I can’t wait to see what SJP comes up with next.

More Features Of The Halston Heritage Maritza Suede Clutch

• 10″ x 6″ x 2″  size
• 6″ strap drop
• Fully lined in cotton

Get this Halston Heritage Maritza Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Halston bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Harmony Hobo, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Halston handbags on eBay
• Other black suede clutches on eBay:[phpbay]black suede clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Have you ever wished that you had a handbag with a lion on it? No? Well, maybe the Lioness with Stones clutch from Timmy Woods will make your realize what you nearly missed out on!

As always, this novelty clutch is in no way serious. It is designed to resemble a Greek or Aztec seal, or at the very least some kind of ancient artifact. It’s not exactly the modern minimalist designs that we are used to seeing from the handbag world, but then perhaps that is the thing that sets it apart from the rest!

Practically, this is pretty damn useless, especially for something you paid $460 for. However, at least you have more room than many other hard box purses,  and you certainly have a conversation talking point!

More Features of this Timmy Woods Novelty Clutch

• Wooden clutch body
• Diamante lion detailing
• Optional long shoulder strap

Get this Fun Lioness with Stones Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Timmy Woods bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber Owl clutch, a great alternative to this novelty bag.
• Searching for more novelty bags on eBay
• Other Timmy Woods bags on eBay:

[phpbay]timmy woods handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

A handbag from Serpui Marie that isn’t made of straw? Remarkable!

Yes, here we have the rare and fabled beast that is the Marcia tote, a contribution from the kings of raffia and straw that has, instead, opted for a thick and luxurious brown leather body.

Not to be outdone by the higher decoration of straw handbags, this bag features a combination of sleek smooth leather panels, and cute and very much on trend diamond quilting. This results in a countryside and rural styling, which wouldn’t look out of place combined with brown leather riding boots and even a cap!

Of course, the upgrade to leather has a rather nasty effect on the price. The cognac leather gives this a price tag of $695, catapulting the brand into the realms of the luxury designers. Thankfully you do get a decent size and timeless style, but even so that is still quite an investment.

The leopard print interior of this leather hold-all is the gorgeous touch that  may just make the difference.

More Features of this Serpui Marie Marcia Hold-all

• Also available in black
• Quilted leather exterior
• Contrasting leopard print lining
• Interior zip pocket

Get this Luxury Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Serpui Marie bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Cabeceo tote, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more quilted bags on eBay
• Other Serpui Marie bags on eBay:

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Patchwork bags are enjoying a bit of a renaissance these days. Forget those tired old multicolored patches and the Coach signature swatches of old; these days patchwork bags feature much cooler, complementary designs. This Gloria shoulder bag from 7 Chi is a relatively affordable way to enjoy the trend.

I say relatively affordable, because at $176 it’s certainly not small change. However with its leather body and versatile convertible design, its price is very reasonable. You can carry it as a long north/south style tote, or attach the long strap and fold it over to make it a cross-body.

I love the cool watery blues of this Gloria bag, but it’s also available in green, black, or choco brown. Whatever tone you choose you’ll notice the cleverly chosen harmonious colors and the differently shaped patches. They help to create movement in the bag, ensuring it looks much more interesting than a vintage accessory with uniform square swatches.

The Gloria has a cool boho vibe, which could easily work with a casual jeans and T-shirt combo or your favorite flowing dress and thigh high boots.

More Features of This 7 Chi Patchwork Shoulder Bag

• Fabric lined interior
• Zip top closure
• A single shoulder strap with a 9.75 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 12 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this 7 Chi Gloria Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More 7 Chi bags on BagBunch
• The Kathy Van Zeeland Idol Tote bag, a great alternative to this convertible bag.
• Searching for more 7 Chi bags on eBay
• Other patchwork shoulder bags on eBay:

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British Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Jimmy Choo boss Tamara Mellon and handbag designer Anya Hindmarch as roving business ambassadors. The fashionable ladies are amongst 32 company heads who will promote United Kingdom trade around the world.

The women will work for free leading foreign trade missions, advising ministers on how to bypass red tape, and assisting small firms to find their feet abroad.

“It is of critical importance we do everything we can to demonstrate that the British economy is open for business,” Cameron explained. “Our Business Ambassadors will be at the forefront of this. There can be no better champion for British business than them. I’m delighted some of the most experienced and successful people from business and our universities are working with us.“

It’s an innovative approach for a national leader to look to the fashion world for such important roles, but I’m sure Mellon and Hindmarch will do their PM proud. Do you think they’re up to the task?

[Source: The Sun]
[Image Source: Chicago Fabulous Blog/Flickr]

Jimmy Choo Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Jimmy Choo, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

There are only so many sneering geisha prints and skulls a girl can bear, so I’m thrilled to see Ed Hardy exploring its softer side with the Heather satchel.

Rather than the edgy tattoo prints the label typically favors, it serves up a garden of cheery yellow flowers. The blooms appear to be wrapped in that crime scene yellow tape, an accent which proudly bears the Ed Hardy name. I was surprised that this unexpected combination works so well, but in that complementary sunshine shade this is one of Ed Hardy’s prettiest prints.

I’m less convinced by the yellow plastic chain straps, which make this bag appear cheaper than its $155 price tag. At least their nylon centers will cushion our shoulders, but I wonder why Ed Hardy would opt for such tacky looking links.

This is a roomy bag, kitted out with a zippered pocket inside and a handful of open pouches inside and out. I can imagine using it to add a pop of color when running errands, or as a fashionable piece of carry-on luggage.

Is there a place for it in your wardrobe?

More Features of This Ed Hardy Floral Satchel

• Made of synthetic fabric with synthetic patent trim
• Gold-toned hardware
• Fabric lined interior
• Flat platform base
• Dual shoulder chain straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 5 x 9 inches

Get this Ed Hardy Heather Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Heather Satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Tiger Fly Sales 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 Galactic Rock Calisto bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Fledgling London design firm Norton MacCullough & Locke has just released a brand new range of custom small leather goods.

The collection features iPhone and iPad cases, document wallets, passport covers, and card holders. These small items are a great alternative to Norton MacCullough & Locke’s custom luggage if you’re short on cash, although customizable accessories made from superior materials will never come cheaply!

Each item is hand-crafted in England by leather craftsman using only the finest fabrics and time honored techniques. Customers can choose from a range of colors, finishes, personalization, and leathers, including exotic skins like crocodile, lizard, and ostrich.

Happily you don’t need to book a trip across the pond to get your hands on these personalized items either. Simply download a bespoke order form from the Norton MacCullough & Locke’s website. You’ll receive a visual sample, and once that’s approved and your payment confirmed the craftsman from Norton MacCullough & Locke will set about creating your dream accessory. You can expect it to be delivered four to eight weeks after approval.

[Source: Luxist]

Leather iPod Cases on eBay

[phpbay]leather ipod case, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Looking every bit as cute as its name suggests, meet the Cammy hobo from Big Buddha.

Hobo bags tend to be bohemian affairs, but this one is much more feminine. The white synthetic works well with the dainty curlicue stitching. And isn’t that soft ruffled flap much more interesting than any traditional fold-over closure? This amps up the femininity factor without sacrificing the bag’s security.

There’s a zippered pocket hidden away under that flap, and plenty more where that came from. The generously sized interior is made more user-friendly with a pair of open pockets and a zippered compartment.

That bright white color is so compelling, but if you’re anything like me you’re bound to worry about stains showing. While the choice of synthetic makes the Cammy appear less luxurious than a leather hobo, it does make it easier to keep clean. While protective feet would have been a welcome addition, most marks should simply wipe away with a damp cloth.

I love the looks of the Cammy, so I’m thrilled to see Big Buddha brings them to us for just $90. That’s an affordable price for such a distinctive and stylish hobo.

More Features of This Big Buddha Stitched Hobo

• Silver-toned hardware
• A single carrying handle with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 14 x 5 inches

Get this Big Buddha Cammy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Cammy Hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Handbags Beautiful eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The gold Big Buddha Cammy hobo bag, a great alternative to this white bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Valentino is one of the foremost designers of this century. When he retired, everyone wondered would happen to his extraordinary line. With only a few exceptions, the line has continued to flourish, and it’s bags like the Rosette, which hearken back to Valentino’s feminine aesthetic, that are the reason why.

The small round shape of this bag is clean and unique. It just isn’t that often that you see a round handbag that doesn’t look gimmicky, but this one pulls the shape off with floral flair. The leather petals that make up the rose design are soft and delicate, as the style demands.

The chain link strap adds the tiniest element of edginess to the bag, and also a bit more glamour. It also makes the classically beautiful design look modern without being trendy. For $325, this Rosette bag is a steal for a high designer item. I wouldn’t wait too long to make a decision on this one, ladies; it’s not going to stay on the shelves long.

More Features Of The Valentino Rosette Small Leather Chain Strap Bag

• 4″ x 1″ size
• 24″ strap drop
• Fully lined in satin twill

Get this Valentino Rosette Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Valentino bags on BagBunch
• The Bebe Metallic Mesh Clutch, an edgy evening alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Valentino handbags on eBay
• Other leather rosette bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]leather rosette, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I find something sort of irritating about the introduction of a pale yellow tote in the fall. Perhaps it’s because the crisp air just doesn’t beg for pastels, but it could just be a matter of personal preference. Individual taste aside, the Mini Jivvy has some questionable design elements that make it a pretty ho hum addition to Sara Berman’s line.

The leather on this bag is of an extremely fine quality, even if it is pastel. Which is why I see no reason for it so be covered with so many studs. It just doesn’t need so much embellishment. In addition, the complicated pattern made by the studs is too busy. Plus, the many shapes and sizes of the studs is an additional distraction.

The shape of the bag is simple and clean. I really like the graduated cross-body strap, and I might even like its utilitarian lobster fastening if the grommet it attached to wasn’t so distractingly huge. While the general design of this bag is fine, all these little details make it look tacky and cheap. Which at $500, it certainly isn’t.

More Features Of The Sara Berman Mini Jivvy Studded Leather Bag

• 15″ x 13″ x 4″ size
• 20″ handle drop
• Fully lined in leopard-print fabric

Get this Mini Jivvy Bag by Sara Berman:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sara Berman bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag, hip alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Sara Berman bags on eBay
• Other yellow leather totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]yellow leather tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]