The synthetic patent leather of this Delisa clutch comes in a beautiful shade of midnight blue, and it is this that takes a relatively typical purse into evening bag territory.

Whilst the color is elegant, the detailing is more about the attitude. Many people will avoid an evening bag with grommets, as it may seem a little too punk. However, if coordinated cleverly then I think this rocky purse could look very smart at the same time as being just a little bit edgy.

The shape is perhaps the saving grace for the attitude of this J. Renee clutch. The down pointing arrows give it a quirky style that takes it from simple envelope clutch to interesting artwork. What I will say, however, is that I wish the Delisa was real leather, as that would help the luxurious look to follow on through.

This grommet purse is sleek and sophisticated. But at $89 for fake leather, is it a tad pricey?

More Features of this J. Renee Delisa Evening Bag

• Available in a range of other colors
• Synthetic leather interior
• Single interior zipped pocket
• Optional long handle

Get this Synthetic Grommet Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Renee bags on BagBunch
• The JJ Winters Rhino clutch, a great alternative to this grommet bag.
• Searching for more patent bags on eBay
• Other J. Renee bags on eBay:

[phpbay]j renee handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I’m used to seeing bold and brash handbags from Steve Madden, so I was surprised to see the designer playing it safe with this BBridget satchel. I suppose this new bag is in keeping with the current trend for military fashions, but it’s also a bit drab. Perhaps the designer should have stuck with what he knows?

Or perhaps I’m being too harsh on this bag. The studding around the top of the bag shows uncharacteristic restraint, and the olive green synthetic is of much better quality than many man-made materials we see at this price point. The design is clean and uncluttered, a master of minimalism. Sadly though, it’s just not very exciting.

That’s a shame, because once we unzip the top there’s a lot to like. That pretty pink lining hints at the Steve Madden we all know and love, and the reinforced pockets are made to survive daily punishment. Even when we don’t get leather, designers that pay attention to these details really impress me. I also like the choice of carrying options; we could sling the handles over an arm, or attach the longer, adjustable strap to tote the BBridget as a shoulder bag or cross-body.

For $98.95, Steve Madden offers an affordable way to indulge in the military trend while it lasts. I just wish he did it with a bit more flair.

More Features of This Steve Madden Military Satchel

• Inside zip pocket and two accessory pouches
• Two magnetic snap pockets on the sides
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• An attachable strap with a drop of 16 to 26 inches
• Measures 10.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Steve Madden BBridget Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Steve Madden BBridget, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the My Favourite Online Store eBay store to see if this Steve Madden bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Steve Madden bags on BagBunch
• The Steven by Steve Madden Animal Instincts bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Steve Madden bags on eBay

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so it stands to reason that one fashion label’s offcuts could be the handbags of the future. By using the leathers that other brand’s don’t need, new label The Sway creates purses that are both luxurious and green.

Of course many eco-conscious fashionistas don’t condone the use of any leather, but it’s important to note that The Sway doesn’t harm animals or create a carbon footprint in obtaining its materials. It also handcrafts all purses to minimize environmental damage and waste.

But the environmental commitment doesn’t stop there. The Sway’s hangtags, linings, and even packaging materials are made from recycled paper and cotton fibers.

The world has been devastated by the floods in Pakistan, but The Sway is doing something about it. The label has close ties with Pakistan leather companies, and many of its staff members have family and friends in the region. That’s why it donates a portion of its handbag sales to the Asian relief efforts.

Spring 2011 is the first collection for The Sway, so you may need to do some hunting to find their bags. Look for them at stores such as Fred Segal, Free People, Searle, and Kaight.

[Source: The Sway website]

Recycled Leather Bags on eBay

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

You’ve got the freedom to go hands-free or clutch your purse the old-fashioned way when it’s the Liberty Bag from Big Buddha.

The modern slouchy style is matched by the Liberty’s versatile convertible design. The strap is long enough to work as a shoulder bag or cross-body. Alternatively you could detach it completely to use the Liberty like a clutch, either by lifting up the flap and using the cut-out handles or holding it in your hand.

That chain is simple but gorgeous in rich gold, a great complement to the purse’s polished turnlock clasp and zips. I love the way the metal pops against the deep blue shade, but it’s also very appealing against the forest green and mellow gray purses.

Just because the Liberty can convert though, doesn’t mean that it always should. It’s so big that I can’t imagine it’d be easy to manage without the strap. Perhaps if you know how to travel light it’d be easy to clutch, but it seems a shame not to utilize all that storage space.

At $80 though, I don’t mind if the Liberty’s not quite as versatile as Big Buddha planned. It still looks great, which isn’t always the case at this price point!

More Features of This Big Buddha Convertible Bag

• Made of vegan leather
• Zip top closure
• A large buttoned exterior pocket
• Two open pockets and a zip pocket inside
• A removable handle with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 8 x 3 inches

Get this Big Buddha Liberty Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Liberty, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Rock A Rolla Boutique 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 Big Buddha Liberty bag in other colors, a great alternative to this blue bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

New York label TEICH uses high-quality, green materials to create its stylish, modern handbags.

Designer Allison McGowan launched the TEICH brand in 2007. She christened it after her maiden name, a German word meaning “pond.”

“It’s a word that suits the great respect I have for nature and the ways we can demonstrate that respect through sustainable design,” she explained on her website.

However, many green fashionistas may not agree with the way McGowan expresses that respect. Vegetable-tanned leather and deerskin may be more sustainable and eco-friendly than traditional cow leather or exotic skins, but animal lovers will never agree that they’re truly green.

If you’d prefer you can look for the purses made from animal-free materials like ultrasuede, organic cotton, and hemp canvas. These bags are labeled as vegan, but I wish the site had a vegan search so we could find them more easily.

Handbags like this Rockaway Tote are very stylish though, and with production staying in McGowan’s native New York they also help stimulate the local economy.

TEICH bags are available from the label’s New York store or website.

[Source: TEICH website]

Vegetable Tanned Leather Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]vegetable tanned leather, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It might be a bit misleading to call a bag made from nubuck leather a Peta. I’m sure the folks at the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals wouldn’t approve. But if you’re not banging the cruelty-free gong, you could easily warm to this Donald J Pliner satchel.

The first drawcard is that nubuck leather, a prized skin that few designers work with. Donald J Pliner is one of its biggest advocates, and you probably will be too when you see it in action. It has that plush feel and look of suede, but doesn’t suffer those telltale signs of wear. It will attract stains, particularly in this pale mustard shade, but so long as you keep it away from red wine and dirty floors it should look good for years to come.

The Peta seems to have a fairly staid, classic appearance. That traditional shape and buckled details are tried and true. But the peace button clasp makes things a little bit groovy.

You could probably sling those handles over your shoulder, but if you’re on the go I suggest adding the much longer strap. It’ll take the Peta from shoulder bag to cross-body in an instant.

It might not turn too many heads, but there’s a real charm about the Peta satchel. If it were made from eco-friendly materials I’d baulk at the $365 price tag, but for luxury leather it’s a steal.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Nubuck Leather Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Gold-toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• A zippered pocket on the back
• Four raised studs on the base
• Dual rolled handles with an 8 inch drop
• A detachable strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 10 x 8 inches
• Also available in denim blue and saddle

Get this Donald J Pliner Peta Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Donald J Pliner Peta, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the SmartBargains eBay store to see if this Donald J Pliner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Donald J Pliner Pansai bag, a great alternative to this peace clasp bag.
• Searching for more Donald J Pliner bags on eBay

Coach takes us back to its roots with this Horse Carriage Cargo Flap Bag.

I’ve never really warmed to Coach’s signature prints, but there’s something so endearing about this Horse Carriage pattern. The Coach name is paired with images of the iconic Horse Carriage, which do just as much to advertise the bag’s heritage. They’re not quite as obnoxious as covering your bag in lettering though, at least in this gentle khaki shade. The lurid magenta and orange purse is a different matter though!

With all that horse imagery, it’s fitting that this flap purse has an equestrian vibe. The dark leather trim, silver buckles, and curved flap all give it that sensible country club feel. Such a conservative approach is enough to make many of us yawn, but the Coach faithful are sure to love the classic style.

This is a massive handbag, but Coach has done enough to ensure it doesn’t feel overwhelming. There are two fully lined compartments, one with pockets for small valuables and one without for larger items. And don’t forget to look under the flap; you’ll find another slide pocket hiding there.

I’m not sure Coach has done quite enough to warrant this bag’s $298 price tag, as it’s only trimmed with leather after all. If you’ve fallen for it though, at least it won’t leave a large hole in your bank account.

More Features of This Coach Cargo Flap Bag

• Silver-tone hardware
• An adjustable leather handle
• Measures 17 x 12 inches

Get this Coach Horse Carriage Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Coach Horse Carriage Cargo Flap, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the GFY Sneakers eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Horse Carriage Leah tote bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay

Noon designers Jane Palmer and Marianne Fairbanks are putting space age technology into handbags with their innovative line of Solar bags. The women use their backgrounds in fibers and textiles to create high-tech messenger and tote bags.

A wafer-thin flexible solar panel is situated on the outside of each Solar Noon bag. This panel charges a battery pack nestled inside the tote. It’s a great idea for tech addicts, who can charge their cell phone or iPod while they’re on the go. The solar panel collects the sun’s energy during the day, so you can use the battery pack even when the sun goes down.

On a clear, sunny day the battery should be fully charged in six to eight hours, but it might take a bit longer if the weather is overcast. Once it’s topped up, the battery pack’s charge should last for several days.

Solar power is a great eco-friendly energy source, so some green fashionistas may be disappointed to see the Noon Solar bags are made from leather. However, the designers insist that their vegetable-dyed leather is more eco-friendly than the recycled vinyl they used to use, as it can break down or be easily reused later.

I’m not sure what I expected to pay for such technologically advanced bags, but I think Noon’s Solar prices, which hover around the $400 and $500 marks, seem quite reasonable. Is there are a place for these high tech bags in your wardrobe?

[Source: Noon website]

Kooba takes everything I loved about the Drew tote and punches it up a few notches with the Cori.

Just like the Drew, the Cori features decorative flaps which look just as edgy and dangerous as the neckline of a motorcycle jacket. But here we get a more asymmetrical design, with the flap veering to one side and secured by an edgy tie. The other side has a zippered pocket hidden sneakily away; it’s a practical touch but another element which adds a dash of rock and roll spirit.

With its motorcycle leanings, for me there’s no other choice but black. It might be a neutral tone, but with a style like this it’s got just the right amount of danger. If you’d prefer to temper the bag’s inner wild child though, you could opt for more conservative tones like luggage brown or ivory.

Whatever you pick, you aren’t likely to regret owning this tote. While its devilish looks are the major draw card, it’s all business inside. It’s a great size for everyday use, and the pockets and keyring hidden away inside take care of the hard stuff.

For $595, this Kooba tote is well priced for daring fashionistas, or anyone who wants to explore their dark side!

More Features of This Kooba Flap Tote

• Top magnetic snap closure
• Criss-cross topstitching
• Gold-toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 13 x 4 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Kooba Cori Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kooba Cori Tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Tika’s Coach Collection eBay store to see if this Kooba bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The Kooba Drew tote bag, a great alternative to this motorcycle style bag.
• Searching for more Kooba bags on eBay

Long before everyone else was on the eco fashion bandwagon, Helen Reigle championed green design with her accessories label Her Design. Since its inception in 2004, the brand has grown to become a favorite of celebrities like Eliza Dushku and Helen Mirren.

Her Design handbags feature cruelty-free materials including recycled microsuede and polyester, organic cotton, linen, hemp, and PVC-free vegan leather. There are bags of all styles, from small clutches to large laptop bags, each with a clean, modern design.

Her Design purses are currently made in a small factory in Costa Rica under fair trade conditions. It might seem disappointing to some that the bags are made off shore, but it’s all part of Her Design’s master plan. Costa Rica hopes to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021, and Her Design wants to be a part of it.

Her Design handbags are relatively affordable, with all accessories priced under $200. But if you need another reason to support the label it’s worth considering that 2% of sales benefit environmental and youth-orientated causes. That’s a small percentage to be sure, but it’s still more than many high-end labels give!

The eco-friendly Her Design handbags are available online through the label’s website.

[Source: Her Design website]

Organic Cotton Bags on eBay

[phpbay]organic cotton, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]