Jason Wu stays right on trend with this elegant top-handled Toni tote.

Top-handled purses like this were trailblazers in the fifties and sixties, but they’re enjoying a revival of late. Women love the elegance of the style, which looks feminine without being too fussy. The tan color that Jason Wu calls luggage isn’t very enviable, but it’s an evergreen choice perfect for any occasion or outfit.

While the Toni takes its cues from classic designs, it’s got a little of its own personality. I particularly like the belted top, which adds interest without ruining the tote’s smooth lines. I also really like the way the retro tubular handles are complemented by a much more practical cross-body strap.

Jason Wu gives us those little extras that let us know we’re carrying a luxury bag. Metal feet help protect the calfskin base, and more of the skin trims the internal pockets. But we expect that attention to detail at this price point. At $1995 the Toni certainly isn’t cheap, but it represents an investment in your fashion future.

More Features of This Jason Wu Calfskin Tote

• A removable shoulder strap with a 15.5 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 13 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Jason Wu Toni Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jason Wu bags on BagBunch
• The Jason Wu Doctor bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more Jason Wu bags on eBay
• Other calfskin tote bags on eBay:

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Social enterprise initiative Apolis has created a simple Market Bag for New York fashion boutique Steven Alan. This is Apolis’ ninth Local + Global project, and part of an initiative which connects regional retailers with Apolis’ global advocacy efforts.

The reusable totes are handcrafted by empowered women working at an artisan co-operative in Bangladesh. Each one is then finished in Calfornia with a waterproof interior lining and eco-friendly vegetable-dyed leather straps. Those handles could stand to be longer, as they’re likely to be awkward to manage once the market bag is full. Using reclaimed leather, rather than new skins, would have also made the bags more planet-friendly. However the antique nickel rivets which finish the bag are a great sustainable touch.

Collaborating with Steven Alan was an easy decision for Apolis, who has long admired the retailer’s timeless approach to fashion. While Apolis’ market bag isn’t a head turner, its simple styling and proud “Tribeca, New York, USA” lettering seamlessly slot into the Steven Alan collection.

The Apolis for Steven Alan Market bag is available for $68 exclusively from Steven Alan’s TriBeCa boutique and online store. It’s a little more than I’d expect to pay for such a basic tote, but knowing the money helps people less fortunate makes splurging a little easier.

[Source: Steven Alan website]

Serpentine scales make the Salini hobo from Jalda a very refined creature.

The embossed scales are significantly larger than we typically see on snake-style bags. Jalda says the bolder finish is inspired by anacondas, and I’ve never been close enough to one of these jungle giants to argue! Whatever the muse, I think the larger scales work well on such a generously sized bag.

The deep teal hue is another smart decision. The dark color is classic, ensuring this enormous bag doesn’t dominate your outfit. I’m not so sure about the brown leather top, but at least it’s dark enough to avoid an obvious clash.

The Salini’s size is likely to divide fashionistas. Such large bags have fallen out of favour, but that only makes them more desirable for girls who enjoy carrying all their worldly goods. The standard trio of pockets seems a little inadequate for keeping such an enormous compartment organized, but at least the bright blue lining should make your possessions easy to see.

The Salini isn’t Jalda’s best bag, but it’s a lovely way to add a look of luxury into your everyday wardrobe. At $505 I can’t call it a bargain, but it’s much more affordable than an authentic anaconda purse!

More Features of This Jalda Snake-Embossed Hobo

• Magnetic snap closure
• A single strap with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 17 x 6 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Jalda Salini Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jalda bags on BagBunch
• The Jalda Masha hobo bag, a great alternative to this fabric bag.
• Searching for more Jalda bags on eBay
• Other Jalda hobo bags on eBay:

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Thursday Friday set its sights on Proenza Schouler for its latest designer handbag inspired tote collection. The controversial label’s new Fest bags are screen-printed with the image of Proenza Schouler’s iconic PS1 satchel.

Thursday Friday caught the public’s attention when it famously created totes bearing the image of the Hermes Birkin bag. Hermes sued, but undeterred Thursday Friday released further totes bearing the images of Chanel’s 2.55 Flap Bags, Balenciaga’s Moto Bags, and more.

The last few releases haven’t seen the same lawsuits, so who could blame Thursday Friday for continuing to ride the wave? Their designer inspired totes have been very popular amongst cash-strapped fashionistas with an eye for luxury goods. After all, the new Fest totes start at $35, far less than the minimum $850 Proenza Schouler charges for its PS1!

The Fest bags are available with PS1 images in a variety of sizes in red, honey, orange, black, fuchsia, and the bright caicos blue pictured. Previous Thursday Friday designer inspired totes have sold out, so I don’t expect stocks of the Fest bag to last too long. They’re available now from the Thursday Friday website.

Do you like the way Thursday Friday cheekily takes inspiration from fashion giants, or do you think it deserves to be slapped with another lawsuit?

[Source: She Finds]

Thursday Friday Bags on eBay

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Jack Georges offers a feminine alternative to a traditional briefcase with its Madison Avenue Business Tote.

From the outside it looks like any classic fashion tote. Its design is tried and true, although it’s glossy patent leather finish helps separate it from the pack. I think black would be the most versatile with a business wardrobe, although you could always choose red if you enjoy a pop of color.

Whichever takes your fancy, you’ll appreciate the extras Jack Georges has included inside. While the exterior is clean and minimalist, the interior is packed with features including a padded laptop compartment and places for pens and business cards. The zip closure keeps your important documents and business papers safely inside. The flat shoulder straps are long enough to sling over your shoulder comfortably, even if you’re wearing a blazer or winter coat.

The Madison Avenue is so chic that it could easily take you from the boardroom to happy hour. And at $295, you don’t need to wait for that big promotion to indulge!

More Features of This Jack Georges Patent Leather Business Tote

• Ribbed lining
• Nickel hardware
• Holds a laptop with up to a 15.6 inch screen
• Dual handles with a 10.5 inch drop

Get this Jack Georges Madison Avenue Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Jack Georges bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jack Georges bags on BagBunch
• The Jack Georges Milano Madison Avenue bag, a matte alternative to this patent leather bag.
• Searching for more Jack Georges bags on eBay
• Other patent leather tote bags on eBay:

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J. Tiras has created an eye-catching purse that doesn’t cost the earth with the Sophie.

The Sophie’s design is classic, with a voluminous body and structured framed top. From this traditional base J. Tiras adds the details that really impress. The lizard embossing gives the pearl-hued leather a luxurious finish. It’s an unusual exotic skin to replicate, but the delicate scales are perfect for this dainty clutch purse. Anything bolder would have seemed too much.

The framed top is decorated with a row of semi-precious stones. The bright red and green gems pop delightfully against the ivory leather.

The Sophie is small, but well designed with a zippered inner pocket and leatherette lining. Fashion snobs would prefer real leather inside, but that would have driven the price sky high. Personally I think the compromise is worth it. We get real leather where it counts, and the illusion of luxury tucked away.

It’s disappointing that the chain strap isn’t removable though. While I appreciate the hands-free carrying option, it’s unfortunate that it clutters the already small interior when it’s not in use.

Without all the Swarovski crystals that usually cover J. Tiras’ designs, we see the Sophie priced at an affordable $144. That’s not a lot of money to spend on such a head-turning evening purse.

More Features of This J. Tiras Exotic Embossed Clutch

• A single chain with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 8.8 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
• Comes with a fabric dust cover bag

Get this J. Tiras Sophie Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Tiras bags on BagBunch
• The J. Renee Mary bag, a great alternative to this lizard embossed bag.
• Searching for more J. Tiras bags on eBay
• Other lizard-embossed clutch bags on eBay:

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Lauren Merkin has teamed up with blush.com, the newly launched beauty e-store and sister site to online cosmetics destination DermStore. The acclaimed handbag designer has created a limited edition version of her Eve clutch to celebrate the website launch.

Blush.com will select a customer at random to receive the magenta colored purse each day of its first month of trade.

Merkin said collaborating with blush.com was an “easy decision” as “fashion and beauty go hand in hand.”

“What better way to bring a look together than accessorizing with a perfect clutch,” she added.

Blush.com has also enlisted viral video stars Blair and Elle Fowler, who will share beauty trends and tips as part of the Blush Beauty Curator Panel. The sisters’ cosmetics line Skylark will also launch exclusively through blush.com in September later this year.

Blush.com also plans to work closely with BellaSugar, the beauty arm of lifestyle brand POPSUGAR. These collaborations are part of blush.com’s efforts to capture a more youthful demographic than its sister site, DermStore.

Like DermStore, blush.com will offer its customers free shipping, free samples, and access to beauty experts 24 hours, seven days a week. However there’ll be a  focus on products for teens and yuong women like lip glosses and eye shadows rather than anti-aging serums!

Are you excited about blush.com’s online launch?

[Source: The Sacramento Bee]
[Image Source: Blush Facebook page]

Lauren Merkin Eve Clutches on eBay

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J. Renee gives a classic flap purse a retro makeover with the Alene.

I’m not always a fan of gold purses, but J. Renee gets the color right here. It’s rich without looking brassy, something we don’t often see at this price point. The soft haphazard pleats make the metallic satin seem like liquid gold.

While the color elevates it, the Alene could have blended into the background if not for the jewel accent. While this decoration gives the clutch a point of difference, I’m not sure it was the right design choice. The faceted amber jewel surrounded by tiny glittering rhinestones takes me back to the 70s. However rather than appearing retro it just seems a bit dated.

J. Renee redeems itself with the smart shoulder strap though. Rather than adding a flimsy silver chain, as so many labels do, J. Renee’s used more faille. This soft fabric will feel much more comfortable against bare shoulders than the metal alternative. It also gives the Alene a more cohesive look.

The Alene isn’t perfect, but for $85 it represents value for girls who embrace vintage fashion.

More Features of This J. Renee Faille Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Jacquard lined interior
• A fabric strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 13 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this J. Renee Alene Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Renee bags on BagBunch
• The J. Renee Makensy clutch bag, a great alternative to this gold bag.
• Searching for more J. Renee bags on eBay
• Other gold clutch bags on eBay:

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Brian Rea has leant his artistic skills to Marni for the fashion house’s third Edition collaboration. The whimsical sketches of New York Times illustrator follow in the watercolour works of Kim Gordon and the painted plastic bags created by Claude Caillol.

Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni said he was “captured” by Rea’s vision when he spotted his sketches in the New York Times’ “Modern Love” column. He’s brought that same melancholy magic to Marni’s leather tote bags and T-shirts.

One design features two angry teenagers sharing a couch with a friendly monster. Another features a small girl meeting two displaced penguins in the desert. The final design sees a giant hanging upside down to read a book behind an unsuspecting girl. The penguin tote pictured will cost $400, while the other two designs are a bit cheaper at $350. That’s expensive for such a leather bag, but seems like chump change compared to the $710 tops!

Rea has embraced the challenge of adding his artworks to fashion for the first time.

“I think of Marni as sometimes sweet, sometimes fierce, which is a nice place for all of these stories and emotions to become wearable,” he said.

The Brian Rea designed Marni apparel and accessories will hit Marni stores at the end of August.

[Source: Bag Snob]

Marni Totes on eBay

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J. Furmani blows its own trumpet with the boastfully titled Elegance Defined Clutch. But is it worthy of such a complimentary moniker?

The short answer is not really. There are some lovely elements here, but as we find with so many budget purses there’s little attention to detail. I really like the textured fabric overlay, which is gathered at the center to create a kind of bow. The rhinestone covered panel adds the right amount of bling to the design.

But it’s disappointing to see the cheap leatherette peeking through at the sides. This material adds strength but doesn’t look anywhere near as classy as the silky fabric. Covering the synthetic in more of the material would have given the Elegance Defined a much more cohesive look.

That old adage that you get what you pay for holds true here. J. Furmani’s made this clutch functional, with a chain strap and inner slide pocket, but neglected the finer points of design. It represents decent value for $55, but doesn’t compare to high end designer alternatives.

More Features of This J. Furmani Rhinestone Decorated Clutch

• A chain strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches
• Also available in black and gold

Get this J. Furmani Elegance Defined Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this J. Furmani bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Furmani bags on BagBunch
• The J. Furmani Rose Elegance bag, a great alternative to this rhinestone decorated bag.
• Searching for more J. Furmani bags on eBay
• Other bow shaped clutch bags on eBay:

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