Versace is not one of the first lines I think of when I think of modern design. Its aesthetic has a bit of an old world quality to it that has worked for it for decades. But this gorgeous electric blue shoulder bag is nothing if it’s not modern. It looks like it came straight off the runways, which, in fact, it did.

The material of this bag is, in one word, incredible. Both in terms of color and texture, it is truly extraordinary. This metallic electric blue looks like it belongs on some exotic underwater creature that cameras almost never catch, and the patent is so shiny that it’s almost mirrored. Just glancing at this bag briefly makes me say, “whoa.”

The design of the bag has a sort of retro-modern look to it. It has some classic elements, but also some really futuristic ones. I can’t get over this amazing hinge top. It really looks like the bag was forged out of metal. But the front flap has a soft roundness to it that is a little more classic, and the thick chain strap looks almost like medieval chain mail. You might think that combining all these elements would turn out messy, but it comes together beautifully.

The price is high for design like this. At $1,895, most of us won’t get to walk out of the boutique with it, but I can’t wait to see what kind off interpretations it inspires.

More Features Of This Versace Patent Leather Small Shoulder Bag

• 9″ x 6″ x 2″ size
• 7″ handle drop
• Fully lined in brown suede

Get this Versace Patent Leather Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Versace bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Mitzy Hobo, a larger,  more minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Versace bags on eBay
• Other blue patent bags  on eBay:

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I hadn’t heard of Vanessa Bruno until relatively recently, but so far, I really like what she has to offer. Her use of color is bold and eye-catching, and her classic, but casual aesthetic is really starting to grow on me. This shoulder bag is a great addition to a growing line of fabulous accessories.

The rich, muted teal blue on this bag is really ideal. It’s striking, but still subdued, so you won’t have a problem pairing it with plenty of outfits. The texture of this suede is very fine and soft, which gives the bag a refined look.

The shape of this bag is what really interests me. The double fold-over flaps close over the front, which is brought to a v-shape by the seam detail. This seam detail continues on the back of the bag and attaches to the straps, which creates an extremely well-integrated look.

This bag has a truly unique design, but it still manages to have a classic appeal. The tassel adornments are a nice touch to this bohemian staple. And considering the market for designer bags, $800 isn’t a bad price, even if it’s not exactly inexpensive.

More Features Of The Vanessa Bruno Suede Tassel Shoulder Bag

• 14″ x 14″ x 5″ size
• 20″ strap drop
• Fully lined in brown voile

Get This Vanessa Bruno Suede Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Vanessa Bruno bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a small, funky alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Vanessa Bruno bags on eBay
• Searching for teal suede bags on eBay:

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After seeing so many casual signature print purses, we can easily forget that Ralph Lauren makes luxury handbags, and makes them quite well. This dressed up Acadian hobo is an excellent example of the brand’s more opulent accessories.

The plush cowhide leather is gently embossed with crocodile scales to add interest. I love the look of the crocodile embossing on the dark colored leather. I think it looks much more sophisticated here than on a pale purse; it’s subtle, more reserved, and more refined. That gives the fairly typical hobo shape more elegance, which is just what we want when we’re paying $398 for it.

The silvery hardware really pops against the dark skin. I think I’d prefer a cleaner, more minimalistic design but the metal certainly isn’t excessive and most of it’s functional.

Lift up the wide tab closure to reveal a space which is generous without being difficult to use. That task is made even easier with a plethora of pockets. I wish Ralph Lauren had used a zip to secure the back pocket rather than the magnetic closures, but that’s really the only criticism I can make.

The Acadian isn’t likely to wow the crowds, but it’s so elegant and timeless that you’re sure to get your money’s worth from it.

More Features of This Ralph Lauren Croc-Embossed Hobo

• An adjustable top handle with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 16 x 7 inches

Get this Ralph Lauren Acadian Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ralph Lauren bags on BagBunch
• The Jalda Croc-Embossed Crescent Evening Bag bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Ralph Lauren bags on eBay
• Other croc-embossed hobo bags on eBay:

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Leather jacket and fashion label Stella & jamie is the latest brand to add handbags to its fashion empire.

The bags take up where the apparel leaves off, with fringe, studs, chains, and grommets delivering the same rock and roll style. However the brand’s designer April Mun was quick to point out that the purses don’t sacrifice edginess for femininity.

“Stella & jamie bags are not rigid; even with the fringe and metal they are light and can be chic, bohemian and simultaneously, urban,” Mun explained. “They are free-spirited and yet, shaped.“

The Stella & jamie range will start small, with just six purses to be released in the first run this spring. There are more in the works though, including purses to be released as part of the label’s lower-priced ROCK line next spring.

But that’s not to say the current crop isn’t affordable. With purses ranging from $98 to $245, I think Stella & jamie offers us real value for money, don’t you?

[Source: TMCNet.com]

Fringed Leather Handbags on eBay

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Just when I was beginning to suffer stud fatigue, Rafe releases this Belle cross body bag to change my mind.

Studs are typically used to add edge to a design, but these smooth domed studs are much more delicate and feminine. Some fashionistas may think they look too busy against the snakeskin printed leather, but I think the subtle reptilian skin needs the embellishment to save it from being boring.

If this look’s not for you maybe you’d prefer one of the other Belle bags. They all have that distinctive half moon shape, but the accents are quite different. Pyramid studs work with those smooth domed metal dots in a kind of haphazard cluster on the white and black bags. I think these purses are too cluttered, especially with the long tassel, but it’s all a matter of personal taste.

Rafe has made the Belle quite versatile with a few carrying options. With the strap tucked away it could be a modern evening clutch, but with it extended you could wear it cross-body before five. It might not to be big enough to carry every day, but with some careful packing you should be able to rock it when you want to.

That day to night appeal and on trend design makes this Belle purse a real beauty!

More Features of This Rafe Snakeskin Print Purse

• Jacquard lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• A single strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 6.75 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Rafe Belle Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Rafe Belle, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Smart Bargains eBay store to see if this Rafe bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Rafe bags on BagBunch
• The metallic Rafe Belle bag, a great alternative to this snakeskin bag.
• Searching for more Rafe bags on eBay

New website decktOut.com can help you get ready for your next black tie gala or spruce up your seasonal wardrobe with its luxury handbag exchange service.

The members-only website works on a points-based system. You submit your handbag to the site, and receive a points value for it depending on its brand, material, style, and condition. Once decktOut receives your bag it reviews it to ensure your answers are accurate and awards you the points. When your account looks healthy you can choose another bag of equal or lesser value for $50 to cover shipping.

“Our focus is on two core attributes: simplicity and peace of mind, and decktOut provides just that,” explained Liza Adams, founder of decktOut. “Users don’t even need to print a shipping label or upload pictures. Since all bags are inventoried, hand checked and professionally photographed, users can be confident that they are exchanging their bag for another piece, just as fabulous, to add to their collection.“

I love the concept, which might be just the thing to keep our closets looking fresh and our wallets full. Would you use a service like decktOut?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: decktOut.com]

Used Designer Handbags on eBay

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I’ve seen so many woven handbags lately that they’re almost becoming commonplace, so I was thrilled to see Radley taking some risks with this unique woven leather bowler.

Rather than using regular strips of leather, Radley interweaves differently sized swatches to create an effect which is striking and stylish. The rich brown, burgundy, and olive tones remind me of the changing leaves of fall. That makes it perfect for autumn fashion, although I’m sure you could get away with carrying this purse at any time of year.

Such a unique weave may have looked busy on another bag, but by sticking to the bowler’s classic clean lines and keeping it free of embellishments Radley makes it work. It also doesn’t rest on its look, delivering a purse that’s combines style and substance.

There are two roomy interior compartments, each secured with a zip, to make staying organized that much easier. We’re also given a choice of carrying options, with a long detachable cross-body strap complementing the dual rolled handles.

At $248 this woven Radley bag represents excellent value.

More Features of This Radley Leather Bowling Bag

• A woven leather Radley dog tag
• Measures 10.6 x 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Radley Woven Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Serpui Marie Maria Candida tote bag, a great alternative to this colored bag.
• Searching for more Radley bags on eBay
• Other woven bowling bags on eBay:

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These days fashion is moving away from obvious logo prints and plates, and embracing more minimalist luxury designs. So I suppose that a designer tote which looks like a brown paper lunch bag is the next logical step.

I might be able to understand it on an intellectual level, but that doesn’t mean that I warm to this tote. If I’m going to pay the price of luxury leather, in this case a significant $615, I want it to look like real leather. I don’t want it to appear like a cheap paper bag.

The rich black leather trim helps to dress up that pale skin, but there’s no getting around that papery looking material. In fact, that seems to be the point. Those looking for the next big thing might deem it clever, but it makes me long for the good old days.

Sadly Proenza Schouler doesn’t offer us much more than a paper bag when it comes to the design either. There a lone open pocket inside, a paltry attempt to keep this rather sizable tote organized. There isn’t even any way to keep it closed; at least we could crumple the top of a real paper bag to keep our items safe!

To me this seems like Proenza Schouler has tried to be too smart for its own good, and forgotten all about what women really want. Are you in on the joke?

More Features of This Proenza Schouler Leather Tote

• Two black perforated shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 16 x 5 inches

Get this Proenza Schouler Paper-Effect Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Proenza Schouler bags on BagBunch
• The Keen Northrup bag, a great alternative to this paper looking bag.
• Searching for more Proenza Schouler bags on eBay
• Other paper tote bags on eBay:

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The fashion rumor mill is buzzing that Stefano Pilati may soon receive the boot from Yves Saint Laurent. The New York Post and Fashion Wire Daily both report that the creative director’s spring 2011 line will be his last for the brand.

Pilati succeeded Tom Ford several years ago, and his designs have been both lauded and despised. He’s also allegedly a party boy who’s notoriously difficult to work with. That might be easier to overlook if the fashions were flying off the shelves, but that’s not always the case.

Of course, if Pilati is on the out we wonder who might take the company’s reins. Riccardo Tisci’s name has been suggested in the past, so I suppose Givenchy’s main man is always a possibility. Olivier Theyskens is another alternative, although his dramatic aesthetics may not suit YSL’s more elegant and conservative vision.

It might be too early to start speculating, but if Pilati’s days are numbered who would you like to see designing for Yves Saint Laurent?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Wesley Viera Fonseca/Flickr]

Yves Saint Laurent Handbags on eBay

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As a high end diffusion line, I feel like it is DKNY’s job to interpret the trends for a wide audience and make them economically accessible. For the past few months it disappointed me with unsophisticated, over-embellished pieces. But lately, it’s been offering simple chic bags that are versatile and timeless. This croc effect shopper is one of those bags.

I’m not always a fan of faux reptilian materials. They have to be really well done to come close to being even half as fabulous as the real thing. Honestly, the croc embossing is only okay if you think of it in terms of how much it resembles crocodile, but if you simply look at the texture of the bag, it’s great.

The size and shape of this tote make it a great everyday bag for the kind of woman who likes to carry a moderate amount of stuff. This tote would be great, for example, for taking your netbook to the coffee shop, but not that great as an office bag that needs to accommodate your laptop and all your files. I don’t like my totes hugely oversized so, personally, I think it’s perfect.

Minus the only okay representation of actual crocodile skin, this shopper is fabulous. It’s shiny and chic and won’t look dated anytime soon. What more could you ask for out of a $325 bag?

More Features Of The DKNY Crocodile Effect Leather Shopper

• 13″ x 11″ x 6″ size
• 6″ handle drop
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets

Get this DKNY Crocodile Effect Shopper:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other DKNY bags on Bag Bunch
• The Jimmy Choo Caro Leather Shoulder Bag, a chic alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more DKNY handbags on eBay
• Other crocodile bags on eBay:

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