Prezzo channels vintage style with this elegant metal mesh snap bag.

Metal mesh has made a comeback in recent years, but with mesh innovators like Whiting & Davis pushing the envelope it’s refreshing to see a brand going back to basics. Paired with a simple silhouette and flap closure, the elegant diamond shaped metal plates do all the talking.

This purse is available in a range of colors, including basic black, racy red, and glitzy gold, but I think this conservative bone tone is my favorite. It’s sophisticated enough to suit any occasion or outfit, but it’s just a bit more interesting than white.

It’s probably too small to suit everyday use, but with some careful packing this purse is perfect for lunches at the country club or a night at the theater. The metal chain strap can also tuck away inside if you’d prefer to carry this purse as a clutch.

It might be lacking in size, but Prezzo makes up for that in value. For just $29, this purse is an affordable way to work metal mesh.

More Features of This Prezzo Snap Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fabric lined interior
• An open pocket inside
• Measures 1.5 x 5 x 7.5 inches

Get this Prezzo Metal Mesh Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Prezzo Metal Mesh Snap Bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Prezzo bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Prezzo metal mesh chain shoulder bag, a great alternative to this metal mesh bag.
• Searching for more Prezzo bags on eBay

It seems that everyone’s mad about Mulberry, with the fashion brand posting a massive sales increase of 79% in the last ten weeks compared to the same time in 2009.

The British label enjoyed particularly strong sales in the Far East, and at its new flagship store in London’s Bond Street. The results have encouraged analysts to revise the brand’s predicted profit forecasts, with figures rising from £9.7 million to £13 million. Does this mean that we’re starting to see the end of the global financial crisis?

Perhaps Mulberry’s celebrity following has encouraged us to spend up on the brand. The label’s Alexa bag, named after one of the brand’s biggest fans Alexa Chung, was a recent big seller. Actresses Blake Lively and Gemma Arterton are also regularly snapped with Mulberry bags on their arms.

Whatever is behind the shift, it’s sure to please the big wigs at Mulberry. What do you think is the secret behind Mulberry’s recent success?

[Source: The Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Lovelyhk/Flickr]

Mulberry Alexa Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Mulberry Alexa, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Prada keeps it simple with this elegant black leather crystal kisslock clutch.

There’s a fine line between boring and simply chic, and sadly I think Prada has come down on the wrong side of things. The large faceted crystals on the kisslock clasp do their best to dress things up, but this task seems insurmountable. From the simple silhouette to the basic black leather, there’s just little to get excited about here.

Of course, there’s a place for a purse that’s simple. An accessory this reserved could be just the thing your wildest party frock needs. I just don’t want to pay $1295 for something so uninspired. That’s especially true when it doesn’t even come with a shoulder strap, a real disappointment considering its substantial size. After all, generous dimensions are of no advantage if the purse is difficult to carry when it’s full.

Clearly this is a case of paying for the name rather than the clutch it’s attached to. That price might buy you superior craftsmanship and that covetable Prada logo plate, but I know I could find a comparable purse for much less.

More Features of This Prada Black Leather Clutch

• Silver-toned hardware
• Frame top
• Leather-like lining
• Zip and patch pockets inside
• Measures 11.5 x 6.25 x 2.25 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Prada Crystal Kisslock Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Prada bags on BagBunch
• The Marni Suede Large Clasp Clutch bag, a great alternative to this kisslock clasp bag.
• Searching for more Prada bags on eBay
• Other black leather kisslock clutch bags on eBay:

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The Alexander McQueen line makes a lot of fabulous knuckledusters and a lot of fabulous box clutches. They each have their own signature edgy charm, but the Hell’s Knuckleduster might be both the edgiest and most elegant at the same time.

The sleek oval shape of the Hell’s Knuckleduster is streamlined, and made to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand. The winged skull knuckleduster clasp gives the bag a heavy dose of heavy metal chic, but because the lines of the clasp work so well with the shape of the clutch, it doesn’t look clunky or awkward.

The black leather is embossed with an intricate pattern that belies the bag’s detailed craftsmanship. I can’t exactly tell whether the pattern makes a picture or not. If you look at it one way, it looks like flames, but if you look at it another, it looks as though it could be images of bodies. The effect is mesmerizing and amazing.

At $2,325, Hell’s Knuckleduster will definitely set you back a little. The kind of dark luxury just doesn’t come cheap. It also doesn’t come easily, as this bag is sold out almost everywhere. You might say that a lot of women are willing to sell their souls to get their hands on Hell’s Knuckleduster. I might be one of them.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen Hell’s Knuckleduster Box Clutch

• 11″ x 4″ x 2″ size
• 1″ handle drop
• Fully lined
• Gold metal trim

Get this Alexander McQueen Hell’s Knuckleduster Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Tina bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other Alexander McQueen clutches on eBay:
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J. Furmani is the undisputed expert on all handbags puffed, quilted and otherwise enhanced by layers of affordable  texture. This puffed satin evening bag is the oddest pattern I have seen him do, but it definitely still fits in with the theme.

If you ignore the fact that to the untrained and slightly geeky eye this purse is either covered in Star Trek badges or sharks teeth, then the pattern is actually quite pretty. It is complex enough to add interest, whilst the repetition prevents it being too busy. The puffiness just further enhances the strength of the pattern, and the softness does combine well with the silver and the art deco clasp.

Of course, what makes this bag even better is the price. At just $31.50, any reservations I have about the choice of shape for this evening bag fly out of the window. What, me, cheap?! Still, if you think you can work such dramatic quilting, then the money stops it being a real risk.

More Features of this J. Furmani Satin Purse

• Also available in black
• Puffed satin exterior
• Silver metal and rhinestone clasp
• Optional short chain strap

Get this Rhinestone Evening Bag:

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

[phpbay]Furmani Puffed Satin Rhinestone, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Furmani bags on BagBunch
• The Franchi Queenie clutch, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more quilted bags on eBay

Don’t you just want to be skipping through an English country garden picking forget-me-nots when you see this cute retro satchel? I do, anyway!

The combination of duck egg blue, the color most often used to represent the 50s, and a delicate floral pattern means that the Garden of Eden purse looks like an throwback from another generation. Rather than being outdated, however, this gives it a kitsch and stylish look that will be a favourite with fans of vintage clothes and cute outfits.

Nvie Designs handbags are always affordable, and this elegant satchel is no exception; it costs just $39.99. For that price, of course, you don’t get real leather, but you do get a very good looking bag, and for many people that is enough. If it isn’t then you could always opt for the original vintage versions of this classic 50s design.

This is a gorgeous looking floral handbag with a really classy vibe.

More Features of this Garden of Eden Satchel

• Single outside zippered pocket
• Interior zippered pocket too
• Mottled fabric body
• Coordinating blue lining

Get this Floral Nvie Designs Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nvie Designs bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson Floral Garden satchel, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more floral bags on eBay
• Other retro bags on eBay:

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Pink Studio has packed all the vintage style of the hit advertising drama Mad Men into this stylish Larissa clutch.

Some might call it drab, but after seeing so many colorful Pink Studio designs I’m happy for something a little more conservative. The look of black houndstooth checks against the silvery background is so elegant, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.

The houndstooth checks really make this design, as we’ve seen so many similar frame purses before. It’s a matter of personal taste whether you see this approach as uninspired or classic. Personally, the Larissa’s vintage charms make me forgive any lack of originality.

Pink Studios follows the vintage style to the letter, so there is no chain strap as we’ve come to expect from contemporary purses. The Larissa is small enough that this isn’t a real problem, at least until the canapés tray comes around! But practicality isn’t forgotten entirely; the zippered pocket inside is much more useful than the tiny open pouches we typically see.

At $69 the Larissa is a bit more expensive than I’d expect a fabric purse to be, but its evergreen good looks help to justify the splurge.

More Features of This Pink Studio Frame Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Twill lined interior
• Measures 5.5 x 14 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in dark green and navy

Get this Pink Studio Larissa Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock in some colors)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pink Studio bags on BagBunch
• The Jesse B. Collection Bermuda bag, a great alternative to this houndstooth bag.
• Searching for more Pink Studio bags on eBay
• Other houndstooth clutch bags on eBay:

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Sondra Roberts has expanded her fashion empire with the launch of shoes designed to coordinate with her iconic purses.

“We definitely did some coordinating styles for that customer who wants a complete look with their handbag,” explained Sondra Roberts’ national sales manager, Robyn Albaum.

If you’re a fan of the New York designer’s purses you’ll recognize the metallic washed leathers, perforated leathers, and other materials used in the footwear.

I really like the concept, as it makes getting ready for a great night out even simpler. And how often have we all bought a clutch or pair of stilettos that don’t work with anything else in our closet?

The Sondra Roberts shoes are priced to suit all budgets, from $23 for the sandals to $120 for dressier shoes like platform clogs and contemporary slingbacks. You’ll find them at specialty stores, high scale department stores, and fine shoe salons across America.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Sondra Roberts Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Sondra Roberts, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Ordinarily I embrace Phillip Lim’s handbags, but the design of the In a Pinch tote has me scratching my head.

This is a real departure for the designer who is famous for minimalist accessories in conservative colors. The vibrant lime green and black color combination is a far cry from the subtle neutral tones he typically favors. I don’t mind a designer taking a risk; I’m just not sure this one pays off.

While the pop of color is unexpected, I actually quite like its vibrancy. My issues are more about the design, which simply seems thrown together. There’s no shape or creativity to this tote; it’s so slouchy that it seems sloppy.

I always love a few carrying options on a practical level, but again the look falls short for me. I just don’t understand those gaudy gold handles. If only the black underside was kept on top, the look would have been much more cohesive. Instead, these straps simply appear tacked on. Perhaps Phillip Lim had too much gold leather in his warehouse?

I don’t want to pay $695 for something that feels like it was made from Phillip Lim’s scraps. This price isn’t unreasonable by designer standards, especially for a bag of this quality, but its appearance lets it down.

More Features of This Phillip Lim Green and Black Tote

• A detachable shoulder strap
• A zippered pocket inside

Get this Phillip Lim In a Pinch Handbag:

• Available to buy at Blue & Cream
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Phillip Lim bags on BagBunch
• The Phillip Lim Mya bag, a great alternative to this colorful bag.
• Searching for more Phillip Lim bags on eBay
• Other green leather bags on eBay:

[phpbay]green leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Artisan Life brings beautiful handcrafted purses, jewelry, and homewares from Colombia to socially conscious style lovers all over the world. The label gives these South American artisans the chance to expand their opportunities beyond their local markets to better support their families and communities.

Every piece from Artisan Life is made from natural and sustainable fabrics using Fair Trade practices. Animal activists will be disappointed with the use of cowhide in many of the products, particularly as the label often uses new skins, but there are just as many fashion fans who won’t accept anything less than genuine leather.

I’m particularly partial to this colorful Fique beach bag, which is made from natural cotton and adorned with leather and a natural palm fiber from South America known as fique. It’s a bit out there, but Artisan Life has more conservative designs if you prefer a more classic look.

The Artisan Life products are available at selected boutiques around the world and online through the company’s e-store.

[Source: Magnifeco]
[Image Source: Artisan Life]

Fair Trade Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Fair Trade, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]