Australian designer Oroton does things best when it keeps things simple. This Alpine Gather Hobo delivers everything we’d expect from this boho bag style, with a lot more class.

This is a new twist on Oroton’s popular Alpine handbag design, but it’s also a subtle one. Where the original Alpine was smooth and sleek, this one features soft gathers. It’s a matter of personal taste, but I think this gentle ruching makes a real improvement; it gives the bag some volume and drama which only makes it appear more opulent.

Of course, luxury isn’t hard to achieve when you’re working with goat skin. This leather is much softer than the more commonly used cowhide, so those gentle pleats sit just so. Shades like black and ivory aren’t the most innovative, but just like this bag design they are wardrobe staples.

It might not push the fashion envelope, but Oroton’s Alpine Gather hobo is a great everyday accessory option. And at just $495, it’s also an affordable one by designer standards.

More Features of This Oroton Gathered Hobo Bag

• A single shoulder strap
• Measures 16.5 x 13.8 x 6.3 inches

Get this Large Oroton Alpine Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Oroton Alpine gather hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the It Me Up eBay store to see if this Oroton bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Oroton bags on BagBunch
• The Oroton Mallorca bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Oroton bags on eBay

There’s really nothing cooler than Maison Martin Margiela’s signature brand of off-kilter minimalism. The best thing about his designs is that they are so sophisticated that women of every style, from boho to preppy, can find a way to incorporate his pieces into their wardrobes. This gray leather tote is certainly no exception.

I am really feeling this pale, brownish gray. If you’ve been paying attention the past few seasons, you know that gray is everywhere, but seldom is it as subtle and chic as this. The matte finish on the leather adds to its toned down, relaxed effect.

The shape is also pretty ideal. Even though it has a pretty traditional tote shape, there’s something different about it. It’s not just that it’s a little bigger, either. The small details, like the tabs on the sides, make all the difference. Other than that, the bag is dramatically, and refreshingly, free of adornment.

At $1,765, this is no easy investment for most of us. You have to think of all of Margiela’s pieces as collectors items. Once you do, the price tags seem imminently more reasonable.

More Features Of The Maison Martin Margiela Large Leather Top Handle Tote

• 13″ x 16″ x 4″  size
• 7″ handle drop
• Fully lined in gray twill
• Signature white stitching on back

Get this Maison Martin Margiela Large Leather Top Handle Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Maison Martin Margiela bags on BagBunch
• The Bulga Regis Messenger Bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Maison Martin Margiela items on eBay
• Other gray leather totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]gray leather tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tie-dye may be pretty, but the ink swirls and mottled patterns tend to be delicate. The similar effect of this Grace tote, therefore, combines the looks of tie-dye with the practicality of coated canvas.

That look is what makes this Big Buddha bucket bag quite such a good option for the coming season. With all that lace and leather around, an edgy punk style handbag will be easy to work into the mix. Even better, the warm chocolate and caramel shades lend themselves beautifully to pairing with A/W’s favorite color, camel.

Of course, no matter what the fashion or practical credentials of this canvas tote, many people will still hesitate at the possibility of buying something other than leather. After all, whilst $88 won’t break the bank, it really isn’t a cheap as chips handbag either. Some people will want more durable materials.

With plenty of pockets and bags of room (there I go with those puns again), the Grace bucket bag is a sensible and fashionable purchase.

More Features of this Big Buddha Mottled Bucket Bag

• Available in a range of other shades
• Two zipped exterior pockets
• Slouchy coated canvas exterior
• Coordinating fabric interior

Get this Slouchy Grace Tote:

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

[phpbay]BIG BUDDHA Grace, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Sondra Roberts Santorini tote, a great alternative to this tie-dye bag.
• Searching for more mottled bags on eBay

My relationship with Jimmy Choo has undergone many changes in the past few years. I went from being completely skeptical of his line to being a total convert. So, now I am really disappointed to see the designer’s back to his old, ultra-trendy tricks with this over the top Bree bag.

The patent leather on the Bree is seriously shiny. If it wasn’t also crinkled, you would probably be able to see your reflection in it. It’s the kind of shiny that attracts attention, but not, I think, in a good way. Combined with all the buckles and straps, it looks like some bizarre fetish item that people under 18 shouldn’t be allowed to purchase. Part of me wants to compare it to Johnny Depp’s costume in Edward Scissorhands, but it just isn’t that cool.

The overall shape of the bag is really great, which only makes its over-embellishment more disappointing. I love the strap and turnlock closure and the oddly shaped handle cutout. In another material, and sparing all the bells and whistles, the Bree could be an amazing find. Especially since it’s lined in black shearling, which is a fabulous and luxurious touch.

I also want to protest against the $2,195 price tag. The Bree doesn’t just look gaudy, it also looks cheap, and it should be priced accordingly.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Bree Medium Patent Leather Bag

• 12″ x 8″ x 6″ size
• 10″ strap drop
• Fully lined in black shearling

Get this Jimmy Choo Bree Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Simone hobo, a stylish alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other black patent totes on eBay:
• [phpbay]black patent tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Chloe has become, in the past few years, a real force to be reckoned with. It really sets the pace in terms of edgy elegance. The Aurore lacks its usual edginess, but makes up for it with a simple minimal style that is really irresistible.

The light brown leather on the Aurore has an almost preternaturally smooth surface that is extraordinary. The color is so rich and the texture is so sleek that you could make almost any bag out of it and it would probably still look understated and elegant.

Luckily, Chloe didn’t make just any old bag. It made a sweet, minimal satchel that’s shaped almost like a small duffel bag. There is almost no embellishment on the Aurore, but well-crafted details keep the bag interesting. The curvy patches that attach the handles to the bag are one of these details. They add a little off-center interest and show off the remarkably nuanced design.

At $1,995, the Aurore is kind of an investment, but it is a truly timeless design that will last season after season.

More Features Of The Chloe Aurore Medium Leather Bag

• 14″ x 8″ x 7″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Fully lined in taupe suede

Get this Chloé Aurore Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloe bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Chloe bags on eBay
• Other brown satchels on eBay:
  [phpbay]brown satchel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

No prizes for guessing why this Mary Frances clutch is called the “Crystal Palace”! This little evening purse is lavishly encrusted with all manner of crystals and gems, making it quite the eye catcher!

OK, so Mary Frances is never, ever, subtle. She is all about the bling and the jewels, about covering her soft slouchy purses with patterns and imaginings that are enough to dazzle your eyes and your mind. This evening bag may be the most evening appropriate of the lot, but it definitely still conforms to this, from the over-the-top clasp to the sumptuous beaded body.

Of course, that bling does mean that many people will be put off. There is just so much going on, and I am not entirely sure what I think of the combination of chains, and beads, and gems, all travelling in different directions across the fabric. It may well be too much, or else it is just darn fabulous!

Which do you think it is? Does it tickle your fancy, or leave you too dazzled?

More Features of this Mary Frances Crystal Palace Purse

• Beaded, jeweled and chain covered exterior
• Black fabric exterior
• Metal decorative clasp
• Optional beaded handle

Get this Decorative Jeweled Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mary Frances bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances beaded bag, a great alternative to this crystal bag.
• Searching for more beaded bags on eBay
• Other Mary Frances bags on eBay:

[phpbay]mary frances handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Coach has produced a sophisticated and stylish bag with the release of the Julia shoulder bag.

Rather than decorate this handbag in its typical mishmash of colors, Coach has in this instance decided to keep it far more subtle. Consequently this handbag focuses more on a mix of soft textured and patterns. We have the gorgeous pebbled leather, and added to that we have a clean embossed logo, which is utterly classy.

The off-white color of this shopper, whilst contributing to the minimalist feel, may be a little annoying for people whose tote bags tend to be used and abused. After all, dirt will show up like flares on the cool mottled surface, and that means it will need more cleaning that other, darker handbags.

If you aren’t adverse to a little bit of fashion maintenance, however, this is Julia tote bag may be textural and stylish enough to make you want it!

More Features of this Pebble Leather Coach Tote

• Multiple interior spaces and pockets
• Cream colored leather exterior
• Zip closure
• Signature fabric lining

Get this Minimalist Off-White Shopper:

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

[phpbay]Coach julia perry tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Cynthia Vincent lace tote, a great alternative to this sophisticated bag.
• Searching for more pebbled leather bags on eBay

The change in temperature can only mean one thing; it’s time to talk about fall fashion! Cozy knits and knee high boots make their way on to the streets but for us, it’s all about finding the perfect handbag for the season.

With handbags this fall it’s all about texture and structure. The Mad Men effect is in full swing this season and we’re seeing lots of structured, lady like bags in rich shades of red, brown and our personal favorite, leopard.

It’s time to put away the slouchy summer hobos and trade them in for sophisticated totes with clean lines.

Gucci Heritage Pony Hair Boston Bag

The Gucci Heritage Pony Hair Boston Bag is number one on our lust list for fall. The leopard print isn’t overpowering and the structured shape reminds me of- something Joanie from Mad Men would die to wear!

Valentino Aphrodite Leopard Print Shopper

Another girly treat is the beautiful Valentino Aphrodite Leopard Print Shopper complete with a perfect bow! The leopard adds some edge to this otherwise classic shape.

Tory Burch Holland Satchel

If leopard isn’t your thing, go for the structured Tory Burch Holland Satchel with gold hardware and framed top (read Handbago’s review). The ultimate ladylike satchel large enough for the modern girl on the go!

This fall handbag trend pulls together a casual jeans and tee ensemble or adds class to your workwear. Whatever bag you choose, it is sure to fit with any style and is a must for your fall wardrobe.

This is a guest post by Nicole Cottral from Handbago.

Also See

• More Fall 2010 Handbags on BagBunch
• Fall Handbags on eBay:
  [phpbay]fall handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

With its geometric body and faceted clasp, this Charla clutch from Nicole Miller appears like a very special jewel.

Of course, it doesn’t have the glitz of a gemstone, but I prefer the more mellow charms of this hand-stained blue leather. It’s a versatile material, which would lend itself to pairing with a favorite little black dress or a figure hugging pair of dark denims.

The structured frame looks good no matter how much or how little you’re carrying, but it’s also a bit of a double edged sword. Don’t try to pop more inside than it can handle or you’ll find the clasp popping open.

While we’re talking limitations, it’s also worth noting that there is no shoulder strap. That’s not a deal breaker for me, as the faceted shape is quite ergonomic, but I may be less forgiving at the end of a long night.

It might have luxury good looks, but this unique clutch is relatively affordable at $124.95.

More Features of This Nicole Miller Faceted Clutch

• Spot clean only

Get this Nicole Miller Charla Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nicole Miller bags on BagBunch
• The Maison Martin Margiela Jewel Box bag, a great alternative to this faceted bag.
• Searching for more Nicole Miller bags on eBay
• Other blue clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]blue clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Crystalyn Kae knows there’s nothing worse than carrying the same purse as everybody else, so she only creates a small run of each of her eco-friendly handbags.

Of course, everyone has a different definition of what eco-friendly actually means so Crystalyn Kae looks to appease all green fashionistas. Many bags are crafted using new leather which has been tanned with vegetable dyes, or reclaimed cowhides. If you believe the use of any animal products is wrong you can click here to browse Crystalyn Kae’s vegan bags. Her green efforts even extend to shipping, with each bag posted in an environmentally friendly box.

Crystalyn Kae really does make bags to suit everyone, from laptop bags and office messengers to diaper purses and cute clutch wristlets. The attention to detail is impressive for a small label, with adjustable straps, multiple pockets, and in some cases protective metal feet to keep the fabrics safe. In fact, Crystalyn Kae is so proud of her craft that each bag comes with a one-year workmanship guarantee.

With prices starting at $75, Crystalyn Kae bags are already affordable but the designer helps to seal the deal with free shipping to US fans.

[Source: Crystalyn Kae]

Crystalyn Kae Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Crystalyn Kae, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]