Woven surfaces and exotic crocodile skins scream luxury, so Nancy Gonzalez desired to pair both elements in the ultimate plush accessory.

Sadly though I think the idea behind this one is better than the result. The open weave just doesn’t have the same appeal as the tight woven finish we see in bags from Bottega Veneta. The problem I think is that lining peeking through; it just looks a bit too casual than this style should. And in cutting up the crocodile into narrow strips, the effect is a bit diluted. We really need a big expanse of the skin to appreciate its scales and mottled hues.

The styling isn’t bad. I love the retro look of those round handles, even though I know they’ll never be kind on our hands. And the interior is well designed, with plenty of space and a selection of wall pockets.

But honestly, I’m just feeling a little underwhelmed. If this tote was made of matte woven leather, or had opted for plain crocodile I’d be much more willing to part with $2800 for it.

More Features of This Nancy Gonzalez Woven Tote

• Gold-toned hardware
• Tan leather lined interior
• A cell phone pocket and two zippered pouches
• Measures 11.5 x 13 x 4 inches
• Made in Columbia

Get this Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bergdorf Goodman
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nancy Gonzalez bags on BagBunch
• The Dan W Woven Lamb Clutch bag, a great alternative to this open weave bag.
• Searching for more Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay
• Other woven crocodile bags on eBay:

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If the handbags in the stores aren’t revving you, or if you’re on a budget, why not make your own? It sounds complicated, but Lisa Lam looks to unleash our inner artisan with her new book The Bag Making Bible.

Lam clearly knows her stuff. You may know her as the owner of U-Handbag, an online destination which offers plenty of tips and tricks for creating homemade accessories. These tidbits easily make the translation from online channel to paperback guide.

Craft novices will find the fully illustrated chapters and step-by-step projects easy to follow. Once you’ve gained a bit of confidence you can use these designs as a base and add your own embellishments following the book’s more general advice about pockets, closures, and accents. This instructional paperback also comes with a pull-out section of full-sized patterns to help you get started right away.

Perhaps you’ll discover that you’re the next Karl Lagerfeld or Alexander Wang. And maybe not, but it sounds like fun to discover the designer within us all!

The Bag Making Bible is available now from Amazon for $24.99.

[Source: Amazon]

The Bag Making Bible on eBay

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Nahui Ollin gives us more of the designs she’s known for best with this Moonlite clutch.

The Moonlite is the longest of Nahui Ollin’s clutch purses. I think its shape is more elegant than the stubbier purses, although something made from woven candy wrappers could never really be called sophisticated. It’s more of a conversation piece, especially in this retro Peace N Love Groovy print.

Green fashionistas may love the finish, which weaves more than 400 candy wrappers together using a traditional Mayan technique. It certainly beats seeing them in landfill! It’s also quite easy to take care of; the waxy surface simply wipes clean with a damp cloth. But such a material will never be as hardy as leather or even synthetic. Make sure to only carry the bare essentials if you want this purse to last.

At $55 though, that lack of staying power isn’t such a concern. You’ll have a lot of fun with this quirky purse while the materials hold up!

More Features of This Nahui Ollin Woven Candy Wrappers Clutch

• Zip top entry
• A detachable wrist strap
• Candy wrapper lining
• Measures 8.5 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches
• Made in Mexico

Get this Nahui Ollin Moonlite Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Nahui Ollin Moonlite, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nahui Ollin bags on BagBunch
• The Nahui Ollin Rosy Cheeks bag, a great alternative to this wristlet bag.
• Searching for more Nahui Ollin bags on eBay

I have a confession to make. I hate patchwork. Okay, I don’t always hate it, but as a rule, I don’t think that an artsy-craftsy approach to design usually makes for sophisticated accessories. Bottega Veneta is here to prove me dramatically, irrevocably, wrong. This patchwork clutch is the very definition of elegance.

The multiple colors, patterns, and textures of snakeskin that make up the woven patchwork surface of this clutch create a gorgeous multi-dimensionality. The shimmery, darkly jewel-toned palette is perfect for fall and far beyond.

The shape is a tradition Bottega box clutch with their signature knot clasp on the top. Even though I’ve seen this bag in many different incarnations, this one seems different. It’s darker and cooler and has a lot of edgy appeal.

If I had $2,100, I would be planning what outfit to wear with this clutch right now. Actually, that’s what I would be doing even if all I had was $2,100 in revolving credit. It’s that perfect.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Structured Patchwork Python Clutch

• 7″ x 4″ x 1″ size
• Trimmed in black snakeskin
• Fully lined in taupe suede

Get This Bottega Veneta Structured Patchwork Python Clutch:

• Available at Net-A-Porter
• Check the Passion 4 Fashion 4 Less eBaystore to see if this Bottega Veneta clutch is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bottega Veneta bags on BagBunch
• The Bottega Veneta Woven Box Clutch, a neon green alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Bottega Veneta bags on eBay
• Searching for patchwork snakeskin bags on eBay:

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Versace is not always one of my favorite lines. I really admire their dedication to flashy design, but it’s not really my thing. Every now and then, though, they make something wonderfully gaudy that I can’t help loving in spite of myself. This purple ring-detailed bag is one of those items.

First of all, this color is extreme. The purple is bright and rich at the same time and wonderfully textured. The leather is smooth and has a nice gloss to it, but it’s also been weathered a bit, so it isn’t super shiny.

The shape is really interesting. At first glance, it’s just a simple rounded rectangle, but the triangular cutout at the bottom adds a little something extra, a little je ne sais quoi. I’m not sure how you say that in Italian, but it’s definitely working.

All the details might be overwhelmed on a less exciting bag, but on this one, they really work. The ring details are woven into the leather strips in a gorgeous way that makes them stand out, but the design also ensures that the rings stay flat, so they won’t be constantly snagging things.

The seam details are beautiful throughout the bag, and show off the high level of craftsmanship. But what really takes this bag to the next level is the thick chain strap. Sure, chain straps are everywhere these days, but the prominence of this one makes it special.

The only thing I don’t love about this bag is the fact that I can’t afford it. At, $1,995, it’s got rockstar good looks at a real roskstar price.

More Features Of This Versace Ring-Detailed Leather Shoulder Bag

• 11″ x 7″ x 2″ size
• 7″ handle drop
• Zipped internal pocket

Get this Versace 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 purple leather bags  on eBay:

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Antler’s latest luggage collection is called Duolite, a hybrid range which combines the best of both worlds.

The travel bag brand has combined the perks of soft and hard luggage to create cases that are feather-light but tough as nails.

Calling these suitcases feather-light may seem like a big of media spin, but with the 22-inch carry-on weighing just 4.6 pounds and the big 28-inch wheeled upright weighing 6.4 pounds they are less than half as heavy as the competition. As a fashion fan who can’t resist packing just one more pair of shoes, I love knowing I can stash a few extra things inside without being slugged excess baggage fees.

But it wasn’t enough for Antler to make the new bags lightweight, with the brand’s North American president Andrew Hamilton noting that “It’s meaningless if the bags can’t hold up to rough handling on the tarmac.“

So the Duolites were made for maximum strength, with a lightweight nylon front, ABS rear framing, and a foam padded back for stability.

There are also plenty of other perks, including corner-mounted racing wheels for smooth travel, expanding gussets to make over-stuffing easy, and secure time-saving TSA combination locks.

The carry on bag costs $159, while the largest 28 inch upright costs $199. You’ll find the Duolite bags at specialty stores around the world and Antler’s online store.

[Source: PR Newswire]
[Image Source: Cache Group]

Antler Travel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Antler travel, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

You can show your true colors carrying one of these cute flag purses from Mywalit.

With 36 different designs, many nations of the world are represented here. Of course some fashion fans may be disappointed that their country misses out, but with locations like Australia, Egypt, and Jamaica all featured alongside big guns like Great Britain, the United States, and Canada it’s hard to fault the selection.

Each flag is carefully rendered in colored leather. It’s a fun take on patchwork which is sure to find fans around the globe. That flag design really is the selling point here, but coin purses are rarely complicated so that’s no great surprise. Its interior is simple and pocket free, but honestly all we need is that zippered closure to keep our spare change safe.

We don’t often see coin purses for €12, but the quality and originality of this one helps us justify spending a bit extra.

More Features of This Mywalit Country Coin Purse

• Made of Italian leather
• Measures 3.5 x 2.4 inches

Get this Mywalit Flag Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mywalit bags on BagBunch
• The Fontanelli Italian Flag shoulder bag, a great alternative to this flag bag.
• Searching for more Mywalit bags on eBay
• Other flag coin purses on eBay:

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I wasn’t familiar with Nigerian handbag brand Jidz before, but its Limited Edition collection has forced me to sit up and take notice.

The beautiful bags in the range are unique without being too outlandish or succumbing to trends. That should give these purses the wow factor for much longer, or encourage other designers around the world to follow the brand’s lead!

“This Limited Edition utilizes specially hand crafted pieces and well cut out stones, developing an exquisite balance of intensity and elegance,” a Jidz spokesperson explained. “A gleaming silk color, extravagantly expansive jeweled bouquet, an almost creamy texture of damask that sums up an explosion of sensations with every glimpse a revelation.“

I love the surprising combination of shapes, textures, and accents that Jidz employs in these eye-catching purses. What do you think?

Given that these handbags are crafted in Nigeria though, you won’t find them at your local Saks Fifth Avenue. Instead browse the range at the brand’s Facebook page, and if something catches your eye send Jidz an e-mail on jidz.mailus@gmail.com.

[Source: Bella Naija]

Round Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]round, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

With its plum purple color and golden crest, this Margaret purse from Mulberry appears fit for a queen!

This purse looks a little stuffy from a distance, but when you get up close and personal you’ll discover its cute quirks. The crest isn’t authentically regal at all, although it is very British. It celebrates everything the Poms love, with its bulldogs and cheeky “We Believe in Tea and Cake” slogan. The Mulberry logo sits neatly in the center of the crest, a subtle way of branding the purse while maintaining the clean design.

The suede finish ensures the Margaret will feel exquisite in your hand, but I’m nervous about how the material will look in time. Without an optional shoulder strap, that suede will be in contact with your skin and all its chemicals all the time. Surely that’s got to speed up the aging process on a material which is already notorious for showing early wear.

That lack of shoulder strap is also a bit disappointing in a purse of this size. It’s not a small clutch by any means, and if it’s loaded up it’s bound to be a bit unwieldy to carry.

Personally I’m not sure whether I can forgive those flaws for $742.50, but if you’ve got a royal budget perhaps you will!

More Features of This Mulberry Suede Clutch

• A button and zip pocket inside
• Zip closure with teapot charm
• Fully lined in signature fabric
• Measures 6.1 x 11.6 x 1 inches

Get this Mulberry Margaret Handbag:

• Available to buy at My Wardrobe
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mulberry bags on BagBunch
• The Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Embellished Suede Clutch bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more Mulberry bags on eBay
• Other suede clutch bags on eBay:

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Eco-conscious handbag designer Ashley Watson proves that green handbags don’t have to look like the rustic hippie tote you see at your local arts and crafts markets. The Vancouver based designer creates handbags that are every bit as sleek and sophisticated as their high-end design competitors thanks to her trademark use of recycled leather.

Of course, many eco-friendly fashionistas will feel that no purse crafted from leather can ever be classed as green, but I think any practice which minimizes a brand’s carbon footprint can’t be a bad thing.

But exclusively using reclaimed leathers, Ashley Watson’s designs have a lovely, worn in feel to them. This slouchy Auklet bag from Ashley Watson’s spring/summer 2010 collection is a great example of the range’s totally touchable appeal.

You’ll find Ashley Watson’s recycled leather accessories at selected stores across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and a range of online retailers including Eco Fashionista and Green Bowerbird.

[Source: Ashley Watson]

Ashley Watson Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Ashley Watson, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]