I’ve seen so many Miquelrius handbags featuring sexy cartoon girls holding martinis and shopping bags that it’s refreshing to see the brand getting back to basics. This Agatha Ruiz de la Prada bag marks a real change in direction for the label, and I like it.

There’s nothing complicated about the design, but its simplicity is exactly what I find so appealing. The suede body is embellished with simple stitched heart shapes. It’s such a whimsical pattern, which is only enhanced by the cut-out heart sitting on the shoulder strap.

I might admire this bag from afar, but I’m not sure how much I’d enjoy using it. It really is quite small. I don’t mind that in an evening bag, when we only need a few essentials, but during the day most of us require a bit more. It might suit a coffee with friends but I can’t imagine getting a lot of this purse, no matter how charmed I am by its design.

Thankfully it costs just $35, so it doesn’t need to become a wardrobe staple. For this price I wouldn’t mind only carrying it now and again.

More Features of This Miquelrius Small Suede Bag

• Velcro closure
• A single cross-body strap with a 24 inch drop
• An interior key ring attached to a suede band
• Measures 2 x 6 x 6.5 inches

Get this Miquelrius Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Miquelrius bags on BagBunch
• The Miquelrius Sketch Shoulder Crossover Backpack bag, a great alternative to this cross body bag.
• Searching for more Miquelrius bags on eBay
• Other Miquelrius Agatha Ruiz de la Prada hearts bags on eBay:

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Dutzi Design gets back to basics with its handcrafted accessories made from vintage burlap.

Designer Ariane Dutzi was once an urban high flyer working as a fashion editor for Elle, Vanity Fair, and Glamour and living a glamorous life in Paris and New York. Today she embraces a more modest existence in Yucatan, Mexico. She loves this area and its people, and so her range gives back to the region she now calls home.

The distinctive Dutzi bags are handcrafted by Yucatan locals in need. All profits are returned to the artisans and their workshop. They use vintage burlap handpicked by Dutzi herself, tropical wood, and leather to create purses that are rustic and eco-friendly. Each one is made from 90% recycled materials, so you don’t have to feel too guilty about that the leather.

The purses aren’t very flashy, but they are incredibly well made and each one sold makes a difference to people in need. They’re available from $29 from Body Politic.

[Source: Magnifeco]
[Image Source: Body Politic]

Burlap Bags on eBay

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Michael Kors looks to fulfill all our everyday needs with this Erin shoulder bag.

There’s a lot to like about this shoulder bag. I love the purple wisteria shade, which is gentle enough to wear everyday even though it could never be classed as a neutral. I’m also a fan of the soft leather, which looks even more plush and voluminous with all those pleats. This is a bag that appears richer than its $329 price tag might suggest.

But by appealing to our everyday fashion sensibilities, Michael Kors has also created a bag that’s a little bit ordinary. I like it, but I probably wouldn’t be persuaded to part with my cash either.

That’s unfortunate for Michael Kors, because he hasn’t really made any missteps. It’s just the right size for pack-rats desperate to carry essentials and luxuries around at once. It doesn’t feel unmanageable either, with a collection of pockets and a fob for your keys. And the designer has come through when it comes to carrying this baby around, with a choice of shoulder straps or a removable cross-body one.

The Erin just doesn’t show enough individuality to rev me, but I’m sure anyone taken in by that lovely purple leather won’t be disappointed.

More Features of This Michael Kors Pleated Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual chain accented handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 8 x 7 inches

Get this Michael Kors Erin Handbag:

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

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• Check the Shop for Luxury eBay store to see if this Michael Kors bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The Michael Kors large shoulder bag, a great alternative to this shoulder tote bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors bags on eBay

I didn’t think plastic could ever be considered fantastic until I spotted the exotically named Ingra Pel Esparraguera clutch from Menbur.

Plastic has always been one of those cheap and cheerful materials, but packaged up by Menbur you’d easily forget that. In fact, most people won’t have any clue what this purse is made from. They’ll be too busy admiring the futuristically marbled finish in that lovely burgundy pink shade. If you’re not a girly girl, the same purse is available in pearlized navy or plain black. The black seems a bit boring to me, but I suppose there’s still that lovely retro shape to draw the eye.

There are a few reasons to hesitate though. I’m not sure how nice the hard plastic shell will feel in your hand. I suppose there’s the silver strap if it gets too uncomfortable, although they’re not renowned for feeling too good on our skin either!

It’s also not a very big purse, and it’s hard exterior means overstuffing it out of the question. This is definitely an after five accessory, for girls who know how to travel light.

But for a mere $93, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to carry such a striking purse. It really is one of the most unusual and affordable clutches I’ve seen in some time!

More Features of This Menbur Plastic Clutch

• Clasp closure
• Canvas lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 19.5 inch drop
• Measures 3.25 x 8 x 2.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Menbur Ingra Pel Esparraguera Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The Menbur Felicia bag, a great alternative to this plastic bag.
• Searching for more Menbur bags on eBay
• Other plastic clutch bags on eBay:

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You might not be able to afford another Louis Vuitton handbag, but you could give your old one a new lease of life with the European fashion house’s new range of Playtime Bag Charms.

These whimsical trinkets easily attach to the handle or zipper pull of your favorite LV purse, or perhaps another bag that you wish was Louis Vuitton! Most of these charms are just for fun, with their large LV logos and colorful monogram flowers.

But there’s also a keyring if you’re looking for a charm with a purpose. This one appears a bit like an old-fashioned charm bracelet, with multi-colored letter cut-outs spelling out the Louis Vuitton name. Each charm is made from golden metal, lacquer and resin, and engraved with the Louis Vuitton signature.

You’ll find the Playtime Bag Charms at Louis Vuitton stores priced from £190  to £305. Do you think they’re a bit of fun, or simply child’s play?

[Source: Luxist]

Louis Vuitton Bag Charms on eBay

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Mellow World hits all the trends with its Lindy hobo.

While hobos are typically mellow, bohemian affairs this one has much more attitude. Pleated folds sweep up to a rosette in the top corner of the bag, an accent which would seem feminine if it wasn’t trimmed with a metal zip. We’ve seen so many zippered rosettes lately, but sadly this isn’t one of the best examples.

There really was so much potential here. The folds could have created real drama, but in this stiff synthetic they just sit awkwardly. The rosette does too. The quality of the material really does let this handbag down; it’s not glossy enough to pass as a patent, but too shiny to appear like real leather. Frankly, it looks tacky and I’ve seen better at this price point.

It’s a shame, because the fabric lined interior has everything we’d want in an everyday bag. It’s fully lined, and kitted out with a zippered pocket for valuables and open pouches for a cell phone and sunglasses. A zip across the top makes sure to keep all our goodies safe.

I just can’t overlook that exterior though, which seems more like a designer knock-off than an authentic handbag. It may be affordable at $69.95, but I don’t want a bag that looks cheap at any price.

More Features of This Mellow World Zip Accented Hobo

• Silver-toned hardware
• A whip-stitched single handle with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 13 x 3 inches
• Also available in bone gray, green, and purple

Get this Mellow World Lindy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mellow World bags on BagBunch
• The Ashley M Zippered Edge Trim hobo bag, a great alternative to this zippered rosette bag.
• Searching for more Mellow World bags on eBay
• Other zipper rosette bags on eBay:

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The folks at Lowell General Hospital in Massachusetts are raising breast cancer awareness in a creative and fashionable way with their Support The Girls program.

Many women from the hospital’s Breast Cancer Support Group have used bras to make cute purses. You can see these unusual handbags online at the Lowell General Hospital Gallery, or in person at the city’s New England Quilt Museum.

“The Bra Purse: Carrying a Message of Inspiration and Courage” exhibition opens today and runs until October 29. It features more than two dozen purses at this point, but more will be added as community members get involved with the initiative. It will then tour America, raising awareness of breast cancer in other cities around the country.

Lowell General Hospital is encouraging everyone, no matter which part of the world they live, to create their own bra purse and spread the word. Just think of the conversations you’ll inspire when you post a picture of your purse on Facebook, or carry it to your next party!

This is a really fun way to spread the word during breast cancer awareness month. Is there a bra in your dresser with purse potential?

[Source: Lowell.com]
[Image Source: SadyeBabi/Flickr]

Breast Cancer Awareness Bags on eBay

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Sometimes you just need a bit of glitz, and when you do look to a bag like the Marie hobo from Melie Bianco .

To be fair this bag delivers more than a bit of glitz, it delivers a lot. And for that reason it’s not going to find a place in every girl’s wardrobe. But as a former ballet girl, I think there’s something so endearing about anything covered entirely in sequins. By keeping the sequins all in one color and the rest of the shape simple, Melie Bianco makes sure this bag isn’t too much.

I also like the selection of colors; black is a predictable choice but the gold and pewter less so. The gold is almost bronze, a shade richer and less garish than golds can be. And the pewter too is like an elegant, less flashy substitute for silver.

Those glittering accents scream after five, but its dimensions are more suited to everyday use. That makes the Marie incredibly versatile; it could make a basic jeans and tee ensemble seem like something special, or allow you to take more items than usual to an evening soiree.

I’m not a great fan of the metal straps though; while they complement the metallic finish of the sequins, they also look a bit cheap. They also look like they could be uncomfortable on your shoulder, especially if the hobo’s packed to capacity.

At a relatively affordable $95 though, the versatile nature of the Marie would probably be enough to help me forgive that design misstep. But could you?

More Features of This Melie Bianco Sequined Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Satin lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 18.5 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Melie Bianco Marie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the DesignerHandbagCentral eBay store to see if this Melie Bianco bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Oryany Handbags Wendy-Ayelen tote bag, a great alternative to this sequined bag.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco bags on eBay
• Other sequined hobos on eBay:

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Antik Batik’s quirky bohemian design sensibility is rocking the accessories market this season. Just when you though boho chic was totally over, they’ve gone and done it in an ethnically-inspired, casually chic way with a subtle rock-n-roll sensibility.

The rich, soft forest green makes the perfect backdrop for the bright emerald green suede front flap. The color choices here are one step away from jewel-toned. They’re like jewels, only a bit more toned down. The material certainly does sparkle, though, with intricate gold beaded embroidery and sequins.

The casual shape of the Emily contrasts with the sparkly, formal design on the front of the bag and makes it something that you could wear for a lot of occasions. I absolutely love the slouchy shape, but wish it had a divided compartment to keep things a bit more organized.

For $220, I will forgive the Emily for not being perfect. Not only that, I will praise it. This is a fabulous casual bag for a girl who’s not ready to give up on boho, but wants to do it in a cool new way.

More Features Of This Antik Batik Emily Embellished Small Suede Bag

• 9″ x 6″ x 2″ size
• 18″ handle drop
• Fully lined in cotton twill

Get this Antik Batik Emily Embellished Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Antik Batik bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Mitzy Hobo, a larger,  more minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Antik Batik bags on eBay
• Other beaded suede bags  on eBay:

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