Cole Haan are the kings of leather, and this simple but effective Saddle handbag is a case in point.

First in my description, I have to compliment that leather. In a rich, deep brown, it is the sort of timeless color that will always be fashionable at the same time as being that little bit different from all the other bags on the market. Then there is the texture, a thick and rugged grain that somehow manages to be gently glossy at the same time. It’s the perfect meeting of luxury and rural!

The design too is pretty effective. It isn’t perhaps all that revolutionary for a bag that costs $348, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating it because of its simplicity. It is spacious, functional and, yet again, somewhat timeless. Personally I think the expanse of leather is ideally highlighted by the stylish golden twist clasp, which is a lovely little addition.

In case you can’t tell, I really love this handbag. But do you?

More Features of this Cole Haan Leather Saddlebag

• Long adjustable shoulder strap
• Genuine chestnut leather exterior
• Sophisticated Jacquard lining
• Turn-lock closure

Get this Traditional Chestnut Flap Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cole Haan bags on BagBunch
• The Guiseppe Zanotti saddle bag, a great alternative to this traditional bag.
• Searching for more saddle bags on eBay
• Other Cole Haan bags on eBay:

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Diane Von Furstenberg’s level of taste is ordinarily above reproach. She has been creating iconic, feminine designs for decades, after all. Every now and then, though she goes a little bit haywire and comes up with a real doozy like this Piper leather shoulder bag.

The Piper is sequined and feathered. That alone should have set off some pretty serious design alarm bells, but no, Von Furstenberg did not stop there. Just for good measure, she threw in some metallic leather and an absolutely enormous metal clasp. Seriously, Diane, the feathers alone would have been enough.

I really don’t know what to call this style. I’m calling it boho because of its apparently eclectic influences, but I doubt your favorite hippie fashionista would be caught dead with this thing on her arm. Did I mention that the Piper is also studded? I can’t even see the shape of the thing underneath all the crap hanging off of it.

Okay, so I should admit that my own style is pretty pared down and that I might be overlooking something fabulous here, but I really doubt it. Something this overembellished would overwhelm any outfit. Some may call it a conversation starter, but I think you’d just have a lot of explaining to do.

More Features Of The Diane Von Furstenberg Piper Sequined Leather Shoulder Bag

• 13″ x 10″ x 6″ size
• 20″ strap drop
• Interior patch and zipper pockets
• Fully lined in off-white twill

Get this Diane Von Furstenberg Piper Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a wearable alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other sequined leather bags on eBay: [phpbay]sequin leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Mulberry’s Mitzy Hobo is so iconic that I can’t believe it hasn’t been profiled here before. (We have mentioned it plenty, however.) Seriously, this bag is practically revolutionary because of its amazing combination of quality and affordability.

The Mitzy is classic Mulberry quality. Nothing flashy, just beautiful materials beautifully crafted. The elongated hobo shape is fabulously slouchy without looking sloppy, and the pleats add all the volume a girl could ever need. The flattened bottom makes it more practical than other hobos without sacrificing the cool, casual appeal of their shape.

The gold studs along the top seam detail and the chain links on the strap add a touch of edginess, but just a touch. Although the Mitzy has elements of boho and rocker style, it’s still toned down enough to appeal to a lot of different kinds of women.

The Mitzy is the black leather hobo that all other hobos want to be. And while the $795 price tag isn’t exactly cheap, it’s very reasonable considering the quality. Besides, this is the kind of bag you’re going to be slinging over your shoulder for the next decade, so isn’t it worth a few weeks of ramen noodles and yoohoo? Actually, the longer I look at this bag, the more delicious that sounds.

More Features Of The Mulberry Mitzy Leather Hobo Bag

• 17″ x 16″ x 4″ size
• 3″ strap drop
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Mitzy Hobo by Mulberry:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mulberry bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Patent Leather Tote, a sleek alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Mulberry bags on eBay
• Other black leather hobos on eBay:
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Marc Jacobs has, in the past decade, made American fashion more noticeable on the world stage. Celebrities, socialites, and everyday women alike love his signature styles and intuitive sense of what women want to wear. This Garbo clutch is a pared down accessory that is sure to become an instant classic.

The textured tan leather is chic and casual at the same time. It’s kind of misleading to call it textured, as the crackled embossing has been smoothed out and buffed up to a high gloss. The effect is glamorous in the low impact way that Jacobs is known for.

The fabulous envelope shape is transformed on the Garbo. The pronounced seaming gives it an almost origami-like look that would be hard on its own, but which is softened up by the rounded corners and the rounded front flap.

The intricate clasp and padlock is another genius touch. The tan of the Garbo makes it look classic and somewhat conservative, but the padlock gives the look a tinge of edginess. Although I’m the kind of girl that lives in black and seldom falls for a brown leather bag, the Garbo has really won me over with its combination of street smarts and high design.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Garbo Leather Clutch

• 12″ x 7″ x 1″ size
• Internal zipper pocket
• Fully lined in green twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Garbo Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other tan leather clutches on eBay:
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The problem with bowling bags is that it can be hard to make something that stands out from the crowd. That is why this interesting color combination from Pretoria Castle is worth paying attention to.

You see, you don’t often find handbags that combine a pale caramel brown, with a darker tan shade. Despite the fact that multiple browns actually go perfectly together, people tend to avoid them, opting instead for greens or, with bowlers, white. This shade, of course, is much more practical, and that is why this purse stands out from the rest.

The fabrics, too, continue that practicality. The nylon will stand up to extreme battering, which is likely to happen to a sports bag like this, whilst the leather adds a touch of class and helps to justify the $270 price tag. Finally, the purple satin lining makes the whole thing a little more exciting.

This is a great bowling bag that uses color to help it break the mold.

More Features of this Pretoria Castle Bowling Bag

• Contrasting satin-style ribbed lining
• Leather and nylon exterior
• Cute embroidered embellishment
• Reinforced studded base

Get this Unusual Brown Bowler:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More bowling bags on BagBunch
• The Charles David Marina bowler, a great alternative to this sporty bag.
• Searching for more nylon bags on eBay
• Other bowling bags on eBay:

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Elizabeth is a name that’s classic and conservative, a royal moniker bestowed about English queens. So it was surprising to see that this quirky little purse shares its name.

This clutch is far from conservative. In fact, it may be the most far out accessory I’ve seen of late. Honestly it’s left me scratching my head, with its tiny ruffled top and metallic ties. I’m not sure whether I like it, but I do like that the label has taken a risk.

This is a pint sized purse, free of pockets or other organizational aids. That might be a disappointment in a larger clutch, but honestly we don’t need them here. I’m just happy to see the long shoulder strap, and the platform base which will leave this clutch just where you left it.

Original design like this rarely comes cheaply, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this clutch’s $110 price tag. It’s hardly inexpensive, especially for such a small purse, but it’s an affordable way to bring some originality to any outfit, from a T-shirt and pair of skinny jeans to a contemporary evening dress.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Metallic Clutch

• Printed canvas lining
• Zip top closure
• A chain strap with a 23.5 inch drop
• Measures 6.75 x 8 x 3.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Helena de Natalio Elizabeth Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Rafe Maryanne bag, a great alternative to this unique bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other metallic clutch bags on eBay:

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Australian fashion label Mingus Designs combines whimsical designs and eco-friendly practices with its collection of green handbags and scarves.

The purses are made from sustainable materials including hemp, linen, and organic cotton, and then accented with upcycled leather. Many purists believe leather has no place in green design, but by recycling existing skins at least the label keeps the material out of landfill. The fanciful illustrations which adorn the bags are colored using water based inks.

Every Mingus Designs purse is handmade in Melbourne, Australia using 100% green energy.

Mingus Designs purses are generally available online through its official website, Etsy store, and Supermarket HQ. However as the designers’ are overseas until November, these online outlets are currently suspended. You can still buy the green Mingus Designs accessories in person though at a range of boutiques in Australia, New Zealand, and America, including Indie Industries in San Francisco and Modern Printed Matter in Warren, Rhode Island.

[Source: Mingus Designs]
[Image Source: Supermarket]

Sustainable Handbags on eBay

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It’s all about classic style with this Kira hobo from Hayden-Harnett.

The bag shuns the hobo’s bohemian reputation for something much sleeker and more sophisticated. From the soft pebbled black leather to the large geometric quilting, this is a purse for all seasons. It’s modern, yet traditional enough to easily blend into any environment. I love those contemporary touches, like the knots at the ends of the shoulder straps and the angular quilting, which help to make this purse something special.

I’ve never considered taking a hobo to work, but I think this would be a great office bag. If you’re hanging on to old technology it might not fit your laptop, but it should have the space to carry one of those sleek new netbooks. Its elasticized side pockets are perfect for stashing the items you need on hand, and those long rolled straps are ideal for cushioning your shoulders while you’re commuting. While it’s got the stuff you need in the office, it’d also look at home in your local cocktail bar after quitting time.

At $542 this bag isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s reasonably priced considering its timeless style and versatility.

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Quilted Hobo

• Elasticized side pockets with magnetic closures
• Inset top zip closure
• Graphic print lining with zip and dual patch pockets
• Dual 18 inch shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 10.5 x 4 inches

Get this Hayden-Harnett Kira Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hayden-Harnett bags on BagBunch
• The Hayden-Harnett Havana bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Hayden-Harnett bags on eBay
• Other Hayden-Harnett hobo bags on eBay:

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Chiwit Design goes back to basics with its quirky handbag designs. The label, which has bases in Italy and Thailand, shuns modern factories in favor of old-fashioned handicrafts.

While the techniques are time-honored, the designer Andrea Mangiarotti’s purses are very modern. Rather than follow the trends though, he prefers to go it alone with more original, quirky styles. Personally I like this approach as his accessories really stand out, but they certainly won’t suit everyone.

The emphasis on hand-crafting is also a refreshing change of pace.

“As much as many people in the industry might think we are crazy to still work by hand, we believe in the traditional craft and the resulting products cannot be compared to similar machine made items,” Mangiarotti explained. “Each purse has its own individuality, its own distinctive style.“

With each purse taking days to complete, it’s not surprising to see the average prices ranging from $100 to $250. This is a little expensive for bags from a small fashion house, but the original designs and high quality craftsmanship makes Chiwit Design purses worth considering.

[Source: Chitwit Design website]

Handmade Leather Handbags on eBay

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Harveys has given its popular woven seatbelt designs a modern makeover with this Madison bag.

While most Harveys bags feature a distinctive large woven design, the Madison’s weave is daintier and more delicate. Of course the brand hasn’t let go of its trademark seatbelts, but by using much thinner strips it has achieved a look which is much more stylish. That gives this carry all a bit more versatility; it’ll suit everyday use but paired with the right outfit and on the right occasion I think it could work double duty at night too.

The Madison is a generously sized bag, but its divided interior ensures it never feels unmanageable. Small pockets either side of the zippered envelope compartment help to keep your smaller items in order, while the clip closure keeps them safe.

It’s no Bottega Veneta, but this woven seatbelt bag is a cut above those we typically see from Harveys. I think that makes it worth its higher price tag of $224.

More Features of This Harveys Large Seatbelt Carry All

• Logo print lining
• Magnetic feet on the base
• Dual shoulder straps with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 inches
• Made in the United States of America

Get this Harveys Madison Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Harveys bags on BagBunch
• The medium Harveys Madison bag, a great alternative to this large bag.
• Searching for more Harveys bags on eBay
• Other Harveys seatbelt bags on eBay:

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