Gucci’s drab signature prints leave me a bit cold, but when the fashion house forgets about spruiking its brand it’s capable of producing some interesting accessories. The Galaxy is one such purse.

It may not be as cutting edge as its space-aged name suggests, but that only works in the Galaxy’s favor. It’s firmly rooted in the contemporary fashion world, with its lush slouchy leather in basic black. I love the way the buttery Italian leather falls just so in soft pleats.

The luxe material is complemented by plexiglass chains and handles, which while not very forgiving, look fab. If you’ve got a big day ahead of you though, I’d attach the much more comfortable leather strap. This helps to convert the satchel into a much easier to manage shoulder bag.

The interior isn’t so easy to manage though. A zippered pocket and two slip pouches might keep your average tote organized, but they’re not enough for a satchel of this size. The simple design might work if you intend to use this satchel as an overnight bag, but it’s not very practical as an everyday accessory.

That’s my biggest problem with this bag. I might be willing to part with the $2995 Gucci’s asking if I could carry this satchel every day, but that price is far too high for occasional use.

More Features of This Gucci Black Leather Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Logo print lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 22 x 7 x 10 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Gucci Galaxy Handbag:

• Available to buy at Designer Shoe Warehouse
• Check the Syb’s Trendy Shop eBay store to see if this Gucci bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on BagBunch
• The Zac Posen Sharpei bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Gucci bags on eBay
• Other Gucci Galaxy bags on eBay:

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Lately we’ve seen bamboo used to create soft, eco-friendly fabrics, but this purse from Global Elements reminds us of the appeal of bamboo in its original form.

Bamboo is a lovely material, with its natural glossy surface and rustic, Asian style. But I’m not sure whether I’d want to carry around a clutch made from this crop, at least by hand. Global Elements doesn’t offer a chain strap though, so we’re left to hold this hard material in our palm or tucked underneath our arm.

In this original form, it’s also not the strongest material. Clutches are never really loaded up the way that larger bags are, but I’d still worry about the flimsy material splintering under the strain of my party essentials. It should handle your lippie, credit cards, and car key, but you may want to stash your camera and cell in your boyfriend’s pockets.

I’m also not sold on that flower, which seems like an unnecessary detail. Rather than enhancing the clutch’s look, it distracts us. The bloom seems tacked on rather than an integrated part of the design. Leaving it off entirely would have made this angular purse appear much cleaner.

This is certainly a purse with limitations, but we’d expect that considering its $30 price tag. If you love its appearance I’d take a gamble on it though, as it could look lovely when paired with a sundress or Asian inspired evening gown.

More Features of this Global Elements Rustic Clutch

• Fully lined interior
• Snap closure
• Measures 11.5 x 4 x 2.5 inches

Get this Global Elements Bamboo Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Global Elements bags on BagBunch
• The square bamboo bag, a great alternative to this bamboo bag.
• Searching for more Global Elements bags on eBags
• Other bamboo clutch bags on eBay:

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When I think of Givenchy I think of classic, minimalist styling that transcends the trends. So I was a little surprised to find this Pluto bag in the brand’s latest collection.

This bag seems like it was designed with contemporary tastes firmly in mind. Studs are in, so let’s cover the bag in the tiny silver accents. The tribal look is selling as well, so we’ll pair the hardware with large colored beads. Arrange it all in a geometric diamond design and it’ll fit right in with the current crop of handbags on the market. Right?

Sadly though I think Givenchy’s missed the mark here. It looks like a box of Skittles has been upended on an unsuspecting purse. It also sadly appears like a shameless attempt to cash in on the latest fads. And honestly when I’m paying $2495, I don’t want a bag that panders to contemporary fashion. I want something that’s going to last for years to come. In short, I want the kind of timeless designs Givenchy is famous for.

I suppose I can’t fault the label for trying something new, but I hope it reverts to its old ways really soon.

More Features of this Givenchy Beaded Bag

• Made of suede
• Suede lined interior
• A single handle with a 2 inch drop
• Measures 5 x 8 x 2.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Givenchy Pluto Handbag:

• Available to buy at Barneys New York
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Givenchy bags on BagBunch
• The Savanna Ring Handle beaded bag, a great alternative to this tribal bag.
• Searching for more Givenchy bags on eBay
• Other beaded tribal bags on eBay:

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I’ve seen many convertible handbags in my time, but few with the shape-shifting properties of this new convertible tote from Urban Junket.

Strategically placed snap clasps allow you to easily change the purse from a simple tote to a structured doctor’s bag or jaunty boat shaped tote. With three distinct silhouettes, this is really like getting three bags for the price of one.

The tote will also please eco-warriors, as it’s as green as it is versatile. The exterior is made from polished cotton canvas which is colored with organic vegetable dyes. The color choices – indigo blue, grass green, and chocolate brown – aren’t very revolutionary but they are resistant to trends.

The interior is lined with an eco-friendly material cleverly crafted from recycled plastic bottles. Considering the different ways we can style the bag, it’s surprising to find so many features inside. There are pockets for sorting keys, pens, and other small items, so you should never find your cargo out of order. There’s also another pocket outside for business cards. The rolled handles are long enough for over-the-shoulder carrying, but if you’d prefer to go cross-body you can just add the longer strap.

Considering its versatility, this Urban Junket tote is a bit of a bargain at $90. You’ll find it in selected retailers in North America, Japan, and Mexico, and online at Uncommon Goods.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Convertible Totes on eBay

[phpbay]convertible tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Wearing scarves and bandanas has become a bit passé, but that doesn’t mean you need to phase the colorful squares of fabric out of your wardrobe altogether. Fashion brand Anamu is giving these accessories a new lease on life by turning them into fun clutches and cuffs.

Designer Ana Maria Munoz was clearly influenced by the American South West when creating her new Go Native line. The collection features boldly patterned purses and cuffs with names like Hopi, Navajo, and Anasazi. With the taste for ethnic and tribal prints still hanging around, these recycled handbags are right on trend.

The purses are made from vintage cotton bandanas and lined with linen. They’re fairly simple, but with vibrant prints like this you don’t need a lot of design flair. Each one closes with a magnetic snap and has a patch pocket for carrying your ID and change.

You can pick up one of these new Anamu clutches for $80 or the cuffs for just $18 at the Anamu online store.

[Source: Ecouterre]

South West Bags on eBay

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I’ve never really thought of bowling bags as particularly feminine. They usually have a sporty androgynous appeal. The Baby Aidan is definitely the girliest bowling bag I have ever seen, but it still retains the casual charm of classic bowlers.

The rich burgundy leather on the Baby Aidan forces you to notice it. The color is just so complex and interesting, it brings to mind the finest Bordeaux wines. I’m noticing a major burgundy leather trend lately, and the Baby Aidan makes it look super appealing.

The bowling bag shape has been softened up on the Baby Aidan. Marc Jacobs hasn’t really made a major change to the traditional shape. Really, he’s just added a central pleat detail, but it changes the whole personality of the bag entirely.

All the details on the Baby Aidan are really enticing, from the detailed patchwork handle attachments to the stud detail on the handle and shoulder strap. This bag is supremely well thought out. So much so that the $480 price tag doesn’t seem that problematic. And even if you can’t afford it, there’s sure to be a slew of knock-offs before you can say, “pleather replica”.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Aidan Bowling Bag

• 13″ x 11″ x 6″ size
• 5″ strap drop
• Adjustable and removable shoulder strap
• Internal zipper pockets
• Fully lined in signature monochrome twill

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Aidan Bowling Bag:

• 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, but wearable,  alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other leather bowling bags on eBay:
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Has anyone else noticed Whiting & Davis getting a little wackier with its mesh handbags in the past few months, or is it just me?

The brand seems to have discovered the potential of screen printing, and it is going at it pedal to the metal. Now it has added some animal print into the mix, which is just perfect for this A/W’s trends towards mixing crystals, metal, animal print and lace. The key is to look classy, but with a lot of understated glamor, which is exactly what this zebra print purse will allow you to achieve.

This clutch combines a smooth metal mesh body (which wraps around the base to create a sleek metal line), with an angular and slightly art deco frame clasp. The result is a sophisticated purse that definitely avoids the pitfalls of making animal print look tacky. You don’t get much space, unfortunately, but you generally have to forgive that with most evening bags.

This is an unusual clutch that is way outside Whiting & Davis’ usual vintage inspired territory, and it is great fun as a result!

More Features of this Whiting & Davis Mesh Clutch

• Also available in snow leopard print
• Screen printed mesh exterior
• Jacquard fabric lining
• Optional short chain strap

Get this Metal Zebra Print Evening Bag:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber Zebra clutch, a great alternative to this animal print bag.
• Searching for more zebra print bags on eBay

Every girl needs a spacious leather tote. It is a wardrobe essential, and this vintage purse from Frye ticks all of my boxes.

The quality of the leather is important in a bag like this. Of course it is. After all, this tote will almost certainly be carted around for years and years to come, and as such it will have to put up with being battered, bruised and generally a little bit mistreated. The deep chestnut leather and thick (and consequently durable) stitching mean that your bag should last, and up to a point it should soften and improve with age.

In addition, you don’t just want a leather bag. You need some sort of design feature to make you love it. As a fan of simple handbags I love the fact that the vintage stud detailing on the handles and the embossed logo are the little extras. For some, however, this may be too simplistic, even for a timeless investment.

And investment it is. At a pricey-but-reasonable $328, this is one bag that you don’t want going out of fashion. I think the classic looks should guarantee this, but if you are shelling out then you need to be sure, from the canvas lining to the brass hardware.

More Features of this Classic Leather Frye Tote

• Large spacious interior with single zipped pocket
• Genuine aged leather exterior
• Reinforced base with feet
• Strong and durable canvas lining

Get this Vintage Stud Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Frye bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Carker tote, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more studded totes on eBay
• Other Frye bags on eBay:

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