Canopy Verde has cut out the animal products for its new Violet and Slate handbags. While the label’s always celebrating sustainability, its chrome-free leathers have disappointed animal activists. No doubt they’ll be thrilled the company’s working with organic cotton and vegan leather this time around.

The Violet and Slate bags are made of animal-friendly fabrics in striking purple and gray hues. They’re then finished off with natural wood detailing and chemical-free embroidery. Even the dying process is free of chemicals and other harmful pollutants.

Canopy Verde’s new collections were inspired by a variety of sources. The company’s founder Linda Wong says everything from the urban beauty of Prospect Park to the minimalism of mid-century Danish design informed the aesthetics. And as a mother of two toddlers, she’s ensured the new accessories are practical for busy women, no matter what their situation.

The Cassia Weekender pictured is already slated to become one of Canopy Verde’s most popular new bags. Its wire-frame opening and distinctive silhouette are modelled on the classic doctor’s bag. Canopy Verde has also released a smaller version, called the Cassia Mini, for everyday use.

All too often companies charge a premium for going green, so it’s refreshing to see Canopy Verde’s new Violet and Slate bags are affordable priced between $79 and $199. They’re available from Canopy Verde’s website and selected boutiques in North America and Australia.

[Source: Your Story]
[Image Source: Canopy Verde website]

Canopy Verde Bags on eBay

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Furla serves up an exotic looking purse for less than you might expect with this Ardith shoulder bag.

The Ardith’s nubbled finish mimics ostrich skin, but it’s actually crafted from embossed leather. Embossed leather often looks like the poor cousin of genuine exotic skins, but not here. The Ardith’s leather does a great impersonation that’s bound to fool a few friends.

The exotic embossing makes this fairly traditional purse seem a bit more modern. The tan color is less contemporary, but it should be resilient to trends and the changing seasons.

The Ardith’s major sticking point is likely to be its size. It’s so small that it could almost be classed as a mini purse. Carrying a full-sized wallet will leave little space for anything else, so you may need to downsize.

At $278 we’re not getting a lot of bag for our dollar, but consider the alternative. A real ostrich purse of this size would certainly push past the four-figure ceiling. If you love the look, the Ardith is an affordable way to get it.

More Features of This Furla Ostrich Embossed Shoulder Bag

• Turn-lock closure
• Fully lined interior
• A zippered interior pocket
• A short top handle with a 2.5 inch drop
• A single shoulder strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 7 x 2 inches

Get this Furla Ardith Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bluefly
• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Furla bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The ostrich Furla Elisabeth bag, a great alternative to this embossed bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay
• Other ostrich embossed shoulder bags on eBay:

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Frye’s usual Americana style gets a modern city makeover with this Cameron Cross-Body Bag.

I really appreciate that Frye’s reined in its signature look here. There are none of those usual country and western accents that often make Frye’s purses seem like novelties. This new urban image may not appeal to the line’s faithful fans, but it should attract a few folks that have never paid attention to the label’s designs.

The Cameron is so well made, with plush buttery leather and superior craftsmanship. But that’s not likely to be enough to sway pack rats. It’s quite petite, and probably too small to hold a large wallet, a hard glasses case, and other items many deem to be essentials without it becoming cramped. It’s also packed with pockets, which cut in to our storage space.

While the small dimensions may turn some people off, they’re ideal for the Cameron’s convertible design. Any larger and it’d become unmanageable in clutch mode. We need to make some compromises for versatility, and I think Frye’s struck the right balance here.

If it were more expensive we may have a right to expect perfection, but I think Frye’s offering real value for $298.

More Features of This Frye Convertible Cross-Body Bag

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined in brown fabric
• An exterior slip pocket
• An attachable strap with a 19 to 21.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 7 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Frye Cameron Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Marcy’s Mall eBay store to see if this Frye bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Frye bags on BagBunch
• The Frye Cameron Magazine Cross-Body bag, a large alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Frye bags on eBay
• Other clutch cross-body bags on eBay:

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We might use the term fleabag to describe an unkempt person or a run-down hotel. I’d never have applied it to a luxurious leather handbag! However that was before I discovered the American made accessories firm, Fleabags.

Fleabags is the brainchild of fashion designer Shira Entis and her lawyer pal Alex Bell, two fleamarket addicts frustrated by the scourge of plastic bags. When they couldn’t find a suitable green alternative for fleamarket hopping, they set about creating their own.

Fleabags strives to balance eco-friendly design principles with modern good looks. Its accessories are crafted from organic and vintage materials, including recycled leathers, sourced from across the United States. The fabrics are colored with natural vegetable dyes and water-based inks before being hand-sewn into Fleabags distinctive creations.

Fleabags appreciates the weathered qualities of its vintage leathers, and prefers to leave the skins naked. This doesn’t just let the material’s natural beauty shine through. It also eliminates the harmful chemicals used in many leather treatments, thus minimizing Fleabags carbon footprint.

As its bags are crafted with vintage materials, Fleabags creates only a small number of each limited edition design. This is perfect for girls who prefer to stand out in a crowd.

Fleabags bags are available from the label’s online store and selected boutiques around the world.

[Source: Fleabags website]

Franchi has reinvented its Princess purse with the Princess II.

The original Princess was a clutch covered in glittering Swarovski crystals. The newest incarnation takes the form of a small hobo bag, which is every bit as elegant as its predecessor but a bit more practical. The Swarovski crystals have sadly been downgraded, but the black beads and clear rhinestones look just as stylish. Personally I prefer this fresher combination of gemstones, even if they don’t have the same quality!

The Princess II retails for $265, which is only a shade less than the original clutch. That’s disappointing in a way, because the jewels aren’t as opulent. I expected the more affordable materials would net us a bigger discount. However we’re also getting a little more bag for our dollar, and more practicality too, so perhaps it all evens out.

While the original Princess had a chic hard shell, this satiny revamp is soft and made for overstuffing. And unlike the clasp on the original, the zippered top shouldn’t bust open when it’s under pressure. The ropey chain shoulder strap is also more substantial than the ones we find on most evening purses.

There are definitely some improvements on this new Princess, but has Franchi done enough to tempt you to reinvest?

More Features of This Franchi Rhinestone Covered Hobo

• Silver toned hardware
• Satin lined interior
• Dual rope-chain shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 5 x 1 inches

Get this Franchi Princess II Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Franchi bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Franchi bags on BagBunch
• The Franchi Princess clutch bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Franchi bags on eBay
• Other Franchi Princess purses on eBay:

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Canadian designer Erin Templeton satisfies eco-conscious shoppers with leather cravings with her signature handbag label.

Several accessories in the Erin Templeton collection are crafted from recycled leathers. As these designs use reclaimed skins, each one is a true original with unique colors and patina. To assist green shoppers in making their selection, Erin Templeton clearly labels each accessory made with recycled leather.

It’s disappointing that the recycled leather bags are a bit few and far between though. I understand that it’s easier to source new leathers than find older usable skins, but it means green shoppers are starved for choice. Erin Templeton’s recycled leather bags are also on the small side, so eco-warriors need to look elsewhere for their everyday accessories.

But I suppose we shouldn’t be too critical of any designer that’s taking steps to do better. It’s also worth noting that even the new leather handbags are made by hand in her Vancouver studio to minimize her carbon footprint.

Shop for Erin Templeton’s new and recycled leather handbags, wallets, and belts at her Vancouver boutique, her online store, and other leading e-tailers including Need Supply and Assembly New York.

Do you appreciate Erin Templeton’s recycled leather accessories, or do you think the designer needs to do more to capture green dollars?

[Source: Erin Templeton website]

Recycled Leather Handbags on eBay

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Francesco Biasia offers a chic woven leather handbag for less with this Ismene hobo.

The label has clearly taken inspiration from Bottega Veneta here. The Ismene’s woven leather is delicate and refined, every bit the equal to the tight weaves Bottega Veneta offers. But the bold blue and green plaid finish makes it a bit more youthful than most of the more esteemed fashion house’s creations. There’s also a more neutral color scheme called urban, but in my opinion the ivory and gray hues don’t make quite the same impact.

Whichever you choose you’ll be impressed by the bottom line. Even the smallest Bottega Veneta woven leather bag costs more than $1000, but this sizable hobo is much more attainable at $458.

It doesn’t feel like we’re skimping either. Its adjustable leather handle should make carrying comfortable, even when the Ismene is full. A drawstring will never be my closure of choice, but at least it’s hidden to avoid interrupting the Ismene’s smooth modern lines. A snap or zip would have been more practical, but at this price it feels mean to quibble.

If you can afford Bottega Veneta, by all means splurge. Personally I think the Ismene represents a smarter investment in your fashion future.

More Features of This Francesco Biasia Woven Hobo

• Measures 12.2 x 15.75 x 1.97 inches
• Comes with a signature dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Francesco Biasia Ismene Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Francesco Biasia bags on BagBunch
• The Francesco Biasia Caroline bag, a great alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more Francesco Biasia bags on eBay
• Other Francesco Biasia woven bags on eBay:

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Portland accessories firm Entermodal believes design can be a force for positive and meaningful change. This philosophy informs the label’s collection of handmade, vegetable tanned leather accessories.

Entermodal notes that most damage to our planet has occurred in the last century. And so it takes its production techniques back to the days prior to the Industrial Revolution. It visited museums and trade schools and sought out methods of manufacture passed down through generations. By using traditional construction methods, Entermodal is confident its handbags will survive the test of time.

Many ardent animal activists won’t be impressed that Entermodal uses leather skins for its handbags, but the company shouldn’t be completely condemned. It colors its leather with natural vegetable dyes free of formaldehyde and heavy metals. All dyes are also sustainably harvested, a practice which ensures trees aren’t damaged by the process. It encourages its customers to sell their used handbags back to the label for recycling.

At its inception Entermodal created backpacks and mountaineering sacks, and that experience continues to inform the functional design of its modern handbags. Each one features a specially moulded shoulder strap which keeps it perfectly in balance while you’re on the go. Clever pockets maximize order and usability.

Entermodal handbags are available from the label’s flagship store in Oregon. It also accepts orders, including bespoke orders, via its website.

[Source: Entermodal website]

Fossil always creates solid accessories, but it’s done little to truly excite me of late. So I’m thrilled to see the American label shaking things up with this Campbell Hobo.

The gorgeous laser-cut finish really sucked me in. A delicate art deco design is punched into the leather to create an enviable surface. The dainty holes really make the simply shaped Campbell come alive.

I wish Fossil had stopped there though. The long tassel and key make the Campbell feel a bit cluttered. Fossil probably wouldn’t condone it, but it’s worth noting these accents are easily removed. If only we could do the same thing with the regular strap. This contrasting brown handle doesn’t work with the design nearly as well as the longer white cross-body one.

Fossil makes amends with the Campbell’s cleverly designed interior. It’s spacious and packed with practical perks including credit card slots, slide and media pockets, and a secure zippered pouch. There aren’t enough credit card slots to leave your wallet at home on a regular basis, but they could come in handy if your purse is bulging at the seams!

This bone color is so striking, although it may lose its allure after a few seasons. If you’re worried about the effects of dirt and grime, consider the Campbell in honey, rose, brown, or peacock blue.

More Features of This Fossil Laser-Cut Hobo

• Zip closure
• Cotton lined interior
• Measures 12.5 x 3 x 12 inches

Get this Fossil Campbell Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Alaia Laser-Cut Leather Clutch bag, a great alternative to this laser-cut bag.
• Searching for more Fossil bags on eBay
• Other perforated hobo bags on eBay:

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Australian fashion designer Kirrily Johnston has unexpectedly teamed up with Kellogg’s Special K cereal for a limited edition handbag.

The classic red suede hobo features a clever pocket purpose built for holding a Special K cereal snack bar. According to the press release this pocket serves as “a visual cue to help the 96% of women who think about snacking each day to prepare for their looming snack attack.“

That sounds like a bit of a beat up, which is surprising since the bags won’t actually be sold to the public. Instead the 50 bags will be distributed to winners of a Special K competition. If we believe the official line, let’s just hope some of that 96% of the population win one of the purses!

With each suede hobo valued at $750, it’s surprising to see Kirrily Johnston being so generous with the design. But it sounds like a great way for Kellogg’s to promote those snack bars. It’s the first time the company’s looked outside television to launch a new product, and if this campaign goes well it probably won’t be the last!

The limited edition bag is part of Kirrily Johnston’s spring/summer collection, which makes its debut at Sydney’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this week.

[Source: mUmBRELLA]

Red Suede Hobos on eBay

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