I don’t know what it is with houndstooth, lately, but I’ve been seeing a lot of it. Marc Jacobs, of course, is known for using it, but it seems like it’s really making a major appearance in accessories. Take, for example, this Trophe calf hair bag by Christian Louboutin, which uses the pattern in a particularly fabulous way.

I don’t always like busy patterns made in highly textured fabrics. Sometimes it just seems like too much. But on the Trophe, the luxurious calf skin adds an additional layer of opulence to an already lushly designed bag. The fine quality of the calf hair has a lot to do with it, as the nap lays exactly as it should, without disrupting the printed design at all.

This complex, duffel-shaped bag has a lot of interesting design features. The houndstooth and calf hair have a bit of a preppy air, but the asymmetrically-placed zippers are anything but. They give this uptown design a definitively downtown appeal. I also really love how all the black leather trim contrasts with and complements the design.

At $2,195, you’re going to need a lot of rainy days worth of savings to get in on the Trophe, but it’ll be one very lucky rainy day.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Trophe Large Calf Hair Bag

• 20″ x 13″ x 7″ size
• 14″ strap drop
• Lined in signature red twill
• Internal zipper pocket

Get this Christian Louboutin Trophe Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Christian Louboutin Pillow Clutch, a sweet alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin items on eBay
• Other houndstooth bags on eBay:
• [phpbay]houndstooth, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I don’t really think that the words “elegant” and “tote” go together that often. This is partially because a lot of bags that are called totes aren’t really totes and a lot of bags that are described as elegant aren’t actually elegant. This Cabeceo is definitely both.

The black quilted suede is soft and plush. The quilting gives the Cabeceo a lot of texture and volume without looking bulky or overdone. It also incorporates the quilting trend with a less used material, suede, which makes it look both fashionable and unique. There is a nice, wide top shoulder strap and two smaller, slimmer straps for hand-holding that attach lower on the bag.

If you want to hide tote straps, you can do so in the side pockets, which fasten with magnetic closures. The Cabeceo has a sleek and practical design with a lot of extra features that make the $2,135 asking price seem reasonable.

More Features Of The Lanvin Cabeceo Quilted Suede Bag

• 16″ x 15″ x 7″ size
• 9″ handle drop
• Fully lined in black twill

Get this Lanvin Cabeceo Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Amalia Shoulder Bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin handbags on eBay
• Other black suede quilted bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]black suede quilted, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Judith Leiber comes up with a lot of fanciful designs. Her evening bags are a veritable menagerie of sparkling delights. But these bejeweled wonders come at a spectacular price, and sometimes with a bizarre comic look that doesn’t seem in keeping with their high price tags. This fish clutch is one of those bags.

The combination of black and gold crystals is elegant indeed. The scales of the fish are masterfully crafted to created delicate waves of pattern, and the silver accents add an extra layer of sparkle and depth.

It’s the shape of this evening bag that’s killing me. I just can’t see a well-dressed woman in an expensive evening gown topping off her outfit with a cartoony-looking fish clutch. And at $4,830, this fish clutch definitely qualifies as special occasion wear.

I’m not sure sure who but the wealthiest women will be able to justify the purchase of such a bag, and with this absurdist look, I’m not sure that many of them will want to.

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Fish Fine Crystal-Embellished Clutch

• 6″ x 6″ x 3″ size
• 7″ handle drop
• Fully lined in gold leather

Get this Judith Leiber Fish Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Judith Leiber bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber Leopard Minaudiere, a quirky alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Judith Leiber bags on eBay
• Other crystal clutch purses on eBay:

[phpbay]crystal clutch purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Generally designer brand Rafe produces sleek and elegant handles with modern yet sophisticated looks. I hate to admit it, but I am not sure if the Kelly clutch falls into that category.

Don’t get me wrong. This handbag is made from reclaimed and then recycled plastic bags, which is pretty damn cool. Considering the ingredients, you would never know of its humble origins, which suggests the brand have done something right in the design of this eco-friendly clutch. The shape is spacious, and the monochromatic color scheme is always going to be a classic.

However…

I can’t help but question a handbag that costs upwards of $100, but which is made from materials that were essentially free. I also feel like the braided design looks a little too boho for such a sleek designer, and that that same braiding may make this a very strange texture to hold. This plastic flap clutch tries really hard, but generally I feel that it has just missed the target.

What do you think of this recycled handbag?

More Features of this Rafe Kelly Purse

• Made from recovered plastic bags
• Also available in a multicolored option
• Crocheted design
• Multiple interior spaces

Get this Crocheted Flap Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Rafe bags on BagBunch
• The Nahui Ollin Briefcase tote, a great alternative to this eco-friendly bag.
• Searching for more crocheted bags on eBay
• Other Rafe bags on eBay:

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Casual-yet-smart brand Diesel has released yet another smart tote with a funky vibe.

I don’t really know why the “I Want More Wicca” bag is called what it is. I can’t see anything that makes the name particularly relevant, and it does make me wonder if Diesel is taking the opportunity to stir up a little controversy, regardless of what the bag is actually about. After all, I don’t think a paneled bag with ruching is the typical Wiccan symbol of choice; it is just a useful purchase!

Name aside, this tote is quite smart. Although you don’t get leather, you do at least get a lovely and unusual teal shade, and for the price of $67 you can kind of excuse the fabric. The long handles too are a nice touch, with plenty of practicality. Beneath the structured paneled exterior lies a simple interior, a single large space with a handy pocket. Nothing remarkable, but nothing terrible either.

The “I Want More Wicca” purse is a reasonably priced option in a very pretty color.

More Features of this Diesel Ruched Tote

• Also available in black
• Synthetic leather exterior
• Long dual handles
• Two interior pockets

Get this “I Want More Wicca” Purse:

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

[phpbay]Diesel I Want More Wicca, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Millie shoulder bag, a great alternative to this ruched bag.
• Searching for more synthetic leather bags on eBay

Mulberry has released its latest batch of tech goodies as part of its autumn/winter 2010 collection. The eight-piece range was designed exclusively for Apple, and is made to suit its most popular products including iPods and MacBooks.

“Apple products are too beautiful to reside in drab bags!,” Mulberry’s Creative Director Emma Hill said when the brands first forged their partnership. “Apple and Mulberry share a legacy of craftsmanship and I’m thrilled that we were asked to be Apple’s first luxury collaboration.“

The gadget accessories take their cues from Mulberry’s most popular designs, including this pretty patent purple Daria MacBook sleeve. Unfortunately unlike the original handbags there are no shoulder straps to make our commute to the office easier, but I love the looks.

Practicality hasn’t been forgotten altogether though. The accessories feature pockets, easy headphone access, and padding to protect your precious tech toys.

The new season Mulberry for Apple goods are available from Mulberry and Apple stores around the world and online.

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: Mulberry]

Mulberry Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Mulberry, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The moment my eyes settled on this Devi Kroell Origami Eel Clutch I was in love. In the immortal words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, let me count the ways.

Of course there is that stunning origami texture, which adds more drama than regular eel skin could. Each and every fold is perfectly executed and lovely. All over textures can be overwhelming in the wrong hands, but Devi Kroell ensures that’s never the case here.

Then there’s the eel skin itself, in that vibrant turquoise blue. What a gorgeous material, and a gorgeous color to match. It might not strike you as a very versatile choice, but this unexpected tone can give any outfit a lift. From already colorful outfits to classic neutrals, you’ll be surprised how adaptable this purse is.

And let’s not forget about the metal box chain, a striking strap which is much more appealing than those bland dainty chains we typically see attached to evening bags. This isn’t a practical afterthought; it’s as style statement. I’m almost positive it won’t feel comfortable against your bare shoulder, but I love the look so much I’m willing to put up with a bit of pain.

The price is the biggest sticking point for me though. At $1790 it isn’t exorbitant for an exotic, but with all those folds it’s almost impossible to really appreciate the eel skin for what it is. Any regular leather might have done the same job, and left more money in our pocket.

They say that love is all about recognizing the flaws and embracing them. And I must say, while I know it’s not perfect I’m still utterly enamored with this Devi Kroell purse.

More Features of This Devi Kroell Eel skin Purse

• Flap over closure
• Made in Italy
• Also available in bamboo and black

Get this Devi Kroell Origami Handbag:

• Available to buy at Devi Kroell
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Devi Kroell bags on BagBunch
• The Melie Bianco Loop tote bag, a great alternative to this origami bag.
• Searching for more Devi Kroell bags on eBay
• Other eel clutch bags on eBay:

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Isabel Toledo is preparing to launch her first collection of shoes and handbags for Payless Shoeshource. The affordable collection marries the designer’s enthusiasm for art and fashion.

“The main inspiration for my first Payless collection was to create a line of shoes that I could wear on a daily basis and that would make a bold fashion statement, but also be very functional too,” said Toledo. “I am a New Yorker and I walk all over the city and in the fall that means all sorts of bad weather. These shoes have a strong graphical tone, are fresh new essentials for every woman’s fall closet, and are an affordable way to make a strong statement from the ground up.“

On looking at the collection, it feels like Toledo has spent too much time on the shoes, leaving the bags as a mere afterthought. While the pumps, high heeled wedges, ankle booties, and flats and contemporary and stylish, the purses seem uninspired. Comparing this cheap looking Silver tote to the matching boot is a great example of what I’m talking about. What do you think?

The collection has enjoyed an early launch at Paris’ Collette store ahead of its official debut at Payless stores across America on September 7.

[Source: The Glamazon Diaries]

Payless Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Payless, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Diane Von Furstenberg channels the 80s with this fun Marlene Lace Clutch.

The black floral lace body may well have been made from the same material as Madonna’s famous fingerless gloves. This retro fabric is offset with a colorful mosaic brooch. This accent is striking, and really the star here. The vibrant turquoise and gentle lilac beads are made from gorgeous swirled enamel, which sits in a geometric pattern against a black leather back. The accent has a vaguely tribal feel to it; it shouldn’t work with this retro style but somehow it does.

With the strap tucked away this purse is perfect for parties with friends, or even a black tie affair if you know how to dress it. With the cross-body chain out though the Marlene becomes a more casual accessory, ready to add a hint of glamour to your everyday wardrobe. Packrats may struggle to carry everything they want during the day though, but this clutch does afford us more space than the average evening accessory. With some careful packing, I think it could really make a daytime outfit something special.

That day to night versatility makes the Marlene’s $250 price tag seem quite reasonable indeed.

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Lace Clutch

• Gunmetal hardware
• Magnetic snap closure
• Mesh lined interior
• A cross-body chain strap with a 20.75 inch drop
• Measures 5.25 x 8.75 x 0.375 inches
• Also available in purple and black

Get this Diane Von Furstenberg Marlene Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane Von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Menbur Lace Bow bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Diane Von Furstenberg bags on eBay
• Other lace clutch bags on eBay:

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