Tory Burch is known for creating uptown classics, but lately she’s been experimenting with slightly edgier designs. That doesn’t mean that any of the upscale, uptown appeal of her work has dissipated, it’s just sort of been added to by this new approach. This Carson messenger bag is a great example of Burch’s new, more complex design sensibility.

The black leather of the bag is is smooth and soft, but it’s the chain accents that really make it work. I love the way they are arranged in neat rows. The use of black chain makes the Carson look simultaneously edgy and classy, which is an amazing balance.

I know that, technically, the Carson is a messenger bag. It has a pretty classic messenger shape, but it is so freaking cool, that it’s really hard to lump this bag into the same category with, say, Yak Paks or something.

I am surprisingly not completely horrified by the $550 price tag. It’s expensive, but this is the kind of bag that will last you a lifetime, and with its timeless design, it will look cool year after year, no matter what trends come and go.

More Features Of The Tory Burch Carson Messenger Bag

• 12″ x 9″ x 2″ size
• 19″ strap drop
• Internal zipper pocket
• Fully lined in sand twill
• Leather lined handbag mirror

Get this Tory Burch Carson Messenger Leather Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tory Burch bags on BagBunch
• The Tory Burch studded leather bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Tory Burch bags  on eBay
• Other black leather messenger bags on eBay:
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Alexander Wang is a hot young darling of the fashion world. His clean, avant garde aesthetic has managed to appeal to a much wider audience than your average experimentalist designer. This Anita bag is a good example of how he brings minimalist style to a level loved by the masses.

The textured black leather of this bag is soft, but durable. I love how, with the exception of some well-placed studding (which is actually functional for shortening or lengthening the shoulder strap), the entire surface of the bag has been kept minimal and unembellished. It lets the natural beauty of the material shine through, and transforms practical design features, such as straps and buckles, into accents.

The shape of this bag is also minimal. It’s just a simple square bag that manages to exude downtown chic. The exposed top zipper gives the bag an edgy, rocker look, which the buckle strap enhances. Not only that, but the strap also ensures that the bag is extra secure, which is great for urbanites who spend a lot of time on public transportation, or women who just want a little extra protection.

The multitude of handle options makes the Anita a very practical option. Unfortunately, at $1,100, practicality comes at a price too pretty for most of us.

More Features Of The Alexander Wang Anita Leather Bag

• 13″ x 10″ x 5″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Fully lined
• Interior zip-fastening pouch pocket

Get this Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on eBay
• The Alexander Wang Coco Duffel Bag, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang handbags on eBay
• Other black leather  satchels on eBay:
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MCM is continuing to forge its American fashion comeback with plans to release a new handbag collection inspired by the classic Boston bag. The range looks to combine traditional looks with cutting edge design.

There are five different styles in all; the signature printed Cognac bag, the Mongolian bag with its dangling foxtail, the black nylon jacquard Himalayan bag, the golden stitched Embroidery bag, and finally the delicately studded Stud Degradee bag. Each Boston is mid-sized and sold with a matching purse.

Of course, with any collection like this some of the designs work better than others. I find the foxtail on the Mongolian just as repulsive as I did on all those Louis Vuitton handbags, and the stitching on the embroidery bag seems messy rather than post modern. But I do love the dainty treatment of the studs on the Stud Degradee bag, so the line isn’t a total loss.

We’ll see these new MCM Boston bags in MCM boutiques and selected retail outlets around the globe this September.

[Source: Moodie Report]

Boston Bags on eBay

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If you’re looking for a handbag that’s loud and proud, you’ve come to the right place. Feast your eyes on this flamboyant Metallic Leopard Satchel from Dan W.

This is a handbag that’s unashamedly brash. From the bold leopard print spots covering its synthetic body to the sparkling gems adorning the silvery vertical accents, it’s an accessory that makes a firm style statement. Whether it says what you want a handbag to say though is strictly a matter of personal taste!

If you love its looks, the design will do nothing to change your mind. The silvery satin lining is every bit as glitzy as the exterior, and its synthetic trimmed pockets are made to last. There’s also enough space to carry everything you need and then some, while the long shoulder straps make toting easy once the satchel is full.

This Dan W satchel is available in a choice of three shades: brown topaz, ivory, and this orangey coral tone. If it’s won your heart, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s relatively affordable at $116.

More Features of This Dan W Animal Print Satchel

• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 17.5 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Dan W Metallic Leopard Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dan W bags on BagBunch
• The Dan W Metallic Leopard cross-body bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Dan W bags on eBay
• Other leopard satchel bags on eBay:

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It’s time to pull your structured handbags out of the closet, as the ladylike styles are set to be the must-have accessory for fall.

The clean lines of these vintage-inspired accessories are the perfect foil for the long 50s style skirts and tailored jackets we’re all going to wear.

While large structured bags are likely to be the big sellers, classic silhouette satchels and frame bags won’t look out of place either. All these styles will suit any occasion, except for very formal evening events, and work with every outfit as well from jeans to cocktail dresses.

If you don’t have a structured handbag in your closet already, look to new interpretations from Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. These contemporary purses are roomier than the vintage designs, and they make the most of modern innovations with cell phone pockets and attachable cross-body straps.

“It’s a way of modernizing a shape that was big in the 50s and 60s,” explained Julia Kalachnikoff, accessories director for Lucky magazine. She adds that the bags are “the eventual backlash” against studs and other heavy hardware. “It’s nice to be cleaned up and keep things a little more simple.“

Muted colors will also be big this season; look for these bags in camel, soft greens, and gentle blues.

But as mentioned these structured bags won’t work at night, so what will? Kalachnikoff suggests we should look to envelope style clutches. If you’re stepping out after work, she suggests carrying large, unadorned designs.

“Instead of being in evening fabrics, like sequins and satin, there’s a lot of rich leather and the shapes are little bit bigger and suitable for day.“

I love the move to classic vintage styles this season. Something tells me they won’t date quickly, and when they do they’ll be back in vogue before we know it!

[Source: The Detroit News]

Structured Handbags on eBay

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I love the way hobos are becoming less boho and more elegant these days. A great example of this growing trend is this sophisticated Jasper bag from Cynthia Vincent.

The designer takes a few liberties with its shape, but remains true to the hobo’s ethos. The style’s trademark slouch is ever present, but its lush leather body makes sure this relaxed silhouette doesn’t look sloppy. The texture of this skin is also worthy of praise; tiny angular slashes are cut out of the skin to dazzling effect. In the hands of a lesser designer the leather could have simply looked damaged, but here it’s modern and edgy. In short, I love it.

The rolled double handles also strike the right balance between style and comfort. They’re so modern, and much more interesting than traditional plain handles, yet practicality hasn’t been forgotten.

Admittedly it’d take a lot to turn me off this hobo, but Cynthia Vincent does enough to keep my interest inside. She gives us plenty of space, and generously sized leather pockets which are made to last. Then there’s the magnetic snap closure, which keeps our goodies safe without interrupting the Jasper’s clean lines.

And then there’s the price of $450. It’s not exactly small change, but more than reasonable for a bag of such luxury, style, and substance.

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Leather Hobo

• Nylon lined interior
• Dual handles with a 7.75 inch shoulder strap
• Measures 15.5 x 19 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cynthia Vincent Jasper Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cynthia Vincent bags on BagBunch
• The Celine Dimitri hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Cynthia Vincent bags on eBay
• Other black leather hobo bags on eBay:

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We aren’t used to seeing simple bags from Juicy Couture; we are much more used to seeing velour creations, or hot pink Barbie bags.

However, elegant is exactly what the Juicy Items tote is. Sure, it still has that famous logo all over it, but you would expect that from a brand whose main custom is in selling items with its coat of arms emblazoned across it. You would expect nothing less. However, the soft and generally yucky velour is gone, and so are the bright colors. Instead, you could use this on a day to day basis, without attracting too much attention.

In my opinion, a bold but classy logo and black canvas body are a better way to show off your branded belongings than things that go over-the-top. However, die hard Juicy fans may find this hard to stomach, as it does depart from brand’s the normal over-decorated style.

Perhaps this tote will pull in some new customers?

More Features of this Juicy Couture Shopping Tote

• Yellow and black signature lining
• Exterior slip pocket
• Canvas glitter logo
• Handy top zip closure

Get this Classy Juicy Items Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Juicy Couture Pammy tote, a great alternative to this canvas bag.
• Searching for more shopping totes on eBay
• Other Juicy Couture bags on eBay:

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This Nicole Miller evening bag deserves recognition for daring to look different to all the other clutches out there.

Unlike many of the more unique handbags, the Jolie clutch still manages to be pretty formal. Instead of going over-the-top, the designer has concentrated her efforts on finding a way to make quilting and sumptuous texture marry happily with a simple fold-over design. The result, to our benefit, is a handbag that will be a conversation starter, but which won’t outdo your outfit!

So, what is that strange bag made of? Well, it looks to me like a incredibly complex stitched satin, in a rich shade of golden olive green. This quilted fabric is then folded to create pleats, and make this clutch enter a whole new level of complexity. I like the design, but I can understand how there may actually be a little too much going on for some people.

Smart and unusual, I think this satin clutch is a great way to make a statement.

More Features of this Nicole Miller Jolie Purse

• Metallic interior and exterior
• Stitched and folded exterior fabric
• No carrying option

Get this Quilted Folded Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More clutch bags on BagBunch
• The Santi pleated clutch, a great alternative to this folded bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Nicole Miller bags on eBay:

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It might be crafted in France, but this Tartan Tote from Comme des Garcons proudly channels Scottish style.

This is a simple woolen tote made more interesting thanks to the bold tartan print. This is no shy, retiring plaid. While Burberry opts for muted tones, Comme des Garcons prefers a bold meeting of red, blue, and white. These vibrant shades combine with the tote’s woolen material to make the bag seem ideal for cooler weather. It might be warm right now, but while the fashion world is looking forward to the next season, why can’t we?

But I really do expect more for my dollar. The design seems too simplistic to command $235, both inside and out. There is no clasp and just a single open pocket, so we don’t get a lot of security or organizational aid. The plain cotton lining is also disappointing in just a dull, boring black.

This is a fun tote to be sure, but nothing that you won’t find cheaper by a lesser known designer. If labels matter you might be able to justify the splurge, but I think I’ll look elsewhere.

More Features of This Comme des Garcons Wool Tote

• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 15.5 x 1 inches

Get this Comme des Garcons Tartan Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Comme des Garcons bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Tartan Erica Sac bag, a great alternative to this plaid bag.
• Searching for more Comme des Garcons bags on eBay
• Other tartan tote bags on eBay:

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