Eco-friendly fashion label Holstee is cleaning up the streets of India with its recycled wallets.

The innovative wallets are actually crafted from the newspapers and other trash found on the roads of Delhi. No efforts are made to hide these materials; they’re celebrated with a design that acts as a kind of artistic collage.

The wallets are simpler than many shopaholics would like, with a slim design and only a handful of slots of credit cards. But the interiors are full lined, and embellished with Holstee’s inspirational motto “Live Your Dream.”

Holstee is happy to ship its unique wallets around the world, but it has partnered with the Carbon Fund Organization to offset the emissions this transport creates. The fashion label also donates 10% of its sales to Kiva, a charity which offers micro loans to communities in the developing world.

The Holstee recycled wallets are available online for $25 in gray, purple, or blue tints.

[Source: Cool Hunting]

Recycled Wallets on eBay

[phpbay]recycled wallet, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Coach gets bold with this Bella tote bag from its youth-oriented Poppy line.

Louis Vuitton brought back graffiti style prints recently with its Stephen Sprouse tribute collection, but I think Coach brings something new to the table here. I really like the mix of edgy and feminine here; the thick black outlines make the roses appear much less fussy, and the whole design really pops against the white fabric background.

That’s a bit of a double-edged sword though, as customers report that the pale material gets dirty very easily. And goodness knows this isn’t the kind of tote that will survive a trip through the washing machine. The metallic leather handles see to that! This probably limits this tote to occasional use rather than everyday wear, which is a bit disappointing for $369.99.

When you are carrying it though, this Bella tote won’t let you down. It’s generously sized and well appointed with slip and zip pockets and long dual handles. I love the pop of the hot pink lining, and the platform base which helps the tote sit up. If only there were some metal feet to keep the base clean when it’s set down!

Gripes aside, this is a fun tote which makes a big impression. Just don’t expect it to look so good after a few seasons!

More Features of This Coach Graffiti Floral Tote

• Dog-leash closure
• Dual metallic handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 19 x 14.5 x 7.25 inches

Get this Coach Poppy Bella Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Coach Poppy Bella graffiti tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Uptowngirl37 eBay store to see if this Coach bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Poppy Bella signature bag, a great alternative to this floral graffiti bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay

Louloubelle Bags has released a limited edition handbag called the Hazel to raise funds for the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT).

The Hazel was named after the rescue horse adopted by Louloubelle Bags designer and owner Louise O’Leary. It’s made of ethically source Tuscan leather in the same deep brown shade as her beloved horse.

“Having rescued horses myself, I wanted to help the IHWT, and the most obvious way for a designer to help is to design, and so I came up with the ‘Hazel’,” Ms O’Leary explained. “We need to be mindful of the hundreds of ill-treated and starving horses in Ireland who are unwilling victims of the downturn in the economy.“

The handcrafted Hazel bags would normally retail for €500, but Louise has discounted them by half to encourage buyers to indulge. All profits from the sales of these purses will reach the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. In addition, Louloubelle will donate 10% of the profits from any other bag in the autumn/winter collection to the charity.

The Hazel bags are available now from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust’s stand at the upcoming Royal Dublin Society horse show and Louloubelle Bags’ online store.

[Source: Independent]
[Image Source: Louloubelle Bags]

Charity Bags on eBay

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

Ordinarily I gush over Christian Louboutin’s luxurious accessories, but this Marianna Rider tote leaves me cold.

Of course there are the obvious ethical questions surrounding this bag. Fur may still spell opulence in many circles, but these days the use of animal pelts is becoming less socially acceptable. Some may suggest that the use of coyote skins is more appropriate than endangered species like snow leopard and tiger, but of course animal activists will disagree. But if you don’t mind the moral implications of carrying fur, this soft skin is easy to appreciate.

My problem with this shoulder bag goes beyond the use of fur; I’m just not impressed with its execution. The long black tassels which dangle down from the sides seem tacked on. Their boho appearance never quite gels with this wintery purse. I like the delicate chain straps in and of themselves, but they too seem out of place here. On a satiny clutch they’d be perfect, but they don’t really work here.

And then there’s that bottom line, a staggering $3945. I can think of much better ways to spend that kind of dough, can’t you?

More Features of This Christian Louboutin Coyote Fur Handbag

• Magnetic button closure
• Zip pockets inside
• Measures 12 x 14 x 7 inches

Get this Christian Louboutin Marianna Rider Handbag:

• Available to buy at Footcandy Shoes
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Roxy I Wish bag, a great faux alternative to this fur bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin bags on eBay
• Other coyote fur bags on eBay:

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I have mixed feelings about accessories newcomer Sara Berman. On the one hand, I think her designs are pared down interpretations of current trends at somewhat reasonable prices. But on the other hand, sometimes I find her design sense derivative and boring, and while I appreciate her slightly lower than average designer price points, I’m not really sure she’s ready to compete with the big dogs anyways.

This Charlotte pom pom tote is a good example of what I do like about Berman’s work. The deep purple suede is very of-the-moment, but it doesn’t come off as trendy or cliche. The suede is durable and soft, and I really appreciate the small details, like the center seam. Contrasting the suede with the black leather straps and accents gives it a slightly edgy, but still totally wearable, look.

The size and shape of the bag are also pretty ideal. I love a tote that can be used easily as way more than a tote, and this one really fits the bill. It’s practical enough for the office, but totally nightclub ready as well, if you’re into a boho rocker sort of look.

The pom poms are also really well done. For obvious reasons, it can be a little difficult to take pom poms seriously, but these are more chic than cutesy. The $505 price tag is, I think, a little steep, but not unheard of. Personally, I’m waiting to see what Berman comes up next, but the Charlotte is a solid offering on her part.

More Features Of The Sara Berman Charlotte Pom Pom Suede Tote

• 16″ x 19″ x 4″ size
• 9″ handle drop
• Fully lined in leopard-print fabric

Get this Decca Shoulder Bag by Sara Berman:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sara Berman bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag, hip alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Sara Berman bags on eBay
• Other purple suede totes on eBay:
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Alexander Wang was little known until a few years ago, when he was “discovered” by Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Since then, his career has made a straight shot to the top, and urban fashionistas, in particular, love his clean, minimal designs and quirky sense of humor. I’m not sure, however, that this Amber clutch showcases the best of his abilities.

The python-printed leather looks amazing in cream and grey. The pattern is so intricate and the texture is so realistic that it’s more than a little hard to tell that it’s faux. As a bonus, using high quality leather instead of an exotic skin keeps the price lower. Although, let’s be honest, Alexander Wang always comes at a price.

The shape of this clutch is interesting. Honestly, I just don’t really get it. I don’t really want my handbag to look like a notebook. Am I the only one? I’d rather just have a python-printed notebook instead of this clutch that has all the discomfort of the metal spiral rings and none of the writing surfaces.

I know, I know, it’s supposed to be tongue-in-cheek. I’m usually the first girl to jump on the avant garde bandwagon, but I think I’m gonna let this one roll out without me.

More Features Of The Alexander Wang Amber Leather Notebook Clutch

• 11″ x 7″ x 1″ size
• Three internal compartments
• Magnetic fastening

Get this Alexander Wang Amber Leather Notebook Clutch:

• 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 cool larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang handbags on eBay
• Other python clutches on eBay:
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Without fail, Etienne Aigner always manages to produce my favorite classic and simple shoulder bags. The key for me is in the great design and the reasonable pricing; this hobo only costs $109.

For the price you get a lot of handbag. The real leather is soft and in that rich tan shade that will go with anything. The cute bucket design neatly combines sleek curves with angular and well-executed structure. In essence, it is a traditional handbag with some lovely design features and quality materials. It can be a struggle to get this in a $1000 designer piece, let alone a more practical budget option!

Of course, as with all bags, there are some limitations. I’m not a great fan of the colorful striped lining, for example, although I admit that the compartmentalized style will really come in handy. They are all little niggles though, and there is very little stopping me rushing out and buying it right now. After all, this won’t go out of fashion, and will always look smart.

This structured hobo is a lovely design by Etienne Aigner, and gives plenty of pricier brands a run for their money.

More Features of this Etienne Aigner Adelaide Satchel

• Available in a range of other colors
• Soft genuine leather exterior
• Striped fabric lining
• Multiple interior pockets/compartments

Get this Structured Leather Hobo:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Etienne Aigner bags on BagBunch
• The Robert Clergerie Cimeones satchel, a great alternative to this traditional bag.
• Searching for more structured bags on eBay
• Other Etienne Aigner bags on eBay:

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What’s this, you say? A metal mesh clutch made by someone other than Whiting & Davis? Remarkable!

It may be a rare sight, but BCBG Max Azria has given the mesh masters a run for their money with this fold-over clutch. Instead of emulating the designers’ penchant for vintage looks and art nouveau, the label has instead chosen to create its own modern interpretation of this most traditional of materials. That interpretation involves letting the glistening gold speak for itself through a large expanse of liquid-looking slouchy metal. This is minimalist at the same moment as being sleek and elegant, and more than a little dramatic.

I am always a fan of fold-over clutches. They do, after all, give you a little more versatility, and that extra bit of room for your belongings. Some would argue that the shape is too informal for a posh event, but I think the gold mesh more than makes up for any break in the cleanness of the lines. Plus, the slouchy center will work well with all those Grecian maxi dresses out there!

At $128 this isn’t cheap, but I think it is a great and simple way to add some glitz to an evening look.

More Features of this BCBG Max Azria Evening Bag

• Also available in black and silver
• Fully lined in coordinating fabric
• Single interior zipped pocket
• Metal mesh exterior

Get this Gold Metal Mesh Clutch:

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

[phpbay]BCBG Metal Mesh Foldover Clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More metal mesh bags on BagBunch
• The Christian Louboutin Kathena clutch, a great alternative to this evening bag.
• Searching for more mesh bags on eBay

Christian Dior gives the Boston bag an equestrian makeover with this Ring Detail purse.

There’s definitely a preppy feel to this caramel colored leather bag, which is adorned in gold-tone rings arranged in a lattice design. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen, which is definitely saying something when you spend much of the day writing about handbags. Yet it’s such a simple idea, I wonder why another designer didn’t think of it sooner. It really gives this traditionally shaped bag a lift, helping it strike the right balance between classic and cutting edge.

Boston bags are renowned for their practicality, and this one is no exception. It’s generously sized and simply designed. Some may bemoan the single interior pocket, but remember there are two flap pockets on the sides. I think the uncluttered interior layout works here, as it allows us to easily carry large items. That makes this Boston bag suitable for work or weekend getaways.

That versatility is a lovely thing considering the $2800 price tag. It’s a significant investment to be sure, but one which girls with the funds probably won’t regret.

More Features of This Christian Dior Leather Boston Bag

• Two-way zip closure
• Four metal feet on the base
• Fabric lined interior
• Dual 18 inch handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 10 x 9 inches

Get this Christian Dior Ring Detail Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Dior bags on BagBunch
• The Aldo Buratti tote bag, a great alternative to this equestrian bag.
• Searching for more Christian Dior bags on eBay
• Other Christian Dior Boston bags on eBay:

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Petit Et Beau has released two new handbags for mini fashionistas, which might just make grown-up girls jealous!

The first is the Red Rose Diamante Bag, which takes its style cues from French fashion house Valentino. The bright red fabric roses aren’t as luxurious as the ones that donned the Valentino bags of course, but for £20 we wouldn’t expect them to be. They do enough to impress little girls though, especially with their sparkling red diamante accents. This pretty purse is surprisingly versatile considering its bargain price, with a detachable strap which turns the purse from a clutch to a shoulder bag in a snap.

The second option is the super chic Black Eco-Leather bag. The glossy patent crocodile scale body is decorated with an oversized black bow and embellished with glittering gems. Inside you’ll find three zippered compartments, and again we’re given a detachable shoulder strap. Not bad for £21!

Oh to be young again! These cute clutches are available online from Childrensalon.

[Source: Child Mode]

Girls Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]girls childrens, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]