Amish Leather Workers Make Man Bags for BillyKirk | Vegetable Dyed Accessories Get Better with Age

Posted on: Aug 9

BillyKirk’s creates masculine looking murses with a splash of eco cred.

The label can’t really be classed as green, as it does use leather in all its designs, but it does its best to make this luxury skin a bit more environmentally friendly. Each BillyKirk bag is handcrafted with domestic or Italian leather by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania. They then use vegetable dye to color the bags with time-honored techniques. This process is much more environmentally sound than chrome dying. To help the leathers age well, the skins are then hand-treated with natural oil and beeswax.

BillyKirk prides itself on the patina that develops on the leather in time. In fact, the label invites customers to send in photos of their favorite BillyKirk bags years after their original purchase. I’m sure those snaps help to encourage bag lovers to invest in the BillyKirk bags.

The murses aren’t cheap, with most priced at a couple of hundred dollars, but they’re quite reasonable for hand-crafted leather goods. Get yours at selected stores in North America, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, or shop online at the BillyKirk website.

[Source: Magnifeco]
[Image Source: BillyKirk]

Handmade Leather Bags on eBay

[phpbay]handmade leather bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Baby Phat Benton Hobo | Studded Ruched Black Synthetic Satchel

Posted on: Aug 9

Baby Phat is known for creating flamboyant and feminine accessories, but with this Benton hobo the label has released a purse which doesn’t scream so loudly.

Not that the Benton is a shy retiring thing, but it doesn’t have the trademark terry cloth or pink tones we expect from the brand. Instead it’s made from classic black synthetic. This soft material is gently pleated to create that characteristic hobo slouch. It looks a little too glossy to pass for leather, but the man-made material also keeps the price down under the magic $100 mark. It’s all a question of priorities, and of course your budget.

This man-made material is embellished with a smattering of delicate gold-toned studs. This kind of hardware is becoming a bit passé, but it’s so subtle here that we could probably carry it even when the studded trend is through. I also like the way these shiny studs complement the large polished turn-lock clasp.

This clasp works with the top zip closure to keep our precious cargo doubly secure. You can fit plenty of it in the ample interior, and the large zippered pocket and multifunctional pouch do their best to keep your smaller items in order.

Baby Phat fans may long for something more ostentatious here, but I’m glad to see the brand’s more reserved side at work.

More Features of This Benton Studded Satchel

  • A ribbon like handle with logo embossed gold beads and a 13 inch drop
  • Measures 16 x 14.5 x 3 inches
  • Made in China

Get this Baby Phat Benton Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Seaoats Turns Recycled Fabrics into Eco-Friendly Purses and Pencil Pouches

Posted on: Aug 8

Preloved fabrics get a new lease of life under the clever hands of eco-friendly brand Seaoats.

Seaoats designer Malina takes old trousers, vintage curtains, cloth napkins, and sheets and makes them into cute clutch purses, pencil cases, and other accessories. Even the interior linings are made from repurposed materials! Malina then emblazons them with screen printed designs colored with water-based, PVC-free eco-friendly inks. Once she’s finished with them, you’d never guess at the former lives of these fabrics!

The obliging designer has quite a selection of goodies at her Etsy store, but if you’d prefer one of the purses in another color, size, or print Malina will do her best to accommodate you. Now that’s what I call customer service!

All Seaoats eco-friendly purses and pouches currently available are priced at less than $30, a steal for handcrafted accessories in my book! You can get yours at the Seaoats Etsy store.

[Source: Seaoats]

Recycled Material Clutch Bags on eBay

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

B. Makowsky Palermo Shoulder Bag | Classic Cinnamon Brown Leather Purse

Posted on: Aug 8

There’s a time and place for It bags, but if your budget is a bit more limited you’re better served looking at timeless designs like this Palermo shoulder bag.

This is the kind of purse that will happily blend into the background, but that’s not altogether a bad thing. While it won’t turn a lot of heads, it also won’t date either. That classic design coupled with the buttery soft leather makes sure you can happily carry the Palermo for many seasons to come.

It also helps us get away with some unexpected shades. This cinnamon tone is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, a surprisingly feminine mix of light brown and pink. I also like the pop of the yellowy butterscotch Palermo. Of course, B. Makowsky offers more traditional options like brown, black, and navy blue, but I think I prefer the more unusual tones.

B. Makowsky never fails to deliver what girls on the go want, and he doesn’t let us down here. The Palermo is surprisingly spacious, with zippered and slide pockets inside for keeping your small items organized. These complement the zippered front pocket, which offers a handy space for the items you want on hand.

At $188, this Palermo purse is a reasonably priced accessory that will look just as good today as it does in a couple of year’s time.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Leather Shoulder Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Interior lining
  • A 22 inch single shoulder strap with an 8.5 inch drop
  • Measures 5 x 11 x 8.5 inches
  • Made in China

Get this B. Makowsky Palermo Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Victoria Beckham Collaborates with Katie Hillier on Signature Handbag Collection | Posh Spice Designs Purses

Posted on: Aug 8

We heard of Victoria Beckham’s plans for a signature handbag line last August, but now it seems the project is picking up steam. It’s been confirmed that the former Posh Spice will work with accessories designer Katie Hillier on the purses.

There is a bag line in development and Katie has consulted on the technical aspects of bag construction in line with her experience in the industry,” a spokesperson for Beckham explained. “As with all her ranges, Victoria has sought the best consultants to ensure the highest level of quality at manufacture for her designs.

Just like Victoria, Katie Hillier knows a thing or two about fashion. The designer has worked with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Luella, and Henry Holland in the past. Their shared taste for contemporary reinterpretations of classic style looks should give fashion fans some indication what to expect.

There’s no word yet on when Victoria Beckham’s handbags will be released, so start saving your pennies!

[Source: StyleIte]
[Image Source: Ron Whisky/Wikipedia Commons]

Victoria Beckham Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Victoria Beckham, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Marc by Marc Jacobs Madder Carmine Twill Tote | Cute And Kitschy Kiss-Printed Twill Tote

Posted on: Aug 8

Marc Jacobs has an eclectic design sensibility that appeals to a wide variety of women. When he does edgy, it’s always refined enough to be tasteful, and when he does cute, it’s never precious. This Madder Carmine tote is a great example of a cute bag that doesn’t look like it was made for a six year-old.

The deep eggplant-y purple of this bag contrasts well with the red kiss print. The nice thing about this print is that while it’s enough to be noticeable, the dark print isn’t overdone. It also has an abstract quality that makes it look not quite as cutesy as it could.

The traditional tote shape is a good pick for this print. A more complicated shape would have made this bag way too busy. I usually don’t condone buying cotton tote bags that cost more than $100, but this one has a few things going for it that make it okay with me. For one thing, it is fully lined, and for another it has super cute details like the knotted strap and side pockets.

The Madder Carmine isn’t really a great buy at $180, but if I had the cash I would still snap it up.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Madder Carmine Twill Tote

  • Concealed magnetic fastening
  • Internal zipper pockets
  • Fully lined in signature twill

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Madder Carmine Tote:

You may also be interested in:

Ashley M Zipper Edge Trim Hobo | Affordable Red Faux Suede Rosette Handbag

Posted on: Aug 8

Ashley M has always been the go-to brand for kitschy, and arguable classless, accessories. So I was surprised to see this remarkably on-trend hobo come from this flamboyant label.

I’m not suggesting that Ashley M reinterprets the trends with the same style or finesse of a European fashion house, but there are certainly elements that resemble the accessories these brands produce. The zipper-edged rosette is the most obvious drawcard; this hard metal trim toughens up the traditionally girly flower accent. I also love the way the thick suede-like material helps the petals sit just so. This material may not be real suede, but it has all the charm of this opulent material, if not the same staying power. As fall weather approaches, soft, plush fabrics like this are beginning to enjoy more time in the spotlight.

It’s called a hobo, but I definitely doesn’t deliver what we expect from this handbag style. The suede slouches slightly, but this bag has more structure than a typical hobo. Its silhouette isn’t crescent shaped, and it’s barely got a hint of bohemian style about it. But what’s in a name anyway? If you like what Ashley M has done here, it won’t matter what they’ve called it after all.

This suede-like bag is well appointed, with side pockets and plenty of space inside. Zip and slip pockets in the side wall help to make this generously sized space easier for us to manage.

There’s a lot to like here, not least of all is the price. At $34, this Ashley M zipper edge hobo is a steal.

More Features of This Ashley M Rosette Hobo

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Fabric lined interior
  • Measures 7 x 9 x 18 inches

Get this Ashley M Zipper Edge Suede Like Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Tory Burch Metallic Logo Clutch | Chic And Shiny Silver Metallic Leather Clutch

Posted on: Aug 8

Tory Burch is known for her refined, classic style, but lately she has been coming out with some eye-catching, street smart designs that will appeal to a more downtown demographic. This logo clutch mixes her traditional taste with a lot of bling.

The metallic silver leather has such a smooth finish that it almost looks mirrored.  The effect is eye-catching and beautiful. But frankly, I’m a little tired of the metallic leather trend, and even on this classic bag it looks a little dated to me.

The shape of the clutch is really lovely. It’s almost saddle bag shaped, only small and carryable. The size is really great for an evening bag, as it is small enough to carry, but large enough to hold a compact, keys, and even a few cosmetics.

The removable gold-toned chain link strap sort of saves this bag for me. With the strap, it looks a little more chic and a little less five years ago. I’m not much on large logos, but the giant gold-toned logo at the center of the bag contrasts nicely with the silver leather and gives the bag a lot of pop.

Overall, this is a chic designer clutch, even if the silver leather isn’t really my thing, and it’s a good buy at $325.

More Features Of The Tory Burch Metallic Logo Clutch

  • Two internal zipper pockets
  • Leather lined handbag mirror

Get this Tory Burch Logo Clutch:

You may also be interested in:

Bottega Veneta Knot Marcapunto Stitched Clutch | Eye-Catching Hot Pink Quilted Leather Box Clutch

Posted on: Aug 7

Bottega Veneta makes classically beautiful items with modern verve. The line’s refined sense of taste and prescient design sensibility has given it a cultish fan base, and with hot sweet pieces like this Marcapunto clutch, it isn’t hard to see why.

The hot pink leather of the clutch is really striking, and the stitch detail creates a quilted pattern that is very of-the-moment. I’m not really sure why Bottega Veneta didn’t continue the pattern on the entire surface of the bag, however. The blank space front and center looks, well, a little blank.

The rounded rectangular shape of this hard-cased box clutch is one of my favorites. It’s so classic and chic that even covering it in almost neon pink leather doesn’t make it look trendy or dated. The signature Bottega knot clasp adds to its classic appeal and the brass color contrasts nicely with the cool pink tone.

At $1,150, this Marcapunto clutch is pricey, but it’s the kind of piece that you’ll be able to use for years, and even pass on throughout the generations.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Marcapunto Stitched Clutch

  • Tonal satin lining
  • 7″ x 4″ x 1″ size

Get This Bottega Veneta Marcapunto Clutch:

You may also be interested in:

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

Armpocket Offers Free Travel Purses to Taxed Flyers | Eco-Friendly Brand Strikes Back Against Spirit Airline Fees

Posted on: Aug 7

With travelers already paying a small fortune for flights around America, Spirit Airlines’ controversial decision to slug jetsetters an extra $30 for carry-on luggage has impressed no one. Now Armpocket, a brand who makes small eco-friendly travel accessories, are fighting back.

The Florida manufacturer will give anyone on the receiving end of these fees $30 online store credit, effectively reimbursing the charges and offering a solution to traditional carry-on bags.

This is a win-win for travelers. We’re fully crediting them for the cost of these ridiculous fines,” said Mark Morgan, Co-Founder of Armpocket Enterprises. “And yes, with Armpocket, they’ll never have to worry about carry-ons that don’t fit in the overhead. It’s all you need to store your portables.

To earn the credit flyers should Twitter @ Armpocket any time this month with proof of the charges. The $30 credit is enough for these travelers to score a free Armpocket Xtreme 30.

The Armpocket is large enough to carry most travel essentials, including your cell phone, MP3 player, wallet, and passport. As its name suggests, the purse crafted from recycled plastic bottles easily attaches to your arm. And with one of these babies, you need never pay that nasty surcharge again!

[Source: Armpocket press release]
[Image Source: Armpocket]

Small Travel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]small travel bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]