Felix Rey ushers in summer with this Sardinia Clutch.

Felix Rey has served up so many whimsical novelties of late that it’s strange to spy a purse so traditional from its collection. Personally I think that classic style makes the Sardinia much more wearable than its sisters, although fans of the label may feel it’s lacking in personality. It is admittedly reserved, but I think there’s a sweet coastal charm to its natural toned woven raffia body. The chunky weave makes it feel quite rustic, but that homespun appeal is balanced nicely by the chocolate leather accents.

The Sardinia is a good mid-sized clutch, so it should suit daytime use and even a casual after five outing. The zippered internal pocket is a convenient touch, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of shoulder strap. Any purse meant for everyday use really deserves this little extra, especially when we’re paying $140.

That’s not exorbitant for a clutch purse, but with so many similar raffia clutches on the market I think Felix Rey will struggle to find buyers. After all, many of those similar clutches cost less, and come equipped with those vital shoulder straps.

More Features of This Felix Rey Woven Raffia Clutch

• Magnetic snap underneath the buckle
• Fully lined leopard print interior
• Measures 7 x 10.5 x 1 inches

Get this Felix Rey Sardinia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Felix Rey bags on BagBunch
• The Felix Rey Cockatoo Basket bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Felix Rey bags on eBay
• Other woven raffia clutch bags on eBay:

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Just how clean is your handbag? According to a recent study conducted by Initial Washroom Solutions, the answer is not very!

A bunch of keys was judged the filthiest item in any handbag, with levels of grime 33 per cent dirtier than what most would consider clean. The zip on a wallet was the next grubbiest element, followed by the handbag zip itself.

Perhaps that’s unsurprising, because less than five per cent of survey respondents said they disinfected their purse regularly, while just three per cent said they sanitized their keys. I certainly don’t take such preventive measures, do you?

Like some 74 per cent of respondents, removing rubbish and old receipts about the extent of my handbag cleaning! As I’m not one of the 52 per cent who keep food in my handbag, I’m happy that I don’t find crumbs, as 34 per cent of respondents do, or discarded candy wrappers, like a whopping 75 per cent!

These statistics are pretty interesting, as I’ve always favored zippered bags for their security over drawstring clasps or magnetic snaps. Perhaps it’s time I rethought that stance for the sake of my health!

Are you surprised to hear how filthy handbags really are?

[Source: The Journal]
[Image Source: Johanna Ljungblom/Stock.xchng]

Enjoy classic style for less with this Purple Patent Clutch Bag from Evans.

This purse’s glossy patent finish looks luxe, but it’s actually made from synthetic rather than real leather. While the material’s a bit thinner than the genuine article, it’s hard to spot the difference. Except, that is, if you look at the price. We’d never enjoy a real leather clutch for a mere ₤14!

Other than the material, I’m not really sure where Evans has skimped. The silver hardware is sturdy and it comes with a detachable chain strap for hands-free carrying. I wouldn’t call it large but it’s amply proportioned for after five wear and even daytime use if you know how to travel lightly.

Such a simple purse will never inspire bag envy, but it’s destined to become a wardrobe staple. And in this regal shade of purple this purse is also a lot of fun. Style and substance rarely come this cheaply!

More Features of This Evans Envelope Clutch

• Silver-toned hardware
• Measures 6 x 10.5 inches

Get this Evans Patent Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Evans bags on BagBunch
• The Spiegel patent clutch bag, a great alternative to this purple bag.
• Searching for more Evans bags on eBay
• Other patent leather envelope clutch bags on eBay:

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Etienne Aigner gets colorblocking right with its Melinda Satchel.

The trend has prevailed for several seasons, but I’m still wondering when the tide will turn. When it does a subtly colorblocked bag like the Melinda will endure, while ones with wilder color palettes will date quickly.

None of the Melindas is too daring, but if you’re looking for a timeless option I think this neutral brown bag is the pick of them. The pop of color on the other versions is pleasing for now, but their longevity is questionable. However at $160, perhaps only the bargain hunters will worry about how long it’ll stay in vogue!

Whichever color palette you choose, you’ll appreciate the Melinda’s practical features. It’s a good mid-sized bag arranged well, with a spacious zippered pocket and quartet of open pouches inside and another slip on the back. The handles are a shade too short for my liking, but with a longer attachable strap provided that’s no real concern.

The Melinda is part of the new breed of Etienne Aigner bags, a satchel that looks much fresher than its tired logo covered designs. If the label can continue to create such modern accessories for such little money I’ll be impressed!

More Features of This Etienne Aigner Colorblocked Satchel

• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• A convertible strap with a 14.5 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 12.5 x 9 inches

Get this Etienne Aigner Melinda Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Etienne Aigner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Etienne Aigner bags on BagBunch
• The orange Etienne Aigner Melinda bag, a great alternative to this colorblocked bag.
• Searching for more Etienne Aigner bags on eBay

FEED and Tory Burch have joined forces with high end Canadian department store Holt Renfrew to create a limited edition tote bag. A portion of sales from the $50 tote, available exclusively through Holt Renfrew stores, will be distributed amongst the FEED and Tory Burch Foundations.

This is a true collaborative effort, with FEED’s signature burlap fabric married with Tory Burch’s favorite neon colors. The logos of both companies are stencilled on to each tote.

It’s always a little disappointing when we see companies donate an undisclosed portion of the profits to charity, rather than our entire contribution. However perhaps we can take comfort in Holt Renfrew’s goals. The retailer hopes to raise $100,000 through the fundraising initiative. The FEED Foundation’s share will buy 500,000 meals for children in need. The remaining $50,000 will fund microfinancing schemes and mentoring programs to empower women and children in developing communities through the Tory Burch Foundation.

The FEED and Tory Burch bags will be available for $50 from the Holt Renfrew website from April 30 before being rolled out to the Canadian stores on May 10. Tory Burch will make a special appearance at Holt Renfrew’s Toronto flagship store on Bloor Street at 10 am on May 10 to celebrate the launch.

[Source: PR Newswire]

Tory Burch Bags on eBay

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It seems Lulu Guinness isn’t the only one fond of a lippy print. Emilio Pucci offers an Egyptian interpretation of this romantic body part with the Luxor Lips print tote.

While Guinness’ lip prints are playful novelties, Pucci’s pattern is much more abstract. In fact, if I didn’t know its name I might not know the designs were meant to be mouths at all. The simple shapes seem like modern hieroglyphics in feminine pink and purple hues. Emilio Pucci’s signature is nestled discreetly amongst the expectant pouts.

I’m in two minds about the pattern, which represents a real departure for Emilio Pucci. On one hand the artistic design is subtle, and therefore more wearable than Pucci’s usual prints. However those wild psychedelic designs are Pucci’s trademark. I frankly miss the rainbow of colors as I look at this fairly pedestrian design.

The Luxor Lips is a fairly simple tote, but it’s got enough functional features to impress us. Its interior is generously sized and kitted out with a zippered pocket and pair of gadget pouches. There’s also a zip running across the top to keep everything secure. The rolled handles are substantial, but you may find it easier to attach the longer strap if you’re wearing a winter coat.

At $890 this tote does seem expensive for what it is though. While there is a little calfskin here and there, it’s mostly just made of polyester after all. This is another example of paying for the name rather than the design behind it.

More Features of This Emilio Pucci Printed Tote

• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• An attachable, adjustable strap with a 15 to 18 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 10.75 x 6 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Emilio Pucci Luxor Lips Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilio Pucci bags on BagBunch
• The Emilio Pucci Beach Tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Emilio Pucci bags on eBay
• Other lip print tote bags on eBay:

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London College of Fashion graduate Julia Elizabeth Crew is giving back to the planet with her newly launched London fashion studio, Here Today Here Tomorrow.

Here Today Here Tomorrow is a hub for sustainable design. It employs artisans skilled in knitting, screen printing, and other craft techniques. It also onsells fair trade knit pieces produced by the Association of Craft Producers of Kathmandu. For her part, Julia Elizabeth Crew crafts reclaimed, second-hand, and end-of-roll materials to create women’s handbags and accessories. How darling are these colorful little coin purses?

The skills of all Here Today Here Tomorrow’s employees and associated artisans come together to create the boutique’s collection of apparel and accessories that are contemporarily styled and sustainable.

Here Today Here Tomorrow offers its customers a fun shopping experience that’s good for the planet and its people, but it doesn’t end there. The staff shares their skills with the public through creative workshops. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning how to knit, tie-dye, or even mend your own accessories and apparel, why not sign up?

We can’t all visit the store in the London district of Dalton but we can shop with Here Today Here Tomorrow. Its apparel and accessories items are all available online to shoppers around the world via the Folksy website.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Emilie Sloane goes pretty in pink with this Diane Cross-Body Bag.

This purse is perfectly pleasant, with a sugary pink base and cute floral print. The lime green trim and strap are an adorable complement to the Diane’s feminine finish. It looks pretty, but something tells me it might be a bit too cutesy for full grown fashionistas.

The Diane isn’t very luxurious, but Emilie Sloan has carefully chosen its materials. Its cotton body is coated with a plastic veneer to resist water and stain damage. The fabric is also really lightweight, although a purse so small will never weigh us down.

I find carrying a small purse liberating. You feel lighter as you step out, unencumbered by possessions you don’t need. But all the space in a small purse needs to be usable. Emilie Sloan’s divided the Diane’s interior into too many sections, and all those compartments are too small to carry anything of substance. A purse should be able to hold a regular wallet at the very least.

At $64 the Diane is affordable, but I’m still not buying it. This bag just isn’t beautiful enough to get away with being impractical.

More Features of This Emilie Sloan Coated Cotton Cross-Body Bag

• A single adjustable, removable strap
• Made in China

Get this Emilie Sloan Diane Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilie Sloan bags on BagBunch
• The Emilie Sloan Payton wristlet bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Emilie Sloan bags on eBay
• Other floral cross-body bags on eBay:

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Elliott Lucca puts an elegant spin on an old favorite with its Cartagena Tote.

The Cartagena tote is a traditional tote in many ways, but the band of woven leather around the base elevates it above the pack. This weave is every bit as beautiful as the finish we see on those luxury Bottega Veneta bags. However as it’s used sparingly it doesn’t drive the price sky high.

The weave is the Cartegana’s most unusual feature, but it’s also worth mentioning its bold cayenne color. It seems fitting that this shade of red is named after a spice, as it brings some real heat to this fairly simple design. Its warm undertones make it so wearable all year round.

The Cartagena is spacious, but its pockets ensure it doesn’t feel unmanageable. There’s a large zippered pocket on the back and another one inside, as well as two handy internal pouches for gadgets.

Really the only thing isn’t missing is some metal feet. We wouldn’t necessarily expect such protection on a $298 bag, but I do worry how the base will look after a few seasons. When employing such luxury materials, it seems a shame to expose them to the elements.

It might not look as smart after several seasons wear, but for a mere $298 I’m sure we’ll get plenty of wear from the Cartagena.

More Features of This Elliott Lucca Woven Detail Tote

• Magnetic top
• Fully lined with fabric
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 14 x 4 inches

Get this Elliott Lucca Cartagena Handbag:

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

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• Check the Sharon’s Treasures and More eBay store to see if this Elliott Lucca bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elliott Lucca bags on BagBunch
• The tribal Elliott Lucca Cartagena bag, a great alternative to this red bag.
• Searching for more Elliott Lucca bags on eBay

Lacoste has extended its polo shirt inspired L.12.12 Shopper Project line for fall/winter 2012.

The collection’s accessories combine petite pique and leather in colors inspired by Lacoste’s iconic polos. As its name suggests, shoppers are the collection’s centrepieces. There are seven in all with sizes ranging from small to extra large. For the new season, Lacoste has built on the shopper collection and added new shapes including a flat vertical tote bag, a large shoulder bag, and a clutch.

Lacoste International Travel Retail Director Catherine Bonelli says the L.12.12. bags are ideal for travelers, who should appreciate the washable fabrics and affordable prices.

“It takes the Lacoste brand to a new wider consumer audience, and is fabulous for travellers looking for something for themselves or a gift that is minimalistic and very chic,” she explained.

Lacoste’s new L.12.12 Shopper Project collection will make its debut next month at the Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Show in Singapore. It will then be rolled out into stores, including its new flagship outlets in Hamburg, Montreal, London, Tokyo, and the soon to be opened Shanghai boutique.

Lacoste isn’t a label I usually associate with accessories, but the bold red color and minimalist design of the L.12.12 Shopper pictured has caught my eye. Has it encouraged you to think differently about Lacoste?

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Lacoste Handbags on eBay

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