Casually chic Parisian clothing brand JOIE has teamed up with Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach hotel to create a limited edition beach bag.

The collaboration might seem unexpected, but the brands are a natural fit. Despite its European heritage, JOIE has always been inspired by the lifestyle of Southern California. And when it comes to Californian retreats, few have the reputation of Shutters on the Beach. It’s a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, and a favorite amongst celebrities who want to holiday away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

The JOIE and Shutters on the Beach bag’s design is simple but stylish, with a white canvas body and contrasting tan leather-wrapped handles. Those handles add luxury, but I’m not sure how they’ll survive in the elements. There are more practical touches though. The lightweight wooden bottom will stop the bag toppling over in the sand, and its water-resistant pockets are ideal for keeping your cell phone and MP3 player safe from splashes.

Just 300 of the bags have been made, so you’ll need to be quick to score one. They retail for $175 from the Shutters hotel boutique, JOIE’s Parisian flagship store, and Shutters on the Beach’s website.

[Source: Luxist]

Canvas Beach Totes on eBay

[phpbay]canvas beach tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Online shopping website Modnique.com is celebrating Independence Day weekend with some amazing discounts on designer goods made, naturally, in the United States of America.

Bargain hunters will enjoy discounts of up to 90% on a range of fashion fare. There are handbags from Juicy Couture, casual wear from 7 For All Mankind, and some flirty evening attire from the Converse by John Varvatos line.

But be quick about it. As I write the sale has about a day and five hours to go, and the clock is ticking. Some of the hottest items have already sold out, and more are sure to follow before it officially closes.

Is there anything more patriotic than supporting homegrown designers? I think not. And remember, when you refer your friends you can earn some extra shopping credit for yourself. That should come in handy next time this innovative shopping site has such a big clearance!

[Source: Modnique]

Juicy Couture Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Juicy Couture, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Anya Hindmarch seems to have the market cornered on high-end canvas totes for urban fashionistas, but her sweet, modern aesthetic makes her bags appealing to women the world over. This pink and white Beach Bag is sugar and spice and everything nice, but honestly, it might be a little saccharine for my taste.

The bag itself is pretty standard. The cotton canvas is durable and will be great for toting all your summer essentials. The leather straps look great, but I’m not sure how practical they are for a bag that could be seeing a lot of water, salt, and sand. Leather degrades in the elements and this tote is definitely meant to be taken into the elements.

The other thing is the print. It’s cute and sweet but  a little cheesy. The line drawing of the bikini and sunglasses is nice and all, but I don’t particularly want to carry it around on my arm. Honestly, it looks like something that you could pick up at a seaside beach mart for under ten bucks, so for $120, I just don’t get it.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Beach Bag Canvas Tote

• 20″ x 14″ x 6″” size
• 7″ handle drop
• Reinforced base
• Interior zipper pocket

Get this Anya Hindmarch Beach Bag Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Anya Hindmarch bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Jackson Shoulder Bag, a larger, everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Anya Hindmarch bags on eBay
• Other printed canvas totes on eBay:

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Sonia by Sonia Rykiel is the more affordable sister line of the French designer’s premier collection. But does that really mean it should get the dregs?

Honestly, it doesn’t look like the fashion mastermind even tried here. There’s a certain retro charm to the large silver studs which dot this black domed bowler bag, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of imagination here. There’s no flair to the execution; studs are trendy but most designers do more than simply plant them on a fairly ordinary purse.

It’s a shame, because this studded bowler had the potential to impress girls looking for a relative bargain. The sexy leopard print lined interior is big enough to suit everyday use, and there are the organizational pockets to match. A long silvery zipper is a great foil to the studs, and it keeps our precious cargo safe.

But for $545 I just want more. Yes it’s cheaper than a regular Sonia Rykiel bag, but I can find many more interesting bowlers for that kind of cash.

More Features of This Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Bowler Bag

• Made of 100% cow leather
• Dual handles
• Measures 15 x 8 x 7 inches

Get this Sonia Rykiel Studded Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sonia Rykiel bags on BagBunch
• The H2W Studded Domino Bowler bag, a great alternative to this bowler bag.
• Searching for more Sonia Rykiel bags on eBay
• Other studded bowler bags on eBay:

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London Fog seems to have crossed the traditional hobo with a bucket bag to come up with the Phoebe. Thankfully, the unique blend works.

By opting for a bucket shape rather than the traditional crescent, London Fog has made the Phoebe very practical. She’ll sit up rather than slouching over once you sit her down, and her elongated body offers much more storage space than the classic crescent shape would.

The choice of handles is another practical touch. While the ordinary strap is probably long enough for over-the-shoulder toting, I love the addition of a cross-body strap. When we’re spending a day on our feet, this additional carrying option will really come into its own.

The looks aren’t bad either, although I wouldn’t call them revolutionary. A smattering of studs in the corners help to make it appear a bit more fashion forward, but it still won’t set the world on fire. Personally, I don’t mind that approach. Not every handbag needs to make a definitive style statement. More subtle bags like this tend to last longer than the rest, working for us season after season rather than becoming passé.

When you consider it as an investment piece, the retail value of $175 is very reasonable.

More Features of This London Fog Leather Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Inner zip and wall pockets
• Gold-toned hardware
• A single shoulder strap with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 11 x 4.5 inches

Get this London Fog Phoebe Handbag:

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

[phpbay]London Fog Phoebe, 2, “”, satchel[/phpbay]

• Check the Amhslc eBay store to see if this London Fog bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More London Fog bags on BagBunch
• The London Fog Phoebe satchel bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more London Fog bags on eBay

Maison Martin Margiela’s cultish line has a clean minimal aesthetic that is modern and sophisticated. The label, which launched in 1989, has quickly developed an elite following, including Nicolas Ghesquiere, the designer for Balenciaga. This pared-down cotton tote lives up to the line’s reputation in a subtly covetable way.

I’m usually dubious about supposedly fancy tote bags. But this bag is less a tote than it is a cotton handbag. Despite the cotton material, it is totally acceptable for everyday casual use. And, indeed, because of the material, it will be durable and, better yet, washable, although I’m not sure I’d just throw it in with my socks.

The shape is that of a traditional tote, but the full zipper top gives it a boxier shape and more security. The dual hand straps are stitched clear to the bottom of the bag which reinforces their durability and adds a little textural interest on this monochrome bag. The removable shoulder strap is a practical touch and ensures that you can use this bag as more than a tote.

I usually balk at any canvas tote priced over $100, but I might make an exception for this one. The design is timeless, and I find its minimal appeal irresistible. Besides, right now it’s on sale, marked down to $462 from $660. Not cheap, but not bad.

More Features Of The Maison Martin Margiela Cotton Canvas Tote

• 14″ x 16″ x 6″  size
• 6″ handle drop
• Interior zipper, puch, and pen pockets
• Grey cotton lining

Get this Maison Martin Margiela Cotton-Canvas Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Maison Martin Margiela bags on BagBunch
• The Bulga Regis Messenger Bag, an alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Maison Martin Margiela items on eBay
• Other white canvas totes on eBay:
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Whilst fringes can feel kind of fashion forward, I find that often the rows of tassels look somewhat identical. It is nice, therefore, to find a classy leather tote that actually manages to produce something unusual.

The first dose of unusual is the combination of black (well, technically gray!) and brown. For years people have hated this combo, although I have never particularly minded it, and it is pretty creative to dare to put these colors together. In response to the designer’s bravery, I think the lighter brown handles actually work well as a subtle contrast against the deeper shade.

The tote shape may be fairly predictable, but I think we can all agree that the fringe layout of the Audrey tote is not. In fact, it is arranged vertically rather than horizontally, and that is enough of a  re-jig to make it look totally different. The country and western theme is also replaced with a boho vibe when the fringes are arranged like this, and personally I like the effect.

For many it may be a little decorative and over the top, but I feel the Carla Mancini Audrey bag is one of the most creative options on the tote bag market.

More Features of this Carla Mancini Audrey Tote

• Authentic tasseled leather exterior
• Braided brown leather handles
• Brown fabric interior with pocket
• Whip stitched exterior detailing

Get this Tasseled Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More fringed bags on BagBunch
• The Sarif woven tote, a great alternative to this fringe bag.
• Searching for more fringed bags on eBay
• Other Carla Mancini bags on eBay:

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Jimmy Choo is a designer that has spawned a whole generation of dedicated fashionistas. His posh uptown meets bohemian style is iconic and classic. In the past few seasons his designers have become hipper and edgier and have attracted a younger generation of fashion lovers. Unfortunately, I don’t think this Ina clutch appeals to either his long-standing or newly-converted fans.

The bright yellow leather has a great gloss on it, and the curtains of fringe look fun and luxurious. But the western elements that the Ina is attempting to incorporate just aren’t working here. The curvy seaming between the layers of fringe could be interesting, but once you add the star stud detail, it just becomes ridiculous.

The silver logo plaque, although small and relatively hidden, reinforces the kitschy cowgirl aesthetic of the clutch. Honestly, this looks like something that Eddie from Absolutely Fabulous would wear, so if label-crazed name droppers are your style icons, then you’re in luck. Otherwise, just stick to Mr. Choo’s more pared down designs.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Ina Small Nappa Leather Clutch

• 12″ x 7″ x 2″ size
• 25″ strap drop
• Fully lined in sand suede
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets

Get this Jimmy Choo Ally Tote Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Simone Hobo, a stylish alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other yellow leather clutch purses on eBay:
• [phpbay]yellow leather clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

For a clutch that breaks away from the normal and the typical, Rampage is the design house to go to.

The Joelle clutch doesn’t really look like many other clutches on the market. To start with, it is broken into two compartments, both of which are framed around the middle pocket. This is really handy for girls who like to be organized, and is a feature that we generally only see in wallets, and not full-blown handbags. Add to this the long thin shape, and you have a clutch that stands out from the crowd.

The bright color and glossy crocodile print also make it stand out from its competitors. However, you can tell from the slightly overly shiny exterior that it is manmade, as a real rather than synthetic leather would look more sophisticated and rather more sumptuous. Of course, getting a $68 bargain doesn’t often mean getting authentic, so it is a decision you will have to make.

With a great design and a tempting price, this aquamarine Joelle clutch will inject a bright dose of pretty into your outfit.

More Features of this Rampage Joelle Crocodile Clutch

• Also available in eggplant purple
• Synthetic leather exterior
• Multiple pockets and compartments
• Crocodile print pattern

Get this Patent Leather Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Rampage bags on BagBunch
• The La Regale Crocodile clutch, a great alternative to this embossed bag.
• Searching for more crocodile print bags on eBay
• Other Rampage bags on eBay:

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Is there such a thing as too many studs? Ordinarily I would have told you yes, but this Tambourine by Dan W wallet has forced me to reexamine my position.

This purse has studs in abundance. They’re everywhere, covering the front and the back, and even the zipper pull. Yet strangely it never feels like overkill. Perhaps it’s because the studs are smaller than usual, or perhaps it’s because they create a modern wave pattern. Perhaps it’s a combination of both unexpected design choices. Whatever it is, Dan W has impressed me here.

I also think we can get away with a little more flamboyance in our wallets, as they’ll spend a lot of time tucked away in a larger handbag. That being said, if you were traveling light this wallet is stylish enough to carry as a clutch.

The interior is relatively simple but it does the job with a zippered change compartment in the center, two pockets for bills and receipts, and eight slots for your credit and loyalty cards.

It’s not real leather, but for the bargain price of $42 I don’t mind the synthetic alternative too much. You’ll find this Multi Micro Stud Wallet in white, fuchsia, or this retro orange shade.

More Features of This Tambourine by Dan W Synthetic Wallet

• Gusseted interior
• Zip top closure
• Satiny lining
• Measures 4.5 x 1 x 8 inches
• Made in China

Get this Dan W Multi Micro Stud Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dan W bags on BagBunch
• The Dan W Multi Micro Stud Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this wallet.
• Searching for more Dan W bags on eBay
• Other studded wallets on eBay:

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