Vera Bradley puts its inimitable stamp on this large duffel bag.

All of the Vera Bradley trademarks are there, from the diamond quilted fabric to the colorful paisley print. But this is much larger than your average Vera Bradley accessory, so it’d suit a weekend getaway or sleepover rather than everyday use. Personally I prefer Vera Bradley for this sort of application. We rarely need to be the height of fashion when we’re on the road, so we can get away with styling that’s not so fashion forward.

And Vera Bradley never skimps on the practical details we do crave while traveling. There’s plenty of space inside the secure zippered main compartment, and an open pocket on the side for those little items you remember while rushing out the door! Long dual handles made from soft fabric should feel heavenly on your shoulder. The use of that plush material rather than leather or canvas also helps keep the weight down, a real blessing when we’re carrying all our holiday essentials. And what’s more, it’s machine washable!

At $90 this is more than we’d pay for most Vera Bradley bags, but it’s relatively cheap for such a large travel bag.

More Features of This Vera Bradley Mesa Red Duffel

• Vera Bradley signature lining
• Dual 32 inch handles
• Measures 22 x 11 inches

Get this Vera Bradley Large Travel Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Vera Bradley large duffel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the R&M Shop for Less eBay store to see if this Vera Bradley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vera Bradley bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley large duffel bag in Cambridge, a great alternative to this mesa red bag.
• Searching for more Vera Bradley bags on eBay

New eco-friendly accessories brand Fulfilled Bags has launched its first creation, a sweet bucket bottomed tote known as The Montauk.

The Montauk, made from a dye-free blend of organic linen/cotton canvas, isn’t a head-turner but it’s a great green alternative to plastic bags when heading to the farmer’s markets or grocery store. Five divided interior pockets can handle your bottles of water or wine, while the dual exterior mesh side pockets are perfect for holding a bunch of flowers. That sounds like a lot to carry, but you needn’t worry. The Montauk is made to support more than 25 pounds of weight.

The Montauk is packaged in an extra organic cotton bag, which could work as a dust cover or an additional purse for toting your fragile fruit and vegetables home. It’s almost like getting two bags in one, which makes the $45 price tag seem quite affordable. However until Labor Day the totes have been discounted by 20%.

Of course, there are many cheaper reusable totes on the market even with this discount, but few are as well made as The Montauk. There also aren’t many that give back to charitable organizations as Fulfilled bags do. Three percent of all proceeds benefit the charity of the customers’ choice. Bagistas can support either Juvenile Diabetes or Feed the Children. A charm attached to the bag says either “heal” or “feed” to commemorate this choice.

The Montauk is available online from the Fulfilled Bags website.

[Source: Marketwire]
[Image Source: Fulfilled Bags]

Organic Totes on eBay

[phpbay]organic tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

If you find yourself short on storage space when carrying even the largest of oversized handbags, this Nolita tote from Tusk might be the solution.

The secret is the zippers on each side, which take the tote from spacious to supersized with ease. Thankfully though the Nolita is so stylish, you won’t look like that dowdy Olsen twin when you’re carrying it. Where so many large purses make even the most stylish girls look like homeless bag ladies, the Nolita is sleek and super chic. The black Italian lambskin is buttery soft and classic, while the subtle seams and rolled handles add even more style. Those handles are a little shorter than I’d like, but we can always add the much longer cross-body strap

It’s hard to keep such a large space clutter free, but Tusk has done its best to help you stay organized. There’s a plethora of pockets inside, and a cute attached zipper pouch for your coins and other essentials. I won’t promise that items won’t get lost in the deep recesses of the Nolita, but there should be enough space for the really important things in the pockets.

Such a big bag comes with a big price by Tusk’s standards. The $368 retail value is definitely on Tusk’s upper end, but you get a lot of bag for your dollar here.

More Features of This Tusk Expandable Tote

• Satin lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 16 x 5.5 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in white

Get this Tusk Nolita Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tusk bags on BagBunch
• The Lauren Merkin Stella bag, a great alternative to this expandable bag.
• Searching for more Tusk bags on eBay
• Other expandable tote bags on eBay:

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The theft of your favorite handbag is devastating, not just because you’ve lost your prized designer accessory but also what’s inside it. New research shows that the average woman regularly carries more than £342 worth of “essentials.”

Some of the big ticket items include a mobile phone, MP3 player, designer sunglasses, wallet, and cosmetics.

“I think £342 is a conservative estimate,” said Victoria Barrett of www.itsmyid.co.uk, adding that the loss could be much greater if personal effects are stolen. This is an important lesson as the research states almost two-thirds of women carry documents containing their name or address, and 71% carry a driver’s license or passport.

“What it [the research] doesn’t take in to account is the cost of losing your ID if your passport is cloned, let alone getting new keys cut for your house or car and the inconvenience of having to cancel your credit cards and pay for a new driving licence,” she continued. “This study highlights the importance of keeping your belongings and identity as secure as possible.“

The study shows that almost 18% of women will get their purse pinched, and one out of every 20 victims will have their identity stolen. It’s a good reminder to consider what we really need to carry inside our handbags, as we never know when we’ll become one of those unfortunate statistics.

[Source: Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Wojciech Sadlej/Stock.xchng]

Organizer Handbags on eBay

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Treesje gives us a large tote with plenty of style in the Huntley.

Its name is a little bit preppy, but its style is much more approachable with modern vertical pleats emphasizing the quality of the luxury Italian leather. This plush skin has been glazed to create a sheen that is more subtle than a patent and more eye-catching than a run-of-the-mill matte finish.

Its shape is another head turner, with soft sexy curves making the bag more interesting than the traditional boxy totes. I love the way the top of the bag gently rises and falls, and the sides flare out slightly around the pockets.

The best thing about the Huntley though is that its good looks never compromise practicality. The front pockets are part of the design, and its unique shape doesn’t limit its storage room. This is a large bag, but with two open slips, a large zippered pocket, and a key fob it should be pretty easy to keep organized.

The $615 asking price may be a bit rich for recessionistas, but it’s not too bad by designer standards, particularly considering its easy marriage of style and substance.

More Features of This Treesje Pleated Tote

• Top zip closure
• Lined with taupe bengaline
• Polished gold-toned hardware
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 16.5 x 11 x 3.5 inches
• Available in blue and crema

Get this Treesje Huntley Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Treesje Huntley tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Treesje bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Parker hobo bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Treesje bags on eBay

It seems like another cross-body bag comes onto shelves on the hour. On the one hand, they are very practical, but on the other they disrupt the lines of your body, not to mention your outfits. Perhaps that means that fashion is headed in a more utilitarian direction. Or, it could just be a passing trend. Either way, this cross-body bag by Marni is a great way to wear the style.

The deep tan color of the leather is rich and unusual. It’s almost khaki, actually, which looks great combined with the dark drown shoulder strap and brushed gold hardware. The minimal pouch shape has clean lines and a sleek look that will work with a lot of different styles.

The beaded chain on the strap is very retro 1999. Remember all those bead chains that the teenagers wore back then? Well, they’re back, and they’re coming to a handbag near you! Luckily, Marni hasn’t overdone them, and the effect of the strap is a little edgy but still clean.

At $995, this cross-body bag is one of the best of its kind I’ve seen in this price range. Personally, I want slightly more bang for my buck, but I think it’s going to find a lot of fans.

More Features Of The Marni Leather Cross-Body Bag

• 11″ x 9″ x 1″ size
• 23″ strap drop
• Taupe shell interior lining

Get this Marni Leather Cross-Body Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marni bags on BagBunch
• The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marni bags on eBay
• Other cross body bags on eBay:
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DKNY has been making high-quality, low-priced versions of upper end designer staples for years. It usually has a good bead on what the current trends are and interprets them in a stylish, wearable way. This cross-body bag brings a lot of current trends together.

Cross-body bags are making a major comeback. The late 90s were replete with them because of their utilitarian appeal. They hold the same appeal now, although we’re seeing them in smaller, edgier styles. The simple fold-over design of this bag and its long, comfortable strap makes it usable and comfortable.

The combination of quilted and smooth leathers provides an interesting, but subtle,  textural contrast. Unfortunately, the color is a little blah. It lacks richness. And I’m not terribly sure that the chain accents are really working on this bag. Because the rest of the bag is pretty neutral and conservative, they look a little thrown on.

At $325, the bag is reasonably-priced, but simply not elegant or interesting enough to convince me that it’s a solid purchase.

More Features Of The DKNY Chain Double Flap Cross-Body Bag

• 10″ x 7″ x 4″ size
• 24″ handle drop
• Brown satin lining

Get this DKNY Chain Double Flap Cross-Body Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other DKNY bags on Bag Bunch
• The Jimmy Choo Caro Leather Shoulder Bag, a chic alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more DKNY handbags on eBay
• Other cream quilted leather bags on eBay:

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Marni’s latest bags have been a little disappointing, but the quietly cool design of this frame shows the label getting back on track. The line is known for mixing incongruous elements beautifully, and that’s exactly what it’s done here.

The frame-top design of the bag is a classic feminine shape. Marni has updated it by using interesting new materials and oversizing it. The perforated black leather gives the bag an edgy appeal without taking away from its ladylike charm. It kind of looks like Mary Poppins’ magic bag if Mary Poppins was a total badass.

The push clasp fastening is a great little detail, but I do wonder how it will hold up to everyday use on such a large bag. And the acetate handle, while an interesting choice considering the already mixed elements, looks a little out of place. The bag comes together well, but the details are a little odd.

At $1.090, this is a solid designer purchase, only it’s missing some crucial elements for me. In lieu of a full, sewn-in lining there is an inner drawstring pouch, which is quirky, but perhaps not that practical in the long-term. Also, there are no internal pockets, so all your things will get sort of mashed together. Overall, the styling of this bag is current and cutting edge, but it just leaves a little to be desired considering the price.

More Features Of The Marni Perforated Leather Frame Bag

• 15″ x 7″ x 6″ size
• 5″ strap drop
• Beige canvas interior lining

Get this MarniPerforated Leather Frame Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marni bags on BagBunch
• The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marni bags on eBay
• Other perforated leather bags on eBay:
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Sometimes the sweetest designs, that remind us of our childhood days and picking wild flowers in the sun, are the ones that cost us the most. This sweet and childlike bucket bag from Dooney & Bourke will cost you a mighty $1,118 for the privilege of carrying this little slice on sunshine on your arm.

There is something very much like a nursery about this patchwork tote. The soft pastel colors, the cute stripey design, everything is very carefree and fun. However, the idea of buying what is essentially a posh cotton bag for over a thousand dollars does jar somewhat, no matter what the whimsical charm. I simply can’t combine the idea of extreme high end luxury with something that looks like your child’s blanket.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with Dooney & Bourke’s chosen shape. A bucket bag is so useful it is hard to believe, and the idea of having a tote that everything fits in so neatly is almost enough to make me stop whining about the price tag. Almost, but not quite. I do like the meeting of those cheery colors and the practicality, however.

This cotton Seersucker tote is just the thing to cheer up a dull and dreary day.

More Features of this Dooney & Bourke Seersucker Bucket Bag

• Coated cotton exterior
• Leather trim throughout
• Rich red interior with pocket
• Single adjustable shoulder strap

Get this Luxurious Patchwork Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The Harveys Signature seatbelt tote, a great alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more patchwork bags on eBay
• Other Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay:

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Travelon has been taking care of our travel needs for almost 30 years. The label’s at it again with the Mini Independence Bag, an accessory which takes control of our cosmetics and toiletries.

Travelon rarely delivers fashion forward looks, but I quite like the clean curved lines and bold pink color of this cosmetics bag. It’s made from microfiber, a fabric whose strength and low price helps to make up for its lack of luxury.

I might like its look, but I love the Mini Independence’s design. Its name might suggest that this is a small cosmetics purse, but nothing could be further from the truth. There are elastic banded pockets for full-sized bottles, and three clear pockets for 16-ounce containers. Personally I’d use these for my shampoo and conditioner as you need not worry about the liquids leaking out. Seven smaller elastic bands can take care of your toothbrush and paste, nail clippers, and other small essentials. There’s also a handy hanging jewelry roll for holding your rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings on your travels. The nine-inch compartment could even hold a hair dryer or straightener!

That’s just the start though. Outside we see two zippered pockets up front, and a side pouch big enough for holding a water bottle during your plane trip.

Travelon also offers us plenty of carrying options. Grab the Mini Independence by its top handle, sling it over your shoulder, or attach it to your rolling luggage using the add-a-bag strap on the back. Once you reach your destination you can hang the bag over a door knob or towel rack using its buckle loop.

It might be mini, but this Travelon cosmetics bag is definitely mighty!

More Features of This Travelon Travel Case

• Measures 9 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches
• Weighs 1 lb. 8 oz.
• Available in black, fuchsia, and light blue

Get this Travelon Mini Independence Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Travelon bags on BagBunch
• The Travelon Independence bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Travelon bags on eBay
• Other travel cosmetics bags on eBay:

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