Jimmy Choo has really been surprising me, lately. The label’s latest accessories line has a very downtown feel that I don’t ordinarily associate with it. Whether it’s following the whims of fashion or forging its own path really isn’t important, because the effect has been stunning. This Nica carryall is everything a girl could ask for in an edgy, but sophisticated, everyday bag.

The textured black nappa is super luxe and gives the bag a raw, street smart appeal. It has the shape of a rounded-off tote, which makes it simple enough to carry off on a daily basis and unusual enough to keep it interesting.

The small half-moon shaped strap details on the front and sides of the bag are an interesting design element. Even though they are small and subtle, the smooth leather makes them stand out, texturally.

The silver hardware that is prevalent on the bag gives it a rock-n-roll vibe without being too ostentatious. The multiple chains on the straps are very very cool, but the leather at the top ensures that the Nica will still be comfortable to carry.

The Nica is a little slouchy and casual on the outside, but the generous size and multiple interior pockets make it practical. This is a bag that you could carry every day and even into the wee hours of the morning. At $1,695, not many of us will be able to afford to do so, but we can dream.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Nica Medium Shoulder Bag

• 17″ x 13″ x 6″ size
• 11″ strap drop
• Top zipper with chain pull
• Fully lined in beige suede
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets

Get this Jimmy Choo Nica Shoulder 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 great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other  black leather shoulder bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]black shoulder, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Diane Von Furstenberg’s classy version of bohemian is pure American chic. Okay, so she’s actually German, but she’s been here so long that most people consider her to be an American designer. Street smart, but still sophisticated, styles like this Philomena clutch could only come from a European tinged American imagination.

The surface of this bag is fascinating. The way the oddly-shaped studs are arranged on the smooth leather reminds me vaguely of the scales of a reptile. The smooth grained leather provides a fabulous matte base against which the black studs shimmer. The studs are amazing in and of themselves. I love their asymmetric design and the way they have been placed in an alternating pattern that ensures they will catch the light no matter what angle you’re looking from.

The shape of the bag is simple and classic, and it really shows off the subtle detail of the embellishment. Von Furstenberg has been very careful not to over-embellish here; there’s lots of negative space left, and it gives the eye space to appreciate the high quality and elegance of the design.

The slightly oversized design ensures that there will be plenty of room for all your evening necessities without weighing you down with a giant bag. Those huge oversized clutches are becoming a thing of the past and, personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s nothing less elegant than a bag you can barely carry.

At $425, this purse is a solid evening investment piece. I also think that, despite its of-the-moment look, it will stand the test of time.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Philomena Studded Leather Clutch

• 11″ x 7″ x 1″ size
• Zipped internal pocket
• Fully lined in black and white twill

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Beach Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a slouchy everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other black studded clutch purses on eBay:
  [phpbay]black stud clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tory Burch has been all about the messenger bag this season. It’s a side step away from her usually very conservative aesthetic, but she’s bringing a bit of that Upper East Side look to all of these departures from the status quo. The Louisa is definitely the most posh messenger bag I have ever seen.

The buttery tan leather has a smooth shine that makes the color look rich and caramel-y. It’s a soft neutral that will work for any season. The shape of the bag isn’t that of your typical messenger. Instead of the usually busy flap and strap closures, the Louisa has a magazine style foldover with a magnetic clasp. The effect is pared down and ladylike.

The gold chain strap with threaded leather detail gives the Louisa a little on-trend accent, and the tassel balances out the smooth textures of the bag while creating an interesting asymmetry. I personally don’t care for the giant logo on the flap, but it isn’t terribly distracting, either. Refined and sleek, this is definitely not your boyfriend’s messenger bag.

More Features Of The Tory Burch Louisa Leather Messenger Bag

• 13″ x 10″ x 2″  size
• 19″ handle drop
• Cream canvas lining
• Interior pouch and zipper pockets

Get this Tory Burch Linden Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tory Burch bags on BagBunch
• The Tory Burch studded leather bag, an edgier alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Tory Burch bags  on eBay
• Other leather messenger bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]leather messenger, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Sondra Roberts gives an elegant twist to the classic satin clutch purse with the Versailles.

The traditional soft pouch body is given a little extra something with elegant pleats which create a rich, diamond finish. These aren’t perfect diamonds, but softer versions merely suggesting the geometrical shapes. They’re subtle, and elegantly eye-catching because of that.

Large faceted gemstones form the vintage inspired kiss-lock clasp. In my opinion these jewels are just a little too large, slightly too ostentatious for my tastes. However I’m sure many bagistas will love the sense of occasion this bling brings.

The Versailles is a shade larger than your average clutch, but not so big that it’s unmanageable. We do have the option of a shoulder strap though if you’d prefer to go hands-free. The interior is simply designed, but it does the job.

The Versailles is a purse strikes the right balance between style and substance, and with a price of just $80 it won’t break the bank.

More Features of This Sondra Roberts Satin Clutch

• Satiny lining
• Interior slip pocket
• A chain shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 4.75 x 9.5 x 2.75 inches
• Made in China
• Available in ivory, silver, and navy

Get this Sondra Roberts Versailles Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sondra Roberts bags on BagBunch
• The Carlo Fellini Monica bag, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more Sondra Roberts bags on eBay
• Other satin clutch bags on eBay:

[phpbay]satin clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Hackett has teamed up with travel bag specialists Globe-Trotter to create a luggage range influenced by the best of British style.

These classic suitcases hearken back to the good old days of travel, before trunks were fitted with wheels and shiny metallic exteriors. I love the old world charm of the hand-held and hand-made leather cases.

Their reserved exteriors give way to reveal unexpectedly vibrant linings. The black Mayfair range is decked out in Prince of Wales check, the navy London line has a blue and white Bengal stripe inside, and the Aston Martin Racing set (in British Racing green, of course) is kitted out with a bold Union Jack!

These are the kind of travel bags you’ll never mix up on an airport carousel, but if you’d prefer yours with a customized monogram that can be arranged too.

These stylish suitcases are available from Hackett outlets and online from £490. The initialing service will set you back an additional £75.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Globe-Trotter Travel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Globe-Trotter travel, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Soapbox gives us the look of luxury for less with this elegant croc embossed Jesse bag. This style of handbag is ordinarily casually toted by college students, but with the stylish croc embossing it becomes a much more adult affair.

Considering its bargain price of less than $60, this synthetic does a decent crocodile impersonation. The scaly surface is continued over the handle and the adjustable shoulder strap. This long strap is removable too, so you can convert the Jesse to a briefcase for a more polished business look.

The interior is made for office use too. There’s enough space for a laptop, although the interior isn’t padded so you don’t want to knock it about. There are interior pockets too, perfect for stashing away your pens, Blackberry, and other small workplace essentials.

I’ve seen so many high class business bags lately with four figure sums attached, so it’s refreshing to see Soapbox create one for the interns and junior employees. Just opt for the croc finish, rather than the black fur, if you really want to be taken seriously.

More Features of This Soapbox Croc Embossed Laptop Case

• Antique brass hardware
• Measures 16 x 3 x 12 inches

Get this Soapbox Jesse Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Soapbox bags on BagBunch
• The Soapbox Sara satchel bag, a great alternative to this croc-embossed bag.
• Searching for more Soapbox bags on eBay
• Other crocodile messenger bags on eBay:

[phpbay]crocodile messenger, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Modnique.com is the latest player on the online shopping scene. This innovative new site offers its customers big savings on designer handbags and more during its blink-and-you’ll miss them sales.

Modnique can offer hefty discounts of between 50 to 85 percent by buying its goods directly from the manufacturers and designers themselves. The website doesn’t purchase seconds though; all the goods are brand new and handpicked to ensure their quality and authenticity.

The site offers discounts on some really big names including Ed Hardy, Maurice Lacroix, and Faberge, but you’ll need to be quick to enjoy the savings. Sales are short, lasting between 36 and 72 hours each. Head to the site now to save more than 76% on Santi bags!

To shop up a storm you’ll need to sign up for free membership. If you’re looking for a bit of extra spending money, make sure you invite your friends.  Whenever they buy something, you’ll get a $10 credit, and when their friends have a shopping spree you’ll get another five bucks. This could end up being quite lucrative if you know some shopaholics!

[Source: Modnique.com]

Santi Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Santi, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

With a name like the Cher I expected this Serpui Marie tote to be larger than life, just like the show business diva. What a shame it doesn’t even come close.

There’s nothing wrong with a classic bag of course, but this woven straw bag has little to inspire me. Its natural toned fiber and tight woven finish is decidedly ordinary, and not even the metallic handles can change that. These kind of casual bags are perfect for summer of course, but I’m not sure why you’d buy the Cher over so many others on the market.

Perhaps its size will seal the deal, as this really is the Cher’s strength. While the pop star works hard to keep the weight off, this tote delights in its supersize status. That’s ideal for summer, as you can carry a towel and bathers to the beach or a feast of summer fruits home from the farmer’s markets.

Just as I was starting to see the Cher’s charm I spied the price. $200? For an unlined and fairly pedestrian handbag made almost entirely of straw? For that price I expect a purse that will go the distance, not one made of a material destined to last just a season or two.

More Features of This Serpui Marie Woven Straw Tote

• Clasp button closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 18 x 7.5 inches
• Made in Brazil

Get this Serpui Marie Cher Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Serpui Marie bags on BagBunch
• The Serpui Marie Fernanda bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Serpui Marie bags on eBay
• Other woven straw tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]woven straw tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Marni’s take on traditional design is both irreverent and also super feminine. The label really has a way with bringing of-the-moment trends to the classics while maintaining its own signature aesthetic. This studded leather bag drives the point home with its cutting edge elegance.

The smooth taupe leather is great for summer ensembles, but its neutral versatility will take you into fall. The muted, almost nude shade is very of-the-moment. The color combines with a ladylike silhouette to create a bag that is both current and classic.

The long shoulder strap on this bag doesn’t really make much sense though. It’s a little too thin to be utilitarian, and because the bag has a large, structural shape, it looks awkward slung across the body. Luckily, it’s removable, so you can just carry it by the dual handles.

This is a generously-sized bag that could almost double as a weekender if you pack light. That in combination with its chic neutrality make it very versatile, but at $1,465, it’s still a significant investment for us recessionistas.

More Features Of The Marni Studded Leather Bag

• 20″ x 11″ x 6″ size
• 23″ strap drop
• Lined in beige
• Internal pouch and zipper pockets

Get this Marni Embellished Leather Clutch:

• 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 taupe leather shoulder bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]taupe leather shoulder, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Finding cute but affordable totes can be quite a challenge, but they do exist!

The evidence comes in the form of this simple large black shopper. The color may be a little dark for summer shopping, but the addition of a large daisy decoration means that it suddenly looks a lot more seasonally appropriate in the sun. That decoration also makes it pretty rather than purely functional, which is a good job as the bag itself is purely a practical and traditional design.

This bag will set you back only $34.88, which makes it quite a bargain. This is especially true when you realize that this is a durable shopper, with decent edging and handles. To have a print of an actual quality photographer, Harold Feinstein, makes it even more of a find!

This is the perfect bag if you want something simple and basic, but pretty at the same time.

More Features of this Harold Feinstein Tote Bag

• Available with various different flower photographs
• Washable polyester exterior
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets

Get this Bargain Daisy Shopper:

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

[phpbay]Harold Feinstein daisy tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More tote bags on BagBunch
• The Solid Gold pirate tote, a great alternative to this shopping bag.
• Searching for more shopping bags on eBay