Dolce & Gabbana are no strangers to simple but elegant totes, and this has to be a prime example of what the designers can achieve.

How do D&G manage to make handbags that are quite so beautiful? Well, they use the most wonderful materials for a start, which is presumably why they think they can charge $931 for it. The price may be extreme, but that fabulously soft leather makes for a soft, sumptuous and utterly luxurious handbag.

Design wise this is simple. So simple, in fact, that the D&G logo is the only decoration. It is such a basic tote that there isn’t much I can say; it does the job well and will no doubt last forever.

If you have the dosh the calfskin Lucy tote is a beautiful, beautiful creation.

More Features of this Dolce & Gabbana Calfskin Tote

• Grained calfskin exterior
• Dual leather handles
• Spacious interior
• Dust bag included

Get this D&G Classic Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More D&G bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade London Quinn tote, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more leather totes on eBay
• Other Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay:

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Miu Miu has always been one of my favorite lines. It combines seemingly disparate elements in a fanciful, elegant way. This deerskin tote is the perfect example of Miu Miu’s quirky blend of styles.

The sleek briefcase styling suits the softly textured deerskin perfectly. The seam detail around the edges has a classic menswear appeal that is offset by the edgy side straps. I love the way the front flap is gently scalloped instead of cut at strong angles like you might expect.

The hardware on the bag is supremely well chosen. The front clasp is an intricate centerpiece, and the prevalence of smaller gold hardware gives the bag an elegant, polished look

At $1650, this deerskin tote is a good investment piece for a lifetime’s worth of style. Unfortunately, some of us will be waiting for the 75% off sale.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Deerskin Leather Tote

• 16″ x 12″ x 5″ size
• 4″ handle drop
• Removable shoulder strap
• Lined in taupe suede

Get this Miu Miu Deerskin Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Miu Miu bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Bugatti Glazed Leather Tote, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Miu Miu handbags on eBay
• Other black deerskin handbags on eBay:
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The Marc by Marc Jacobs line is replete with hip, trend-setting designs. But it also makes classic, but still fashionable, accessories that are more affordable than the Marc Jacobs flagship collection. The Catherine tote is a sophisticated example of this.

The Catherine tote is a really every woman sort of a bag. It has an augmented duffel shape that is classic and sporty. The combination of black leather and gold hardware helps it adapt to a lot of style pairings. With black denim and stilettos it will look edgy, and with a pencil skirt and white blouse it will look elegant.

The dual straps make the bag versatile in another way as well. Because of the generous size, the Catherine could be used as a handbag carried in the crook of your elbow or as a weekender carried crossbody.

The array of options that this soft leather bag offers is enough to make it a justifiable investment in a lot of price ranges. But at $360, it’s kind of a steal

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Catherine Tote

• 15″ x 9″ x 4″ size
• 21″ handle drop
• Removable shoulder strap
• Fully lined in red star print twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Rockstar Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other black leather weekenders on eBay:
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How to jazz up a simple black bag? Add finger holes rather than a handle, of course!

This Latico clutch does get boosted from boring to “edgy” thanks to that little cutout design feature. I do wonder if the holes may be cut a little too small for most fingers, but I suspect that really they were only added to look good and not really to be used. If that is the case then you will have to put up with carrying it as a clutch, which may well get a little annoying. Latico has added a handle, but I think that negates the point of the finger holes!

I do like the look of those holes, however. They fit really well with the pleated leather of the purse, combining to make a very aesthetically pleasing effect. Despite the slightly strange design, it also manages to be easy to wear, as every Little Black Bag should be!

At $92 some people will find this a little pricey, but you do get real leather and funky looks for the price.

More Features of this Latico Vyntage Clutch

• Also available in olive
• Real leather exterior
• Floral canvas lining
• Optional shoulder strap

Get this Finger Hole Purse:

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

[phpbay]Latico Vyntage Finger Hole Clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Latico bags on BagBunch
• The Stuart Weitzman Myclutch purse, a great alternative to this cutout bag.
• Searching for more cutout bags on eBay

Matt & Nat shows us that zips can do more than keep your cargo safe and sound with the Tundra Satchel.

There’s the obligatory zipper running along the top, but most of the hardware has a less practical, yet no less pleasing, purpose. The metal brings edge to the chevron shape seams, creating a look which makes its own style statement rather than following the trends.

The Tunda is made from buttery soft fabric, but anyone that knows Matt & Nat knows this isn’t real leather. While some bagistas may curse the use of a synthetic material, the brand has made this vegan choice a selling point. When a man-made material feels as good as this, I don’t feel like we’re missing anything.

The green approach continues inside; the lining feels like suede but it’s actually made from recycled plastic bottles. This sizable space features two open pouches on one side and a long zippered pouch on the other.

At $225 the Tundra isn’t cheap for a bag made from synthetic, but then again this vegan fabric is a cut above the average man-made material.

More Features of This Matt & Nat Zipper Satchel

• Made of coated textile polyurethane
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 11 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Matt & Nat Tundra Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Matt Nat Tundra, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Arkos Attic Bags eBay store to see if this Matt & Nat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The rose pink Matt & Nat Tundra bag, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat bags on eBay

Old truck tarps and tires are given a new lease of life thanks to green Canadian company Rexcana. The brand strips away the macho trucker image to create fashion forward handbags and shoes.

The body of the bags and footwear comes from the tarps, which are treated with biodegradable shampoos and soaps. This cleans up the materials while maintaining the vintage appeal of the weather-worn canvas. The fashion items are then accented with the recycled tires. The Rexcana purses are lined with all natural cotton to make them eco-friendly both inside and out.

Rexcana is based in Canada, but its handbags are made in Brazil. However, the brand works hard to ensure its business has only the best conditions for its workers, including offering English language courses to those interested in traveling abroad.

Rexcana handbags are sold exclusively through the Eco-Handbags online store.

[Source: Eco-Handbags]

Recycled Material Bags on eBay

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Mary Frances is a designer that never does things by halves. As its name suggests, her Indigo Indulgence purse celebrates that kind of excess.

The deep blue shade that gives the purse its moniker is complemented by soft fabrics in burgundy, rose, and bronze. These rich shades work with beautiful beading to create a purse which seems to hail from the Middle East.

The heavily embellished body is the star here; if you’re looking for practicality from this small purse you won’t find it. It’s on the small side, although it should fit party time essentials inside with ease. Its design is also simple without pouches and pockets. Then again, you don’t need much help to keep such a small space organized.

The pretty pouch can be carried like a clutch, or slipped over your wrist when you’re sipping champagne. This gorgeous purse won’t suit everyone, but it could be just the thing to spice up a little black dress or simple evening frock.

More Features of This Mary Frances Beaded Wristlet

• A wrist strap with a 5.25 drop
• Measures 7 x 5 x 8 inches
• Comes with a storage pouch

Get this Mary Frances Indigo Indulgence Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Mary Frances Indigo Indulgence, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the It’s About Sales eBay store to see if this Mary Frances bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mary Frances bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances beaded bag, a great alternative to this evening bag.
• Searching for more Mary Frances bags on eBay

Don’t let the men in your life try to kid you; the World Cup is about more than football. The event has done wonders in boosting the profile of South Africa and its people, including its handbag designers.

The latest label to catch my eye is Missibaba, a Cape Town based company developed by London College of Fashion graduate Chloe Townsend. Her purses incorporate her love of traditional African designs and buttery soft leather.

Townsend collaborates with artisans working at the Ikhaya Trust Center in the small town of Kayamandi. These women have been empowered through learning the embroidery skills we see featured on Missibaba purses and other accessories. I love the way the delicate stitching enhances the coppery nappa leather of this Cabbage bag. But I wonder what this dainty purse has to do with such a hated vegetable!

Missibaba bags, belts, jewelry, and other fashion items are available online through Africhic.com.

[Source: Magnifieco]
[Image Source: Missibaba]

Embroidered Handbags on eBay

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Lately we’ve spoken about our dying love affair with Marc Jacobs, the once exciting handbag designer who lately has failed to really impress us. The Casey is another one of his recent creations which simply misses the mark.

Quilting ordinarily adds luxury to a fabric, but when you’re starting with jersey material it’s hard to muster any opulence. The effect is more Vera Bradley than Chanel, and the purse never quite recovers from this misstep. Using a belt as a casual tie is classic Marc Jacobs, but strangely this accent too falls flat. It seems to be trying too hard to be quirky, and it doesn’t quite gel with the rest of the tote. The same goes for the small push lock near the base, an accent which is original but ultimately puzzling.

It’s a shame the design is confused, because once its opened up this tote does everything you’d ask of an everyday bag. There’s space to spare, ready to take on your workday essentials or weekend must haves. The traditional zip and gadget pouches are complemented by a handy key clip. And rather than relying on the fiddly belt tie for access, we can get in and out of the Casey using a convenient magnetic snap.

When a brand charges more than a thousand dollars for a bag I expect it’ll deliver real luxury rather than simply trading on its name. Sadly it seems that’s just what Marc Jacobs has done here. I think he’s got to try harder if he wants to continue charging the big bucks.

More Features of This Marc Jacobs Quilted Tote

• Gold toned hardware
• Fully lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 15 x 6.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Marc Jacobs Casey Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs Casey, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Tika’s Coach Collection eBay store to see if this Marc Jacobs bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The black Marc Jacobs Casey bag, a great alternative to this blue bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs bags on eBay

Collina Strada proves that green handbags can be just as eco-friendly as their traditional leather counterparts with its gorgeous spring range.

The Italian label name translates to Hill Road, a reference to the brand’s eco-friendly ethos and its designer Hillary Taymour. The Los Angeles native uses a combination of 100% organic leather, and what she calls “almost organic” leather. It might seem like a bit of stretch to call any leather green. But the hide is vegetable dyed and sourced from a tannery which “uses all parts of the animal,” so it’s certainly better than most.

The styles are modern yet original, with ethnic influences keeping the designs fresh and clean. They’re also very functional, with plenty of space and pockets too.

Men looking on with longing don’t have to wait too long to join in the fun, with Hillary Taymour promising unisex pieces in her next collection.

Collina Strada purses are available at selected American and Japanese boutiques and  online at Collina Strada’s website, Urban Outfitters and Need Supply.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Collina Strada]

Organic Canvas Handbags on eBay

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