A year after the Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit against many major retailers for selling lead-tainted handbags and wallets, almost half have settled with the Californian watchdog.

Major retailers like Target, Kmart, Macy’s, and Sears are all prepared to comply with new restrictions which will limit the use of lead in accessories. But Walmart is notably dragging its feet.

It’s an extraordinary move for the company who is also the world’s third largest purchaser of organic cotton. If it hopes to gain any eco-cred at all, it has to get rid of the lead. That’s particularly true when it comes to accessories marketed at children, such as the Miley Cyrus range. A Walmart-sold Miley Cyrus wallet contains more than 30 times the legal lead limit, even though no amount of lead is regarded as safe for children. Pregnant women are also particularly at risk when carrying bags containing lead.

If you’re concerned about the levels of lead in your accessories I suggest avoiding PVC and opting for more luxurious alternatives. It might hurt your hip pocket, but surely that’s better than hurting your health.

[Source: Ecouterre]
[Image Source: NNECAPA/Flickr]

Leather Bags on eBay

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With its vivid colors and graphic print, this Worthington satchel could only have come from the house of L.A.M.B.

While the style is typical of Gwen Stefani’s label, it does seem to take its cues from Europe. The Y-shaped zipper appears to imitate the look of so many Yves Saint Laurent handbags, although here the feature doesn’t have anywhere near the same level of luxury. That shouldn’t be a problem for L.A.M.B.’s faithful though, who prefer a more down-to-earth everyday accessory.

The Worthington fits the bill, with its head-turning print and practical design. Called Dayglo Sunset this pattern seems made for this warm weather we’re having, although I worry how easily it’ll fit into my wardrobe. There are plenty of other patterns available if you’re after something a bit more versatile.

Whichever print you pick, you’ll enjoy the attention to detail here. The cheeky striped interior is large enough to carry everything you need, and then some. The generous space is well appointed with a zippered pocket and two multifunctional slips. My only complaint is that the straps are just a shade too short to sit comfortably on the shoulders of every girl.

For $275 this isn’t the cheapest synthetic satchel though. If names don’t matter to you, you’ll probably find something that will last longer for less. But if you’re a fan of Gwen Stefani’s unique style, you’ll get plenty of use from this functional handbag.

More Features of This L.A.M.B. Synthetic Satchel

• Top zip closure
• A magnetic closure pocket on the side
• Brushed gunmetal hardware
• Dual leather handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 8 x 7 inches
• Made in China
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this L.A.M.B. Worthington Handbag:

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

[phpbay]LAMB Worthington, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Stylekitson eBay store to see if this L.A.M.B. bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More L.A.M.B. bags on BagBunch
• The L.A.M.B. Worthington bag in Static Logo, a great alternative to this Dayglo Sunset bag.
• Searching for more L.A.M.B. bags on eBay

Kooba sets a new trend with the Drew Tote.

While most often leather flaps are functional features, helping to protect a purse’s main compartment from prying eyes and sticky fingers, here they’re used as decorative accents. These quirky details remind me a little of the sides of a jacket collar; it’s not something I thought I’d want on my purse but they bring a freshness to this design. There is a practical element too; a zippered pocket is hidden underneath each one.

These zippered pockets help to take some of the pressure off the interior, which is so large that your essentials could easily get swallowed up. I’m thankful for the two media slips and the zippered interior pocket; if you put all the things you need on hand in these pockets you shouldn’t spend too much time scrounging around your purse.

It might typically be a winter shade, but I love the pop of this watermelon red at any time of year. If you’d prefer something a bit safer consider the Drew in black, ivory, or luggage brown.

More Features of This Kooba Flap Detailed Tote

• Made of Italian leather
• Closed with a magnetic snap
• Fully lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 12.25 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kooba Drew Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kooba Drew, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the ShopTigerBlues eBay store to see if this Kooba bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The Kooba Millie bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Kooba bags on eBay

If you always thought purchasing a counterfeit designer bag was simply an affordable way to enjoy luxury looks, this story may make you think twice. A 65-year-old Austrian woman has been fined €1000 after purchasing an imitation Louis Vuitton purse in Italy.

The woman acquired the faux LV for just €7 from a Senegalese hawker. According to Italian law, selling and purchasing counterfeit goods is a punishable offense. Although it incensed the Austrian bag fan, who probably could have acquired a genuine Louis Vuitton for the price she eventually paid!

“Tourists think that when they buy things from street vendors, they provide some sort of support for them. In fact, it is not so. They only help criminal groups who exploit immigrants. We will relentlessly fight against this ‘phenomenon’ during the summer,” warned the assessor of the city administration.

This story is worth remembering next time you’re tempted by a cheap designer knock-off; it could end up costing you so much more!

[Source: The Voice of Russia]
[Image Source: Autoreverse Tiramisu/Flickr]

Authentic Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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At first glance this Kenneth Jay Lane handbag looks like any mild-mannered black evening purse. But there’s more to the Fraise de Bois than meets the eye.

I’ve never really warmed to haircalf bags, until now. Rather than appearing tacky, the fur in basic black is sumptuous and alluring, like a thick, plush velvet. It just makes me want to reach out and run my fingers through it! The simple demi-shape helps this lush finish to shine.

If you know your French you’ll remember that Fraise de Bois means wild strawberries. It’s an unusual moniker to be sure, but one which Kenneth Jay Lane plays with. A cheeky resin strawberry pendant hangs from the zipper, adding personality to what seems like a fairly basic bag.

The interior is also simply designed, a small pocket and luxury satin lining. This pocket holds a satin covered mirror, which is ideal for those cosmetic emergencies. The triple strand gold chain is another practical perk, which gives us a hands-free carrying option while adding to the purse’s air of luxury.

At $285 this Kenneth Jay Lane purse isn’t cheap, but I think it looks much richer than its price.

More Features of This Kenneth Jay Lane Haircalf Evening Bag

• Black leather trim
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Kenneth Jay Lane Fraise de Bois Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kenneth Jay Lane bags on BagBunch
• The red Kenneth Jay Lane Fraise de Bois bag, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Jay Lane bags on eBay
• Other haircalf bags on eBay:

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American actress and Oxfam America’s Sisters on the Planet ambassador Joy Bryant has teamed up with Monica Botkier to create a charity bag bearing their names. Half of the proceeds from sales of the Botkier Joy satchel will benefit Oxfam America and its initiatives, including Joy’s beloved Sisters on the Planet program.

“It’s an initiative engaging women of all walks of life to raise awareness about the environment,” Joy explained.

The Joy satchel is a bit of a departure for Botkier, a brand best known for its sleek urban styling and fashion-forward looks. Clearly Joy Bryant has done more than just add her name, as I’m definitely feeling her influence.

The leather topstitching gives the satchel a definite boho charm. The option shoulder strap adds some versatility, and the cute accompanying pouch will definitely come in handy. I think I’d use it as a cosmetics purse inside the satchel, or perhaps carry it as a clutch on a casual evening out.

The Botkier Joy Satchel is available exclusively at ShopBop.com for $575.

[Source: Bag Bliss]

Botkier Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Botkier, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kenneth Cole gives the hobo a little rock and roll flair with this Wash N Fold bag.

Rather than covering the hobo in studs or spikes, Kenneth Cole’s rock and roll vibe is much more subtle. It comes from the casual crinkled leatherette (in black, naturally), which slouches with a devil-may-care attitude. That relaxed crinkled fabric is what gives the Wash N Fold its name; this worn-in fabric seems as if it really has gone a few rounds with a washing machine!

Bag snobs may turn their nose up at the synthetic, but its treatment is really appealing. I don’t miss leather here, especially considering we pay just $79 for this cheaper alternative. The skin is given a little extra edge with white contrast stitching and long zipper pulls.

The bucket shape is a little atypical of a hobo, but the choice works in our favor. It helps the Wash N Fold sit up nicely, which makes for easy packing and daytime use. The dimensions are generous too, although with plenty of pockets inside and out it doesn’t seem too overwhelming.

This Wash N Fold hobo bag is a great option for girls who want an everyday handbag that doesn’t cost the earth.

More Features of This Kenneth Cole Reaction Leatherette Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Interior back wall zip pocket and two slip pouches
• Two external side zip pockets
• A single shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 10 x 5.5 inches
• Available in black and silver

Get this Kenneth Cole Wash N Fold Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kenneth Cole Wash Fold hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Fabulous Fashion Finds and More eBay store to see if this Kenneth Cole bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kenneth Cole bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Cole Wash N Fold tote bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Cole bags on eBay

Nothing beats a really good quality black leather bag for versatility and effortless timeless style. However, would you willing to pay $375 for one as simple as this Kate Spade version?

Don’t get me wrong. The Quinn tote is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. The leather is thick and sturdy, with just the right amount of flex and sheen. In fact, it will only get better with age, which does make it a true investment piece. The square shape is also a longtime favorite, and should make it easy to carry almost anything at all.

However, it is still just a very simple bag, despite all its many advantages. I have seen similar for much less at leather shops, and wonder how much of the price is just for the Kate Spade name. And if that is the reason you are buying it, then there are many more “typical” Kate Spade totes on the market.

If you love it, which I can certainly understand, then I am sure this bag will be the one you just keep using over and over.

More Features of this Classic Leather Tote

• Available in a range of colors
• Stiff leather exterior
• Dual leather handles
• Dust bag included

Get this Kate Spade Quinn Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Thruway tote, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more leather totes on eBay
• Other Kate Spade Quinn bags on eBay:

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We don’t get many clutches in this particular shade of burnt orange, but I think we should have more!

The Latico P.S. clutch is a fiery beauty, perfect for wearing on romantic summer evenings, or even in cold snowy weather. The color is emphasized by the simple envelope clutch shape and the gentle but classy patent sheen. This isn’t one of those purses that is so shiny it could blind you, but it does have a certain lustrous quality.

The color is awesome and the shape a classic, but I have to say that I would hesitate to pay $79 for something so very simple. At least it is made with real leather, however, and is equipped with plenty of wallet-esque pockets to make it useful as well as pretty!

If you need a P.S. to go with your envelope (see what I did there?!), then I don’t think you can really go wrong with this ‘un!

More Features of this Latico P.S Purse

• Also available in a pink/purple shade
• Real leather exterior
• Multiple interior pockets
• Stitched envelope design

Get this Orange Envelope Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Latico bags on BagBunch
• The London Fog Camden clutch, a great alternative to this envelope bag.
• Searching for more envelope clutches on eBay
• Other Latico bags on eBay:

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Vegan footwear brand Bourgeois Boheme has expanded its line to include some gorgeous ethical handbags.

These bags prove that you don’t need to harm animals to create stylish accessories. The vegan skin is a convincing leather mimic, with its soft supple texture and classic look. The Bourgeois Boheme line is right on trend too, with accents like tassels, exotic prints, pleated textures, and chunky chain handles.

Bourgeois Boheme is starting small with just three bags in the range, but hopefully we’ll see many more next season. This striking pleated Hestia bag is my favorite, but I’m sure the faux snakeskin paneled Laima tote and the tasseled Hera purse will have just as many fans.

Bourgeois Boheme doesn’t just think of our animal friends. Every bag is also made using fair trade practices, so they’re kind to humans too. And that extends to your wallet; none of the Bourgeois Boheme bags costs more than £99. You can get them from online eco-retailer Fashion Conscience.

[Source: The Bag Lady]
[Image Source: Fashion Conscience]

Vegan Handbags on eBay

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