You can have your Marilyns and your Madonnas; when I think style icons I think Audrey Hepburn. While other starlets were teetering on their stilettos, she made a comfy statement in ballet flats. And when everyone else suffered in fashionable clothing, she set the trend in capri pants. That blend of fashion and functionality is exactly why Emilie Sloan called this tote the Audrey Classic.

The look might not be fashion forward, but the beautiful vintage and floral patterns that don this tote’s traditional body are both pretty and timeless. Lavish leather is shunned for lightweight PVC-coated plainweave. It’s a practical choice, resistant to summer showers and easy to clean with a damp cloth. And just quietly, it doesn’t look half bad.

The dimensions are practical too; big enough to handle everyday essentials and a few luxuries but not so large that it’ll overwhelm you, or your body. It’s well appointed with a zippered pocket, two media pouches, and a silver key clasp. And if you’re still looking for secure storage space, remember there are two zip pouches on the back of the bag.

It might not be overly opulent, but something tells me this affordable $50 tote would get Miss Hepburn’s seal of approval.

More Features of This Emilie Sloan Patterned Tote

• A removable base insert
• Zip top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Measures 12.5 x 4 x 15.5 inches

Get this Emilie Sloane Audrey Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Emilie Sloan bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilie Sloan bags on BagBunch
• The Emilie Sloane Juliette Market bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Emilie Sloan bags on eBay
• Other classic tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]classic tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Nothing says summer like a natural toned woven handbag. While a cute straw purse is an obvious and affordable choice, this material’s brittle nature means it might not last more than a season or two. If you’re looking for a more durable summer bag, consider a pale leather alternative like the Anise from Elliott Lucca.

While dark woven leather bags give off a wintery vibe, the Anise in a gentle shade like Honeydew screams picnic lunches and evening barbecues on the beach. The drawstring closure only adds to the relaxed feel, cinching the Anise in and encouraging the leather to fall in a casual slouch.

Drawstrings are never the most secure closures, so Elliott Lucca adds a magnetic snap underneath. Pop it open to reveal a sizable cotton-lined interior. There’s a zippered pocket in one wall for your valuables, and two open slips in the other for your cell phone and iPod.

A woven leather tote like this Elliott Lucca bag requires a more significant outlay than most similar straw alternatives, but consider the cost an investment in your summer wardrobe for years to come. Its timeless style makes sure you can carry it for as long as the leather holds up.

More Features of Elliott Lucca Woven Drawstring Tote

• Soft gold-toned hardware
• Dual triple braided leather handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 4.5 x 14 inches

Get this Elliott Lucca Anise Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Elliott Lucca Anise drawstring tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the WholesaleRow of Fashion Accents eBay store to see if this Elliott Lucca bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elliott Lucca bags on BagBunch
• The Elliott Lucca Anise Demi bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Elliott Lucca bags on eBay

Most of us can’t afford the luxury matching Valentino bags sported by Angelina Jolie and Zahara, but that doesn’t mean everyday parents can’t get in on the trend. Eco-friendly label Pansy Maiden has just launched its own more affordable Little Birds collection, a downsized range of Pansy Maiden’s most popular purses.

The collection features a range of practical handbags including the everyday Vagabond messenger and Lady Day bags, and the Weekender for travel. The boys aren’t forgotten either, as the unisex styling of the Vagabond will look just as good on dads and their sons.

Each Pansy Maiden bag is crafted from environmentally friendly fabrics including organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, and bamboo denim. The mini-bags are also lead-free and made with no metal parts, and machine-washable so those inevitable kiddy stains are no concern.

Each bag is made to order in your choice of colors. Get yours online from the Pansy Maiden website.

[Source: Inhabitots]
[Image Source: Pansy Maiden]

Eco-Friendly Bags on eBay

[phpbay]eco-friendly, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Summer doesn’t seem the right time to release a fur handbag, but when you’re as big as Yves Saint Laurent you get to break some rules. The European fashion house has done that with the limited edition launch of its Muse Two LE bag.

When I say limited edition, I mean limited edition. Just 55 of these lush purses were made to sell at Yves Saint Laurent’s boutique in Colette, Paris.

It may not be politically correct to gush over a genuine fur bag, but this is a beautiful example. It’s made from impala fur, and is simply sumptuous. I wouldn’t carry one myself, but I can understand those who decide to let their love of luxury override their ethics. I’m also glad that with YSL opting to make just 55 of the handbags rather than mass produce them, fewer impalas will meet a grisly end for the sake of fashion!

If you want to be one of the lucky owners, visit the Colette YSL store with €1,895 quick smart!

[Source: View on Fashion]

Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Jimmy Choo has been taking a lot of risks with his design aesthetic lately, and for the most part, they have been very successful. The Sylvia, however, while interesting and unique, is not as successful as some of his other recent attempts.

I love the texture of the large grained leather material, and the sculptural pleating on the front of the Sylvia, but something falls apart around the edges. I think Choo was headed in an interesting direction with this unusual shape, but the sides look a little puffy and messy, and the bag sits in an awkward manner.

The centerpiece of the Sylvia is the circular cutout handle, which is an interesting and unusual design. The interior of the handle is embellished with gold studs and a little designer logo plaque, which looks kind of interesting, but doesn’t make that much sense, as these details are a little hard to see. The circular handle also pulls and ruches the leather in a way that enhances the already awkward shape.

Overall, the Sylvia is an interesting idea that just wasn’t executed that well. And for $1,995, I really want all the details to come together pretty perfectly.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Sylvia Large Grained Leather Bag

• 17″ x 11″ x 8″ size
• 9″ strap drop
• Fully lined in tan suede

Get this Jimmy Choo Sylvia 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 bags with gold studs on eBay:
  [phpbay]black leather gold studs, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Jil Sander’s pared down aesthetic appeals to a lot of different kinds of women. Her pieces are versatile enough to be loved by posh uptown types, and crazy avant garde fashion loving types alike. The Madame is a good example of that versatility, although it veers a little to the conservative side.

The beige leather has a fine, sandy texture that is lovely, and I love the way the smooth-grained accents contrast just slightly enough to add a little extra interest. The geometric gold hardware accents the color of the bag beautifully, as do the subtle shapes of the leather attachments.

The classic shape of this tote is so refined and elegant that it will really work not just as an errand running accessory, but as an everyday bag, as well. Although at $1,635, it isn’t going to make it into the closets of that many women.

More Features Of The Jil Sander Madame Leather Tote

• 21″ x 12″ x 6″ size
• 19″ handle strap
• Fully lined in black

Get This Jil Sander Madame Leather Tote:

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

You May Also Be Interested In:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The Jil Sander Drawstring Purse, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other beige leather totes on eBay:

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Until this season, Marc Jacobs had always been one of my favorite designers. Lately, his accessories have looked cheap and played out to me. Until this Love Bird tote, which seems like a return to a more interesting aesthetic.

I often find that totes look kind of sloppy and unstructured, but the fabulous quality of the leather on this bag makes it hold together well. Plus the smooth-grained leather is the perfect canvas for the amazing pattern, and let’s be honest, it’s the pattern on this bag that makes it truly fabulous. The colors are over-the-top extraordinary, and the patchwork-y pattern is totally unique.

Even the smallest details on the Love Bird tote are well thought out. The tiny studs on the handle and on the sides of the bag are perfectly sized and placed, and they add a little extra edginess that complements the already avant garde look. I’m not 100% crazy for the padlock on the front, not because of how it looks, but because it serves no functional purpose, so I don’t really understand why it’s there.

The biggest drawback of this mostly great bag, though, is the steep $1,295 price tag. For a bag that just isn’t exactly usable as an everyday handbag, I think it’s a little overpriced.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Love Bird Leather Tote

• 24″ x 13″ x 7″ size
• 5″ handle drop
• Black lining

Get this Marc Jacobs Love Bird Tote:

• 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 hot pink leather totes on eBay:

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The sun has arrived! Take heed handbag lovers, this season is going to be hot!

What better way to celebrate the arrival of baking hot days and sandy beaches than with a purse that suits the season perfectly? The Elaine Turner Summer clutch is named for the sun, and it has the looks to match.

I have a bit of a fondness for woven bags. They remind me of straw beach mats, gingham picnic baskets, and strolling along flower filled country lanes. They also go perfectly with all sorts of summer garb, from nautical to maxi dresses and everything in-between. They are so easy to wear because of this that they make those hot sticky days easier by a degree, and that is enough to make them a serious priority for me.

This particular day purse takes the idea of a straw bag and makes it infinitely more fashionable. The bamboo handle, leather trim and cute curved body make it more formal than most, and consequently causes it to be much more versatile. This is a good thing, particularly when the bag costs $195, so you don’t have to feel so guilty about the cost!

More Features of this Elaine Turner Summer Handbag

• Patent leather trim
• Optional chain handle (removable)
• Nautical straw and black color scheme
• Supplied with internal mirror

Get this Lightweight Straw Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The Magid Diamond tote, a great alternative to this straw bag.
• Searching for more straw bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner bags on eBay:

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At first glance this Stella tote from Ellington looks like so many other patent leather tote’s on the market, but there’s more to this carryall than means the eye.

That’s not to say the exterior is boring. There’s a classic appeal to the rich red patent leather body offset as it is by black leather shoulder straps. The boxy shape might not turn too many heads, but it does make the handbag very user-friendly. There’s a reason why totes have held this shape for years after all.

But its generous dimensions are just the start of the interior’s appeal. The opulent space is divided by two structured panels that snap together on the top edge. Inside the panels you’ll find a handful of smaller pockets and a pen slot. I can imagine all these compartments would make the Stella work well as an office tote, although it wouldn’t look out of place at a more social gathering.

If you’re after flash, you probably won’t want to spend a couple of hundred on this tote. But if you prefer practicality, this could be your bag.

More Features of This Ellington Patent Tote

• Canvas lined interior
• Two exterior slip pockets
• An interior key hook
• Magnetic closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 13.75 x 13.75 inches

Get this Ellington Stella Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ellington Stella tote, 2, “”, pack[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ellington bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington Stella tote/pack bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Ellington bags on eBay

Well here’s some unexpected news. After launching her own company in 2004, Devi Kroell is stepping down as chief executive officer and creative director. She’ll remain a shareholder and board member, but will have no involvement with the day-to-day running of the business which bears her name.

Details for her decision haven’t been forthcoming, so one wonders whether the Bartel family’s recent investment in the fashion house has anything to do with it. The Bartel family, known for their big ticket investment in fashion houses including Lanvin, bought a major stake of Devi Kroell just a few months ago. The timing does seem pretty coincidental if nothing else.

I’ve always been a fan of Devi Kroell’s gorgeous snakeskin handbags and shoes; even her diffusion line for Target looked chic and sophisticated despite their affordable price tags. There’s something sad about a company losing its face when she’s still at the top of her game. I hope to see her venturing into another creative endeavor soon.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Bbaunach/Flickr]

Devi Kroell Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Devi Kroell, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]