When done right, few things look as chic as a glossy patent leather purse. But I’m not sure Elaine Turner has done this sophisticated fabric any favors with the Tammy tote.

I always think patent leather works better for a more structured purse. It’s not soft enough to slouch, so any folds end up looking stiff and awkward. That’s the case here, where Elaine Turner seems to be fighting with her material to create the look she hopes for. If this is what she saw in her mind’s eye, I’m surprised. The croc-embossed finish and woven straps should add some interest, but they just don’t seem to work together.

It’s a shame, because the Tammy is quite the practical purse. The interior is well appointed with accessory and zip pockets. Two more pockets on either side of the exterior add even more storage space. Each interior pocket is trimmed in leather for durability, and the dual straps are long enough for comfortable carrying.

The Tammy isn’t the worst patent leather purse I’ve seen, but it’s not the best either. If you like the style I’d look to the cheaper matte leather model.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Croc-Embossed Patent Tote

• Comes with a dust bag
• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 10 x 5 x 14 inches
• Made in China

Get this Elaine Turner Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the BayStateOutfitters eBay store to see if this Elaine Turner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The regular Elaine Turner Tammy bag, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner totes bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Elaine Turner tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Coach has teamed up with some of the web’s most famous fashion bloggers to launch the Coach Collectibles series. This limited edition collection of four purses was designed in collaboration with a who’s who of online style blogs.

Each blogger was given the brief to design their perfect Coach bag, and surprise surprise, there’s not a hint of that tired old signature print in sight. I love the convertible versatility of Karla’s Clutch designed by Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet. Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere is behind Emily’s Satchel, while Krystal Simpson of What is Reality Anyway? put her name to Krystal’s Fringe Shoulder Bag. But my favorite has to be Kelly’s Drawstring Pouch, designed by Kelly Framel of The Glamourai. It’s the perfect blend of bohemian style and sophistication with its playful tassel and lush croco-embossed gray leather.

The bags will be available exclusively online for $398 to $498. They’re currently available for pre-order on coach.com ahead of their official release in early June.

[Source: Coquette]

Coach Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

If you’re looking for an alternative to those classic colored briefcases and staid old office bags, consider the Workin’ It Tote from Eenamaria.

It has the bold, retro design we expect from Eenamaria, with colored panels in various shades clashing delightfully. The vinyl body may not be luxurious, but its polished finish only adds to the Workin’ It’s mod appeal.

The front panels aren’t simply there for decoration; they’re actually two practical pockets. You might use one for your cell phone, and the other for your MP3 player; there’s nothing like mixing business with pleasure, right? The interior isn’t large enough for many laptops, but if you don’t need to lug your computer to work you’ll find the space more than adequate.

But before you rush out and snag one of these babies, consider your workplace carefully. The colorful tones and glossy vinyl fabric won’t suit the most conservative offices after all. If your workplace is more carefree and creative though, consider this tote $75 well spent.

More Features of This Eenamaria Retro Tote

• Polyester lined interior
• Zip top entry
• Two pouch pockets and a zip pocket inside
• A long single shoulder strap with a 17 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 13 x 4.5 inches

Get this Eenamaria Workin’ It Handbag:

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

[phpbay]eenamaria Workin It, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Creekstone Corners Jewelry eBay store to see if this Eenamaria bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Eenamaria bags on BagBunch
• The Eenamaria I Mean Bizness bag, a great alternative to this work bag.
• Searching for more Eenamaria bags on eBay

Emilio Pucci is one of those brands that has been fashionable for years and years, all thanks to prints like this!

The sixties inspired graphic print on this purse is very stylish, and is just in time for all the seventies inspired maxi dresses that are set to flood the market this summer. If you feeling brave you could pair the royal blue tones with a contrasting print, or you could play it safe and stick with a simple black dress.

Whilst the print is gorgeous I have to say that the clutch shape itself isn’t all that inspiring. There is much to be said for letting the print do the talking, but the shape needs to live up to it too! I find the slouchy silhouette with a lack of definition a little disappointing, a little “safe.” This is especially poignant when you are paying $118 for the privilege of carrying it!

More Features of this Emilio Pucci Printed Handbag

• Snap button handle
• Slouchy fabric exterior
• Signature logo throughout

Get this Sixties Inspired Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Emilio Pucci bags on BagBunch
• The Emilio Pucci foldover tote, a great alternative to this printed bag.
• Searching for more printed bags on eBay
• Other Emilio Pucci bags on eBay:

[phpbay]emilio pucci handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Classic and traditional handbags aren’t just the domain of the expensive and well-established brands of the world. With this croc-embossed clutch, La Regale sets out to prove that affordable can be glam.

I think it has achieved this aim. In fact, it may have even surpassed it through the simplicity of the design. That lovely rectangular shape is always a winner, and by combining that with a very sumptuous looking crocodile print the label has turned this into a retro styled purse that would be right at home on the arm of a Manhattan socialite in the middle of last century.

And OK, so you get synthetic leather rather than the real McCoy. However, for a clutch that only costs $42 you wouldn’t expect anything else, and it does make up for it in looks and traditional glamor. Personally I think that what with the long strap, cute rectangular gold clasp and artistic design, the fabric choice is a small sacrifice to make!

This is a classic purse from a designer who just keeps on pushing out gorgeous handbags, and I love it!

More Features of this La Regale Crocodile Purse

• Available in a wide range of colors
• Synthetic fabric exterior
• Optional long coordinating shoulder strap
• Single interior slip pocket

Get this Affordable Clutch Bag:

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

[phpbay]la regale turn lock croc, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More La Regale bags on BagBunch
• The Jesselli Couture croc-embossed clutch,  a great alternative to this exotic print bag.
• Searching for more crocodile print bags on eBay

Ed Hardy delivers its usual dose of edge with a little more restraint than normal with the Francesca satchel.

Not that the Francesca is a shrinking violet by any means. The bold skull print and frayed edges are far from reserved. But at least this bag isn’t covered in decorative features. The use of white space is refreshing, allowing us to appreciate the embellishments without feeling overwhelmed by them.

At least, that’s the case when you choose the Francesca in black or white. The fuchsia shade is just too vivid for my tastes, competing for the focus rather than letting the accents shine. Then again, some girls love hot pink and those girls are probably going to love this purse!

Like so many Ed Hardy bags, the design is much more practical than the exterior might suggest. Inside the fashion house opts for function over flash, offering us plenty of usable space and a handful of pockets. The dual handles are a shade too short for my liking, but they work with an attachable shoulder strap to offer a couple of carrying options.

Personally $208 seems too pricey for a cotton canvas handbag, but if you’re sold on the unique design you’ll probably be able to justify the cost.

More Features of This Ed Hardy Shoulder Satchel

• Top zip entry
• Interior fabric lining
• An inner zip pocket, slide pocket, and cell phone pouch
• Dual 18 inch handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 4.5 x 8.5 inches

Get this Ed Hardy Francesca Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Francesca, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Sole Monster eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The black Ed Hardy Francesca bag, a great alternative to this white or pink bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Handbag designer Stella McCartney and model Daisy Lowe have given their old purses a new lease on life as part of ethical coffee company Cafedirect’s Sow Your Own initiative.

The program encouraged celebrities to grow their own food without a garden. Stella McCartney planted her edible greens in one of her own vegan handbags, while Daisy Lowe chose a make-up purse. Other participating celebs chose other unique pots; Pearl Lowe made a garden in a tea set, while Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall put his plants in a mixing bowl!

The Sow Your Own scheme reminds us all that homegrown produce always tastes best. Even if it’s grown in a bag rather than the ground! Cafedirect is encouraging ordinary folks to follow the stars’ lead and create their own unusual, edible garden. The most innovative micro vegetable patch will win lunch at the Michelin Star-winning Gidleigh Park Hotel at the end of the promotion.

[Source: Wirral News]
[Image Source: Adifansnet/Flickr]

Stella McCartney Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Stella McCartney, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

For a beach bag with bite, look to the Shark Attack Hobo from Echo. Thankfully there are no grisly scenes on the body of this bag. Instead the hobo features a pop-art style print which almost makes these ocean killers look cute!

It’s not a luxurious handbag by any means, but does anyone really need a plush purse when they’re chilling out by the sea shore? This is much more beach appropriate, with its durable twill body and soft nautical-inspired rope straps.

The interior is large but relatively simple, but again that’s not a negative here. Too many pockets would simply clutter the area which is made for carrying thick towels and flip flops. The zip pocket is great for keeping your cell phone and other technology safe from wet bathing suits.

This Echo bag isn’t too posh, or appropriate once the weather cools, but it’s only $45 after all!

More Features of This Echo Beach Hobo

• Polyester lined interior
• Measures 14 x 5.5 x 14 inches
• Available in Kelly green, Primary blue, and white

Get this Echo Shark Attack Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Echo Shark Attack, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Echo bags on BagBunch
• The Echo Tribal Diamonds bag, a great alternative to this shark print bag.
• Searching for more Echo bags on eBay

Fendi has found a new way to gouge its customers with the launch of the Skin Bag. The concept is intriguing, but like so many high-end designer accessories its execution is a little off and its price is high.

The skin bag is sold “naked” in either bright yellow or dark brown. Its handle is an intriguing mix of ash wood and plexi with a vintage kiss-lock clasp. While the handle is interesting, the bag itself is pretty boring, which is why Fendi makes you buy a skin cover. The bag won’t be sold without one in Fendi stores and other retailers, so you’re up for $1620 for the clutch and $615 for its cover.

There are three skins to choose from: a tan mesh with brass chain link trim, a floral printed gray linen, and a plain mustard linen. Initially I thought perhaps you could change the skin to suit your mood, but the spikes which hold the cover in place mean once you choose one, you’re locked in. And I can’t say any of the covers really ring my bell.

There was great potential to do something innovative here, but instead Fendi just seem to be making a grab for cash with this gimmick.

[Source: The Bag Snob]

Fendi Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Fendi clutch, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Dooney & Bourke’s transition from playful youth line to stylish adult accessory range. This chic Dillen bag is another excellent example of the label’s new direction.

The Dillen has more of a preppy style than most hobo bags, with its structured leather finish and eye-catching tear-drop shape. The lush navy leather body is in delicious contrast to its brown leather accents.

While the looks are lovely, the Dillen is about more than just style. The large patch pocket and versatile carrying options we see hint at that, but it’s more apparent when we look inside. The generously sized interior has a zip pocket, cell phone pouch, and key hook. As a technology addict I long for a couple more open slips, but the lack of media pouches isn’t a deal breaker.

Considering its high quality materials and timeless styling, the Dillen seems like excellent value at $285.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Tear Drop Hobo

• A signature hang tag
• A detachable strap with a 14 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 4 x 10 inches
• Comes with a one-year warranty

Get this Dooney & Bourke Dillen Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Dooney Bourke Dillen hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Luggage World Online eBay store to see if this Dooney & Bourke bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The bordeaux Dooney & Bourke Dillen bag, a great alternative to this navy bag.
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke bags on eBay