I used to be Marc Jacobs’ biggest fan, but lately I just don’t get what he’s up to. Everything looks cheap and gimmicky and totally not anywhere near the classic American Marc Jacobs aesthetic. The Fast Bag is a pretty perfect example of what I mean.

Marc Jacobs is known for his cutting edge, trendsetting designs, but sometimes he pulls a little hip-to-be-square out of his repertoire.  This Ukita shoulder bag is the perfect example of Jacobs in nerd chic mode.

If you look up “handbag” in the dictionary, this is the bag you’re going to see. It looks like the bag my grandmother carried from like 1979 until 1991. My grandmother isn’t exactly the pinnacle of cutting edge fashion, but she’s no slouch either. And she definitely knows a long-lasting, high quality bag when she sees one. I’d say that the Ukita would fit her bill, for sure.

The soft, supple leather is a medium brown that is neutral enough to go with everything. The style of the bag is also neutral enough to go with everything. Provided that your wardrobe has a lot of really cute geek chic in it, of course. The Ukita’s versatility depends on whether your style is conservative enough to support it.

I, for one, love the traditional shape and fold over flap design, and if I had a closet full of stripey Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses, this would be my go-to bag, but honestly, given my edgy, black-loving ways, I just don’t think I could find a place for it. I think a lot of urbanistas will find they have the same problem, despite the practicality of the bag.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Ukita Classic Leather Bag

• 16″ x 11″ x 6″ size
• 4″ handle drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Black and white designer logo lining

Get this Marc Jacobs Ukita 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 classic brown leather handbags on eBay:[phpbay]classic brown leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Now that the sun is finally here the time is ripe to find a functional beach bag for those summer trips.

It may not be all that revolutionary or exciting, but this Fitness Etc. tote will certainly meet your needs when it comes to lugging your belongings to the sandy shores. You see, this is one handy bag. The nylon is durable and practical, whilst the space inside is more than enough for a towel and other such essentials. Even better, the bag is ringed with miscellaneous pockets, which are just right for books and sunglasses and little bits and pieces.

Of course, practicality doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with good looks and style. Nylon is never going to be the coolest material, and although the hot pink is a great summer shade I think many people will prefer a more expensive looking counterpart. However, the difference is that this tote costs just $12.99, which explains the fabric and makes it an unavoidable bargain!

This is the functional bag you need for everyday use, and at that price you can afford to buy the other colors too!

More Features of this Affordable Nylon Beach Bag

• Also available in red, navy and black
• Water resistant nylon exterior
• Adjustable handles
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets

Get this Durable Fitness etc. Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

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

[phpbay]beach bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

With summer approaching I’m stashing away my thick leather bags and looking for more whimsical, lightweight alternatives. With its playful tassel and gentle checked finish, the Alexis from Donna Sharp fits the bill.

The Alexis is Donna Sharp’s answer to the hobo. Its shape is more bucket than crescent, and it doesn’t have that enviable slouch of a good quality leather, but it does stay true to the hobo’s bohemian spirit. The embroidered strip along the top is the perfect complement to the checks of this Rosemary print. If this subtle pattern doesn’t grab you don’t worry; Donna Sharp offers the Alexis in many more.

You probably don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles at this point, so the simple appointed interior shouldn’t come as a great surprise. But there’s enough space to satisfy all but the pickiest bagista, and enough pockets to keep your essentials in order.

I know once the cool weather returns I’ll reach for my classic leather bags again, but for just $40 I don’t mind if the Alexis spends a good part of the year at the back of my closet.

More Features of This Donna Sharp Rosemary Bag

• Zip top closure
• Polyester lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 5 x 10 inches

Get this Donna Sharp Alexis Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Donna Sharp Alexis, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Donna Sharp bags on BagBunch
• The Donna Sharp Alexis bag in Oxford, a great alternative to this Rosemary bag.
• Searching for more Donna Sharp bags on eBay

Twilight star Robert Pattinson, Jay Leno, and the stars of Lost have signed handbags for the Purses with a Purpose charity auction.

The auction will raise funds for Career Wardrobe, an organization which provides business attire and training programs to women looking to join the workforce. Since its inception in 1995, Career Wardrobe has helped more than 50, 000 women achieve independence.

Each autographed Purse with a Purpose has been handcrafted by Viv Pickle Custom Handbag Studio of Philadelphia. The bags pay homage to the stars involved, from the Breaking Dawn inspired chess-piece interior of Pattinson’s messenger to Jay Leno’s car print purse. Many are also made from customized fabric, and embroidered for an extra touch of luxury.

You can make a bid on these bags through eBay for the next week. Any that do not reach their reserve price will be sold at a live auction during the A Perfect Fit event in Philadelphia on June 9.

[Source: Look To the Stars]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Autographed Purses on eBay

[phpbay]autographed by purse, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve always admired the sophisticated and gently quirky handbags of Donald J Pliner, so the Adela feels like a bit of a misstep for the brand.

The problem here is that there’s so much going on, and none of it’s very interesting. It seems the designer has wanted to hit every trend, and has gone overboard in the process. Courtney Cox’s Cougar Town character would probably love the wild leopard-print body, the handful of metal trinkets, and the edgy corset-inspired lace accents, but they’re just not working for me. One element might have sold me, but the combination is just too much.

It’s a shame, because when you strip it back this is the Donald J Pliner that I love. The dimensions are luxuriously large, and the dual shoulder straps long enough for easy carrying. The chunky chain only adds to the Adela’s attitude, while its soft suede inserts cushion our shoulders. In this way, the Adela is like a girl next door in hooker’s clothing!

If you want to walk on the wild side, this bag will help you do it. Personally I’d prefer something that doesn’t roar so loudly.

More Features of This Donald J Pliner Leopard Satchel

• Croco imprinted patent leather trim
• Brushed nickel hardware
• Top zip closure
• Brown fabric lined interior
• A zip pocket and two open slips inside
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 7.5 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Donald J Pliner Adela Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Sagewood Bag Company eBay store to see if this Donald J Pliner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Donald J Pliner bags on BagBunch
• The Donald J Pliner snakeskin Adela bag, a great alternative to this leopard bag.
• Searching for more Donald J Pliner bags on eBay
• Other Donald J Pliner satchels on eBay:

[phpbay]Donald J Pliner satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Christian Dior has released Lady Blue Shanghai, the latest short film to promote its Lady Dior line.

Acclaimed auteur David Lynch directed the 16-minute advertisement, which stars the face of Lady Dior Marion Cotillard. The movie begins with Marion discovering the purse of her dreams, naturally a Lady Dior. She then returns to her hotel room, which has been infiltrated by a mysterious man with a love of loud music.

The film, which was shot on location in Shanghai, has all the makings of classic Lynch. There’s eerie music, atmospheric smoke, and a narrative that is impossibly hard to follow. That’s a result of David Lynch being told that so long as he featured the handbag and a couple of Shanghai locations, he could do whatever he liked. You don’t try and tell David Lynch how to make a movie after all.

Lady Blue Shanghai will probably leave you scratching your head, but it wouldn’t be a David Lynch flick if it didn’t!

[Source: eCanadaNow]

Lady Dior Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Lady Dior, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The Mindy from Dolce & Gabbana may be one of the cleverest satchels on the market, or the most ridiculous. As with so many bags that push the fashion envelope, it’s kind of hard to tell!

Rather than equip the Mindy with traditional pockets, Dolce & Gabbana has opted for a trio of cascading wallets. These purses seem as if they’re bursting from the bag; it’s very dramatic, but is it stylish? The jury’s still out there.

I’m not convinced by the look, but there is a lot to love about this Mindy. The soft purple goatskin is positively regal, and those secure wallets are incredibly practical. The structured design is user-friendly, with plenty of space for everything you need.

But those quirky looks are a sticking point, especially with Dolce & Gabbana asking $1245 for the privilege of carrying the Mindy. For that sort of cash I want to fall in love with every element, not feel confused by it.

More Features of This Dolce & Gabbana Coatskin Satchel

• Cotton lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual 15 inch handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 12 x 6 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Dolce & Gabbana Mindy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The silver Dolce & Gabanna Mindy satchel bag, a great alternative to this purple bag.
• Searching for more Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay
• Other Dolce & Gabbana satchel bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Dolce Gabbana satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I have been searching for a casual straw clutch that doesn’t go the route of employing a leather-esque trim for a few months now, and this Mar Y Sol clutch from Mad Imports is the closest candidate I have come across so far.

While most clutches try a formal and structured approach to straw, the affordable Chelsea clutch is the first I have seen that lets the unkempt and relaxed nature of straw take the front position. Rather than neatly keeping everything in, the rough texture and gorgeous sun bleached shade are allowed to look as natural as possible. Only the wooden button breaks from the expanse of plaits, and that works to accentuate the hand-weaved ruggedness, rather than diminish it.

Whilst the realistic shape is charming, I can understand why it would put people off. After all, folks generally migrate towards symmetrical shapes, and that doesn’t work in a purse such as this. Plus, the risk of the strap rope fraying and breaking is higher in this sort of straw clutch.

This is a cute bag, and well priced at $69. Plus, with all the different color options available there is bound to be one that matches your outfit!

More Features of this Mar Y Sol Straw Clutch

• Available in 6 other colors
• Hand woven raffia exterior
• Coconut shell button on clasp
• Simple zip closure

Get this Braided Chelsea Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Magid Leaves and Straw clutch, a great alternative to this raffia bag.
• Searching for more straw bags on eBay
• Other Mad Imports bags on eBay:

[phpbay]mad imports handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Diesel helps you get ready for summer with this Beach Bum Palm Tote.

The nautical blue and white striped canvas body is given a modern feel with a bold graphic print. I’m not sure what I make of this cheeky blue-faced character, but I’m sure someone will love its original style.

There’s no getting around it; the Beach Bum Palm Tote’s materials aren’t luxurious. If, like the Miley Cyruses of this world, you tote a Louis Vuitton bag to the beach you’re going to be disappointed. But I think the budget choices are inspired, and very appropriate. The glossy PVC body is water resistant, so poolside splashes or summer showers won’t concern you. This manmade material also won’t deteriorate after spending time in the salty sea air. The handles are made of canvas, a strong fabric which will help cushion your shoulders. The interior is lined in terry cloth, another clever selection for soaking up the water from wet towels and togs.

You’ll easily fit these bulky items inside, with space to spare for flip flops and sunscreen. A zippered pocket is perfect for securely stashing your change and valuables while you hit the surf. The generous space closes with a magnetic snap.

At $95 this is a little more than I’d want to spend on a bag for just one season, but if you’re a regular beachgoer it might be worth the cash.

More Features of This Diesel Palm Tote

• Dual 16 inch handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 19.7 x 3.2 x 17.3 inches

Get this Diesel Beach Bum Palm Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Diesel Men’s Kara beach bag, a great alternative to this beach bag.
• Searching for more Diesel bags on eBay
• Other Diesel beach bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Diesel Beach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Rising Tide Fair Trade is an exotic handbag label which puts people first. Designers Virginia Dooley and Nicole Jones’ work with artisans in Bengal, India to create their collection of Eastern inspired weekender bags, totes, hobos, and other accessories.

Rising Tide Fair Trade workers turn the embroidered Kantha fabric of old saris into eye-catching accessories. The exotic materials are then trimmed with cruelty-free suede for an extra hint of luxury.

As its name suggests, Rising Tide Fair Trade produces its handbags according to fair trade standards. The workers from these poor communities earn a fair wage, equivalent to 60% more than they would make in a local factory, which in turns helps them to support their families. The artisans can also work from home, a real bonus for mothers with young children.

Rising Tide Fair Trade gives back again by donating a percentage of its profits to programs which help to educate young disadvantaged women and give them the skills they need to gain employment or start their own businesses. These organizations include Sport Revolution Girls, The Lower Eastside Girls Club of New York, and Girls for Gender Equity.

Rising Tide Fair Trade bags are available at selected boutiques and from the label’s online store.

[Source: Rising Tide Fair Trade]

Fair Trade Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]fair trade, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]