Badgley Mischka is typically right on trend with its modern accessories. But this time we see the brand pushing the envelope with its Micol shoulder bag.

The Micol sees Badgley Mischka being unexpectedly flamboyant, pairing textures and accents for dramatic effect. The combination of buttery soft crocodile-embossed leather and fine feather fringe could be too much for the faint hearted, but I actually love the look. By keeping the colors complementary and classic, I think the label has pushed things just far enough.

And once you look past the wild exterior, this is a pretty practical little purse. While it doesn’t have a lot of space by modern standards, it’s cleverly organized to feel larger than its dimensions. The attachable cross-body strap has chunky chain links for edge, but a soft leather center for comfortable carrying.

At the $345 retail price, I’m not sure such a wild style represents good value. But with Amazon discounting the bag by almost half, I’m considering throwing caution to the wind!

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Croc-Embossed Shoulder Bag

• A zipper accent
• A short leather strap
• Measures 9 x 7 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Badgley Mischka Micol Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Drama Queen Finery and Dandy Duds eBay store to see if this Badgley Mischka bag in camel is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Badgley Mischka bags on BagBunch
• The Badgley Mischka tote bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Badgley Mischka bags on eBay
• Other Badgley Mischka Micol bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Badgley Mischka Micol, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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.

First of all, how shiny is this bag? A little bit too if you ask me. And while I think it’s great that the metallics trend of 2005 has managed to hold on so long, it might be okay to let go of it a little bit. The material of this bag is just way too in-your-face for my taste. Not to mention the logos! Seriously, could they fit any more logos on this bag? Ugh.

I’m not trying to belittle anyone who’s really into shiny logoed bags; I know they have a fan club. But this version is just plain tacky. It’s supposed to be bowler style, but it looks more like a duffel bag. A shiny throwback duffel bag that even Jane Fonda would have eschewed in 1982 for something less ostentatious.

On the plus side, it’s generously-sized and reasonably-priced, and it’s made of genuine leather. So, if for $250 you really want a large, practically glow-in-the-dark Marc Jacobs advertisement hanging from your arm, you are in luck.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Fast Bag Metallic Bowling Bag

• 12″ x 8″ x 4″ size
• 21″ handle drop
• Interior zipper pocket
• Black and white designer logo lining

Get this Marc Jacobs Fast 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 metallic silver handbags on eBay:
  [phpbay]metallic silver, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I never thought that I’d been the kind of girl who routinely gushed about Jimmy Choo, but if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll understand how I got converted. His latest collection of handbags is so spot on and perfect, I just can’t help myself.

The Chandra, which means “moon” by the way, is made of that fabulous wet-look suede that was so popular in the 80s. I haven’t seen it since then, and to be honest, I had almost forgotten about it, but boy am I glad Mr. Choo reminded me. This stuff is hot.

The Chandra makes good use of the material by only minimally embellishing it. The simple foldover design really showcases the amazing sheen of the material, and the braided leather strap detail contrasts with it beautifully. The silver and snakeskin clasp is an amazing touch that ties the whole bag together and gives it a modern, architectural look.

At $1,495, the Chandra is an evening bag for the elite, but the rest of us can appreciate and perhaps emulate, its amazing style.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Chandra Wet-Look Suede Clutch

• 12″ x 6″ x 2″  size
• Gold satin lining
• Interior zipped pocket

Get this Jimmy Choo Chandra Clutch:

• 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 suede clutches  on eBay:
  [phpbay]black suede clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Oversized clutches can be a bit of a problem child for handbag designers. You need them to look great and have lots of space, but at the same time you need them to be easy to carry. I think Rampage has done quite well in meeting both of these requirements with this glazed leather purse.

Looks-wise, this clutch is simple and sophisticated. The gorgeous leather exterior (much better quality than you would expect for a bag costing about $60!) looks great, and is set off perfectly by the stylish circular metal clasp in the center. Its big size means you get the clutch-like looks, just with a lot more space.

That space is yet another upside. You don’t get compartments, but you do get a big center section and tons of slouchy comfortable room. Beware that the soft shape means your belongings can make the shape rather less elegant, however. Still, little gripes aside I have to comment enthusiastically on the size and the availability of a wrist strap; it is still a little small for such a large handbag, but it is better than no carrying method at all.

Sleek, classy and incredibly affordable, this real leather clutch would be a gorgeous addition to most evenings out.

More Features of this Rampage Glazed Leather Handbag

• Available in three other colors
• Contrasting nylon interior
• Wrist strap handle option
• Real glazed leather exterior

Get this Oversized Decorative Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Rampage bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Laroux clutch, a great alternative to this over-sized bag
• Searching for more over-sized clutches on eBay
• Other Rampage bags on eBay:

[phpbay]rampage handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

A new season means a new opportunity to spruce up our wardrobe. As spring weather warms, trend forecasters have released their predictions for the hottest handbag styles this summer.

Just as the temperatures soar, so will the popularity of the cross-body purse. Compact cross-body bags are prized for their organizational features, while larger styles work well as carry-alls.

If you prefer a more bohemian look for summer, consider the tried and true hobo bag. These are particularly appealing for girls on a budget, as the relaxed style can easily transition into fall.

And tote bags never fall out of favor, regardless of the season. In summer these bags really come into their own, as there is enough space inside for beach towels , frisbees, and even a picnic lunch.

This season is all about warm colors, including burnt orange and vibrant fuchsia. David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl’s department stores, says we “can incorporate a similar shade handbag to create a layered color statement or add a contrasting accent with a crisp citrine bag.”

Exotic skins, particularly snakeskin, and soft metallics are also hot property. During the day they’ll catch the summer sun, and when night falls they’ll add just the right amount of glamour.

It seems our current love of hardware will endure throughout the new season, as studs, grommets, zips, and buckles are also expected to be big.

It sounds like we’re in for a season not too different from the last. That’s good news for girls hoping to get a little more mileage from their favorite spring purse.

[Source: MLive]
[Image Source: Tatlin/Stock.xchng]

Cross-Body Bags on eBay

[phpbay]cross body bag, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

B. Makowsky reinterprets the current studded trend in a fun feminine way to create the Olympia Cross-Body bag.

Rather than using the studs to add edge, B. Makowsky uses a much lighter touch. By smattering small, shiny studs around the external zips, B. Makowsky makes these practical pockets seem much more appealing. Suddenly they’re a design feature, working with the softly slouching leather to create a look perfect for summer.

Cross-body bags promise to be the bag of choice next season for girls demanding practicality. The Olympia delivers, with generous storage space and pockets to match. Keep your valuables safe inside the zippered pouch, and turn to the open slips for your cell phone and portable music player.

Of course, this raspberry pink shade is too girly to suit every bagista. Thankfully B. Makowsky offers plenty more options, from traditional black and brandy to a more unconventional kiwi green.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Studded Cross-Body

• A single adjustable cross-body strap
• Measures 11 x 1.5 x 11 inches
• Made in China

Get this B. Makowsky Olympia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in black, kiwi, and lemon)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]B Makowsky Olympia Cross*, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check The Review Shoppe eBay store to see if this B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Olympia satchel bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

The plastic shopping bag may go the way of the dinosaur, as the popularity of reusable tote bags rises. And it seems retailers are embracing the shift.

“Retailers are getting ahead of this curve,” said Dan Sabbah of Global Way, a company which makes tote bags from recycled water bottles. His organization shipped hundreds of thousands of bags to retailers like CVS and Walgreens to promote Earth Day. “I don’t believe anyone thinks this is going to go away. This is going to be the wave of the future.“

The key to the shift is a willingness to support these green bags all year, not just on Earth Day. Thankfully, it seems many major companies are on board. Wal-Mart wants to cut plastic shopping bag waste by a third by 2013. IKEA and Whole Foods Markets got ahead of the trend by banishing plastic bags in 2008. And Target offers shoppers a 5c rebate every time they use one of their own bags in favor of plastic.

Plastic bag makers insist rumors of their death are greatly exaggerated though. Shari Jackson, director of Progressive Bag Affiliates, says the key to their survival relies on the use of recycled goods. It aims to achieve 40% recycled content in all bags by 2015.

Personally, I’d love to see plastic bags become a thing of the past. But if that can’t happen, knowing that these bags are a little bit greener seems like the next best thing.

[Source: Dallas News]
[Image Source: Mike Licht/Flickr]

Reusable Tote Bags on eBay

[phpbay]reusable tote, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

What a fabulously fun and frothy bag Ashley M has created in the Cindy Ruffle Satchel.

There’s certainly no guessing where it got its name from; the Cindy is literally covered in large ruffled rosettes. As if these didn’t make the satchel girly enough, Ashley M has dotted the center of each bloom with tiny twisted bows.

The Cindy might be all about the look, but those rosettes disguise a fairly practical interior. Perhaps it’s because Ashley M worked so hard to create such an eye-catching exterior, but I didn’t expect much when I looked inside. Initially I just saw the drab brown fabric lining, but live with it a while and you’ll grow to appreciate the generous dimensions and practical pockets.

Of course, the Cindy’s look won’t appeal to everyone. It’s big and bold, and more than a little silly. I adore it, but I’m still not sure what occasion it would suit. However, at just $48 I don’t mind spending now and figuring that out later!

More Features of This Ashley M Rosette Satchel

• Zip top closure
• Dual shoulder straps and a removable cross-body strap
• Measures 13.5 x 9 x 7 inches
• Available in black or royal blue

Get this Ashley M Cindy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ashley M Cindy Ruffle satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ashley M bags on BagBunch
• The Ashley M Kaylan Ruffle bag, a great alternative to this rosette bag.
• Searching for more Ashley M bags on eBay

With art bags enjoying a recent revival, it’s worth revisiting the handpainted charms of Anuschka. One of the brand’s most recent designs is called the Nirvana. While it’s available on a range of purses, I think my favorite is this medium-sized hobo.

The key to this purse is its simplicity. On a blank canvas of high quality leather, the dreamy hand-painted artwork can shine. Without the slouchy pleats of a traditional hobo, we can easily see the design, which features Middle Eastern inspired lotus flowers and water lilies.

Two painted zips disguise the secure external pockets. There’s more where that came from inside, a space that’s a lot more practical than you might expect. This is a fairly small interior by modern standards, but it’s packed with more features than the average. Pen holders, credit card slots, and a key fob are just some of the special extras. You’ll also find a removable optical case and cosmetics pouch. I’m not sure how Anuschka manages to cram all that inside this relatively small space, but I appreciate the effort.

Artsy purses aren’t for everyone, but if the $158 price tag and high-quality materials make this one more appealing than most.

More Features of This Anuschka Medium Hobo

• Top zip entry
• An exterior slip pocket
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 14.5 to 17 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 12 x 4 inches

Get this Anuschka Nirvana Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Anuschka Nirvana hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Anuschka bags on BagBunch
• The Anuschka Nirvana shopper bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Anuschka bags on eBay

Go Gaga The Gondola Bag from GoGo Baby Gear is a great diaper bag option for eco-friendly moms and dads. The baby bags are made from almost 75% post-consumer recycled fabric by a fair-trade certified manufacturer in Vietnam. That should satisfy green parents, but it’s the features that will impress in the long term.

The sling-like strap distributes weight evenly across the body, so you can say goodbye to aching backs and shoulders. The dimensions are so generous that you can fit a breast pump, change of clothes, or laptop inside. Insulated pockets will keep baby’s bottles cold and upright to prevent leaks. The matching change pad is also perfect for dirty diaper emergencies.

The Gondola Bag’s look isn’t very revolutionary, but it does ensure this diaper will work for dads as well as moms. At least so long as you don’t choose the pinkish cayenne shade! The Go Gaga The Gondola Bag generally retails for $98, but it’s currently on sale through the GoGo Baby Gear website for just $89.

[Source: Inhabitots]
[Image Source: GoGo Baby Gear]

Eco-Friendly Diaper Bags on eBay

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