Hippie style tie-dyed bags never really go out of fashion for the summer, and this Pietro Alessandro version is just the ticket for pairing with maxi dresses for long days spent on the beach.

Whilst the cool fresh colors and delicious buttery soft leather make this a very upmarket choice for a tie-dye bag, I do wonder how many people will pay $330 for a boho style purse. The problem is that hippie styling has for too long been associated with the cheaper and more casual end of the market. If you need some persuading, however, then the really luxurious materials may do the job. You see, it looks casual, but it feels posh!

I do wonder if Pietro Alessandro are reinventing this bag, and whether they have managed to create something just perfect for all the Nicole Richie style fashionistas out there? Just imagine this with a pair of exotic gladiator flats or huge towering wedges, and you can see how this would transfer into a very classy bag indeed. Plus, the designer gives you the function of a large bag, with multiple handles and lots of practicality; a job well done!

Surprisingly desirable, this expensive bag is a lovely creation from this upmarket designer.

More Features of this Pietro Alessandro Tie Dye Tote

• Available in two other color combinations
• Tie-dyed leather exterior
• Adjustable handles for multiple carrying choices
• Fully lined interior

Get this Cool Hippie Hobo:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More tie-dye bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Classic City clutch, a great alternative to this boho bag.
• Searching for more tie-dye bags on eBay
• Other Pietro Alessandro bags on eBay:

[phpbay]pietro alessandro handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I always respect a brand that dares to be different. And there’s nothing predictable about the Loulou shoulder bag by Ananas.

While pushing the envelope always garners a degree of respect, I’m not always enthusiastic about the results of these fashion risks. The Loulou unfortunately is one of those bags that fails to get my blood pumping. It reminds me of a hot water bottle, and I just can’t shake that image from my mind!

On the positive side though, a purse which doesn’t look like all the rest will always attract attention. And this one certainly isn’t hideous; its classic gray shade, minimalist design, and high-quality leather see to that. While drawstring bags often look sloppy, the butter soft skin gives the Loulou an air of sophistication.

It’s generous enough to accommodate everything you could possibly want on a day or evening out, but sadly Ananas doesn’t offer the organizational features this space needs. Prepare to spend time scrounging for car keys or cell phones if this purse has won your heart. At least the strap is a little more practical, with a long drop to handle over-the-shoulder or cross-body wear. I’m confused about Ananas’ decision to make it detachable though, as no bag this big will ever work as a clutch.

But when a bag looks as different as the Loulou, those little irritants don’t really matter. If you want to stand out from the pack, this Ananas shoulder bag can make it happen for $265.

More Features of This Ananas Shoulder Bag

• Printed plainweave lining
• A single shoulder strap with a 16 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 inches
• Made in the USA

Get this Ananas Loulou Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ananas bags on BagBunch
• The Bodhi Temple bag, a great alternative to this unusual bag.
• Searching for more Ananas bags on eBay
• Other gray leather shoulder bags on eBay:

[phpbay]gray leather shoulder bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

As we were reminded by Millward Brown Optimor’s study last week, nothing says luxury like heritage. Clearly Chanel has taken note, as it will launch its the Secrets of the Chanel Handbag exhibition in New York next week.

The exhibit, at Chanel’s East 57th Street flagship boutique, will reveal how Chanel handbags are made, and how the label’s style has evolved over time. Visitors can walk through an interactive visual display featuring some of Chanel’s favorite handbags, and see the latest purses designed by the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld.

Perhaps after observing all that goes in to making a Chanel bag, you’ll be able to justify their exorbitant prices! I’m sure the store’s owners are crossing their fingers!

You can see the Secrets of the Chanel Handbag exhibition at Chanel’s New York flagship store from May 8 to May 16.

[Source: Bag Snob]
[Image Source: Jturbanos/Flickr]

Chanel Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Chanel, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Jesselli Couture takes a break from its typical patterned bags with this gorgeous pleated north/south tote.

The knife pleat detail makes this fairly simple tote look very modern. These angular seams do all the talking, at least on the front. What a shame that this is yet another handbag which doesn’t continue the design throughout. While the soft nappa leather is lovely all on its own, I can’t help feeling let down by the bare back. The rear pocket might be practical, but I’d much rather see more pleats!

Pleat longing aside, this is a high-quality tote which does just what we need. Totes are everyday bags, so the practical considerations like storage space and user-friendly features are important to think about. Inside this generous handbag we get a zippered pocket in one inner wall, and open pouches for gadgets in the other.

The pale pastel palette will probably get grubby before long, but if you look after it the high-quality materials will help to justify the $285 price tag.

More Features of This Jesselli Couture Pleated Tote

• Top zip closure
• Cotton lined interior
• Dual hand-stitched handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 5 x 16 inches
• Made in China from Italian leather

Get this Jesselli Couture Nappa Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Creekstone Corners Jewelry eBay store to see if this Jesselli Couture bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jesselli Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Jesselli Couture cream tote bag, a great alternative to this cream bag.
• Searching for more Jesselli Couture bags on eBay
• Other Jesselli Couture tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Jesselli Couture tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is giving back through a new partnership with SOS Children’s Villages. The five-year deal will see the French label work with the charity to create a new initiative known as Partnership for Children’s Future.

The program will benefit children living in SOS Children’s Villages, little ones who have been orphaned, abandoned, or come from families unable to care for them. SOS Mothers take the place of biological parents, offering the love, security, and education the children need until they can live independently. Around the world SOS Children’s Villages provide for 78, 000 children and teenagers in 500 villages and 400 youth facilities.

The details of the partnership are not yet clear, but we might expect some limited edition handbags to help raise funds. Let’s hope so! Whatever the case, it’s wonderful to see Louis Vuitton acting altruistically and giving back to those less fortunate.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Avlxyz/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Louis Vuitton, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

You might not intend to brave the wilds of Africa, but this Safari bag from Tusk can still take care of your travel needs.

This is a bag that’s easy to overlook; its boxy shape isn’t out of the ordinary and while the pebbled leather is beautiful, the conservative choices of black and chocolate brown seem determined not to attract attention. But if you’re in the market for a travel bag, it’d be a shame to pass this duffel by.

That skin is actually Japanese leather, an underutilized hide which will wear beautifully. This fabric works in conjunction with the simple styling to create a classic unisex look. Girly girls might not appreciate that, until of course they want their boyfriend to carry their luggage. He might refuse a pretty pink purse, but there’s no turning down the Safari!

And once it’s full, this is the kind of handbag you’ll want to offload. It’s massive, so there’s the potential to cram in not just vacation essentials but luxuries as well. With pockets inside and out, there really is a place for everything.

If you do get saddled with lugging your own travel bag, the versatile carrying options should help you out. The dual straps are adjustable for comfortable carrying by hand or shoulder. There’s another removable adjustable strap too if you’d prefer to go cross-body.

At $410, you might not have much spending money left for your travels, but you will have a bag that will last for more journeys to come.

More Features of This Tusk Japanese Leather Duffel

• Trimmed with buffalo leather
• Fully lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Protective feet on the base
• Two external side pockets with magnetic clasps
• Measures 12 x 10 x 20.2 inches

Get this Tusk Safari Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tusk bags on BagBunch
• The Tusk Signature weekender bag, a great alternative to this travel bag.
• Searching for more Tusk bags on eBay
• Other leather duffel bags on eBay:

[phpbay]leather duffel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

We may be used to seeing larger bags from luxury handbag design house, Badgley Mischka. However, if the Nikki clutch is anything to go by the label is just as much of a force to be reckoned with in the evening bag domain.

OK, so what is so impressive about this bag? The design is, after all, extraordinarily simple, and if you like gems and diamonds for your $268 then you will be sorely disappointed. Stop looking at the lack of decoration, however, and start paying attention to the bag itself. To the brilliantly shiny and glossy patent leather, in the most delicious shade of merlot. To the smooth and art deco frame, in an equally sparkly gold. Then you will see why this purse is special!

However, no matter how wonderful the color and the materials, it is still undeniable that this couture purse is just a glorified pouch. And at the price that makes it pretty expensive. But… if you have the cash to spare then this luxe clutch will be a beautiful accessory – and the neat front opening may just sweeten the bargain.

More Features of this Badgley Mischka Nikki Evening Bag

• Also available in steel and mauve
• Single zipped interior pocket
• Patent leather exterior and trim
• Twill lining

Get this Couture Patent Leather Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Badgley Mischka bags on BagBunch
• The Cynthia Vincent metallic purse, a great alternative to this pouch bag.
• Searching for more patent clutches on eBay
• Other Badgley Mischka bags on eBay:

[phpbay]badgley mischka handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Wow, what a bag. You certainly won’t miss this one if you walk past it!

Subtlety really isn’t the aim of this funky Hobo International satchel. Instead, its bright color and bold retro design hark back to the brave and bold era that encompassed the 60s and 70s. Can you see the similarities to some of the Scandinavian furniture and interior design that was made so famous by Eames?

Those similarities are at the same time what makes the Wilhelmina tote stand apart from other handbags on the shelves. The unusual hard handles are the starting point of the innovative design, although I am glad Hobo International has added in a shoulder strap that will be much comfier. From the smooth orange patent leather of the handle we move down to that oh-so-stylish topstitching, creating a quilted wave effect all over the body of the bag. This is interesting, deliciously textured, and just points towards the quality of the item.

OK, so this vibrant retro satchel may be a little too bold for work. And if you aren’t a fan of color, it may seem a little too sunny. If you are feeling brave and have the reasonable amount of $103 to spare, however, then I think it is worth giving this bag a chance.

More Features of this Hobo International Retro Satchel

• Also available in yellow and black
• Patent leather exterior and handles
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Adjustable shoulder-strap

Get this Quilted Wilhelmina Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Coccinelle Goodie bag tote, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more quilted bags on eBay
• Other Hobo International bags on eBay:

[phpbay]hobo international handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Coccinelle marries preppy chic with edgy grommets to create this eye-catching Mary hobo bag.

As with any metallic embellishment, grommets tend to make a purse look edgy and dangerous. But Coccinelle balances the look with buttery soft leather and a cutesy bow. Rather than appearing confused, as so often bags combining different accents can, Coccinelle creates something new and exciting here.

I’m digging the front, with its gusseted pocket and head-turning accents, so it’s a shame to see the back is boring and bare. There’s not a pocket or a pleat, not anything of interest at all! I know many designers skimp on these details to bring down the price, but for $325 I expect more.

Thankfully, Coccinelle doesn’t forget the features inside. There’s everything we could ask for here: durable leather lined pockets, a clever design, and plenty of usable space to spare. But it does opt for style over function when it comes to the handle, a strap which is just a shade too short for comfortable carrying.

It’s not perfect, but the striking good looks of this Mary hobo should convince many girls to overlook its flaws.

More Features of This Coccinelle Grommets Hobo

• Twill lined interior
• Zip top closure
• A single shoulder strap with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 14 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Coccinelle Mary Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock in navy)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coccinelle bags on BagBunch
• The Coccinelle Mary satchel bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Coccinelle bags on eBay
• Other grommets bags on eBay:

[phpbay]grommets, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Prada has released an oriental inspired limited edition handbag collection to celebrate the opening of Shanghai World Expo.

But should Miuccia Prada have bothered? Honestly, these bags featuring the Shanghai skyline and a springtime scene seem more than a little uninspired. Apparently the designer was motivated to create a range reflecting “21st century urban life,” but I don’t think she’s succeeded. The butterfly and flower patterned purse is very old-fashioned, and the cityscape tote reminds me of something a tourist would buy at a gift shop.

I suppose there’s an element of collectability about this bags as they were made to commemorate the World Expo, but I can’t imagine wanting to carry these totes for very long. I’d be reluctant to tote them if I were given them for free, but I’d never spend the hundreds of dollars Prada is asking. The label’s fans may fall for the limited edition nature of the totes, but I’m decidedly unimpressed.

[Source: Bag Snob]

Prada Tote Bags on eBay

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