Perhaps it’s the recession, but it seems like embellished bags are really making a comeback. Not the ultra-blingy ostentatious kind, but understated bags with a little something extra like this one.

Olive green is kind of unusual as far as evening bag colors go, and there’s something refreshing about the color choice alone. It’s neutral enough that it will go with almost everything, and it will look particularly nice with this season’s nudes.

The leather gathers softly towards the center of this simple frame bag, and is accented with a giant raw emerald. There’s something very retro about the look of this clutch, although I can’t place the era precisely. The bag itself looks a little bit 80s, while the embellishment looks a little more 40s deco. Let’s call it pan-vintage.

Honestly, for $545 this bag isn’t really cutting it for me. I like it, but it lacks coherence. It has a lot of interesting elements that just don’t seem to be hanging together entirely. I would wait for the next quirky Marni offering if I were you.

More Features Of The Marni Embellished Leather Clutch

• 8″ x 5″ x 2″ size
• Taupe lining
• Press-clasp fastening

Get this Marni Embellished Leather Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marni bags on BagBunch
• The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag, a more structured alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marni bags on eBay
• Other green leather clutches  on eBay:
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Fendi’s signature flashy Italian aesthetic isn’t always my cup of tea, but sometimes the label comes up with something bright and sleek that really blows me away. This Peekaboo python tote is one of those things.

The white python leather is truly exquisite and unique. The material is rich and refined and still elegant and understated. The warm, shiny gold hardware perfectly complements the cool white of the bag and gives a textural contrast to the nubby snakeskin. Not that the textures on the Peekaboo are in-your-face. They aren’t. The beauty of the materials is for those looking closely.

The traditional shape of the tote and its generous size mean that this gorgeous piece of luxury is also immensely practical. It will hold up to even the most heavy toting woman’s arsenal of goodies.

At $5,360, this is a serious investment in luxury, but a worthwhile one if you’re looking for a summery exotic bag that will last a lifetime.

More Features Of The Fendi Peekaboo Python Medium Tote

• 15″ x 12″ x 5″ size
• 5″ handle drop
• Nude canvas lining
• Detachable shoulder strap

Get this Fendi Peekaboo Python Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Fendi bags on BagBunch
• The Fendi Zucca Snake Print Tote, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more bags on eBay
• Other white snakeskin bags on eBay:
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A combination of different colored reptile skin generally spells out design chaos for a handbag, but this Dan W Random clutch doesn’t look as bad as it should.

In fact, especially from a distance, the patchwork layout of this bright patterned handbag looks more textured than over-the-top. The metallic red section of lizard print perhaps breaks up the muted color scheme, but it does add a fission of brightness and interest. It is, of course, very much a matter of personal taste, but fans of dramatic exotics may well find it to their style.

Aside from the interesting collection of textures and shapes, you have a basic envelope clutch here. You get a simple pouch and large flap closure, accompanied by a comfortable shoulder strap. The materials, of course, aren’t luxurious, but this bag does only cost $69! You still get actual leather though!

Interesting, unusual, and probably hated by many people out there, this multi-colored purse is an exotic choice!

More Features of this Dan W Random Lizard Print Purse

• Also available in a range of khaki shades
• Coordinating exotic lining
• Optional shoulder strap
• Real leather exterior

Get this Multi-Colored Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More lizard print bags on BagBunch
• The Jalda Lizard-embossed brief clutch, a great alternative to this exotic bag.
• Searching for more patchwork bags on eBay
• Other Lizard print bags on eBay:

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Judith Leiber’s quirky evening bags are the stuff that dreams are made of. Literally. They come in the shapes of gilded animals and sparkling treasures from the sea. This Clam Shell clutch is sure to draw oohs and aahs from even the most jaded handbag fanatics.

This fine crystal clutch is meticulously molded in the shape of a clam shell. I think Judith Leiber might have been trying to improve upon nature on this one, as it is the most perfectly symmetrical and glistening crustacean I have ever laid eyes on.

Not only is this Clam Shell clutch beautiful; it will make a sophisticated, but irreverent addition to any evening ensemble. The graduated coloring gives an organic air to the clutch and shows off the undulating shape of the shell.

I really like that Leiber didn’t go overboard on the details here. This bag is subtle and understated and just waiting for the perfect evening out. The delicate gold-tone chain and push clasp add a little extra glimmer, but don’t distract from the main draw.

At $4, 395, this is a seriously special occasion purchase for a woman serious about evening wear.

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Clam Shell Fine-Crystal Clutch

• 7″ x 6″ x 3″ size
• 8″ handle drop
• Fully lined in gold leather

Get this Judith Leiber Clam Shell Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Judith Leiber bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber Leopard Minaudiere, an animal-printed alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Judith Leiber bags on eBay
• Other clam shell purses on eBay:

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J. Tiras tends to create evening purses are the belles of the ball, from beautiful crystal covered minaudieres to sleek satin clutches. The fashion house goes in a slightly different direction with the Noel.

This is a much more modern affair, from its stipple patterned leather body to its bold racing stripe accents. You could work it on the red carpet, particularly when paired with an extravagant designer gown, but it’d be just as home at a casual gathering with friends or a daytime outing.

At least, you could if you know how to travel light. J. Tiras might have offered a modern interpretation of a clutch purse, but its size isn’t so contemporary. Neither is the open slip pocket inside, which is frankly a little bit useless. J. Tiras joins us in the 21st century though with a tuckaway leather strap. This gives us the hands-free carrying option we love, without the bruised shoulders metal chains leave.

Many J. Tiras purses cost more than $100, but we can only take them out when we’ve got a black tie event to attend. With the versatile Noel priced at just $96, we know we’ll get plenty of wear for our dollar.

More Features of this J. Tiras Stripe Clutch

• Full flap magnetic closure
• Fabric lined interior
• A leather strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 4.7 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches

Get this J. Tiras Noel Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Tiras bags on BagBunch
• The SR Squared 2-Tone clutch bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more J. Tiras bags on eBay
• Other striped clutch bags on eBay:

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French luggage brand Delsey continues to set new travel bag standards with the recent releases of its Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 and Helium Superlite collections.

The new Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 line is the brand’s first to feature a built-in over-weight indicator. This handy gadget tells travelers when their case weighs more than 50 pounds. It’s much simpler than wrestling your bag onto bathroom scales; you just pull up the small indicator handle. If your suitcase is overweight, the display will turn red. This convenient feature is available in a range of lightweight and ergonomic Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 bags, ranging from the small trolley tote to the large 29″ expandable suiter trolley.

The Helium SuperLite collection redefines what we mean by lightweight luggage. Most weigh less than 10 pounds, but that doesn’t mean they’re flimsy. The durable Ny Tec material is backed with Vapor Barrier to help it last. This strong outer shell combines with user-friendly features including smooth velocity wheels, an extra-long locking trolley handle, and a fully lined interior with tie-down straps to keep your clothes wrinkle free. The Helium SuperLite Collection features a range of cases from a small trolley tote to an expandable 29″ trolley bag.

Delsey’s Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 and Helium Superlite travel cases are available from a range of retailers around the world including Amazon and Macy’s.

[Source: Linda Gaunt Communications]

Delsey Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 Bags on eBay

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The baguette sacs of France inspired Marybeth Shaw of Shaw Jelveh Design to create this all-American Sac a Baguette.

While this reusable cotton canvas bag is the perfect way to tote crusty bread back from the bakers, it’s also ideal for an outing to the farmer’s market or a summer picnic. The removable “baguette quiver” compartment can easily hold a rolled up newspaper, a bunch of flowers, or naturally some French bread! The main sac compartment can carry six gallons of cargo. There’s also a secure pocket inside, and the washable lining unzips for easy cleaning. Sturdy leather straps aren’t the most environmentally conscious choice, but they are a durable one. It’s up to you to decide whether your green conscience outweighs your desire for a bag that lasts.

And for the price, which ranges between $299 and $329, you’d probably want it to stand up for a few seasons. The gray Rotterdam and camel-toned San Francisco bags are the least expensive, while the black New York handbag costs a little more.

Get yours online at the Sac a Baguette website.

[Source: Luxist]

Reusable Cotton Canvas Totes on eBay

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If you’ve always admired Helena de Natalio’s day bags but dismissed their slouchy style, then the Belen Tote might be right up your alley. While this tote still has a gentle slouch, it’s much more structured than most of Helena de Natalio’s large handbags.

Despite its soft pleats and buttery Argentinian leather body, the Belen is one of those bags that happily stands to attention once you set it down. This makes sure everyone can admire the pretty braided handle and tasseled drawstring, no matter whether it’s sitting on your shoulder or beside you.

Typically drawstring handbags are coolly casual, but the luxury leather makes this tote feel a bit more up-market. It couldn’t really go black tie, but it’d be entirely appropriate for the boardroom or an elegant restaurant.

Thankfully Helena de Natalio has also made the Belen big enough to suit any occasion. The interior is generous without being ungainly, and well appointed with plenty of slip and zip pockets. The patterned lining doesn’t have the same European sophistication we see on the rest of the bag, but the zip closure makes sure it’s our little secret.

The Helena de Natalio Belen tote is available in classic cognac and caramel for $475.

More Features of This Helena de Natalio Tassel Tote

• Dual braided handles
• Measures 13 x 18 x 10 inches

Get this Helena de Natalio Belen Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Helena de Natalio bags on BagBunch
• The Helena de Natalio Alejandra bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Helena de Natalio bags on eBay
• Other leather drawstring bags on eBay:

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Anya Hindmarch’s quirky, feminine designs are quickly taking the fashion world by storm. She seems to have a direct line to the psyche of the urban fashionista and what her current needs are. Which is why this Neesom woven leather tote looks a little out of keeping with her usual design sensibility.

It isn’t that the Neesom isn’t cute; it just looks a little played out. The metallic leather is shiny and showy, and while I like the combination of weaving and metallic, I just don’t think it’s working here. The Neesom just looks like it’s trying a little too hard.

Perhaps it’s the overabundance of detail that is distracting. Not only is the bag woven and metallic, but it also has an intarsia bow and giant central tassel. It just seems like a little too much for one bag. I do, however, like how the woven parts contrast with the shiny front strap detail.  And I also think that the generous size looks really fabulous with the tiny front flap closure. I just wish that the Neesom wasn’t trying to accommodate all these design elements at once.

At $1,200, the Neesom is priced at the level of your average everyday designer bag, but it isn’t really made for everyday use. It’s more like a one hit wonder.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Neesom Woven Leather Tote

• 18″ x 10″ x 4″ size
• 9″ handle drop
• Lined in taupe suede
• Interior zipper pocket

Get this Anya Hindmarch Neesom Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Anya Hindmarch bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Jackson Shoulder Bag, a larger, everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Anya Hindmarch bags on eBay
• Other woven metallic leather purses on eBay:

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Marc Jacobs accessory line always seems to work within a theme. The turnlock bags of the past few seasons are a good example. Now Jacobs seems obsessed with tassels, and they’re showing up on every other handbag in the line.

I can’t say I’ve always been a big fan of leather tassels. They remind me of penny loafers, which remind me of the preppy kids in high school who all dressed alike. Regardless, Marc Jacobs’ use of tassels, while it draws on preppy style, is definitely tongue-in-cheek about doing so.

The generously-sized, almost bowler shape of this satchel is way more interesting for showing off the eyelets and tassels than the smaller clutch version. Also, the rich dark brown leather provides an interesting contrast with the somewhat prissy details that keeps it cheeky. Honestly, though, I think the design team went a little overboard when they added the giant tassels to the sides of the bag. They’re just a little too much.

The chain and leather strap is just trendy enough to keep this offbeat combination of styles current, and it’s length makes it perfect for hand-holding or throwing over your shoulder. Overall, I think that while the compare and contrast styling of this bag won’t appeal to every women, the Dancer is going to find a lot of fans.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Dancer Tasseled Leather Bag:

• 17″ x 11″ x 6″ size
• 8″ handle drop
• Top zip fastening
• Interior pouch and zipper pockets

Get this Marc Jacobs Tasseled Leather Clutch:

• 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 black leather satchels on eBay:
  [phpbay]black leather satchel, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]Marc