Lanvin says “French” like Marc Jacobs says “American”. Who else could make a shiny metallic silver tote that is somehow posh and feminine?

The classic shape of this tote helps diffuse the bling effect of the leather. Ordinarily, I don’t think I would really like a metallic handbag, but this one has a discrete charm that makes it work. The subtle quilted pattern on the leather adds to its traditional appeal, and also adds a little bit of texture to the smooth surface.

The chain strap with its giant bow detail is what really gives this bag character. I love that enough of the strap is fabric to keep it comfortable on your shoulder, but there’s still enough chain to give it a little edge.

The only thing I don’t really like about the bag is the contrasting satin trim at the top. It doesn’t really work with the bag, as far as I’m concerned, and it looks kind of slapped on. Otherwise, this is an eye-catching luxury tote for a woman who likes a little bling in her bags.

More Features Of The Lanvin Amalia Cabas Leather Tote

• 19″ x 13″ x 6″  size
• 6″ handle drop
• Fully lined in signature satin twill

Get this Lanvin Metallic Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Amalia Shoulder Bag, a lovely alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin handbags on eBay
• Other satin metallic silver totes on eBay:
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This is the third beautifully crafted handbag in the B. Makowsky Classics range.

I have a strong respect for the classic and timeless beauty that is evident in a really well thought out satchel. The shape is without fail brilliantly practical, and I find that the somewhat staid design will work with any number of  outfits and personal styles. Alongside the good looks, this means that the Washington satchel has that valuable quality: true versatility. I could see this working with a summery mini dress just as well as with a formal pinstripe suit.

To be fair, this ought to be versatile, as it costs a fairly significant $288. However, as a true investment piece this price is realistic, and I think that the ageless shape and quality leather mean that it could last for a long time indeed. What it really comes down to, after all, is your cost-per-wear figure!

To add to the obvious luxury of the cold gray leather, I particularly love the interior. In a quilted and slightly glossy burgundy fabric, this just makes this such a stunner inside and out. It is clear I really love this; even considering the fact that the hardware is gold rather than the automatic silver choice.

More Features of this B. Makowsky Traditional Satchel

• Also available in nutmeg, stone and black
• Gorgeous luxury lining
• Dual handles
• Chunky gold hardware

Get this Classics Washington Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The Bulga Vittel satchel, a great alternative to this formal bag.
• Searching for more leather satchels on eBay
• Other B. Makowsky bags on eBay:

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Kate Spade takes the hobo from Greenwich Village to a private school with the sophisticated Saddleback Susanna.

While most hobos are slouchy, relaxed affairs this is a handbag with real pedigree. Equestrian inspired brown belted details complement the classic pebbled leather body. In cognac the look is traditional, but the contrasting charm of apricot or this marigold purse seem much more interesting to me.

The slender design is also unusual for a hobo, but it does add to the Saddleback Susanna’s sophisticated appeal. But this bag isn’t all about playing it safe. The leopard print lining shows Kate Spade’s playful side. Of course, it’s tucked away inside so the upper crust will never know!

The Saddleback Susanna seems as far from a traditional hobo as you can get, with its structured design and high class looks. It might be a bit of a private school priss, but its chic, uncomplicated style is perfect for a day watching dressage or lunch at the country club!

More Features of This Kate Spade Equestrian Hobo

• Zip top closure
• A zippered pocket inside
• Twill lining
• A single shoulder strap with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 13.5 x 1.25 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kate Spade Saddleback Susanna Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade Saddleback Samuel satchel bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kate Spade bags on eBay
• Other Kate Spade hobo bags on eBay:

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La Vie Devant Soie has just released its spring/summer collection of cute and eco-friendly silk purses.

While silk is often used for evening bags, La Vie Devant Soie reminds us that the fabric works just as well before five. Larger styles like the Gibralter, River, and this cute KBag are ideal for everyday use. Of course there are evening purses too including the bow accented Maggy and appropriately named Luxe.

La Vie Devant Soie isn’t just about cute handbags though. The label was founded when designer Sandy Blain traveled to Cambodia in 2002. There she met many talented silk artisans who couldn’t find work in their field, or job security. And so Sandy created the label to put their traditional silk-working skills to work. Today all La Vie Devant Soie bags are made by women participating in a social reinsertion program in Cambodia’s Stung Treng province.

La Vie Devant Sole’s spring/summer collection is available in selected boutiques worldwide and online from UpFactory.

[Source: Eco Fashion World]
[Image Source: La Vie Devant Sole]

Silk Bags on eBay

[phpbay]silk, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

On spotting this Cynthia Vincent Outlaw clutch, I wondered whether it was wanted for crimes against fashion! However, perhaps I’m a bit hasty to judge this boldly colorful purse.

The wild Western print is garish to be sure, with colors like green, fluorescent pink, and black seemingly competing for attention. There’s no harmony to the design, and that discord continues with the brown leather accents. Cynthia Vincent doesn’t seem to mind that there’s no brown on her vivid print; it’s just another shade to add to the mix.

The tan skin does add to the Western vibe, as does the long tassel. But there’s just too much going on. The silvery studs on the handles only add to the over embellished look.

With the cut-out handles folded over the Outlaw is in clutch mode. But if you need some extra space, simply stand the bag upright and carry it as a tote. It’s probably not the most comfortable way to carry this handbag, but at least it offers easy access to the external zip pocket.

If you’ve fallen for the brash charms of this Outlaw, make sure you pair it with the most sedate of neutrals. If you’d prefer something slightly tamer, consider the plain metallic versions.

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Foldover Clutch

• Printed twill body
• Suede lined interior
• Cut-out handles with a 2 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 15 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cynthia Vincent Outlaw Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Cynthia Vincent bags on BagBunch
• The Cynthia Vincent Outlaw bag in gunmetal, a great alternative to this multicolored bag.
• Searching for more Cynthia Vincent bags on eBay
• Other foldover clutch bags on eBay:

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The humble wallet has gone high-tech with the launch of the iWallet. While it sounds like a cutting-edge musical device, the iWallet is actually a technologically advanced wallet designed to protect your cash and identity.

This hard case wallet is fitted with a biometric reader. Just like the doors of a top secret spy agency, the wallet only opens when it recognizes your fingerprint. The high-end versions are also made from tamper proof carbon fiber and carbon and Kevlar blends.

Now, your common pickpocket may not know about those measures when he pinches your purse, but iWallet has thought of that too. The wallet is linked via Bluetooth to your cell phone, and an alarm will sound if they are separated by more than 15 to 30 feet. You might want to keep that in mind when lending your cell phone to friends!

The iWallets use advanced technology developed by engineers working with NASA, so I was surprised to see they start from $299.  While the styling may not be as appealing as a designer wallet, the security features make it worth the splurge.

[Source: iWallet]

Security Wallets on eBay

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Bourne delivers an alternative to fussy and frothy evening purses with the refreshingly minimalist Secile.

The Secile features a classic envelope style, rendered in snake print leather for a touch of the exotic. I say a touch, because this snake stamping is more subtle than many. It relies on texture rather than dark mottled markings to make a statement, and it’s much more versatile because of it.

The colors are classic too, although not entirely expected. We don’t see tired blacks or browns, but off white, oyster, and violet are mellow enough to incorporate into any wardrobe. Tiny crystals around the flap closure add just a hint of bling; enough to make you sparkle on an evening out without overwhelming the no-nonsense look.

To get that sleek, envelope look Bourne had to compromise on storage space. It’s a relatively large clutch, but its narrow profile limits what you can carry inside. Skinny cell phones and cash will be no problems, but you’ll need to leave your wallet at home.

At $170 this is no impulse purse, but its versatile good looks and high quality fabrics make it worth spending a little more.

More Features of This Bourne Leather Clutch

• Logo print lining
• A chain strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 6.5 x 11.75 x 1.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Bourne Secile Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Bourne bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Flor de Mayo bag, a great alternative to this envelope bag.
• Searching for more envelope clutches on eBay
• Other envelope clutch bags on eBay:

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I should admit from the beginning that I have mixed feelings about this bag. Mixed, but not necessarily unreconciled. It has so many things to love; studs, red leather, grommets, you name it, but I wonder if it might be too much.

The bucket shape is so retrolicious that it sort of saves the whole thing for me. Seriously, I can’t think of anything more vintage cool than an easygoing bucket bag with a drawstring top. I also think that the abundance of studs, grommets, and spikes is so over-the-top that it makes it okay, but I know that a lot of women will run from this level of bling.

The red leather is eye catching and supple, and takes the bag to another stratosphere of cool. I know I said I had mixed feelings about this bag, but that was so two paragraphs ago. The Pixie is obviously the epitome of rocker chic. And it’s only $360, a basically unheard of price in the Marc Jacobs universe. There goes my credit card limit.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Pixie Studded Leather Bag

• 9″ x 7″ x 6″ size
• 21″ handle drop
• Lined in designer stamped black and white twill

Get this Marc Jacobs Pixie Studded Leather 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, a pared down alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other red studded bags on eBay:
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Miuccia Prada once said that she thinks in Prada, but dreams in Miu Miu. The younger, more fanciful line is a little bit dreamier, but also a little more accessible in terms of price.

This croc print bag retains some of the minimal Prada aesthetic in terms of shape and design, but adds the whimsy of croc print. And the fact that it is leather instead of crocodile keeps the price point low while maintaining the exotic appeal. Low, in terms of price, is a relative concept in this case. At $475, the price isn’t exactly low, but it is very competitive with other designer bags.

This bag just feels like summertime to me. It will look amazing with short, colorful dresses, but you could also sling it over your shoulder for a night on the town. The sleek embossed leather looks amazing with the discrete gold hardware details, and the oval shape is petite enough to be comfortable, but big enough to be practical.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Croc Print Leather Bag

• 9″ x 4″ x 2″  size
• 12″ handle drop
• Fully lined in cotton

Get this Miu Miu Bugatti Glazed Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Miu Miu bags on BagBunch
• The Miu Miu Bugatti Glazed Leather Tote, a larger alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Miu Miu handbags on eBay
• Other white leather handbags on eBay:
  [phpbay]white leather, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Marc Jacobs isn’t really known for doing boho, but when he does do it, it’s kind of perfect. This woven leather bag is a masterpiece of psychedelic proportions, and I think it’s going to make major waves with hippie chicks worldwide.

This is a serious statement bag for bohemian types. The muted colors of the woven leather are the only thing neutral about this baby. The exaggerated half moon shape of the hobo is emphasized by the slim strap.

But, let’s be honest, the real focal point of this bag is the fringe. The fringe takes the bag from, “oh, isn’t that a cute little hobo” to “hot damn, where can I get one of those”. I can see this as the kind of item that pulls a whole lot of outfits together, from jeans and white tank tops to little patterned shift dresses.

My only point of concern is the slimness of the strap. As much as I like the way it looks, I am hesitant about whether it can comfortably support a bag of this size. Otherwise, this is a great bag for a boho chic girl who’s looking for a statement piece for her wardrobe.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Leather Bag

• 23″ x 13″ x 13″ size
• 6″ handle drop
• Lined in bronze satin

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Groovee New Q:

• 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, a minimal alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other woven hobo bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]woven hobo, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]