Woven straw is a tricky medium. Use it well and you’ll create a quirky and cool handbag at a budget price. But do it wrong and the purse will simply look cheap and nasty. That’s the problem with the Seychelles tote from Two’s Company.

The brand doesn’t typically work with woven fibers, and it shows. While labels like Straw Studios easily churn out beach-ready accessories, Two’s Company struggles here. The weave is too chunky, resembling a cable-knit jumper rather than a summery purse. The handles which extend to the base only add bulk to an already stocky tote. The color’s all wrong for summer too; something lighter may have helped to combat the bulk, but this black shade only adds weight.

As the looks don’t impress me, I hoped for something to wow me inside. I was out of luck. This is the simplest of totes, devoid of a lining, clasp, and pockets. You probably won’t mind this too much if you intend to make the Seychelles your next beach bag or grocery satchel, but I’ve seen more stylish bags that can do these same jobs for less cash.

More Features of This Two’s Company Woven Tote

• Dual handles
• Measures 16 x 11 x 5 inches

Get this Two’s Company Seychelles Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Two’s Company bags on BagBunch
• The Straw Studios Ingrid bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Two’s Company bags on eBay
• Other woven corn husk bags on eBay:

[phpbay]woven corn husk, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I feel like I need to be honest here. Jimmy Choo has never been one of my favorite lines. He makes super sexy high quality accessories for uptown sophisticates, but I’m just not that kind of girl. I’m a little more downtown, and a whole lot edgier.

The Lolha seems to be aiming for somewhere in between uptown chic and downtown rocker, and personal taste aside, I think it’s missing the mark on both in a major way. The intricate details of the snakeskin are all but lost in the overwhelming level of detail on this bag.

The details themselves – huge hardware, studding, and central pleating – might be fine taken one at a time, but the combination is distracting, and honestly, a little gaudy. I am not feeling the butterfly pattern on the sides at all. That being said, the materials are amazing, and the craftsmanship is extraordinary.

This bag might just work for a woman with super bohemian style that can work a lot of details at once.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Lolha Bag

• 12″ x 12″ 10″  size
• 10′ handle drop
• Tan suede lining

Get this Jimmy Choo Snakeskin and Leather Handbag:

• 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 Versace Peyton Satchel, a chic pink alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo  bags  on eBay
• Other white snakeskin bags on eBay:
  [phpbay]white snakeskin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Aw, don’t you just love the cute round buttons on this Sondra Roberts clutch?

I have always been a big fan of adorable buttons, so do forgive me if I seem a little over-enthusiastic about what is essentially one of the simplest forms of handbag decoration. However, I think the simple lines work really well to make this glossy bag very retro, reminding me of fifties housewives and picnics on the lawn.

If you don’t have a stunning vintage 50s halterneck to wear it with, however, then I am sure that the Beach Day purse will work just as well with dark denim, or even black with yellow accessories. In its simplicity it is a surprisingly versatile bag despite the bright color.

This fold-over SR Squared clutch is actually very spacious, thanks to the slightly slouchy design and expandable capacity. It is a shame there is no handle for those times when you do fill it to the max however.

All in all this is a bargain basement purse that has a lot going for it, and which has some very cute buttons!

More Features of this Sondra Roberts Button Clutch

• Also available in black or white
• Synthetic patent leather exterior
• Fold-over shape

Get this SR Squared Beach Day Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sonda Roberts bags on BagBunch
• The Pink Studio Shiala clutch, a great alternative to this button bag.
• Searching for more retro bags on eBay
• Other Sondra Roberts bags on eBay:

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See by Chloe is basically the French answer to Marc by Marc Jacobs. They are both the young, hip diffusion lines of major fashion houses, but that’s not where the similarities end. They both run the gamut from edgy rocker chic to preppy cutesy retro chic. This bag falls into the latter category.

The colors on this bag and the adorable, whimsical print tell me it’s springtime. This bag is basically made for the beach. And as a beach bag, it would be perfect. The blue cotton fabric is sturdy and washable, and it’s roomy enough for even the most overburdened beach girl.

The problem is that this bag is $140. I don’t think there’s any reason a cotton tote bag should ever cost more than $100, unless the money goes to charity or it’s hand signed by the artist, or something. It doesn’t even have an interior pocket. So, despite it’s cuteness, unless your life is completely untouched by the current recession, my opinion is that this bag is just not enough for the money.

More Features Of The See By Chloe Two Can Tote

• 22″ x 20″ x 7″  size
• 10′ handle drop

Get this Quirky See by Chloe Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloe bags on BagBunch
• The FEED Bag for Haiti Relief, a less expensive and more charitable alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Chloe  bags  on eBay
• Other blue totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]blue tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Diane von Furstenberg makes the kind of classic designs that become iconic. Not only that, but they stay iconic for decades. This Hayworth clutch is right in line with her classic modern aesthetic.

There is an immense amount of detail in this bag, but it still looks pared down and minimal, because none of the details is too in-your face. I am crazy for the denim-printed leather. It gives the bag a casual vibe that makes it perfect for matching with your favorite spring dresses.

The fold-over clutch style is one that I particularly like. Not just for the look, either. Since it also has a handle, you could fill it up and carry it that way if you needed to, but folded over, it will fit perfectly in the crook of your arm.

The stitch detail around the edges and on the handle shows the attention to detail in this bag, and it also adds another layer of texture. Overall, I think this is a clean cut, fabulous clutch for a girl with classic style.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Hayworth Clutch

• 15″ x 14″ x 1″  size
• 2″ handle drop
• Zipped internal pocket

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Hayworth Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Hobo, a slouchy, colorful alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg  bags  on eBay
• Other denim clutch purses on eBay:
  [phpbay]denim clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

This is an interesting design from middle of the market label, Melie Bianco.

For the $108 that is being asked for this spacious tote, I would have really preferred real rather than synthetic leather. That said, this is a reasonably convincing fake, and the mesh layout of the bag means you don’t notice the difference as much as you otherwise could. That very mesh, of course, is the focal point of the bag, and it seems to kill two birds (style and function) with one tidy stone. The woven pattern makes this bag look really complex and classy, whilst also making a comfortable and supportive environment for your belongings.

Mesh aside, this unusual yellow tote is stylish in many other ways. I particularly love the Kate Spade inspired metallic polka-dot lining, which is funky and smart. The color will no doubt be too bright for work, but if you want something with personality and zing then this slouchy purse will be more than suitable. Plus, the first daffodils are starting to flower, making this very appropriate!

Soft, slouchy and not too expensive, this is a great addition to the world of yellow handbags.

More Features of this Melie Bianco Mesh Tote

• Also available in five other colors
• Polka-dot satin lining
• Woven synthetic leather mesh exterior
• Dual handles

Get this Woven Slouchy Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Steve Madden Woven Wonder satchel, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more woven bags on eBay
• Other Melie Bianco bags on eBay:

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To celebrate next week’s L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in Australia, Mimco has released a selection of limited edition fashion items. The stylish goodies available include day bags, clutch purses, jewelry, boots, and even fascinators for the races!

My favorite is this head-turning Japanese Warrior hobo, with its whip stitched accents and versatile carrying options. Just 65 were made, which makes the $799 price tag seem very reasonable indeed.

If you’re after something a little smaller, consider the Gilded Beatle clutch, a quirky purse combining polished Italian sheep and metallic foil leather. The shoulder strap is removable, helping it easily convert from handheld clutch to shoulder bag. Only 60 were made, and one could be yours for $599.

The limited edition Mimco fashions are available from selected Mimco boutiques, including the brand’s online store. This is Mimco’s first year at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and it’s clear the label wants to make a big impression!

[Source: Style By Me]
[Image Source: Mimco]

Fashion Week Bags on eBay

[phpbay]fashion week, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

This faux suede hobo from Tianni shows us that a purse can be slouchy without losing any of its style.

This has all of the sexy slouch we’d expect from a hobo, but it stops short of being slovenly. The secret is the black suede-like fabric. Black always looks elegant, and the velvety finish is ultra glam. My favorite part though is the wave pattern, which subtly takes this color from conservative to eye-catching. Without it I could have easily passed this bag by; it’s the real star.

The plastic rings around the handle are a little more disappointing. Again it seems that Tianni was hoping to add interest, but they just look cheap. At $65 this is a cheap bag, but it doesn’t deserve accents that make it look like one.

Generally though, this has a lovely elegance about it. The only thing that may stop you from carrying it during the day is the size. It’s enormous, so you’ll probably want something more delicate if you’re frocking up. However, if your evening includes drinks at a bar or a movie date the dimensions will work in your favor allowing you to make the transition from the office with ease.

Too many people dismiss black bags as being boring, but here Tianni shows us that doesn’t have to be the case.

More Features of This Tianni Faux Suede Hobo

• Made of suede-like synthetic
• Top zip entry
• Fabric lined interior
• A cell phone pouch and zippered pocket inside
• A single shoulder strap with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 22.5 x 6 x 15.7 inches

Get this Tianni Slouchy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Tianni slouchy hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Tianni bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Wendy bag, a great alternative to this wave bag.
• Searching for more Tianni bags on eBay

Today is International Women’s Day, and Diane von Furstenberg is one designer that’s celebrating. She’s released a limited edition tote bag to commemorate this special day.

Just as she did last year, Diane von Furstenberg has released a new “Proud to be Woman” tote. The simple tote is jazzed up with this colorful design. 10% of profits from the Proud to be Woman purses will benefit Vital Voices, a charity which looks to empower women around the world. The bags are available for $35 until March 15.

The totes are just the start of Diane von Furstenberg’s fundraising efforts. She’s also released a compilation CD, also called Proud to be Woman. The disc features some of the proudest female voices in the music industry, including Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Angelique Kidjo and Annie Lennox. The disc retails for $15.99. It’s available from Diane von Furstenberg boutiques around the world, her online store, and iTunes. Proceeds from the CD will also benefit Vital Voices.

[Source: Luxist]

Diane von Furstenberg Totes on eBay

[phpbay]Diane von Furstenberg tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

I always appreciate a designer who aims to create more eco-friendly accessories. After some time admiring these green handbags, I finally took one for a spin on Saturday.

Yak Pak teamed up with recycling giant Terracycle to craft this DEN Tote from billboards destined for landfill. The glossy fabric feels incredibly strong and it’s water resistant to boot. The fairly plain colors aren’t as exciting as some recycled billboard bags I’ve seen, although with one side white and the other blue I suppose I could treat this as two bags in one!

It’s important to remember that these bags were made from real billboards. That means no two are the same, and some have features that girls may regard as flaws. Mine has a few black marks on the blue side and some lighter stains on the white. Personally I think the imperfections add character, reminding us of the bag’s history, but some may disagree.

This is a really basic tote, which isn’t really surprising considering it costs just $22. The shape is simple, and the interior unadorned. There’s no lining, no pockets, and no clasp at all. The lack of closure seems a shame considering the material’s water resistant properties. With a zip I’d happily carry it in the rain, but as it stands I’d worry about my cargo getting spoiled.

The lack of pockets and other organizational features is also disappointing if you intend to use it as a day bag. While there was plenty of room for everything I wanted to carry inside, I found myself scrounging around for keys, lipstick, and other small items. At least the flat bottom means that nothing spills once you set it down.

While I loved the look, the practical limitations meant the DEN Tote didn’t work for me as an everyday handbag. However, I can imagine it’d excel as a beach tote or gym bag. It’s got a modern sense of style and it’s so durable I imagine it’ll do whatever job you give it for years to come.

Disclaimer: This handbag was sent to BagBunch.com by YakPak to be impartially reviewed. The author of this post kept the bag.

More Features of This Yak Pak Recycled Tote

• Dual handles
• Measures 11.25 x 11.25 x 15 inches

Get this Yak Pak DEN Handbag:

• Available to buy at World of Bags
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Yak Pak bags on BagBunch
• The Chinese Laundry Billboard bag, a great alternative to this recycled bag.
• Searching for more Yak Pak bags on eBay
• Other billboard bags on eBay:

[phpbay]billboard tote, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]