W. & Co. has teamed up with Cleveland’s Brigade Clothing Company to create a limited edition collection of run feed sack totes.

The totes are recycled from authentic vintage textiles sourced across America. The durable bags are then finished with copper rivets, and leather handles and corner reinforcement for every strength.

There are five W. & Co. for Brigade Feed Sack Canvas Bags available, each with a different design. The Midwest and Cinci totes are sure to be popular amongst bagistas living in these particular areas.

The totes are fairly basic accessories, which makes the $150 price tag seem a little steep. But the high-quality fabrics used and the durable design might make it worth the splurge if you’re looking for unique casual handbag to last several seasons. The W. & Co. for Brigade Feed Sack Canvas Bags are available online from the Brigade store.

[Source: Commerce with a Conscience]
[Image Source: Brigade]

Recycled Sack Bags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled sack, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Straw Studios abandons its typical woven designs for this cloth beach bag.

It’s a smart choice for the brand. After all, woven straw has an even shorter shelf life once they’re exposed to salty sea air, so using fabric instead makes a lot of sense. The fabric is also the ideal backdrop for the hobo’s summery colored stripes. The soft rope handles only add to the bag’s coastal appeal.

We struggle to fit our towels into most beach bags. Straw Studios eliminates that hassle by affixing a woven beach mat to the side of the hobo. I don’t mind the look of the buckled belt straps one bit, and it’s a real practical perk.

With the mat on the outside, there’s plenty of space inside for your swimsuit, flip flops, and sunscreen. A couple of slide pockets take care of the technology you can’t bear to leave at home, while a zippered pocket can keep your coins and jewelry safe while you’re swimming in the surf.

Prices at $54, this is a surprisingly affordable bag for beach bunnies.

More Features of This Straw Studios Striped Hobo

• Magnetic snap top closure
• Interior fabric lining
• Dual 16 inch straps with a 7.5 inch drop
• Brass hardware
• Measures 19 x 7 x 6 inches

Get this Straw Studios Beach Mat Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Straw Studios Beach Mat hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Straw Studios bags on BagBunch
• The Roxy Shining Tote bag, a great alternative to this beach bag.
• Searching for more Straw Studios bags on eBay

Christian Louboutin is like the king of high fashion footwear. His handbags haven’t hit quite that status, yet, but I’d say he definitely has an aristocrat arm candy kingdom. Subtly sexy offerings like this Mini Loubi clutch are exactly the reason why.

The best thing about this bag is its unfussiness. Despite the use of high luxe materials, and the addition of rhinestones, it still looks simple and elegant. The bag is ivory satin with lace overlay, which is simultaneously sweet and elegant, and also a little sassy (like Madonna circa 1981).

The shape is simple, but the gathering and pleating at the front adds interest and volume. As always, I am crazy for the Louboutin signature clasp. Those ultra high heels just look so amazing, even if they are a little kitschy. And the addition of the rhinestones really makes them special on this bag.

At $725, this is a great bag for a really special occasion, like your wedding or a major red carpet event.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Mini Loubi Satin Clutch

• 7″ x 5″ x 2″  size
• Internal pouch pocket
• Luxurious blue twill lining

Get this Christian Louboutin Mini Loubi:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Christian Louboutin Pillow Clutch, a glammed up alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Christian Louboutin items on eBay
• Other ivory clutch purses on eBay:
  [phpbay]ivory clutch, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It has been a while since I wrote about a really odd handbag, but as it is Friday I thought I would share my latest find.

Novelty handbags are always a little odd, and this cat-shaped baguette isn’t breaking that pattern! Constructed out of thick hand-sewn leather panels, this really is a whole new level of surreal. Not only does the tan handbag feature a big wide-eyed cat’s head (which is simultaneously cute and terrifying), but it also has little arms and legs! This is definitely an option for someone who wants something unusual that will carry their belongings at the same time!

OK, so I may be being a little bit mocking with this leather kitty purse, but to be fair, it is trying to be strange. It will be a great extra present for a cat lover in your life who doesn’t take themselves too seriously however, or for someone who collects leathercraft.

Fun, silly and handmade, this cat bag retails for $64.99.

More Features of this Novelty Cat Baguette

• Made for specially tanned cowhide
• Handmade by leather craftsman
• Cat shaped
• Zipped closure

Get this Surreal Kitty Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More novelty bags on BagBunch
• The Mary Frances What a Hoot purse, a great alternative to this surreal bag.
• Searching for more cat bags on eBay
• Other novelty bags on eBay:

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

The cute colorful stripes we saw on the Kola Clutch are seen again here on Pink Studio’s Harmony Tote.

Some might accuse the designer of being unoriginal, but there are some clever differences that go beyond the size of the accessories. While the Kola was tightly pleated, Pink Studio has given the canvas a smoother look here. It works; the pleating would have looked far too fussy on such a large scale. Instead Pink Studio adds interest with the cute curved shape, nautical rope accents, and the leather banded handle.

Pink Studio knows a tote has to be practical too, so it has added zippered pockets in the front and back. And that’s all before we even get inside! There’s another secure pocket in there too, not to mention a whole lot of space.

I can imagine carrying the Harmony on deck for a spot of sailing, or to a park for a picnic. It’s got a summery charm which probably won’t suit cooler weather, but for just $64 I don’t mind one bit!

More Features of This Pink Studio Striped Tote

• Flat base
• Twill lined interior
• Closes with a magnetic snap
• Dual shoulder straps with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 16 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pink Studio Harmony Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Pink Studio bags on BagBunch
• The Pink Studio Kola clutch bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Pink Studio bags on eBay
• Other striped tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]striped tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Nothing compares to that heady rush of purchasing a designer handbag, but fashion forecasters say its appeal is set to fade.

“Owning stuff is out,” the trend analysts predict. Instead we’ll swap fashion items with our friends, lease them, or scour vintage stores. As we exchange books at a traditional community libraries now, the forecasters predict that by 2025 we’ll see the advent of “clothing libraries.”

“Luxury [will mean] stuff that is good for people and the planet,” Fashion Futures explained.

That also means we’ll see more sustainable and eco-friendly fashions, and increased demand for businesses to disclose their environmental practices. We’ll shop less, but spend money on locally produced, high quality items when we do shop.

Early examples of these trends are already seen in the rise of clothes swapping parties amongst gal pals and fashion rental services including Rent Me a Handbag and Avelle, formerly known as Bag, Borrow or Steal.

[Source: The Independent]
[Image Source: Ruxandra Moldoveanu/Stock.xchng]

Vintage Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]vintage, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

From a distance this Luba J tote looks like so many bags you’ve seen before, but take a little time and you’ll appreciate the uncommon beauty of the Bridgette.

The soft suede body gives this tote a wintery charm, although the timeless colors would make it work in an office or on a dinner date all year round. The soft pleating underneath the leather piping helps to emphasize how beautiful this fabric is. But what really makes this different is the texture, a quirky honeycomb finish which makes this Luba J bag a real original. The unusual belt running down the center and a smattering of studs completes the look.

Inside we’re treated to more suede, this time in rusty red. It’s beautiful now, but I’m afraid those looks are destined to fade in time. Suede is notoriously quick to wear, and that goes double for an interior. This space has to work hard, and that will show, but you’ll definitely enjoy it in the meantime.

The Bridgette is one of those rare versatile bags, classic at first glance but not as conservative you’d think.

More Features of This Luba J Suede Tote

• Leather trimmed pockets inside
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 19.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Luba J Bridgette Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Luba J bags on BagBunch
• The Galian Vintage Tote bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• The Luba J website
• Other suede tote bags on eBay:

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

I remember a time when vinyl records were precious. My dad would urge us to be still as he put the stylus down on his record player, and we’d listen attentively as the crackly music played. But these days they’re even more passé than CDs, so what do we do with all of that vinyl?

BoosRecords has put classic recordings to good use in its kitshy range of recycled handbags. The brand creates full-sized record purses, half record purses, and record backpacks.

There are many designs to choose from, including classic albums from the Beach Boys, Chicago, George Michael, and Carole King, and not so classic cuts from Vanilla Ice and The Smurfs! I also love the range of 80s movie soundtracks, including Fame, Flashdance, and Footloose!

Each BoosRecords bag is a handcrafted original, so they’re great for music fans or those looking for a unique purse that makes a retro statement. BoosRecords bags are available online from $49.95.

[Source: BoosRecords]

Record Bags on eBay

[phpbay]record, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Frye delivers all the slouchy style we’d expect from a hobo with the Molly.

High quality leather always gives us that casual slouch, but Frye takes it one step further by adding drawstrings around the top and side pockets. These ties naturally gather in the skin to really bring out the bag’s boho side.

These drawstrings are both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, they add interest to a design that without them would have been boring. The colors, conservative black and chocolate brown, aren’t exactly inspiring and neither is the shape. These drawstrings make the Molly something special. But then there’s the practical level. Anyone who’s ever owned a drawstring bag knows how frustrating these fiddly ties can be. To have them on both the top and sides might add security, but it will also add aggravation.

Considering the intricate exterior, the minimalist interior comes as a bit of a shock. While Frye markets this as a small hobo, it’s probably too large for that classification. That makes the lack of inner pockets all the more disappointing.

The Molly has a great look, but I’m not sure I’m willing to struggle with its flaws to enjoy it. Perhaps this is one of those purses best lusted over from a distance.

More Features of This Frye Gathered Hobo

• Twill lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 10.5 inches

Get this Frye Molly Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Frye Molly hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Frye bags on BagBunch
• The Jil Sander drawstring bag, a great alternative to this drawstring bag.
• Searching for more Frye bags on eBay

Ooh, there really is nothing better than a bargain! At just $14.90 this definitely classifies as a budget buy, and quite a fun one too!

OK, so this definitely isn’t the most luxurious purse on the market, but I think it gives luxury a good try. The gold frill decorations, frame structure and beaded fringe really make an effort. But more than anything else I wish for glass rather than plastic beading, and maybe a little more refinement. There are perhaps too many things going on, but I think that for the rock bottom price you get a purse that tries really hard!

The shape is thoroughly vintage inspired, making this colorful purse a fun option for dressing up a plain evening dress. It will be too decorative for daytime wear, but the florals mean it can work in a range of classy situations, even with the slightly discontinuous eastern inspired gold.

Pretty, cheap and good fun, this tasseled evening bag is great if you want flirty good looks on a budget.

More Features of this Beaded Victorian Style Bag

• Optional basic shoulder strap
• Multiple exterior beads, rosettes and features
• Victorian influenced in design
• Frame closure

Get this Floral Tasseled Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More vintage inspired bags on BagBunch
• The La Regale antique tapestry handbag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more floral bags on eBay
• Other beaded bags on eBay:

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