Boys, you could give your lady love a box of candy for Valentine’s Day, but that’s a real cliché. A more inventive V-day gift is this cute recycled clutch from Ecoist.

The environmentally-friendly label has released this limited edition Red Hearts baguette to commemorate the big day. And when I say limited edition, I mean limited edition. Just 20 of these purses were made, and at $49.50 I don’t expect them to last long.

If you do manage to get your hands on one, you should be pleasantly surprised. The woven candy wrapper design is amazingly strong, and water resistant to boot. It’s a little narrow to be truly practical, but it is fully lined and secured with a zip. Girls can carry it as a clutch, or attach the short strap and use it as a wristlet.

It may not make the impression that diamonds or French champagne might, but for boys on a budget this exclusive Ecoist purse is a hard gift to beat.

[Source: Ecouterre]
[Image Source: Ecoist]

Recycled Candy Wrapper Purses on eBay

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Whiting & Davis brings a contemporary twist to its famous metal mesh bags with the Matte and Shine Stripes frame clutch.

The metal mesh is treated in different ways to create the stripes which inspire its names. The combination of matte and polished finishes creates a subtle contrast which is both interesting and elegant. Whiting & Davis lets the design shine, so to speak, by keeping the rest of the clutch simple. This frame style with its push clasp is one that we’ve seen many times before, and that’s just why it works.

It’s not exactly tiny, but it’s slender shape means it’s no oversized clutch either. The hard frame restricts storage space even further, but you should find the room for those evening essentials. With so little space on offer, it’s a shame Whiting & Davis didn’t make the shoulder strap removable. While I always appreciate the addition of a chain, I don’t want it cluttering up my purse when it’s not in use.

Small niggles aside, this is a gorgeous looking clutch for those posh parties. Available in gold, silver, or black, there’s bound to be one to suit your favorite evening dress.

More Features of This Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh Frame Clutch

• Signature rayon lining
• An open inside pocket
• Measures 11.5 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Whiting & Davis Matte and Shine Stripes Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Whiting & Davis bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Matte and Shine Stripes clutch bag, a great alternative to this frame bag.
• Searching for more Whiting & Davis bags on eBay
• Other Whiting & Davis Matte and Shine Stripes bags on eBay:

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During her tenure at Chloe she defined the It Bag with styles like the Paddington and Bay Bag, but today Phoebe Philo says the fashion concept is passé.

Celine’s new creative director says that these days she’d rather produce bags that are desired for their quality and functional features, rather than their name.

“Obviously, it depends what you need,” Philo told WWD of the attributes of a good handbag. “In the evening, it is less important, but for day it drives me crazy if a bag is not functional. The quality of the leather, the quality of the construction, the detailing, the craftsmanship. In the end, it is all of these elements.”

It sounds like Celine’s upcoming bag designs will be right on trend, as women pass over superficial good lookers for more practical purses this spring. I’m excited to see what the next Celine collection brings!

[Source: Vogue UK]
[Image Source: Markkapcic/Wikipedia Commons]

Celine Handbags on eBay

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With all the casual styling you need for a Caribbean getaway comes the St. Croix tote from Vitalio Vera.

The brand has a knack for creating contemporary bags which cost much less than you’d expect. In the case of this tote, you’ll have change from a $50. Of course that doesn’t buy you genuine leather, but the pebble-grain of this simulated leather does a decent impression.

There’s a relaxed seaside vibe to the St. Croix. Wide brown and white stripes encircle this slouchy tote. A tiny drawstring cinches in the purse and ties at the sides with jaunty bows. Thankfully though, this drawstring is purely aesthetic, so we don’t need to undo it every time we want to get into our belongings. The rope handles are another nautical touch, although I probably could have done without the tassel which only adds clutter.

The interior is lined with a durable cotton/nylon blend fabric. A zippered pocket and a couple of open pouches help to keep this sizable space in order. Security is taken care of and then some, with a triple magnetic snap working hard to keep your essentials safe.

This St. Croix may not work in winter, but with warmer weather ahead it seems like the perfect time to indulge.

More Features of This Vitalio Vera Striped Tote

• Brass tone hardware
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 16 x 6.5 inches

Get this Vitalio Vera St. Croix Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Vitalio Vera bags on BagBunch
• The Vitalio Vera Zane hobo bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Vitalio Vera bags on eBay
• Other striped tote bags on eBay:

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Luxury retailers say they’re cautiously optimistic that the worst of the financial crisis is behind the fashion industry.

In recent months, wealthy shoppers seem more willing to part with their cash. “Aspirational shopping” is also on the increase, with those on a budget happy to splurge a little on designer goods.

The fashion houses have noted these trends and responded in kind. High-end goods are being produced in limited numbers to foster that sense of exclusivity.

“On the one hand, you are mad because you are missing sales” when supplies are limited, explained Chloe chief executive Ralph Toledano. “On the other, people are finding again that special things always sell.”

Another strategy is to release more entry-level luxury goods. For example, Chloe has introduced a canvas handbag collection this year which sells for half the price of the leather equivalents.

It sounds like in the modern fashion landscape, there really is something for everybody. It’s great to read that through some clever marketing strategies, so many of our favorite labels have weathered the financial storm.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]
[Image Source: Allie Hylton/Stock.xchng]

Chloe Handbags on eBay

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Tickets to Burberry’s London Fashion Week runway show are sure to be hot property. But thankfully, if we can’t get our hands on one, we don’t have to miss out.

Burberry’s chief creative director Christopher Bailey wants as many people to see the show at Chelsea College of Art & Design as possible. In efforts to recreate all the magic of the runway, select audiences can see it live in 3-D at viewing locations around the world. The three-dimensional screening is a fashion world first.

“This unprecedented event will enable people to experience the energy and atmosphere of this event from around the world,” Bailey explained. “3-D technology will bring our global audience into the London show space allowing them to see the colors and fabrics, to hear the music and to be a part of that moment when it all finally comes together.”

The live screening will also feature behind-the-scenes footage, backstage action, and red carpet coverage, so you’ll actually see more this way than those sitting in the audience. 3-D screenings will take place in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo.

If you miss out on those tickets, you can still catch the show online at Burberry.com. It will stream on February 23 from 8 am PST.

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: Amatamoda/Flickr]

Burberry Bags on eBay

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Kate Spade has done it again and produced a great retro purse that still manages to be bang on trend.

With the 80s fashion revival still lingering, bows have been popping up all over the fashion blogosphere. The bigger the bow the better, and many designs have ended up looking ridiculous and frankly unbalanced! Thankfully, as always, Kate Spade manages to make the Barrow Street tote look unbelievable classy. The bow fits with the white strip on the Mini Anabel itself, meaning that the effect is much subtler.

This really wouldn’t look out of place worn with a long black dress and bouffant hair, Audrey Hepburn style. The classic black and white combo grants instant access to posh fashion dos as well as into the office, being a very happy medium between smart and casual.

If I was to find a flaw in this purse, which I must admit I am struggling to do, the only option would probably be the slightly short handles. They are still strong and reinforced, however, and I can’t think of any real problems. This is cute, reasonably priced, and gorgeous!

More Features of this Kate Space Barrow Street Shopper

• Also available in pink and red
• Interior with many compartments
• Nylon and leather exterior
• Large feature bow

Get this B&W Mini Anabel Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Nina Ricci Capucine Musette bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more bags with bows on eBay
• Other Kate Spade bags on eBay:

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My inner girly girl squealed at the sight of Versace’s Peyton satchel in hibiscus pink. It will only suit those truly in touch with their feminine side, but this structured shoulder bag has won a fan in me.

Such a bright shade of pink could easily look overwhelming, but it works here. I think the secret is keeping the other details toned down. If Versace had covered this is bows and ruffles, it would have gone too far. But instead, it’s almost played it safe. The patent leather has a subtle snakeskin texture, which actually helps to tone down that lurid color. It works with the curvilinear design and shiny silver hardware to create a look which is feminine, yet not too fussy.

Versace takes care of us inside too, with a zippered pocket and open pouches in the side walls helping to organize the generous space. High end designers so often forget these functional details, so it’s great to see them included here. A zipper, with a fun tassel pull, is both practical and pretty.

The straps are also usable, with plenty of length and a rolled design for comfort. It’s easy to take these features for granted – so many upcoming designers include them and we barely notice. But anyone who’s struggled with a pricy high-end bag will definitely appreciate the attention to detail.

And make no mistake; the Peyton is a pricy high-end bag. At least though, unlike so many purses from the European masters, this one almost seems worth its $3690 price tag.

More Features of This Versace Snake Embossed Satchel

• Protective metal feet
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 10 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Versace Peyton Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Versace bags on BagBunch
• The Steve Madden Rose Ruffle bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Versace bags on eBay
• Other Versace satchel bags on eBay:

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Vera Bradley has plenty of fans, but I sometimes think the designer’s quilted fabric accessories can look a little mumsy. While I’d never carry one of Vera’s large day bags, I don’t mind her style in small doses as we get in this zip around wallet.

If you know Vera Bradley, you know what to expect here. The fabric body is quilted with a classic diamond design. Underneath we see a colorful pattern, generally featuring flowers, paisley, or other classic elements. This one’s called Symphony in Hue, but there are many others to choose from.

It’s not the largest wallet around, but it’s cleverly designed. The zippered pocket outside is just the start. As the name suggests, the zip extends around the wallet for easy opening. Inside you’ll find six credit card slots, a long slit for a checkbook, and an ID window. Six card slots probably won’t be enough for serious shopaholics, but it’s a start!

Fashion snobs may want to hide it inside a more sophisticated day bag, but I think even they will struggle to resist this cute wallet. For $38, this it’s reasonably priced, pretty, and practical, so what more could we ask for?

More Features of This Vera Bradley Quilted Wallet

• Measures 7.5 x 4.75 inches
• Weighs 1 pound
• A wrist strap

Get this Vera Bradley Zip Around Purse:

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

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• Check the VIPFASHIONS eBay store to see if this Vera Bradley bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vera Bradley bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley Zip Around Wallet in Green Cupcake, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Vera Bradley bags on eBay

VBH is one of the hottest names in fashion at the moment, but the brand is still a little hit and miss for me. Thankfully in the Tootsie, I think the label may have a hit on its hands.

It’s not that the design is revolutionary; I’ve seen plenty of structured satchels in my time with this same trapezoid shape. But VBH does it so well. The python finish is exquisite with its surprising combination of bright teal and chocolate brown. More reserved colors are also available, but I love this daring look. It really dresses up the traditional design, taking it from the background into the spotlight.

The straps are shorter than I might like, but this bag isn’t so big that you’ll struggle to carry it by hand. The gunmetal buckles are the perfect complement to these handles, a much better choice than more obvious shades like gold or silver. The same metal is used for the frame, which gives the Tootsie its vintage-style structure.

At $3500 retail this won’t be an impulse buy, but it’s a pretty appealing investment piece.

More Features of This VBH Python Satchel

• Hinged push clasp
• Black suede interior
• A single interior pocket secured by a flap
• Dual handles with a 4.75 inch drop
• Measures 4 x 12.5 x 5.25 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this VBH Tootsie Handbag:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More VBH bags on BagBunch
• The Devi Kroell Roman bag, a great alternative to this python bag.
• Searching for more VBH bags on eBay