Rural Handicrafts Company Makes Affordable Green Fair Trade Purses

Posted on: Feb 6

Rural Handicrafts Company (RHC) is a socially responsible fashion and homewares label committed to environmentally-friendly materials and fair trade practices.

The brand’s unique range features handcrafted bags made from either cloth fabrics or eco-friendly jute. There aren’t any clutches as yet, but the larger hobos, evening bags, and reversible handbags should give bagistas enough choice.

Each is embroidered by woman in rural India using traditional practices. By getting away from the factories, RHC can guarantee that no two of its bags are exactly alike.

RHC handicrafts are made in a clean and safe environment in the villages of rural India where the artists are able to create these genuine pieces of art using the highest standards of quality,” a company spokesman said. “Our artists are paid a fair wage for their work and we believe very strongly in and support the cause of artists being compensated fairly for their work.

While RHC is committed to fairly compensating its artists, the brand’s handbag range is still incredibly affordable. No bag is priced over $30; not bad for a handmade and hand-embroidered purse!

[Source: Rural Handicrafts Company]

Fair Trade Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Fair trade, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Treesje Halen Cross-Body Bag | Bold Studded Rock and Roll Handbag

Posted on: Feb 6

Treesje brings a retro rock vibe to the popular studded bag trend with the Halen.

I’m sure the 80s hair band Van Halen inspired this gutsy cross-body. The shiny leather has a worn-in charm, giving the impression that it’s been carried to many a concert. Diamond-shaped metal studs are scattered over the body haphazardly, breaking all the rules and getting away with it.

The Halen doesn’t have the sleek, slender profile of most modern bags. This allows you to stuff it full with a camera and band merchandise without showing tell-tale lumps. It’s not enormous by today’s standards, but the dimensions offer more usable space than most of the Halen’s contemporaries.

When you’re carrying plenty around, you need a strap that’s up to the challenge. This one is wide enough to stand the strain, and adjustable so you can find that perfect fit.

I love the look of this stone-colored Halen, but I know it’s bound to get grubby before too long. If you’re looking for a darker shade that won’t show stains as easily, consider the Halen in black, mocha, or wine.

More Features of This Treesje Studded Cross-Body Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Interior lining
  • A 42-inch cross-body strap with a 20.5 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 5 x 7.5 inches

Get this Treesje Halen Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Emilie Sloan Payton Wristlet | Floral Print Wipe-Clean Purse

Posted on: Feb 5

This purse may look a little bit like a cosmetics purse or wash bag, but at the same time it is really quite enticing!

Floral patterns are great this season, and even more so if you like retro Cath Kidson-esque fabric patterns and an over-sized stylized print. I particularly like the farmhouse cottage duck egg blue background, which instantly makes this seem fabulously kitsch and classic at the same time.

It is a shame that the actual shape of the Emilie Sloan bag is quite so … practical. This is definitely a purse for holding your lipsticks or bits and pieces, but I doubt that this is suitable for carrying on your wrist for an evening out.

If you want a washbag, however, then this Payton will work brilliantly, and will work in pretty bathrooms and hotel bedrooms everywhere. Even better, the handle is long enough to make it actually practical.

More Features of this Emilie Sloan Floral Wristlet

  • Also available in different colors
  • PVC Protected fabric exterior
  • Long wristlet handle
  • Convertible

Get this Payton Wipe-Clean Purse:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]emilie sloan handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Travelon Manhattan Carpet Bag | Practical Leopard Print Microfiber Travel Bag

Posted on: Feb 5

Travelon has been making functional travel accessories for the last 30 years. But with the Manhattan, the brand found a little time to cut loose.

After seeing so many of the label’s boring plain colored bags, this leopard print number is like a breath of fresh air. It’s not going to compare to one of your high-end designer jobs, but the wild spots make a real change from Travelon’s usual fare. The crocodile embossed leatherette trim only adds to the appeal.

If you prefer it when Travelon plays it safe you won’t be disappointed either. The Manhattan Carpet Bag is also available in a range of traditional block colors, including black, camel, and a rich burgundy shade of red.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be pleased to know Travelon hasn’t forgotten the practical perks it’s famous for. The luxuriously large main compartment opens wide for easy packing and unpacking. There’s probably not enough space to hold what you need for an extended stay, but it’s ideal for hand luggage or a weekend getaway. There are three open pockets to hold your girly gadgets and a zippered pocket for valuables.

There are pockets outside too for those looking for more storage space. The rear pocket is simple but secure, while the front pocket has an inbuilt organizer. With cash and card spaces, you could leave your wallet at home and let the Manhattan take over.

Travelon always makes affordable bags and this one is no different. The Manhattan Carpet Bag is available for a budget-friendly $69.99.

More Features of This Travelon Microfiber Carpet Bag

  • Decorative hardware
  • Dual rolled shoulder straps
  • Measures 13 x 20 x 9 inches

Get this Travelon Manhattan Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

G.J. Cleverly Makes Bags from Shipwrecked Reindeer Leather

Posted on: Feb 5

G.J. Cleverly has the kind of heritage many leather brands only dream about, with Winston Churchill, Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable amongst its famous past customers.

The London-based brand has just released the crème de la crème of eco-friendly men’s goods. The limited edition accessories are made from rare Russian reindeer leather salvaged from a ship which sunk more than 200 years ago.

Divers recovered the hides from the Danish galleon Metta Catharina von Flensburg which sank in 1786. Surprisingly the precious skins were perfectly preserved.

G.J. Cleverly has tanned the hides using a traditional 18th century technique which involved willow bark and birch oil. The label then used the material for a limited edition collection which includes wallets, belts, a wine carrier, a shoe kit, and that gorgeous Gladstone bag.

As you can expect, it doesn’t come cheaply. The satchel is available for $7200 by special order only.

[Source: Luxist]

Leather Satchel Bags on eBay

[phpbay]leather satchel, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Tory Burch Nautical Tote | Crocodile Trimmed Nylon Marine Bag

Posted on: Feb 5

Ahoy maties! Whether you’re on ship or shore, Tory Burch can give your outfit a sailor feel with the nautical tote.

What I like most about this bag is its subtlety. When so many bags overdose on the nautical details, this tote never becomes a novelty. The crocodile-embossed leather trim is a curious accompaniment to the plain black nylon body. I like to think it’s a homage to Captain Hook’s nemesis, but more realistically I think Tory Burch simply wanted to dress up the casual material. Either way, I like the element of surprise it gives.

While the body is basic black, the straps give us the nautical vibe promised. The knotted rope handles look like they could have come from any sail boat’s rigging, although I’ll bet they’ll feel a lot more comfortable in your hands.  When you’d prefer a hands-free carrying option the longer strap comes into play. Its sporty stripes have the necessary marine appeal, and you can simple unclip it when you’re done.

You’ll have room for everything you need on a sailing trip, and then some, inside this sizable tote. A zippered pocket gives you a secure spot for valuables, while a handful of cell phone pockets can take care of your gadgets. It wouldn’t do to be separated from dry land for too long now, would it?

The leather trim does drive the price up a bit, but at $325 it’s still quite reasonable for a designer tote.

More Features of This Tory Burch Nylon Tote

  • Gold-tone hardware
  • Top hinge closure
  • Measures 15.75 x 16.75 inches

Get this Tory Burch Nautical Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Victoria Beckham Steps Out with a New Birkin | Hermes Collection Now Worth More Than a Million Pounds

Posted on: Feb 5

We have a new reason to envy Victoria Beckham. The former Spice Girl doesn’t just have a sexy husband and three adorable sons; she’s also got a brand new Birkin.

The artist formerly known as Posh stepped out recently carrying the Bordeaux porosus crocodile Birkin, which has a value of £24,740. The lustworthy accessory is thought to be a Christmas gift from her footballer hubby David.

This is just the latest Birkin in Vicky’s Hermes collection, which has an estimated worth of £1.5 million. She reportedly has hundreds of the bags in a variety of colors and leathers to suit her every outfit. I know I’ve seen plenty, and that’s just the ones snappers have caught!

Any bag approaching 25 thou would be the jewel of my collection, but not Victoria. This is actually a bit of a step down from the Birkin David bought her in the Christmas of 2008. That year he gifted her with a diamond-studded silver Himalayan Birkin. The bag, which cost a whopping £80, 000, is one of only three in the world.

I am officially jealous!

[Source: Marie Claire]
[Image Source: Jingdianmeinv1/Flickr]

Crocodile Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

[phpbay]crocodile Hermes Birkin, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Tommy Hilfiger Charleston Hobo | Chic Pebbled Leather Slouch Bag with Front Pocket

Posted on: Feb 5

Tommy Hilfiger brings a little sophistication to the hobo bag with the Charleston. Tassels hanging from the shoulder strap are the only hint of the bag’s boho heritage!

While the name might suggest flapper-inspired fringe, this Charleston is actually a much sleeker bag. It’s got a hint of the slouch we expect from a hobo, but the bucket shape gives it more structure than a typical boho bag. This makes the Charleston more versatile than the average. It’s not flashy enough for a red carpet, but those classic looks would suit most other outings.

The traditional pebbled leather body is dressed up with contrasting vertical stitching and a practical front pocket. The colors are classic too: oyster, dark java, and this buff shade.

There isn’t too much that’s exciting inside, but what’s there does the job. The logo-print lining is made from durable twill, and the leather-reinforced pockets are made to last.

It doesn’t make waves, but there’s an understated charm about the Charleston. And for $158 retail, this is one stylish bag that won’t break the bank.

More Features of This Tommy Hilfiger Pebble Leather Hobo

  • Magnetic closure
  • A single strap with a 6 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 13 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China

Get this Tommy Hilfiger Charleston Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Forzieri Union Jack Jeweled Clutch | Pretty British Flag Purse

Posted on: Feb 4

If anyone wants to look kitsch, then this cute Forzieri luxury purse will fit the bill.

Funny and a little bit tongue-in-cheek, this purse sticks with Forzieri’s penchant for pretty bags with a little something different about them. The simple rectangular shape is garnished all over with row upon row of crystals, yet the brand avoids tackiness by making these gems in the color of the British flag. Both fun and functional!

Inside you don’t have much space, as with any hard cased evening bags Therefore you probably won’t want to use this if you need more than cash, cards and a phone. This is a novelty purse, and although it has a chain handle most practical considerations have been thrown out of the window. You don’t even get a lining for your $998, but you do get the kudos of a luxury and unusual purse!

Strange, expensive and quite good humored, this is a purse for people with lots of money to spend.

More Features of this Forzieri Union Jack Clutch

  • Optional long strap
  • Metal case body
  • Jeweled exterior
  • Union Jack pattern

Get This Jeweled Crystal Purse:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]union jack, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Overland Bella Leather Handbag | Unusually Designed Purse With Wooden Handle

Posted on: Feb 4

Overland Sheepskin Co isn’t a label that most of you will have heard of. Despite the lack of a recognizable brand name, however, I thought this wonderful purse needed to be shared with others!

I will start with the materials used to make this interesting bag. The main body, with its slouchy base and structured clasp, is crafted from Italian calfskin, a material which I always favour for bags that you need to be pliable yet luxurious at the same time. In my humble opinion there isn’t much that will beat this leather for position of Best Bag Fabric! Then to contrast with the buttery smoothness of the tote body, Overland has opted for an unusual but very visually attractive wooden handle. This light guayacan wood probably won’t be the comfiest to carry, but it will look good!

This artistic Bella purse isn’t huge, although it could work very well as a massive weekend bag. It will do for day-to-day wear, but if you need to carry folders and have lots of pockets then you will probably have to look elsewhere. At least the base is wide and spacious however, meaning that wallets and phones should fit in with no trouble at all.

With a funky over-sized structured clasp and gorgeous color, I almost wish this came in other colors so I could buy all of them. At $112.50 this is quite a bargain regardless of the brand!

More Features of this Calfskin Bella Bag

  • Italian calfskin exterior
  • Square carved wooden handle
  • Over-sized clasp closure

Get this Overland Slouchy Tote:

You may also be interested in:

[phpbay]handbag with wooden handle, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]