Diesel continues to uphold its casual, slightly edgy reputation with this Date Satchel. Although the handbag is from the fall/winter collection, it somehow seems to fit better in the upcoming spring or summer seasons.

Perhaps its the ultra casual coated cotton material that makes me think of wearing jeans and t-shirts accessorized with thin scarves rather than bundling up in thick sweaters and wool coats. The overall look of the bag simply seems much lighter than leather or suede winter purses.

I’m sure the light rosy shade of pink has something to do with it as well. Although it’s not the only color available for the satchel, which can also be found in black or brown, “cameo rose” definitely adds a light-hearted, girly vibe to this fashion accessory.

The fabric exterior is detailed with flat studs and topstitching with contrasting shadow lines around the seams. The signature logo in silver is noticeable, but not obnoxiously large, on the front. Whatever season you choose it for, this casual Diesel Date bag is a decent buy at only $98.

More Features of the Date Shoulder Bag

• Measures 17.5 x 10 x 6.5 inches
• Double handles with 7 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Get this Diesel Date Bag:

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

[phpbay]diesel date, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Loop NYC Baliwood Satchel, a great alternative to this casual cotton satchel.
• Searching for more Diesel handbags on eBay

This Cheer clutch from J. Renee uses the contrast between raffia and patent leather to produce something suprisingly similar to a Dior bag!

I love the shape of this relatively affordable purse, simple and elegant. Square designs, especially fold-over ones, tend to have a shape that works well for years and years, traditional and great as a vehicle for decoration. That decoration is the over-sized patent clasp, that stands in stark contrast against the matte background.

The background itself is, in my humble opinion, the best part of the bag. Complex and detailed, this is constructed from woven raffia forming a diamond pattern. I always fall for textures and classy patterns, and this purse has both!

Inside this J. Renee purse isn’t exactly stunning. Black, simple, and effective, this fulfils its purpose in a completely plain way. I suppose the exterior makes up for it, but I would have wanted a little extra flair!

More Features of this J. Renee Cheer Purse

• Synthetic woven raffia exterior
• Plain back interior
• Optional coordinating handle
• Fold over flap

Get this Woven Raffia Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Renee bags on BagBunch
• The Pink Studio Shiala clutch, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more woven raffia bags on eBay
• Other J. Renee bags on eBay:

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The strange shape of this Soap Star tote is made refined by Kathy van Zeeland’s great use of neutral soft leather.

That shape was what drew me to this bag in the first place, like a moth to a strangely bright flame. It just struck me as a great combination of function and looks; the rounded slouchy bottom has room for all your belongings, the funky zip detail provides pocket space, and the organic looking handles are comfy too. It is perhaps a little taller than most people would want in a bag, but in a market saturated with purses that all look the same, the Soap Star really stands out.

I rarely like a cream purse; I find the color impractical for living in the real world! That said, I don’t mind the sand color in this tote, and actually prefer it to the shiny black or peculiar purple options. It also works well with the coordinating gold/bronze hardware, which manages to look antiquated with ease.

Inside this Kathy van Zeeland tote is a bit different to the muted sophisticated exterior. The paisley-style print is bright and colorful on a brown background, and whilst great for hiding stains I am not sure I am convinced by it. That said, pattern loving is totally a matter of personal taste!

More Features of this Kathy van Zeeland Slouchy Tote

• Available in black, sand or lilac
• Contrasting fabric lining
• Leather exterior
• Multiple interior pockets and compartments

Get this Unusually Shaped Soap Star Bag:

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

[phpbay]kathy van zeeland soap star, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The Gustto Frenza shoulder bag, a great alternative to this slouchy bag
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay

The funky styling of this Bleeker tote from Maxx New York really sets it apart from the crowd.

At $125, it’s not surprising to see that this purse isn’t made from genuine leather. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap and nasty. In fact, the Italian twill, coated for extra gloss, is both stylish and high quality. And let’s not forget that it helps keep the price down. It may not have the totally touchable quality of leather, but it’s still got plenty going for it.

A handful of pleats help to soften the fabric, while the curved stitching around the corners adds a playful touch. So often bags with cutout handles aren’t comfortable, but this one promises to be easier on the hands than most. By not reinforcing the handles with wood or metal, Maxx New York puts comfort ahead of style.

Inside we’re reminded of Maxx New York’s wild side. The zebra print lining is a little crazy, but there’s a serious side to the interior as well. A large zippered envelope runs down the center, dividing the tote into three easy-to-organize compartments. There are a plethora of pockets, of both the zip and slip variety, so there really is a place for everything!

It’s rare to find a tote that so easily combines style and substance. When you can get it for just a little more than $100, as you can with the Bleeker, it’s almost irresistible!

More Features of This Maxx New York Twill Tote

• Bridged top entry with a magnetic snap closure
• Two slide pockets, two wall zip pockets, and a cell phone slip
• Magnetic feet on the base
• Measures 14.5 x 11.75 x 5.75 inches

Get this Maxx New York Bleeker Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Maxx New York Bleeker, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Famousfashions2 eBay store to see if this Maxx New York bag in yellow is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maxx New York bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Monsoon bag, a great alternative to this cut-out handle bag.
• Searching for more Maxx New York bags on eBay

Back in September it was rumored that Sarah Jessica Parker would front Halston’s next advertising campaign. But it seems the Sex and the City star may take an even bigger role at the recently revamped fashion house.

The industry is buzzing with the rumor that SJP may land a consulting gig with Halston, perhaps as creative director or design director.

Whether she’s working behind the scenes or stepping in front of the camera, Sarah Jessica Parker would be a massive coup for the brand. By wearing a white Halston dress in Sex and the City 2, SJP has already generated considerable buzz for the label. Giving her an even greater role can only increase the brand’s popularity.

And let’s not forget, Sarah Jessica knows her fashion. Her Bitten line did quite well while it lasted, so perhaps signing with a major brand is the next logical step?

Right now reps for both the star and Halston are keeping mum, so it looks like we’ll just have to wait and see!

[Source: E Online]
[Image Source: David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Halston Bags on eBay

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

This Maxam suede bag is solid by name, and solid by nature.

The purse is simply styled, with a traditional satchel shape and relaxed profile. The suede fabric slouches in all the right places, giving the purse its casual attitude. While it’s got a nonchalant style, it’s no fashion rebel. Basic black can appear edgy when dressed up with metal hardware, but on a perfectly plain bag like this is just looks boring.

I’m willing to forgive the conservative styling though, because honestly this is one of the best value bags I’ve ever seen. Where else can you find a purse crafted from real suede, with genuine leather handles, for just a little more than $30?

It’s not like this shoulder bag is small either.  While I wouldn’t call it oversized, it’s more than capable of carrying your day-to-day essentials and a few luxuries besides. It probably needs more than the single zip pocket to keep the generous space organized, but again at this price I’m not about to quibble.

There are more interesting bags on the fashion landscape, but for value this Maxam purse is hard to beat.

More Features of This Maxam Suede Handbag

• Padded leather handles
• Measures 12 x 8 x 5.75 inches

Get this Maxam Solid Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Videokraze 2008 eBay store to see if this Maxam bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maxam bags on BagBunch
• The Maxam suede wristlet, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Maxam bags on eBay
• Other Maxam Solid Suede bags on eBay:

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We’ve seen eco-fashion in many forms and on many levels. Tons of companies have provided shoppers with such options as woven raffia totes and purses made from various recycled materials like plastic bottles, candy wrappers, and billboards. While I’m all about clever uses of these types of resources, they aren’t usually on the same design level as something like a Gucci or Versace bag.

Well, one design firm is joining the ranks to change that. Nyla Noor, a Manhattan-based label, creates their handbags using only eco-friendly materials and methods. Unlike brands like Matt & Nat, who also adhere to a strict no-leather policy in addition to being eco-conscious, Nyla Noor focuses on crafting bags from real leather that has been tanned through sustainable methods and without the use of harsh chemicals and pollutants. The interior lining of the bags is made from SKAL certified, 100% organic cotton.

With gorgeous styles like these, I foresee big things for the eco-fashion industry as well as for the talented New York-born sisters, Saifra and Romaana Zia, of Nyla Noor. Check out their launch collection on the label’s website.

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image: Nyla Noor]

Eco-Friendly Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]eco friendly, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

We look at quite a few Big Buddha handbags around here, but there’s a good reason … or really a couple of them. There seem to be endless trendy styles offered by the brand, and the prices continue to be reasonably attainable for the average gal.

Those are good enough reasons for me to consider the label’s designs over and over again. Styles like this Sophia shoulder bag hit on more than one current trend and don’t fail to please with the price point either.

Its crocodile embossed exterior is, of course, something that bag brands are incorporating a lot as of late. Combined with a metallic sheen, the Sophia’s croc-like texture is made to look a little more luxurious. I wouldn’t say that the purse is dressy in any use of the word, but the bronze-y effect on the PVC material does make it appear a bit better than average.  

Double pockets on the outside are a practical addition to this large handbag. My only confusion is with the d-rings on either side of the handles despite the fact that there is not extra strap to be attached. The detail seems superfluous but not entirely unappealing. At $90, this large shoulder bag is easy to like.

More Features of the Sophia Shoulder Bag

• Measures 14 x 10 x 2 inches
• Handles with 8.75 inch drop
• Sunken zipper closure

Get this Big Buddha Sophia Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the TwendyGoods store on eBay to see if the dark gray version of this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Betsey Johnson The Croc Pot Satchel, a great alternative to this croc PVC handbag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha handbags on eBay
• Other croc-embossed bags on eBay:

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This doctors bag from Prezzo is a basic purse with an interesting retro twist.

The actual shape of this budget bag is simple and traditional, with a single handle and strong box shape. Even the metal frame clasp resembles the purses of a bygone era, and if this came in plain black then it wouldn’t look out of place in a vintage shop or thrift store.

However, Prezzo has managed to transform this $39.99 handbag into something a little more unusual. This is all thanks to the acrylic photo mounted on the slightly striped black fabric. It results in a quirky purse with bags of personality (if you will excuse the pun). I personally love this vintage fashion photo, but you can get all sorts, and if you can make the hound-dog photo look cute then even better!

Inside the striped nautical fabric (a favorite on the Chanel catwalks at the moment) continues the vintage and retro effect, providing a neat fashionable interior that you wouldn’t expect from a purse so affordable. There is even a shoulder strap if you want one, making this a very sound investment!

Sure it may not be made out of luxury fabrics, but this quirky purse is a definite bargain, and you can always just pretend that it hails from the time when leather was rationed!

More Features of this Affordable Prezzo Photo Bag

• Available in 10 different varieties
• Striped vintage style lining
• Handle and optional shoulder strap
• Interior slip pocket

Get this Retro Doctors Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Prezzo photo bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Fontanelli leather twist bag, a great alternative to this retro bag.
• Searching for more Prezzo bags on eBay

What’s this? Famous eco-friendly handbags like Matt & Nat releasing a suede tote bag? Say it isn’t so!

Well, it isn’t. At least, not quite. While the Davis comes from the brand’s Suede Collection, it’s actually crafted from an eco-friendly suede alternative. With all the plush looks and feel of the genuine article, this fabric is actually made from recycled plastic bottles. Luxurious and a land fill saver? I like the sound of that!

I love the way that strips of this suede-like fabric have been sewn together to create a subtle patchwork look. The back’s a little plainer, but no doubt the deep pocket there will come in handy. The berry shade might be a little bright for conservative tastes, but I think it’s perfect for winter.

The roomy interior is up to the challenge of keeping you organized all day. The deep space features plenty of pockets, all trimmed in more of that faux leather to withstand wear and tear.

Authentic suede’s notorious for wearing thin as the seasons pass, so I can’t help wondering whether this alternative will look any better in time. I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but if it does then I consider the Davis a great investment!

More Features of This Matt & Nat Suede Tote

• Antique brass hardware
• Magnetic feet on the base
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 19.5 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Matt & Nat Davis Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat suede Zed bag, a great alternative to this suede-like bag.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat bags on eBay
• Other faux suede bags on eBay:

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