Switzerland’s largest clothes producer, Akris, has added handbags to its 2010 line-up. The expansion coincides with the brand’s acquisition of Comtesse, a German firm specializing in the manufacture of materials made from woven horse hair.

It’s no surprise then to see Akris release this striking Ai bag, which is made from horsehair. I love the futuristic trapezoidal look, and the horse fiber looks much chicer than haircalf ever has. If you’d prefer the Ai in miniature, look out for the similarly styled Amata clutch.

Akris is starting small with its foray into accessories, but it also includes a few horse-free options. There’s the Alice for those evening soirees, the Astaire for jetsetters, and the Ava for those who appreciate more everyday storage space.

The Akris bags are expected to hit stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Akris boutiques, in February. That doesn’t give you much time to save your pennies, but you might want to set a little cash aside. I hear the gorgeous Ai will be priced at $3990. Ouch!

[Source: New York Times]

Horse Hair Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]horse hair, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Add a splash of color to your winter wardrobe with this adorable clutch purse from Marni.

The evenly ruched top creates subtle pleats throughout the pochette, giving this purse a more casual feel than many clutches. Of course, it still wouldn’t look out of place with your favorite little black dress, but you could easily pair it with jeans as well.

At least, you could if you know how to travel light. While the style suits everyday use, there’s not as much space as most day bags allow. A wallet might squeeze in at a pinch, but then you’ll struggle to stash away your cell phone and keys. There’s also no shoulder strap, so I imagine carrying it for too long will become tiresome.

It’s probably a good thing that this won’t work as an everyday clutch for most of us. Suede is notorious for showing age early, so you’ll want to handle this purse for care. That’s especially true considering the asking price; at $525 this simple Marni pochette is far from affordable.

More Features of This Marni Suede Pochette

• Lined in striped silver twill
• A press-stud fastening
• Measures 9 x 8 x 4 inches

Get this Marni Ruched Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marni bags on BagBunch
• The Dolce & Gabbana Maika bag, a great alternative to this pochette bag.
• Searching for more Marni bags on eBay
• Other suede pochettes on eBay:

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It feels a tad ridiculous to be talking about Valentine’s Day already since it seems that we’ve only barely passed Christmas. However, February is rapidly approaches, bringing with her the exciting (sometimes dreaded) V-day shopping trips.

Well, if your wife, girlfriend, significant other, etc. happens to be a lover of designer handbags who enjoys a sweet, even cutesy printed tote, you needn’t think twice about what to get her. Burberry has the answer for you all wrapped up in one of its new limited edition collections.

The Burberry Heart Collection is full of goodies just perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. The label has switched up its signature checks by adding (what else?) hearts to the mix. The totes and other handbag styles are mostly made from PVC or coated canvas with leather trim and handles. Even the handle anchors on some of the bags resemble heart shapes.

This limited line also includes other various accessories and fashion items including a wallet, coin purse, key chain, belt, and some rather adorable painted heart rain boots. The handbags range from $295 for a small sling bag up to $795 for a large travel purse. See the collection at Burberry’s online store and Nordstrom, or see below to check out some of the options available on eBay.

[Source: That’s a Fabulous Handbag]

Burberry Heart Collection Bags on eBay

[phpbay]burberry heart, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’ve come across some unique handbags in my days, but this one might win the prize for a classic look paired with an odd design concept. Instead of obviously appealing to the whimsical or quirky fashion sense, I can’t decide if this Melie Bianco satchel and clutch combo is taking itself seriously or not.

However, I’m always up for a good bargain, and some might categorize the gathered satchel with python clutch bag as just that. It’s not multiple handbags in one like some convertible options that switch from clutch to shoulder bag to crossbody or some variation of those. No, this Melie Bianco design is actually two separate bags that can be attached to one another or used separately.

Individually the satchel and clutch are decent handbags. The satchel has a nice structured top with a casual relaxed body that makes for a great everyday purse, while the framed clutch, with its snake print and optional gold chain strap is fun for dressing up.

Together, however, is another story. Call me crazy, but I’m not sure that a dangling, flapping clutch is the best thing to have attached to your purse as you walk around. Maybe someone else can see some benefit to this, but I’m puzzled by it. I’d rather purchase the set and use them at different times. A cute satchel and clutch for $108 seems like a good deal to me.

More Features of the Gathered Satchel with Python Clutch

• Satchel measures 16 x 12 x 5 inches
• Detachable python print clutch/coin purse
• All synthetic material
• Style number S9-232

Get this Melie Bianco Satchel and Clutch Combo:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Liz Claiborne Montclair Work Tote, a great alternative to this synthetic satchel.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco handbags on eBay
• Other snake print bags on eBay:

[phpbay]snake print, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Marc Jacobs is one of those versatile designers who seems just as home on the red carpet as in the urban jungle. With the Nylon Mabel Q, the label is in relaxed mode.

The silky nylon finish gives the tote a casual slouch around the signature name plate and handles. Honestly, it reminds me a little of a winter windcheater, although under Marc Jacob’s skillful hands the effect isn’t entirely unwanted! Nylon still isn’t the most luxurious fabric around, but it is practical and affordable. Of course, that is a relative term, with many feeling that nearly $260 retail is too much to pay for a nylon purse. Still, it’s a lot cheaper than you’ll pay for Marc Jacob’s high-end designs!

There are little touches of luxury though. The base is leather, a curious decision considering there are no feet to protect the expensive skin. The interior is also lined with crocodile printed cotton. It might not be a genuine exotic, but it gives a playful illusion of opulence!

Inside this tote is massive, capable of handling the items you need it to make it through the nine to five and beyond. A large zippered pockets and a couple of open pouches are ready to take care of your smaller items, leaving the rest of the space for larger goodies.

The Nylon Q Mabel is available in versatile black, reed khaki, or a more adventurous purple shade.

More Features of This Marc by Marc Jacobs

• Magnetic closure
• Cotton lining
• Dual straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 14 x 10 inches

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Mabel Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the VIPFASHIONS eBay store to see if this Marc Jacobs bag in purple is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Mabel bag in khaki, a great alternative to this black bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs bags on eBay
• Other Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Q bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs Nylon Q, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Opening Ceremony loves to spread its creative wings, whether it’s with other designers like Betsey Johnson or more unexpected artistic types. One such left of center decision is the brand’s recent alliance with the film Where The Wild Things Are.

Like most people of a certain vintage, I was thrilled by Spike Jonze’s cinematic adaptation of the classic children’s book. However, I’m really not sure whether we needed Where the Wild Things Are: The Handbags. At the very least, the bags should be more subtle than these. These furry purses are truly monstrous, and while that suits the film it’s not intended to be a compliment! The matte cotton handles only cheapen the already tacky exteriors.

At least our $85 buys value. Each purse is reversible, so you can choose between these fuzzy looks or plaid cotton. Neither is particularly attractive, but if you were a fan of the book and film you still might want to add one to your collection.

[Source: Bag Snob]

Faux Fur Bags on eBay

[phpbay]faux fur, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Pairing simplicity with style comes this Vertical Stripes Tote from Magid.

The look is classic, with even black and white stripes running from the top to base. The shape too is traditional, the kind of boxy look we’ve seen so many times before; it’s a little boring but it also never goes out of style.

The striped finished is complemented by stitched black leather-like trim and matching handles. They’re a little shorter than I like on an everyday purse, but most girls should be able to sling this tote over their shoulder with a minimum of fuss.

The interior is simple, perhaps too simple for a purse of this size. The zippered pocket and open slip will help you stay organized, but it needs a few more pouches to take care of everything. I’m not surprised we don’t get them though. After all, at less than $50, this Magid tote still offers more than most bags in this price range.

Pair it with your favorite jeans and T-shirt for a look that will last you all year round.

More Features of This Magid Striped Tote

• Top entry with snap closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Dual 14 inch shoulder straps
• Measures 12.2 x 1 x 14 inches

Get this Magid Vertical Stripes Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Magid vertical stripes tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Magid bags on BagBunch
• The Francesco Biasia Caroline bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Magid bags on eBay

Though Anja Rubik might be the only model in this latest spring/summer 2010 advertising campaign for Fendi, she’s not the only star of the show. In fact, despite the fact that this particular shot shows Rubik from the knees up, practically half of her is covered by the Fendi Peek-A-Boo satchel.

Perhaps that’s a bit of an overstatement, but the signature Fendi handbag seen in the ad is rather large, especially when compared to the wispy model. The bright white Peek-A-Boo also stands out quite well even though it’s against a white ethereal background and in front of a model wearing all white.

Instead of the disappearing bag act we saw in the Max Mara white on white ad, this one does a nice job at highlighting the focal point. Anja Rubik looks lovely as well in this fairytale forest-like campaign shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld.

Although I’m not a huge fan of the Fendi Peek-A-Boo, which always seems to be to be more of an open invitation to “peek inside my handbag to see what I have,” I have to admit that Lagerfeld did a nice job showcasing both model and designer goods for the campaign.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Fendi Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]fendi, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

There is nothing quite like a Whiting & Davis clutch; they are beautiful and elegant. This particular example channels an art deco eighties vibe, with funky studs and a streamlined shape.

The clean and simple shape of this delicate clutch makes it perfectly suited for a classy night out, working well with deep black for a minimalist and elegant look. Of course it really wouldn’t work in the day, but saving a mesh bag like this for special events is half the fun!

I have always preferred when Whiting & Davis let their iconic metal mesh do the talking, and this is just what they have done here, with clear unadulterated metal panels. They have also updated the look to fit the current popularity of studs and over-sized crystals. Bang on trend!

It may not be the most spacious clutch on the market, but this studded purse is smart, elegant and mature.

More Features of this Whiting Davis Clutch

• Available in silver, gold or black
• Thin mesh chain handle
• Signature lining
• Single interior slip pocket

Get this Studded Crystal Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Flor de Mayo clutch, a great alternative to this art deco bag.
• Searching for more studded bags on eBay
• Other Whiting & Davis bags on eBay:

[phpbay]whiting and davis handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Although I’m a huge fan of Whiting & Davis’ vintage-inspired, shimmery handbags, this Florentine clutch is a little out of the ordinary from what I’d typically choose.

For starters, the brand went outside of their signature solid or screenprinted brass mesh look, which they seem to be doing more and more these days, by adding a printed leather. I love the idea of combining the two materials, and it isn’t the first time they’ve mixed things up. The Lizzy clutch is another example of their foray into interesting combos.

However, for me personally, the print on the leather material is just not up my alley. Although the gold mesh on the bottom half is fun and sparkly for parties or dressing up casual attire, the colors and style of the romantic, brocade-like print on the front flap is not quite what I’d expect from Whiting & Davis. I suppose it’s a style that would be loved by plenty of other women, but I can’t help but think of upholstery.

The studs along the edge of the flap are a nice touch, though, and give the Florentine clutch a bit more personality. For those times that a clutch isn’t practical, Whiting & Davis also included a practical, detachable leather strap that coordinates with the print on the flap.

More Features of the Florentine Clutch

• Measures 13 x 7 x 3 inches
• Detachable strap with 9.5 inch drop
• Retail price of $220

Get this Whiting & Davis Florentine Bag:

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

[phpbay]whiting davis florentine, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Whiting & Davis bags on BagBunch
• The J.Renee Gretel Clutch, a great alternative to this uniquely patterned clutch bag.
• Searching for more Whiting & Davis clutch handbags on eBay