Lauren Merkin use exotic lizard-print leather to its best advantage in their glittery Louise clutch.

I am of the opinion that handbags using animal prints or exotic leathers tread a very thin line between fashionable, and just plain horrible. Thankfully for Lauren Merkin this clutch definitely slots neatly into the fashionable side of the scale. The print is fine enough to be subtle, and works well with the golden glitter to give the purse a classy evening bag feel.

Everyone knows that glitter looks best when given a chance to sparkle, and that is exactly what happens in the bag. The folded centre feature, you see, lets light and shadows play together, and this is what transforms mere glitter into something super stylish! It then avoids over-shaping this clutch by toning it down with a smooth hinged opening.

Inside Lauren Merkin makes this purse even more luxurious, and this is the final touch that has really made me love this purse! The gold cord-like interior glitters too, and it just looks lovely! There is no hidden handle, sadly, but at least it looks good!

More Features of this Lauren Merkin Louise Clutch

• Available in plum and dark green
• Dust bag included
• Light gold interior
• Hinged frame closure

Get this Lizard Print Glitter Purse:

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

[phpbay]Lauren Merkin Louise, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Lauren Merkin bags on BagBunch
• The Lauren Merkin Tatum clutch, a great alternative to this lizard print bag.
• Searching for more glittery bags on eBay

Forget Juicy Couture and Kathy Van Zeeland. If you want real bling, look no further than this Maddalena Marconi purse.

This luxury purse is definitely over the top, and that’s just what its fans will love about it. Tiny Swarovski crystals are sewn over the golden netting and satin body. Larger gemstones fan out in a starburst effect. There are even more dazzling diamantes on the kiss lock clasp. It’s easy to suggest that the accents could have been toned down, but then it wouldn’t be such a show stopper, would it?

This is a small clutch, and the elegant frame ensures it stays that way. There’s no hope of squeezing a few extras in, so I hope you know how to travel light! The golden lining and matching strap only add to the elegance of this luxury purse, even if the chain isn’t the most comfortable to carry. After all, a more practical strap in leather or the like would never have looked so good.

At a little over $1500, this oval clutch is more royalty than ghetto chic. Pair it with an elegant black or navy evening gown and get ready to sparkle!

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Gold Clutch

• Measures 2.4 x 6.3 x 4.3 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Maddalena Marconi Jeweled Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited quantities)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maddalena Marconi bags on BagBunch
• The Maddalena Marconi reptile bag, a great alternative to this jeweled bag.
• Searching for more Maddalena Marconi bags on eBay
• Other jeweled clutches on eBay:

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Miche Bags, famous for its innovative interchangeable handbag, has unveiled its new Hope purse, a design that aims to raise big bucks for cancer research.

Funds raised by sales of the bags in the United States and 14 other countries will benefit the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a cancer center located in the University of Utah. The center looks to understand cancer, use that knowledge to create and improve cancer treatments, help ease the suffering of cancer patients, and educate others about the disease.

“Our goal – and hopefully it’s something that we far exceed – but our goal right now is to donate at least a million dollars to cancer research,” affirmed Miche Bag’s designer, Jennie Platt.

“Six months ago, we started coming up with the idea that it was time for Miche Bag to give back. We’ve been so successful and blessed, and we really wanted to do something in our community that really gave back.”

The purses were inspired by Miche Bag’s dealings with real-life cancer patients and survivors. The designers asked these brave folks for quotes describing cancer battle. The results are printed on the Hope purse in bold lettering: phrases like “Fight like a Giant,” and “No Regrets.”

Hopefully the eye-catching designs will prove to be conversation starters. The more awareness this cause can generate, the better!

[Source: KSL]

Cancer Charity Bags on eBay

[phpbay]cancer, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It may not have the most elegant name around, but the Lug tote from Mad Imports is surprisingly stylish.

The look is simple yet chic. Woven raffia usually has a beachside appeal, but the tight weave, jute trim, coordinating leather, and contrasting two-tone look make the Lug perfect for taking away from the sea shore. It’ll never look too glam, but it’d work for a spot of shopping or a bite at your favorite café.

The interior is almost painfully simple. You can forget about pockets or any other organizational features. That won’t worry you if you’re using it as a beach bag, but you’ll need a little more effort if you hope to carry items smaller than a towel and togs. At least the partial lining has a drawstring closure to keep your essentials away from prying eyes.

I love the understated elegance of this brown bag, but if it’s a little safe for you don’t worry. The Lug comes in nine color combinations, including playful pink and yellow, so you’re bound to find one to suit. The Lug retails for $85, although if you’re quick you can find it for less than half that on Amazon.

More Features of This Mad Imports Raffia Tote

• Unbleached cotton lining
• Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 17 x 9 inches
• Made in Madagascar

Get this Mad Imports Lug Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in brown/silver and natural/gold)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Mad Imports Lug, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Susy’s Gallery eBay store to see if this Mad Imports bag in blue is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Bright Daisy bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Mad Imports bags on eBay

I’m so used to hearing about major labels switching to the next big thing, the hyped-up newcomer, or the legendary icon when it comes to to model selection that it sometimes throws me off a bit to see one face repeatedly popping up in the ad campaigns of certain brands.

I know there are plenty of labels that stick to one gal or guy for several seasons in a row. For example, the most recent spring/summer campaign for Swiss brand Bally features the well-known talent of Christy Turlington, and it’s definitely not the first time her pretty face has appeared in its advertisements.

Well, I suppose that Gucci, like Bally, has found a face that fits its ideal and isn’t easily distracted by the young teen models that are taking the campaign world by storm. Instead of opting for the charms of 17-year old Karlie Kloss like Dior did for its recent spring campaign, Gucci has consistently kept Natasha Poly as its choice for ads.

The models around her might switch out, but Natasha has been a main player in the label’s fashion campaigns since 2005 and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Evidently Gucci feels very secure in its choice and pleased with Poly’s posing and pouting since the label’s already renewed her contract for 2010. I guess we’ll be seeing another year of her draped in the label’s handbags and various scant clothing. In the modeling world, that’s got to qualify as job security at its best.

[Source: fashionologie]
[Image: m.ariii/Flickr]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]gucci, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

This Carlos Falchi Doctor Bag doesn’t have nearly the same structured silhouette that I’m used to seeing from other bags in the same style category. However, this large version of Falchi’s signature doctor bag design is luxury at its best.

Although it has a nearly identical shape to the patent leather version of the designer’s doctor bag style, the similarities between these two Carlos Falchi handbags end there. Instead of the surprising price of $595 for the patent leather option, this large doctor bag in anaconda retails for a whopping, though perhaps not completely shocking, $2,850.

I’m not blown over by sticker shock since we’re talking about true snakeskin leather here with all of the quality and fabulous texture you can only get with the real thing, but it would still take quite a chunk out of a shopping budget. This large anaconda doctor bag is also available with a shiny skin, but personally I think that the matte appearance allows the texture to shine on its own.

The double handles have a nice drop to them making it comfortable to carry this decently sized satchel. Something about the slightly spiky feel of anaconda on my shoulder makes me cringe just a bit, but I’m guessing that might be the last thing on anyone’s mind when toting around this fabulous designer handbag.

More Features of the Large Anaconda Doctor Bag

• Measures 17 x 8.5 x 7 inches
• Double handles with 9 inch drop
• Double magnetic closure

Get this Carlos Falchi Anaconda Doctor Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlos Falchi bags on BagBunch
• The Kotur Sibal Shoulder Bag, a great alternative to this anaconda leather satchel.
• Searching for more Carlos Falchi snakeskin handbags on eBay
• Other snakeskin satchels on eBay:

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Frye head for minimalist class with this pure white Heidi clutch.

White and brown isn’t a very common combination, and judging by the looks of this clutch that is a shame! The bright white background works brilliantly with the cute little brown features. Perhaps the combo works so well because of the background shape of the purse, which features semicircles and a funky lock closure.

Inside these features are designed to be functional as well as pretty. The front semicircle becomes a little pocket, and the cool clasp means the clutch is quite secure. I am not sure if I would have preferred a matching brown lining, but this is probably getting too picky!

All in all this is a cool clutch with a lot going for it. Clean and simple, its design speaks for itself and begins to justify the $248 price tag.

More Features of this Frye Heidi Purse

• Metallic brown interior
• White and brown leather exterior
• Gold colored hardware
• Simple clean lines

Get this Minimalist Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More white bags on BagBunch
• The Burberry Lizzie handbag, a great alternative to this smart bag.
• Searching for more white bags on eBay
• Other Frye bags on eBay:

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Goldenbleu isn’t known for creating bags that break from the norm, and this stripey Rachelle hobo is a new design of the brand’s old favorite.

The shape of this bag makes the most of the smooth and sleek patent panels. Rather than going over the top, the emphasis instead is on a simple basic shape that lets the angular patchwork speak for itself. I do wish that the handle wasn’t chain, and instead that it continued the expensive leather theme; the chain devalues it a little.

Underneath the varieties of navy, silver and plum lies a functional interior. It’s just the right width for a decent amount of contents, and with a nice functional interior pocket. The signature lining is also in a shade that makes it harder to mark or damage. Thankfully!

This patchwork hobo may not be the most revolutionary bag in the world, but at least Goldenbleu knows what its are doing. It does it well, but with the company now bankrupt it’s a shame we’ll never see what it could do beyond this single luxury look.

More Features of this Striped Goldenbleu Hobo

• An oversized chain handle
• Signature lining
• Interior pocket wit leather trim
• Multiple shades patent exterior

Get this Metallic Rachelle Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Goldenbleu bags on BagBunch
• The Goldenbleu Parker weekender, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more patchwork bags on eBay
• Other Goldenbleu bags on eBay:

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Burberry brought us a new grown-up Hermoine Granger in last year’s fall/winter campaign. Now in 2010, the British brand is giving us a Watson double act!

Harry Potter star Emma Watson stars in the label’s latest advertising campaign with her little brother Alex. Nepotism may have won him the modeling gig, but Alex definitely holds his own here. His shaggy rock star hair and piercing blue eyes are just dreamy!

Famed photographer Mario Testino is behind the camera of these ads, which sees the siblings getting cosy with a bevy of new season Burberry bags. Most of the purses are a little ho-hum to me, but I’d love a closer look at that creamy purse hidden in the back. The knotted accent is to die for!

If you want to see more of this gorgeous twosome, make sure you check out New York Magazine’s website. Here you’ll find more photos and a video capturing what went on behind the scenes.

[Source: Purse Page]

Burberry Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Burberry bag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

With its eye-catching combination of black horn and white shell, this Trapezoid Bag from Mad by Design makes a real statement.

The smooth surfaces are hand-sewn together to create a contemporary starburst style design. The angular pattern is the perfect fit for the purse’s distinctive trapezoid shape.

I love the look, but I’m not sure how practical this purse would be. There’s enough space to handle everyday essentials, but I’m not sure how much weight the purse could hold. The fabric lining should help matters, but I’d hate to crack the shell!

Even if the bag could withstand a little weight, I’m not sure my hands could. Those hard horn handles look chic, but very unforgiving.

The Mad by Design Trapezoid Bag may not suit everyday use, but I think it’d be the ideal dinner companion or party purse. And at just $50, I don’t mind if I can only take it out on special occasions!

More Features of This Mad by Design Horn and Pearl Bag

• Metal feet on the base
• An interior wall zip pocket
• Open top entry with a magnetic snap closure
• Measures 13 x 8 x 2.5 inches

Get this Mad by Design Trapezoid Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the D’s Tree of Life Shop eBay store to see if this Mad by Design bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad by Design bags on BagBunch
• The Mad by Design Graphite and Pearl Trapezoid bag, a great alternative to this black and white bag.
• Searching for more Mad by Design bags on eBay
• Other Mad by Design trapezoid bags on eBay:

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