If the deep dark winter nights are making you feel low, then you may need to start looking ahead to summer. Actually, forget that; you may need to pretend it is summer! This light straw-effect tote from Salvatore Ferragamo should help you do that in the classiest way possible.

Of course, spending over $2000 on a woven straw bag may seem a little bit beyond many people’s reach. After all, whilst very expensive leather bags have a distinguishable difference, this would be one purse that would be easy to copy on the High Street. Look a little closer, however, and that straw is actually braided leather. Clever, eh?! In addition, if you opt for a cheap one then you won’t get the dark wood hardware, and no doubt the shape wouldn’t be as refined.

Straw is always light and summery, meaning that whilst it may make you forget rain, it will also absorb it. That is why the leather version is so much more efficient. At least this way you have a smooth sleek lining to keep your treasured and no doubt valuable belongings safe.

With an intricate weave, strong plaited handles and a hugely fashionably slouchy shape, this Marisa tote is almost definitely the most luxurious “straw” bag on the market!

More Features of this Salvatore Ferragamo Woven Hold-all

• Woven leather exterior
• Dual short handles
• Interior lining with multiple pockets
• Dark wood clasp closure

Get this Clever Leather Marisa Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Salvatore Ferragamo bags on BagBunch
• The Elliott Lucca Palermo tote, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more woven leather bags on eBay
• Other Ferragamo bags on eBay:

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When you consider designer names, there’s Hermes and then there’s everyone else. No other brand can command such exorbitant prices or inspire such envy as the French fashion house. And that’s precisely why a simple bag like this Paris-Bombay costs a whopping $5800.

I figured I’d get that shocking fact out of the way first. If you’re unfazed by the bottom line, read on. While the Paris-Bombay is basic, it’s got a quiet elegance about it. The nutty brown shade is delicious, yet versatile enough to suit your wardrobe all year round. The textured cowhide and long shape are quite simply classics.

The interior has all the luxury you’d expect from such a pricy purse. The tan leather lining is so opulent, but I can’t help worrying about ink stains and lipstick marks! There’s a long patch pocket in one wall and two smaller open compartments in the other. I wonder why Hermes opted for slip pockets over the traditional zip pouch, but I suppose it’s not my place to question this great luxury label!

It may not be a Birkin, but I think the Paris-Bombay bag is every inch as desirable. I could never afford one though, so I hope Santa is feeling extra generous this year!

More Features of This Hermes Leather Handbag

• Silver-tone hardware
• Top zip closure
• Five metal feet at base
• Dual 20 inch handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 8 x 6 inches
• Comes with a dustbag
• Made in France

Get this Hermes Paris-Bombay Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hermes Paris Bombay, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hermes bags on BagBunch
• The Hermes Lindy bag, a great alternative to this luxury bag.
• Searching for more Hermes bags on eBay

If you’re still Christmas shopping, or if you haven’t started yet, forget the overcrowded shopping malls. VH1’s Big Shopping website aims to take away the stress and give you a warm fuzzy feeling.

A portion of all purchases will benefit VH1’s Save the Music Foundation, which looks to restore music education programs in schools across America. In the last ten years the charity has donated more than $45 million worth of new instruments, benefiting 1.4 million public school students in 1700 American schools.

There are plenty of purses to satisfy your fashion loving friends, including designs from BeeGee Bags, Linea Pelle, Michelle Monroe, and Accessory Exchange. But it’s not all about style though, with skincare from La Source Sea Spa Collection and toys from Mattel taking care of the whole family. If you’re stuck for inspiration you can check out suggestions from stars like Whitney Port, Train singer Pat Monahan, and Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: VH1 Big Shopping]

Linea Pelle Bags on eBay

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If spring is set to be the season where practicality rules, perhaps we’d better get a jump on the trend with Hayden-Harnett’s Sonia tote.

While style hasn’t exactly been forgotten, this is definitely a purse that puts the practical first. The exterior is simply adorned with just a smattering of round studs near the base and handles. The boxy shape is classic, even if it is a little boring, and the same goes for the traditional brown color.

While the exterior might not have the stuff to wow you, peek inside and prepare to be impressed. There are two massive compartments either side of the main zippered section. Once you’ve unzipped that, you’ll find even more pockets, including a zippered one for loose change and three open slips for gadgets. The top zip means we probably don’t need the leather tab with its turnlock closure. This feature is bound to become fiddly, even if it does add a certain vintage charm.

With a HH luggage tag attached, this could be the ideal carryall for jetsetters, or modern girls who like to carry their life inside their handbags.

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Large Tote

• Made of 100% leather
• Dual rolled handles
• Measures 16 x 12 x 5.75 inches

Get this Hayden-Harnett Sonia Handbag:

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

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• Check the Flaunt Accessories Boutique eBay store to see if this Hayden-Harnett bag in black is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hayden-Harnett bags on BagBunch
• The Hayden-Harnett Lorca bag, a great alternative to this turnlock bag.
• Searching for more Hayden-Harnett bags on eBay

It was back in 1947 that Christian Dior revolutionized the fashion industry with his post-wartime “New Look” collection that put Paris back on the map as the fashion capital of the world. Now over six decades later, the legendary designer’s label is paying tribute to that impact by creating something both modern yet inspired by that past era.

The “New Lock” handbag collection is completely classic, as if we’d expect anything else from Dior, yet available in some very contemporary styles like colorful snakeskin with studded detail. If you prefer simplicity, though, don’t worry. The “New Lock” also comes in simple solid colors with pretty, understated details like ruffled trim and topstitching.

To commemorate the launch of this new silhouette and possible It bag of the near future, the luxury label has enlisted the help of the lovely French actress Nora Arnezeder. In addition to the photos from the ad campaign that feature Arnezeder in various situations with the bag, the actress also starts in a series of short films created by Peter Lindbergh and Darius Khondji to showcase the new collection.

Click here to see more from photos of the “New Lock” and view the film clips.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Dior Handbags on eBay

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Ed Hardy’s designs aren’t for anyone who dislikes standing out in a crowd. I’ll admit that the label, with its showy prints, doesn’t generally appeal to my personal taste. However, this Malika satchel in ivory is less ostentatious than some of the label’s other bags and just might interest both Ed Hardy fans and those who tend to shy away from the brand.

While perhaps not quite as flashy as a style like the Queena, the Malika still has a bit of edge to its look. The tattoo-inspired print on the middle panel is bordered on both sides by vertical rows of studs, and the handle anchors continues the vibe with more of the rock-and-roll detail.

The biggest turn-off on the Malika, in my opinion, is the large logo on the bottom corner of the satchel. Even though the silver color matches the print of the middle panel, it seems a tad overdone, especially considering the fact that there’s already a logo plate at the top.

The ivory-colored polyester and PVC material has a sheen that matches well with the overall vibe of the handbag. I’m not loving the brown and orange options also available for the Malika since they have more of the quintessential Ed Hardy look, but the light ivory is a nice contrast to the tough style of this satchel.

More Features of the Malika Satchel

• Measures 15.5 x 11.75 x 4.75 inches
• Double straps with 8 inch drop
• Retail price of $228

Get this Ed Hardy Malika Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The Steve Madden Tribeca Satchel, a great alternative to this synthetic studded satchel.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy handbags on eBay
• Other studded satchels on eBay:

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The name, Erromenh, may be odd but this Aldo clutch is anything but peculiar.

Where many designers aim for the unusual, Aldo sticks with what it knows best: pretty evening bags with fun funky touches. This surprisingly elegant baguette has some great little extras all for the incredible price of $9.98!

Those features make this purse perfect for evenings out, yet the beige works well should you have somewhere smart to go to during the day. Personally I think it is the tiny cut-outs that make this special and much classier than other bargain basement bags on the market, whilst the predictable but enjoyable bling crystals are kept to a minimum. Thankfully, this allows it to be elegant rather than bling!

I have a hard time picking holes (unintentional ones, anyway!) in something so … well … cheap! After all, we already get more than we could want. Sure, the fabrics might not last for more than a season, but for this cost that could be worth it to last just a week! Most baguettes come with an optional handle, which this Aldo purse doesn’t, just to make carrying it a little bit difficult!

More Features of this Erromenh Jewelled Baguette

• Synthetic fabric throughout
• Perforated exterior fabric
• Only available in metallic bronze

Get this Affordable Aldo Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Aldo bags on BagBunch
• The Latico Artisan Belting clutch, a great alternative to this cutout bag
• Searching for more perforated bags on eBay
• Other Aldo bags on eBay:

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Funky snakeskin goes all mature in this clever shaded purse from J. Renee.

This tote is clearly aiming to be a smart and useful bag, more suitable for work than for fancy black tie dos or nights out clubbing. Whereas colored snakeskin once would have been gaudy and decidedly immature, J. Renee has decided to turn the concept on its head. By basing the textured pattern on high sheen formal leather, and choosing deep azure, silver and black as the theme, the label has kept a bold idea remarkably toned down. My only gripe is that I wish the leather was real, especially as it looks so convincing.

The shape too has clearly had some thought put into it. Whilst many bags featuring interesting patterns and colors opt for dull typical square tote shapes, this shoulder bag does something different. With a fat base great for holding bits and pieces, and then a tautened buckled top, it looks stylish. It is even easy to carry, with a decent length handle dressed up with contrasting buckles.

Snakeskin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and with the bright unexpected silver snakeskin contrast I can understand some people not liking the Fever tote. If you do embrace its unusual look, however, then the shaded pattern and zipped interior will no doubt go down a treat.

More Features of this J. Renee Fever Shoulder Bag

• Also available in purple/black and black/pewter
• Angular exterior
• Synthetic leather snakeskin
• Interior zipped pocket
• Zip closure

Get this Shaded Snakeskin Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Renee bags on BagBunch
• The Furla Orione handbag, a great alternative to this unusual bag
• Searching for more snakeskin bags on eBay
• More J. Renee bags on eBay:

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Harveys’ woven seatbelt bags may be eco-friendly and practical, but they’re hardly chic or sophisticated. Now the brand offers us something different with the Posie Boat Tote.

The label retains its environmentally friendly ethos and love of seatbelts, but the look is something completely new. New York fashion illustrator Sujean Rim is behind the beautiful watercolor floral design. Flowery prints can so often look old-fashioned, but the artistic touch makes this tote look much more modern. The design is printed on horizontally stitched seatbelts, an effect which is much subtler than the woven bags we’ve seen from the brand. More seatbelts are used as an accent, with their red shade matching the red petals. I love this approach of using seatbelts as embellishments rather than the focus, and I hope to see it in more Harveys bags in future.

The enormous interior is made with organization in mind. Six open pockets feature illustrations of summery goodies, from sunglasses to sunscreen and even a water pistol. You may not use the pockets to carry the proposed items, but it’s a fun gimmick. And in case you do want to take Harveys up on its suggestions, the water gun comes free with the bag!

While the internal pockets don’t offer much security, your smaller valuables aren’t forgotten. The Posie Boat Tote also comes with a detachable coin purse, which doubles as a wristlet.

At $138 the Posie Boat Tote is one of Harveys most expensive bags, but it’s also one of the brand’s most stylish.

More Features of This Harveys Floral Boat Tote

• Dual 22 inch seatbelt handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 21 x 13 x 6 inches
• Made in the USA

Get this Harveys Posie Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Harveys bags on BagBunch
• The Harveys Large Posie bag, a great alternative to this floral bag.
• Searching for more Harveys bags on eBay
• Other large Harveys totes on eBay:

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While most of us are still rugging up against the cold, the fashion world is already looking towards spring. As the weather warms, those with their fingers on the pulse have begun to predict which handbags will make us hot under the collar.

Spring fashions this year will reflect more than the season. They’re also a product of the current economic climate. That means It bags are out and both classic designs and limited edition purses with heirloom potential are in. Read on for a closer look at the hottest handbag looks for next season.

Colors

When it comes to color, anything goes. The trend for classic looks favors conservative tones, including black and dark shades of brown and gray.

But you don’t need to play it safe, with plenty of bags rebelling against the doom and gloom of the financial crisis. Bold sweet and sour candy shades, delicate pastels, earthy Aztec tones, and the vintage hues of the 70s are all set to make an appearance in spring.

This season’s prints have an artistic influence, with watercolor blurs, sweeping landscapes, and subtle textured designs all set to turn heads. Florals are a perennial favorite at this time of year, and 2010 isn’t likely to be any exception to that rule.

Styles

It seems the oversized totes and teeny-tiny clutches that have plagued practical purse lovers may be on the way out. Spring ushers in a new era where handbags are again regarded as a woman’s ultimate daytime companion, always on hand to deliver just what she needs.

This emphasis on functionality sees the return of the shoulder bag. They’ll only be large enough for the essentials, and come complete with wide, comfortable straps. It’s music to my ears! Carrying the handbags slung over the shoulder gives an elegant, classic look, although many shoulder bags will also come with a longer cross-body strap for a more casual appearance.

They never really went away, but totes will return to the top of the fashion heap. The emphasis will again be on practicality, so expect to see generous internal compartments and a plethora of exterior pockets. The handles won’t be too long or too short, allowing women to choose whether they prefer over-the-shoulder carrying or hand-held toting.

They may not fit the spring taste for functionality, but so long as there are parties to attend women will carry clutch purses. This season we can expect the evening bags to match our attire, with decorations and fabrics carefully complementing our favorite dresses.

Looks

Alternative lifestyles continue to influence the fashion landscape. While the flower power 60s will continue to have a presence, newer fashions will explore other counter culture movements. Look out for casual messenger bags and plenty of khaki as the 1990s grunge era comes back with a vengeance. For a smarter look, consider the artsy vibe of the Beatniks. Both movements are slated for a fashion resurgence this spring.

[Image Source: Wong Mei Teng/Stock.xchng]

New Spring Bags on eBay

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• Click here to see the Etienne Aigner Velden bucket bag at Amazon
• Click here to view Anuschka multi-compartment zip bag at Amazon
• Click here to admire the B. Makowsky Atlantis shopper at Amazon
• Browse for spring bags online