Unlike so many snakeskin patterned purses out there, the Orione from Furla is a purse that knows the beauty of simplicity.

It’s a fairly sizable purse, but Furla doesn’t want all that space to become cluttered. The coffee-colored leather is embellished with a snakeskin pattern that is more convincing that most. The subtle sheen and irregular scales do such a credible imitation, you might just fool your friends! With only an elegant silver ring to catch our eye, there’s little to distract us from this snakeskin detail.

Sadly though the interior lets us down, with only a zippered pocket and cell phone slip to keep things organized. It’s going to take more than that to keep most of us in order. I can imagine many tiny items becoming lost at the bottom of this slender purse.

The handle is another down side. Purses of this size really need straps long enough to sling over our shoulder. The bag is just too big to comfortable carry by your side. An adjustable strap would have been an easy way to maintain the Orione’s good looks and add a little practicality.

Whether the Orione will win you over may depend on whether you’re swayed by good looks or functionality. It’s a lovely looking purse, but those limitations make me want to leave it on the shelf.

More Features of This Furla Snakeskin Handbag

• Silver-toned hardware
• Zip top closure
• A 17 inch leather handle with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 12 x 2 inches

Get this Furla Orione Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Deep Bargain Super Deals eBay store to see if this Furla bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The Furla Orione cream bag, a great alternative to this coffee bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay
• Other Furla bags on eBay:

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Although statement handbags are all the rage right now, every woman needs some classic, versatile purses to grab at a moment’s notice and pair with practically anything in her closet.

This Hobo International Katrina Clutch fills that purpose beautifully. It might not be super trendy or even a standout among other bags, but you just can’t go wrong with simple and elegant.

Though large enough to possibly be categorized as an oversized clutch, the Katrina isn’t particularly big or at all bulky. Its flat silhouette makes it ideal for tucking under your arm or easily clutching with one hand. That’s unlike some bags that call themselves clutches but are really too large to carry by hand.

Despite its ultra slim shape, the Katrina can hold a surprising amount of items inside thanks to multiple pockets and sides that expand a bit. You might not be able to carry a full wallet and cosmetic bag full of makeup all at once, but credit cards, cash, IDs, phone, and a few beauty products will all fit just fine. This surprisingly roomy patent leather clutch retails for $118.

More Features of the Katrina Clutch

• Measures 12 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches
• Cutout handles
• Front flap with magnetic closure

Get this Hobo International Katrina Bag:

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

[phpbay]hobo international katrina, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Laura Matthews Designs Oversized Clutch, a great alternative to this patent leather clutch.
• Searching for more Hobo International clutches on eBay

My love affair with designer label Treesje’s often edgy, sometimes feminine, but always super chic style is no secret. This is one brand that almost never gets it wrong, in my personal opinion.

I’m not the only fan, which is why I know that this category of Treesje’s Holiday 2009 collection is sure to excite more than just yours truly. Their new range of stylish leather cosmetic bags is both functional due to their purpose but incredibly cute.

I fell in love when I first saw the Ginger Ruffles Cosmetic Case with its rich leather and ruffled detail, but the slightly larger Poppy Ruffles and the studded Axle and Motley styles are equally enviable.

These leather zippered cases all retail for under $100 making them a great option for fashion-loving gals on your list of people to buy gifts for this Christmas. The ruffled bags are perfect for girly girls, while the studded versions will suit women who prefer a little rock-and-roll in their accessories.

Get the Ginger Ruffles, Motley, Axle, and Poppy Ruffles cosmetic bags on Amazon.

[Source: Treejse]

Treesje Handbags on eBay

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The Diesel Sea Jet zippered range gets minty fresh with this square shoulder bag.

As with any unusual color, whether you like it or not is largely dependent on personal taste. If muted greens are your cup of tea, and don’t remind you of hospital waiting rooms, then this Diesel tote has already taken a step in the right direction.

The zippers, as the feature of this bag, contrast nicely with the light background, emphasizing the graphic mismatched angular shape rather than just blending into the background. Part feature part practicability, the multiple exterior zipped pockets all over this shoulder bag add an extra dimension of room, and also bring this purse back to the 80s fashion we all currently love.

Whilst the purse with its patchwork effect faux-leather paneling is cute and subtly intelligent, I do have to express disappointment with the handles. Even the lining is in a gorgeous fabric, so I can’t imagine why they chose to make these dual handles in such a dull functional alternative.

Other than that, however, this Sea Jet handbag is an attractive and colorful handbag to have on your arm.

More Features of this Diesel The Ranch Purse

• Top zipper closure to keep items secure
• Also available in pink
• Multiple exterior zipper pockets

Get this Sea Jet Aqua Tote:

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

 [phpbay]diesel sea jet the ranch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Diesel I Want PU Eager tote, a great alternative to this eighties bag.
• Searching for more Diesel bags on eBay

Francesco Biasia leaves the 60s far behind with this hobo that’s much more sophisticated than the standard hippie fare.

The Alice has a little hobo slouch, but you can see she’s a girl of refined tastes. The flap top design is timeless, and the beige color a classic neutral. The contrast stitching adds structure and interest. The effect is elegant, if not altogether compelling.

But don’t dismiss the Alice because she doesn’t push fashion boundaries. She’s a lot more practical than you might imagine at first. The design is a lot smaller than the average, but it packs a real organization punch with three divided compartments equipped with their own zippered pockets. There’s also an open pouch for stashing your cell phone or PDA.

At $390, many bag lovers may dismiss this purse as a little dull. After all, that money could buy us something much more fashionable and fun. But if you take a chance on the Alice and her classic style, she’s destined to become a wardrobe staple.

More Features of This Francesco Biasia Leather Hobo

• Silver-toned hardware
• Signature print beige fabric lining
• A single shoulder strap with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 12 x 4 inches

Get this Francesco Biasia Alice Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Francesco Biasia Alice, 2, “”, wallet[/phpbay]

• Check the Nicole’s Overflowing Closet eBay store to see if this Francesco Biasia bag in brown is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

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

MIT research has revealed that most people cannot spot whether a handbag is a genuine designer purse or a convincing fake. Instead they rely on the confidence and other social signals of the person carrying the purse.

Researcher Renee Richardson Gosline showed fashion fans two dozen photos of designer handbags. Some were genuine, while the others were counterfeit. Half the photos showed the bags sitting alone on a shelf, while the others showed the bag being carried in public.

Those surveyed were twice as confident in their ability to pick the fakes when they could see them carried compared to when the items were shown alone. With that added confidence, those surveyed said they were willing to pay twice as much for the goods.

“When there is no contextual information, it’s terrible for the brand. People’s confidence in their ability to discern the real from the fake plummets, as does their willingness to pay,” Ms Gosline explained.

“Basically these consumers look at the person, the setting, and determine the authenticity by seeing if the person’s image corresponds with the image they have of the brand.”

The study also revealed that almost half of those who buy a fake luxury item will end up purchasing the authentic designer accessory within two years. That’s surprising considering that most of us can’t confidently tell the difference between the two!

[Source: MIT News]
[Image Source: Tet Sy/Flickr]

Authentic Designer Handbags on eBay

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Fossil combines style and practicality in this Castille ring satchel.

The ring handle which gives the purse its name cinches in the leather. It creates the sort of pleated slouch that drawstrings give, but the ring looks much more stylish than any casual tie would. Not that this is a super formal purse, but it’s got enough style to suit most workplaces and restaurants. I wonder how comfortable those skinny straps would feel on your shoulder at the end of the day, but I love the look.

The large side pockets offer easy access to the goodies you need on hand, while the generous interior gives us more secure storage options. There’s a zippered compartment in the back wall, and credit card slots at the front for all those shopping junkies.

This purse has a fairly practical design, so it’s fun to see Fossil playing around with colors. This peacock blue finish gives the purse a youthful vitality, as does the berry pink option.

More Features of This Fossil Ring Satchel

• Genuine leather body
• Magnetic closure
• Ring handles measuring 23 inches
• Measures 14 x 5 x 11 inches

Get this Fossil Castille Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Fossil Castille ring satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Hillbillyboutique36 eBay store to see if this Fossil bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Fossil bags on BagBunch
• The Fossil Castille top zip bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Fossil bags on eBay

Latico add another belted bag to their unusual Artisan range.

The exterior interlocking belting that covers this little clutch is in fact the purse’s main feature. Combine the fascinating cutout pattern with the bright canary yellow and you have a sixties bag that is great to look at, although the shade will clash with plenty of outfits.

Of course, a cutout purse like this really ought to have something interesting to look at through the holes. Unfortunately the background here is dull, and rather looks like it was an accidental afterthought that it can be seen at all.

Visual quibbles aside, this is a funky and unique purse. The useful little wristlet handle is a nice touch and makes this all the more useful for a busy night out, whilst the coordinating trimmed interior is aesthetically pleasing and more than you usually get in a small bag.

More Features of this Latico Artisan Wristlet

• Available in yellow or white
• Twill lining
• Leather exterior belting and trim
• Interior zipped pocket

Get this Bright Belting Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Latico bags on BagBunch
• The Emporio Armarni strappy shoulderbag, a great alternative to this belted bag
• Searching for more cutout bags on eBay
• Other Latico bags on eBay:

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This is one travel tote that you definitely won’t get mixed up with someone else’s bag at the airport. In fact, it would be hard for anyone to miss it.

In true extravagant Isaac Mizrahi form, the kind he was famous for before his budget-friendly Target line, this Medium Dayglo Duffel retails for the high price tag of just over $1250. The thought of spending over $1,000 on a duffel bag seems a little absurd to me personally, but those who demand nothing but designer labels even when traveling will love the quality.

The Italian leather Dayglo features a fun colorblock scheme that starts at the top with bright neon pink and ends up with black on the bottom half. The duffel is divided near the middle by an attached duster made from a silver silk-blend. The duster raises over the neon leather top half and tightens with a drawstring to keep the leather clean and unblemished.

If you’re really in the mood to stand out, the Dayglo Duffel also comes in a shockingly bright yellow color as well. That choice, however, is not for the faint of heart considering its true neon appearance.

More Features of the Medium Dayglo Duffel Bag

• Measures 22 x 13.5 x 8.75 inches
• Double rolled leather handles with 5 inch drop
• Zip closure
• Signature “M” hangtag

Get this Isaac Mizrahi Duffel Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Isaac Mizrahi bags on BagBunch
• The Kooba Riley Duffel Bag, a great alternative to this designer duffel.
• Searching for more Isaac Mizrahi handbags on eBay
• Other leather duffels on eBay:

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When news broke earlier this year that Hermes had begun breeding their own alligators at a reptile farm in Australia, one could only assume that the demand for the exotic skin had risen to a high point. Such has not been the case for everyone, though.

In fact, it seems that Hermes is the only one to see an increase in sales for croc skin products. A recent article from the New York Times details how alligator farmers are suffering as other designers in the fashion industry have begun to move away from using the tanned exotic leather hides due to increasingly rising costs.

Manolo Blahnik is just one company who is finding the price of the alligator hides too high to justify the use of the product since the economy can’t really support rising costs for luxury fashion.

“Every time I go to Neiman Marcus and say every year the price is going up, they fight me tooth and nail,” said George D. Malkemus III, the president of Manolo Blahnik. “They say, ‘I’m not going to spend $4,000 for an alligator shoe.’“

I’d have to agree with Neiman Marcus on that one. Somehow, though, Hermes continues to churn out their alligator Birkin and Kelly bags without blinking an eye and doesn’t seem fazed by alligator farmers’ accusations that it’s been hoarding skins.

[Source: NY Times]
[Image: wallyg/Flickr]

Hermes Alligator Handbags on eBay

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