Snake and croc may grab all the headlines, but they’re not the only exotics available to discerning fashion fans. It may swim underneath the radar, but stingray is hot stuff.

The simple design of this retro clutch brings the beauty of the skin to the fore. The tiny bumps add subtly stylish texture to this lovely leather. The best part of stingray skin though is its strength. While many exotics require careful handling, stingray is thought to be as tough as hard plastic. You lose the buttery soft finish we love about lambskin and calf, but at least our purse retains those good looks in seasons to come.

Retro by name and retro by nature, this clutch features a simplistic flap design offset by an oversized silver buckle. Folded over, this works like a traditional evening purse. But unfold it and you’ve got a day bag, perfect for swanning about the city or making the transition from the office to the cocktail bar! The buckle doesn’t make the most comfortable handle, but it’s undeniably chic.

The convertible nature of the Retro Clutch affords more room than most evening bags. There aren’t a lot of organizational features inside, but you’ll be happy for the extra space. Just remember to take a little extra care to keep the clutter at bay!

Considering the clutch’s convertible versatility and exotic good looks, this Jalda purse seems a steal at $588.

More Features of This Jalda Stingray Clutch

• Stingray and lambskin
• Satin-finished hardware
• Grosgrain lining
• Measures 5.5 x 8.75 x 2 inches
• Made in the United States
• Comes with a dust bag
• Also available in sand

Get this Jalda Retro Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jalda bags on BagBunch
• The Yves Saint Laurent Le Sixieme bag bag, a great alternative to this stingray bag.
• Searching for more Jalda bags on eBay
• Other stingray clutch bags on eBay:

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When she’s not appearing as a guest judge alongside Heidi Klum on Lifetime’s Project Runway, Ukrainian-born model-turned-actress Milla Jovovich is apparently signing charity collaboration deals with major designers.

Jovovich is set to be the next beauty to front Tommy Hilfiger’s campaign for the Breast Health International organization, following in the path of supermodel Helena Christensen who was the campaign’s chosen ambassador earlier this year. 

The model will be testing out her designing chops once again with this project. She’ll not only be fronting the campaign as the 2010 ambassador but will also design the limited-edition bag for it, as Christensen did before her.

The proceeds from the handbag will benefit the Breast Health International organization, but we’ll have to wait until April of next year to see what Milla has in mind. If her previous design collaboration for Jovovich-Hawk is any indication of her current inspirations, I’m guessing it will be a little vintage-inspired and slightly boho-chic.

[Source: My Fashion Life]
[Image: loquevenmisojosm/Flickr]

Tommy Hilfiger Handbags on eBay

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There are versatile evening bags that easily accessorize just about any party outfit, and then there are the ones that make you long for a party. This Inge Christopher Alexis clutch is just the kind of evening bag around which I would plan an entire outfit for an event and be itching to use.

It might not be as showy as some options like the La Regale Pleated Bow Clutch, but the Alexis flap clutch has some very unique details that set it apart from other evening bag choices. The metallic silver sheen on the delicately pleated silk-blend fabric isn’t entirely uncommon for this style of purse. However, the extras are what kick it up a notch.

One side of the front flapover closure has been decorated with thin chains that have been artfully arranged in a surprisingly soft feature. The chains wind around large Swarovski crystals also set into the design. The combination of the metallic fabric mixed with silver chain and shimmering crystals sounds like it would be too overwhelming for one little clutch bag, but I actually love the way it comes together.

This slightly edgy Inge Christopher take on the evening bag retails for $198. It is also available in a similarly priced framed clutch style as well.

More Features of the Alexis Flap Clutch

• Measures 8.5 x 5.25 x 1.75 inches
• Optional chain strap with 7 inch drop
• Front flap with magnetic closure

Get this Inge Christopher Alexis Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Coloriffics Metallic Glittery Clutch, a great alternative to this metallic evening bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher clutches on eBay
• Other crystal-studded clutches on eBay:

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Queens of class and sophistication, Gucci, have produced yet another subtle yet beautiful bag to accompany sexy gals through the day and well into the night.

This golden shimmery purse is actually incredibly simple of design. After all, the smooth soft golden leather isn’t embellished in any way shape or form; the simple yet exotic color does all the attention grabbing necessary! Of course the shape is a little different from the majority out there, in its curvy half-moon style, but really this hobo is quite basic.

Of course, basic by Gucci’s terms is pretty luxurious by anyone else’s. After all, the leather is a beautiful gold, the trimmings match, and the hardware is shinier than most. Other than that, however, this expensive purse isn’t actually that different to much cheaper bags out there.

The handles of this spacious purse continue the curvy lines of this tote, and are easily long enough to work as a shoulder bag. I would have preferred them to be a little longer, however, as this bag can’t be easily picked up and flung on. Of course, purists would argue that no-one should be flinging a Gucci bag anywhere, so that may not matter!

More Features of this Golden Gucci Handbag

• Comes with dustbag
• Zip closure
• Gold leather exterior and trimming
• Silver hardware

Get this Sophisticated Simple Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Gucci bags on Bagbunch
• The Tory Burch Nico tote, a great alternative to this spacious bag
• Searching for more gold handbags on eBay
• Other Gucci bags on eBay:

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Coloriffics has a certain knack for creating timeless evening purses for less. This vintage-inspired satin clutch is just another example of the stylish looks we’ve come to expect from the brand.

Crafted from white satin, this classic purse is jazzed up with a scrolling splash of floral embroidery and a dash of glittering rhinestones. The design’s a little old fashioned, but with vintage enjoying a resurgence many girls won’t mind a bit!

Most of us have reservations about white purses, but that needn’t be a concern here. Coloriffics assures us that the purse can easily be dyed any hue of the rainbow! That would make this purse the ideal accompaniment for your favorite evening outfit. And I can’t think of a better way to disguise a little dirt or a red wine stain!

Like so many evening bags, the features are limited. There’s enough room for cocktail party must-haves, but you’ll need to leave the luxuries at home. A tuck-away silver shoulder strap takes up some of that space, but you’ll be thankful for it once the night wears on.

At $37, this sweet satin purse is an inexpensive way to enjoy several evening looks!

More Features of This Coloriffics Embroidered Purse

• An inside slip pocket
• Measures 6.5 x 1 x 4.2 inches
• Weighs 8 ounces

Get this Coloriffics Satin Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Just Pretty Store eBay store to see if this Coloriffics bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coloriffics bags on BagBunch
• The Coloriffics rhinestone frame bag, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more Coloriffics bags on eBay
• Other Coloriffics clutches on eBay:

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If you’re looking to add an animal print accessory to your wardrobe this season, look no further than snakeskin. Whether the genuine article or a more affordable embossed alternative, fashion experts say snake now trumps leopard and cheetah spots.

Andrea Linett, the creative directory of Lucky magazine, says snakeskin’s popularity can be attributed to its versatile nature.

“A snakeskin boot can be rock ‘n’ roll if it’s in a rock ‘n’ roll shape, or it’s classic if it’s in a lady shape,” she explained.

Compare this to metal studs, which always add attitude, or frills which scream girly girl.

Snakeskin is “beautiful, rich and earthy,” adds Abbe Held, creative director of handbag brand Kooba. She loves the interest that snakeskin’s textured surface instantly creates. “It’s neutral yet has so much character and personality.”

It seems fashion fans agree, with retailers enjoying record sales of the sexy exotic.

“We’re doing a lot of business on snakeskin, in shoes and handbags, especially,” added Macy’s group vice-president of ready-to-wear fashion Nicole Fischelis. “It’s the fusion of things – the colors, the graphics, that you can wear it with dresses or sportswear – that makes it more interesting.“

If you don’t already own a snakeskin bag, perhaps it’s time to add one to your wardrobe!

[Source: The Canadian Press]
[Image Source: Steenslag/Flickr]

Snakeskin Handbags on eBay

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Edgy metal studs are one of the biggest trends of the season. But it seems Chocolate took the style writers at their word when it created the City Flap Clutch.

Whether it’s right on trend or overdosing, you’ll have to decide yourself. There is an awful lot of metal there, but it doesn’t look quite as tacky as this number of rhinestones or sequins might. I don’t even mind the loudest combination of silver and hot pink, although conservatives may prefer the darker than dark purple or steely gray.

Chocolate seems to keep the design in check by favoring a traditional approach. The simple rectangular shape with its large flap allows the contemporary metal to take center stage. Ordinarily I’d want to see embellishments on the back too, but more studs may have pushed the City Flap Clutch over the edge. The simple zippered pocket is a far more appealing, and practical, addition.

There isn’t a lot of space to spare inside, with the city Flap Clutch appearing a little more like a wallet than a traditional evening bag. That won’t worry girls who like to travel light with just their cash and cards, but packrats may struggle. If you fall into that latter category but still like the look, I suggest stashing the purse inside a larger tote.

More Features of This Chocolate Studded Clutch

• Nylon lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• Measures 5.75 x 11 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Chocolate City Flap Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chocolate bags on BagBunch
• The Roberto Cavalli studded suede clutch, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• The Chocolate website
• Other studded clutches on eBay:

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With a splash of rainbow color comes the Waterside Tote from XOXO.

This large carryall is anything but subtle. The vibrant color stripes help to spell out the XOXO name. If people don’t guess you’re carrying an XOXO handbag by the bright design, all those logos will definitely give away the game! Some feel all that obvious branding is a little obnoxious, but I’m sure die-hard fans will disagree. XOXO has never been a label to hide its heritage after all!

The price is an affordable $54 thanks to the practical canvas finish and synthetic leather trim. The canvas may not be as luxurious as leather, but it’s strong enough to last a few seasons. The synthetic may be another matter though. I wouldn’t be surprised to see telltale cracks show before too long.

The generous size makes this tote ideal for carrying books to class or swimwear to the beach in warmer weather. There are several pockets inside, complementing the roomy fabric lined space. With places for your spare change, cell phone, and PDA it’s easy to keep this sizable space organized.

The combination of rainbow colors and white trim gives the Waterside tote an upbeat summery vibe, but if you’re game you could definitely use it to brighten up a gloomy winter’s day!

More Features of This XOXO Colored Tote

• A metal logo plate with pink lacquered details
• Silver-tone studs
• A cell phone, PDA, and zip pocket inside
• A single shoulder strap with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 13.5 x 4 inches

Get this XOXO Waterside Handbag:

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

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• Check the Davis Jewelry and Gifts eBay store to see if this XOXO bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More XOXO bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Scribble bag, a great alternative to this colorful bag.
• Searching for more XOXO bags on eBay

Escada may have filed for bankruptcy, but don’t count the European brand out just yet. Investors are rallying to save the iconic fashion label, despite insolvency proceedings opening on Sunday.

The leading prospect according to the New York Post is the Beirut-based M1 Group. The company purchased Faconnable from Nordstrom in 2007, and Escada’s similar upscale target market would make it the ideal sister brand.

The M1 Group reportedly hoped to combine the back-end operations of the two fashion brands into a single, fashion empire behind the scenes. Meanwhile the creative image of both bands would remain separate, capitalizing on their already strong fan bases.

But the M1 Group aren’t the only heavy-hitters in the mix. Megha Mittal, the daughter-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, and Sven Ley, the son of Escada founder Wolfgang Ley, and St John Knits owner Vester Capital Partners have all expressed interest in the brand.

A decision on Escada’s insolvency proceedings could be forthcoming within the next few days. Whoever takes the reins, I hope they help Escada rise from the proverbial ashes to live another day!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Brian Taipei/Flickr]

Escada Handbags on eBay

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Project Runway alumnus and rising designer Christian Siriano made a smart move by teaming up with Payless for his increasingly popular collection of shoes and handbags. Not only is he continuing to connect with the show’s fans who marvelled at his fashion genius on the popular reality show, but he’s also maintaining a consistent news buzz around his name.

Now Christian Siriano for Payless is back for the holidays with a new collection of stylish shoes and handbags to please a broad range of budget fashionistas. With a pleasing price range of only $29.99 to $49.99, these items are as compatible to the wallet as they are to a wardrobe.

Some might call the new styles slightly less “fierce” than his previous dangerous-looking, claw-heeled platform shoes (and, really, what Christian Siriano article would be complete without the reference?), but I happen to love this newer, toned-down aesthetic from the talented designer. Siriano has proven that he can infuse his products with his energetic personality while attracting more than just the risk-takers.

The boots, pumps, and flats are currently available on the Payless website, and the handbags should be arriving soon.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: Payless]

Christian Siriano Handbags on eBay

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