It doesn’t seem to have the avian theme that its name implies, but the Pretty Bird from Roxy is a cute way to carry your cosmetics.

Rather than feathered friends, this Pretty Bird case is decorated with colored stitched and edged with teeny tiny pom-poms. The effect is adorable, especially in this stone version. The colored stitching seems a bit cluttered on the blue-black alternative, but at least Roxy offers us some options.

While I love the look, I’m not sure how practical this fabric purse will be. It’s not lined, so leaky nail polishes and foundations will simply leech through the pale material. I can’t imagine the stone fabric will look as alluring if it’s covered in messy make-up splodges! You may be able to launder it as it’s made from cloth, but if the stain is particularly stubborn it may never come clean.

It’s also a fairly simple cosmetics purse. The zippered pocket on the front is the only one we get. Such a small space doesn’t need many organizational aids, but some mesh pouches and lipstick holders would have come in handy.

The Pretty Bird is very cute though, and at a mere $30 that may be the best we can hope for!

More Features of This Roxy Embroidered Cosmetics Case

• Faux suede logo patch
• Measures 6 x 2 x 5 inches

Get this Roxy Pretty Bird Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Roxy bags on BagBunch
• The RG House of Florence Brown Elephant bag, a great alternative to this fabric cosmetics bag.
• Searching for more Roxy bags on eBay
• Other embroidered cosmetics bags on eBay:

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Entrepreneur Marja Baas and her designer Ramon Middelkoop offer plenty of good vibes with their fashion label Goodforall.

In 2007 Baas sold her successful publishing company and began to search for more meaning in her life. And so she created Goodforall, a venture designed to give back to the planet and its people. The company lives by the motto “go for 100% fair trade, 100% design, 100% eco.” Its minimalist bags are designed in Europe but crafted in India under a scheme which should see 2000 new jobs created in the country’s poorest areas by 2020.

Hard-line animal lovers may not appreciate the use of real buffalo and cow leathers, but Goodforall defends its position. It only takes the skins of animals that have lived full lives, and processes the materials without heavy metals or toxins. Despite the green treatment, the leathers are as supple and buttery soft as traditionally processed skins.

The Goodforall range features tote bags, cross-body purses, wallets, and tech cases. I particularly like the quirky appeal of the label’s My Paper Bag collection. It’s not hard to see where the purses got their names, but they’re a lot more sophisticated than any paper bags I’ve ever seen! The concept of the Patch 8 collection, which uses leftover production scraps, is also really admirable.

Shop for the eco-conscious Goodforall leather bags at selected stores around the world and online at the label’s website.

[Source: Goodforall]

Big Buddha looked to the world’s reigning pop princess to create its Rihanna Tote.

Sadly though, this handbag seems more nanna than Rihanna. It starts promisingly enough, with its gentle but eye-catching bronze color and tightly woven top. However towards the base the weave becomes more open and starts to look like the cardigans my grandmother might knit. Rihanna’s known for taking fashion risks, and admittedly they don’t always work, but her style usually appears more cutting edge than this tote.

While I didn’t really like the weave, I’m sorry to see it’s not continued throughout the design. If you’re going to commit to a finish, you really owe it to your fans to see it through. The plain rear and side panels simply appear unfinished. We’ve seen this half-baked treatment from Big Buddha before, but the corner-cutting is still disappointing.

The interior is also a bit lackluster. While I can’t really fault the trio of pockets, a space so large would be easier to use with a few extra compartments. And although the magnetic snap does the trick, I’d prefer a more secure zippered top on a bag so wide. It’s disappointing to feel that every decision made could have been just a bit better.

That disappointment lingers as I look at the price tag. At $99.95 the Rihanna is far from expensive, but it’s also not as impressive as many totes at this price point.

More Features of This Big Buddha Woven Tote

• Made of synthetic
• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 16 x 13.5 inches

Get this Big Buddha Rihanna Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Rihanna, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Shopkimboze eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Maya hobo bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Stella McCartney’s latest vegan tote isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for its people.

Stella McCartney’s new printed python shopper was created as part of Ethical Fashion Africa, a unique initiative spearheaded by the United Nations. Workers in Nairobi, Kenya hand crafted the tote from cotton canvas taken from old tents. A percentage of profits from the handbag’s sales are then returned to the Kenyan community that created it. It’s disappointing that McCartney doesn’t disclose exactly how much benefits the African people though. I think consumers really deserve to know where their money is going, don’t you?

It’s hard to believe that such an exotic looking purse began its life as a tent in an African village. Strangely enough, it actually appears more luxurious than the vegan leathers Stella McCartney usually plays with. Perhaps she should take some design tips from those African artisans!

Stella McCartney’s new Printed Python Shopper Bag is available for $330 from Stella McCartney outlets, including her online store. That’s more than I’d usually spend on a canvas tote bag, but Stella McCartney’s handbags are never cheap. At least this one helps raise money for a good cause, rather than simply lining her already deep pockets!

[Source: Ecouterre]

Stella McCartney Shopper Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Stella McCartney shopper, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

BCBG Max Azria reinvents the quilted satchel with the Hanna.

The angular stitching on the Hanna looks much fresher than the diamond quilting other designers favor. Panels of tightly quilted leather decorate the front and back of the domed satchel, creating a contemporary finish that’s so appealing. All too often black bags blend into the background, so I’m thrilled to see BCBG Max Azria trying something new.

This satchel isn’t just about looking good though. It’s also spacious and quite smart. I wouldn’t say the zippered pocket and pair of pouches exceeded my expectations, but they do the trick. The handles aren’t very practical though, so you’ll probably find the detachable cross-body strap becomes a permanent fixture.

I expected to pay a pretty penny for this bag. It’s made from real leather, it’s so stylish, and it’ll work for any situation, so it really ticks all the major boxes. It’s also got those little extras that make us feel pampered, like a durable interior lining and protective metal feet on the base. Yet despite the perks the Hanna is surprisingly affordable at $248. Bargain hunters will be hard pressed to find a better everyday satchel.

More Features of This BCBG Max Azria Quilted Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Dual buckle-adjustable handles with a 2.25 inch drop
• An attachable strap with a 16.5 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 5.5 x 10.5 inches

Get this BCBG Max Azria Hanna Handbag:

• Available to buy at 6pm
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More BCBG Max Azria bags on BagBunch
• The BCBGeneration Sophie Satchel bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more BCBG Max Azria bags on eBay
• Other quilted leather bags on eBay:

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Big Buddha takes its cues from Miu Miu with this Pearl hobo.

The Pearl’s chevron stitching mimics Miu Miu’s iconic Matelasse finish. I wouldn’t say that it’s a carbon copy, but it’s definitely derivative. It doesn’t have the same attention to detail, and as it’s decorating synthetic it doesn’t look quite as plush. However it still offers a great alternative for girls on a budget.

The stitching looks so lovely that I wonder why Big Buddha’s used such large panels near the handles. These oversized patches really look out of place to my eye. More restraint would have seen the Pearl looking much more stylish.

If you prefer a more original look, don’t worry. You just need to turn the hobo inside out! This hobo is completely reversible, so you can choose to show the stitching or a very glitzy gold skin. To make the conversion easier, Big Buddha’s made all the handles detachable. This also allows us to enjoy a much cleaner look if we’re using the detachable cross-body bag.

The detachable purse is another clever bonus. The pouch purse is pretty plain, so I wouldn’t suggest using it as a clutch, but it’s a handy place for stashing money or cosmetics.

It might not be the most original bag on the market, but it’s also very affordable. $89.95 rarely buys us a bag with so many functional features!

More Features of This Big Buddha Reversible Hobo

• Magnetic closure
• An interior wall zip pocket
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 12 x 10 inches
• Also available in pewter

Get this Big Buddha Pearl Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Pearl, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Layla clutch bag, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Fashion website My-Wardrobe.com is partnering with a range of leading companies, including Dannii Minogue’s Project D line, as part of its new marketing strategy. My-Wardrobe.com hopes its upcoming collaborations will help raise its profile and drive traffic, and sales, to the website.

It sounds like it’ll be an exciting year at My-Wardrobe.com. Project D will design a limited edition K Bag, which will only be available from the website. Each of the 300 purses sold will come packaged with a sample pack of Kenco’s Millicano coffee.

Luggage label Kuoni will help My-Wardrobe.com cross-promote holiday fashion with a competition for a luxury trip and vacation wardrobe to match. Evian and Crème de La Mer skincare are also planning big My-Wardrobe.com projects this year.

Antony Hawman, the partnership director at My-Wardrobe.com, says it makes business sense for firms to leverage off the rapid rise of online endeavors. And with My-Wardrobe.com attracting some 1.3 million visits per month, it seems smart for other companies to get in on the act.

“Brands these days need to make their marketing budget work much harder for them and the 360 degree nature of a brand partnership does just that,” he explained.

Are you excited to see Project D’s K Bags, and other new initiatives, on My-Wardrobe.com this year?

[Source: Marketing Week]
[Image Source: Mosnar Communications]

There’s no mystery about this Vans Sacked tote. It’s honestly little more than a sack!

Admittedly it’s a bit more attractive than a regular sack. The cotton fabric is soft to the touch and well decorated with a diagonal striped design. I find this pattern more interesting than the leopard spot version, but I’m sure many girls will prefer the classic animal print. Personally I’m just happy Vans is offering us two such distinct looks.

While its appearance is a bit more imaginative, the Sacked’s design is almost as simple as an ordinary sack. There are no interior pockets at all, so your cargo is left to its own devices. I think that’s a real oversight on a bag this size, but Vans did give us an inkling about what we were in for. The long faux leather handles and zip top make the tote a bit more practical, but this bag is almost as basic as they come.

Considering its very simple design I think the Sacked may be a bit too expensive at $38. I’d rarely call that amount high, but the label really hasn’t done enough with its materials to warrant that kind of cash.

More Features of This Vans Cotton Tote

• Pop color interior lining
• Dual handles with a 12.25 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 3 x 11.75 inches

Get this Vans Sacked Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Check the A Snow Job eBay store to see if this Vans bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vans bags on BagBunch
• The Echo Design Batik Leaf tote bag, a great alternative to this cotton bag.
• Searching for more Vans bags on eBay
• Other cotton tote bags on eBay:

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She might have wowed us on the Academy Awards red carpet, but Gwyneth Paltrow seems most at home when she’s dressing down. So it makes sense that the Oscar-winning actress is enjoying a more casual look in the new Modern Preppy advertising campaign for Swedish fashion house, Lindex.

Lindex says its latest ads are “inspired by the sporty, relaxed lifestyle that is characteristic of USA’s East Coast gems, such as Long Island and the Hamptons, yet with a certain Scandinavian touch.“

That makes Paltrow the perfect model really. She’s still one of America’s sweethearts, but her fair hair and twinkling eyes give her a distinctively Scandinavian appearance. She really does represent the best of both worlds!

And she looks great wearing the apparel and accessories, including a nautical inspired striped shift dress, lightweight green cardigan, and large maritime tote. I’m sure that bag would be much more manageable if Paltrow used the shoulder straps, but she looks happy with her carrying choice, doesn’t she?

If you’re still hungry for more then you can see Gwyneth filming the commercial with the behind-the-scenes video.

Lindex’s new season apparel and accessories range hits stores on March 21. Do you think Gwyneth Paltrow’s involvement will help the collection appeal to American fashion fans?

[Source: Fashionista]

Big Buddha gets us ready for summer with this casual Cassandra Hobo.

It appears like so many woven raffia purses, but the Cassandra is actually crafted from synthetic leather. By using nude leatherette Big Buddha’s ensured the finish has the same seaside charm as the natural fiber. However it’s far less brittle, so we can fill this hobo up without worrying about it tearing under the strain. The natural toned manmade material is complemented by vibrant colored accents. I love the contrast of this turquoise hue, but there are also yellow, orange, and brown varieties if you prefer.

It’s not as large as many hobos, but unlike its raffia cousins we can utilize all the space Big Buddha provides. The trio of interior pockets is stock standard, but it does the trick. There’s also another zippered pouch on the back for the items you need on hand.

While it’s probably a shade too small to work as a beach bag, the Cassandra would be ideal for a spot of shopping at the farmers markets or a picnic in the park. And at just $84.95, we needn’t worry if it loses its appeal once winter rears its chilly head!

More Features of This Big Buddha Woven Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 4 x 10 inches

Get this Big Buddha Cassandra Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos (limited stock in some colors)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Big Buddha Cassandra, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the DesignerHandbagCentral eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Chloe satchel bag, a great alternative to this woven bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay