I can’t really hide my love of Lauren Merkin handbags. This designer, in my opinion, consistently hits the target when it comes to offering women timeless styles with classy and sometimes unexpected features.

Lauren Merkin’s most recently released collection of purses for the fall perfectly exhibits that statement. There are some familiar faces, new designs, but overall lots and lots of fun textures and prints. All you have to do is look at the above image to see a collage of the new colors and materials.

I know that many shoppers are looking for the next big thing when it comes to handbag shopping, but this designer stuck with some of her best styles with this new group. As with Be&D’s most recent collection, Lauren Merkin brought back some favorites like the Tatum, Louise, and Eve. Each familiar style has been revamped with details like embossed ostrich texture, feather-patterned silk, and corduroy suede.

I’m also really loving the Paige duffle bag with its traditional but delicate look as well as the curvy Cecilia with a braided strap. Go to Lauren Merkin’s website to see all of the new and improved handbags.

[Source: Lauren Merkin]

Lauren Merkin Handbags on eBay

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If I don’t stop gushing about Marc Jacobs, people are going to start thinking that I’m a spy from the company sent to BagBunch to trump up his stuff. I’m not, I swear, and as evidence, here’s a bag by Marc Jacobs that I hate. All that being said, the man is a genius, and this bag is proof.

It’s also proof that you can incorporate a lot of trends in a design and still make it look wearable. The Sasha has all the black leather badassitude that I’m coming to expect from the fall season, plus asymmetry, plus zippers, plus sparrows? Yeah, they’re not really a trend, except to people who are into psuedo-tattoo sort of stuff.

The slouchiness of the bag makes it look really downtown and ultra-hip, but all the pockets and pouches make it really practical. There’s the front flap pocket, two front zipper pockets, and the main compartment. I won’t even go into the inside, but it is equally compartmentalized.

I love compartmentalization, but this might be a bit much. I probably just wouldn’t use the front zipper pockets. Well, maybe to hide an in-case-of-shopping-emergency hundred dollar bill. And the sparrows I could do without, but they miraculously don’t bother me as much as I would expect. They’re a little bit of sweet on a bag with a lot of sass. Maybe it needs that?

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Sasha Shoulder Bag

• 16″ x 12″ x 6″ size
• 18″ handle drop
• Paisley print lining
• Two interior pouch pockets
• Interior zipper pocket

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Sasha Shoulder Bag:

• Available to buy on Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Sasha Small Duffel, a great alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs bags on eBay
• Other black leather bags with zippers on eBay:

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I’m not sure if this Maxx New York Hepburn handbag is supposed to be channeling Audrey or Katharine. There’s not really anything about it that reminds me of either beloved actress and style icon, but I happen to like this satchel either way.

Maybe I’m just in the mood for the upcoming season because this suede in a wonderful shade of chocolate brown is really drawing me in. It makes me long for weather that calls for some tall riding boots, a cozy coat, and wool scarf. The soft material is definitely a fall and winter feature, which naturally limits its use but doesn’t make me hesitate one bit about it.

The trim on the handles and around the top zipper is real leather. I would’ve expected that from the brand considering that the satchel is priced at $220, but it’s not always a guarantee in that price range. Kudos to Maxx New York for going with two quality materials for their design.

Small gold ring details adorn the front of this satchel and sit between two exterior slip pockets. Additional storage is available on the back of the bag as well with its exterior zippered pocket. My only disappointment with this satchel is that the optional longer strap is not detachable, which can be frustrating when you’re using the double handles. Other than that, it’s a great choice for the new season. The suede Hepburn style also comes in practical cross-body and large tote designs.

More Features of the Hepburn Satchel 

• Measures 17 x 12 x 6 inches
• Double straps with 4.5 inch drop
• Additional longer single strap

Get this Maxx New York Hepburn Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Perfect Hearts store on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maxx New York bags on BagBunch
• The Kathy Van Zeeland Hot Stud Satchel, a great alternative to this chocolate brown satchel
• Searching for more Maxx New York handbags on eBay
• Other suede satchels on eBay:

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Why should snake and crocodile get all the accolades? Elaine Turner serves up a different kind of exotic with its Madison Pouchette.

Of course, Elaine Turner doesn’t dabble in genuine exotics. Instead it’s merely embossed the leather with a tortoise-shell finish. The scales are large and irregular, giving the purse a contemporary finish. Under the hands of a lesser designer, this modern texture may seem at odds with the Madison’s retro design. Yet somehow the traditional flap and vintage curves work in harmony with this unique surface.

This is a small bag, more suited to a coffee with the girls than a day full of errands. But there are a few pockets inside to keeps your essentials in order. The signature pink crown lining is also a bit of fun.

$350 seems a little pricey for a purse that’s so small, especially one that’s made from embossed exotic rather than the real thing. But if you have the cash to spare, the Madison does offer a look that you won’t see anywhere else.

More Features of This Elaine Turner Tortoise Pouchette

• A gold logo-engraved clasp
• Satin gold hardware
• A leather shoulder strap with chain details and a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 5.5 inches
• Made in the United States of America
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Elaine Turner Madison Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Squeaky Clean Bath and Body Shop eBay store to see if this Elaine Turner bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elaine Turner bags on BagBunch
• The lizard-embossed Madison bag, a great alternative to this tortoise bag.
• Searching for more Elaine Turner bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner leather purses on eBay:

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Von Avi bags take the metallic craze to new heights. The brainchild of New Zealand couple Kaz and Greg Von Heraud Parker, the innovative handbag line is crafted from aluminum and aircraft rivets.

Mr. Von Heraud Parker, a former aircraft worker, uses the same skills to create the bags that he did building airplane wings.

“It’s all pattern-making, bending, folding and riveting,” he said.

The durable metal exterior is in contrast with the bags’ lush leather and fabric lining. Each purse also comes with interior lights, perfect for finding your car keys on late night’s out!

The range features bags of several sizes; there’s the tiny Barfly, the everyday Girl About Town, and the supersized BBB. The couple jokes this stands for Brilliant Business Bella or Brilliant Boozing Bella, as the handbag can carry A4-sized business documents or three bottles of New Zealand’s famed sauvignon blanc.

Von Avi Handbags make their debut at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland today.

[Source: Otago Daily Times]
[Image Source: Von Avi]

Aluminum Bags on eBay

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This Brianna bag from Chocolate is an affordable way to embrace this season’s taste for textures.

Diamond quilting has a way of making any bag seem richer. So while the Brianna is made from affordable synthetic, it doesn’t look cheap. The diamonds are crafted from tiny pleats, which give the bag volume and depth. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like it before, and I certainly wouldn’t expect something so intricate from a bag in this price bracket.

The long handle is so inviting with its soft synthetic body and modern knotted ends. It’s the kind of strap I can imagine carrying over my shoulder all day without ever feeling the burn.

The design is spacious yet slender, so you can cram plenty inside without ever looking like a bag lady. It’s lined with signature printed nylon, a choice that’s practical if not entirely luxurious.

But this purse cares more about keeping up appearances than creature comforts. Its fashion forward, but those manmade materials may not last as long as the fabrics in a high-end handbag. Not that you’ll mind too much. It only costs $90, so you won’t be paying it off once the next trend takes hold!

More Features of This Chocolate Diamond Shoulder Bag

• Zip top closure
• A zippered interior pocket
• A single shoulder strap with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 18.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China
• Available in pink, purple, and blue

Get this Chocolate Brianna Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chocolate bags on BagBunch
• The Brianna tote bag, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• The Chocolate website
• Other diamond bags on eBay:

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Isaac Mizrahi’s show at the recent New York Fashion Week was quite a production. The designer with a personality as fun and crazy as his schedule brought a little of his quirkiness to the runway.

Mizrahi’s new styles floated and flounced down the catwalk through an elaborate set involving two staircases, a platform, and even a little rain. The collection was reportedly inspired by “Fred Astaire, Anime, and ‘The Obstacle Course to Glamour’.”

Though the romantic silk and beaded paisley dresses were impressive, the accessories of the show were the real standouts. The belted shoes, flat-brimmed hats, and variety of handbags stole the show for me.

The common theme for bags was structure and more structure. The vintage-looking luggage cases and briefcase styles definitely had some Fred Astaire flair. Paired with the flat-brimmed hats, all that was missing was a cane. A few even looked like they might be holding a musical instrument.

The style was very specific and probably not up everyone’s fashion alley, but I’m at least glad to see something different on the runway. No one can ever accuse Isaac Mizrahi of not being original. See looks from the designer’s runway show here.

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Splendicity]

Isaac Mizrahi Handbags on eBay

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The design of the Treesje Kingsley hobo shares quite a few similarities with the trendy features of the Botkier Uma satchel with its slouchy ruched body and zippered detail. Actually, the two designer brands really aren’t that far apart in their overall styles.

The main difference between the Uma and this Treesje handbag is the size. The Mini Kingsley hobo is shorter and somewhat smaller in width. However, for being categorized as a “mini” bag, I’m impressed by the space that it offers.

I’m guessing that it’s only called mini because Treesje also has a slightly larger version of the style, which is several inches wider and just a bit taller. Frankly, there’s not a whole lot of difference except that the regular Kingsley is about $70 more. If you’re buying with style in mind over size, the Mini hobo is definitely the better pick.

The long double handles are convenient and comfortable for carrying the purse. Bright gold-toned hardware complements the glazed Italian leather beautifully. The Mini Kingsley is available in this pretty deep blue, which fits right in with recent fashion week trends, and cherry red. This Treesje hobo retails for $555.

More Features of the Kingsley Mini Hobo

• Measures 14 x 8 x 6 inches
• Double straps with 8 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Get this Treesje Kingsley Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Treesje handbags on BagBunch
• The Chinese Laundry Pleated Tote, a great alternative to this modern ruched bag
• Searching for more Treesje bags on eBay
• Other mini hobos on eBay:

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Prada try again for extreme luxury with their signature tote in a delicate and softly luxurious nappa calf leather.

Spacious and slouchy and undeniably heavenly looking, this is a plain black tote that should hopefully last you forever. The true “investment” bag, black is always in fashion and the shape is always useful, and we all know that leather only gets better with age.

For the cost, of course, this elegant Prada bag had better last you forever. It clocks in at an impressive $2400, meaning that the desirable design really is only available to those who can afford to pay for it. Not fair, but definitely exclusive.

Of course, unlike recent iconic investment bags such as the Alexander Wang stud tote, Prada has opted instead to produce a simple and understated design that lets the materials speak for themselves. It would be nice to have a couple of inspirational features or creative touches, however, other than the round slouchy shape or the simple handles. Just a stud, or an unusual fabric, or something bright to catch people’s envious eyes!

Long lasting, trend proof and strangely attractive this is a purse for the stars and the rich alone. If you do get hold of one, however, don’t let it go. Prada is a brand that is unlikely to ever stop being cool.

More Features of this Prada Signature Nappa Tote

• Leather exterior and interior
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Interior and exterior pockets
• Gold hardware

Get this Luxury Leather Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Prada bags on Bagbunch
• The Miu Miu quilted nappa leather tote, a great alternative to this sophisticated bag
• Searching for more nappa leather bags on eBay
• Other prada bags on eBay:

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Victorinox Swiss Army is a name more associated with boy scouts than bagistas, but with its 125th anniversary the label is proving is knows about much more than knives. As part of the milestone, the brand has released a swag of new products including this lush limited edition travel bag.

The handbag “reflect[s] the old-world luxury and dedicated workmanship from which our brand was born,” says Victorinox Swiss Army. It’s crafted from superior full-grain, Italian Belting leather and European materials. The individually polished Riri zips are made from precious metal alloys for that extra shine. It’s not the most exciting design, but those high quality materials combine with a practical interior to make this quite a covetable item.

Snap gussets allow the bag to open flat, making for easy packing and unpacking. There’s a front garment storage area with compression straps and a rear compartment with a removable suiter. It features a full-size hanger and foam bolsters to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

Each handbag is individually numbered and sold with a certificate of authenticity. When you’re paying $4000 for a travel bag, that guarantee is a very good thing.

[Source: Luxist]

Victorinox Swiss Army Bags on eBay

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