Practicality is pushed aside for a little polish and pizzazz with this dramatic Jil Sander clutch.

Its glossy orange exterior knows how to stand out in a sea of washed-out pastels and conservative neutrals. The patent leather is lovely, but it’s the geometric lines which give the purse its x factor. This clutch seems more like a work of European contemporary art than an accessory, which is its greatest appeal.

Because honestly, you’re not going to buy this purse if you care for practical touches. The skinny profile doesn’t afford a lot of storage space. If you try to cram a few extra goodies inside, those appealing sleek lines will disappear. While there are discreet pockets in the sides, they’re also likely to show telltale lumps the moment you use them.

Since space is scarce, I probably don’t have to tell you that there’s no shoulder strap. Honestly, if you tucked one inside there’d be room for little else!

It has its limitations, but this Jil Sander clutch is the kind of purse that causes us to forget the downsides. It’s a really sexy little number which makes a massive impression.

More Features of This Jil Sander Orange Clutch

• Press-stud fastener
• An inner patch pocket
• Measures 12 x 6 x 2 inches

Get this Jil Sander Polished Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-a-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Bennet pink patent clutch, a great alternative to this orange purse.
• Searching for more Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other orange clutches on eBay:

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Well, it might not be the most original advertisement campaign, but any ad involving Gisele Bundchen could probably convince shoppers to buy a paper sack dress.

This is by no means the supermodel’s first appearance for Versace. Before the fall/winter 09 photo shoot, her most recent work for the label was this past spring for the season’s campaign. The major difference between the two ads, other than completely different fashion, is that Gisele is reportedly sporting a baby bump these days.

Well, you’d never guess it from this campaign, where either the ads were shot before said bump appeared or some tricky work was done on the pictures. Also, the fact that she’s facing the wall in this particular shot probably helps a bit.

Pregnancy rumors aside, however, I happen to love the pocketbook style clutch that the supermodel is holding in this ad from the label’s fall campaign. Personally, I could take or leave the neck-breaking stilettos, but they do look pretty fabulous as well.

Overall, it’s not the most creative photo shoot I’ve seen and not one of Gisele’s best, in my opinion. However, Versace is Versace, after all, and always at least worth a look.

[Source: Style Frizz]

Versace Handbags on eBay

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Global Elements are a little known brand who love to do exciting things with unusual materials. They are also particularly fond of the main decoration technique used in this suede handbag – fabric layering.

A popular theme across many of today’s handbags, this trend likes to see luxury materials like this soft red suede cut out and piled one on top of the other. It’s visually pleasing, even if the final result in this particular bright shoulder bag is a little bit 90’s.

As you can see this Global Elements purse is in an interesting and subtle shade of red. Not as bright as some, but this means that your fiery red handbag can be more suitable for many occasions, and won’t clash with your clothes as easily! It is rare that a red bag can be an everyday purse!

What you gain in practicality with this spacious clutch is unfortunately lost in “umph” – that highly technical term that dictates just how much people will love your smooth suede should bag!

To conclude, this layered fashion clutch is a pretty but strangely worn looking purse from a reputable designer. The black wrapped leather handle is cute, even if the overall bag isn’t wildly exciting. Essentially this Global Elements decorative handbag is just the right thing for casual day wear.

More Features of this Layered Suede Handbag

• Available in red, brown, green or black
• 4″ handle drop
• Contrasting interior

Get this Global Elements Circle Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More layered bags on Bagbunch
• The Bottega Veneta Basket tote, a great alternative to this suede handbag
• Searching for more multi-layer bags on eBay
• Other Global Elements bags on eBay:

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If you’re not a regular at your local vintage shops but love the look anyway, it’s good news that some brands offer vintage-inspired styles along with the popular trendy items.

Nine West is one of those companies, like Jessica Simspon’s line, providing such a wide variety of affordable designs that they’re bound to hit on at least one option for nearly every style out there today. Although I wouldn’t call vintage-like their forte, they’ve touched on it fairly well with this Ranya satchel.

The shape is a traditional slouchy satchel silhouette easy for everyday use. The Ranya’s design isn’t overtly vintage-inspired, but there are some details that would make it attractive to fans of that style combined with a few modern details thrown in there as well. It’s mostly the antiqued effect on the bag’s chain straps and other hardware that remind me of fashion from the past, but the small studs on the top handle piece are definitely from today.

For only $89, you can’t expect real leather from this Nine West number. What it lacks in high quality materials, though, it makes up for in storage, in my opinion. The interior has a very decent amount of space along with a zippered pouch dividing the interior in half. I’m not completely blown over by the Ranya satchel, but it’s a nice option for a medium handbag with a little personality and an affordable price tag.

More Features of the Ranya Satchel

• Measures 14 x 8 x 5 inches
• Chain and synthetic strap with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic snap closure

Get this Nine West Ranya Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Ava, a great alternative to this affordable vintage-inspired satchel
• Searching for more Nine West handbags on eBay
• Other synthetic satchels on eBay:

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Jessica Jensen shows us that a small purse can show plenty of personality with her classic barrel clutches. They don’t just come in a range of colors. They also feature a range of unique finishes.

This sophisticated taupe purse has a stylish geometric pleated design. Pleating is more regular and vertical on the rose variety. The charcoal clutch is characterized by rows of raised leather. The brown bag has a lush wicker finish. And finally, the black clutch has a basic treatment befitting its conservative nature. A subtle seam running down the center is this tame purse’s only embellishment.

While they may look like very different purses, their shared design ties them together. While it’s called a barrel clutch, the shape more closely resembles a teardrop. It’s a more practical silhouette, one that can easily fit in your hand or under your arm. That’s a good thing too, because it doesn’t come with a shoulder strap. I guess that’s the greatest downfall of a classic design.

The other feature that may disappoint modern bagistas is the lack of storage space. This is a small framed purse, in the tradition of classic evening bags. Only the essentials will fit inside, so choose carefully when you’re preparing for a night out with this barrel clutch.

The $428 price tag is a little expensive for such a small accessory, but if you act now you can enjoy some big savings on Amazon.

More Features of This Jessica Jensen Leather Purse

• Suede lined interior
• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 6.25 x 6.25 inches
• Made in USA

Get this Jessica Jensen Classic Barrel Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Jensen bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Regatta bag, a great alternative to this barrel bag.
• The Jessica Jensen website
• Other barrel purses on eBay:

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The financial crisis has claimed another fashion victim. German fashion house Escada, once one of the most powerful labels in the world, has filed for bankruptcy.

Insolvency soon became the only option for the brand after it failed to find sufficient backing for its rescue plan. It leaves behind some 180 shops and additional franchises in 60 countries around the world.

The luxury label, famous for handbags, ready-to-wear couture, and shoes, endured massive losses of 70.3 million euros in the 2007-2008 business year. It also suffered a 15 per cent drop in turnover. Even the appointment of former Hugo-Boss chief Bruno Saelzer could not turn things around. Let’s face it, with statistics like that the odds were stacked against him.

In its heyday, Escada was worn by fashion luminaries Princess Diana, Jerry Hall, Kim Basinger, and Demi Moore. There’s some talk that the brand may continue on, as Russian millionaire Rustam Aksenenko owns almost 21% of the stock and German billionaires Wolfgang and Michael Herz hold around 12.5% each. But at this stage the German label’s future is uncertain.

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

Escada Handbags on eBay

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Fall brings deep burgundies, purples, and blacks out of the closet. If you want to stand out in the crowd, this tangerine colored tote from Ghibli may be just the thing.

This fun mid-sized handbag has a retro style and playful attitude to match its unexpected hue. Quilted suede panels complement the bolder orange calfskin. The curved trapezoidal shape is another fun touch. The only thing that ruins the look is all those messy charms. If you feel the need to advertise the brand, by all means leave them on. But I’d remove them for a much sleeker appearance.

Those short curved handles are in keeping with the retro design, but they’re not the most practical features. Thankfully Ghibli recognizes that, so it’s added a removable longer strap. It may not give this tote the same cute vintage style, but it makes it a lot easier to manage.

This bag is a vibrant shade, but its burnt undertones stop it from looking too garish. Just imagine how it’d pop against black, charcoal gray, or navy blue.

More Features of This Ghibli Retro Tote

• Zip top closure
• A zippered interior pocket
• Signature fabric lined interior
• Comes with a signature dust bag
• Measures 5.9 x 16.5 x 11 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Ghibli Quilted Orange Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ghibli bags on BagBunch
• The Ghibli Quilted Black Bauletto bag, a great alternative to this orange bag.
• Searching for more Ghibli bags on eBay
• Other orange bags on eBay:

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The once utilitarian LeSportsac line of nylon bags is continuing its fashionable conversion with a new collaboration, this time with the princess of prep Lilly Pulitzer. The partnership seems perfect since both brands are very much about their graphic prints.

“The collaboration with LeSportsac was such a natural for us,” Janie Schoenborn, creative director of Lilly Pulitzer, told WWD. She talked about how well previous LeSportsac collaborations demonstrated “how well colorful prints manifest themselves on classic, versatile bags.”

This will definitely be the most classical, if not high-profile, design partnership for the brand that has already had Gwen Stefani of L.A.M.B. and Stella McCartney create popular incarnations of their bags.

There will be three prints designed by Pulitzer and specially co-branded for this collection. They will include handbags, totes, small accessories, travel bags. A tennis case is sure to be a big hit with Pulitzer’s Hamptons-loving following.

We can probably look for a preview of the collection this fall, and expect to see it at both companies’ freestanding stores and websites come spring.

[Source: WWD]
[Image source: Lilly Pulitzer]

Le Sportsac Handbags On eBay

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I’m not sure why I’ve been in the mood to browse through briefcases lately, but I keep running across some great versions of this stereotypical work bag style. Matt & Nat’s take on the handbag is quite the opposite of the Hobo International Barbara that I recently found but much more suitable for today’s urban, on-the-go types.

Staying true to their signature contemporary look, Matt & Nat created a hip version of the briefcase in this Ando Streamline bag. Also keeping with the label’s eco and animal-friendly philosophy, the Streamline is made only from manmade leather with a recycled material faux suede lining.

Though it is categorized as a briefcase and bears some of the bag style’s usual details like short carrying handles and lots of storage pockets, the Ando Streamline would easily serve more than just a workplace purpose. The tall shape defies the standard east-to-west rectangular shape of work bags and puts a modern spin on the design. This unexpected shape makes it just as appropriate for every day, or even traveling when you factor in the handbag’s detachable adjustable strap. This allows you to wear it on the shoulder or across the body.

Another great feature of this Ando briefcase is that it’s simple lines and contemporary details make it an attractive tote for men or women. There’s nothing particularly feminine or masculine about the design. Although many women might prefer a more overtly girly style, this version of the Streamline briefcase will suit plenty of others.

More Features of the Ando Streamline Briefcase

• Measures 13 x 17 x 2.5 inches
• Double handles with 3 inch drop
• Detachable strap
• Vertical zipper detail

Get this Matt & Nat Ando Streamline Bag:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Zed tote, a great alternative to this Matt & Nat briefcase-style bag
• Searching for more Matt & Nat handbags on eBay

Everyone knows that the stranger and more eco-friendly the handbag material, the more popular the handbag. We have seen licence plate bags, hosepipe purses and even handbags made from old seatbelts, and all in the name of green credentials and recyclable fashion.

Now little known designer Elaine Turner has jumped on the eco-bandwagon, with a tote made mainly from natural banana leaves. It is unusual and consequently bound to be a hit! (Us shoppers, predictable?! Surely not!)

The straw-like effect of the naturally toned banana leaf is actually very attractive with the contrasting leather exterior. Indeed, the textures actually combine very well: raw rough leaf with supple colorful leather.

Style-wise, this bag has quite a retro feel. Whilst it may not last as long as its vintage counterparts have, at least you have the strong stylish handles and art deco shape to make you feel like a fashion throwback. Inside, however, is thoroughly modern, with Elaine Turner’s signature pink crown fabric. Bear in mind ladies: the pink fabric clashes with the pink bag, but looks great with any of the other colors!

Whilst an undeniably stylish and sexy bag, this tote is hampered just a little by the fact that you can’t sling it over your shoulder. All too often with unique and beautiful handles the practicality just isn’t there!

This banana leaf bags is a funky and unusual hold-all with a ecostyle twist. Just remember that this leather trimmed bag doesn’t actually make any green credential claims. It just looks like it ought to!

More Features of this Elaine Turner Blair Tote

• Single interior pocket
• Bamboo turn clasp
• Banana leaf exterior
• Signature Elaine Turner crown lining
• Available in four colors

Get this Funky Natural Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More eco-friendly bags on Bagbunch
• The Mad By Design Onyx Stingray tote, a great alternative to this colorful bag
• Searching for more recycled bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner bags on eBay:

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