The world is full of pretty, fancy and decorative handbags. Because of this, and all the colorful beautiful bling-laden design work out there, the simple functional totes like this Kate Spade purse simply don’t get a look in.

It’s a real shame, because whilst this hold-all may look simple, there is actually a lot going on under the surface. Inspired by art deco design, the luxurious leather exterior is punched out with hole after hole of geometric pattern. From a distance, it’s a simple bag. Up close though, it’s far more intricate than expected. This Jessie tote has more to it than meets to eye.

This sophisticated handbag isn’t so eye-catching or revolutionary. But if you want a top class plain purse that is more than suitable for work, bright colors and unusual features probably aren’t top of the list. If you do want a little something special, then at least the interior is contrasting and unusual, even if I am not all that sure about the snakeskin pattern.

This is a functional, reliable purse, from a well known and talented designer.

More Features of this Kate Spade Centro Tote

• Available in orange, black or red/brown
• Interior pockets
• Contrasting fabric interior

Get this Art Deco Geometric Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade handbags on Bagbunch
• The Hobo International Barbara Tote, a great alternative to this professional tote
• Searching for more Art Deco bags on eBay
• Other Kate Spade purses on eBay:

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Christian Louboutin has a cult of followers as loyal as any in fashion, and with timeless, elegant designs like these, it’s easy to see why. The whimisical bow-shaped Cadeau clutch is quirky enough to add a little extra je ne sais quoi to your ensemble without looking dated or trendy.

Firstly, the color is so spot on that it creates a spectacle of its own. The tone of the lush blue velvet will stand alone, but it also won’t clash with black. And the warmth of the gold hardware picks up the undertones and the sheen of the fabric beautifully.

The size is perfect for cocktail parties and evening events: big enough to be noticed (and to carry a few essentials), but small enough that your handbag doesn’t become the central interest of your outfit. Personally, I wouldn’t fill it too full, as inner contents will eventually press against the outer fabric and distort the beautiful shape of the bow, so this is definitely better for ladies who are comfortable packing light.

The signature Louboutin kiss lock top is classic and perfect, as always. I love the red enamel soles at the bottom of the stilettos; it’s such a subtle, sweet touch. Overall, I’m just crazy for this clutch. Everything but the price works for me. At $995, it’s a little our of my league, but it’s also a good investment bag due to its versatility.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Velvet Cadeau Bag

• 7″ x 7″ x 3″ size
• Chain strap tucks in for convenience
• 9″ strap drop

Get this Christian Louboutin Cadeau velvet bag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Christian Louboutin bags on BagBunch
• The Louboutin Mount Street bag, a great alternative to this quirky clutch
• Other Christian Louboutin bags on eBay:

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Bulgari dresses up the traditional canvas tote with this treat from its 1910 collection.

The natural toned chevron canvas is adorned with an art deco design and decorative script. The black pattern is accented by nut wrinkled calf leather trim. It really dresses up the tote, but it’s not likely to be well received by animal lovers. Canvas bags are synonymous with green chic, but that design feature undermines the message.

It also sends the tote’s price sky high. Even on eBay it’s priced close to $800 big ones. For a canvas bag, that’s a whole chunk of change.

Thankfully it comes with more pockets than the average. An interior zip pocket, plus a couple of multifunction pouches do boost the value somewhat. And any purse so expensive deserves a dustbag, so it’s nice to see one included here.

But the fact remains; this is one expensive canvas tote. Cashed up fashionistas may love to wear their Bulgari love over the shoulder while at the markets, but the rest of us can probably think of better uses for that much dough!

More Features of This Bulgari Chevron Canvas Tote

• Light gold plated hardware
• Dual 18 inch shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 15 x 2 inches

Get this Bulgari 1910 Handbag:

• Check the Carry Me Please eBay store to see if this Bulgari bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bulgari bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Meat and Poultry bag, a great alternative to this cavas bag.
• Searching for more Bulgari bags on eBay
• Other Bulgari tote bags on eBay:

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Alexis Hudson is a relatively new name on the handbag block, but the financial crisis makes this the perfect time to check out this up-and-coming talent.

Without the star profile, Alexis Hudson handbags are all priced under $1000. This Grand Bastille bag comes in at just under $700. Not bad for an on-trend oversized handbag, right? That price buys us this head-turning genuine leather. It starts out black, but is softly graduated to a brown tone at the base. I love the look, but it’s too daring to please everyone. So it may disappoint some to hear a more unified design isn’t available.

The styling is utterly contemporary, with a ruched top giving way to a casually pleated body. There’s no regularity to the pleats, giving the Grand Bastille a devil-may-care attitude despite its conservative colors.

Such a large space takes a lot to stay organized, but the Grand Bastille is up to the challenge. It goes beyond the typical zip and slip pockets with a pen and pencil holder and keychain. Gadget-loving girls may be disappointed with just one slip pouch, but you can always stash your iPod and PSP in the turnlock pouches up front.

The double handles are a little skimpy, but fear not. A longer strap is on hand for over-the-shoulder and cross-body carrying.

More Features of This Alexis Hudson Tobacco Bag

• Hidden magnetic snap closure
• Interior fabric lining
• Dual 14 inch handles with a 5.5 inch drop
• An optional 40 inch shoulder strap with a 17 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 4.7 x 14 inches
• Weighs 2 pounds

Get this Alexis Hudson Grand Bastille Handbag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Alexis Hudson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexis Hudson bags on BagBunch
• The Alexis Hudson Petite Bastille bag, a small alternative to this large bag.
• Searching for more Alexis Hudson bags on eBay

When I think of Calvin Klein fashion, words like chic and contemporary come to mind. Well, now I need to throw in another descriptive word for the brand: European.

There are plenty of people who would argue with me on that considering the label’s American origins. However, I need only point to the new Calvin Klein CK fall/winter 2009 ad campaign to validate my statement.

This compilation of shots speaks for itself. There is an absolutely undeniable Euro-like styling to these advertisements. From the slicked back hair to the solid black attire, there’s almost a modernistic viewpoint going on here as well. Even the red haze cast into the shots adds to that overall look. I can’t help thinking about the Matrix movies series.

The models’ tight-lipped pouts and solemn expressions fit right in to the vibe, though I find it just a teeny bit hard to take a man wearing leather gloves and carrying a nylon satchel quite as seriously as he obviously expects to be taken here.

The campaign was photographed by Craig McDean and stars stern-faced models William Eustace (seen above) and Sigrid Agren with a few shots including Jourdan Dunn. If I couldn’t tell that Sigrid has a ponytail in one of the photos, I’d say it’s kind of hard to tell her apart from Eustace in some of the close-ups. See more of the photo shoot here.

[Source: The Fashionisto]

Calvin Klein Handbags on eBay

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Alexander Wang has made a mark with his edgy rock and roll inspired accessories. But with the Bianca Vest Bag, has the fledgling designer gone a little too far?

The name tells it like it is: this is a completely wearable handbag. The black leather finish and bronze hardware make this vest bag appear like something from ZZ Top’s closet. I’m not sure whether that’s the look any chic fashionista would aim for, but it’s certainly going to attract attention!

A whopping ten zippered pockets ensure there’s plenty of space for your smaller goodies. I’m just a little concerned about stashing my bulkier goods. Larger side pockets make it possible, but surely storing anything in them will add some unsightly bulk. I can imagine the Bianca looking like a life jacket if you really loaded it up. I’m also concerned about getting essentials in and out of those compartments if you’re wearing the vest.

Practicalities aside, this Bianca Vest Bag is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. That individuality alone makes it worthy of attention.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Vest Bag

• Zip closure at front and back
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Measures 16 x 13 inches

Get this Coach Patchwork Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Donna bag, a great alternative to this vest bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang bags on eBay
• Other Alexander Wang black leather bags on eBay:

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Ralph Lauren is an avid car enthusiast, with a collection including a multi-million-dollar 2005 McLaren F1 GTR LM, 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK for starters. But Ferraris are his pride and joys, including a pair of original 250 Testa Rossas (estimated at $12 million a piece) and a 250 GTO. So it’s not surprising to see the Italian sports cars have inspired the designer’s latest collection.

It’s called the Scuderia line after Ferrari’s renowned racing division. With duffel bags, totes, wallets and more on offer, there’s something to suit all your needs. Each is crafted from buttery soft perforated black calfskin embellished with contrasting yellow racing stripes. They’re not quite Ferrari prices, but the Scuderia collection will cost a pretty penny. The tote pictured will set you back a hefty $1295.

Ralph Lauren’s Scuderia line is available at Ralph Lauren outlets, selected retailers, and the brand’s online store.

[Source: Luxist]

Ralph Lauren Bags on eBay

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Because of the extremely wide variety of styles offered by Jessica Simpson’s handbag line, there are sure to be at least a few duds here and there. This one, in my opinion, does not happen to be one of them.

Although I wouldn’t call it particularly trendy, it does have one of the design features we’ve been seeing an awful lot of lately: ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles. It’s not the first, and it certainly won’t be the last handbag we see covered in the detail. However, in comparison to some others I’ve seen, this one looks great.

The Runway Satchel combines the feminine feature with a classic frame shape, a combination that works extremely well together aesthetically. The two styles blend well and complement each other. The downside to a framed bag is that it takes an extra step to get inside to your stored goods. On the other hand, it seems at least a tad more secure than totes with a single magnetic snap or no closure at all.

Of course, since we’re talking about Jessica Simspon here, you can’t expect real leather. This mandmade material keeps the Runway Satchel down to a pleasing $88, though. For a classic bag with a slightly trendy twist, many people would be willing to pay more for leather, but this one is a great option anyway.

More Features of the Runway Satchel

• Also available in faux snakeskin and black manmade leather
• Frame top with snap closure
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Lined interior

Get this Jessica Simpson Runway Bag:

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The Betsey Johnson Frills Satchel, a great alternative to this ruffled handbag
• Searching for more Jessica Simpson satchels on eBay

Inge Christopher is a growing force in the handbag world, with a strong focus on decorative touches and individual looks.

I am struck at first glance by the somewhat controversial combination of gold and silver that Inge Christopher used on this flashy baguette. Generally these two glittery substances are kept a world apart. I am not convinced by the pairing personally, but many people love the classy looks and over-the-top impression.

One thing this clutch does well is bling! From the beautifully laid out diamante down the center section through to the smooth silver mesh, class and quality are exuded from every handbag pore! Even the clasp is decorative and bold, with row upon row of shimmering diamante!

As you can see, this is an attention seeking baguette with plenty of space. The elegant curved shape doubles up to mean extra space through the widened bottom end. Although the frame is hard and thus inflexible, you should have room for a decent number of belongings. After all, as an evening bag and an evening bag alone, this should more than meet the baggage requirements!

Subtlety has been thrown to the wind with this brash and shimmery clutch!

More Features of this Inge Christopher Metal Mesh Purse

• Folded envelope effect clutch
• Optional chain handle
• Whiting & Davis lining

Get this Luxurious Diamante Baguette:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher handbags on Bagbunch
• The Kotur Kellett Clutch, a great alternative to this bling bag
• Searching for gold & silver bags on eBay
• Other Inge Christopher bags on eBay

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We recently heard that the financial crisis hasn’t tempered our love of shopping, but new research shows 83% of women feel guilty after making those luxury purchases. That’s one-third more guilty shoppers than before the credit crunch.

The survey by Skinny Cow also found that 86% of women justify their latest purse purchase, while others simply hide the evidence from their partners.

One in ten women told white lies about their spending, while roughly the same amount of girls try to pass new fashion finds off as old items from their closets. Considering how many men actually notice our outfits, that’s probably pretty easy to do!

One-fifth of women admitted they’d live on baked beans and toast to afford the latest It bag or pair of Jimmy Choo heels. But that’s not the only money-saving trick we’ll resort to. Twenty percent of girls sold old outfits on eBay to afford new ones, while 3% were cheeky enough to ask for an advance on their wages!

“Life at the moment is full of stresses with money being right up there, but it’s difficult to break the habit of a lifetime,” a spokesman for Skinny Cow said.

“Going shopping now comes with more baggage, so women are trying to find creative ways to justify their spree while looking to other indulgences in their life which are guilt-free.”

[Source: Times of India]
[Image Source: Stella Levi/Stock.xchng]