Travelon put function first with this cosmetic and jewelry clutch.

The lime green, red, light blue, and basic black colors are cute enough, but this isn’t the purse you buy for its looks. Instead, it’s the type of accessory you’d stash away inside your Alexander McQueen luggage. You probably wouldn’t take it out to show friends, but you’d be secretly pleased by the job it does.

While so many cosmetics cases are minimalistic, this one’s made to keep everything in order. Four clear interior pockets take the guesswork out of organization, ensuring you always know just where your favorite lipstick or mascara is. There’s also a removable center pouch, adding even more storage value. A zippered pocket on the outside is ideal for stashing the items you need at your fingertips.

This cosmetics clutch also works well for carrying jewelry or other small valuables. While it’s targeted at jetsetters, it’d be a great addition to any handbag, no matter whether you’re headed for the skies or to the office.

More Features of This Travelon Jewelry Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Weighs one pound

Get this Travelon Cosmetic Purse:

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

[phpbay]Travelon cosmetic jewelry, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the TravelSupplyStore eBay store to see if this Travelon purse is in stock
• Searching online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Travelon bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Roxy Baby cosmetics bag, a great alternative to this jewelry purse.
• Searching for more Travelon bags on eBay

We diligently wash our hands before meals and after using the bathroom and we keep antibacterial gel with us for those in-between times. But for all our hard work few of us stop to think about the hygiene of another constant companion, our handbag.

CBS conducted a study on the germs lurking on the surface of everyday handbags, and the results were scary. Microbiologists tested samples from hundreds of purse bottoms and found bacteria on every single bag. About a quarter had tens of thousands of nasties, including pseudomona, staphylococccus aureus, E. coli, and salmonella. These are the germs responsible for rashes, eye and skin infections, boils, fevers, diarrhea, and vomiting. But it gets worse. Many samples also tested positive for fecal matter and even vomit. Can we say yuck?

So what can we do about it? First thing’s first: avoid putting your purse down. Grab an extra chair for your bag in a restaurant, use the hooks in the bathroom stalls, and throw it in a locker at the gym. Also opt for leather and vinyl handbags, which can be cleaned with antibacterial wipes. Sturdy canvas bags should also withstand a spin in the washing machine.

Those handbag germs aren’t likely to kill you, but they could easily make you very sick.

[Source: The Frisky]
[Image Source: Lars Sundström/Stock.xchng]

Leather Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]leather handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

We’ve all seen those country and western inspired purses that are so overworked they look like they’ve come straight from the rodeo. The SAK keeps it chic with the San Antonio, a shopper that knows when enough is enough.

The long tassels and eye-catching embroidery on the handles and side accents give the purse that western vibe without looking gimmicky. The simple drawstring design and neutral camel leather allow the country details to take center stage by complementing, rather than competing.

The San Antonio is an oversized shopper, ready for those long days at the mall. While the size is generous, it doesn’t feel overwhelming thanks to all those pockets. Slip and zip compartments, and a convenient cell phone slip help you keep all your girly goodies organized.

The San Antonio has the looks and design to last you for years, making the $118 asking price seem like a steal.

More Features of This The SAK Leather Shopper

• Snap closure
• Batik print cotton lining
• Dual handles with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 17.5 x 3.5 x 11 inches

Get this The SAK Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this The SAK leather bag is in stock
• Searching online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More The SAK bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Sophia hobo bag, a great alternative to this western bag.
• Searching for more The SAK bags on eBay
• Other The SAK shoppers on eBay:

[phpbay]The SAK shopper, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Well, it’s not quite the CFDA Fashion Awards with such big names as Louis Vuitton and Alexander Wang. However, the Independent Handbag Designer Awards is an honor (not to mention free advertising) to all of the hard-working finalists involved.

I was more than impressed after perusing the finalist page on HandbagDesigner101.com to vote on some of the categories. Well, it looks like a few of the purses that caught my eye grabbed the attention of the judges, too.

Some of the winners include Alice Tapajos for Zibba in the Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design category as well as familiar name Adriana Castro for Audience Fan Favorite. You might recognize Castro’s name from a recent Purse Blog and Luxaholics giveaway involving exotic leather bags.

In a short interview with HandbagDesigner101, Castro named fellow designer Carlos Falchi as inspiration. Interestingly, Falchi was among the judges on the panel presiding over the event. Also among the group was Devi Kroell.

Click here to see the full list of IHDA 2009 winners.

[Source: HandbagDesigner101]

Carlos Falchi Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]carlos falchi, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Sometimes I have to wonder if Kathy Van Zeeland can ever produce a handbag that’s not at least slightly over-the-top. I suppose there are a few exceptions, like the High Five purse; however, this designer’s signature look is definitely more saucy than simple on most days of the week.

The Stripe Five Tote is a perfect example of Van Zeeland’s bold style. There’s nothing understated about it. It’s bright, big, and shiny and meant to catch the eye.

Stripes of black, navy, purple, and hot pink material alternate directions to create a patchwork effect on this tote. Its contrast zig-zag stitching is nearly as prominent as the synthetic leather it holds together.

No Kathy Van Zeeland handbag is complete without a significantly sized piece of hardware. On the Stripe Five, you’ve got a silver and black logo plate on the front. There’s even a tiny crown-shaped zipper pull on the back exterior pocket. You’ve got this designer’s trademark fashion all wrapped up in one neat package, priced conveniently under $100.

More Features of the Stripe Five Tote

• Measures 14.5 x 13 x 7.5 inches
• Double straps with 9 inch drop
• Interior lined in nylon
• Magnetic snap closure

Get this Kathy Van Zeeland Stripe Five Tote:

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

[phpbay]kathy van zeeland stripe five, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy Van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The Stripe Five Belt Shopper, a great alternative to this tote style
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland handbags on eBay

I do love a good wallet. It is no good to have a beautiful handbag, and pull out of it a tattered, tired looking specimen holding your cash. It completely spoils the effect! To prevent moments like this happening, I suggest a top-end ladies wallet like this functional gray one from designer Lovcat.

Of course with a purse like this, functionality must rule. Thankfully, this wallet doesn’t disappoint – with its cash pouch, storage slots, bill slots and handy ID slot, it has everything a gal could possible need.

Of course, you don’t have to choose practicality over good looks, as this patent wallet comes with a hefty chunk of both. The pale dove gray shade is always a winner, and is emphasized all the more by the crocodile-esque pale thread detailing throughout. Finished off by the gold design plate emblazoning the front, this cash-carrier is quite beautiful.

It’s the higher end of the market, but as an investment piece good wallets should last for years. Less fickle than handbag fashion as a whole, spending a $100 now rather than $10 could be a great decision!

More Features of this Lovcat Patent Wallet

• Also available in teal
• Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 3.5 inches
• Patent leather and thread trimmed throughout

Get this Lovcat High-Fashion Wallet:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More ladies wallets on Bagbunch
• The Oroton Anya clutch, a great alternative to this crocodile-look wallet
• Searching for more Lovcat wallets on eBay
• More patent wallets on eBay:

[phpbay]patent ladies wallet, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

The Los Cabos from Sondra Roberts is for girls who favor bold modern looks rather than feminine vintage styles.

This purse is bold, but definitely not brassy. Hardware is kept to a minimum, with the textured leather drawing all the compliments. This turquoise blue clutch screams the loudest, placing it squarely in line with the current trend for all things 80s. If it’s too dramatic for your tastes the coral purse is a tamer option, although it’s still no shrinking violet.

The colors may be on trend, but the envelope style and turnlock closure bring a timeless appeal to the design. The shoulder strap is skinny, but its leather finish should still make it more comfortable than those chain straps most designers insist on. If you’d prefer carrying your clutch the old-school way, the strap simply unbuttons underneath the flap.

A slender profile and generous design offer plenty of storage space without the bulk. This clutch is much bigger than the average, allowing us to stash a slim wallet, cell phone, small digital camera, and the essential cosmetics inside. The inner front wall has two open top pockets for keeping all those girly goodies organized.

The Los Cabos’ modern styling is ideal for the city streets, or cocktail hour. The generous size complements that versatile design, making the $152 retail price seem like excellent value.

More Features of This Sondra Roberts Leather Clutch

• A removable keychain
• A single 22 inch strap with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 1.5 x 7 inches

Get this Sondra Roberts Los Cabos Purse:

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

[phpbay]Sondra Roberts Los Cabos clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Eve’s Web Boutique eBay store to see if this Sondra Roberts bag is in stock
• Searching online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Sondra Roberts bags on BagBunch
• The Sondra Roberts Los Cabos leather turn-lock satchel, a great alternative to this leather clutch.
• Searching for more Sondra Roberts bags on eBay

An 80-year-old German woman probably looked like an easy target to a 41-year-old bag thief, who snatched the purse from her bicycle basket. But he didn’t count on the grandma’s pedal power!

The elderly woman gave chase, pedaling hard in pursuit of the purse pinching cyclist. She may not have outcycled the thieving man, but she did manage to keep up and alert a passing driver of the crime. The Good Samaritan nabbed the culprit and held him until police arrived on the scene.

“The woman had the guts to say, ‘I’m not taking that’,” a police spokesman said.

Police retrieved the bag and returned it to its rightful owner. And it’s a good thing too after that effort. She certainly deserves her purse back, and a wholehearted apology from the thug to boot!

[Source: Reuters]
[Image Source: Alaina Cherup/Stock.xchng]

Moises de la Renta might not be a name you recognize but the surname is surely familiar. This twenty-something son of Oscar de la Renta is forging a name for himself in the fashion industry.

Though he’s spent past days working as an assistant designer for his dad’s company, he’s now breaking away a bit by designing his own collection. The junior de la Renta’s ready-to-wear line, named MDLR after his initials, is a simple collection starting out with a handfuls of separates, dresses, and handbags.

I think it’s safe to say that the bar has been set fairly high for MDLR considering the creator’s legendary fashion father. However, from the sneak peek of the line seen on Moises’ recently launched website, I don’t think it will be a disappointment. The handbags alone already have me itching to see more.

The new MDLR collection is set to be launched this fall, and most of it will retail under $1,000.

[Source: fashionologie]

Oscar de la Renta Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]oscar de la renta, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

The last Latico handbag I reviewed, the Eelskin Envelope Clutch, had some seriously bright colors. However, this Latico Rainbow Shoulder Bag takes the cake when it comes to multi-colored.

With tight accordion-style pleats, the Rainbow handbag has a very unique style that I certainly don’t see very often. The amount of colors included is overwhelming, to be sure, but full of personality. I’d call this one a way-beyond-your-basic bag.

When they call it rainbow, it’s no joke. There’s just about every color imaginable included here. The only thing to break up the multitude is the dark brown leather trim on the handle, top zipper panel, and center disk that seems to hold the pleating together.

As far as convenience, this shoulder bag has an adjustable shoulder strap to customize your fit. The strap is also removable, though I’m not exactly sure why this is a practical feature since the purse is too bulky and cumbersome to carry as a clutch. The brightly colored Rainbow Shoulder Bag from Latico’s P.S. collection retails for $199.

More Features of the Rainbow Shoulder Bag

• Leather material
• Zip top closure
• Adjustable shoulder strap

Get this Latico P.S. Rainbow Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Latico handbags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson St. Tropez Clutch, a great alternative to this multi-colored bag
• Searching for more Latico bags on eBay
• Other Latico shoulder bags on eBay:

[phpbay]latico shoulder bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]