What goodies do you have in your handbag? And which items are you willing to ‘fess up to?

While most of us carry around a cell phone, wallet, lipstick, tissues, keys, and cards, research suggests most of us are weighed down with much more. The study suggested women carry as many as 63 different objects, including some strange ones like detachable car CD players and screwdrivers for emergency spectacle repairs!

We may be carrying plenty, but most girls admit that 92% of our handbag stash isn’t useful. In fact, around half of respondents said they use between one and five of their bag “essentials” on a regular basis!

“This research shows that whilst we recognize that we don’t need all these things cluttering up our handbags we do still tend to cling on to objects ‘just in case’ – we are nurturers by nature and therefore prepare accordingly,” explained psychologist Anjula Mutanda. “All we really need though is just five essential items, as identified in the research, that will actually have a use on a day-to-day basis when we are out and about.”

Those must-haves include a purse or wallet, set of keys, a cell phone, packet of tissues, and a pen and notebook. What, no cosmetics?

If you’re looking to clear out the clutter, Anjula suggests five top tips:

• Ditch the oversized handbag for one that fits your lifestyle. It should carry what you need, and not much more.
• Declutter your handbag every night, removing those pesky receipts and used tissues.
• Choose a lightweight purse that won’t weigh you down. You’ll find it easier to notice when you’re carrying too much.
• Get rid of chunky keychains and all those old keys you never use.
• Consider using compact versions to minimize your load. Think a smaller purse, mini notebook, and pocket pack of tissues.

[Source: ResponseSource.com]
[Image Source: Danielle Blue/Flickr]

Organizer Handbags on eBay

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Ever since Michelle Obama carried a Ballerina Bag to the ballet, fashionistas everywhere have been buzzing about VBH. If you can’t spare the $1900 Ms Obama’s purse cost, perhaps this more affordable Glitter Clutch will be up your alley.

It is more affordable, but this purse still isn’t cheap. It retails at $850, which seems a lot for such a minimalist design. Still, without a lot of flash and fancy this is one clutch you can carry for years to come.

As you’d expect from its glitzy moniker, this envelope clutch is covered in glitter. But it’s just a thin sheen, so it doesn’t look as gaudy as you might imagine. A glitter encrusted clutch doesn’t need much more to tizzy it up, but there are three small beads below the flap and accent stitching. I love the look of the beads, but the stitching simply looks a little sloppy and unfinished. It’s a matter of personal taste I suppose, but it seems like the sort of thing I could create and I expect a lot more than that from a high end designer.

This slim little number won’t afford a lot of storage room either. There’s really no space to speak of, and you’re likely to struggle to fit even the essentials inside. If you plan to take this one out on the town, you might want to bring along a boyfriend with deep pockets!

It might be a lot less expensive than the First Lady’s VBH clutch, but it will also require you to make many more compromises. But that won’t be enough to turn off bagistas hoping to own a piece of this hot new fashion house!

More Features of This VBH Envelope Purse

• Measures 5 x 11.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get This VBH Glitter Clutch on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the RentMeAHandbag store on eBay – A VBH Purses Retailer
• All VBH bags on eBay

With a heavy glance towards the Yves Saint Laurent Cage Clutch, I’m ready to declare the cage bag a bonafide trend. And, ever the masters of trend, ASOS have jumped on the bandwagon with their Metal Cutwork Clutch at right.

I really like the design of this piece, perhaps even better than that of the YSL, gasp! The rounded edges and oval silhouette are echoed in the curved design of the cagework in a really artistic way. While I’m sure the YSL is sturdier with a higher quality, I much prefer the design of this cheaper bag.

Inside the metal cage is a cotton-silk blend lining. I do wonder if a cell phone would bang around noisily in the cage given the that the lining likely isn’t padded.

A silver affect chain shoulder strap makes this perfect for cocktail parties when you want to give your more formal frocks some edge, but it would also look really cool with jeans, heels and a “going out” top. I do wish the strap was constructed in such a way that it could be tucked inside when it wasn’t needed – which probably would have been easy to do.

More Details Of The ASOS Metal Cutwork Clutch

• Measures 18 x 10 x 4 centimeters
• Silver-finish metal

Check Out More Cage Bags On eBay

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Also See

• Click here to use the BagBunch Handbag Search Engine to find this bag on the internet
• Click here to search for more ASOS fashions on eBay

Even with Victoria Beckham’s ridiculous, over-the-top spending on her Birkin bag collection, Hermes is still dealing with financial woes. It’s a common story these days with fashion labels as people are cutting out luxury purchases.

Though Hermes recently opened a new boutique in the East Hamptons, the company has had to postpone the scheduled openings of two new stores in China. Some people might be surprised to hear it, though, since the brand was considered one of the top labels, along with Louis Vuitton and Gucci, doing well during the financial crisis.

Hermes’ CEO addressed the issue recently:

“We have a crisis, all luxury companies can feel it,” CEO Patrick Thomas said at a shareholders’ meeting yesterday. “It would be illusory to think that Hermes can escape.”

At least the company’s hiring freeze isn’t affecting the leather-goods department yet. Only time will tell how well they survive in the months to come.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: nep/Flickr]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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Woven leather handbags seem to be a hot commodity right now. I suppose it’s somewhat to be expected now considering the season, but there do seem to be quite a few out on the market right now.

Some brands have entire collections based on a specific weave style, like the Genevieve style from Cole Haan. This Rafe Amanda shoulder bag is a bit different, though, with its metallic-flecked canvas body peeking through. The look is very similar to the Rafe Kate bag, but the two design styles are unique.

Whereas the Kate handbag goes is a little edgier and contemporary with diamond studs on lattice-shaped leather, the Amanda has a more classic weave with patent leather and shiny gold-toned hardware. I like the interesting blend of canvas and leather on the wrapped shoulder handle, too. It brings together the two textures nicely.

This handbag closes with a leather flap on the front. Though the slim design with no bottom panel might make it difficult to set down, it keeps it lightweight for carrying around, which is a feature I think I’d prefer anyway.

More Features of the Amanda Shoulder Bag 

• Measures 16 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Handle with 8 inch drop
• Retails for $495

Rafe Amanda Bags on eBay

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• Get this classic woven leather shoulder bag on Amazon
• Click here to search more Rafe handbags on eBay

Spring sometimes brings a subdued palette to fashion, but not this season. Everywhere I look it’s neon and ultra brights up against rich, toasty neutrals, and nary a pastel to be seen.

Which makes this pleated patent clutch by Anya Hindmarch very of the moment in the best way possible. The shocking blue hue is bright as bright can be whilst still stopping short of neon. It really pops against the shiny gold frame, and makes the signature Anya bow logo stand out beautifully.

I really admire the way the pleating adds texture to the patent material without taking away its luster. The pleats also take what could have been a too simple accessory, and make it look very modern and intriguing. I can see this working for preppy Blair Waldorf types all the way to modern minimalism lovers. 

The size is also very timely. At 9″ x 4″, it is a good size for an evening bag. Large enough to carry the bare necessities and add a wallop of color to your outfit, but small enough not to detract from your clothes or become unwieldy.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Pleated Patent Clutch

• Tassel zip fastening
• Signature lining

Blue Patent Clutch Purses On eBay

[phpbay]blue patent clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Dogmom’s Designer Delights store on eBay
• Click here to search Anya Hindmarch handbags on eBay

Coach is taking a stand against those replica handbags, filing a lawsuit against Brown Shoe Co. Inc.

The luxury label says the brand sells a purse that is “virtually an exact copy” of the Coach Ergo Pleated handbag. The designer imitation is available through Brown Shoe’s Naturalizer store chain. Coach is seeking an injunction, damages for the profits it would have made, any profits Brown Shoe’s made from the patent, and other unspecified damages.

Looking at the Naturalizer website, this may not be the retailer’s last lawsuit. It features plenty of purses which bear more than a passing resemblance to our favorite Yves Saint Laurent and Foley + Corinna accessories.

I definitely don’t mind smaller retailers offering on trend purses at more affordable prices than the high-end designers, but a little originality wouldn’t go astray. All these rip-off merchants do is devalue those gorgeous designer originals, which isn’t good for anyone in the long run.

[Source: Bag Bliss]
[Image Source: Purse Page]

Coach Ergo Pleated Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach Ergo Pleated, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Treesje has given the hobo a contemporary country makeover with the Sophia.

The buttery soft leather is embellished with braided accents, perfect for all those urban cowgirls. Western embellishments can often come across as kitsch, but that’s not the case here. By using complementary leather and keeping the details to a minimum, Treesje creates a design that’s eye-catching and so modern.

That massive interior is sure to impress packrats and fans of the current oversized trend. Yet that triangular shape isn’t ideal for storage, with smaller items likely to find their way into the corners. But gee it looks chic. It’s up to you to decide whether the look is worth the inconvenience.

I’m also not sure about the shoulder strap. Sure it’s long and a little wider at the top, but this hobo seems like a lot of purse to carry with just one strap. I’m sure the leather will last despite the strain, but your shoulder is likely to complain if you take advantage of all that space!

More Features of This Treesje Braided Hobo Bag

• Silver-tone hardware
• Grosgrain lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 14 x 5 inches
• Made in China
• Available in black and cherry red

Get This Treesje Sophia Handbag on eBay

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• Click here to find this Treesje oversized leather purse at Endless
• All Treesje bags on eBay

If you missed Hayden-Harnett’s recent “Beauty and the Beach” summer fun giveaway, no need to be glum. You’ve got yet another chance to win a handbag full of beach-ready equipment and beauty products.

This time it’s NIVEA and Shay Todd teaming up to hand out several of their products in a super chic package. The two companies are offering a Coach Hamptons Weekend Tote full of summer essentials to one enviable reader of StyleList.com.

This gift bag includes a cute Shay Todd bikini set with a cover-up tunic as well as an array of NIVEA products including body wash, lip protection, and even cellulite gel to get those legs ready for exposure.

To submit an entry, you simply need to leave a comment on the contest page with your thoughts on what makes a pool party perfect. I’m guessing that any answer including a Shay Todd bikini or NIVEA lip balm is more than acceptable, though it won’t have an impact on their selection process.

If you’ve got your eye set on that Coach Hamptons Weekend Tote, be sure to enter the contest before June 11 at 5 pm (ET). The Bikini Bash Summer Essentials Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Click here to view the contest’s official rules.

[Source: StyleList]
[Image: Coach]

Coach Hamptons Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]coach hamptons, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

It’s no secret that I like Matt & Nat handbags. I’m not a vegan, and I indulge in my fair share of leather purses that aren’t animal-conscious. However, I do still appreciate this brand’s fashion statements as well as their positive message.

This stylish Ito clutch is easily recognizable as a Matt & Nat bag due to the signature texture, edgy hardware, and logo name plate on the front. Although it’s easy to spot as one of the label’s designs, the size isn’t something I’m used to seeing from Matt & Nat.

In contrast to some of their larger totes, like the Big Drop Hobo and the Avril Satchel, this Ito clutch is compact and slim. I’m not sure if it can be classified as oversized, but the Ito is significant in size, particularly in width.

The dark blue, vegan-friendly material has a slight sheen to it, making it appropriate for slightly dressy occasions as well as regular nights out. The interior is lined in Matt & Nat’s expected faux suede lining made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Just in case you might mistake it for the real thing, they’ve printed a statement on the inside to remind you of the lining’s origins.

That’s just the sort of thing I’ve come to expect from the brand. You’ve got to at least respect them for their passion and attention to detail. This responsible little clutch handbag retails for $185.

More Features of the Ito Clutch

• Measures 15 x 6 x 1 inches
• Manmade material
• Magnetic closure

Matt & Nat Handbags on eBay

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Also See

• Get this Ito Clutch in blue, white, or black on Amazon
• Click here to search more Matt & Nat bags on eBay