Nancy Gonzalez is back to doing what she does best here: creating glorious handbags using exotic crocodile skin. We’ve looked at her handbags before, but if you’re after something snappier for after five this flap clutch could be just the thing.

The first thing you’ll notice is the unusual coloring. The crocodile skin has been elegantly glazed to create a unique mottled effect. The gold highlights make the basic black skin look a little less ordinary, emphasizing each scale while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Another evergreen feature is the flap closure. A magnetic snap is hidden underneath to keep your girly goodies safe and secure. Pop it open to reveal an interior which is more luxurious than many clutches. From the soft suede lining to the long design, this space is both sumptuous and practical. You won’t fit the kitchen sink inside, but you won’t be restricted to just the bare basics either.

Of course, being genuine crocodile this clutch doesn’t come cheap. The four-figure sum may put many off, especially in these tough economic times, but at least this beauty won’t go out of style.

More Features of This Nancy Gonzalez Flap Purse

• Double slip pockets and three credit card slots inside
• Measures 11 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Clutches on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Passion4Fashion4Less store on eBay – A Nancy Gonzalez Handbags Retailer
• All Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay

If you’ve got a certain amount to spend, you could probably do all your handbag shopping from the pages of gossip mags. Stars get their hands on all the best styles first, as with this Rebecca Minkoff Matinee Tote. Vanessa Minnillo was spotted carrying it leaving Alice + Olivia.

It’s actually pretty practical to view bags in paparazzi photos because you get a better idea of size and can see how the bag hangs on a real person, not a posed model.

This bag, for instance, looks a bit larger and slouchier than I expected it to be. Those who like these type of bags because they carry all their stuff around with them everywhere may be frustrated with the East-West silhouette however. While roomy, the shape can be problematic for staying organized. But this tote does have an interior zip pocket for your wallet and two patch pockets for phone and sunglasses.

The zippers on this bag are stylish and particularly on-trend for spring. Ms Minnillo even shows you how to pair the dark, heavy leather bag with a light summer look. Patch pockets that snap closed and flaps on the sides add some extra design elements that up the fashion quotient considerably.

More Features of the Rebecca Minkoff Matinee Tote

• Measures 15 x 7 x 6 inches
• 19 inch top handles with 7 inch drop
• Fabric lining
• Made in U.S.A.

Buy This Rebecca Minkoff East-West Bag On eBay

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• Click here to search for more Rebecca Minkoff bags on eBay

The slowly growing trend of fashion customization is something I definitely approve of. If you’re going to drop a decent amount of cash on a purse, it’s nice to have control of at least a few of the features. Plus, doesn’t it make you feel just a little like a fashion designer picking out coordinating colors and such?

Longchamp is joining the trend by adding a section to their website that allows shoppers to “design” their own bag. Of course, the style options are limited, but the two collections from which you choose a bag are among the most best that the brand offers.

Online customers have two options, the Le Cabas in leather or the widely popular Le Pliage collection in sturdy nylon with leather trim. Within each category, there are a handful of sizes from coin purse to oversized tote.

The customization consists of several steps: choosing a model, picking a handle length, selecting your combination of colors and metallic hardware, and adding an optional monogram or name. The process is extremely simple and user-friendly, but it will surely make you feel creative (an maybe even a little smug with yourself) to make the decisions resulting in your ideal handbag.

Prices range from $45 to $470 with a delivery lead time of three weeks. Click here to begin designing your own Longchamp bag. 

[Source: View on Fashion]

Longchamp Handbags on eBay

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Picture the scene. You’re packing for a cheeky night out, but don’t fancy dragging your massive suitcase around. You can only fit a lipstick in your satin clutch, and your Coach tote is packed with work. What do you do?

This simple bag may be the answer to your prayers – large and spacey, yet retro and desirable. Shaped in the traditional bowler style, it is designed with packing in mind, and should happily fit a few days worth of clothing and a couple of books.

I am strangely fond of this bag. The bright green vibrant leather pays homage to famous sporting brands such as Dunlop, giving the bag a vintage and retro “old-school” feel. If this isn’t the vibe you are going for, however, it is available in three other colors to match your personality.

There are no crazy embellishments on this bag. It keeps it simple with dark leather trim and strong reinforced handles; there are no decorations, patterns or ruffles. In one way, this is a disadvantage. After all, we all know that fringes are in, and that pattern upon pattern is so “vogue”. From another point of view, however, this makes the bag much more of an investment. The color should cross seasons: bright for spring, yet strangely autumnal at the same time. Fashions may come and go, but this hold-all will still be loyally shipping you back and forth.

It may get shoved to the back of the wardrobe from time to time, but it will always be dragged back out again, as any useful and eternal bag should.

Features

• Leather outer and trim
• Available in 4 colors: red, orange, green, steel
• Dimensions: 16″ x 5″ x 23″

Leather Latico Handbags on eBay

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• Click here to see this colourful duffle bag on Amazon
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The Matt & Nat Marais is not a new bag for the brand, but it is definitely worth a closer look. If you’re in the market for a practical, cruelty-free satchel, the Marais will suit you perfectly.

Although I’m sure PETA can’t say enough nice things about Matt & Nat’s animal-friendly fashion, it’s the style critics that are raving about the brand’s products. With the new influx of eco-friendly styles making waves in the fashion world, it’s only right that the animal rights movement have their place as well. For that particular issue of conscience, Matt & Nat is the company to look at.

The Marais is made from the brand’s signature Japanese Paper textured vegan leather. The texture itself is unique enough to stand out in the darker versions of the bag, like coffee brown and black. However, I love the look of this dark cranberry red on the crinkled material. It might not be ideal for spring or summer, but it would be beautiful for the fall.

The all-vegan leather makes the Marais very lightweight, which can be rare for a satchel of this size. The double handles on top probably limit you to carrying the handbag in your hand rather than shoulder and might be too short to be comfortable for long periods of time. However, there’s an attached adjustable shoulder strap that blends in nicely and offers the most convenient way to travel with this satchel.

More Features of the Marais Satchel

• Measures 18 x 11 x 6 inches
• Double handles with 3 inch drop
• Longer attached strap with 10 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Matt and Nat Marais Bags on eBay

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• See more of the brand’s signature Japanese Paper purses on eBay
• Click here to search all Matt and Nat handbags on eBay

Alexander McQueen does it again! Does what? Well, he comes up with something new and innovative that doesn’t look like anything else out there and totally makes it work.

The crystal print on this smooth satin twill clutch looks almost holographic and three dimensional. It’s got a space age, futuristic appeal that is also polished enough to pull off with a sophisticated evening ensemble, although I might stay away from print dresses, since the pattern on this clutch is so eye-catching.

The rest of the bag is pared down in comparison to the print, which better shows off its ingenuity. Except for the clasp, that is, which is huge and silver, and looks as though it is growing naturally out of the crystals printed on the clutch.

At 9″ x 5″ x 2″, this bag is about mid-sized for the clutch category. It’s definitely big enough for evening essentials, but might not make the crossover to day. That makes it somewhat less versatile than I like a bag to be, but since it is so reasonably priced, I will accept it. At $540, you would be hard pressed to find another bag in this price range by a designer of McQueen’s caliber.

More Features Of The Crystal Print Clutch by Alexander McQueen

• Zippered back compartment
• Fold over front flap
• Magnetic snap closure

Satin Clutch Purses On eBay

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Forget about the practicalities. This satin clutch by Maddalena Marconi is simply a thing of beauty.

Its Italian pedigree shows in the design, which is dramatic without being ostentatious. The elements could have so easily been overworked, but this purse is styled with stunning restraint. A ring of Swarovski crystals pops against the black satin finish. Black feathers emerge from this jeweled center, like a starburst or fireworks.

But it’d be remiss of me not to mention this evening purse’s limitations. The slim lines make it ideal for hand-held carrying, but impractical for carrying all but absolute essentials. There’s a slip pouch, but it’s so small it seems like a mere token gesture.

The absence of a shoulder strap is also notable. Perhaps I’m simply spoiled by more modern designs which favor tuckaway chains, but the addition of a shoulder strap would give this clutch a more versatile appeal.

For all its shortcomings, that breathtaking design is difficult to ignore. And at $498, it’s not over-the-top for a limited edition purse.

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Satin Purse

• Measures 1.2 x 11.6 x 4.5 inches
• Weighs 7 ounces
• Comes with a dustbag

Feathered Clutches on eBay

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Louis Vuitton is going green tomorrow, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day. The luxury handbag designer will donate 15% of the day’s online American sales to The Climate Project. The Climate Project is the brainchild of Nobel Laureate and former vice president Al Gore. The international non-profit group looks to raise public awareness of the climate crisis.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with The Climate Project and promote environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day,” said Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton, North America. “Over the past few years Louis Vuitton has voluntarily made efforts to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment. In addition we are proud to be able to support The Climate Project in its inspiring quest to raise awareness of the climate crisis.“

Louis Vuitton has been a longtime supporter of the environmental charity, which has benefited from the brand’s Core Values campaigns since 2007. Louis Vuitton has made donations to The Climate Project on behalf of the advertising’s stars Catherine Deneuve, Andre Agassi and, Keith Richards, Sofia and Francis Ford Coppola, and Sean Connery.

If you’re looking for the ideal Earth Day bag, might I suggest this Alma MM from the new Stephen Sprouse collection? The pink rose print and vibrant vert green shade are ideal for the day’s environmental focus!

[Source: Bag Snob]

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Roses Bags on eBay

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With its cute little name, I expected something more petite and girly from the Gaby. Instead it’s an oversized satchel with a cool, casual, attitude.

The oversized zipper pulls and retro curves remind me of Chloe’s Bay Bag, but unlike that celebrity favorite this Hype satchel doesn’t come with a four-figure price tag. That make the Gaby a great alternative for bargain hunters who loved that look, but demand the quality a knock-off might lack.

For this is no mere homage to an “It” bag. For all its similarities, the Gaby has its own perks. The crinkle-texture leather has a glazed sheen. The glossy finish is alluring, but not as lurid as a patent leather. The tek brown, black, and white shades are predictable, but this azure blue is a real show-stopper. It may not seem as versatile as the more conservative shades, but just imagine how it’d look paired with your favorite denims.

The Gaby has space to spare, with a design that’s almost as deep as it is wide as it is long. Thankfully there are plenty of pockets to help us stay organized. The interior has three individual sections, each with their own zipper, to keep your girly goodies separate and secure. There are also two convenient pockets on the sides for easy access to your must-haves.

But a purse of this size needs more than these tiny handles. They’re sturdy enough, but far too short to sling over your shoulder. Thankfully this Hype satchel comes with a longer, and much more practical, strap. It’s removable, but I think you’ll struggle with the bag’s weight if you take it off!

More Features of This Hype Glazed Leather Satchel

• Floral print lining
• Measures 10.5 x 11 x 8 inches
• Made in China

Get This Hype Gaby Handbag on eBay

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• Click here to get this Hype structured satchel at Endless
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While style icon and French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld may claim not to know how to use the computer, tech is chic. These days women want their electronics to be encased as fashionably as everything else they carry.

Samsonite knew this when they paired up with couture genius Alexander McQueen for a luggage collection. This Samsonite Black Label Alexander McQueen Computer Bag is the ultimate in luxe laptop apparel.

Let’s start with the mystery that is how McQueen made a laptop bag sexy. Details like thin handles, a thick buckle-accented strap and an ostrich-leather panel offset this silhouette to sophisticated visual perfection.

As for practicality, this is not the bag for someone who needs to be hauling their computer everywhere they go, hopping in planes, trains and automobiles. The thin handles, while sleek, do not seem optimal for carrying something as heavy as a 16″ laptop (the largest this bag accommodates). While it does have compartments for your cell phone and PDA, it does not seem geared towards the business woman. Unless your business is fashion and you have an assistant to lug this bag around for you.

One redeeming practical quality is the price. At under $1,000 it is an affordable way to own a piece of McQueen. You would never find an Alexander McQueen bag of any size for this price point, let alone a beautiful tote.

With this bag it all depends on how much function you’re willing to sacrifice for truly superior form. You’ll never find a sturdy nylon laptop bag with anything near this level of style.

More Features of the Samsonite Black Label Alexander McQueen Computer Bag

• Measures 18 x 14 x 6 inches
• Feather print lining
• Metal zip closure

Samsonite Black Label Alexander McQueen Bags on eBay

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• Click here to purchase this computer bag on Amazon
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