One of the easy trends to follow this season is texture, texture, and more texture. Standout leathers like ostrich and python are popular but can sometimes run a little high. A printed or embossed leather with the same look can achieve almost the same effect for a fraction of the price.

I wouldn’t exactly call Betsey Johnson a budget brand as she is a major designer today with bags that can sometimes run well past $350. This Snake Charmer Tote, for example, retails for $295. However, that’s not a bad deal for a stylish designer purse that has tons of character and quality details.

Though it’s offered in black, ivory, green, and blush snake prints, the barely basic ivory option is my favorite. It’s as subtle as it can be for the pattern and doesn’t overwhelm the eye combined with the other details. The black is also a great choice for a slightly basic look.

The edgy features that make this bag a classic Betsey Johnson are the gold chain-link straps, chain edging, and zippered detail around the top. All of this flashy hardware gives the Snake Charmer the signature look of the designer. The snake-printed leather is just a bonus, as far as I’m concerned.

Though this medium-sized tote is a good size for everyday. If you require a bigger bag but love this style, the Betsey Johnson Snake Charmer also comes in two larger versions, either taller or wider.

More Features of the Snake Charmer Medium Tote

• Measures 15 x 10 x 3.5 inches
• Printed leather material
• Chain and leather straps
• Front flap closure

Betsey Johnson Totes on eBay

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• Get this Snake Charmer Tote on Amazon
• Click here to search more Betsey Johnson bags on eBay

Roberto Cavalli is known for his bold, flashy designs. And I’ll tell you what, nothing says Cavalli to me like animal print with gold accents. This Zebra Print Shopper is what Cavalli is all about.

But this isn’t your ordinary, everyday, plain old zebra-striped bag. The print on this tote is intricate and extremely well-thought out. It’s as though someone might have looked at an actual animal when they drew it, instead of squiggling some black lines on white fabric. I know animal print isn’t for everyone, but I for one love it, and this is what it should look like.

The shape of the bag is simple and classic, which is great, because the print doesn’t really need anything to compete with it. The gold grommets are okay, but honestly, the snake print luggage tag is a little much. Thankfully it’s also easily removable.

The braided leather handles enhance the wild feline attitude of the bag quietly, but as usual, I have a bone to pick with how thin they are. At 21″ x 24″ x 14″, this bag is huge, and it really warrants some extra comfy thick straps. I know that the straps are meant to add a bit of delicacy, and that would be great on a smaller bag, but on this one, I would like to see comfort accounted for.

My only other concern with this bag is about the price. At $1,010 retail, I might like a material slightly more exotic than canvas, but maybe that’s the tradeoff for the detailed animal print.

More Features Of The Roberto Cavalli Zebra Print Shopper

• 7″ handle drop
• Internal zipper pocket
• Beige fabric-lined interior

Zebra Print Totes On eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Runway Fashion store on eBay
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Doctor bags tend to be bulky affairs that we could easily imagine our own M.D. carrying on a house call. But Isaac Mizrahi has given the genre an elegant twist with this chic and sleek doctor.

The traditional size is there, but it’s a lot slimmer than we’re used to. That gives this doctor bag a much cleaner silhouette than its contemporaries. I can just imagine a gloved Hollywood siren of old carrying this beauty.

The narrow design means you’ll have to leave your bulky goods at home, but there’s still plenty of room for daily essentials. Fans of traditional doctor bags may have to redefine what they call essential though!

The short handle suits the purse’s vintage vibe, but it’s not the most practical feature. A removable long strap would have been a welcome option for girls on the go, but I can understand that it might undermine the doctor’s sophisticated look.

I love the look of the bone color, but I’m under no illusions about its staying power. I only wish Isaac Mizrahi had added some more practical tones to the collection. This pastel shade won’t stay pristine unless you save it for a special occasion, which seems such a shame when you’re paying $695! For that sort of money I want something I can show off when the mood takes me!

More Features of This Isaac Mizrahi Bone Purse

• Leather lined interior
• Flap closure
• Polished gold-tone hardware
• Protective flower feet on the bag’s base
• An inner zip pocket
• A single handle with a 1 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 15.5 x 4.25 inches
• Made in China

Leather Doctor Bags on eBay

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• Click here to find this elegant bone Isaac Mizrahi bag at Endless
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For the Chanel lover who has everything comes this designer classical guitar.

We first saw this baby draped across the flamenco-inspired models of Chanel’s spring/summer 09 show in Paris. Now the average fashion lover can own one, so long as they have £4,000 to spare!

If we ignore the extravagant cost, this acoustic instrument is a tempting proposition. By Chanel standards the design is almost subtle, with the “CC” logo behind the sound hole and Chanel text tucked away on the back. The body is available in your choice of classic black or white.

The quilted lambskin case is a little more flamboyant, with its cute “CC” zipper pulls shaped like plectrums and a racing stripe running down the center.

It might be a beauty, but unless you’re a cashed-up muso like Lily Allen you’ll probably have to pass on this irresistible instrument.

This classical guitar is available now from Chanel boutiques.

[Source: The Bag Lady]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Fringe is big this season, but it’s so easy for the trend to look overdone. The Wyeth tote from Hayden-Harnett keeps it simple, so you’ll appear more city slicker than rodeo clown.

The side fringes give the Wyeth a relaxed feel which is a little Western and a little boho-chic. But this isn’t one of those casual purses you’ll need to put away after five. The front pockets are practical and stylish with their polished turnlock closures and angular flaps. The dark black and cordovan brown color options also help to dress things up.

Inside you’ll find the organizational bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from Hayden-Harnett. The generous interior becomes a lot more functional thanks to the large zippered pocket and slip pockets in the side walls.

The artisan stitched handles look impressive, but they’re far too short to be practical for all-day errands. A longer strap gives you a hands-free option for cross-body carrying and over-the-shoulder toting.

The $725 retail value is still cause to pause, but the combination of classic looks and a little contemporary flair make the Wyeth a future wardrobe staple.

More Features of This Hayden-Harnett Fringe Bag

• Leather lacing pocket details
• Two magnetic slit pockets in rear
• A “HH” logo amulet
• Hidden magnet closure
• Dual handles with a 3 inch drop
• An adjustable strap with a 20-25 inch drop
• Measures 18.5 x 14 x 3.5 inches

Hayden-Harnett Wyeth Purses on eBay

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• Click here to find this black Hayden-Harnett leather handbag at Amazon
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If you’re going to get a large leather shopper, it might be a good idea to look for one in a neutral color so it won’t overwhelm an outfit due to its sheer size. Of course, sometimes a big bright or patterned bag like the Cole Haan Genevieve Plaid is great for spicing up a neutral outfit.

However, if you want that versatile shopper tote that you can grab for almost any outfit and stuff with everything you can imagine, something like the Furla Ninfea Grande is ideal. The pebbled, ivory-colored leather is just about guaranteed to accessorize whatever you pull out of your closet.

Yes, it is neutral, but just because it’s a basic color doesn’t mean it’s all about blending in. There are a few details that give it some interest. Besides the silver-toned hardware, a dark brown resin chain that weaves through the top of the bag is the only contrasting color, which makes the feature stand out.

The slim double handles seem a little out of proportion for the oversized shopper, but thankfully there is an attached longer strap that gives you more support as well as options for carrying. Most large handbags these days offer this convenient single strap. I only wish the one on the Furla Ninfea were detachable like many others. This large leather handbag retails for just over $600.

More Features of the Ninfea Grande 

• Measures 18 x 10.5 x 5 inches
• Double handles with 8 inch drop
• Three compartments with middle zipper

Furla Handbags on eBay

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• Get this ivory-colored Ninfea Grande Shopper on Amazon
• Click here to search all Furla handbags on eBay

There was only one moniker appropriate for Diesel’s 20, 000 square feet New York store. The massive flagship outlet is fittingly named Diesel Planet.

The brand’s Diesel and Diesel Black Gold collections will be shown over three floors. The label claims to offer more than 700 different denim styles and washes on every level. These famed casual fashions will sit alongside Diesel’s handbags, fragrances, intimates, footwear, and more.

The megastore is designed by Diesel’s creative team headed by Wilbert Das. He has used refurbished vintage wood, black steel, cast glass, and bronze to create the edgy space. Guests will also enjoy lounging on vintage furniture collected from around the globe. The contrasting textures follow an “opposites attract mentality.”

Diesel Planet features many unique services which are sure to draw crowds. Customers can have the waistbands of their denim purchases personalized with their name or initials using laser-etching technology. And there are apparently “magic mirrors” which ensure your derriere looks good from any angle! Where do I find one of those?

Other services include onsite tailoring, Wi-Fi, e-commerce portals, wireless cash stations, and a “Power Shopper” program.

“It’s the dream of each brand to open such an amazing store on Fifth Avenue! It represents one of the greatest goals for Diesel, the accomplishment of a 30-year dream as well as the beginning of a new adventure; this street is the most important shopping window of the world that gets me excited every time I come to New York” said Renzo Rosso, president of Diesel.

Diesel Planet is Diesel’s fourth flagship store in the United States, and its seventh outlet in New York. It joins other Diesel Planets in Milan, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Diesel Planet New York is at 685 Fifth Avenue.

[Source: View on Fashion]
[Image Source: Beadwoman/Flickr]

Diesel Handbags on eBay

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Okay, I won’t lie to you. This is the kind of object I see sitting on the store shelf, and I think to myself, “Jimmy Choo, what are you thinking? This thing is hideous.” And then some uptown girl in a DVF dress and huge shades breezes past me looking all relaxed and fabulous, and I can’t imagine that I didn’t love the bag on sight.

With a bag like the Robin, there’s a lot to love. The yellow color is amazingly vibrant, and the elaphe snakeskin edging is a fantastic contrast. The braided leather handles are beaded with amber bracelets, and the silver logo clasp is sleek and adds a geometric twist to the voluptuous shape of the bag. And then there’s the tassels.

So, when I say there’s a lot to love about this bag, there’s just so many details that your eye isn’t sure where to stop. Jimmy Choo says this line was inspired by the spirit of modern Africa, and I guess I can see where he’s coming from. That being said, there is a lot going on on the Robin, it all flows together well, but if you aren’t careful, this is the kind of bag that can really wear you instead of the other way around. 

Personally, I find the abundance of details on the Robin simultaneously attractive and terrifying. I know I could never pull it off in real life. But, If you live for graphic prints and boho chic, then here’s a bag that can match your passions.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Large Robin Leather Bag

• 18″ x 10″ x 6″ size
• 9″ handle drop
• Tab closure with buckle clasp

Yellow Jimmy Choo Handbags On eBay

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Girly girls need not apply. This Givenchy Military Satchel keeps the frills to a minimum for a no fuss look.

It’s big, black, and boxy. Gold studs give the black leather a dangerous air like a motorcycle jacket. But unlike Nicky Hilton’s Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag, there are no tassels to soften the look.

Just like the girls who’ll go gaga for it, this Givenchy bag is all about practicality. Roomy side pockets close with a triple snap. The interior is generous, but there are enough pockets to help keep things in order. A zip, slip, and cell phone pouch will take care of the clutter, leaving you free to get on with your day! The dual shoulder straps are long, flat, and wide, so they’ll feel comfortable on your shoulder no matter how much you’re toting.

It might be a little masculine for some, but that’s exactly what fans of the Military Satchel are bound to embrace. The conservative black color ensures this satchel is equally at home carried by day or night.

More Features of This Givenchy Studded Leather Bag

• Black canvas lined interior
• Dual 19 inch shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches

Givenchy Satchels on eBay

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It’s another fashion success story despite the industry’s suffering financial situation. Project Runway ingenue Christian Siriano has doubled his sales since last year and even got several more retail stores to carry his creations.

My guess is that his line of affordable but fierce handbags and shoes for Payless helped boost his popularity, not to mention a budget-friendly image. If a newer designer can get a good name with shoppers, though, they’re bound to see an increase.

“The good thing about my company is it’s really small and it’s growing, and we didn’t have to lay off a bunch of employees because I don’t have a bunch of employees,” he explained. “It’s crazy to think. You’re like, ‘Oh my God, you doubled sales in this economy?!’ But because last season was my first real season, my sales were small because I was so new. We had a handful of really good stores, and now this season we have ten great new stores.“

Not bad for someone who was merely an intern for Alexander McQueen in the past. It’s nice to hear that there’s hope for the fashion future of up-and-coming designers in this economy. Good news for Christian Siriano. Now we just have to cross our fingers for the other creative souls.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image source: feastoffools/Flickr]

Alexander McQueen Handbags on eBay

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