When Hobo International branched into the small handbag and wallet arena, they hit gold. They company has been churning out bags like the Lauren for several years now much to the delight of women everywhere. Like many of their other creations, this one has become a bestseller due to its sleek style and extremely practical design.

We all have the occasional dressy event to attend, and the outfit of the evening usually calls for a small handbag. As I’ve mentioned before, clutches are not the most practical of purses due to their size…unless, of course, you’re carrying an oversized clutch, which is an entirely different matter of impracticality. However, despite the storage issue of most clutches, this Hobo International Lauren bag manages to pull a few tricks out of the bag for clutch skeptics.

The best feature is that the Lauren opens to lay completely flat for the easiest access to stored items. The interior functions more like a wallet than a typical bag with its multiple pockets, pouches, and ID holders. It even has a zippered pocket for storing valuables and cash.

I love that everything stuffed inside this little leather Hobo International number will be safely and neatly organized. The same cannot be said for most small handbags. Despite the fact that the Lauren acts and works like a wallet, it is uniquely styled to appear like a clutch thus giving the owner multiple uses for it. Stash it in a larger purse, or accessorize your LBD with it for a dinner party.

The Lauren is available in many colors including the mogano brown shown here as well as neutral shades and eye catchers such as olive green and spice red. Its retail price tag of $108 could seem a tad high for some shoppers, but don’t forget that you’re getting two in one with this pretty Hobo International bag.

More Features of the Lauren Bag

• Meausures 8.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches
• Kiss-lock clasp
• Double frame design
• Paisley printed lining

Hobo International Lauren Clutches on eBay

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• Get the Lauren clutch and wallet combo on Amazon
• Click here to search all Hobo International bags on eBay

If, like me, you were a teenager during the 1980s then you must have worn clothes & accessories inspired by designer Stephen Sprouse. The late Sprouse, famous for his bright & colorful graffiti-clad designs, collaborated with Marc Jacobs in 2001 to produce the instantly sold-out Louis Vuitton Graffiti collection. Now Jacobs pays homage to this spirited designer by revisiting the popular, punk-inspired collection.

The Monogram Graffiti collection, available since January 9th in stores with a few pieces available on-line, has the popular Speedy and Neverfull bags priced above the $1000 mark. Collectors and LV lovers are already wait-listed for key pieces.

In addition, a more subdued (and appealing) Monogram Roses collection is also up for grabs. Again, a large portion of this collection is currently available in stores only with a few designs available on-line.

I’m tempted by the Mono Roses and Graffiti Speedy (in orange only as the fuchsia and day-glo green are just too jarring on the eyes for my taste), but their price tags are keeping me and my wallet at a safe distance. I might opt for a small coin purse just to have something from this homage collection.

• Shop the entire Stephen Sprouse collection on the Louis Vuitton website or through eLUXURY

(Syndicated from SenoraCartera: New Arrivals Alert – Louise Vuitton “Stephen Sprouse” Collection)

Stephen Sprouse Designed Bags on eBay

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Marc Jacobs is doing it again. Being the designer that makes something beautifully off-kilter that every woman suddenly wants, I mean. His ingenuity I’m used to, but if you had told me it would come in the form of arts & crafts style heart appliques, I would not have believed you. Still, the Love Story Collection is born.

But, it turns out, that the result of this DIY-driven impulse is deliciously, well, confectionary. Some people might call it a little too sweet, or even precious, but, personally, I find the combination of the textures (from snakeskin to patent) with the bright punchy pink refreshing.

The 11″ x 6.5″ x 2″ size makes it fit in with oversized trends, but it clearly stands out for other reasons. In a sea of black and boho, it won’t be hard to get noticed with this fuscia attention-grabber. It has all the marks of the quality we’ve come to expect from the Marc Jacobs line: detailed craftsmanship, gorgeous materials, and the teensy-weeniest gold logo stamp.

I will be the first to admit that the Big Heart Zip Clutch isn’t going to be for everyone, but I don’t think it’ll be just the girly girls sporting these. I think it would go perfectly with a black, big-skirted party dress a la Betsey Johnson, and some edgy rocker ankle boots. But it would be just as at home in a wardrobe full of Juicy Couture. And at $795, it isn’t exactly cheap, but it is definitely reasonable for a piece from the Marc Jacobs Collection.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Big Heart Zip Clutch

• Decoration is on both sides
• Zip-top closure with metal pull
• Fine textile lining
• Interior leather-trimmed patch pocket

Pink Leather Clutches on eBay

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Also See

• Click here for more from the Treasurehoard store on eBay
• Click here to search Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay

The image of two bright red puckered lips has long adorned Lulu Guinness handbags. Kissing mouths have embellished the front of purses and totes, while more perfect pouts have adorned the lining of this flamboyant designer’s creations. But she has never been so bold about her lips obsession before!

There’s no subtlety about this Lulu Guinness Lips Clutch. The sexy mouth is made from red snakeskin, padded to mimic lips Angelina Jolie would be proud of. I’m not sure whether I can’t stop staring at the exotic fabric, or whether my eyes are glued because it’s such an outrageous looking purse!

This is all about fun rather than functionality, so the impractical interior won’t come as any surprise. There’s the obligatory slip pocket to carry some fantastic plastic, and just enough room for party must-haves.

It goes without saying that this is not the clutch for everyone. Only the most daring diva would ever carry one. If the outrageous design doesn’t put you off, the $380 price tag just might. But for the willing and able, this Lulu Guinness purse could just provide the punch to really vamp up an outfit.

More Features of This Lulu Guinness Snakeskin Clutch

• Black cotton lined interior
• Zip closure with silver LG pull
• Measures 9.5 x 5 x 2 inches

Lulu Guinness Lips Purses on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the Just My Bag store on eBay – A Lulu Guinness Handbags Retailer
• All Lulu Guinness bags on eBay

With the economic downturn, many of our favorite designers are cutting back. But not Nina Ricci. The  French fashion house is expanding its accessories lines!

“When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate,” the company’s creative director Olivier Theyskens said after showing his pre-fall collection. “You have to stay true to what you’re doing, and the house of Nina is about luxury.”

Yes it is, and the new handbag and shoe collections have the same indulgent spirit. The hobo, shoulder bag, tote, and clutch purse are available in a range of skins including calf, pony, and alligator. Most of us won’t be able to afford Olivier’s prized piece: a boxy alligator tote with ribbon detail which fetches $25, 000. Thankfully most of the bags are cheaper than that, averaging around $2000.

Indulgent they may be, but these Nina Ricci handbags are not over the top.

“We’ve had a propensity toward so much flash the last few years,” he said, “and I wanted to make something classic with simple hardware.”

The more subdued details favored this year include a brass rope chain and a leather ribbon “you could hold in your hand and play with.”

Nina Ricci’s new handbag and shoe collections will be in stores this spring.

[Source: WWD Fashion]

Nina Ricci Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Nina Ricci handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Embrace your inner hippie chick with these fun tote bag from Lucky Brand.

The front is emblazoned with a peace symbol cleverly crafted from the interlocking links which give the tote its name. The black bag really shows off this feature, with red links against a glossy black patent leather. Personally I can’t imagine any hippies wearing a purse this flashy. If you agree with me you might prefer this bourbon brown handbag. The soft leather has more of an everyday feel, and the coordinated peace sign has a much subtler charm.

The original hippies might not have needed any worldly possessions, but these days it’s a different story. This tote is big enough to carry all those everyday essentials, but its slim design doesn’t allow for many luxuries. An interior zip pocket for change and a cell phone slip are handy modern conveniences.

In keeping with the Peace Link’s relaxed vibe, this tote features dual handles allowing girls to just grab and go. Like the peace sign on the bag’s front, the straps are also crafted from interlocking leather links for a cute, unified look.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Leather Tote Bag

• Cotton lined interior
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 11 x 2 inches
• Retails for $268

Lucky Brand Peace Purses on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to look at this Lucky Brand hippie handbag on Amazon
• All Lucky Brand bags on eBay

The French always seem to have fashion in the bag (no pun intended…well, maybe a little). Longchamp is one of those longstanding design companies originating in Paris which, despite decades of producing collections, always manages to create new, interesting items for fashionistas everywhere to desire.

One of the most popular collections designed by Longchamp is the Le Pliage line ranging from cosmetic cases to full-sized luggage bags. Perhaps it is the perfect combination of sleek style and practicality that makes the collection so prevailing.

My personal favorite from the Le Pliage options is the large folding tote. Who would have thought navy nylon could look so stylish? All at once, the bag makes me wish for a sunny day at the ocean and a cool, cloudy day out shopping. I can’t imagine another bag that could convert so easily between the two opposites.

The lightweight nylon is perfect for carrying around all day but is durable enough for regular use and beyond. This tote could double as a travel bag and diaper bag. The waterproof material makes it ultra practical, but the brown leather handles and trim provide the extra touch that makes it chic. The long zipper not only makes the interior easily accessible but also adds a modern shape to an otherwise basic shape.

If the large version is too big for you, the Le Pliage line offers a plethora of sizes from which to choose. You can get the tote in almost any color imaginable. I love the navy, but the cornflower blue and chocolate brown are equally pretty. The large Longchamp folding tote is available for $145.

More Features of the Le Pliage Large Tote

• Measures 13 x 13 x 7.5 inches
• Double leather handles with 12 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Leather flap with snap

Longchamp Le Pliage Totes on eBay

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• Get the Le Pliage tote in navy on Amazon
• Click here to search all Longchamp handbags on eBay

Okay, I’ll be honest. A lot of the bags in Gucci’s Hysteria line did not, as promised, get my pulse racing. But this stunning python purse definitely has me hot and bothered. 

You might recognize it as one of the bags carried by the deliciously evil Georgina Sparks (Michelle Trachtenberg) on last season’s Gossip Girl. I know I remember it, because Georgina and this bag brought the fashion consciousness of GG into a whole new stratosphere.

The round slouchiness of the bag perfectly showcases the naturally geometric appeal of the snakeskin. The combination of the sleek, simple 80’s-inspired design and the python makes for luxurious look. The neat pleating adds volume and symmetry with the vertical striping of the snakeskin.

The color is rich and neutral. The subtle brown-to-black variations mean that this is an extremely versatile piece. It has a Dynasty-era bad girl appeal, but, given its sleek lines, I think it could work for more conservative types, as well.

The petite handle blends in so well with the shape of the bag that it is almost decorative. In case it is too impractical for you, there is also a removable shoulder strap, which is held to the bag with delicate gold side clasps. The large button detail reinforces the handles, and their roundness mimics the overall shape of the bag. 

At $3,000 retail, most of us won’t be as lucky to own this number as Miss Georgina Sparks, but for an exotic skin designer bag, the price isn’t actually unreasonable as an investment for women with a little extra change to spare. The rest of can just hope that when Georgina enjoys her much trumped-up reprise, so will the Gucci Hysteria Python Purse.

More Features Of The Gucci Hysteria Python Purse

• Signature Gucci lining
• Magnetic snap closure

Python Purses On eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Pamper Yourself In Style store on eBay
• Click here to search Gucci handbags on eBay

The Rebecca tote from Lauren Merkin is one of those rare handbags that gives you a fashion forward look every day. It’s reserved enough to suit the office, while having enough individual style for your weekend.

Glazed leather is always luxurious, and this saddle brown shade really shows it off. The black bag is a little more classic, while the nude variety is feminine and so versatile. The details are kept to a minimum to allow the lush leather to take center stage. A little soft pleating and a flash of gold hardware add interest to the timeless tote design.

If you’ve ever struggled with a busted zip, you’ll love the dual access interior. The Rebecca is tall and deep, so the zippered compartment and two slip pockets really come in handy. They’re perfect for stashing the small goodies you don’t want to find at the bottom of your bag!

Dual handles complete the functional design. They’re wide and soft, ensuring they’ll feel comfortable on your shoulder no matter how full your Rebecca gets.

At $575 retail, the Rebecca represents excellent value for a bag you’ll use for years to come.

More Features of This Lauren Merkin Glazed Leather Handbag

• Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 14 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in New York City

Lauren Merkin Bags on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the Bagaholics Anonymous store on eBay – A Lauren Merkin Handbags Retailer
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Just like Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton is another Hollywood starlet who seems to have abandoned the screen for a more fashionable career. Leaving her OC days far behind her, Mischa is designing some gorgeous handbags.

To celebrate her spring/summer 2009 line, Mischa has joined the digital age. She’s just launched an official shopping website to spruik her second purse collection. Just like her debut line, Mischa’s new purses stay true to her signature bohemian style.

This season there are 34 styles to choose from, including totes, clutches, and shoulder bags. The pebble leather, patent, and metallic snakeskin fabrics offer something for flashy fashionistas and more conservative tastes.

Like any good OC fan, I’ve fallen for the Marissa. This purse, named after her OC character, is made from lush terracotta leather and features Mischa’s distinctive clover logo. I love this practical drawstring, but if you’re after something a little smaller the Marissa is also available as a tote, a small purse, or one of two clutches.

The new season’s collection is priced for the current economic climate, with the high-end purses costing less than $400.

[Source: Hollywood Life]
[Image Source: Mischa Barton Handbags]

Spring 2009 Bags on eBay

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