A flash of fringe ensures this Gogo tote from Kelsi Dagger is as much fun as it’s far out name.

Just like the first go-go dancers, this Gogo tote takes us right back to the seventies. With the decade enjoying a fashion renaissance, that retro vibe makes this tote feel decidedly on trend. The fringing works well with the camel colored leather to help the Gogo hit just the right note.

I also appreciate that Kelsi Dagger hasn’t overdone the design. Using just a splash of fringe ensures this tote doesn’t appear kitschy. It also helps the bag retain its clean lines. The ribbing along the rolled handles sets off the fanciful fringe nicely. Those handles may slide from your shoulders, as rolled ones often do, but if it’s a problem you can always add the flat cross-body strap.

The Gogo is enormous, but Kelsi Dagger goes some way to keeping the space organized. The side walls are fitted with the holy trinity: a zippered pocket and pair of open ones for gadgets. The purple jacquard lining it another inspired touch. It’s not just aesthetically pleasing; this bright hue ensures we can easily see our items at a glance.

At $345 this Gogo tote is priced just where it should be. It’s affordable by designer standards, but not cheap that we wonder about its quality. How fab!

More Features of This Kelsi Dagger Fringed Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 18 x 4 inches

Get this Kelsi Dagger Gogo Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the Shiseido Store eBay store to see if this Kelsi Dagger bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More tote bags on BagBunch
• The black Kelsi Dagger Gogo tote bag, a great alternative to this camel bag.
• Searching for more Coach Patchwork on eBay
• Other Kelsi Dagger Gogo bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Kelsi Dagger Gogo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Chloe takes its styling to the Wild West with this Hilo shoulder bag.

The Hilo has the feminine features we expect from the label’s See by Chloe diffusion label, but the burnished brown leather tempers them. Frankly I feel some of the details, like the perforated trim and kiltie accents, get lost in the dark skin. Anyone who thinks Chloe’s usual styling is too fussy might appreciate that effect, but I think we lose a lot of what’s special about the Hilo. From a distance it seems like a fairly drab, very ordinary pouch.

The Hilo’s a decent size but it is narrow, so it’ll require some careful packing to hold everything you need on a day out. I appreciate the length of the shoulder strap, but it’s a bit narrow for my taste. Some extra inches would have added comfort without diminishing the style.

The luscious lambskin and attention to detail are probably worth the $495 Chloe’s asking, but I’m still not convinced. Fans of Western style might see something special here, but I’ve seen better from the Chloe stable.

More Features of This See by Chloe Lambskin Shoulder Bag

• Golden hardware
• Snap-top closure
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 12.5 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 12 x 3.5 inches

Get this See by Chloe Hilo Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Check the Womensworldfashion eBay store to see if this Chloe bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloe bags on BagBunch
• The small Chloe Marcie satchel bag, a great alternative to this Western inspired bag.
• Searching for more Chloe bags on eBay
• Other lambskin shoulder bags on eBay:

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

Australian shopping chain Coles is encouraging its customers to indulge in one of its new limited edition Heart Bags for a good cause. The shoppers are part of the firm’s ongoing partnership with SecondBite.

Each spacious shopper features a simple white heart against a hand-colored red background. The logos for SecondBite and Coles Community Food are displayed proudly at the shopper’s base.

Coles will donate 50c to SecondBite for every Heart Bag sold between July 9 and August 12. This money will help the organization put healthy meals made with fresh ingredients on the tables of Australia’s neediest residents. With Coles’ help, SecondBite aims to provide 5 million meals for underprivileged people across the country over the next two years.

This is a great example of big business doing more than simply throwing money at a problem. Through its Coles Community Food initiative, more than 170 Coles stores currently donate fresh produce and baked goods to programs in urban and regional communities. In the future Coles looks to expand this program to include donations from more than 650 stores.

The Heart Bags will be available for $2.50 from Coles’ metropolitan stores during the promotional period. That’s not a lot to spend on a shopper which will carry your groceries without harming the planet for years to come!

[Source: Coles Blog]

Heart Shoppers on eBay

[phpbay]heart shopper, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Oryany takes its cues from Chloe with this Cassie Hobo bag.

This isn’t a carbon copy of Chloe’s Marcie bags, but it certainly takes its cues from the popular style. The curved panel with whipstitched details mimic the Marcie’s flap closure. The oversized zipper pulls which hang down also resemble those we saw on the Marcie. Oryany’s changed just enough to stay on the right side of the law, but the Cassie’s look is a clear homage to Chloe’s styling.

If you can afford a Marcie, you’re not likely to care for the Cassie. While it resembles Chloe’s It Bag, it doesn’t have the same attention to detail. If your budget is tighter though, the Cassie could be a great option. At $475 it’s much more affordable than Chloe’s alternative. Oryany hasn’t skimped on the fabric either. While it hasn’t used the finest calfskin, its leather is buttery soft. I also appreciate the Cassie’s neutral colors, which should prove more versatile than some of Chloe’s trend-conscious options.

Its interior is well appointed with a trio of pockets. These pouches don’t exceed our expectations, but they’re just what we need. I also love the padding at the center of the shoulder strap, which should ensure carrying the Cassie is a breeze.

It’s no Marcie, but it is a Cassie, and well worth the money for bargain hunters.

More Features of This Oryany Handbags Leather Hobo

• Gun metal hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Printed interior lining
• Made in China

Get this Oryany Handbags Cassie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in sand)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Oryany Cassie, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the My Favourite Online Store eBay store to see if this Oryany Handbags bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Oryany Handbags bags on BagBunch
• The Chloe Marcie bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Oryany Handbags bags on eBay

Nina Ricci’s new La Rue handbag stars alongside German beauty Kati Nescher in the label’s fall 2012 advertising campaign.

The model carries a black alligator version of the label’s newest creation. Its exotic dark skin is given a lift with a colourful bouquet of flowers. The hand-drawn blooms obscure the bag a bit, but they also help draw the eye towards it. Do you think the unusual tactic pays off?

If you’re not a fan of the alligator version, or it’s simply too rich for your blood, don’t worry. The large tote, which takes its cues from the classic doctor bag, is available in a range of materials including grained calfskin. The colors are classic, including black and dark purple. It will be available in all Nina Ricci outlets and selected high-end department stores, including Harrods in London, this September.

Acclaimed photographers Ines van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin captured the advertisement’s initial monochromatic shots of Kati Nescher, which were then embellished by illustrator Jo Ratcliffe. Nina Ricci’s artistic director Peter Copping worked closely with the artist to realize the label’s vision.

The result is an advertising campaign which refuses to blend into the background. What do you think of this unique commercial?

[Source: Marie Claire]

Nina Ricci Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Nina Ricci bag, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Big Buddha delivers the elegance of woven weave for less with this Nadine satchel.

No one would suggest this bag’s on a par with those created by Bottega Veneta or other high end fashion houses. Its synthetic isn’t nearly as luxurious as the Italian leathers these masters use, and the finish doesn’t have the same refinement. But for less than $100, it does a decent impersonation.

Synthetic’s always a bit shiny, so it makes sense to color the manmade skin with metallic hues. In these glitzy tones the sheen is an asset. The brown patent leather accents look pretty cheap, but the woven finish is surprisingly chic.

Big Buddha actually offers us more practical features than its high-end contemporaries. While esteemed designers favour minimalism, Big Buddha’s packed the generously sized space with pockets. The Nadine’s handles are a bit short, but you might be able to squeeze them over your shoulder if you leave a coat behind.

If you’ve got the budget for high class accessories, the Nadine won’t turn your head. But if your purse strings are tighter, there’s a lot more to like about this $99.95 satchel.

More Features of This Big Buddha Woven Satchel

• Magnetic snap and flap closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 6 x 13 inches

Get this Big Buddha Nadine Satchel Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Big Buddha Nadine, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Shopkimboze eBay store to see if this Big Buddha bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Big Buddha bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Chloe satchel bag, a great alternative to this woven satchel bag.
• Searching for more Big Buddha bags on eBay

Channel the bohemian style of Whitney Port and Selma Blair with CC Skye’s Rich Gypsy bag.

The Rich Gypsy is the kind of bohemian styled bag that gypsies might carry if they held down a steady job. Its slouchy silhouette and long fringed accents give it some real boho chic flair. The details would be predictable for a boho bag if it weren’t for that luscious leather. This luxury material in classic bone dresses up the hippie-inspired design.

The Rich Gypsy’s generous dimensions don’t work well with its slouchy design though. The oversized tag CC Skye adopts used to be cool, but these days it just means “far too big.” While it looks the part, it’s not very easy to get items in and out of its main compartment. Stash important bits and bobs in the internal pockets or they’ll likely get lost in the black hole style main compartment.

It might be carried by Hollywood’s elite and have a name that mentions money, but this Rich Gypsy bag is surprisingly affordable at $594. We couldn’t call it a bargain, but it’s not unreasonably priced for such a well-crafted genuine leather purse.

More Features of This CC Skye Slouchy Leather Shoulder Bag

• Clasp closure
• Faille lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 16 x 6 inches

Get this CC Skye Rich Gypsy Handbag:

• Available to buy at Boutique To You
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]CC Skye Rich Gypsy, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the My Favorite Online Store eBay store to see if this CC Skye bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More CC Skye bags on BagBunch
• The CC Skye Janey hobo bag, a great alternative to this fringed bag.
• Searching for more CC Skye bags on eBay

Jana Feifer hopes to bring her initial bags back into vogue for a good cause. She’s relaunched her signature initial totes to improve literacy rates around the world.

Ten percent of the money raised by the new Letters for Literacy totes will benefit UNESCO’s Literacy Initiative, known as LIFE. The scheme touches 35 countries around the world where half the population is considered illiterate. UNESCO donates educational materials and promotes reading and writing skills to improve these damning statistics.

Each Letters for Literacy tote is crafted from cotton canvas hemp and trimmed with leather for extra strength and style. You can choose whichever letter you like and pink or orange or red and blue color schemes. All those options makes their affordable price seem even more reasonable. Most fashion houses charge far more for a personalized tote bag!

With monogrammed handbags continuing to stay in vogue, the time seems right to revamp Jana Feifer’s initial totes. The colorful initials are cute, and a great reminder of the tote bags’ deeper educational purpose. The totes have oversized dimensions, making them perfect for those days that you want to carry a bit extra.

Jana Feifer’s new initial tote bags retail for $130 from her website and selected retail outlets.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Jana Feifer Letter Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Jana Feifer letter, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Forget about looking pretty in pink; Marc Jacobs helps us feel beautiful in blue with this striking I Work for Tips Shoulder Bag.

I don’t mind saying that I’m smitten by this purse. Its bold electric blue color turned my head, but its retro details maintain interest. I love the gentle contrast between the matte calfskin panels and the textured exotic ones. Marc Jacob’s delicate silver hardware is super chic, and its flap-over design timeless.

The I Work for Tips isn’t made for career girls, as it’s not big enough for holding a laptop or any other series technology. But it’s a decent size for everyday use, with enough space for a wallet, essential cosmetics, and the other items contemporary girls can’t bear to part with.

Most retro bags come with a top handle. These carrying options look cute, but they’re not very practical in the modern world. I don’t think the longer shoulder strap undermines the I Work for Tips’ retro appeal, and it’s much more functional.

As it comes from the designer’s more affordable Marc by Marc Jacobs line, the I Work for Tips purse is a steal at $398. For that price, any working girl should be able to indulge!

More Features of This Marc by Marc Jacobs Retro Shoulder Bag

• Pinch-lock closure
• Platform base
• Fully lined interior
• A back-wall zip pocket and multifunctional slips
• A single shoulder strap with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 3.5 x 8 inches

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs I Work for Tips Handbag:

• Available to buy at 6pm
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Marc Jacobs I Work for Tips, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Style DNA eBay store to see if this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Memphis bag, a great alternative to this retro bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs bags on eBay

Men have the Swiss Army knife to get through their day, and now women have a Swiss handbag with its own functional features. Otherwise known as the Taschen Weekender, the practical purse from Swiss label Envoyage offers traditional chic styling with a host of hidden extras.

Envoyage’s chief designer, Claudia Eicke, designed the Taschen to meet the demands of busy career women. It’s meant for the office, the mall, parties, and anywhere else a woman needs to go.

The bag has several useful compartments which allow women to better organize their life. These sections do away with those dreaded extra bags we often take with us. I particularly like the tunneled compartment for a bottle of wine near the base, perfect for winding down after a busy day in the office! But if a tipple doesn’t sound appealing, you can also use the space for a pair of shoes. What a great idea for those after-work events! It’s also crafted from French goat leather which makes it appear ultra-luxurious.

The Taschen Weekender’s styling looks effortless, but it came from constant refining. Eicke made ten prototypes before settling on the perfect purse.

The Taschen Weekender is currently on sale for £863. It can be ordered directly from the Envoyage website.

[Source: Daily Mail]