Jimmy Choo adds some extra luxury to the wristlet purse style with the Rivera.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a wristlet looking quite this chic. The secret is the luxurious snakeskin body, which is all the more appealing in cobalt blue. A neutral hue may still have faded into the background but there’s no ignoring this vibrant scaly skin. I love the way the blue snake is complemented by the polished silver hardware. This functional clasp is the Rivera’s only embellishment, and with an exotic purse that’s exactly how it should be.

The Rivera is a slender creature but it should hold the items you really need with some careful packing. I particularly like the zippered pocket, which is much more practical than the tiny patches we usually see. The wrist strap is also adjustable and removable; I’d leave it on for easy carrying during the day and detach it for a sleeker look once the sun sets.

Genuine snakeskin purses are never cheap, and at $1295 the Rivera is no exception. However its versatile design makes it a better buy than most.

More Features of This Jimmy Choo Snakeskin Wristlet

• Magnetic flap closure
• Fully lined interior
• A detachable wrist strap with a 6 to 10 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 6 x 1.25 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Jimmy Choo Rivera Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Check the My Remmie eBay store to see if this Jimmy Choo bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Latico Mackie wristlet bag, a great alternative to this snake bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other snakeskin wristlet bags on eBay:

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Monica Botkier has stepped away from her designing desk to capture the images for her fashion label’s spring 2012 advertising campaign.

As most companies outsource their photography it might seem strange for Botkier to take the reins of her own advertising campaign. However what you might not know is that Ms. Botkier worked as a professional photographer before launching her handbag collection. Given her past experience in photography, it’s surprising that we haven’t seen her behind the lens sooner!

I think it’s been worth the wait though. This colorful advertising campaign doesn’t have any frills or creative artistry, but this casual but timeless images represent the bags in the best light. Personally I prefer that to the recent crop of commercials that have seen us straining to make out the accessories. Yes Givenchy; I’m looking at you.

I also really like the colors used in the collection. The pastels and brighter hues make a refreshing change from those tired monochromatic hues. I can’t go past the clover green tote pictured, with its cute blue accents, but I wouldn’t mind having many of the other Botkier bags on my arm!

What do you think of Botkier’s new spring 2012 advertising campaign?

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Botkier Bags on eBay

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Jil Sander’s created a purse that does just what it says on the tin with the Circle Leather Clutch.

Critics might say it’s too simple, but this round purse exemplifies Jil Sander’s clean minimalist style. Its circular design seems fresh amongst the sea of box clutches and more relaxed shapes. It’s also crafted from superior deer skin colored in an on-trend coral hue. There’s not a lot to work with, but Jil Sander’s done what it can with it.

There are no hidden surprises here. The interior is as basic as they come with no pockets or credit card slots. You won’t find a strap tucked away inside there either. Admittedly I’m not sure one would fit, but it’s a shame we’re left holding this purse by hand. A different shape could be tucked underneath our arm, but this clutch calls for old-fashioned carrying.

This is a cute clutch purse, but at $360 it’s too expensive for what it is. It might be made of high quality deer leather, but it’s just too simple for that kind of money.

More Features of This Jil Sander Round Clutch

• Red fabric lined interior
• Zip fastening
• Measures 8 x 8 inches

Get this Jil Sander Circle Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Deb shoulder bag, a great alternative to this round bag.
• Searching for more Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other round clutch bags on eBay:

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Handbags have become one of the leading export products in Vietnam. The country’s Leather and Footwear Association, known as Lefaso, says the nation produced and exported around a billion dollars worth of handbags last year.

And forecasters suggest the business is on the up, with figures expected to jump to $1.5 billion in 2012. Several leading fashion brands are moving their production plants from China to Vietnam, and the export businesses of existing local companies are expected to develop further. These factors are predicted to inspire the growth.

Most of the handbags will head to the United States as the Trans-Pacific Partnership takes effect later this year. This agreement will see items made in Vietnam taxed at a lower rate than similar products coming from China. That’s great news for the nation which has long competed with China for Western dollars. Price increases and labor costs have been steadily rising in China, so the time seems right for Vietnam to surge ahead.

The tale isn’t as happy in the European Union though. As the region’s debt crisis worsens, exports from Vietnam have dropped between 20 and 30%. Thank goodness the American market is there to pick up the slack!

There’s always been a bit of a stigma surrounding products made in Vietnam, so it’s good news for the nation that attitudes seem to be changing. Would you buy a Vietnamese handbag?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Isn’t she lovely? Jessica Simpson’s gotten things oh so right with this So Lovely Clutch Purse.

The So Lovely’s design is very simple, which might be why it’s so endearing. Jessica Simpson has been guilty of over-embellishing many of her handbags, so it’s refreshing to see one that’s more reserved. A golden bar cinches in chocolate brown leatherette, revealing the fawn colored material underneath. The effect looks a little like a bow, with its pretty pleats. It’s a gorgeous interpretation of the colorblocked style, subtle but still eye-catching.

I’m less enthused about the snake printed alternative. The scales are so busy that the pleats get lost in all the mottling. It’s also not a very convincing mimic, so unlike the matte leatherette the material appears just as cheap as its price tag suggests. I’m all for maintaining the illusion of opulence!

The So Lovely is quite small but it’s well organized, with a slip pocket and quartet of card slots. Those slots are particularly impressive as we don’t risk scratching the magnetic strips on our credit cards. A zippered pocket for coins would have come in handy, but we can’t expect too much for this price.

At just $58 this pretty Jessica Simpson clutch is just as lovely as its name suggests!

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Colorblocked Clutch

• Kisslock closure
• Fabric lined interior
• A removable shoulder strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 1 x 6 inches

Get this Jessica Simpson So Lovely Handbag:

• Available to buy at Designer Shoe Warehouse
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the Zara’s Unique Boutique eBay store to see if this Jessica Simpson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The Sondra Roberts New York Colorblock Clutch bag, a great alternative to this colorblocked bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Simpson bags on eBay

I don’t know about you, but my social calendar isn’t full enough to justify spending a lot of money on an evening purse. So when I find an accessory like this Lace Minaudiere from Jessica McClintock, one which is affordable yet chic, I can’t resist it!

Vibrant teal colored satin peeks out from underneath its bold black lace. The eighties styles that were once so prevalent are making way for seventies inspired fashions, which makes this purse slightly dated, but if you love the decade you won’t mind that one bit. There are also black, champagne, and blush versions if you prefer something more timeless, but they don’t have quite the same pop.

Of course this Lace Minaudiere comes with all the usual complications that plague these kinds of evening bags. It’s very narrow, and its structured design means you can’t sneak any extra items inside. It’ll require careful packing, and even then you’ll probably need to leave some of your usual essentials behind. However it does come with a drop-in shoulder chain, which is a convenience we don’t often see at this price point.

I can scarcely believe this minaudiere is just $64. That’s a bargain in anyone’s language, even if it isn’t perfect!

More Features of This Jessica McClintock Satin Minaudiere

• Top tab closure
• A back wall slip pocket
• Measures 6.5 x 2 x 4 inches

Get this Jessica McClintock Lace Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica McClintock bags on BagBunch
• The Paco Mena Albertinellia bag, a great alternative to this lace bag.
• Searching for more Jessica McClintock bags on eBay
• Other lace minaudiere bags on eBay:

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New York-based scarf specialist Yarnz has recently added handbags to its flourishing fashion collection.

The durable accessories are made from leather coated rubber, so they have the appearance of more luxurious purses without the hefty prices. It’s an interesting take on the jelly tote trend, but one that’s got a bit more substance and likely longevity.

The new Yarnz handbags are adorned with the same patterns found on the label’s cashmere scarves. I wondered whether carrying a purse with the same print as your kerchief would seem a little too matchy-matchy, but the idea has some merit. After all, the handbag patterns appear on a flat plane, while the ones on the scarves take on a more abstract look once they’re knotted and twisted. The photograph here gives us some idea of how the concept could work in the real world. And how much fun is it to see a houndstooth inspired print with some real artistic hounds?

Some of the world’s most stylish celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Madonna have been spotted wearing Yarnz scarves. Do you think they’ll be just as enthusiastic about the label’s totes?

Yarnz’s new handbags start at $250 from high end department stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Takashirnaya, Liberty of London, and Isetan.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Jessica Jensen serves up the kind of purse that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Mad Men with the Melissa Satchel.

The world is embracing vintage style, so rather than seeming like a fashion throwback it’s right on trend. Its structured design and clean lines give it a classic style which it so appealing. The black leather isn’t a very adventurous choice, but it will easily work itself into any wardrobe, no matter what the occasion or season. I find myself longing for some more unusual hues but I can’t fault a designer that sticks with the tried and true.

The women of the advertising drama would probably use the top handle, but they never had too far to walk in their kitten heels. The removable shoulder strap is a welcome modern addition. It doesn’t really look the part, but it should make commuting a lot easier. The array of interior pockets includes two contemporary gadget pouches. They’d confuse the women of the fifties, but we know just what to do with them!

You could probably find something cheaper at a thrift store, but Jessica Jensen’s Melissa Satchel is still affordable by modern standards at $498.

More Features of This Jessica Jensen Top Handle Satchel

• Made of Italian full grain leather
• Linen lined interior
• Signature gunmetal hardware
• A magnetic snap closure on the flap
• A top handle with a 5 inch drop
• A removable shoulder strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 9 x 2.5 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Jessica Jensen Melissa Handbag:

• Available to buy at Jessica Jensen
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Jensen bags on BagBunch
• The Etienne Aigner Hyde Park satchel bag, a great alternative to this vintage bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Jensen bags on eBay
• Other structured satchel bags on eBay:

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With Christmas and New Year’s Eve over we can focus on the next big day: the launch of Jason Wu’s affordable line for Target. Come February 5 the eagerly anticipated department store collection will hit Targets across America and online.

This image gives our first look at the range, which is influenced by French New Wave cinema, elfin actress Jean Seberg, and nautical style. I’m less than impressed by the fairly pedestrian monochromatic bag, but the pretty navy dress is a real winner. While the handbag hasn’t knocked my socks off I imagine it could become a reliable part of any wardrobe, and that dress is perfect for the warm weather ahead. I’m also impressed that the quality doesn’t seem to have suffered despite the lower prices, unlike a few of Target’s other designer lines.

Jason Wu told T Magazine that rather than duplicating the apparel and accessories from his signature collection he looked to design completely new products with “a voice of their own.” The style bible also reports that silky blouses, pleated skirts, and lace-detailed trench coats are some of the other Jason Wu for Target items we can look forward to.

Are you excited by Target’s latest designer collaboration?

[Source: Catwalk Queen TV]

Jason Wu Handbags on eBay

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Whether you’re planning on being pampered or pounding the pavement, this large Spa Tote from Jesselli Couture has you covered.

The Spa Tote’s body features a bold paisley print. This white and gold version is the most classic option, but girly girls may prefer it with a vibrant pink or orange background. I love the pattern, but the polyvinyl chloride coating that covers it seems a step too far. I know Jesselli Couture was attempting to make the cotton canvas even stronger, but this material has always been hardy. I’ll take the fabric’s natural earthiness over the slick shiny finish we see here any day. Just because a bag is priced at an affordable $83 doesn’t mean it should look cheap!

This Spa Tote is enormous so we should have no problems carrying everything we could ever want on a day out. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve got space to spare! Sadly though, Jesselli Couture’s design doesn’t really support the Spa Tote’s dimensions. The standard configuration of a zip pocket and pair of pouches is inadequate, and so are the skinny straps. I’d expect sore shoulders after a day lugging this tote around.

But as I said before, this Jesselli Couture tote is cheap, and it’s also made to last. It’s not as practical as it could be, but it’s still a pretty good buy for girls on a budget.

More Features of This Jesselli Couture Paisley Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 12.75 x 20.5 x 8 inches
• Made in India

Get this Jesselli Couture Spa Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jesselli Couture bags on BagBunch
• The gold Jesselli Couture Spa bag, a great alternative to this paisley bag.
• Searching for more Jesselli Couture bags on eBay
• Other paisley tote bags on eBay:

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