Jeffrey Campbell takes his typical flamboyant style down a few notches with this Hoffman bag.

The Hoffman is very unassuming when compared with his fringed Rizzler backpack and neon colored Abbate purse. Those bags made real style statements, and while they didn’t speak to everybody I admired their creativity. The Hoffman is another matter though. While it probably won’t offend anybody, it’s in serious danger of being overlooked.

The combination of blue leather and beige burlap is unusual and frankly odd. I suppose the idea was to dress up the burlap, but instead we just see the blue leather cheapened. I don’t mind the color combination, but the materials just don’t come together cohesively.

The Hoffman’s dimensions are also problematic. I’m all for traveling lighter, but this cross-body bag is so small that it’s virtually useless. Its burlap body will expand a little, but I’m not sure it’ll even hold the essentials.

At $62 the Hoffman’s very affordable, especially for a purse which features real leather. But even a low price can’t sway me to buy a bag that doesn’t perform, especially one that looks as average as the Hoffman.

More Features of This Jeffrey Campbell Burlap Cross-Body Bag

• Flap closure
• A thin shoulder strap with a tassel detail
• Measures 4 x 5 x 1 inches

Get this Jeffrey Campbell Hoffman Handbag:

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

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• Check the Karmaloop eBay store to see if this Jeffrey Campbell bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Jeffrey Campbell bags on BagBunch
• The pony Jeffrey Campbell Hoffman bag, a great alternative to this burlap bag.
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Jung Inyoung provides power on the go with his innovative new rolling suitcase.

The technologically advanced travel bag collects kinetic energy as it moves along on its rolling wheels. All that energy is stored inside a battery lodged in the case until you need it later. The luggage features a small outlet which seems like it could charge small gadgets using mini-USB cords. Most modern gizmos can make use of those connectors, so I can imagine the rolling suitcase coming in very handy. In theory we’d never see our technology failing on those long haul flights or lengthy layovers. However, how much time do we actually spend dragging our case behind us? Would the time in transit really be long enough to power up the battery? I’m just not sure.

While I’m uncertain how it’d work in the real world, the idea behind this bag is brilliant. I’m also thrilled to see Jung Inyoung’s backed it up with some very chic design work. This rolling bag has a really sophisticated, futuristic look that’s sure to appeal to high flying businessmen and gadget lovers alike.

The designer’s creation is still at the concept stage at this point so we probably shouldn’t hold our breath waiting to get our hands on these travel bags. Can you imagine taking one on your next getaway?

[Source: Trend Hunter]

Jalda reminds us that fabric can be every bit as beautiful as its favorite leathers with the Masha.

Honestly I thought this hobo was made entirely from leather at first. However it’s actually crafted from superior Italian fabric. The softer material creates a more natural hobo slouch, while its subtle metallic sheen helps it turn heads without overwhelming an outfit. It wouldn’t be a Jalda bag with a bit of leather, and we get this in the handle and trim. It’s just enough to take the Masha from casual accessory to everyday classic.

Jalda has added brushed antique rings to the handle and a smattering of studs, but in my opinion it’s not enough to make the Masha really interesting. A few more color options might have piqued my interest, but this basic black hobo feels very ho-hum.

The Masha is enormous, and I’m not sure Jalda does quite enough to make all that space feel manageable. The trio of pockets is what we’d expect to see in so many other hobos. It works for most bags, but for one this big we really need something more.

At $498 the Masha isn’t as expensive as many designer bags, but it also lacks the wow factor I need to spend that sort of money. Has Jalda impressed you?

More Features of This Jalda Fabric Hobo

• Zip closure
• Turquoise satin-lined faille interior
• A flat handle with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 18 x 7 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Jalda Masha Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Hummingbird Harbor eBay store to see if this Jalda bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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You don’t need to visit India to enjoy the country’s stunning handcrafted accessories, thanks to sustainable fashion label Soham Dave.

Soham Dave’s love of meditation, spirituality, and creativity inspired him to launch the innovative apparel, handbags, and jewelry range that shares his name. The label’s products are crafted from natural, biodegradable materials worked by hand to minimize the company’s carbon footprint. Many of the fabrics are also recycled or upcycled to reduce the planet’s waste.

Traditional artisans create Soham Dave’s materials for fair trade wages. The practice keeps their native crafts alive and exposes them to a wider audience. The label enjoys promoting these time honored techniques and even helps its artisans refine their skills. I particularly like the hand block printed Ajrak and the handspun Khadi materials that are so unique and well made.

The Soham Dave handbags also contain some of the most intricate hand embroidery I’ve ever seen. And don’t worry about those vibrant hues; all cotton threads are colored using natural dyes so they don’t harm the planet. Even the leather handles and trims are reclaimed. This is a label that takes its green credentials seriously.

Soham Dave apparel items and accessories are available from selected boutiques in the United States and the Soham Dave website.

[Source: Soham Dave]

Jack Georges dresses up the traditional backpack with a sophisticated splash of leather.

The leather trim makes this a much more sophisticated backpack than the ones we all used to lug to school. There’s only a hint of the luxury skin, but a little goes a long way. It’s complemented by the black ballistic nylon, which is every bit as tough as its name suggests.

The main compartment is so large that it should hold a laptop with a 15.4-inch screen. Two spacious pockets are perfect for stashing the peripherals including cords, mice, headphones, and other tech essentials. The Easy Access Organizer and transparent mesh pocket also make it easy to keep important items in order. Its generous dimensions may make it heavy if you fill it to the brim, but the adjustable shoulder straps should help ease the strain.

At $295 this is significantly more expensive than most backpacks on the market, particularly considering that the leather is used so sparingly. However it’s worth noting that it is handcrafted. It’s the attention to detail that comes from that old-fashioned method of manufacture that makes it worth splurging.

More Features of This Jack Georges Leather Trimmed Backpack

• Zip closure
• Measures 13.5 x 15.5 x 5 inches

Get this Jack Georges Generations Edge Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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• The Jack Georges Generations Edge ladies laptop bag, a feminine alternative to this laptop backpack bag.
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Cri de Couer challenges the notion that vegan fashion is inferior to animal products with its stylish range of animal-friendly handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

The label takes its name from a French expression which means “cry from the heart,” as its founders are driven by its passion to change the face of fashion. It keeps animals out of its industry from start to finish, as its creators believe that living a vegan lifestyle goes beyond the food you consume.

I’m really impressed by Cri de Couer’s contemporary designs, but the prices leave me a little cold. I know the label uses better manmade materials than your average cheap and cheerful designer, but spending a minimum of $280 on a bag made from polyurethane still seems a bit steep. I know Stella McCartney gets away with it, but Cri de Couer hasn’t earned the sort of reputation that justifies an eco-friendly price hike!

To be fair Cri de Couer launched a lower-priced diffusion line in the spring of 2010 called Hearts of Darkness. Currently this affordable range only has footwear, but hopefully we’ll see bags added to the mix in the near future.

Cri de Couer and Hearts of Darkness’ ethical accessories are available online through the Cri de Couer website.

[Source: Cri de Couer website]

We’re used to glitz and glitter from J. Tiras, so I was surprised to see the label taking a more understated approach with the Dorothy.

There’s not a rhinestone to be found on this sophisticated brown purse. After admiring so many of the label’s sparkly creations I feel a little underwhelmed by this one. However perhaps it’s better to view it on its own merits rather than comparing it to its more ostentatious stable mates.

The satin body is certainly luxurious, and while the brown hue is a little boring it’s also very practical. You could carry it in any season and on any occasion and not feel out of place. The polished brass hoop handles are a rich complement to the Dorothy’s fabric body. They aren’t as practical as traditional straps, but they should be manageable on this mid-sized purse.

It won’t hold as much as most day bags, but its dimensions are larger than the average evening purse. Personally I think it strikes a good balance between oversized totes and teeny tiny clutches. By sitting somewhere in the middle it should find a place in most wardrobes.

The Dorothy’s affordable price is also enticing. At $90 it’s significantly cheaper than most J. Tiras purses, even though it’s a lot larger. Maybe we don’t miss those rhinestones so much after all!

More Features of This J. Tiras Satin East-West Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 5 x 10 x 2.5 inches

Get this J. Tiras Dorothy Handbag:

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Dialog Worldbutik believes fashion is about more than looking good. The international design house works hard to give back to the planet and its people.

The label’s signature handbags are crafted from salvaged fabric offcuts collected from local tailors. By using material remnants Dialog ensures every purse is a true original.

Dialog Worldbutik employs Asian people in need, including single mothers, tsunami survivors, HIV victims, and people with mental and physical disabilities. They piece together the fabrics in a process that acts as a kind of therapy, and earn fair trade wages for their efforts. The artisans send their trimmings to Dialog Worldbutik’s headquarters in Hong Kong where the company’s seamstresses add the finishing touches. The Chinese head office employs disabled artisans who are encouraged to develop their craft skills.

But the journey these day bags and clutch purses make still isn’t done. Finally the Dialog Worldbutik accessories fly to leading retailers in Europe, and Australia, and the United States where they’re snapped up by discerning fashionistas. If the Dialog Worldbutik bags aren’t available at an outlet near you you can always find them at the label’s online store. The green company also offers free shipping around the world, so you needn’t worry about any sneaky extra fees at the checkout!

[Source: Dialog Worldbutik]

I always enjoy the sparkle of the festive season, but now that it’s over I’m looking for a more versatile clutch. The Camelia is a great option for anyone hoping to make the nine to five transition.

I appreciate that the Camelia is head turning without any glitter, rhinestones, or heavy metal. Rather than relying on over embellishment, J. Renee uses a striking fabric to attract attention. There’s a fun bohemian appeal to the concentric circle patterns and earthy hues. The neutral colors are complemented beautifully by the smooth wooden handle. Handles like this aren’t so easy to hold, but they’re so stylish that we can forgive their functional shortcomings a little more easily.

The Camelia is a shade larger than most clutch purses, which in my opinion makes it close to perfect. We can squeeze a few extra items inside as we’re wont to do during the day. However it’s not so big that it’ll become unmanageable, which is a real blessing when the handle isn’t ideal.

At $114.95 the Camelia costs a little more than I’d usually spend on a fabric clutch, but its day to night utility helps to justify the splurge.

More Features of This J. Renee Fabric Clutch

• Measures 14 x 9.5 x 3 inches

Get this J. Renee Camelia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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• More J. Renee bags on BagBunch
• The La Regale Stone & Bead Flap Clutch bag, a great alternative to this bohemian bag.
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• Other boho clutch bags on eBay:

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RoZCoo provides a chic alternative to those thin, tacky looking synthetics with its animal-friendly line of accessories.

The New York label, which is pronounced “Rosie Koo” provides a comprehensive range of accessories for men and women including satchels, clutch purses, wallets, and bags for yoga and pilates mats. The influences from America’s fashion capital are obvious. The handbags feature minimalist but contemporary designs in monochromatic hues and some more unexpected shades including red and blue.

If I didn’t know better I’d swear the label’s handbags were crafted with real leather. However while its skins feel just as luxurious as the real deal, no animals were harmed in their manufacture. Given their opulent finishes, I’m impressed by the prices. You can find the Rosalind satchel pictured for $119 and a wallet for as little as $16. Perhaps Stella McCartney should take note; her animal-friendly synthetics never look this good and they cost significantly more!

While some care has clearly been taken on the aesthetics RoZCoo doesn’t seem to skimp on the practicalities. The accessories show a real attention to detail with long shoulder straps, an array of pockets, and interior linings.

RoZCoo handbags are available from selected American boutiques and the label’s website.

[Source: RoZCoo website]