Don’t be fooled by its hard exterior. This HardCase Shinny Clutch from J. Furmani is a feminine beauty at heart.

I love the combination of cool metal and soft fabric used here. The frame is modern, angular and artistic. It’s a gorgeous contrast to the more traditional metallic material that peeks out from underneath the metal lines. J. Furmani tops it all off with a rhinestone encrusted clasp. Personally I think this clutch calls for a more modern closure, but it’s hard to be too critical at this price point.

The HardCase Shinny is a dainty creature, as most evening purses tend to be, but J. Furmani makes amends with a range of carrying options. We get a choice of two chain straps so we can carry the purse over our shoulder or across our body depending on our mood. Or we can leave those straps at home and carry it by hand. Most clutches have this function, but few have the detachable straps we see here. That allows us to keep clutter to a minimum which is a real blessing for any price.

I must admit, I did a double take when I spotted the price tag. $56 is virtually unheard of for any evening purse, especially one so stylish. J. Furmani, you’ve impressed me!

More Features of This J. Furmani Evening Clutch

• Fully lined interior
• An interior slide pocket
• Two chains with a 7 and 17 inch drop
• Measures 1.5 x 8 x 4 inches

Get this J. Furmani Hardcase Shinny Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this J. Furmani bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Furmani bags on BagBunch
• The curved J. Furmani HardCase Shinny bag, a great alternative to this metal bag.
• Searching for more J. Furmani bags on eBay
• Other J. Furmani HardCase Shinny bags on eBay:

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After feeling nonplussed about Fendi’s spring 2012 advertising I was thrilled to see Mulberry coming closer to my seasonal ideal. Frida Gustavsson and Lindsey Wixson lounge about the beach in the British label’s spring 2012 campaign.

Mulberry’s favorite photographer Tim Walker captured the models at Brighton Pier for the colorful commercials. The British coastal setting is perfect for the spring, especially when it’s rendered with such warm candy hues. Givenchy should take note; this is how a beach should look when the weather warms up. The models also have great chemistry, and they work well under Walker’s direction to make the ads appear fresh and youthful.

This isn’t the perfect spring campaign though. I’m honestly struggling to focus with all of the clutter of the candy striped poles and tent. The nude colored Mulberry Bayswater satchels seem to blend into the background of the rainbow colored ad when really they should shine. The concept is sound but I think it needed to be pared back a bit. After shooting so many of its campaigns it’s clear that Tim Walker really understands Mulberry. However while he’s sold the clothes well I don’t think he’s done the accessories justice.

Has Mulberry sold you on its spring 2012 advertising campaign?

[Source: Fashionista]

Mulberry Bayswater Satchel Bags on eBay

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When it comes to stylish evening bags at affordable prices, few designers can match the accessories from Inge Christopher. The Olivia is another shining example from this low price high class label.

I love the Olivia’s subtle pink-purple hue and soft silky finish. Complementary stitching creates a head-turning pattern on the surface. I can’t work out whether it’s intended to be a wood grain texture or zebra stripes. Perhaps it doesn’t matter. It’s such a gentle way of adding interest without flash, and that might be more important than its inspiration.

Inge Christopher keeps the rest of the purse simple. Its flap-over shape is familiar but classic, and its interior just what we might expect. The slide pocket isn’t very useful, but the wider than average main compartment should allow us to stash away a few extra items. It’s a shame that the chain strap isn’t detachable, as we don’t need the clutter when it’s not in use. However for this price we can’t be too picky.

At $98 the Olivia is an affordable way to add that finishing touch to a favorite evening ensemble. Enjoy it in this aubergine shade or classic pewter.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Stitched Clutch

• Hidden magnetic flap underneath the closure
• Matching satin lining
• A chain strap with a 23 inch drop
• Measures 3 x 7 x 3.8 inches

Get this Inge Christopher Olivia Handbag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Inge Christopher bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Gia bag, a great alternative to this silk bag.
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Imoshion offers the low prices we’ve come to expect in a more high class package with the Julia clutch.

It might be made of imitation fur, but its soft body is every bit as striking as the real deal. An edgy snakeskin embossed belt cinches in the clutch at the middle. Its crystal and stud covered finish might be overkill for women with more minimalist tastes, but I think we’d get away with this kind of flamboyance after five.

It looks like a show pony but Imoshion hasn’t neglected the things we really need. The double chain is perfect for this purse’s biker chic aesthetic, and it’ll also come in handy as the evening wears on. The Julia isn’t enormous but its generous dimensions should see it hold more than the average clutch purse. The zippered interior pocket is also a much smarter choice than the usual tiny pouches we see in evening bags.

Not all Julias are created equally though. While the black version is timeless, the colored ones appear like they were made of skinned Muppets. These vivid hues make the purse’s dramatic appearance seem cheap. No matter what color takes your fancy you’ll find it for just $89.

More Features of This Imoshion Faux Fur Clutch

• Measures 6 x 11 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Imoshion Julia Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check The Objects of My Desire eBay store to see if this Imoshion bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Imoshion bags on BagBunch
• The Imoshion Roxbury tote bag, a great alternative to this faux fur bag.
• Searching for more Imoshion bags on eBay
• Other Imoshion faux fur bags on eBay (see listings below):

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Arizona Muse stars in Fendi’s new spring 2012 advertising campaign. The monochromatic color scheme doesn’t exactly scream spring, but Muse shines.

The model shows she was the perfect choice to succeed Anja Rubik. Her new cropped hairstyle helps the American beauty looks right at home on the streets of Rome. Although it’s important to give credit where credit’s due, and this campaign probably has as much to do with Karl Lagerfeld behind the lens as it does with Ms Muse. And let’s not forget the enviable crocodile and leather satchel she’s clutching.

All the right elements are there but I’m still not wowed. The black and white image may be part of the problem, but the uninspiring street corner setting also has something to do with it. I like my fashion campaigns to feel seasonal, but this one would suit any time of year and any fashion house. I know Lagerfeld has been busy running Chanel, shooting its spring 2012 campaign, and taking snaps of Saskia de Brauw for the new ish of Madame Figaro, but I’m not sure that’s any excuse. Perhaps Fendi should have head hunted a photographer that wasn’t spreading himself so thinly to keep things fresh.

There’s a classic charm to Fendi’s spring 2012 campaign, but I think it’s ultimately dull. Do you think it’s fab or drab?

[Source: Fashionista]

Fendi Satchels on eBay

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A pop of cobalt blue helps make this art deco inspired James clutch from Hype stand out from the crowd.

I really like the James’ art deco styling. Its rectangular turn-lock and elegant seaming are a bit of a throwback to the past, but they also seem surprisingly fresh. The soft lambskin is also lovely, although its gray base color is questionable. A paler hue would have seen the blue panel stand out even more and made the purse seem less drab.

The James is a slender creature, as the most elegant of clutch purses often are, but Hype does its best to keep it serviceable. With a card slot and array of pockets you could leave your wallet behind and use the main compartment for more important things. The space also has a chain strap tucked away, but you can remove it completely if you’d prefer to minimize the clutter.

I’d ordinarily hesitate to spend close to $200 on a clutch but the James’ versatile styling is tempting me. This is the sort of purse that would look just as fetching with jeans or an evening gown. If you can work it into your everyday wardrobe you’re likely to see value here.

More Features of This Hype Art Deco Clutch

• Tonal topstitching
• Silver hardware
• Grosgrain lining
• Measures 7.5 x 13.5 x 1 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hype James Handbag:

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

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• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Hype bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype James cross-body bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
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Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh bring the textiles of Africa to Western fashionistas with their apparel and accessories label Osei-Duro.

The company was born in Ghana after the designers fell in love with the array of traditional fabrics and designs the country offered.

Osei-Duro’s designs are made from sustainable materials using sustainable manufacturing processes. I’m really drawn to the fabrics which include batik printed silk, cotton voile, and bogalon, a cotton mudcloth colored with local minerals. Each bag is also lined in wax printed cotton. The items are hand woven, hand sewn, and even hand printed to minimize the company’s carbon footprint.

The label isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for its people. The fashion house works closely with the ladies at Ghana’s Dzidefo Women’s Cooperative. Through their work for the company the women earn fair wages and hone their skills. They also put a percentage of their earnings back into the business to help it grow.

Osei-Duro apparel and accessories are available at selected boutiques in California, New York, Singapore, and Canada, and through the company’s website. The label ships throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to ensure key international markets can enjoy its tribal inspired goodies.

[Source: Osei-Duro website]

Hobo International shows its claws with this Lola Shoulder Bag.

Hobo International tends to favor matte leathers, so this leopard printed skin comes out of the blue. As if it wasn’t already wild enough, Hobo International has also treated the skin with a delicate embossed texture. Personally I think the combination of scaly embossing and leopard spots is a bit too much, but it’s also refreshing to see Hobo International trying something new.

At least Hobo International hasn’t overcomplicated the design. The Lola’s shape is very sensible with clean lines and little fuss. The long, slender straps look slightly out of proportion, but at least they’re easy to sling over our shoulder. The interior is also very sensible, with an array of slip and zip pockets, a key chain, and all the space we really need. Some girls may crave more room but at least we’re not tempted to carry more than essentials.

At $148 this shoulder bag is an affordable way to add a little spice to your wardrobe.

More Features of This Hobo International Leopard Print Shoulder Bag

• Nickel hardware
• Top zip closure
• Fully lined in graphic print fabric
• Measures 2.5 x 11.5 x 7 inches

Get this Hobo International Lola Handbag:

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

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• Check the VIP Personal Shopping eBay store to see if this Hobo International bag is in stock
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You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The matte Hobo International Lola bag, a great alternative to this leopard print bag.
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Hilary Radley allows us to enjoy the looks of a fur bag without harming any animals with this Nomad Tote.

Despite its rich look, the Nomad is crafted from faux fur and embellished with synthetic. Both materials do a great job mimicking the more luxurious fabrics, and they do it with a lot less hip pocket pain. Admittedly the fur isn’t quite as plush and the synthetic is a little too shiny, but from a distance these fabrics know how to keep up appearances.

Its name encourages us to discover the great outdoors, but its design is probably more suited to the urban jungle. A zippered envelope runs down the center of the spacious main compartment, effectively dividing it into three user-friendly sections. More pockets in the side walls make staying organized even easier.

An authentic fur handbag could easily cost thousands but this one is much more affordable at $125. That doesn’t buy us the same opulence we find in genuine fur purses, but it does buy a clean conscience.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Faux Fur Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Plaid fabric lining
• A braided strap with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 15 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hilary Radley Nomad Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hilary Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Alvin cross-body bag, a great alternative to this faux fur bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay
• Other faux fur tote bags on eBay:

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Rachel Zoe’s looked pretty calm in the paparazzi snaps from her current St. Barts vacation, but the celebrity stylist is probably seething. Page Six recently reported that American Airlines lost her “valuable valise” which was crammed with luxurious travel items.

Zoe reportedly touched down on the French Caribbean island with “only the duds on her back” according to The Post. That seems a bit strange as the news articles claim just one travel bag went astray, and Zoe regularly travels with ten or more cases. However perhaps she’s learned the art of traveling light lately!

A collection of Missoni caftans and her vintage Tom Ford for Gucci leather jacket are amongst the expensive items that were lost on route. Not to mention that covetable suitcase!

The travel bag has been missing for a week, so it’s anyone’s guess whether it will be recovered at this stage. Thank goodness she’s got an island paradise to enjoy while she’s mourning the potentially permanent loss of her luggage. Can you think of a better excuse for a spot of holiday shopping though? There’s never really a great time to lose your swag, but at least she can take advantage of the post Christmas sales!

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Christopher Macsurak/Wikipedia Commons]