Steve Madden Ruffle Satchel | Spacious Abstract Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Nov 20

I am impressed by how top-end designer this ruffled satchel from Steven Madden actually looks.

I think it is the design that makes this reasonably affordable handbag look quite so posh. The ruffles aren't just layered like bags normally do, instead being cut from the same synthetic leather in unpredictable patterns. In an abstract way, they twist and contradict each other from handles to base.

A soon as you get out the handle shoulder strap this purse does start looking a little more high street. It is, after all, cut from vaguely coordinating canvas, and is more about function that it is about looks. If you want to look classy, I suggest you only use the shoulder strap when absolutely necessary - although it is nice to have the option.

Whilst the main handles are a little short for such a stocky satchel, I do love the way it looks. The gold hardware contrasting with the golden-pewter shade works particularly well, stopping that bag from looking dull and cold. Instead, this spacious purse looks warm and very smart.

All in all this is an attractively and deceptively designed shoulder-bag with both practicality and looks in mind.

More Features of this Steve Madden Abstract Bag

  • Available in black and pewter
  • Sytheic leather
  • Brown interior with pockets
  • Optional brown canvas shoulder-strap

Get this Spacious Ruffled Satchel:

 

Steve Madden Handbag Ruffle Pewter Steve Madden Handbag Ruffle Pewter
US $88.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 9d 22h 45m
Make it yours...
Steve Madden Handbag Ruffle Black Steve Madden Handbag Ruffle Black
US $88.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 28d 5h 32m
Make it yours...

You may also be interested in:

Womens Brand New Steve Madden Black Clutch Bag Womens Brand New Steve Madden Black Clutch Bag
US $10.49   2 Bids Paypal
Auction Ends: 1h 15m
Make it yours...
Rare Steve Madden Fire Engine Red Patent Tote Bag Rare Steve Madden Fire Engine Red Patent Tote Bag
US $45.00   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 3h 9m
Make it yours...

Carlos Falchi for Target Satchel | Affordable Large Green Faux Snakeskin Bag

Posted on: Nov 20

Carlos Falchi has captured his signature style for less with this satchel, part of his capsule collection for department store Target.

Of course, to make this purse so affordable there are compromises made. There's not a hint of genuine python in the snakeskin collage body. The glossy finish probably gives that away, but by keeping the colors dark the design doesn't look quite as tacky as it could have. The combination of black, forest green, and charcoal gray PVC is striking and ideal for winter weather. And let's not forget, while real leather shows stains quickly PVC simply wipes clean.

The interior has a much lighter look with its colorful fabric lining. I love the way the Target logo is subtly incorporated into the whimsical printed polyester. The generous space is organized better than most bags in this price bracket, with a cell phone slip, zip pocket, a sunglasses pouch and a key ring holder. You'll also find another zippered pocket on the outside of the bag, just in case you were running out of storage options!

The shape isn't very inspired and the fabrics not very luxurious, but this satchel definitely has the Carlos Falchi stamp. And for just $50, it's an affordable alternative to the designer's high-end accessories.

More Features of This Carlos Falchi for Target Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap
  • Measures 14 x 4 x 15 inches

Get this Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Liz Claiborne Crocodile Wristlet | Traditional Vintage-Style Purse

Posted on: Nov 19

This Liz Claiborne wristlet brings posh and sophisticated class to an unusual shape.

Crocodile print, with its spacious pattern, is generally saved for bigger purses and vintage bags. To see it being used surprisingly effectively for a little clutch is a great change.

The styling of this wristlet is very vintage. Whilst wrist straps weren't common back then, everything else is so retro: the big gold buckle, the glossy patent leather. It is both evening wear and smart office wear, and brilliantly versatile.

I have to say that personally I am not convinced by the alternate bag color, branded "matte gold". Rather than being glamorous and mature, this color actually looks more murky dull brown. Not nice! In black it looks great though!

Whilst the looks of this bag are expensive, the materials aren't. And understandably so; you are only paying $40 for this, after all. With this in mind, however, and especially considering the thinness of the handle, I wouldn't hold out for this vintage clutch to last for many seasons. It is even less likely to last with all the wear it may just get!

More Features of this Liz Claiborne Traditional Wristlet

  • Available in gold or black
  • Patent leather exterior
  • Gray interior
  • Convertible strap

Get this Crocodile Print Clutch:

You may also be interested in:

Liz Claiborne Camel Color Purse Organizer Bag Liz Claiborne Camel Color Purse Organizer Bag
US $4.99   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 37m
Make it yours...
Liz Claiborne Doctor Bag Liz Claiborne Doctor Bag
US $16.99   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 53m
Make it yours...

Jessica Jensen Origami Tote | Sophisticated Structural Leather Hold-all

Posted on: Nov 18

It is lovely to see an origami style bag that isn't just a tiny clutch. Here that beautiful structural design style is expanded to fit within a tote sized purse, and the result is fun to look at.

I feel that this tote is somewhat disproportionate. The long body and relatively short handles make it look rather unbalanced, and that origami texture is somewhat drowned by the sheer amount of dark brown leather. This could have been improved by a contrasting trim, stitching or some nice metal; the straight singular shade alone is simply too much.

When we look a little closer there are a number of lovely features about this bag. The soft pink lining is a great and eternally stylish color combination, and the folding is both casual and smart at the same time. The shape too is elegant, structured and sophisticated, even if the handles mean you won't want to pack it to the brim.

All in all this is a functional and feminine purse with some lovely touches and features. What it lacks in variety it makes up for in versatility.

More Features of this Jessica Jensen Hold-all

  • Folded seamed origami styling
  • Duel shoulder straps
  • Spacious size
  • Pink fabric lining

Get this Leather Origami Tote:

You may also be interested in:

B. Makowsky Brasilia E/W Satchel | Croc-Embossed Leather Handbag with Front Pocket

Posted on: Nov 18

Embossed leather is the way to go when you want the look of exotic material without the price tag. Whether using the technique on real leather or manmade material, brands have caught on to the popular trend, and embossed bags of crocodile, ostrich, snakeskin, and more are flooding in.

There are two things about this croc-embossed Brasilia satchel from B. Makowsky that set it apart from some other embossed bag candidates. First, the leather is real and soft, which is a signature of the label but not always the case with other brands. Second, the crocodile texture is somewhat subtle and spread out instead of compact and busy like some embossing.

These two factors, when combined with the Brasilia's other attractive qualities, make for a very decent handbag style. I wouldn't call it a simple design due to the other design features, such as the top corner panels, buckled details, and half-moon front zippered pocket. However, the details together somehow don't overwhelm the style but rather come together in a very appealing way.

The Brasilia is available in this E/W satchel shape as well as a smaller satchel and N/S shopper. This light "vachetta" brown is a nice, neutral choice as are the dark brown and black options, but the deep blue "pacific" color is both pretty and unexpected. This B. Makowsky satchel retails for $278.

More Features of the Brasilia E/W Satchel

  • Measures 16.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches
  • Double handles with 10 inch drop
  • Zip top closure
  • Coin pocket on back
  • Signature leopard-print lining

Get this B. Makowsky Brasilia Bag:

B MAKOWSKY BLACK CROCO BRASILIA E W SATCHEL NWTS B MAKOWSKY BLACK CROCO BRASILIA E W SATCHEL NWTS
US $159.99   Paypal
Auction Ends: 24d 23h 47m
Make it yours...
B MAKOWSKY Gorgeous Vachetta BRASILIA E W Bag NWT B MAKOWSKY Gorgeous Vachetta BRASILIA E W Bag NWT
US $103.50   3 Bids Paypal
Auction Ends: 22h 35m
Make it yours...

You may also be interested in:

Chinese Laundry Addison Double Handle Tote | Gathered Synthetic Bag with Buckled Detail

Posted on: Nov 16

The Chinese Laundry Addison Tote is a little confusing at first glance. The shape is both structured, yet gathered and slouchy at the same time. There's quite a bit going on with this handbag, but the blend of details is unique and interesting.

The Addison's relatively square silhouette, though a common feature of a tote, is given some depth with gathers and folds that culminate to a decorative buckled feature on one side of the front of the handbag. It has the appearance of being somewhat random and a little all over the place, but the gathered detail is given a purpose and placement with the addition of the buckle.

The back of the tote bag does not feature the same technique but does have a slightly loose look due to the gathered material around the handle rings. It complements the look of the front but offers a little relief from the detail, which could otherwise make the bag seem a tad overworked.

This Chinese Laundry design is available in a handful of neutral colors including brown, gray, and black. It might not be real leather, but the use of synthetic material prices it at an affordable $84.

More Features of the Addison Double Handle Tote

  • Measures 15.5 x 12 x 3 inches
  • Handles with 8 inch drop
  • Zip top closure

Get this Chinese Laundry Addison Bag:

You may also be interested in:

Straw Studios Woven Basket | Contrasting Snakeskin Retro Clutch

Posted on: Nov 16

I am always on the lookout for a brilliant little piece of handbag art, and this synthetic leather and straw clutch is one of my favorite recent finds.

A cute straw basket bag always goes down well in vintage and retro inspired circles. The effect is especially strong when you have a piece like this, which adds flare and a fashion twist with the addition of a snakeskin faux leather buckle and trim.

Although the looks are downright stunning and so individual, there are a few limitations that can't be avoided. Firstly, looks aren't everything, and although the bag costs $63 you don't get any decent materials. The leather is thin and fake, and the straw wicker won't last beyond a few seasons. If you are seeking a unique handbag that will last you for life, this Straw Studios purse probably won't cut the mustard.

If your expectations are slightly lower, however, then this funky clutch with its paisley lining will do you fine, whether for wearing in the sun next summer or for dressing up a vintage evening outfit.

More Features of this Straw Studios Vintage Clutch

  • Paisley interior lining
  • Available in brown or black
  • Optional chain handle

Get this Retro Woven Purse:

You may also be interested in:

Hype Jackie Weekend Bag | Spacious Top-Zip Formal Satchel

Posted on: Nov 16

If you are heading away for the weekend, it is all too often the case that your clothes and belongings get relegated to that old carry-all that you used to use for sports when you were about 12. When space is necessary, however, there are plenty of options for keeping your fashion sense happy.

This Hype Jackie satchel is one such option. If you are only heading away for a day or two, this is spacious enough to store your vital items, as well as being neatly compartmentalized to let you sort everything and find things easily. It isn't big enough to carry belongings for a longer time period, but as a carry-on bag it is great.

Particularly worth mentioning regarding the slight over-chunky looks of this hold-all is the interior. In a bright bold contrasting fabric, this is a lovely touch that turns the functional into the fun. The over-sized buckles and fastenings are attractive too, as well as adding much needed functionality and security in addition to the zip.

All in all this is a spacious and handy bag with average yet unoffensive looks.

More Features of this Hype Jackie Satchel

  • Available in blue, black or brown
  • Leather exterior
  • Functional dual handles
  • Multiple interior compartments/pockets

Get this Spacious Weekend Bag:

You may also be interested in:

HYPE HANDBAG CLUTCH PURSE PATENT LEATHER MICROFIBER N M HYPE HANDBAG CLUTCH PURSE PATENT LEATHER MICROFIBER N M
US $24.95   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 18h 23m
Make it yours...
Hype Picasso Handbag Hype Picasso Handbag
US $65.00   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 19h 32m
Make it yours...

Bally Keli Hobo | Black Pleated Nappa Leather Handbag

Posted on: Nov 15

Bally ups the sophistication factor of the traditional hobo with the Keli.

The crescent shape and relaxed form are pure vintage hobo, but there's a certain chicness here missing from those classic purses. This one's much more uptown girl than flower child, making it a more versatile choice for most fashionistas. The nappa leather and pleats bring that sophistication, while emphasizing that casual slouch.

I do worry about how sophisticated a purse of this size will look slung over a shoulder though. There's always the risk of overwhelming your frame with an oversized bag, and this one definitely fits that description. But at least there's the space to carry everything you need, and a few things you don't!

I'd have appreciated a few more color options, but it's hard to argue with the appeal of basic black. In this classic shade you could easily pair the Keli with a power suit during the day before toting it to the bar for a few martinis afterwards!

More Features of This Bally Pleated Hobo

  • Jacquard lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 5.5 inch drop
  • Measures 9.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in Italy

Get this Bally Keli Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Guiseppe Zanotti Leather Clutch | Simple Diamante Square Purse

Posted on: Nov 13

This Giuseppe Zanotti brown leather purse proves that you can have a bit of glitz and glamour in a purse without having to go over the top. Balancing the incredibly luxurious leather with a touch of crystal glamour requires some serious design expertise, as you don't want that incredibly supple leather to go unnoticed.

I personally think that when it comes to how this square clutch looks, Giuseppe Zanotti has really hit the nail on the head. The scattered crystals glimmer but don't overpower, and the brown shade is unusual enough to make it stand out in a sea of boring chestnut or black. I do wish, however, that the designers had concealed the zip a bit more; if you are paying a lot for a purse, you need those extra special touches. And this bag, at $650, definitely counts as a lot!

The lining of this clutch is a little low key, in a simple beige shade with a simple signature pattern. A dark or contrasting lining would be nice, but I presume the brand wanted to keep the looks classy, calm and sophisticated.

More Features of this Guiseppe Zanotti Diamante Clutch

  • Simple crystal scattering
  • Leather exterior
  • Signature lining

Get this Square Leather Purse:

You may also be interested in: