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:

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

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Mia Tote, a great alternative to this croc-embossed handbag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky satchels on eBay

It's got a little name, but the Mia tote from Hype is big, bright, and bold!

This larger than life handbag has enough space inside to hold everything you need, and enough style to impress. The finish is billed as crocodile-embossed leather, but nobody is going to believe this is a genuine exotic. The tiny irregular squares appear more like a mosaic than crocodile scales, but perhaps that's okay. This surface may not be a convincing croc, but it's got its own charm that goes beyond mere imitation.

The drawstring adds a casual air, but it's not a very effective closure. It's fiddly to use, and contorts the bag into an overly puckered shape. With a zippered closure providing security back-up, I wonder why the drawstring was included at all!

Zippered pockets in the front add aesthetic and practical appeal. They're deep enough for stashing everything you need at your fingertips. Another slip pocket in the rear provides even more storage space.

And that's before we even get inside. The deep north-south shape is large enough to carry the things we need to survive the day, while a zippered pocket and three multifunctional slips help keep the clutter at bay.

The rolled shoulder straps are probably long enough for most girls to sling over their shoulder, but the removable longer strap provides a little extra versatility. It converts the tote to a cross-body bag, perfect for your daily commute.

With 11 different colors available, there's literally one to suit everybody. Conservative tastes may gravitate towards black or smoke gray, while more daring divas may prefer tango orange or this Aztec blue.

More Features of This Hype Croc Embossed Tote

• Fully lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 14 x 4 inches

Get this Hype Mia Handbag:

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

Sorry we couldn't find anything like this on eBay. Try our Bag Search Engine.

• Check the Davis Jewelry and Gifts eBay store to see if this Hype bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Mia ruffled clutch, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Hype bags on eBay

Move over YSL Roady Tote, you've got some competition for the newest gotta-have-it handbag for Hollywood celebrities. Tod's G-Bag is making its way around town and popping up on quite a few famous shoulders.

Although the G-Bag is not a brand-new design for the label, its popularity seems to have increased exponentially in recent months. Gwyneth Paltrow, a loyal fan of the brand, was first seen with the bag in Tod's spring/summer 2009 ad campaign, and it has only gained momentum from there.

It makes sense then for Tod's to keep bringing it back with a few tweaks here and an additional color option there. Although some of the celebrities' versions of the tote differ a bit from one another, they are all equally enviable and chic.

Julia Roberts and Halle Barry have been rocking their classic khaki G-Bag for some time, while Jessica Alba spiced up the look a bit with a fun snakeskin material. This Tod's tote might not be a financial stretch for well-paid celebrities, but $1,665 is quite  a chunk of change for the rest of us. I guess we'll have to stick with more affordable roomy totes like the B. Makowsky Nassau.

[Source: InStyle]
[Image: Bergdorf Goodman]

Tod's Handbags on eBay

If you're not a regular at your local vintage shops but love the look anyway, it's good news that some brands offer vintage-inspired styles along with the popular trendy items.

Nine West is one of those companies, like Jessica Simspon's line, providing such a wide variety of affordable designs that they're bound to hit on at least one option for nearly every style out there today. Although I wouldn't call vintage-like their forte, they've touched on it fairly well with this Ranya satchel.

The shape is a traditional slouchy satchel silhouette easy for everyday use. The Ranya's design isn't overtly vintage-inspired, but there are some details that would make it attractive to fans of that style combined with a few modern details thrown in there as well. It's mostly the antiqued effect on the bag's chain straps and other hardware that remind me of fashion from the past, but the small studs on the top handle piece are definitely from today.

For only $89, you can't expect real leather from this Nine West number. What it lacks in high quality materials, though, it makes up for in storage, in my opinion. The interior has a very decent amount of space along with a zippered pouch dividing the interior in half. I'm not completely blown over by the Ranya satchel, but it's a nice option for a medium handbag with a little personality and an affordable price tag.

More Features of the Ranya Satchel

• Measures 14 x 8 x 5 inches
• Chain and synthetic strap with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic snap closure

Get this Nine West Ranya Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York Ava, a great alternative to this affordable vintage-inspired satchel
• Searching for more Nine West handbags on eBay
• Other synthetic satchels on eBay:

B. Makowsky seems to have a penchant for naming their handbags after major cities, like the Maui, Los Angeles, and Florence. I'm not sure what exactly about this particular tote called to mind the Bahamas, but Nassau is the name it was given.

Interesting name choice aside, the Nassau tote is actually a great handbag to consider. There are some first-rate qualities to it that mark it definitively a B. Makowksy style and give it that designer touch.

The first thing that draws my eye, especially in this vachetta brown color, is the crocodile embossing on the leather. It is unusually notable to me because of the size of the, for lack of a better description, croc-printed squares. I like the drama that feature adds to the design.

That's not the only bold, dramatic detail, however. Like many other B. Makowsky handbags, the Nassau tote has large, prominent hardware that catches your eye but doesn't take over the style.

Last but not least, this bag is wonderfully practical when you glance at the signature leopard-print interior. The inside of the large tote is separated into three compartments for ideal organization with many pockets for smaller items. The stylish and functional designer purse retails for $318.

More Features of the Nassau Tote

• Measures 17 x 13 x 6 inches
• Double handles with 11 inch drop
• Sunken zipper closure

Get this B. Makowksy Nassau Bag:

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

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowksy Copenhagen Tote, a great alternative to this large tote
• Other totes from the designer on eBay

Alexander McQueen is known for his edgy, irreverent designs, and Samsonite is known for creating sturdy luggage that will last a lifetime. So what do you get when you combine them? Two great tastes that taste great together!

I should probably offer the disclaimer that I ordered this bag for myself today. Which should go a long way towards showing you how much I like it, since I look at more bags daily than most people look at in a lifetime, and am largely immune to their charms. Another thing I should say is that this isn't really a handbag, it's more of a carry-on (the Samsonite might have clued you in), but I think it can do double duty, and I intend to expect it to. 

The shape of this bag is something like a bowler, and I can already imagine how nicely it will fit under my shoulder. The smooth edges and streamlined shape are perfect for showcasing the smooth white leather and croc-embossed details. The zipper goes all the way down to the base of the bag, which makes it easier for packing and unpacking.

My favorite thing about this bag is the wraparound strap, which balances out the shape of the bag and has the extra benefit of keeping your valuables safe, whether you are taking it on a trans-Atlantic journey or just across town. The interior is well designed, organizationally speaking. It includes a zipper pocket, an open pocket, and a PDA pocket, which is just enough to keep all your things in order. 

The rolled leather handles are great for hand carrying, but I am glad that it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Since the bag itself already weighs 6.4 pounds, once full, it would be a real burden to carry by hand. The weight is the only significant problem I see with the bag, and I overlooked it because I mostly want to use it as a carry-on. At 19" x 13.75' x 6.75", it's just a little too big and a little too heavy for me to see it as an everyday accessory.

More Features Of The Ivory Shoulder Bag By Alexander McQueen For Samsonite

• Signature feather print interior lining
• Includes luggage tag
• McQueen fingerprint zipper pulls

White Leather Carry-On Bags On eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Cash In The Closet store on eBay
• Click here to search Alexander McQueen bags on eBay

Sometimes croco-embossed purses can look more appropriate for the fall and winter seasons than our current time of the year. Maybe I've just seen so many this past winter in dark, jewel-toned colors with a patent sheen that I associate them that way.

Even though other textured leather materials are very popular right now, such as ostrich, croc and croco-embossed remains a widely available option, which has had me looking for one of these handbags in a season-crossing version. My eye was immediately drawn to the Nine West Bradley Tote because of its simple chic look and overall versatile style.

Granted, the denim blue and orange-y red color options are probably more suitable for spring and summer, but the black Bradley is what I consider the most practical color for this tote. It might not be the most exciting choice, but it's one that will take you in and out of seasons easily. When money is tight, that's exactly what I look for in an accessory.

It might be the lack of a shiny coating on the PVC material that makes it seem that way to me. I'm a gal who loves a little patent sheen every now and then, but it's not like you can wear that with every outfit in every season. This Nine West handbag's matte finish makes the croco-embossing less obvious. It merely adds a little visual interest to the tote.

If you dislike the contrast of black and light brown, you might want to skip this one or opt for one of the other colors instead. Personally, I think the color combo is timeless and chic when done right. The Bradley does it right, in my opinion, by adding some woven detailing on the handles and keeping the silver hardware to a minimum. This affordable Nine West tote retails for just under $100.

More Features of the Bradley Tote

• Measures 14.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches
• Logo plate on front
• Zip top closure

Nine West Bradley Bags on eBay

• Get this black, blue, or red Bradley Tote on Amazon
• Click here to search more Nine West handbags on eBay

With warmer weather ahead, we're all thinking about updating our wardrobe with a few extra pieces. But it can be tough to know where to start! This video, featuring madberries.com style director Donna Ladd's recent appearance on WPIX 11 Morning News, is a great place to start.

Donna takes us through some of spring's hottest trends, including color block, animal print, and fringe. Unlike the international catwalks and glossy fashion mags, the emphasis here is on affordable pieces to suit today's budget-conscious fashionistas. The video also helps us achieve a stylish look that capitalizes on the current trends without overdosing on them.

But madberries.com does more than just share style secrets. This exciting new website also gives away the products it loves! Log on for a chance to win the Melie Bianco croc-embossed tri-fold clutch and JJ Winters suede fringe bag seen in this segment. Best of luck Bag Bunchers!

JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bags on eBay

Diane Von Furstenberg knows what girls on the go want, and she delivers another functional travel bag in the Raquel. It's just a shame that along the way, the designer forgot her trademark style.

All the right elements are there. The trapezoidal shape has a fun retro feel, and the crocodile embossed leather trim helps to dress things up. But the fabric is just so drab. Black, walnut, and bamboo may be elegant choices, but they're also a little boring.

While I miss Diane Von Furstenberg's usual design flair, she's made up for it with the practical features. The zip-around bottom compartment is the ideal place for stashing a pair of Jimmy Choo heels and other extras. An interior pocket offers easy access to your passport and travel documents.

The Raquel is crafted using high quality materials that are built to last. In fact, Diane Von Furstenberg is so convinced of this she offers a 10-year warranty. That's not bad for a purse that retails for just $100. If this Drop-Bottom Boarding Bag has caught your eye, you can complete the look with matching luggage.

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Boarding Bag

• A luggage tag
• Fully lined interior
• A double zip closure
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 19 x 14 x 7 inches
• Weighs 5 lb.

Diane Von Furstenberg Raquel Bags on eBay

Also See

• Click here to find this croc-embossed trim purse at Amazon
• All Diane Von Furstenberg bags on eBay

At first glance, I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to review this bag for two reasons. Mostly I was hesitant because it's been out for a little while but also because I think the croc-embossed texture has been overdone. However, after looking a little more at this Kate Spade clutch, I couldn't pass it up.

The structured shape and subtle but classic details are exactly what I expect from Kate Spade and probably what fans enjoy most about her bags. They've usually got that impeccable, chic-without-looking-too-uppity vibe, and the Paola Elba jumped out at me as a quintessential example of that.

If it had lots of shiny hardware or a pattern in addition to the embossed texture, I would probably write it off as a little tacky. However, the Elba Handbag has the perfect amount of pretty features and not an ounce more than it needs. We're all familiar with the croc-embossed look, but the details around the edges of the clutch add interest quietly and don't compete with the material.

The amount of space inside is about what you'd expect from an slightly oversized clutch. The slimness of the bag limits what you can carry around, but I think any woman would expect that from a flat clutch.

If you find yourself wishing that you didn't have to carry it in your hands, you're in luck. The Kate Spade Paola Elba comes with a short chain strap to slip on your shoulder. To get that effortless chic look, though, I'd keep the strap tucked in and carry it as a clutch.

More Features of the Paola Elba Bag

• Measures 13 x 8 x 1 inch
• Croc-Embossed
• Patent Leather
• Gold-plated signature hardware

Kate Spade Paola Handbags on eBay

• Get this croc-embossed patent Paola Elba on Amazon
• Click here to search all Kate Spade bags on eBay