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:

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To me, there's just something special about a high quality leather purse or bag. They are traditional, durable and never go out of style. However, not everyone is satisfied with commonplace purses and some like to carry standout handbags that are far from ordinary. Here's a look at 50 bags that stray from the beaten path. Love them or hate them, there is no denying that they are unique. Each is made with rather unusual materials, or fashioned to look like something it is not. As you'll see, this type of creativity in design produces purse styles ranging from cute to tragic.

Farm Animal in Chaps

[Image Source]

This lovely purse was spotted at TJ Maxx. No idea what look designer Diane Gail was going for, but there's no doubt that she nailed "Farm Animal Wearing Chaps" with this one. Not sure if the pattern of the animal hide was lined up this way on purpose, but it reminds me of that one bad night I had at a Biker Bar with a cow.
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Critical acclaim and a celebrity following are no insurance for surviving the global recession. Just ask Luella Bartley! The Designer of the Year at the 2008 British Fashion Awards has been forced to close down her Luella label following the loss of one of its main suppliers.

Luella's Italian production company Carla Carini shut down last month. This means that the orders for Luella's spring/summer 2010 collection could not be completed. This inspired VSQ, the company in charge of the brand's distribution, to withdraw its support.

The decision to close down operations is a blow for Luella's fans, which include fashionable young Britons like Alexa Chung, Lily Allen, and Pixie Geldof. But Ms Bartley says we shouldn't count her out just yet. She is currently exploring options to take the label forward.

She's got the support of online fans, who are expressing their Luella love by adding a "Save Luella" banner to their Twitter avatars. I'm not sure whether anyone with clout will listen to the cyber outpouring, but only time will tell!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Luella]

Luella Bags on eBay

Alexander Wang is one of those designers who rarely gets it wrong. His 1980s inspired accessories somehow combine the current taste for retro goodies with classic fashion sensibilities. Perhaps it's the absence of fluorescent hues and outlandish designs which help Alexander Wang's bags stand the test of time.

The Tina Zip Clutch is in keeping with Alexander Wang’s signature style. While it's called a clutch, its large size makes it a little ungainly for hand-held carrying. Thankfully the purse can easily convert to a cross-body bag by attaching the luxuriously long strap. The Tina makes the most of its supersized appearance with plenty of pockets for maximum storage potential.

Security is the name of the game, with all exterior pockets closing with shiny silver zips. The hardware adds a little attitude, although this cream-colored purse never appears too rock and roll. If you'd prefer a little more edge, consider the black or denim blue Tinas.

While it doesn't have the bad girl appeal of the others, I think this more virginal Tina is the best showcase for the pebbly textured finish. It just begs to be touched! Of course, you'll have to keep this pale-colored purse away from red wine and dirty motorcycles. That creamy shade is guaranteed to show stains if it's not handled with care.

Like so many Alexander Wang bags, the Tina is relatively affordable at $590.

More Features of This Alexander Wang Pocket Purse

• An inside pocket
• Zip top closure
• A detachable strap with an 18 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 9 inches

Get this Alexander Wang Tina Handbag:

• Available to buy at Kirna Zabete
• Check the Exclusive Accessories eBay store to see if the blue Alexander Wang Tina bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Alexander Wang Max bag, a great alternative to this pocketed bag.
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Sometimes little known handbag designers can produce a great looking purse. The quality may not be the same as legendary fashion-houses, but this reasonably priced bag can bring a dose of bold 60s goodness to your look.

In my humble opinion 60s fashion, with its funky geometric prints and bright colors, never really goes out of style. The colors may clash with some of your outfits, but print mixing is currently "cool" and this will work in this purse's favor.

Now, whilst the checkerboard squares are great looking, this Eenamaria bag is somewhat lacking in shape. It can't seem to decide between being thin and elegant, or chunky and spacious. Of course both have advantages, but combined it makes for a 60s clutch with a wide bottom and a narrow top, finished with a strange gold chain.

All in all this is an affordable and accessible clutch, that looks good but doesn't necessarily carry that design through to completion.

More Features of this Eenamaria Geometric Clutch

• Available in red/black/white or gray/yellow/white combinations
• Golden chain handle
• Frame closure

Get this Chunky Sixties Purse:

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

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• More sixties inspired bags on BagBunch
• The Paul Smith Swirl City clutch, a great alternative to this bold bag.
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Gucci is preparing to launch its fifth annual charity campaign to benefit UNICEF. In the past five years the designer handbag brand has raised almost $7 million to support UNICEF's efforts in education, healthcare, protection, and clean water.

This year's collection is inspired by Snowman in Africa, the sequel to the best-selling children's book Snowman in Paradise. Gucci will sell the book alongside its limited edition charity accessories collection in its retail stores and online. 100% of the book's retail price, and 25% of the bag sales, will benefit UNICEF.

The accessories available include the large Joy Bag, and the smaller coin purse and wallet. As the name of the collection suggests, the purse's feature an appliquéd snowman standing in a field of African grasses and wrapped up by a native snake.

The Snowman in Africa goodies will be available from November 16 until December 31. However some lucky celebrities, including supermodel mama Heidi Klum, have already been spotted carrying the range. If her star endorsement helps to boost the profile of this worthwhile collection it can only be a good thing.

[Source: Senora Cartera]
[Image Source: Gucci]

Gucci UNICEF Bags on eBay

When she's not appearing as a guest judge alongside Heidi Klum on Lifetime's Project Runway, Ukrainian-born model-turned-actress Milla Jovovich is apparently signing charity collaboration deals with major designers.

Jovovich is set to be the next beauty to front Tommy Hilfiger's campaign for the Breast Health International organization, following in the path of supermodel Helena Christensen who was the campaign's chosen ambassador earlier this year. 

The model will be testing out her designing chops once again with this project. She'll not only be fronting the campaign as the 2010 ambassador but will also design the limited-edition bag for it, as Christensen did before her.

The proceeds from the handbag will benefit the Breast Health International organization, but we'll have to wait until April of next year to see what Milla has in mind. If her previous design collaboration for Jovovich-Hawk is any indication of her current inspirations, I'm guessing it will be a little vintage-inspired and slightly boho-chic.

[Source: My Fashion Life]
[Image: loquevenmisojosm/Flickr]

Tommy Hilfiger Handbags on eBay

Tory Burch has amped up the glam factor with this metallic Nico tote.

It seems to be inspired by Andy Warhol's muse, but I can't imagine the Velvet Underground singer carrying anything quite this ostentatious. The boxy design is simple enough, and Tory Burch has been careful to keep the accents to a minimum, but there's no getting away from that bold gold finish. Despite the lack of bells and whistles, you'll need confidence to carry off such a head-turning look.

The decorative details may be pared back, but they're still there. Vertical banding helps to break up the expanse of shiny pebbled leather. The T-shaped gold hardware near the dual handles is a subtle nod to their designer. Heaven knows, the Nico needs all the subtlety it can get!

The interior is pleasantly practical, with a zippered pocket and two multifunctional slips helping to keep the roomy space in order. A zipper would have provided a little more security than the magnetic snap, but it does the job to the best of its ability. If you're really concerned about safety, you can always keep your valuables in the zippered pocket after all.

If you'd prefer something a little demure than this glitzy gold number, the Nico is also available in basic black.

More Features of This Tory Burch Gold Tote

• Protective metal feet on the base
• Fully lined interior
• Dual leather and gold straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 15.5 x 3.5 inches

Get this Tory Burch Nico Handbag:

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

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• Check the Fashionist Handbags eBay store to see if the black Nico bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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There are book bags, and then there are bags that are books ... or rather look like books. That's what Parisian "It" girl Olympia Le-Tan was aiming for when she created her first handbag collection.

The new line, aptly named You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover, features rectangular clutch bags with a hand-knitted exterior inspired directly by some of literature's classic first-edition covers. This quirky accessories line has everyone covered with 21 pieces ranging from the titles "For Whom the Bell Tolls" to "The Misfits" to "Satan refuse du monde."

The designer described her inspiration for the collection:

"I was thinking there were all these beautiful books around and they were being forgotten with everybody on the Internet, so I made it so that you can carry them around," said designer Olympia Le-Tan at her Paris fashion week presentation at the Galerie Véro-Dodat.

It's the perfect combination for bookworms who also love fashion or for fashion lovers who just want to look smart in more ways than one. See more from the whimsical handbag line here.

[Source: Style.com]
[Image: The Moment]

Knitted Handbags on eBay

American designer Cynthia Rowley has teamed up with surf brand Roxy for a new fashion collection.

The line is set to include Rowley-inspired wetsuits, board shorts, T-shirts, dresses, swimwear, handbags and other accessories. This is Roxy's first designer collaboration, but early indications are that it won't be the last.

"Our mission at Roxy has always been to have one foot in the surf world and another foot in the fashion world," said Randy Hild, executive vice president of marketing at Roxy.

It might seem like a strange pairing, but Cynthia says she loves nothing better than hitting the waves.

"My family and I surf a lot. Just about every weekend in the summer, we go to Montauk, and in the winter we go to the Dominican Republic for long weekends," she explained. "I love that we have this family activity that we all really enjoy."

The Cynthia Rowley for Roxy line will launch exclusively at Barneys New York and Paris' Colette store in March, before being rolled out to Roxy stores and Cynthia Rowley boutiques worldwide. The surf brand may be mixing with the big names now, but it's remaining committed to its affordable pricing policy. That's definitely good news for budget-hunting beach bunnies!

[Source: Fab Sugar]

Roxy Handbags on eBay