Marc by Marc Jacobs has a way of bringing style-setting trends into relative affordability. Sometimes, though, he simply brings his past successes back into the forefront, by reinvigorating them for new seasons. This clutch, for example, looks a whole lot like the iconic Dr. Q Magazine Clutch that fashionistas across the globe went crazy for just a few seasons ago.

Instead of the smooth leather of the Dr. Q, this Magazine clutch features the stamped Marc by Marc Jacobs imprint. To be truthful, I'm not sure whether this is an improvement. I like the texture of the bag, but I'm not really big on obvious logos. The color of the leather, however, makes up for it. The rich burnt orange is fabulous for fall.

The 15" x 10" size is great for day or night, and in this color, it will go with just about everything. The foldover style is modern and sleek but the details give it a distressed, almost bohemian edge. The goldtone logo plate is secured with a dark brown placket, and the combination brings interest to the center of the bag.

This Magazine clutch is sure to find as many followers as the last, and for good reason.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Magazine Clutch

• Paisley print lining
• Pleated pouch compartment under flap
• Internal zipped and pouch compartments

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Magazine Clutch:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Dr. Q Magazine Clutch, a great alternative to this bag
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs bags on eBay
• Other magazine clutch purses on eBay:

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Today marks the first International Plastic Bag Free Day, a global initiative which encourages everyone to ditch the plastic bags and carry their groceries home in reusable totes.

The event is the brainchild of the United Kingdom's Marine Conservation Society, but it's received support around the world. The organization has a vested interest in abolishing plastic bags after seeing firsthand the devastation they can cause to waterways and marine animals.

"We need as many people as possible to take part to make the day a success and show that one of the most preventable forms of plastic litter can easily be stopped," said the group's Pollution Program Manager, Dr. Sue Kinsey. "Plastic bags are a menace to marine wildlife and blight our landscape. Groups as far afield as Canada and Hawaii are taking part and making this a truly international day!"

With so many cute cotton and canvas totes available, this is one green trend that's easy to follow!

[Source: Marine Conservation Society]
[Image Source: NoMoreBaggage.org]

Reusable Tote Bags on eBay

Hello Kitty Reusable Shopper Handbag Tote shoping Bag f US $.99   4 Bids Auction Ends: 15m Make it yours...

50 Reusable GROCERY TOTE BAGS Eco Friendly Store BULK US $109.99   Auction Ends: 1h 18m Make it yours...

New Disney Mickey Reusable Handbag Shopping Tote bag M US $.01   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 42m Make it yours...

Chiropractors have confirmed what fashion lovers had already guessed: your favorite oversized handbag is bad for your health. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress says these popular purses may be convenient, but carrying them creates a postural imbalance, which may have dire consequences for the spinal discs, body structures, and nervous system.

"I have had patients complain about shoulder pain and lower back pain," explained Gerard W. Clum, D.C., president of Life Chiropractic College in West Hayward, Calif., and spokesperson for the Foundation. "When I ask the patients to show me the size and the weight of their handbags, it can be in excess of 10 to 15 lbs., which can cause serious risk to your overall health."

So what's a girl to do when she needs to carry her wallet, house and car keys, iPod, cell phone, PDA, and digital camera on an average outing? Well, the good news is that we don't have to abandon our oversized purses altogether. We should just buy smarter.

Dr. Clum suggests handbags should weigh no more than one or two pounds. He also urges against taking the bag's weight on one shoulder. Instead he encourages women to tote purses with two shoulder straps, or to pull a carry case.

"Heavy, cumbersome bags may leave you with back, neck, and shoulder pain, even headaches and can aggravate or accelerate arthritic conditions," he cautions. "It's important to find ways to stay healthy while staying in fashion."

[Source: Earth Times]
[Image Source: Fasnail/Stock.xchng]

Lightweight Purses on eBay

POLO SPORT NYLON LIGHT WEIGHT HOBO BAG PURSE HANDBAG US $39.00   Auction Ends: 28d 20h 43m Make it yours...

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT ZEBRA STRIPE BLACK WHITE PURSE HANDBAG US $9.99   Auction Ends: 28d 6h 49m Make it yours...

Levis Strauss Co Reusable Shopping Bag Purse Tote BN US $9.99   Auction Ends: 22d 18h 50m Make it yours...

Your Wallet: You carry it everywhere, whip it out in front of complete strangers and keep highly senstive personal credit cards inside it. Your wallet can say more about you than you realize.

Now I just wonder what these wallets say about the people who own them?

1. All Silver ACM Wallet

Just as cheap as traditional wallets, this ACM Wallet has a certain touch of industrial design but at a price that you can afford in these turbulent economic times. It's got a silky smooth surface, is scratch resistant, and is the next generation of personal finance organisation.

2. Dr. Who and The Daleks Sci-Fi Credit Card Wallet

If you don want something that looks like it has come straight out of a sci-fi film and want a solid credit card holder that can take everyday day wear and tear, this virtually indestructible Darlek inspired case is perfect. One thing is for sure: this is a wallet that will spice up the life of your otherwise staid 0% credit card that has had no action since you filled it up with all the debt accrued from your last shopping spree!
Read the rest of this entry »

I'm fairly certain handbag designers don't particularly care whether I think their bags are good or not, but I hope at least some of my readers value my opinion and consider it more than just that.

I'm not just a handbag lover and collector, I'm also a critic. By critic I mean I look at every bag and judge it on its' own merits as well as how it fits into today's market.

Not only are aesthetics important when I recommend a bag, but pricing is also a pivotal factor I take into account when I browse the web and scour the stores for the latest trends.

In the end, my decisions are a mixture of brains and gut instincts. That's how I buy and collect my own handbags. It's always worked for me, and I'm sticking to my formula because "If it ain't broke...".

Now that 2008 is behind us, I've had time to think about the bags that defined the year - the best of the best. I narrowed my picks down to two very beautiful and stylish bags which are as different as night and day.

YSL Majorelle Bag

My first pick is the YSL Majorelle Bag. It's no secret YSL is my favorite designer handbag label. The Majorelle embodies all that is great about this iconic label. Classic, sophisticated and exquisite handbags are what women have come to expect from YSL.

Although there was some debate over whether or not the Majorelle looked a bit too much like a "granny bag", I believe the simple design of the Majorelle only serves to enhance the colors and finishes that YSL can come up with.

YSL Majorelle Bags on eBay

NWT YVES SAINT LAURENT MAJORELLE CAMEL STINGRAY BAG US $1,624.74   Auction Ends: 4d 14h 52m Make it yours...

MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo

My second pick, the MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo, is a more inexpensive option but nonetheless worthy of praise. If YSL is my favorite high-end designer handbag label, then MARC by Marc Jacobs is my favorite moderately-priced designer handbag label.

Their handbag collections are filled with fabulous and stylish bags, and the Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo is a perfect example of why this label is so successful. Although MARC is targeted for a more young, hip crowd, the overall simplicity and quality craftsmanship of their designs appeal to women well into their 40s and 50s (my last trip to Nordstrom was proof of that).

The Lil Riz is a fine hobo with its' relaxed shape, sturdy top handle and well-appointed interior. The ample 13.5 x 11.5 x 3.5 size makes it a great choice for a day bag, but its' chic look will work in the evening as well.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo Bags on eBay

MARC BY JACOBSDrQ Lil RizHobo Handbag Bag Satchel US $450.00   Auction Ends: 21d 19h 16m Make it yours...

Marc by Marc Jacobs Twisted Q Lil Riz Hobo Bag US $217.50   3 Bids Auction Ends: 21h 22m Make it yours...

• The YSL Majorelle Bag in purple patent leather is on sale at Overstock.com reduced from $1395 to $1099.
• The MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo is available in both light brown and a fantastic indigo blue for $428 via Saks.

(A SenoraCartera post: Best Designer Handbags of 2008)

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As usual, Marc Jacobs is leading the pack when it comes to current trends. He basically invented the oversized clutch, and his Marc by Marc Jacobs label consistently produces some of the most coveted clutches around. The Dr. Q Magazine Clutch is certainly no exception. Ever since its 2008 debut, it has caused a sensation with celebrities like Lauren Conrad, and on famous street fashion blogs like The Satorialist.

What I love about this bag is that it satisfies a trend in a thoroughly modern, streamlined way. It doesn't have many bells or whistles, but, with its chic straight-forward design, it doesn't need any. 

The elegant foldover style looks soft and makes the clutch versatile, sizewise. In total, it measures 14" x 10" x 2", and while it doesn't make sense to fill it to the top (that would kind of defeat the purpose of the foldover), you could basically put as much or as little in the clutch as you like, and it would still look cool.

The foldover flap top opens to the interior compartment with a leather-trimmed zip pocket, and there is an additional long zipped pocket underneath the flap. The polished silver metal hardware is a great contrast to the supple black leather, and the large silver and black logo plate isn't too distracting.

The Dr. Q Magazine clutch is an elegant bag for carrying a few things by day, and would still work with more formal evening wear. This is a super hip bag with lines simple enough to seduce even a few stalwart tradtionalists.

More Features of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q. Magazine Clutch

• Graphic textile lining

See Marc Jacobs Magazine Clutches on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from Runway City on eBay
• Click here to search Marc Jacobs bags on eBay

Marc by Marc Jacobs is known for creating edgier, less-expensive alternatives to the Marc Jacobs line. But, the Marc by MJ Dr. Q Lil' Riz is as sophisticated as many in the more expensive sister collection. The shape of the Lil' Riz strikes an elegant balance between structured and slouchy that makes it the perfect accessory for this fall's grunge-chic aesthetic.

The range of colors available means that each bag has a slightly different appeal. The light brown is a little bit country, while the black is definitely rock n' roll. The pale peachy coral version has a distinctly retro 80's vibe, and the grape color shown here has a richness that makes it seem a little more mature and ladylike.

The size is large at 14" x 15" x 4", but not distractingly so. The single rolled leather strap has a 8" drop, so it fits comfortably over your shoulder, and stays close to your body. The platform bottom adds sturdiness to the traditional hobo shape.

The pleated details really set off the suppleness of the leather, and the foldover top is a nice touch.  It's really too bad that the enameled front logo plate is so large and ostentatious, as it does take away from the bag's upperclass appeal.

This is a youthful daytime bag for a hip girl with places to go and a lot of stuff to carry.

More Features of the Marc by MJ Dr. Q Lil' Riz

• Inside hidden magnetic closure
• Colorful interior with a back zip wall and multifunctional zip pockets
• Front strap detail

See the Marc by MJ Dr. Q. Lil' Riz on eBay

MARC BY JACOBSDrQ Lil RizHobo Handbag Bag Satchel US $450.00   Auction Ends: 21d 19h 16m Make it yours...

MARC by MARC JACOBS Dr Q Lil Riz Croc Print Hobo Purse US $40.01   3 Bids Auction Ends: 1d 3h 11m Make it yours...

• All Marc by Marc Jacobs bags on eBay