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

High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale should be able to afford most trinkets that catch her eye, but the 24-year-old star is still working on her Christmas wish list. Her most wanted item this year? A new purse of course!

"I love handbags, so I'm hoping for a new handbag," she told media at Bauer Publishing's M magazine Hollywood Halloween party in New York City recently.

She added that her strict parents, who wouldn't let her own a designer bag until she was 19, fueled her love of expensive labels like Louis Vuitton.

"I got my first Louis Vuitton at 19 from my parents. I usually get those kind of bags from my parents. It's not like I can just go shopping and buy all the designer bags I want because I don't think I'm at a place where I can do that." She added that, "I think it's more special when you get it as a gift."

I'll be scouring the fashion pages after Christmas to see whether Ms Tisdale is sporting a shiny new piece of arm candy!

[Source: AceShowbiz]
[Image Source: eryn Johnstone/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

Girls who bemoan leaving their latest copy of Vogue at home will be thrilled with the Barrymore Magazine tote. It's tailor-made for carrying the hottest glossies!

The name should tip you off that this tote comes from Maxx New York's vintage Hollywood collection. That makes it a little more luxurious than many of the brand's bags, with classic pebbled leather replacing the synthetic we've come to expect. Of course, the price fluctuates accordingly. $225 might seem a little high to Maxx New York fans, but it's very reasonable for such a versatile leather carryall.

This white tote probably isn't the most practical option, but at least there are metal feet to protect the base. If you're hoping for the looks to last though, the black bag is probably your best bet. The golden hardware complements both shades beautifully. By adding some tiny studs here and a delicate zip there, Maxx New York keeps the look timeless. The logo tag tips the balance, but it's easy enough to remove.

The Barrymore is made for carrying more than just magazines. The cleverly organized interior makes it easy to keep the clutter at bay. There are two zippered pockets which complement three open gadget pouches. Outside there are another two zippered pockets in the front and back for even more secure storage space.

The strap is long enough to sling over your shoulder, but if you prefer the cross-body look don't worry. A detachable shoulder strap gives you that extra carrying versatility. It's completely adjustable too so you can get just the right fit.

More Features of This Maxx New York Magazine Tote

• Belt detailing
• Double magnetic snap closure
• A single strap with an 8.25 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches

Get this Maxx New York Barrymore Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Perfecthearts eBay store to see if this Maxx New York bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maxx New York bags on BagBunch
• The Barrymore Expandable E/W bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Maxx New York bags on eBay
• Other Maxx New York totes on eBay:

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

This Gustto Torsa Tote shares a similar design feature with the Bonba Clutch from the same brand. However, the practicality of the Torsa's larger size and multiple carrying options makes it a better choice for an everyday handbag.

The feature that the two bags share is the softly twisted strips of leather that flank a center panel on the front. From afar, the detail kind of has a fish gill appearance to it but not in an unappealing way. It's a look that you certainly don't see on other brands. My only hesitation would be that I might accidentally snag one of those delicate twisted strips on something, especially with the feature being on a larger scale (no pun intended) on the Torsa.

It's an impressive design, though, and even more unique when paired with the double circular handles that loop through the top. Of course, ring handles are very rarely practical since most of the time you can only carry them in their hands. Thank goodness for the optional shoulder strap that is included. I'm guessing that the majority of people would choose that carrying method for using the Torsa on a regular basis.

Luxurious leather, quality details, and suede lining don't come without a price, however. This Gustto is priced at a whopping $790, which is not inconsistent with the label's higher end styles. The rosy pink shade picture here is not traditionally a versatile color but definitely one that sets the tote apart even more.

More Features of the Torsa Tote

• Measures 18 x 12 x 3.5 inches
• Circular handles with 5 inch drop
• Sunken zipper closure

Get this Gustto Torsa Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Trustee Store on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Gustto bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich E/W Tote, a great alternative to this unique leather tote.
• Searching for more Gustto handbags on eBay
• Other designer leather totes on eBay:

Every gal needs a good basic, stylish tote bag. It's an essential wardrobe piece and an addition that's ideal for those days when you've just got to grab-and-go while getting ready. We all have them, right?

There are also times when entirely practical has to accompany basic and stylish. That's where B. Makowsky got it right with this Lites Greenwich E/W tote. In my opinion, this handbag fits all three categories with a little edge on top of everything else.

It's a rather enormous size ringing in at over eighteen inches wide, but I don't know many women who couldn't fill it up on a busy day in less than five minutes. The superb interior organizational features make it a great option for work or play. There's even a zippered center divider inside and side slip pockets on the exterior for storing particulars.

Beyond the convenience of pockets, however, the Lites Greenwich tote bag has a pretty crinkled leather texture that looks fabulous in this toffee brown. The effect reminds me of the swishy broomstick skirts that were so popular in past years, but frankly I'm much more content to carry the texture around on a leather purse than wear it. The Greenwich E/W tote also comes in an equally basic black color as well as a not-so-basic orange.

More Features of the Lites Greenwich E/W Tote

• Measures 18.5 x 12 x 5 inches
• Twisted double handles with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic closure
• Crinkled leather material

Get this B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich Bag:

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

• Check the Buy's Internet Superstore on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Werner Japanese Paper Tote, a great alternative to this crinkled texture tote.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky Lites handbags on eBay

Miu Miu's recent Paris Fashion Week runway show was full of whimsical details and innocence, but some of the things going on behind the curtain for the company are not quite so light-hearted at the moment.

According to the Wall Street Journal, some of the decision makers at Miu Miu are unhappy with how their bags are being displayed in certain U.S. department stores. Rumor has it that the company wanted their merchandise exhibited to full effect in their very own store-within-a-store, whereas the stores preferred to mix the handbags in with other handbags.

I hate to take sides in what must be a slightly more complicated situation than simply that, but it seems that Miu Miu might be taking a tad too much offense here. Perhaps there's a lot more going on than we know now, but it's kind of strange that Miu Miu would actually pull their products completely out of multiple stores because of the disagreement. I mean, doesn't every sale, whether from a superior display or not, count in this economy?

[Source: WSJ]
[Image: Salon de Maria/Flickr]

Miu Miu Handbags on eBay

Salvatore Ferragamo's most recent advertising campaign has been out for a bit now, but I think it's still worth talking about. This is the type of photo shoot that makes me long for the weather that accompanies the advertised season.

In a visually stunning fall/winter 2009 photo shoot, Ferragamo displays new coats, handbags, and, of course, shoes. The campaign features models Eva Herzigova and Mariacarla Boscono alongside dashingly handsome Italian dancer Roberto Bollé.

I'm not sure where photographer Mario Testino shot the ads, but the background is quite impressive. They seem to be sauntering through a gorgeous city park ... draped in designer clothing and accessories, quite naturally.

Although the location is very pretty, it's the gorgeous scarlet red outfits in this shot that caught my eye. The look is very dramatic but extremely elegant and sophisticated. I can just imagine one of those vibrant satchels on my arm this season. I might not be pairing it with a red dress, shoes, and tights, but they look simply fabulous.

See more shots from the posh Ferragamo campaign here and check out its fall/winter designs on the runway at New York Magazine's website.

[Source: Pure Entertainment]

Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags on eBay

Bold bagistas and girls preferring to play it safe have something to smile about with B. Makowsky's Phoenix tote. You can get it loud in lipstick red or maize yellow, or opt for a more conservative look with subtle stone or sage green.

Colors aside, this tote strikes the balance between contemporary and classic. The shape is modern, and a welcome change from all those bland boxy totes. Complementary stitching follows the bag's sleek lines, and skirts the side of the long angular zips. Along with the silver strap hardware they bring a little edge, adding character without overwhelming the design.

Pop open the magnetic closure to reveal the Phoenix's large, leopard-print lined, interior. A large zippered envelope separates the bag into three sections. There's a smaller zippered pocket in the side wall, and a couple of slip pouches to hold the latest gadgets. The functional space is finished off with a handy key hook.

While it's got the looks and space of an everyday bag, I'm not sure I'd trust it as my go-to purse. Many bagistas have complained about the leather, particularly the straps, looking cracked and worn before long. So handle it with care and reserve it for special occasions if you hope to get more than a season from the Phoenix.

More Features of This B. Makowsky North-South Tote

• A platform base
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 11 inches
• Made in China

Get this B. Makowsky Phoenix Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• 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 Treat Boutique eBay store to see if this B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The Phoenix E/W bag, a great alternative to this N/S bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

The recent Versace Spring/Summer 2010 runway show at Milan Fashion Week gave Justin Timberlake some competition for bringing sexy back. In a collection featuring vibrant colors, bold prints, and super-high miniskirts reminiscent of 1960s mod fashion, Versace's new looks take quite a turn from the edgy, modern fall/winter fashion modeled by Gisele Bundchen.

I think the word "psychedelic" is appropriate for what was seen on the runway. The clothes were extreme in so many ways, and the accessories fit right in with that theme.

The purses ranged from bold black and white with geometric prints to pastel python trimmed with ruching. Let's just say that Versace held nothing back, and the results are stunning and will either draw you in or make you stare in disbelief.

Donatella Versace cited Tim Burton's upcoming film version of Alice in Wonderland as inspiration saying, "I loved the idea of that fantasy land." See more of the whimsical bags from the colorful and unique spring/summer collection.

[Source: That's a Fabulous Handbag]

Versace Handbags on eBay

Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst has appeared in a New York court after her Marc Jacobs handbag was stolen. The starlet says a Manhattan mechanic stole her purse during a movie shoot at the SoHo Grand in August 2007.

"It was probably a $2, 000 purse," she said of the brown Marc Jacobs handbag. "My purse had $2,000 in it, a pair of sunglasses, my wallet with all my credit cards."

It's alleged that 35-year-old James Jimenez slipped into the penthouse suite and stole Kirsten's bag, a $13, 000 Balenciaga purse, and an iPod and camera belonging to her How to Lose Friends and Alienate People co-star Simon Pegg.

"It dawns on you slowly because, obviously, you don't want to think that happened," said British actor Simon Pegg.

Mr. Jimenez faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of burglary. An accomplice, Jarrod Beinerman, is currently serving four years after pleading guilty. Both men were spotted in the suite by a production assistant, and captured by hotel surveillance cameras.

Something tells me Mr. Jimenez will join his friend in the slammer pretty soon!

[Source: NY Daily News]
[Image Source:David Shankbone/Wikipedia Commons]

Marc Jacobs Bags on eBay