Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tate | Sturdy Tote Bag with Logo Stitching

Posted on: Nov 19

I'm fairly certain that the words "pretty" and "nylon" don't go together all that often when it comes to high fashion, but evidently Marc Jacobs is attempting to change that with the Pretty Nylon Tate collection from his trendy designer line Marc by Marc Jacobs.

It's by no means the first time a designer brand has utilized nylon for a handbag. Even Kate Spade has gotten in on the action with her Coney Island Stevie Satchel. This use of the sturdy material on the Tate, however, is not particularly compelling to me despite its popular label.

The Pretty Nylon Tate is indeed made from durable, easy-to-take-care of nylon and could be called cute, in my opinion; but I'm just not completely sold on the pretty part. It's certainly not unattractive, but it's no Loopy Bow Pouchette or other feminine Marc by Marc Jacobs design.

On the other hand, I like the unique logo topstitching that covers the tote but doesn't stand out too much. It's just enough to add a little something to the simple design. The knotted handle rings are a nice touch as well. In addition to the practical material, the Pretty Nylon Tate has convenient double side pockets on the exterior as well as a very roomy lined interior for carrying around tons of stuff.

More Features of the Pretty Nylon Tate

  • Measures 21.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
  • Magnetic closure
  • Signature logo topstitching

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Tate Bag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

Whiting and Davis Crystal Stud Clutch | Decorative Rock Chick Mesh Purse

Posted on: Nov 6

Whiting & Davis knows how to do mesh well. The fashion house knows how to add color, shape, design, and have produced some amazing bags based on its heritage of simple mesh beauties. What always impresses me, however, is the label's ability to make each purse that little bit different from the last.

This small square clutch is a great example. Using decorative crystal studs, the company has imbued a vintage metal mesh bag with a new lease of life, bringing a hint of rock chick and a certain edge to the little purse.

With those studs added, the clutch somehow becomes something pretty and delicate, yet chunky and over-sized at the same time. Any red carpet outfit would look better with this on your arm, and carrying it is made easier by the delicate chain option. That said, this metal mesh clutch is somewhat wider that you would expect from a elegant purse. Whilst this may be practical, the shape from the side is rater cumbersome and a little disappointing.

As always, Whiting & Davis has produced a bag filled with character and metal expertise. The signature lining is a nice touch, but how much do you need to carry on a night out?!

More Features of this Rock Chick Evening Bag

  • Available in black, pewter or bronze
  • Brass mesh
  • Optional chain (6" drop)
  • Magnetic closure

Get this Crystal Studded Mesh Clutch:

You may also be interested in:

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

Nine West Vintage America Cindy Hobo | Chic and Contemporary Western Suede Bag

Posted on: Oct 25

Nine West's recently released Vintage America collection is all about classic American style and timeless fashion combined with a little of today's trends. That's exactly how I'd describe this Cindy hobo bag from the line.

Its traditional hobo silhouette is both classic and predictable, yet some interesting details take the Cindy to a different level. It might be simple in design and have clean lines, but it sure isn't boring.

The braided detail that runs down the sides of the handbag has a definite Western feel to it. However, there's a contemporary twist to it with the addition of some trendy studs.

The soft, gray suede also adds to the chic flair of the Cindy. The color is understated in such a way that allows the other features of the purse to stand out. The Western Americana vibe could have been taken a little too literally if it were in dark brown or tan instead, but the gray is the perfect balance to the style.

Knotted handles and textured leather trim finished off this Nine West design. The casual Cindy hobo bag retails for $189.

More Features of the Cindy Hobo

  • Measures 18.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches
  • Single strap with 7 inch drop
  • Zip top closure

Get this Nine West Vintage America Cindy Bag:

You may also be interested in:

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

Foley + Corinna Lady Knot Tote | Sophisticated Beige Leather Carryall Bag

Posted on: Oct 9

The Lady Knot tote is something a little different from Foley + Corinna. Gone is the basic body with its front zipper pocket. There's no signature handle with its knotted ends. It doesn't even convert to a clutch. In fact, if you hadn't told me this was a Foley + Corinna purse I'd never have known!

In today's world where discreet luxury reigns supreme, this anonymity is a very good thing. With no signature features to rely on, Foley + Corinna must come up with a completely new style to impress. This is a purse which stands apart from the pack with unique looks which don't rely on trends. There's nothing wrong with staying contemporary, of course, but the original styling has staying power.

Tiered handles are knotted into place, creating stylish pleats in the bag's leather body. The contrast of beige and white is subtle and sophisticated, ensuring nothing detracts from the striking knotted design.

The generous interior features a single zip pocket, and a couple of slip pouches to hold girly gadgets. The magnetic closure isn't the most secure option, but it'll do the trick.

It's a stylish choice, but I'm concerned that this lovely beige bag may show marks in time. If you're worried about that too, the Lady Knot tote is also available in some darker shades including purple, black, and chestnut brown.

More Features of This Foley + Corinna Leather Tote

  • Textile lining
  • Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
  • Measures 15 x 21 x 3 inches

Get this Foley + Corinna Lady Knot Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Whiting & Davis Retro Clutch | Geometric Mesh Purse with Multiple Compartments

Posted on: Sep 29

Whiting & Davis finally proves that metal mesh doesn't have to be the domain of the vintage and traditional. Instead, the label has gone all out to use funky metal mesh in a stunning retro geometric design.

With bold triangles of black, silver and deep pewter mesh, the color scheme of this metal purse is simple enough to go with almost any outfit. That said this envelope clutch certainly isn't dull, with a glam and edgy rock chic vibe from one glimmering corner to the next.

Perfect for trends at the moment, this Whiting & Davis clutch will work brilliantly with the 80s fashion sweeping the catwalk, coordinating with sequins and glitz as much as it does with plain fabric or velvet dresses. The designers have even carried on the theme with the optional chunky chain handle that avoids the trap of being too thick or too thin.

The geometric shape design of this elegant purse conceals a crafty and admirable secret - additional compartments! Hidden under the second triangle, in silver, is a second compartment perfect for yet more of those bits and pieces that are the prerequisite for a girly handbag!

I have having trouble finding flaws with this purse. As always I personally prefer fabric or leather handles to chain, but that just wouldn't look right. The square shape means expandability is at a minimum, but as a funky rock-chick evening bag you won't have a problem! This is a lovely purse from an elegant and respected designer!

More Features of this Whiting and Davis Retro Clutch

  • Optional chain handle with long drop length
  • Metal mesh exterior
  • Available in gold or black tones
  • 2 compartments

Get this Edgy Metal Mesh Purse:

You may also be interested in:

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

Chocolate Brianna Shoulder Bag | Affordable Synthetic Handbag with Diamond Design

Posted on: Sep 21

This Brianna bag from Chocolate is an affordable way to embrace this season's taste for textures.

Diamond quilting has a way of making any bag seem richer. So while the Brianna is made from affordable synthetic, it doesn't look cheap. The diamonds are crafted from tiny pleats, which give the bag volume and depth. I'm not sure I’ve seen anything like it before, and I certainly wouldn't expect something so intricate from a bag in this price bracket.

The long handle is so inviting with its soft synthetic body and modern knotted ends. It's the kind of strap I can imagine carrying over my shoulder all day without ever feeling the burn.

The design is spacious yet slender, so you can cram plenty inside without ever looking like a bag lady. It's lined with signature printed nylon, a choice that's practical if not entirely luxurious.

But this purse cares more about keeping up appearances than creature comforts. Its fashion forward, but those manmade materials may not last as long as the fabrics in a high-end handbag. Not that you'll mind too much. It only costs $90, so you won't be paying it off once the next trend takes hold!

More Features of This Chocolate Diamond Shoulder Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • A zippered interior pocket
  • A single shoulder strap with an 11 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 18.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in pink, purple, and blue

Get this Chocolate Brianna Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Chinese Laundry Olivia Shoulder Bag | Layered Synthetic Flap Purse

Posted on: Sep 14

Chinese Laundry has brought a modern attitude to the shoulder bag with the Olivia, part of its fun new fall collection.

The front is adorned with layered flaps, which are cut diagonally to add edgy interest. Layers can look feminine and fussy, but the surprising angles give the bag more of an uptown vibe. I just wish we saw them on the back of the bag as well. Without these accents, the plain back looks boring and unfinished.

Chinese Laundry keeps the price to a recession-friendly $99 by sacrificing real leather for a synthetic. This manmade material is stylish with its mottled design and subtle gloss, but I don't expect it to last as long as its more luxurious counterpart.

The interior space is simple and slim: perfect for hugging close to your body but not ideal for carrying bulky goods. The manmade material may stretch to accommodate a bulky novel or two, but then you risk shortening the synthetic's life even more. The zippered pocket is a real drawcard though. It extends across the length of the bag, so it affords more space than the average compartment.

This pretty purple is my pick, but if you're more of a traditionalist you may prefer the olive green. This darker shade is so close to black, it could easily pass as a neutral.

More Features of This Chinese Laundry Layered Shoulder Bag

  • Nylon lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A rolled knotted strap with a 9.5 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 17 x 4 inches
  • Made in China

Get this Chinese Laundry Olivia Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Jessica Jensen Artisan Hobo | Chic Minimalist Bohemian Slouchy Handbag

Posted on: Sep 8

Jessica Jensen takes the hobo back to basics with its Artisan bag.

The style is simple and chic, without all the accents we tend to see. Forget fringing and studs: this is minimalism at its most pure. That might not suit the season's taste for embellishments, but the Artisan isn't about catering to fads.

The only accent is the single knot at the top of the handle. By paring back the design, we focus on the buttery soft finish of the leather and its subtle grain design.

But I think the designer may have taken the minimalist philosophy too far, forgetting practicality in the process. This is an enormous bag, so it really calls for more pockets than the lone slip provided. We also need some protective feet on the base to keep that super soft leather safe. With its timeless styling, the Artisan really needs the features to help it last for a few seasons.

My tip is to choose some of the darker colors to hide those scuffs and stains. Steer clear of white and taupe, and opt for more practical black or chocolate instead!

More Features of This Jessica Jensen Minimalist Hobo

  • Suede lining
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 9.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
  • Made in the United States
  • Available in black, taupe, chocolate, white, pink embossed ostrich, beeswax, mocha, dusk gray, and mud

Get this Jessica Jensen Artisan Handbag:

You may also be interested in:

Chinese Laundry Origami Hobo | Knot Shaped Paper Art Tote

Posted on: Aug 6

Origami has been one of the most enjoyable trends sweeping fashion circles this year. From beautifully executed folded dresses through to paper jewellery, this Japanese paper art has hit all aspects of fashion face on. New technology means that origami style doesn't have to be made from paper, as this wonderfully structured hobo from Chinese Laundry has set out to prove.

The Chinese Laundry brand may not be very well known, but the art and design of this great looking origami tote show that they are definitely a company to watch!

It is rare to see such a conceptually unusual bag for less that $100 - and whilst the materials may not be top quality, this really is one of the best looking bargain handbags on the market. Available in a few bright shades, the clean lines and elegant structure only really work in pure gray or bone, when you can see the wonderful shadows the folds cast.

For such a large bag, this knotted hobo has very small handles. This is fine if you only want to have it purely for looks, but do bear this in mind when considering practicality.

An unusual and aesthetically wonderful bag, that hits the origami clothing trend perfectly!

More Features of this Chinese Laundry Origami Hobo

  • Available in blue, pink, bone or gray
  • Folded origami design
  • Studded handle detail
  • Spacious design

Get this Knotted Paper Art Tote:

You may also be interested in:

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

Kooba Andie Clutch | Soft Small Metallic Leather Bow Purse

Posted on: Jul 30

Kooba's Andie clutch is one of those purses that just begs to be touched. The metallic leather is so buttery soft, which is just what you want in a hand-held clutch!

The looks are contemporary yet feminine. A knotted band is a modern alternative to a bow, adding interest without appearing too girly. It cinches the clutch in, adding subtle pleating and texture to the wrinkled leather. Rather than trumpeting the brand's name, Kooba keeps thing subtle with a tiny brass nameplate on the side.

This is a fairly sizeable clutch, so you should have no problems fitting all your party essentials inside with space to spare. But with the luxury of a large clutch sadly comes a downside. If you're going to utilize the room inside, the Andie's going to become a little hard to handle. A shoulder strap would have easily solved the problem, so it's a wonder Kooba didn’t think of it!

At $325, the Andie isn't exactly cheap for a party purse. But if you've got the cash to spare, this wine colored clutch would be ideal for carrying in the cooler weather ahead!

More Features of This Kooba Leather Clutch

  • Hinge opening
  • Brown fabric lining
  • An interior zip pocket
  • Measures 6.75 x 11.5 x 3.75 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Also available in black

Get this Kooba Andie Purse:

You may also be interested in: