A pencil case may seem like a strange thing to buy from a designer like Kate Spade, but her pencil cases are actually pretty popular for a variety of functions. I know people who use them as business card or receipt pouches, or even cosmetics bags (though in canvas I might not recommend that). There's no doubt this is a more affordable way to get your hands on something Kate that will look uber chic when you pull it out of your bag no matter what you use it for.

I love the paisley pattern of this bag. The Kashmir prints are inspired by the Kashmir region of India which is known for its extraordinary textiles and bazaars full of beautiful fabrics, scarves and hand-woven rugs in brilliant colors.

This bag is made of 100% cotton canvas with embossed cowhide trim and an embossed signature leather license plate logo. Because after all, with Kate Spade, it's all about the logo. A zip-top closure keeps items secure.

More Features Of The Kate Spade Kashmir Becca Pencil Case

• 14-karat light gold plated hardware
• Solid color faille lining
• Measures 3.6 x 8.3 inches

Get The Kate Spade Kashmir Becca Pencil Case

• Available to buy in solid green at Amazon
• Available in Kashmir Paisley at Kate Spade
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

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• Searching for more Kate Spade cosmetic cases on eBay
• More Kate Spade Kashmir print bags on eBay:

If you happen to be a huge fan of the Big Apple, then you're going to love this Prezzo New York clutch. Printed skyline handbags can sometimes look a bit off to me, but this one manages to pull of the style with a a little whimsical personality.

With your scene options ranging from Times Square, a NY license plate, birds-eye view of the skyline, or just famous landmarks from the city (shown here), there's plenty for New York-loving gals to choose from. This clutch's hard acrylic body makes it a great showcase for the scenes.

The shape is similar to one of Prezzo's other light-hearted, printed acrylic bags, the Canister Shoulder Bag. The New York Theme clutch's price is as equally pleasing as the Canister's, too, ringing it at a mere $40.

You probably won't get much use out of the tiny strap with a 3.5 inch drop. However, the handbag's dainty yet much longer detachable strap makes it a little more practical. A pretty, decorative clasp closure adds the perfect finishing touch to this fun, themed clutch.

More Features of the New York Theme Clutch

• Measures 12.25 x 5 x 2.5 inches
• Short strap with 3.5 inch drop
• Longer detachable strap
• Felt lining

Get this Prezzo New York Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (currently on sale)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo handbags on BagBunch
• The Croco Wristlet, a more neutral alternative to this Prezzo clutch
• Searching for more Prezzo handbags on eBay
• Other Prezzo clutches on eBay:

Is it just me or are handbag designers reaching new heights when it comes to crafting unique styles out of recycled materials? I mean, we've seen bags out of banana leaves, license plates, and now billboards.

Okay, so it's not the very first time billboard materials have been used in handbag design, but it's still worthy of a round of applause for environmentally-friendly creativity. It's also not a new thing for L.A.-based design company Artecnica to be involved in sustainable production, but their new mini-collection of bags and attaché cases made from discarded advertising is quite impressive.

It was advertising giant TBWA who gave them the challenge to make something out of the old billboards destined to inhabit landfills, and Artecnica rose to the task beautifully. Fitting right in with their Design with a Conscience line, shoppers can choose between a mesh-like tote, perfect for days at the beach or maybe carrying around yoga gear, and a clutch-shaped cork case lined in billboard material.

The new line of eco-conscious handbags debuted at the New York International Gift Fair this week.

[Source: The Moment]

Recycled Handbags on eBay

Everyone knows that the stranger and more eco-friendly the handbag material, the more popular the handbag. We have seen licence plate bags, hosepipe purses and even handbags made from old seatbelts, and all in the name of green credentials and recyclable fashion.

Now little known designer Elaine Turner has jumped on the eco-bandwagon, with a tote made mainly from natural banana leaves. It is unusual and consequently bound to be a hit! (Us shoppers, predictable?! Surely not!)

The straw-like effect of the naturally toned banana leaf is actually very attractive with the contrasting leather exterior. Indeed, the textures actually combine very well: raw rough leaf with supple colorful leather.

Style-wise, this bag has quite a retro feel. Whilst it may not last as long as its vintage counterparts have, at least you have the strong stylish handles and art deco shape to make you feel like a fashion throwback. Inside, however, is thoroughly modern, with Elaine Turner's signature pink crown fabric. Bear in mind ladies: the pink fabric clashes with the pink bag, but looks great with any of the other colors!

Whilst an undeniably stylish and sexy bag, this tote is hampered just a little by the fact that you can't sling it over your shoulder. All too often with unique and beautiful handles the practicality just isn't there!

This banana leaf bags is a funky and unusual hold-all with a ecostyle twist. Just remember that this leather trimmed bag doesn't actually make any green credential claims. It just looks like it ought to!

More Features of this Elaine Turner Blair Tote

• Single interior pocket
• Bamboo turn clasp
• Banana leaf exterior
• Signature Elaine Turner crown lining
• Available in four colors

Get this Funky Natural Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More eco-friendly bags on Bagbunch
• The Mad By Design Onyx Stingray tote, a great alternative to this colorful bag
• Searching for more recycled bags on eBay
• Other Elaine Turner bags on eBay:

Here at BagBunch, we're always on the lookout for handbags that are more than mere arm candy. While there’s a place for frothy pieces of high fashion, it's encouraging to find purses that give back to our environment and the global community. Tag Bag does both with its recycled accessories range.

The brand takes recycled license plates and inner tire tubes to create handbags of style and substance. The purses are handcrafted by the people of Kayamandi in South Africa, a township striken by poverty and AIDS. Tag Bag head Meeshee Scherrei visited the village in 2006, and was touched by its plight. She hopes that the success of her handbag line can help turn the village’s fortunes around.

There are currently eight different Tag Bags to choose from, including the everyday Pumla Carrybag, the mini messenger style Confidence Small Sling, and the oh-so-cute Noma Lunch Box. The bags are all priced under $100, so it doesn't cost much to make a difference.

[Source: Purseblog]
[Image Source: Tag Bag]

Recycled License Plate Bags on eBay

Not even the humble wallet is safe from Kathy Van Zeeland's signature style. This Basic Instinct wallet is loud and proud, just what KVZ fans want in an accessory!

The showstopper is the circular nameplate which proudly trumpets the Kathy Van Zeeland name. The distinctive crown and heart details make the logo seem a little over the top, but that's the point.

Just as wild is the mock croc strip, which adds a little animalistic flair. Thank goodness the brown synthetic fabric is relatively sedate! It stops the Basic Instinct from jumping the shark, as it were, ensuring the purse is glam but not too gaudy.

Kathy Van Zeeland knows women, so it should come as no surprise that this purse is an organizational dream. There are 14 credit card slots in all, which should be enough for even the most dedicated shopping addict! These slips are complemented by two slide pockets, an expandable compartment, and a zippered pouch inside. There's also a pull-out ID window for stashing your driver's license or proof of age card. But it doesn't stop there, with a slide pocket on zippered compartment on the back offering even more convenient storage space.

Of course, if you utilize all those compartments the Basic Instinct will go from sleek and chic to big and bulky. But it's nice to know the space is there when we're hitting the mid-year sales!

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Wallet

• Measures 4 x 7.75 inches
• Retails for $45.00

Get This Kathy Van Zeeland Basic Instinct Purse on eBay

• Click here to find this Kathy Van Zeeland pumpkin purse at Amazon
• All Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay

This gorgeous clutch combines Kotur's signature styling with intricate vintage brocade. These purses mimic the embroidery woven for European ateliers in the 60s and 70s, but they're anything but old fashioned.

The floral design may be a little girly for some, but the delicate stitching and pastel tones add the sort of elegance missing in so many modern, edgy purses. Can't you just imagine it paired with your favorite evening dress for a special night out? The silver rhinestone zipper pull makes the clutch easy to open, and amps up the glam factor.

The slim style limits storage space, but the abundance of pockets ensures that at least things won't get cluttered. You'll find the same diamante zipper pull on the secure wall pocket. The opposite side comes with a large pocket for cash, and four smaller ones for your license and all important credit cards.

The authentic vintage style means we miss out on the shoulder strap we've almost grown accustomed to. That may disappoint those who love a hands-free night out, but the rest of us will be pleased to embrace the Kellett's old-fashioned charm!

More Features of This Kotur Kellett Purse

• Metallic leather lining with accordion sides
• A metal logo plate on the zippered pocket
• Measures 9.5 x 1 x 4.5 inches

Kotur Vintage Brocade Clutches on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from Q's Designer Apparel store on eBay – A Kotur Handbags Retailer
• All Kotur bags on eBay

Life's too short to be serious all the time. This cute canister bag from Prezzo can effortlessly add a touch of whimsy to any casual outfit.

The handbag gets its super smooth finish from the metal and acrylic used to create it. Each one features a cute and colorful print, from the puckered lips of the Kiss bag to the romantic cartoons on this Love purse. A jeweled bottle top flap hides the magnetic snap closure.

But you'll have to travel light with the Canister. Once your credit cards, cosmetics, and cell phone are safely inside, you'll have space for little else. That will suit girls on the go who don’t want to be weighed down, but it does buck the current trend for oversized handbags.

The Prezzo Canister handbag looks a lot like Littlearth's Cyclone range, but this purse costs a fraction of the price. With a retail value of $35, the Prezzo represents great value for budget shoppers. But it's a different story for the planet. While Littlearth recycles license plates to create its cute collection, the new materials used in the Prezzo aren't so eco-friendly.

More Features of This Prezzo Metal and Acrylic Shoulder Bag

• Felt lined interior
• A detachable shoulder strap
• Measures 4 x 7 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get This Prezzo Canister Handbag on eBay

• Click here to peruse this Prezzo can-shaped purse at Endless
• All Prezzo bags on eBay

Let me begin this post by saying this: I am only suggesting that some Tory Burch bags are similar to some of Anya Hindmarch's designs.

Whether or not the similarities are mere coincidences, a form of flattery or an attempt at knocking off designs is debatable.

While Tory Burch has made a name for herself with casual, logo-emblazoned totes and shoes, she's also gained a reputation in the fashion world for claiming 'trademark infringement'. Last year Burch filed a lawsuit against makers of shoes eerily similar to her 'Reva' ballerina flats, and, frankly, she was quite justified.

It seemed as if everyone had jumped on the knock-off bandwagon, from Steve Madden to Payless, just to cash in on Burch's now-famous 'TT' logo. This back story is useful when you examine Tory's latest handbag collection and compare it with Anya Hindmarch's.

Tory Burch bags

Anya Hindmarch bags

These bags are a bit of a departure from Burch's established line. They're classically structured and feature a different take on her label's logo. Her Graduate's Doctor bag, Horseshoe hobo and Mick clutch bare subtle resemblances to Anya Hindmarch's Shirley satchel, Casati hobo and Slade bag.

While no designer has proprietary rights to silhouettes such as the satchel, hobo or classic handbag, the design similarities, taken in conjunction with Burch's logo redo (very similar to Hindmarch's famous logo plate), are enough to raise a few red flags.

I have my opinion as to whether or not Tory Burch's bags are a sincere form of flattery or knock-off attempts, but I'll leave the final word on the subject up to my discerning readers. How about it, ladies. What's the verdict on these bags?

• Tory Burch bags via Neiman Marcus
• Anya Hindmarch bags via AH's website

(Syndicated from: Handbag Debate: Tory Burch vs Anya Hindmarch - Coincidence or Knock-off?)

Usage License

Anya Hindmarch Bags on eBay

Tory Burch Bags on eBay

You'll be stylish, sophisticated, and sexy carrying this bold Jeanne handbag from Lanvin.

Its red leather finish makes a real statement, but that’s not all. This lush fabric the perfect complement to the polished silver-tone hardware. The signature push-lock closure gives the purse a real retro feel while keeping your goodies safe inside.

The simple interior is uncluttered to make the most of the space on offer. But there's still a handy slip pocket for stashing your credit cards, drivers license, and other little essentials.

The brown leather and chain strap is effortlessly cool, making this purse perfect for busy girls who just like to grab and go!

More Features of This Lanvin Retro Red Shoulder Bag

• Logo satin lining
• A logo plate charm
• Measures 6.5 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches

Get This Lanvin Jeanne Leather Purse on eBay

• Click here to see more from the Designer Fashions by Clarsanna store on eBay - A Lanvin Handbags Retailer
• All Lanvin bags on eBay