This is the second in a series of articles introducing you to the vintage styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. This week we discuss the elegant 1930s, the birthplace of not only the bias cut dress and sexy halterneck, but also a conservative era influenced by the terrible great depression.

The 1930s fashion reflected the hard economic times by moving away from the 1920s carefree attitude and replacing the daring, short beaded designs with stricter more conservative attire. Long satin gowns sweeping the floor were hugely popular, and women around the globe did their very best to make life feel luxurious by wearing furs and feathers wherever possible.

Avoiding over-decoration and opting for art deco touches, crocodile print or satin purses will instantly keep you in the 1930s vintage vibe. Putting a whole 1930s look together actually keeps in the same vein; choose bias cut dresses that fall to the floor, or cute clinched skirt suits with a tiny waist and chunky buttons. Use these outfits as your 1930s handbag inspiration; smart suits need chestnut crocodile print and bakelite, whilst satin dresses call for satin bags with diamante touches.

So what are the best 1930s inspired handbags around?

Unusual Pleated Satin Clutch in White

1930s-esque Satin Pleated Clutch

Bringing a thoroughly 21st Century twist to an elegant 1930s art deco design, this pleated satin clutch is great for a blushing bride or to accompany you to a luxurious winter party. The sculpted shape with the angular shadows will work brilliantly as a focal point with a long simple satin dress.

• This 1930's elegant satin clutch is available to buy on Amazon

Simple Art Deco Satin Purse in Black

Satin Framed Art Deco Purse

Keeping it elegant and simple is a major part of 1930s fashion. They did still like beading, but satin was the big discovery of the decade and produced some beautiful lines without need for embellishment. The metal frame of this art deco clutch really completes the simple 1930s vibe.

• This 1930's black satin purse is available to buy on Amazon

Italian Leather Crocodile Clutch in Black and Gold

Classy 1930s Crocodile Clutch

Finally we hit on one of the most popular and enduring trends in 1930s fashion handbags. Crocodile skin or print graced the leather of both smart day purses and satchels, and the smaller more delicate high sheen clutches for the evenings. This one is a beautiful example for smart lunches or parties.

• This gold accented crocodile clutch is available to buy on Amazon

What else to wear?

To pull off the real vintage 1930s look, team your sexy bag with an elegant suit, broad shouldered and tiny at the waist. Alternatively, choose to drape your dress across the floor and accessorize with cute evening gloves.

You may also be interested in:

• More satin clutches on Bagbunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Eros Clutch, a great alternative to these 1930s bags
• Searching for more vintage bags on eBay
• Other 1930s bags on eBay:

You're dressed to the nines in a sleek business suit with a luxurious designer bag slung over your shoulder ... and carrying a brown paper lunch bag. Lunch a la Mode knows no woman wants their polished looks undermined by a lunch bag, so they created a sophisticated alternative.

"The fact that women are forced to tote around unappealing brown paper sacks or clunky cooler bags while wearing designer pumps when they are dieting or being budget conscious, seems contradictory to our desire to remain stylish," explained the label's creator, Amber Pollard. "The Lunch a la Mode collection enables women to work, play and eat in style."

Lunch a la Mode bags hold sandwiches and snacks in an insulated and removable compartment. This keeps your food away from your daily essentials, ensuring you don't get ketchup stains on those all important documents! There's also a beverage holder, mesh ice pack pouch, and of course plenty of space for your other everyday items.

Those practical perks inside are matched with contemporary good looks outside. The range includes the expandable Bistro shoulder bag, the roomy Picnic hobo, and the dome-shaped Trattoria tote. Lunch a la Mode handbags are available in genuine leathers and patents, as well as more eco-friendly vegan leather and hemp suede options. The colors are a little conservative for my tastes, but I suppose that makes them appropriate for any office environment. Prices start from $270 from the Lunch a la Mode website.

[Source: Earth Times]
[Image Source: Marketwire]

Lunch Bags on eBay

Chloé is one of my favorite lines. It always seems to come up with something totally unique and chic. Unfortunately, this Joy Rider tote doesn't bear any resemblance to the Chloé I've come to know and love.

The puffy metallic nylon and the generally slouchy design of the bag make it look almost completely shapeless. That, in combination with the fluffy lamb keyring (which, thank God, is detachable), makes it look like an oversized child's lunchbox.

I think this bag will mostly appeal to teenage ravers. In 1995. It's seriously that ridiculous. But throw it together with some baggy jeans, a baby tee, and oh, I don't know, a candy pacifier, and you basically have the perfect throwback costume.

On the plus side, it's only $195, so if you're super desperate for a designer bag, then this one is quite affordable. Frankly, I'm not even sure I would use it as a gym bag. If only it weren't this ostentatious color, I think it could be salvaged as a tote, but in blue, eww.

Since I really can't think of anything nice to say about this bag, I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.

More Features Of The See By Chloé Joy Rider Oversized Shoulder Bag:

• 14" x 12" x 11" size
• 7" handle drop
• Top zip pocket

Get this See by Chloé Joy Rider Oversized Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chloé bags on eBay
• See by Chloé Doggy Tote, a hot pink alternative to this bag on eBay
• Searching for more Chloé bags on eBay
• More metallic nylon bags on eBay:

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Half stylish wallet, half compact clutch, this Coach Soho purse is a great combination of function and looks for the lady who lunches.

Style wise, this colorful purse happily embraces many of the popular trends that have haunted the catwalks all year. Namely, Coach has decorated the lower half of this bold wallet in a ever-popular leopard print fabric, whilst keeping the fold-over top half in block print pink suede.

It's an unusual combination perhaps, but Coach ensures this Soho ocelot clutch is kept from going over-the-top by the chestnut leather trim. This sophisticated and more traditional feature reigns in the wild pastel pink and contrasting leopard print, tying them together with a common theme. It's still a little garish perhaps, but at least coordinated throughout!

Lined in satin, Coach really has gone all out to make this stylish yet functional wallet luxurious through and through. From the antique brass oversized hardware to the sumptuous exterior and visible stitching, this buckled clutch put in a lot of effort to keep your attention. For me personally there is simply too much going on, but for the right person I am sure this will press all the right buttons!

More Features of this Dramatic Soho Clutch

• 12-inch detachable wrist strap
• Ocelot print long Hair Calf (Dark Brown/Camel)
• Chestnut Brown Leather trim

Get this Coach Wallet-Style Purse

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach handbags on Bagbunch
• The ASOS Loop print Bird Wallet, a great alternative to this leopard print purse
• Searching for more buckled clutches on eBay
• Other Coach clutches on eBay:

One of the best ways to get a top-end designer handbag with a twist is to choose a handbag crafted from unusual yet economical materials. Straw bags are a great idea for this, as the material is cheap yet the designs are very ... well ... designer!

If the vintage style classy straw bag is just your thing, then one of the poshest versions on the market is this slouchy hobo from high end handbag king, Coach. Thanks to the beautiful flexible straw exterior, you can own this tote for $257 rather than the more average Coach price of $500. Economical indeed, and very nice to your bank balance!

The reinforcing leather trim on this summery Coach handbag provides a strong and stylish contrast to the neutral color and texture of the woven straw body. In highly fashionable orange leather, this won't be to everyone's taste, but should coordinate well with plenty of catwalk items in the coming season. Just make sure that you have the right skin tone for it to look good!

The drawback with straw is its tendency to look casual, and this tote with it's over-sized stitching and hardware wouldn't look out of place on a beach or out for lunch. That said, the lovely short handles and slouchy shape mean that it is slightly more night-friendly that other straw hold-alls, even if it isn't quite all glitz and glamour.

A great and unusual choice for a work bag, this stylish hobo will hold all you need in the many interior pockets, all the while providing something a little different (and fashion a little more vintage) to other basket styles on the market.

More Features of this Coach Straw Hobo

• 3 interior pockets - 1 zip and 2 open top
• Dimensions: 21" wide 15" tall 4" deep
• Over-sized brass hardware
• Soft straw body

Get this Orange Leather Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on Bagbunch
• The Magid Straw and Patent bag, a great alternative to this slouchy purse
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay
• Other straw handbags 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

Vera Bradley's handbags aren't everyone's cup of chai, but I think this Out to Lunch tote is a much cuter way to carry your sandwiches to work than a boring old brown paper bag!

The traditional flap style is embellished with diagonal quilting and Vera Bradley's signature fabrics. This art deco inspired floral pattern is called Kensington, but if it doesn't wow you take a look at the other options. There's modern floral Night Owl and girly Pinwheel Pink, to name just a few.

The interior is spacious enough to carry lunch, a few snacks, and ice brick to keep them all cold. A Velcro closure underneath the flap ensures your treats will stay put until your tummy rumbles.

With their fussy fabrics and old-fashioned styling, I could never imagine toting a Vera Bradley purse all day. But I'm certainly considering carrying a cute lunch bag like this to my desk!

More Features of This Vera Bradley Quilted Lunch Tote

• Two inner pockets
• A single strap
• Measures 9.5 x 7.25 x 5 inches
• Weighs one pounds

Get this Vera Bradley Out to Lunch Handbag:

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

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

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Searching online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Vera Bradley bags on BagBunch
• The Vera Bradley Pinwheel Pink lunch bag, a great alternative to this Kensington bag.
• Searching for more Vera Bradley bags on eBay

Just another note in the Valentino is awesome file, the new Valentino Kaleidoscope Stone Tote has begun racking up a waiting list of pre-orders for fall 09.

The gradient stones that cover ever inch of the gray satin tote give the illusion of mirrors the way they catch the light. A slight ombre effect adds to the metallic shine. Nothing could have made this bag tacky faster than too sparkly rhinestones, but the ones chosen are absolutely perfect in their varying shapes, sizes and colors.

Again we are faced with the dilemma of the over-the-top fancy tote. We love them so but where would we wear them? Perhaps those with the very fanciest of lifestyles, which afford them $3,000 bags such as this, could wear something like this to lunch.

The texture of the bag, while visually stunning, would probably be another practical pitfall if we were concerned with such things as practicality when it came to Valentino bags.

So, another art piece we'd love to look at all day long, and certainly show off to the whole world, but would have difficulty actually executing.

More Features Of The Valentino Kaleidoscope Stone Tote

• Removable shoulder strap
• Measures 14 x 14 x 4.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Find More Valentino Handbags On eBay

Also See

• Click here to learn more about the Valentino Kaleidoscope Stone Tote using the BagBunch Handbag Search Engine
• Click here to find more metallic handbags on eBay

Joe's Jeans have produced another beautiful bag in their detailed Capos series.

Defined by their sumptuous leather detailing, these bags feature single block colors in an artistic layered leather. Rather than looking overdecorated and garish, therefore, these purses achieve a subtle build up of luxury leather and a delicate pattern. It's a great way to produce a tote that coordinates with everything, while still having shedloads of individuality.

Featuring a stylized curvaceous sun design, this bag is in both a mottled soft leather and a smooth plain leather, both in glowing white. Whilst there was perhaps potential for a stylish fashion-house bright contrasting interior, Joe's Jeans have continued the minimalist clean and clinical white theme. Be careful not to get this bright star dirty, as it will quickly go from angelic beauty to grimy old tote.

Minor grumbles aside, this spacious hold-all is practical and good looking. Combined with canvas shoes and designer jeans it is a casual day bag, but with a smart monochrome outfit it immediately suits a posh lunch. Lovely!

More Features of this Joe's Jeans Block Color Tote

• Combines two leathers, mottled and smooth
• Snap closure for security
• Comfortable handles
• Monogrammed interior pocket

See Joe's Jeans Capos Handbags on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see this embellished luxury handbag on Amazon
• Click here to see all white handbags on Bagbunch

Roxy heads out of the surf and into the school yard with this Fiddle Li Dee backpack. The bag features the colorful and contemporary prints we expect from the label in an entirely practical package.

The vibrant plaid pattern is printed on 100% polyester, a hard wearing fabric that will stack up to being the punishment kids are wont to dish out. The pink and aqua stripes mean this is probably more appropriate as a girls bag, but it's not overtly feminine so it won't offend rebellious teens.

The Fiddle Li Dee is massive, with enough room to handle textbooks, folders, lunchboxes, and stationery. But it never gets overwhelming thanks to the inbuilt organizer. The generous front pocket offers more usable storage space.

Of course, once this baby's loaded up with homework it's bound to get heavy. The wide, fabric covered shoulder straps do their best to ease the burden.

But for most moms the real selling point is the price. At just $40, it's cheap enough to replace once your fickle teen changes their mind!

More Features of This Roxy Plaid Backpack

• Heart embroidery
• A keychain with lanyard and charms
• Measures 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches

Get This Roxy Fiddle Li Dee Bag on eBay

• Click here to find this Roxy polyester school bag at Amazon
• All Roxy handbags on eBay