Celestina impresses again with this gorgeous Maricel Soriano clutch.

This dazzling evening purse is hand crafted from a red abalone shell. No designer's handiwork could equal the pearly mottled finish on the glossy surface Mother Nature's created. The round shell fits neatly into a copper frame. This beautiful clutch closes at the top with a gray amethyst clasp.

This purse is sexily slender, but that makes storing anything inside it almost impossible. It could fit loose change of course, but without any lining those coins will rattle around. A shoulder strap wouldn't have looked quite right, but you'll probably want one anyway as the hours wear on. This isn't the kind of purse you'd want to sit down after all!

The Maricel Soriano retails for a little more than $1000, a high price for something we'll only carry after five to be sure. But if you can stretch your budget, at least you know you're buying a truly unique show stopper!

More Features of This Celestina Abalone Shell

• Comes with a small cosmetics mirror
• Measures 7 x 6 x 3 inches
• Handmade in the Philippines

Get this Celestina Maricel Soriano Handbag:

• Available to buy at CoutureLab
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Celestina bags on BagBunch
• The Celestina Abalone Felipa bag, a great alternative to this shell bag.
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Burberry is one of those labels I love to hate. I get tired of the brand's iconic plaid purses, but when it steps out of the box the designs tend to fall flat. But Burberry seems to have gotten it right with the Lizzie. And there's not a hint of tartan in sight!

Instead the Lizzie features those on trend studs we're seeing so much of lately. The purse is virtually covered in them, but by keeping the metal small Burberry ensures the hardware doesn't get overwhelming. Plain diagonal leather strips break up the design, and are mirrored in the V-shaped pleats in the center of the purse.

The studs may be modern, but the size isn't. The Lizzie bucks the contemporary taste for oversized bags, and I think it works. Those studs may have overwhelmed on a larger canvas after all. Instead we get a purse which is large enough for carrying everyday essentials but doesn't weigh us down.

With the strap, the Lizzie is a cute daytime bag. But remove it and you've got one sexy little clutch for your next cocktail party. That day to night versatility makes the epic $2150 price a little easier to swallow.

More Features of This Burberry Studded Shoulder Purse

• A zip top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• A zippered pocket and slip pocket inside
• A removable 18 inch handle with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 1 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Burberry Lizzie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the L'elegance 202 eBay store to see if this Burberry bag in purple suede is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Burberry bags on BagBunch
• The Steve Madden Cookie bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Burberry bags on eBay
• Other studded Burberry bags on eBay:

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To me, there's just something special about a high quality leather purse or bag. They are traditional, durable and never go out of style. However, not everyone is satisfied with commonplace purses and some like to carry standout handbags that are far from ordinary. Here's a look at 50 bags that stray from the beaten path. Love them or hate them, there is no denying that they are unique. Each is made with rather unusual materials, or fashioned to look like something it is not. As you'll see, this type of creativity in design produces purse styles ranging from cute to tragic.

Farm Animal in Chaps

[Image Source]

This lovely purse was spotted at TJ Maxx. No idea what look designer Diane Gail was going for, but there's no doubt that she nailed "Farm Animal Wearing Chaps" with this one. Not sure if the pattern of the animal hide was lined up this way on purpose, but it reminds me of that one bad night I had at a Biker Bar with a cow.
Read the rest of this entry »

Balenciaga breaks with tradition with this Whistle Handbag. The label's typical bold hardware and long tassels are gone, replaced with luxury leathers and a slouchy barrel shape.

The name comes from the shiny engraved whistle which hangs from the bag. Unlike so many gimmicks, this small whistle is endearing rather than obnoxious. It makes me think I could instantly alert passersby the moment I was threatened in a dark alley, or perhaps be a sexy police officer ready to halt a crime in progress!

The Whistle comes in a range of fabrics, from this luxury combination of lambskin with exotic trim, a lush goatskin, or the more casual (and less expensive) canvas variety. Unzip the top to reveal a generous lined interior. The shape reminds me of a gym bag, and there's probably the space to use it for just that. I just couldn't put my stinky trainers in anything so luxurious! I only wish there were the organizational features to match. A lone zippered pocket just isn't enough to keep such a large space in order.

A favorite with celebs like Katie Holmes, the Whistle bag is something a little different from Balenciaga.

More Features of This Balenciaga Lambskin and Ostrich Bag

• Top zip and hook lock closure
• A hanging mirror
• Double rolled handles
• Measures 12.5 x 8 x 5.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Balenciaga Whistle Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• 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 Bagteria eBay store to see if this Balenciaga bag in canvas is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Balenciaga bags on BagBunch
• The Liz Claiborne Jet Setter bag, a great alternative to this barrel shaped bag.
• Searching for more Balenciaga bags on eBay

It appears that the infamous "manbag" that many attribute to today's metrosexual trend is not as recent an addition to the fashion world as we might have originally thought. In fact, leather handbags for men date back even to the days of King Henry VII.

Among the many artifacts found aboard the sunken warship, the Mary Rose, a Tudor-era trendy leather manbag was discovered with a compact mirror and razor to boot. The vessel was actually raised back in 1982, and the hull has been on display ever since. The plethora of personal items also found aboard the ship, however, has not been seen by the public due to a lack of space to display them.

That is something that the Mary Rose Trust is trying to change, though, with a recent unveiling of the items, vintage manbag included, to reporters. It's hoping to raise money for a hi-tech museum project set for 2012 that will showcase all of the artifacts.

Perhaps the news that men have been carrying around practical, stylish bags for hundreds of years will encourage more lads to get on board with the manbag trend.

[Source: Reuters]

Men's Handbags on eBay

Sometimes I just have to laugh at Betsey Johnson's quirky but fun handbag names like Party Hearty and Made In The Fade. I'll admit that I was expecting something completely different when I ran across the name of this Whips & Studs Clutch, but the actual handbag turned out to be even better than I had imagined.

Although I'm sure I'm not the only one who can envision a bedazzled and tassel-covered creation from the designer, this Whips & Studs purse earns its name from one lone, yet rather large, tassel with a simple stud-like detail around the top which hangs from the zipper pull. Just admit that if you hadn't already seen the image of it you'd be picturing something a little more rock-and-roll inspired.

The simple studded detail around the tassel mirrors the intricate diamond-shaped quilted pattern on the leather, or perhaps it's the other way around. Either way, the two features, studs and quilting, complement each other beautifully.

This clutch would probably fit right in with the oversized category since it's larger than many others, but it's not enormous and bulky like some styles. While quilted leather might not have been what I'd expect from a purse with the name Whips & Studs, this Betsey Johnson design is effortlessly chic and would be a perfect semi-casual accessory for a wardrobe. It just begs for an outfit with subtle edginess like skinny jeans with studded heels or jewelry.

More Features of the Whips & Studs Clutch

• Measures 11 x 8 x 1.5 inches
• Zip top closure
• Large tassel zipper pull
• Interior zipper and cell phone pockets

Get this Betsey Johnson Whips & Studs Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (available in black or red)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Betsey Johnson bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Lauren Clutch, a great alternative to this quilted leather clutch.
• Searching for more Betsey Johnson clutches on eBay
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The Eternity line from Alexis Hudson might not be new for the brand this season, but I think it's still worth mentioning because of its versatile look and clever mechanics.

With its snakeskin texture and unusual color palette this Eternity Combo clutch is both interesting to look at but not too over the top for regular use. Although it's somewhat of a standout handbag, because of snakeskin's ever-increasing presence in fashion accessories, you won't be limited much in what you can pair this clutch with.

The Eternity clutch also comes in an even more versatile solid version, but the Combo makes more of a statement. Called a combo because of its mix of colored snakeskin material, this clutch simply refuses to be ordinary but looks fantastic doing so. The double layer of leather strips run down the middle of the front and back of the handbag and on the front round detail on the closure complementing the main color of the purse.

The Eternity boasts more than visual appeal, however. This clutch has a few surprises that you wouldn't expect from just glancing at it. The front flap opens to reveal a leather-trimmed mirror, perfect for makeup touch-ups and quick checks. Even more surprising, the brass ring on the flap, most likely the inspiration for the name eternity, is actually a detachable Adina Reyter bracelet. You can dress up an outfit with the ring either adorning the clutch or your wrist. It's the kind of clever detail that makes me like Alexis Hudson even more.

More Features of the Eternity Combo Clutch

• Measures 9.75 x 8 x 2 inches
• Front flap closure
• Detachable brass ring bracelet
• Round mirror on flap

Get this Alexis Hudson Eternity 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

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• More Alexis Hudson bags on BagBunch
• The Bloom Clutch, a great alternative to this bold Alexis Hudson handbag
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Baby Phat is never a brand that does things by halves. Accessories like this Mystical Mirror bag may be a little ostentatious for many bagistas, but fans of Kimora Lee Simmons' blingtastic label are sure to lap it up.

I'm not sure whether you could use this silvery satchel to touch up your cosmetics, but it's the metallic finish which gives the Mystical Mirror its name. Silver synthetic doesn't need any more accents, but of course Kimora Lee includes them anyway. The signature kitty cat logo is surrounded by a plethora of rhinestones. Add a smattering of tiny silver studs and tasseled zipper pulls and you've got one very busy look.

It's a shame, because the interior delivers everything I'd want in an everyday satchel. Sure, I'd probably need sunglasses to look at the hot pink lining, but it's also kind of fun. But I'm more interested in all that space and the zip and slip pockets for keeping precious cargo organized.

This is the kind of handbag you'll either love or hate. It's not my cup of chai, but I'm sure plenty of purse lovers will adore its big, brash, style.

More Features of This Baby Phat Silver Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Metal O-rings secure the dual handles
• Two shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 10 x 5.5 inches

Get this Baby Phat Mystical Mirror Handbag:

• Check the La'Jean Fashion Boutique eBay store to see if this Baby Phat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Baby Phat bags on BagBunch
• The Versace Madonna shoulder bag, a luxury alternative to this silver bag.
• Searching for more Baby Phat bags on eBay
• Other large Baby Phat satchels on eBay:

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If you had told me a year ago that I would fall in love with a Judith Leiber bag, I would have laughed right in your face. Not that there's anything wrong with Judith Leiber; it's just that sparkly isn't usually my style.

But this version of sparkly definitely is. Maybe because it's dark, or maybe just because it's not shaped like a flamingo or something, but either way, I really dig this bag. It has an almost gothic charm that is so this season.

This silver, hard-cased clutch is covered edge-to-edge with smokey cut crystals. The elongated octogonal shape gives an extra layer of dimension to an already many multi-faceted bag. Even the interior, which is lined in metallic silver leather shines like the sun.

The crystal push-lock top is a great touch. It looks like a smokey topaz sitting on a pile of other smokey topazes. The slim chain strap is so fine and delicate that, frankly, I would be a little worried about breaking it, but the bag is so small that you can't fill it with too many weighty items anyways. And as a bonus, the clutch comes with a little double sided vanity mirror that is totally perfect and petite.

The $2,895 price tag is more than a little daunting, but let's be honest, this is a collector's item, not just a handbag.

More Features Of This Judith Leiber Cut Crystal Embellished

Clutch

• Vanity mirror comes with a designer embossed pouch
• Authentic Austrian cut crystal

Get this Judith Leiber Cut Crystal Embellished Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Judith Leiber bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber Leopard Minaudiere, an animal-printed alternative to this bag
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According to Kenneth Jay Lane, kitsch never went out of style. Many would disagree with the design house, but if you don't the Ali may be the shoulder bag you're searching for.

The $290 price tag doesn't buy you authentic crocodile, but it does buy genuine leather. Kenneth Jay Lane gives the calfskin an exotic appeal with its embossed scales. I doubt anyone would mistake this imitation for the real deal, but that doesn't matter. It's still an eye-catching finish, particularly in this croc ice shade.

The reptilian theme is carried on with a cute alligator accent near the base. The silvery creature is studded with large jewels for a little extra bling. It's the sort of feature you're likely to love or hate, and your take on it will probably decide whether you buy this bag or not!

The Ali is a fairly small bag by modern standards, with barely enough space for the essentials. Such a tiny interior needs little to keep you organized, so there's just a slip pocket with a mirror inside. This is such a handy little extra for those emergency cosmetics applications!

The $290 is reasonably priced for a Kenneth Jay Lane bag, making it a decent pick-up for girls willing to take a fashion gamble.

More Features of This Kenneth Jay Lane Alligator Shoulder Bag

• Flap over entry with hidden magnetic clasp
• A 48-inch shoulder strap with a 24 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 1.5 x 5 inches

Get this Kenneth Jay Lane Ali Handbag:

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

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• Check the Philadelphia Boutique eBay store to see if this Kenneth Jay Lane bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Kenneth Jay Lane bags on BagBunch
• The Ali clutch, a great alternative to this shoulder bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Jay Lane bags on eBay