Carlos Falchi for Target Satchel | Affordable Large Green Faux Snakeskin Bag

Posted on: Nov 20

Carlos Falchi has captured his signature style for less with this satchel, part of his capsule collection for department store Target.

Of course, to make this purse so affordable there are compromises made. There's not a hint of genuine python in the snakeskin collage body. The glossy finish probably gives that away, but by keeping the colors dark the design doesn't look quite as tacky as it could have. The combination of black, forest green, and charcoal gray PVC is striking and ideal for winter weather. And let's not forget, while real leather shows stains quickly PVC simply wipes clean.

The interior has a much lighter look with its colorful fabric lining. I love the way the Target logo is subtly incorporated into the whimsical printed polyester. The generous space is organized better than most bags in this price bracket, with a cell phone slip, zip pocket, a sunglasses pouch and a key ring holder. You'll also find another zippered pocket on the outside of the bag, just in case you were running out of storage options!

The shape isn't very inspired and the fabrics not very luxurious, but this satchel definitely has the Carlos Falchi stamp. And for just $50, it's an affordable alternative to the designer's high-end accessories.

More Features of This Carlos Falchi for Target Bag

  • Zip top closure
  • A single shoulder strap
  • Measures 14 x 4 x 15 inches

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Posted in Brown, Carlos Falchi, Green, Satchel | Tell Us What You Think »

Chinese Laundry Emma Bucket Bag | Large and Slouchy Synthetic Leather Purse with Studs

Posted on: Nov 9

When you're shopping for a decently sized handbag around the $100 mark, finding one made from genuine leather is beginning to be a rarity. There are a few exceptions to that, of course, but brands are mostly sticking to synthetics for that price range.

Though a little disappointing, I suppose it's not entirely surprising considering the size of some of these large handbags. This Chinese Laundry Emma Bucket bag, for instance, would probably cost quite a pretty penny more than $107 if it had been constructed using real pebbled leather instead of a faux leather material.

A leather-like texture can work well on purses, but I'm not sure I'm buying it on this one. The pebbled texture is a nice touch but is unfortunately cheapened a bit by the solid fake leather trim. The studs on the handle and the grommet holes decorating the sides provide a nice distraction from the less than perfect aspects of the Emma Bucket, though.  

Sometimes it's better to opt for true quality over size and get a smaller style made from real leather, but this type of purse is a viable option for when you need a big bag but don't want to spend too much on it. You might not get top quality, you definitely won't be lacking in storage space.

More Features of the Emma Bucket Bag

  • Measures 17 x 14.5 x 7.5 inches
  • Single handle with 10 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Faux leather

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Posted in Bucket, Chinese Laundry, Purple | Tell Us What You Think »

Liz Claiborne Jet Setter Satchel | Practical Faux Leather Travel Bag

Posted on: Nov 5

For most people, travel almost inevitably accompanies the holidays. That's why every gal should have a reliable weekender-style handbag to carry with her on those unavoidable plane, train, or automobile trips.

Reliable doesn't have to mean uninteresting, however. On the flip side, chic and stylish shouldn't always equal an outrageous price. That's where this Liz Claiborne Jet Setter satchel fits in beautifully. It's a nice, happy medium for the two extremes.

Though not an enormous travel bag, the Jet Setter satchel is large enough for essentials or to use as a carry-on bag for plane trips. It's bigger than what most of us tote around for an everyday purse (except for women who adore the overly oversized bag trend, of course), but isn't so bulky that it becomes difficult to haul around an airport terminal.

There are several exterior pockets ideal for items you need to access at a moment's notice. The double handles might be expected for this style of handbag, but they're definitely too short for my practical taste. I'm guessing that the longer carrying strap is much more useful.

This pretty fuchsia color, termed "laurel" by Liz Claiborne, is an unexpected twist for a travel bag and a fun pop of color for an outfit. The faux leather Jet Setter satchel is priced at a reasonable $95.

More Features of the Jet Setter Satchel

  • Measures 16 x 8 x 6.5 inches
  • Double handles with 3 inch drop
  • PVC material
  • Buckled detail on front
  • Removable strap

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Posted in Liz Claiborne, Pink, Satchel, Travel Bag | Tell Us What You Think »

Nahui Ollin Barhandle Satchel | Medium Eco-Friendly Recycled Candy Wrapper Handbag

Posted on: Oct 24

Many of Nahui Ollin’s cute candy wrapper purses are for girls who travel light. This Barhandle Satchel shows the eco-friendly designer is just as skilled at working on a larger scale.

Larger is a relative term though. Packrats shouldn't pick this up expecting a substitute for their well-worn oversized carryall. It's a medium-sized satchel, but one that probably holds a little less than the average. The woven candy wrappers are surprisingly strong, but you don't want to test them by overstuffing. Besides, with no pockets to keep the interior organized, extra luxuries will only create clutter.

Like any Nahui Ollin, the greatest drawcard is that adorable candy wrapper finish which makes each one a true original. This floral print is perfect for girls craving spring, while the barcode pattern has a chic monochrome look. The straight leather straps give the Barhandle its name. They look so striking, but they mean you will have to carry this satchel by hand. Thankfully the candy-wrapper fabric is more lightweight than leather or PVC.

The Barhandle has its limitations, but green girls looking to upsize their Nahui Ollin collection will probably find a way to work around them!

More Features of This Nahui Ollin Recycled Candy Wrapper Satchel

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 1 inch drop
  • Measures 8 x 8 inches
  • Made in Mexico

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Posted in Nahui Ollin, Satchel | Tell Us What You Think »

Betsey Johnson Painted Python Wristlet | Colorful Retro 80s Style Purse

Posted on: Sep 30

This Betsey Johnson Painted Python purse is totally on trend and of the moment. Just don't expect to pull it out next season.

While it suits the current taste for all things 1980s, the fluorescent snakeskin tones are just too vibrant to appeal for too long. Right now though, I love the way the orange and pink hues clash with neutral black and white. The angular zips trimmed in thick black PVC only add to its retro charm. I can imagine Madonna carrying this when she burst onto the music scene.

Wristlets are never large, but this one is a bit bigger than most. That should appeal to girls who want to carry around more than simply small change. You can keep your coins in the zippered pocket, separated from your lip gloss, cell phone, and other girly goodies. The detachable wrist strap is another practical touch, allowing the purse to convert from a wristlet to traditional clutch with ease.

It may not have a longstanding appeal, but at just $54 at least this won't cost you the earth. And unlike the totes and hobos featuring the same color scheme, this wristlet is small enough to hide away in a larger purse once the fad has passed.

More Features of this Betsey Johnson Retro Wristlet

  • Logo plate appliqué
  • Main zip closure
  • Printed interior lining
  • Measures 5.5 x 10 x 1 inches

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Posted in Animal Print, Betsey Johnson, Green, Orange, Pink, Retro, Wristlet | Tell Us What You Think »

Hello Kitty PVC Baguette | Kitsch Cartoon Purse with Kitten Motif

Posted on: Sep 13

On a cold dark day, everyone could use a little dose of Hello Kitty style sunshine. You either love the Hello Kitty brand or you hate it, but no-one can deny how happy, carefree and downright cheerful the little cartoons are.

This cheap and cute purse by Hello Kitty is just the thing to break yourself (or your child) into the Hello Kitty mania that is still so popular. Remarkably restrained for a brand that is normally so ... well ... pink, this purse has a much more neutral color pallet.

The materials on this kitsch baguette couldn't be expected to be "classy", and I have say expectations are definitely met. In shiny PVC, everything about this is cute, wipe clean and functional. The embroidered large Hello Kitty logo, however, is a nice textured touch to an otherwise plastic bag.

Cute and childish, this Hello Kitty PVC baguette is a bit like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it. In comparison to other purses by the same brand, however, it is much more muted and less in-your-face.

More Features of this Hello Kitty PVC Baguette

  • Zip closure
  • Gray/Red color scheme
  • Embroidered logo

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Posted in Baguette, Gray, Red | Tell Us What You Think »

Tepper Jackson Mosaic Coin Purse | Small Round Colorful Patterned Purse

Posted on: Sep 10

When a clutch bag or wallet seems too bulky, a coin purse is a handy choice for stashing cash. This cute creation by Tepper Jackson is an affordable, and adorable, option.

It's not the most luxurious coin purse around, but its PVC finish does keep the price down to an affordable $24. It's a durable choice too, and that's what's more important. I'm not sure anyone needs a flashy coin purse. It'll only sit inside your larger handbag for most of its life anyway!

The PVC features a colorful mosaic pattern, with flower petals gradually giving way to a vibrant sunburst. This is the kind of energetic design Tepper Jackson is famous for. The rainbow colors complement the coin purse's aqua body. Bold black piping completes the vibrant and youthful look.

Just remember that this is a coin purse, so you really shouldn't buy it expecting to fit more than small change inside. You have been warned ladies!

More Features of This Tepper Jackson Coin Purse

  • A zipper closure
  • A diameter of 4.25 inches

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Posted in Aqua, Tepper Jackson | Tell Us What You Think »

Burberry Nova Armored Handbag | Gunmetal Baby Beaton Hold-all

Posted on: Sep 10

This is a pretty and unusual hold-all bag from respected designer Burberry.

Bringing a new twist to the traditional Burberry tartan, this gunmetal patent purse is covered from shiny head to shiny toe in squares of PVC colored canvas, on which are snapshots of that well-known tartan. The stud fastenings and metallic shades all lean towards 80's drama, although this hold-all does miss out on some of the gothic features dominating this season's catwalks.

For such a bold and brave bag this tote is actually surprisingly neutral in color. It could happily combine with both darks and lights, and the Burberry pattern should see you through multiple seasons. This armored purse is a great investment piece.

Considering the space of this modern Burberry classic, the designer has not put many pockets in to help your organization. We could have used more slots to maximize the tote's capacity, and to give those long handles something to carry.

More Features of this Burberry Nova Hold-all

  • 1 interior zipper pocket
  • Leather drawstring closure
  • 9" handle drop
  • Patent leather with PVC coated canvas

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Stella McCartney Chain Detail Hobo | Grunge Rock Chic Slouchy Black Faux Leather Hobo

Posted on: Sep 10

Stella McCartney is one of those rare fashion designers who puts her morals where her mouth is. She is a militant vegan, and none of her designs use any animal products or even any PVC-based synthetics. All her designs are made from eco-friendly and totally plant-based materials. And, they're also amazing.

I'm basically swooning for this faux leather hobo. I love the super slouchiness of the shape edged totally in industrial looking chain. It's the epitome of rocker chic, without a bunch of crap piled on top of it. The clean lines of the bag are totally unmuddied with ornamentation.

The faux leather material has an interesting sheen to it that makes it look almost metallic, which sets off the silver in the hardware perfectly. The shape is a little square for a hobo, but I like that, because it means none of that endless searching for things in crescent shaped corners.

There's also a cute little change purse attached to the inside with the same industrial chain, which, honestly, is a necessity in a bag that is so slouchy. How else are you going to keep your parking coins in one place?

The only thing I don't love about this bag is the price. For $1,145, I want leather. I know that it's not being leather is the point, but, seriously, that's a high price to pay for faux.

More Features Of This Stella McCartney Chain Detail Hobo

  • 17" x 16" x 5" size
  • 9" handle drop
  • Fully lined interior
  • Interior zipped and patch pockets

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Posted in Black, Hobo, Stella McCartney | Tell Us What You Think »

Chinese Laundry Billboard Tote Bag | Eco-Friendly Recycled Poster Handbag

Posted on: Sep 4

Forget hemp and candy wrappers. The latest eco-friendly fad is handbags made from billboards. Previously these purses were exclusive to green labels like Artecnica and GG2G, but now some big name designers are cashing in on the trend. The latest to don their eco-warrior hat is Chinese Laundry.

It makes sense to recycle billboards for bags. Their PVC finish is durable, so the purses will last for season after season. The fabric is also affordable. You can nab this Chinese Laundry tote for just $27. They're also bright and bold, and as each one comes from a different billboard each tote is completely unique. And if that wasn't enough, the smooth fabric also wipes clean with a damp cloth.

The generous interior is fully lined, but it lacks the organizational features a space of this size needs. I guess Chinese Laundry had to make some sacrifices to keep the price down! At least there's a magnetic clasp to keep your girly goodies kept safely inside.

This Billboard Tote is a great way to advertise your green credentials without sacrificing style.

More Features of This Chinese Laundry Recycled Tote

  • A magnetic closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 20 x 4 x 12 inches

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Posted in Chinese Laundry, Tote | Tell Us What You Think »