New York accessories label Love Mert proves the old adage that one man's trash is another's treasure. The company's enigmatic founder turns old leather and scraps of wood from her father's workshop into modern purses, jewelry, and scarves.

Many green warriors shun the use of leather for fashion, but Love Mert challenges that view. Its leathers are the remnants left over from other American factories and the skins from unused vintage clothing. It sources leather destined for the scrapheap and keeps it out of landfill. What could be wrong with that?

Love Mert bags are accented with wooden beads and accents, which give them a rustic, earthy look. Peek inside and you'll find soft linings made from sustainable hemp linen or organic cotton cloths. The patterned fabrics are colored with non-toxic, water-based inks, which don't leech harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Even the rivets are relatively green as they're sculpted by hand rather than mass produced.

I'm particularly fond of this Skiver clutch, with its bold white zigzag hand printed pattern popping against the black upcycled leather. At $68 it also won't put a dent in my budget!

All the label's accessories are carefully handcrafted in Love Mert's Californian studio to minimize its carbon footprint. They're then sold through selected American boutiques and Love Mert's website.

[Source: Love Mert website]

Kotur shows us plastic can be truly fantastic with this Levin Minaudiere.

If I didn't know better, I'd swear the Levin was created with real mother-of-pearl. Instead its stripes are crafted from resin with a pearlized finish reminiscent of the prized material. The fabric's very common, yet under Kotur's skillful hands the Levin looks surprisingly high class.

The Levin's slender design makes it look a bit more chic, but it also makes carrying anything of substance a real challenge. If your cell phone is slim you might fit it inside, but there'll be little room for anything else! This really is a purse you carry for its looks rather than practical perks.

Modern girls may also be disappointed at the lack of shoulder strap. Admittedly we don't really need such a feature. The Levin's certainly small enough to carry by hand, or tucked underneath your arm. But as the night wears on you're likely to miss it.

The Levin looks a million bucks, but as it's used perspex Kotur's got little right to charge such an exorbitant fee. $650 seems an awful lot to spend on a plastic purse, no matter how stylish it is.

More Features of This Kotur Striped Minaudiere

• Gold-toned hardware
• Framed rectangular body
• Faceted hinge clasp
• Jacquard lined interior
• An open interior pocket
• Measures 4.5 x 9.5 x 1.25 inches

Get this Kotur Levin Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

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• The Kotur Rene Mosaic Minaudiere bag, a great alternative to this minaudiere bag.
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• Other perspex clutch bags on eBay:

Charlotte Clear Perspex Acrylic Emboss Clutch Purse US $85.00   Auction Ends: 26d 12h 38m Make it yours...

Plain Charlotte Clear Perspex Acrylic Clutch Purse US $77.00   Auction Ends: 27d 1h 47m Make it yours...

McFly singer Tom Fletcher isn't the only piece of candy on the arm of his new wife, Giovanna Falcone. Quirky British designer Helen Rochfort designed a bespoke purple and silver purse especially for the blushing bride.

"Congrats to The FAB @MrsGiFletcher + @tommcfly x Take a peek @helenrochfort Mrs McFly handbag made for the lovely bride," the designer tweeted to her faithful followers, along with a link to the Twitpic to the right.

As you can see, the purse is far from tame. The metallic hues are matched by bold Mrs McFly lettering. The words are embellished with glittering rhinestones. Goodness knows when you'd carry such an ostentatious purse. I definitely didn't see it in the photos of the nuptials!

The former Ms Falcone met Fletcher when they were both students at London's Sylvia Young Theatre School. Despite being just 13 at the time, their bond stood the test of time. They married in front of close friends and family at London's One Marylebone.

With the newlyweds now enjoying their honeymoon, perhaps we'll see some happy snaps with that distinctive Helen Rochfort bag in the coming weeks. Or perhaps not!

It's hard to be too critical over any gift, but this bag may be one of the ugliest wedding tokens I've ever seen. What do you think of it?

[Source: Now Magazine]
[Image Source: Helen Rochfort Twitter]

Helen Rochfort Bags on eBay

Helen Rochfort Handbag Purse Union Jack Style US $65.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 14h 16m Make it yours...

Kooba offers two bags for one low price with the Ava.

In regular mode the Ava is a very tall, spacious tote. Its buttery grained leather has a weathered appearance which in this indigo hue is reminiscent of denim. I can just imagine how good it would look alongside my favorite pair of jeans! Its flat handles may become difficult to use if the Ava's full, but there's also a detachable strap to help us out.

Personally I think the Ava's a bit too tall to manage as a tote. Your whole arm would disappear as you dig around for items that have found their way to the corners. If you agree, you'll probably spend more time with the Ava in messenger bag mode. Just fold it over in the center and you're ready to go!

While I'm not keen on the Ava working as a tote, I appreciate the design's versatility. The extra inches the tote mode affords are ideal for weekend getaways and those days you just need to carry a bit more.

And I certainly can't fault the price. $548 would be reasonable for any leather accessory of this size, but the Ava's convertible nature makes it seem like a real bargain!

More Features of This Kooba Convertible Tote

• Zip pocket with rivets at front
• An inset top with hinged kiss-lock closure
• Fabric lined interior with three open pockets, a zip pocket, and a key fob
• Dual handles with a 5 inch drop
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 17 inch drop
• Measures 13.5 x 16 x 4 inches

Get this Kooba Ava Handbag:

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

Kooba Ava Convertible Tote Mauve US $333.75   Auction Ends: 14d 15h 49m Make it yours...

KOOBA AVA IN MAUVE NWT US $300.00   Auction Ends: 11d 11h 50m Make it yours...

• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Kooba bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The Kooba Bailey convertible tote bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Kooba bags on eBay

Lanvin does away with its usual frills and frippery for this elegant Partition Purse.

The Partition has all the elements that make me weak at the knees. Its design is clean and contemporary, a modern take on the classic flap-over purse. The real snakeskin material has dainty, delicate scales which look especially rich, especially against the gleaming pale gold hardware. And that bold red color is incredibly sexy.

Lanvin calls the Partition mid-sized, but it's so narrow that I'd probably call it small. That means it'll probably work better as an evening bag than an everyday option. It's well designed though, with zip and slip pockets helping us stay organized.

The strap is much shorter than I'd like though. The Partition's small enough to be carried by hand without too much fuss, but when we're on the go a hands-free option is always much more convenient.

The price is likely to be the Partition's biggest stumbling block. For $3685 I expect a bag that can become part of my everyday wardrobe, not one that can only be trotted out on special occasions.

More Features of This Lanvin Snakeskin Handbag

• Push lock closure
• Measures 12 x 7.5 x 2 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Lanvin Partition Handbag:

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

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• More Lanvin bags on BagBunch
• The Lanvin Happy Snakeskin bag, a great alternative to this snakeskin bag.
• Searching for more Lanvin bags on eBay
• Other red snakeskin bags on eBay:

New Black Red Snake Skin Embossed 2 in 1 Shoulder Bag Fashion Purse Handbag US $43.79   0 Bid Auction Ends: 8h 58m Make it yours...

New Patent Leatherette Shiny Snakeskin Embossed Hobo Bag handbag purse Red US $46.79   0 Bid Auction Ends: 8h 58m Make it yours...

Married couple James Stephenson and Sharon Singer are bringing Latin American style to the masses with their new online shopping destination, Flechada.

The shopping website promises to make us fall hard; its name translates to "love struck" in Spanish. Perhaps the moniker also refers to the labor of love the pair embarked on to see the shopping site realized. It combines the skills of Stephenson, the man behind Yahoo's Latin American division, and fashion marketer Singer.

Singer says the impetus for launching Flechada was two-fold.

"First, we believe in the amazing products that talented Latin American and U.S. Hispanic designers, artisans and indigenous groups create," she explained. "Second, we have a desire to give back to the Latin American community by providing a valuable platform that allows them to grow their businesses by reaching new markets."

Flechada offers a range of Latin flavored fashion items including apparel, handbags, swimwear, jewelry, and shoes. They're a diverse bunch, with handmade items, eco-friendly goods, exotic pieces, and vintage inspired items all represented. There's also a "Give-a-Hand" section, which showcases goods supporting indigenous artisans working in underprivileged communities. Some of the brands offered exclusively through Flechada include Adriana Castro, Mercedes Salazar, Dalia Pascal, and Katch by Kathy Flesch.

The Flechada goods are very affordable, with most retailing for less than $200. It's also accessible to a wide audience, as customers can shop in Spanish or English.

The site is freshly minted but Flechada is already looking at expansion. We can expect to see homewares, beauty products, kids goods, food, and travel items added to the site in the coming months.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Flechada Facebook page]

Latin American Handbags on eBay

Latin American HANDCRAFTED cross body BAG Stripes Style Cotton Soft US $40.99   Auction Ends: 2d 12h 29m Make it yours...

La Regale offers sophisticated style for less with this elegant Diagonal Clutch.

The Diagonal's design is much cleaner than many of La Regale's accessories. The classic flap closure is gently angled to make it feel more modern. A band of metallic satin borders the flap for some extra pop. I love the look of silver against the black satin, but there's also a gold trimmed version if you prefer.

It's worth noting that this clutch is very small though, with barely enough space for evening essentials. I expected much larger, although perhaps for the money I had no right to! You should be able to fit everything you really need for a night out inside, but it might be a squeeze.

Leaving the rope strap out will maximize storage space, but I think I'd prefer to deal with the clutter. While the strap should feel more comfortable against your shoulder than the usual chain, it doesn't look quite as smart. When it's tucked away the Diagonal looks much more chic.

It has a few niggles about it, but for $29 you're not likely to find an evening accessory that looks quite so stylish!

More Features of This La Regale Satin Clutch

• Satiny lining
• Magnetic closure
• A rope strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this La Regale Diagonal Handbag:

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

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• More La Regale bags on BagBunch
• The Gorjana Lexington bag, a great alternative to this asymmetrical flap bag.
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Vtg 80s Red Faux Leather Vegan Clutch Envelope Purse Asymmetrical Flap Big Bag US $14.99   Auction Ends: 19d 23h 32m Make it yours...

Henri Bendel Victororias Secret Asymmetric Snake Leather Clutch US $69.99   Auction Ends: 18d 15h 32m Make it yours...

We've all heard of handbags that charge your cell phone while you're on the go, but most of these innovative fashion items cost a mint. Urban Junket offers a more affordable alternative which is every bit as tech savvy with its new battery powered bags.

Urban Junket keeps costs down by adding a TSA safe rechargeable battery pack rather than the solar panels its competitors employ. The pack automatically senses your need for power, so you needn't spend time fiddling with buttons or switches. It'll last for ten days before you need to recharge it at a standard US electrical outlet or computer with USB ports.

Urban Junket also chooses a vegan material over leather. It's a more sustainable choice than typical synthetics though. The leather like skin is actually crafted from reclaimed plastic bottles.

Urban Junket's created three different battery powered bags: the cross-body Jen, the hobo styles Karen, and the tote-like JB. Each one is available in a range of bright fashion colors. The bags sadly won't power up laptops, but you can use them to charge smart phones, MP3 players, e-readers, and portable gaming or Bluetooth devices.

Urban Junket's battery powered bags start at $198 for the Jen and top $240 for the JB. They're available to pre-order from the Urban Junket website ahead of their release mid-June.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Urban Junket Bags on eBay

Urban Junket Convertible Large Tote Bag Handbag Black US $84.90   Auction Ends: 2d 11h 49m Make it yours...

Kenneth Cole serves up a smart office accessory of substance with this Out of the Bag briefcase from his Reaction line.

The Out of the Bag is simple and without feminine frills, yet it doesn't look quite as masculine as many briefcases on the market. Its gentle curves and plush cowhide leather softens its silhouette, ensuring it doesn't feel too stuffy. It wouldn't look out of place in the boardroom or a casual weekend getaway.

The Out of the Bag is well designed, with an expandable padded compartment for holding a laptop up to 15.4 inches, a gusseted zip pocket with inbuilt organizer at the front, and a triple file divider at the back.

The woven cross-body strap is substantial and strong, but I'm not a fan of its looks. It really cheapens what's otherwise quite a polished purse. Of course you could detach it if you're concerned, but something tells me those short handles will be difficult to manage once the Out of the Bag is full.

Several customers have also reported that those metal zipper pulls jangle noisily while the Out of the Bag's in motion. It's a minor irritation rather than a real functional flaw, but one that detracts from the owner's enjoyment nonetheless.

It's not the perfect laptop bag, but at $229.95 it doesn't have to be. That's not a lot of money to spend on a real leather accessory that will become part of your everyday wardrobe.

More Features of This Kenneth Cole Reaction Laptop Bag

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 13 x 9 x 4 inches

Get this Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of the Bag Handbag:

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

Kenneth Cole Leather Out Of The Bag Computer Laptop Briefcase Business Case NWT US $179.99   Auction Ends: 28d 11h 33m Make it yours...

Kenneth Cole Leather Out of the Bag Computer Laptop Briefcase Business Case Tan US $179.99   Auction Ends: 29d 15h 30m Make it yours...

• Check the LuggageWorldOnline eBay store to see if this Kenneth Cole bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Kenneth Cole bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Cole Reaction Business bag, a great alternative to this laptop bag.
• Searching for more Kenneth Cole bags on eBay

KC Malhan puts a contemporary twist on its usual tribal styles with this Leaf Clutch.

This purse's beaded finish is just what we've come to expect from KC Malhan. The tiny accents are applied expertly, and as the work's done by hand we can trust it'll hold.

From this classic base KC Malhan brings us something new. The leaf print makes a refreshing change of pace from KC Malhan's usual geometric designs. It's perfectly complemented by the shock of saturated pink. Girls with tamer tastes may disagree, but I love this bold choice. If you're not so sure it's worth noting that KC Malhan produces the same purse in black and white and beige and turquoise versions.

If you're expecting something beyond the surface you'll be bitterly disappointed. This clutch is very basic; there's no pocket or shoulder strap to be found. I don't mind the lack of pockets, as a space so small is easy to keep organized. But a shoulder strap would have given anyone who's nervous about knocking off those beads some extra peace of mind.

It feels mean to quibble though, because at $69.95 this clutch is much more affordable than most handcrafted accessories on the market.

More Features of This KC Malhan Beaded Clutch

• Made of rayon
• Snap closure
• Measures 9 x 5 inches
• Made in India

Get this KC Malhan Leaf Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More KC Malhan bags on BagBunch
• The black KC Malhan leaf bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more KC Malhan bags on eBay
• Other leaf clutch bags on eBay:

Vintage Silver Cloth Clutch Silver Leaf Latch Very Good Condition Prom or Eve US $1.90   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 12h 35m Make it yours...

HOBO International Spring 2012 Lauren clutch wallet Leaf Green color US $83.00   5 Bids Auction Ends: 1d 14h 13m Make it yours...