Handbags Online

EVERYONE LOVES COACH HANDBAGS, HERE'S HOW TO FIND THEM

2008-08-18T06:47:00.001-07:00

COACH LARGE HAMPTON BUS TOTE

What woman doesn't love buying a new handbag? Each woman is different, since each need is different with different types of features. The modern woman needs a compartment for her cell phone, while the older generation may just want a compartment for change. Whichever type of purse a woman prefers, getting a named brand one at a discounted price is simply heaven. There are outlets that cater to these types of handbag shoppers and even those with a fat wallet will still go there to get a good bargain.

Coach Handbag outlets are a place to go to get the most sought after handbags. Celebrities want them, the elite want them, and even teenage girls want them. This is because Coach is one of the most recognized names in the fashion world.

The founder was inspired to make the handbags from looking at the material of the baseball glove. He figured that the material would be perfect for a versatile, yet stylish product. Since its conception, this handbag as been made in a variety of designs, colors, and materials that have caught the eyes and hearts of women all over the world.

Coach Outlets were first opened over 50 years ago and were family owned workshops. Since then, the outlets have risen from a few shops and 6 workmen, to 300 stores in the US alone. The outlets use multi-channel distribution methods and plan to open more stores internationally in the coming years. You can also find Coach merchandise in finer department stores and boutiques.

Currently, the headquarters are situated in NY and is a publicly traded company (stock exchange symbol COH). They also have offices in Japan, and nineteen other countries.

Coach Handbag Outlets now feature women's accessories (wallets, cosmetic cases, shoes, bracelets, scarves, belts, hats, sunglasses, key rings, charms, and watches), and travel items (luggage, totes, briefcases, and planners).

Not only does the company offer women's collections, they also cater to men and babies as well. But just for fun, let’s talk about the handbags available from Coach.

Signature Stripe Style
The Reversible Travel Tote features an interior pocket, tag for luggage, leather trim, and jacquard fabric. It comes in brass and khaki colors, and either deep red or deep blue hues. This tote sells for $400.

Soho Style
The Metallic Hobo features a cell phone pocket, dusted suede with leather trim, and more. This hobo comes in brass and gold hues, and retails for $500.

Hampton Weekend Style
The Scarf Print Demi features an exterior pocket, zip top fastener, signature scarf fabric with suede and leather trim. This demi goes for $200.

There are far more gorgeous handbags available online or in the outlet. So stop by, or point and click, you'll find something you like!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Are you a bag lady?

2008-08-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

Pursuits | Vir Sanghvi

Show off your Hermes Birkin in Shanghai, Singapore or Sharjah and it will always look right

Diamond necklace or designer bag? (Illustration by: Jayachandran / Mint)

Anybody who follows the fashion business will tell you that, these days, the real money is not in the clothes; it is in the accessories. Take the house of Versace. It floundered after the murder of its founder. But it is now back in the black, thanks largely to the success of its handbags, a product that the house was rarely associated with when Gianni was alive. Or take Louis Vuitton. In theory, it’s just one part of the massive LVMH conglomerate but it accounts for the majority of the group’s profits (quite an achievement because LVMH includes Givenchy, Christian Dior, Celine, DKNY, Kenzo as well as Moët et Chandon and Krug Champagne). And Louis Vuitton is all about handbags. It makes some clothes but I doubt if anyone buys them. At the Gucci Group, the jewel in the crown is not the eponymous label (which is a bag company, in essence) but Bottega Veneta whose high quality handbags generate huge profits. A few labels do thrive without accessories (Armani, for instance) but even Chanel has predicated its overseas expansion on make-up and bags.

It’s not difficult to see why the bag market is so attractive to fashion houses. There’s no problem with sizing. They don’t have to decide how much of each product to make in which size—when it comes to handbags, one size fits all. The margins are spectacularly high. At Louis Vuitton, a bag sells in the shops for something like 14 times its manufacturing cost. With lesser labels, prices tend to be 12 times cost.

Then, there’s the international aspect. In the not too distant future, the principal markets for fashion labels will be in Asia (West Asia, Japan, China, the Asian Tiger economies and, eventually, India). Western fashion appeals to White people: to European and American sensibilities. Asians rarely like the clothes and nor do they look good in them. A Japanese woman in Ralph Lauren looks like a shop assistant; an Indian woman in Roberto Cavalli looks like an upmarket call girl and an Arab woman in Valentino looks like…well, she looks like an Arab in Valentino.

Bags get around that problem. Carry a Chanel 2.55 on the streets of Bangkok, Mumbai or Bahrain and the message will be clear: You are rich and have taste. Show off your Hermes Birkin in Shanghai, Singapore or Sharjah and it will always look right. Bags are the ultimate international fashion product. You can sell them anywhere.

But if the accessories boom makes sense for fashion companies, why does it make sense for the consumer? There was a time when even the rich carried expensive but discreet bags. The famous label handbags were few and their cost was related to quality. It takes a craftsman 17 hours to make a Kelly or a Birkin by hand. In the old days, every craftsman who made a Gucci bag had to slip a card with his number into one of the packets. If there was something wrong with the bag, Gucci would send it back to the man who had made it.

Now, Gucci bags are designed on computer and mass-produced (and even when the company was family-run, the decline had begun with the introduction of cheap canvas merchandise). The luxury bags (Hermes mainly) are still made the traditional way and cost as much as a car. But there’s a new range of very, very expensive handbags that are essentially industrial products. Even these bags go for upwards of a lakh. And such is the demand that it is the Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh bags that have the longest waiting lists

Plus, there is the phenomenon of the It bag. Each season, fashion editors breathlessly announce what the new “must-have” bags are. Not to possess these bags means you are hopelessly out of date. Worse still, to carry last year’s It bag is a fashion faux pas. Even if you spent a fortune on the Mombasa or the Dior Saddle because the fashion editors told you to, they now moulder on your arm like decaying corpses.

I’ve always tried to work out why women will spend so much on a bag when they could buy a piece of jewellery with the money instead. At the lower end of the fashion pyramid, it is easy to explain: People like the thrill of carrying an instantly recognizable designer product such as a Louis Vuitton monogrammed bag. But why do rich women, who have nothing to prove, splash out, year after year, for one of Marc Jacob’s limited edition Louis Vuitton bags?

I have some theories. To wear a designer garment, you need a certain kind of figure. No matter how much money you spend on a Prada outfit, nothing will help if you have a fat ass or if rolls of lard line your navel. With a bag, there’s no problem. You can be old, fat, ugly, short, misshapen or whatever but the bag will stand out on its own.

The corollary to this theory is that almost everybody who can afford designer clothes in India is too fat or big-hipped to carry them off. Go to the Louis Vuitton store in Delhi’s Oberoi hotel and watch the fat Punjabi ladies peel off notes from wads of cash. Can you really see them wearing high fashion? Or go to the elegant Chanel store at The Imperial. How many Indian women could wear those clothes? Is it any wonder that they all buy bags and glasses?

The second theory has to do with gifting. Assume you want to spend a little money on a friend or a lover. What can you buy her? Clothes require fittings as do shoes: You buy them blind, at your peril. Jewellery is intimate; it makes a statement. Far easier, therefore, to buy an expensive handbag. If it’s from a trendy label and one of the season’s It bags, then it is a safe choice and it’s hard to go wrong. Show me a vaguely fashionable woman who says she does not appreciate the gift of an expensive bag and I’ll show you a liar.

It is these two factors, I suspect, that keep the fashion companies in business. From 2001 to 2004, the luxury goods market increased by 1.2% per year. But sales of leather goods increased by 7.5% each year in the same period.

Since then, the trend has gathered more steam. The big labels may make clothes but the profits will come from bags—as long as there are enough rich old bags around to buy them!

Zarah Garde-Wilson's man under pressure, court told

2008-06-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Emily Power and Antonia Magee

THE father of gangland solicitor Zarah Garde-Wilson's unborn baby has been freed on bail after allegedly vandalising $28,000 worth of designer handbags.

Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard Lansley "Lance" Simon, 24, was under pressure because of his relationship with the high-profile lawyer. A magistrate accepted Mr Simon believed he had to fulfil the perceived expectations of his pregnant girlfriend. The court was told Mr Simon and Ms Garde-Wilson are expecting a baby together, but as a condition of bail he must live with his mother in Rosanna.

Mr Simon is accused of spraying nine expensive handbags with paint at the exclusive Versace boutique at Crown casino last Friday, while on bail for other unrelated matters. He faces a criminal damage charge. Lawyer Glenn Thexton told the court his client was not a risk of re-offending, and his arrest had been a wake-up call.

"The defendant has committed this offence while under significant pressure as a consequence of this relationship he's in," Mr Thexton said. Mr Simon's mother, Daniella Perry, gave evidence Ms Garde-Wilson was a "nice girl but heavily in the media".

Ms Perry said her son was afraid of not living up to Ms Garde-Wilson's expectations and was buying expensive gifts for her. "She's gotten pregnant and the crunch time to get a house and move in together has just overwhelmed him," Ms Perry said. "He's reached a crisis point." Ms Perry said the media had hounded the couple because Ms Garde-Wilson had previously wanted a child with her dead lover.

"This offending I see is a cry for help . . . it was over the interview with the girlfriend," she told the court. "They are trying to enjoy their own baby but it has kind have been overshadowed." Magistrate Amanda Chambers agreed with Ms Perry that her son reacted with immaturity to his problems. Ms Chambers said Mr Simon had a history of not turning up to court when he was younger, but she did not believe he was an unacceptable risk of re-offending.

His bail conditions include reporting to police, attending counselling and not going to the Versace boutique. Ms Garde-Wilson, 30, revealed her pregnancy in an interview on Channel Seven on Monday night. Today Tonight host Anna Coren introduced part two of the interview last night by saying that Ms Garde-Wilson had walked away from the father of her child.

Mr Simon will appear again in court at a later date.

The French pipedream come true

2008-06-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

Designer handbags - Designer purses - Designer accessories

by Emily Dunn
Exclusive French accessories brand, Longchamp, is celebrating its 60th year of styling the jetset.
Kate Moss could have ended up as the face of a range of French tobacco accessories. Instead, in the latest catalogue from French leathergoods brand Longchamp, the supermodel drapes herself across a patent-leather handbag, staring out across a New York skyline. The images, shot by celebrity fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti, are a long way from the company's beginnings 60 years ago, designing and manufacturing leather-clad smoking pipes.

With tobacco now decidedly out of fashion, Longchamp's chief executive, Jean Cassegrain, is pleased to have traded smoking accessories for arm candy. "I am grateful we evolved from pipes because I am not sure we would still be in business," Cassegrain says from the design showroom above Longchamp's flagship store on Paris's famed fashion strip, Rue St-Honore.

"To start, Longchamp was a very masculine-orientated company but then we made the transition to luggage and now, to fashion."

One of the few French luxury brands still privately owned and in family hands, Longchamp celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

At the head is Philippe Cassegrain, who inherited the company mantle from his father and founder, Jean Cassegrain. Now 70, Cassegrain continues to design for the company but leaves the business to eldest son Jean.

Daughter Sophie de la Fontaine designs the brand's evolving fashion range, while younger son Olivier is based in New York.

It was Philippe who first guided the brand to leather luggage and then, in the 1970s and '80s, to what has now become the company's signature product, the nylon bag.

Made from the same fabric used in the tents of the French armed forces, it was the catalyst for a revolution in luggage dominated by hard cases and leather. Nylon is now de rigueur for luggage.

"Philippe was the first to have the idea to use nylon to make luggage," Jean says of his father. "Using nylon gave us a strong identity. The nylon used to make luggage in the 1970s is the grandfather of today's Pliage handbag."

Longchamp's Le Pliage handbags constitute 70 per cent of the business, selling more than 2 million a year and becoming the brand's most recognisable "ambassador". Its other ambassador is Moss, the first "face" of the company.

Jean Cassegrain hired Moss at the height of the "cocaine Kate" scandal. When the supermodel was caught on camera taking drugs at a London recording studio, she lost contracts with brands such as Burberry. She had been in talks with Longchamp for several months. Three days after the scandal broke, Moss signed with Longchamp.

"If we had been a publicly owned company, it wouldn't have happened," Cassegrain says. "A board would have said it was too high a risk ... we were able to take that risk."

The decision to hire Moss paid off. Twelve months later the supermodel's portfolio had expanded with contracts from cosmetics companies and fashion houses such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Burberry.

For Cassegrain, Moss has been instrumental in the company's evolution from luggage brand to fashion label. "Kate Moss was the best person to help us do that job," he says. "Not only because she is a fashion icon but because she is recognised around the world. We needed an ambassador with worldwide recognition and appeal.

"Now, the market for ladies' leathergoods is so much bigger, and for most customers the quality of the product is a given.

"It is a necessity but it is not what can help you make them choose your handbag over another - you need to have fashion appeal."

Moss may be the brand's most publicised collaborator but she is not the first. In the past decade the company has forged alliances with artists such as Tracey Emin, who in 2003 designed a range of Pliage handbags to celebrate the product's 10th anniversary, launched at the Colette concept store in Paris and championed by Elizabeth Hurley.

Last year the company enlisted kooky US fashion designer Jeremy Scott for a range of limited-edition Pliage bags and French DJ Michel Gaubert designed a range of technology-friendly luggage.

At the opening party for the company's Manhattan store, Gaubert performed for guests and "friends" of the brand, including Susan Sarandon, Uma Thurman and Isabella Rossellini. In London, Kate Middleton, girlfriend of Prince William, is regularly spotted toting the bags.

Olivier Cassegrain - responsible for the two New York stores, as well as stores in Boston, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Miami - says the brand's French heritage has been central in marketing Longchamp in the US.

When he first moved to New York in 1998, knowledge of the brand was non-existent.

"Now the customers come in and they know more about it than some of the staff."

He also resists the suggestion that the new catalogue, the first to be shot with a foreign city as a backdrop, heralds the arrival of Longchamp as an international player.

"It can seem like it is a step but it is just part of a process, when a company is changing it takes four or five years for the changes to be noticed."

In Paris, his sister, Sophie de la Fontaine, is leading the fashion charge, overseeing the introduction of the do-it-yourself Pliage and the evolving fashion lines.

When Sophie first joined the family business in 1995, from French children's wear label Bonpoint, Longchamp's ladies handbags were "functional and conventional".

Last year she collaborated with Moss on the Legende, a new line of handbags and totes inspired by the visiting bags of Victorian-era doctors. Moss was also granted the first Legende off the production line.

"We wanted to give a face to the Longchamp woman. Someone romantic but someone a bit rock'n'roll," de la Fontaine says. The current springsummer collection includes white and camel Legende bags and patent leather versions of The Rival line, a more relaxed shape, de la Fontaine explains, inspired by the "modern maiden".

Silk scarves, part of the company's collection since the 1970s, continue, alongside fashion accessories such as wide patent leather belts in fuchsia and turquoise and slip-on canvas shoes in floral patterns. Metallic clutches sit alongside more sensible shoulder bags in tan and chocolate.

The new season also includes a small range of ready-to-wear, including colourful knits, loose-fitting shirt dresses and trench coats. Winter 2007 also featured some ready-to-wear, such as pull-on patent leather boots and leather jackets.

Sophie de la Fontaine denies the company's next push will be into runway fashion, however.

"We are not a couture house. We are coming from a handbag-first perspective and this is what sets us apart. Many of the other luxury brands are coming from ready-to-wear first but for us the clothes are only to complement the handbags."

Jean Cassegrain agrees the current obsession with statement handbags will work to Longchamp's advantage.

"Handbags used to be utilitarian ... of secondary importance to ready-to-wear; women would have a black bag and a brown bag," he says.

"Now handbags are more important than ready-to-wear. Women now wear jeans but will carry a designer handbag - it is the handbag that has become the fashion statement."

A history of Longchamp
1948 Jean Cassegrain starts Longchamp, designing leatherclad pipes.

1957 Opens first factory at Segre in the Loire Valley.

1960s and '70s New products are developed, including lambskin travel bags, a line of lightweight bags in nylon and leather and the Xtra foldable travel bag.

1979 Longchamp opens boutiques in Hong Kong and Japan.

1980 Current president Philippe Cassegrain inherits the company leadership.

1988 Longchamp opens its first Paris boutique, on Rue St-Honore.

1993 Longchamp introduces its Le Pliage line.

1998 Celebrates 50th anniversary under the glass pyramid of the Louvre.

2004 Company celebrates 10th anniversary of the Pliage with a collection designed by prominent "Brit artist" Tracey Emin; company signs Emin's close friend, Kate Moss, as its first official "face".

2006 Opens 100th boutique worldwide in New York's SoHo, La Maison Unique Longchamp, designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

2007 Collaborates on a Le Pliage range with New York fashion designer Jeremy Scott and a range of travel bags with Parisian DJ Michel Gaubert.

September 2008 Longchamp will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Happy birthday to you, too.
Salvatore Ferragamo, 80 The late Italian shoe master's birthday celebrations were held recently in China with an exhibition, Salvatore Ferragamo: Evolving Legend 1928-2008, opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai.

Lacoste, 75 French tennis ace Rene Lacoste started making the now-iconic polo shirt in 1933 for himself and other tennis players who wanted an alternative to the long-sleeved, starched white shirts and jumpers common on centre court during that era. The first "crocodile" logo was drawn in 1927, after a journalist nicknamed Lacoste "the alligator" for his tenacity.

Emanuel Ungaro, 40 It was in 1968 that Ungaro founded his ready-to-wear line. Four decades later, the fashion house will celebrate with new designer Esteban Cortazar

Calvin Klein, 35 It's 25 years of CK underwear and 35 years since the American designer launched his sportswear line. Francisco Costa, creative director of Calvin Klein, recently won the Council of Fashion Designers of America's 2008 Womenswear Designer of the Year award.

Women’s Bag Fashion Trends 2008 - What the Best Dressed Women are Carrying This Year

2008-06-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Never pay full price. Shop online eFashionHouse.com.

From Women's Accesories by Gill Hart

2008 sees a trend for stronger, larger, designer bags that can cope with women who carry the equivalent of 2.5 kilos over their shoulders.

It’s official: women now carry everything in their handbag but the kitchen sink. British newspaper The Daily Mail claims in its Femail section that the average British woman’s handbag “weighs the same as five bags of sugar” (Nick McDermott, 12/13/07). That’s 5 pounds or nearly 2.5 kilos of stuff, “equivalent to a hod carrier on a building site.”

According to The Daily Mail, "the burden on a woman's shoulder has increased by 38% in the past five years." With this in mind, handbags and purses for 2008 are bigger and stronger. Sue Braddick, assistant handbag buyer at John Lewis, a British department store chain says, “We’re seeing a trend for bigger bags.”

Not surprising, when our love of all things electronic means that today’s best dressed women are also shouldering their laptops, mobile phone chargers, ipods and other gadgetry; which are just as important as cosmetics and purses.

The weight carried in our handbags has grown to such an extent that UK major retailers like Asda are requesting their suppliers toughen straps and stitching to make bags more durable. Consequently we need to make sure that any bag we purchase will last.

Big Bags and Back Pain
However, this is not good news for Britain’s chiropractors who state, “We are considering issuing a warning”. Carrying around five pounds of bag regularly is not conducive to good health. Whilst such a heavy weight may not have instant repercussions, it can have a cumulative effect on body posture and may cause back strain.

Says Daily Mail reader Judith from Paris, France: “In Paris you often see women carrying two big bags. One has their personal stuff and the other has work stuff. Or college/uni stuff if they're a student. It's true we have more junk to carry round and you have to wonder what all of this is doing to our backs. We'll all be bent over double in old age.”

Bag Fashion Trends 2008
Along with the reinvention of the maxi dress, 2008 sees a trend for larger tote-style or shoulder bags. Increased weight and bulk means that the humble clutch purse is relegated to evening wear, as the majority of bags are now carried over the shoulder rather than in the hand.

Designer compartment-style bags are a "must have" for the modern woman, with pockets in different shapes and sizes to help organize the clutter inside. Modern women need lots of tailor-made spaces to house their new toys.

Natasha Shamdasani, Handbagdesigner101.com, refers to the current trend as Homes for Hi Tech, stating that “there is a big trend for men’s bags …..with specialized pockets for gadgets and electronics such as ipods, laptops, blackberrys, flash keys and more.”

So what does this mean for fashionistas in 2008? Tote bags (open-top with straps or handles) are selling well, along with the Messenger, a large soft, long-strapped shoulder bag worn across the body, dispersing the weight. These cross-body straps are reminiscent of '80s fashion trends. Many bags for Spring 2008 follow the floral spring-like color trend, with golden olive, diaquiri green, and pinkish reds.

In particular Radley Tote bags are proving popular, and according to Sue Braddick, John Lewis, “sales of Mulberry bags are up by 10%”

For those who prefer hand-held bags or balancing them in the crook of the elbow, the antique doctor-style is proving popular, in particular Dolce & Gabbana’s Large Leather Framed bag, a snip at around $1300.

If you want the real thing, be wary of fake designer bags. Counterfeit bags are getting harder to spot these days. If your bargain sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Match Your Bag With Your Body Shape
As bags are bigger and bolder this year, it is important to find one that flatters your body shape.

With shoulder bags making a come back, consider their length in relation to your height and frame. Remember that wherever the bag ends, it will draw attention to that particular part of your body. For those conscious of a spare tire, then go for a bag which ends at the hips and not at the waist.

If you are short and curvy, juxtapose your assets by choosing a long and sleek, rectangular or square style. In a soft fabric and good quality leather, this can knock off the pounds. If you are tall and slim then a slouchy, rounded hobo-style will compliment your frame. Elfin British model, Kate Moss is rarely seen separated from her oversized Chloe Betty and Cameron Diaz regularly totes her Burberry Knight Studded Bag

Overweight and Oversized Bags Command Respect
This season men will need to beware. With the average woman sporting a five-pound handbag, she can cause some serious damage should she choose to aim one their way! As one Daily Mail reader, Bob, from Nottingham, puts it “Time to show more respect or risk getting clobbered seriously.”

With the weight of women's handbags expected to increase a further 20% within the next decade, it gives a new meaning to the phrase "it' s in the bag!"

Graduation Gifts Most Likely to Succeed

2008-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a tip.... She wants a REAL designer purse for graduation!

Whether she's into Yoga or an obvious Fashionista, decide the award your girly grad deserves and say "congrats" with an authentic designer handbag for the Class of 2008. You know she really wants a designer purse this year! And, she's all grown up and wants something special.

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All the girls are carrying a new purse to their new job. Your little graduate dreams about a new designer handbag. There are many styles and designs to select in price ranges from under $100 to more than $500. It's up to you. Whatever you pick will be a hit. Some of our favorites are Tano bags, Melie Bianco handbags, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro handbags, Gucci Bags, Prada bags, Fendi bags and many more. And, they are all on Sale! See the coupon codes below and start saving on your graduation gifts for that special gal in your life.

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Graduation is here! She wants a REAL Designer Handbag! Have fun shopping! Here's a series of Graduation Tid-Bits we found amusing and thought you might, too!

Bad Graduation Gift Ideas
by Andy

A Briefcase: Oh, thanks Uncle Frank. You getting me this briefcase ensures that I’m supposed to work the same 9-5 office job that you've worked for that last 25 years while complaining about it and cheating on my wife with my secretary. (Sorry Aunt Jane)

“Planet Earth” on DVD: Am I that hard to shop for? How long did it take you to pick this out at Wal-Mart? Do you think that all I do is get high and watch the Discovery Channel? Well guess what, I DO!

“Planet Earth” on VHS: What? There’s like 20 tapes. Get out of my sight Grandma.

Money: What am I supposed to do with this? It's only four dollars.

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All Sorts of Graduation Ideas
from My Expression

Graduation Party Ideas
The Traditions of Graduation Party -Traditions are the lifeblood of every college. Traditions connect the students to the past of the college while at the same time preparing them for the future. From the historic to the contemporary, traditions can express a spirit of unity and create a sense of community while providing for loads of fun.

Graduation Planning Checklist - Its Graduation time! You’re planning on hosting a graduation party and you want it to be unique and exciting. Planning any party can be overwhelming and many things can go wrong. So, to be on the safer side, you need to come up with a graduation planning checklist to keep things from bouncing out of control.

The Do’s and Don’ts in the Graduation Party - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and what better excuse to throw a party! Spring is that time of the year for graduation invitations, announcements and gifts. Etiquettes and manners form a very important part of our being social animals.

What To Wear on Your Graduation Day - For 12 (in some cases more) seemingly never-ending years, you obediently went through the schoolyard quarrels, your first boy-girl party, your first date, the Prom, and now finally what you’ve always been waiting for – your Graduation day! This time you’re going to be wearing an outfit that your parents will finally approve of – a gown and a cap ...

Decorating your Graduation Party - So, its graduation day and you’re all set to host a special theme party. Yes, theme parties are fun and a whole lot easier to decorate! Half the fun of hosting a graduation party is decorating the party. You can decorate your room, your lawn, you table, and even your guests! You can turn graduation caps upside down and fill them with balloons or flowers ...

Graduation Speeches Etiquette - The graduation ceremony confirms each student’s quest for knowledge. Traditionally, the ceremony will include a graduation speech that seeks to put each and every students hard work (in some cases, not so hard work) into the perspective of their future. Yes, most of us have heard one or more graduation speeches either as spectators or as graduates ourselves ...

Graduation Gift Ideas - The date is fixed, and the invitations and announcements have already been given out. So, the day has finally come for you students to cry and to cheer and to leave your school or college halls forever. Yes, graduation day is indeed one of the biggest days in everyone’s life. After years and years of hard work, your efforts have finally paid off. You’re happy but ...

Chance to Promote Your Business with Graduation Open House Invitations - Do you plan to host a graduation open house for yourself or one of your children? It may not seem like it could work, but you can actually promote your business when you have an open house. You can start the promotion with something as simple as mention that the open house is being hosted by your business. This will definitely ...

Graduation Announcement Tips, Wording, and Special Poems
Graduation Announcement Wording Tips - Graduation is an important time in life, and should be announced properly. Stationary with crayons and graduation caps on it is an appropriate means of announcing a child graduating from kindergarten. A photo announcement is a nice keepsake for loved ones who are being invited to the graduation ...

Graduation Announcements Wording Ideas - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and you’re busier than ever! Your last year of college is filled with thousands of events and activities that you have never even tried to attempt during your college years. From sending out resumes and applications to asking for letter of recommendation, you have loads ...

Do it yourself Graduation Announcements - A great substitute to printed graduation announcements are announcements that you print by yourself on your personal computer. Not only are these ‘Do-it-yourself’ graduation announcements a lot more economical, but they can also be equally colorful and creative. Start of by using plain white card stock or even plain white paper ...

Sending Graduation Announcements - So, its graduation day and its time to let everyone know that you are a proud graduate. Now that all those seemingly endless years of toil and hard work have finally paid off, it’s finally time to celebrate. First things first, start by sending out graduation invitations and announcements to all your near and dear ones. Most colleges and high schools ...

Graduation Invitations in General and the Etiquette
Graduation Party Invitations - Planning the Party - Everyone who has played a role in the life of the graduate should be sent an invitation to the graduation party. It is understood by most that tickets to commencement are limited, however an open house allows for everyone to congratulate the graduate. - Invitations - You can choose informal themes, such as a backyard ...

Graduation Invitations Etiquette - There is a very good reason why people call graduation ceremonies ‘commencement ceremonies’. This is because graduation does not mark the end; it marks the beginning. Graduation is the achievement of all goals, and rewarding the graduate for his or her hard work is a must. Graduation time is the time to invite friends and family together for an exclusive ...

Choosing Graduation Invitations Theme - Whether for you or a friend, Graduation day is one of the most joyous and welcomed occasions in any student’s life. It marks the end of your educational journey that can sometimes seem to be an endless and intolerable journey. Graduation is a once in a lifetime event, so give this event the honor and prestige that it truly deserves. The very first ...

The Traditions of Graduation Cap & Black Color in Your Invitations - When it comes to graduation invitations or stationary there are some traditions that are still observed by most people. In the majority of samples that you look at while shopping you will find that there are graduation caps in the majority of them. This is simply an obvious choice of décor since it is an invitation for a graduation ...

Graduation Invitations Theme
Casual Graduation Party Ideas - If you want to throw a wonderful party for that special high school or college graduate in your life, don’t assume you have to spend a fortune and put together some very elegant get together. After all, your graduate has already worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment and now just needs some time to relax and unwind. That’s why sometimes a more casual ...

Throwing a Cocktail Theme Graduation Party - Graduating from college is a major accomplishment and is definitely one of the best reasons to have a celebration. However, too many graduation parties are all the same. If you want to throw an amazing party, then you’ll want to take a creative approach with your graduation celebration. One idea is to celebrate with a cocktail theme ...

Throwing a Party for Valedictorians and Summa Cum Laude Graduates - Graduating from high school or college is a huge achievement, but if your student is graduating with honors then that achievement is even more deserving of a special celebration. No ordinary graduation is going to be sufficient. Background on Graduation Honors - If you’re not familiar with all of the “honors” terminology, then ...

Black, Red, and Green for Graduation Invitations - Graduations are one of those major milestones in life that deserve not only to be recognized but also to be celebrated. Whether the student in your life has just earned a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or an even higher degree, you’ll want to find a way to show him or her just how proud you are of their hard work ...
Ideas for a Formal Graduation Party - When we think of graduation parties, sometimes we have the impression that all of them are just full of young people drinking too much and playing loud music. And sure some graduation parties would fit that description pretty well, but that isn’t your only option if you’re planning a celebration for a special student in your life ...

Feng Shui Graduation Party Ideas - Celebrating a graduation is a big deal. The family wants to show their pride at how well their student has succeeded. The student wants to know that he or she has done a good job by achieving this important life goal. When you’re planning something this special, then it only makes sense that you should take into consideration every possible way of ...

Creating Tassel as Embellishments For Your Invitations - If you want to create a graduation invitation that is sure to get the attention of those you invite you can do a lot of it yourself. It can be fun to add your own personal touch to it, even if you order the actual stationary and then create a tassel as an embellishment. Everyone associates a tassel with graduation, so this can be a fun addition! If you ...

Clip-Arts for Graduation Invitations - Do you want to add some fun and uniqueness to your graduation invitation but you aren’t sure what may or may not be appropriate? If so, you aren’t alone. The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of fun or original things that you can do; you simply need to infuse your own style into it and get creative. Anything that you can imagine can generally be created ...

Personalize Your Graduation Invitations with Special Inspirations - A graduation invitation can be just a graduation invite, but there are some great things that you can do to add your personal touch and make it interesting and even inspirational to those that you send them to. There is nothing better than sending out invites that have been infused with your own personal style, whatever that may be ...

Differentiating Masculine & Feminine Invitations Theme - Because both men and women graduate from high school as well as college there needs to be a way to differentiate between invitations that are more appropriate for men and those that are more appropriate for women. This is not to say that there aren’t invitations that are appropriate for both genders, but if you want something that ...

Seasonal Graduation Invitations
Show Your Patriotism with Patriotic Graduation Invitations Theme - Over the last couple years the patriotism in our country seems to have been renewed and this includes the young, the old, and everyone in between. If you are graduating from high school or college why not share your patriotism with others with a patriotic invitation theme? Why go drab when you can serve to inspire those that ...

Graduation Photo Christmas Cards - Are you graduating early? Many students that graduate early, graduate in the winter months, which is a great opportunity to do something different with your graduation invitation. You can not only send an invite to all those that you would like to attend your graduation ceremonies; you can send a Christmas greeting at the same time by enclosing a Christmas card with a photo ...

After The Graduation
Sending Graduation Thank You Cards - So, your graduation day has come and gone, the ceremonies were amazing, the graduation party was brilliant, and above all, the graduation gifts were super cool! The graduate is happy, the graduate’s guests are happy, everyone is happy. But, after the ceremony, party and gifts comes the most daunting part – sending out ...

Graduation Photo and your Scrapbooking Project - Honoring the graduate is one of the most important parts of the graduation ceremony. If you’ve organized your photo albums over the years, then everything should be up to date. But, if you are like most of us, then you’re family photos are probably piled up in boxes in the attic. Since you are going to be graduating pretty soon, now ...

Career Guide After Graduation - Transitioning out of college can be both, an exciting as well as a scary experience. There are newer and tougher challenges to face, unwritten laws to be followed, unexplored opportunities for progress – and humiliation – in every nook and cranny. While recent graduates and most other college students are preparing themselves to become experts ...

Reunion Graduate Party Planning - Once you graduate, you only get to see you friends every ten years at each reunion! So you want to have a fun reunion party this time and not a boring formal one? Planning for your reunion would mean coming up with a special plan or an idea for the party. From the decorations to the food and particularly the entertainment, your graduate reunion party ...

Celebrate Memorial Day with American Fashion Designers

2008-05-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Use coupon code MDS08 for an extra 20% off. Click Here!

Celebrate Memorial Day in style and take an extra 20% off all the American Designers at eFashionHouse.com. We owe a lot to the European influence when it comes to fashion. Yet, the American Designers produce an image we call, "Home." People like Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Melie Bianco and Elaine Turner pave the way for upcoming American fashion influence.

Designers like Tano Bags, BCBG, Coach, Dooney & Bourke and Brighton bring a sense of American style and unique image to their collections. We honor all the American Designers this season and celebrate with them for Memorial Day 2008.

Whether you are looking for a new handbag, wallet, tote or leather shoulder bag, you can find a perfect American Designer Handbag for an unbeatable price. But don't lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day. We celebrate in honor of many people who have died in military service protecting our country. It's really about honoring our heros.

Yes, we are addicted to fashion, and we admire the creative design process. We are always seeking a bargain, and we shop online for the best deals we can find. So, get ready for Memorial Day with a celebration of American Designers at an additional 20% off, and remember our heros who lived their lives to make America our home.

MORE ABOUT Memorial Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. US Eastern time. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers place a U.S. flag upon each gravesite located in a National Cemetery.

Many politicians and community leaders give speeches at community gatherings on Memorial Day.In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, family gatherings, and sporting events. Some Americans also view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer and Labor Day as the unofficial end of the season. The national Click it or ticket campaign ramps up beginning Memorial Day weekend, noting the beginning of the most dangerous season for auto accidents and other safety related incidents. The USAF "101 Critical days of summer" begin on this day as well. Some Americans use Memorial Day to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen.

Flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day 2006.Memorial Day formerly occurred on May 30, and some, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), advocate returning to this fixed date, although the significance of the date is tenuous. The VFW stated in a 2002 Memorial Day Address, "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

Following the end of the Civil War, many communities set aside a day to mark the end of the war or as a memorial to those who had died. Some of the places creating an early memorial day include Charleston, South Carolina; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Columbus, Mississippi; many communities in Vermont; and some two dozen other cities and towns. These observances eventually coalesced around Decoration Day, honoring the Union dead, and the several Confederate Memorial Days.

Decoration Day, c. 1900. "You bet I'm goin' to be a soldier, too, like my Uncle David, when I grow up."According to Professor David Blight of the Yale University History Department, the first memorial day was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic race track in Charleston. The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who had died while captive. A parade with thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers was followed by patriotic singing and a picnic.

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the birthplace because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter, and because it is likely that the friendship of General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who led the call for the day to be observed each year and helped spread the event nationwide, was a key factor in its growth.

General Logan had been impressed by the way the South honored their dead with a special day and decided the Union needed a similar day. Reportedly, Logan said that it was most fitting; that the ancients, especially the Greeks, had honored their dead, particularly their heroes, by chaplets of laurel and flowers, and that he intended to issue an order designating a day for decorating the grave of every soldier in the land, and if he could he would have made it a holiday.

Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization, Logan issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance of this day.

Many of the states of the U.S. South refused to celebrate Decoration Day, due to lingering hostility towards the Union Army and also because there were very few veterans of the Union Army who lived in the South. A notable exception was Columbus, Mississippi, which on April 25, 1866 at its Decoration Day commemorated both the Union and Confederate casualties buried in its cemetery.

The alternative name of "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, but did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967 . On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend and for the first time recognized Columbus Day as a federal holiday. The holidays included Washington's Birthday (which evolved into Presidents' Day), Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971 . After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply at the state level, all fifty states adopted the measure within a few years, although Veterans Day was eventually changed back to its traditional date. Ironically, most corporate businesses no longer close on Columbus Day or Veterans Day, and an increasing number are staying open on President's Day as well. The holiday has endured as one where most businesses stay closed because it marks the beginning of the "summer vacation season" (similar to neighboring Canada's Victoria Day, which occurs on the prior Monday).

Meet the bag ladies

2008-05-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

from Daily Mail

When it comes to must-have accessories, nothing quite tops the female fantasy list like a handbag. So obsessed are we with each season's essential piece of arm candy, we no longer flinch at the idea of paying a month's earnings for the latest It-bag.

But the price of instantly recognisable designer bags keeps on rising. Just a few years ago, it was all about the £595 Mulberry Roxanne - as carried by Scarlett Johansson and Julia Roberts. Now the standard Fendi Spy or McQueen Novak doesn't leave much change from £2,000.

Yet isn't it cooler to have something more unusual? While we continue to justify our whims with the bank manager, there are those who have been smart enough to make a business out of their obsessions. KAREN CLARKSON speaks to five women who have turned bags into business:

TOP RIGHT: Pontine Paus, 33, lives and works from her Notting Hill townhouse. Her bags are popular with Kylie and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Pontine says:

When I embarked upon my master's degree in industrial design at Domus Academy in Milan, I never imagined that I would end up as a handbag designer - I thought I'd go into furniture or architecture. However, as part of this course I experimented with materials and chemicals. I covered some silk in plastic and decided to make a handbag out of it.

One day in Milan a woman, who owned a boutique, asked me where my bag was from. When I told her I had made it myself she asked me immediately to make a collection for her to sell.

My bags took off. I sold them through shops in Italy and created a range for the designer Louisa Beccaria. My father encouraged me to learn some business skills, so I stopped making the bags while I took a business course.

In 2002 I started making bags again. They became popular straightaway. Now we're stocked all over the world - Scandinavia, Italy, France, the Middle East and Japan.

Not everyone wants to make a major fashion statement with their clothes - most women feel more comfortable experimenting with accessories instead.

The beauty of handbags is that they can suit you whatever your age, figure or looks. They're also not as intrusive as clothing, as you can put them down when you want. I grew up surrounded by bags as my mother loves them and has a huge collection of Hermes ones. Now she only wears mine!

I own about 70 bags. I used to have a lot of vintage ones but I moved house recently and had to get rid of loads as I didn't have enough space. Now I only wear my own - if I need one for an occasion I just design it. I carry one bag for maybe six months and wear it to death before moving on.

I love big bags for the day. But for evenings I vary them depending on my outfit - my favourite is a clutch bag called The Night Owl. Every season I'm inspired by something different. I want to make beautifully-crafted bags with character. My Hunter bags for next season are all about war and hope - symbolised by star and camouflage prints. My Bandit bags were inspired by cowboys. I like having a story behind each one - that's where my art background comes in. www.pontinepaus.com

Swedish-born Charlott Vasberg, 31, lives in Chelsea. She says:

I studied womenswear design at London College of Fashion, followed by an MA in womenswear at St Martins. I graduated in 2003.

I didn't want to work for someone else, and making bags enabled me to be creative with patterncutting which is quite stimulating for me. My first collection consisted of five bags. They were soft leather bags with lots of zips. I called them 'transformation bags' - by opening and closing zips you could change their shape and look. In 2004, I sent some pictures to a few shops and got a call immediately from Selfridges. They placed an order on my first collection.

I own at least 40 bags. For day I like big bags which I can throw everything into. I have a large Twist Bag which I've been carrying almost every day for two years. For evening I like small totes and clutches. At home, my bags are hanging on the sides of my wardrobes. I also have a huge basket full of them. Most of these I've made myself, but if I was to wear one by another designer it would probably be Fendi. www.charlottvasberg.com

Susannah Hunter, 35, lives in Kilburn, London, and has been designing bags for five years. Elle Macpherson, Nicole Kidman and Uma Thurman are fans. She says:

I studied fashion design at St Martins, graduating in 1993. While working in retail at Margaret Howell, I began making handbags in my spare time for myself and for friends. The first one was olivegreen leather with irises appliquÈd all over. I carried it everywhere.
One evening at a party I met a model called Angela Dunn. She loved my bags and promoted my work within the fashion industry. She was best friends with Patsy Kensit who immediately bought four bags from me. Soon I had an order from the fashionable Holland Park boutique The Cross.

Now we're stocked in Harvey Nichols, The West Village, Paul & Joe, and Barneys and Saks in America. We're also about to open our first shop in London. Initially, I made the bags in my bedroom. Now I have a workshop with a full-time team of six people.

With the appliqued flowers, my bags look distinctive, but I change the colours and shapes each season.

Growing up in Scotland where my mother is a painter, I was always surrounded by colour and images of nature. I take pictures of flowers whenever I travel and this is the inspiration for my bags. My drawings get turned into leather flowers, which are layered onto the bag.

Everything is made by hand - it takes about a day to make each bag. I find it amazing how much women are willing to spend on bags. Mine retail between £295 and £770. Designer bags in big department stores are even more. I only own about 15 bags. Most of them are my own, apart from a few vintage bags and one from Issey Miyake. My favourite is still the first one I ever made, which I still carry to this day. www.susannahhunter.com

Canadian-born Victoria Sleeper, 35, lives and works in London and Paris. She is a bag consultant to fashion houses from YSL, Chanel and LVMH, and sells her vintage bags in Liberty, Urban Outfitters and Portobello market. Vicky says:

Growing up in Mid-West Canada, I learned how to do needlework, metal work and woodwork because if you wanted something personal you had to make it yourself.
I never studied fashion - everything I know about bags I've taught myself. I'm not very interested in fashion, but bags encompass so much - they hold our money, our lipstick and all the things that are important to us, while being tactile, sculptural and interesting to look at. I'm constantly researching things about bags.

I probably have a collection of about 20,000 bags, dating from 1600 to 1980. They come from all over the world. One of my favourites is a gentleman's hobo bag from the 1920s and I love my pre-1970s Hermes bags, the stitching is amazing. I'm also a big fan of beaded bags, probably because of my Canadian roots.

I love to change the bags I carry around with me. Sometimes I'll carry five bags in one day - I hate the thought of them being locked up in a cupboard, they need to live!

I sell a lot of bags to fashion designers but in Portobello I have all sorts of customers. Teri Hatcher bought some recently when she was in London; this morning I sold one to Helen Mirren; and I even sold a bag to the Queen.

The bags I make appeal to men and women. They're lightweight, multi-functional and in primal colours. I've just finished creating my first collection of Vicky Sleeper bags. My daughter describes them as avant-garde; my friends say they are art; and someone else has called them 21st-century urban camouflage. www.vickysleeper.com

Tabitha Somerset-Webb, 31, lives and works in Battersea, London. Customers include Cat Deeley, Denise Van Outen and Dannii Minogue. Tabitha says:

I'm probably the least likely handbag designer you can imagine. I never studied fashion or art, and I can't draw. Bags weren't even something I particularly liked. The problem was I could never find the right one for me, so in the end I thought I should just design one.
After working hard as a producer in advertising and TV, I wanted to get out and start my own business. I came up with an idea to make one bag, and ended up going around the East End begging manufacturers to make up my designs. One agreed to make some samples.

The scenario was haphazard. I took a stand at the Top Drawer trade fair in Olympia to try to start selling my bags to retailers. After three days no one had placed an order, and I was about to give up when House of Fraser placed an order for £20,000 worth of bags.

Our first orders arrived late and half the bags fell apart. But despite the hiccups, the orders grew, so I went to China to find a decent factory to make the bags. We've become well-known for our modernlooking metallic leather bags, and we're now stocked in Fenwick, Harrods, Graham & Green and The Conran Shop, and Macy's and Bloomingdale's in the U.S. We're just about to open our first shop on the King's Road. My own collection is around 40 - they are stored under my bed. I have a few vintage ones, but they are mostly my own creations.

Handbags Online Sale - See coupons below

2008-05-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Online Shopping - HUGE designer fashion sale! Biggest Tano Bag Sale "Only" Online! Addicted to handbags? Here's a sale you don't want to miss! Purses to Blog for at big online price cuts - Budgets that work for you! Budget Shopping Online - Huge Designer Handbag Sale at eFashionHouse! In today's tight budgets, there's always hope for online bargain hunters. Click here to enjoy a huge Sale on all your favorite Designers like Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Coach, Tano bags, Murval, Melie Bianco, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro and many, many more! For more information. Whether you love leather or just want a new purse to tote around town, you must see the sale currently in progress. The Sale Section is marked down plus use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off. The Clearance Section is as low as possible plus use coupon code OFF20 for an extra 20% off.Enjoy designer handbags and accessories at unbeatable prices. Plus, guaranteed lowest prices for Tano, Elaine Turner, Murval and Melie Bianco. Click here for details.

Online Shopping Brokers: "Hello, Summer! - Isabella Fiore Puff Enough Celine Satchel"

2008-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Online Shopping Brokers: "Hello, Summer! - Isabella Fiore Puff Enough Celine Satchel"

Rising Star - Elaine Turner Maya Shoulder Bag

2008-05-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard of ELAINE TURNER than you are definitely missing out. This Texas-based handbag designer is quickly becoming the latest handbag darling because of the use of contemporary designs and luxury materials that are actually affordable. One of our favorite Elaine Turner handbags this season is the Maya shoulder bag because sometimes simple is divine. Elaine Turner handbag measures about 15 x 14.5 x 2 inches with double adjustable shoulder straps. Shop for discount Elaine Turner handbags now.

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Discount Designer Purses - Tips on Finding a Christian Dior Handbag

2008-05-06T18:00:00.001-07:00

CHRISTIAN DIOR designer handbag lady dior micro ld tan designer purse.

from Myriad Resources - Shopping Channel Library

How can I Find a Christian Dior Handbag?

There are many locations available today at which you can find a Christian Dior handbag, such as at eLuxury, which is an online store that is incredibly popular. In regards to a Christian Dior handbag, you have an incredible selection here, and some of the other designers that they feature are Louis Vuitton, Dior, Baccarat, Blumarine, Botkier, Calvin Klein, Carlos Falchi, Carolina Amato, Dolce and Gabbana, DKNY, Emilio Pucci, Etro, Fendi, jean Paul Gaultier, Juicy Couture, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Roberto Cavalli, Tods, Tom Ford, Versace, Kooba, Gerard Yosca, and Celine.

In regards to their Christian Dior handbag selection, their most popular selling items are cannage large shopper, cannage drawstring medium shoulder bag, Dior gaucho washed metallic leather medium saddle bag, vintage voyage large boston bag, rebelle aged leather and suede messenger hobo, diorissimo hobo, logo charms tote, and the logo saddle pouch.

Pure Moda is another incredibly popular store, also at which you can find a Christian Dior handbag. Their most popular selling items at the present time are authentic Christian Dior handbag black saddle purse, authentic Christian Dior handbag tan leather double saddle purse, authentic Christian Dior handbag, Christian Dior satin/leather tan single saddle purse, and the authentic Christian Dior wallet.

Regardless of where you actually decide to purchase your handbag or other accessories from, the most important thing to remember here is that you should always take at least a little bit of time and consideration in order to compare prices, read reviews, and consider all of your options, in order to make sure that in the end you will have made the best possible decision, and that you will be getting the best quality and best worth for your money that you possibly can. All of this can only be done if you take some time and do not rush the process.

We love cheap Marc Jacobs designer purses!

2008-05-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's called the Marc Jacobs satin quilted evening bag! But it's a lot more than that! It's a convertible clutch with a detachable shoulder strap. It's really cute and the price won't break your budget! Read more details about this bag here.....

MARC JACOBS designer handbags satin evening bag designer purses gold.Marc by Marc Jacobs satin evening bag brand new this season. Fully lined. Inside pocket. Monogram details. Satin quilted body. Polyurethane trim. Long chain srap. Secure flap front closure. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with a sleeper bag for storage. The Marc Jacobs handbag measures about 7.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches with a detachable chain strap measuring about 32 inches long with about a 16 inch drop. The interior of the evening bag style Marc Jacobs handbag has 6 credit card or card slots and 3 open slit pocket. Magnetic snap closure front. The Marc Jacobs evening bag is a convertible clutch or shoulder bag style.

It's shown in gold, but it's available in black, silver, brown and dark gray, too. Click here for more details.

Lanvin Designer Handbags

2008-04-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

LANVIN Kentucky Tote click here.

the designers
Madame Jeanne Lanvin's active fashion career spanned 50 years from the 1890's up to the New Look just after World War II. In 1867 Jeanne Lanvin was born in Brittany, France. She was the eldest of 10 children of a pair of Breton concierges. She first trained as a dressmaker at a house called Talbot and then as a milliner. In 1890 she opened a millinery shop in the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. While making hats, she also made dresses for a younger sister and her daughter. Lanvin's clothes came to the attention of other mothers with daughters, who asked her to make dresses for them, so in 1909 Jeanne began making dresses for sale and her reputation grew. As can be seen from the pictures of the clothes she made, she made no distinction between women's and children's wear, the youthfulness of both being an important aspect of 20th century fashion. Demand by young women for her clothes, persuaded Jeanne Lanvin to open a couture house selling mother-daughter garments. Paul Iribe, the famous illustrator, created the Logo for the house of Lanvin, from a drawing by Jeanne of the bond between mother and daughter. Her daughter became the Comtesse de Polignac, and continued to wear her mother's beautiful gowns. In 1913 Lanvin created her famous "robes de style" based on 18th century designs. These small waisted, full skirted dresses remained popular for many years and were fore-runners of the New Look which Dior brought out just after World War II. In 1914 influenced by orientalism, she turned to exotic evening wear in Eastern-style velvets and satins. During the 20's Lanvin made a simple Chemise dress which later became the basic outline for the twenties. Over the following years, she introduced several interesting developments. In 1921 a Riviera collection introduced Aztec embroidery. In 1922 a Breton suit appeared in the Lanvin collection. This comprised a gently gathered skirt, a short braided jacket with lots of small buttons and a big white organdie collar turning down over a red satin bow. A sailor hat topped the outfit. In 1926 a menswear division was opened by Lanvin, and so she became the first couturier to dress whole families. Her branches were opened in Nice, Cannes and Biarritz. Jeanne Lanvin dressed film actresses like Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and Yvonne Printemps in the 20's and 30's. She also had clients like the Queens of Italy and Roumania, and English princesses. The house of Lanvin, like all other houses, suffered throughout the 2nd World War, although she kept designing. In 1946, Jeanne Lanvin died at the age of 79. Her daughter Marie-Blanche took over the running of the house, till she herself died in 1958.

the label
Antonio del Castillo, a Spanish designer, joined Lanvin as designer in 1950 and returned the house to great success. He remained until 1962. In 1963 Jules-Francois Crahay, a Belgian designer, took over the reins of the house, and remained till 1984. In 1982 Maryll Lanvin, the third generation of the Lanvin family, started designing for the house. The Cosmetic giant L'Oreal acquired the house of Lanvin in 1990 and has appointed several designers thereafter. During the 90's in addition to presenting his own collections, Claude Montana has also been designing for Lanvin. Giorgio Armani also designed for a while. From 1997 to 2001 Christina Ortiz was the chief designer for haute couture. From 1997 to 2001 Lanvin's ready-to-wear collections were being designed by ex-Versace, ex-Herve Leger designer Ocimar Versolato. In August 2001 an investor group led by Shaw Lan Wang, a Taiwanese media baroness, took over the house of Lanvin. They appointed Israeli-born designer Elber Albaz as the new creative director of Lanvin. His first collection was Fall 2002. In October 2001, the house of Lanvin announced the appointment of Alber Elbaz as the new creative director. His first collection was Fall 2002. Alber has become much beloved by Lanvin clientele. He uses not only black, or the white he chose when Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons asked him to participate in her London store, but also vivid satins in parakeet green or fuchsia, or a bright red trench coat. He says that his boss offers him freedom and respect so that he can mix sportswear with couture grace, comfort with elegance.

the look
Her work was easily recognizable by her skilful use of embroidery, and her fine craftsmanship. She used a particular shade of blue so often, that it came to be called "Lanvin Blue". For Jeanne Lanvin, women were meant to wear clothes of unabashed feminity, in colours that were pretty, and whose shapes had a "young girl" look. She set the mood with narrow empire-wasted dresses and long trailing sleeves. The fabrics that she used were silk, taffeta, velvet, silk chiffon, organza, lace, tulle, etc. She used a lot of free-flowing ribbons, ruffles, flowers, lace, mirrors, etc., and liked ornamentation like applique, couching, quilting, parallel stitching.

CHLOE Quilted Bay Bag

2008-04-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Kylie Minogue is undoubtedly one of our generation’s greatest style icons - so much so in fact that London’s Victoria & Albert Museum currently has an exhibition dedicated to her wardrobe - and this picture reveals why. I can’t get over the chicness of her monochromatic cream outfit - the flouncy mini-dress, the sexy heels, and that killer white Chloe Bay Bag. It’s a simple, unfussy look that is youthful yet sophisticated. And the bag is to die for - love the roomy frame and fun buckles and rounded leather zipper pulls. Great to see Kylie back on her feet and back on her style A-game.

Photo from People.com - CHLOE Quilted Bay Bag
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This year’s most coveted handbag is the Chloe Quilted Bay Bag. Carried by celebrities and fashionistas alike, the quilted Bay Bag offers a multitude of pockets with zippers and fastenings, washed lambskin leather, gold-tone hardware, oversized tags, and short handles.

STYLE MATTERS: Hip, handy handbags

2008-04-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

LOUIS VUITTON designer handbags
VINTAGE neverfull GM monogram shopper designer purses.

By Judie Schwartz & Evelinda Urman, Special to the Rocky

Let's face it: We spend more time with our handbags than we do with our significant others. It's worth it to take some time in selecting the best one. We asked three fashionable women-about-town why they chose their handbags and what they carry in them.

Brandi S. Shigley

A self-styled Denver Fashion Ambassador, Shigley runs Fashion Denver, a support association for local designers. A handbag designer herself, Shigley's favorite bag is not one of her own, but rather a bag she found in a dumpster.One rainy day while walking by an old eviction pile, Shigley's sharp fashion eye spotted a Chloe handbag that had been unceremoniously tossed out. FYI: Chloe bags can run more than $2,000. What fashionista could ignore this find? Most of us carry the usual stuff in our handbags: wallets, cell phones, sunglasses. But Shigley carries a claves, an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument. As Shigley says: "It's always nice to start a party wherever you go!"

In Brandi's Chloe bag

* Moleskine book of thoughts, songs, poems and rantings
* Wallet someone gave her when she hosted Bingo at Sputnik a few weeks ago
* Thank-you card from her Grandma
* iPod Nano
* Altoids (Tangerine sours)
* Meomi mirror
* Mat & Nat pouch with business cards and stickers
* Kickball socks
* Lotion that she took from a hotel in Los Angeles
* Lucky little rabbit
* Extra gum
* Lip liner

Sarah Peay

Attorney and senior account executive at the Bradsby Group. Peay has specific requirements when it comes to selecting handbags."It is mandatory that the purse has a zipper," she says. "You never know when your purse is going to turn over. I need a bag that doesn't get dirty easily. I carried a white Miu Miu purse all last summer, and by the time August came around, I had to have it cleaned for the second time. I need a long enough strap - and only one strap - to fit around my shoulder, although I generally carry it on my forearm. I also stick to basic colors."Lastly, when choosing a purse, Peay tries to avoid choosing one that is too trendy."I love getting the full use out of a purse," she says.This woman knows what she likes.What is Peay carrying now? "A black, distressed leather, giant Balenciaga purse with silver embellishments," she says. "I chose this purse after months of searching for the perfect black purse." Peay has our vote for carrying the most considerate object in her handbag - her father's reading glasses. He uses them to read the menu at their regular lunches together.

In Sara's Balenciaga purse

* Prada makeup bag
* Fresh Sugar lychee body lotion
* Adriana lip balm
* Stila lip gloss in Tangerine
* Flowerbomb perfume
* 2008 day planner
* Checkbook
* BlackBerry
* Keys
* Sniff tissues
* Gucci wallet
* Heart mirror
* Marc Jacobs sunglasses
* Mints from a fundraiser for Josh Hanfling, candidate for Colorado State Representative, House District 6
* Mason Pearson hairbrush
* Blockbuster DVDs: In the Name of the King and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Ivette Dominguez

President and owner of Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC. Dominguez likes to invest in good purses that last a long time, as opposed to buying trendy purses each season."I always choose a classic style in a durable leather," she says. "I have a 5-year-old daughter and am very involved in the community - so I may be in and out of the office, car and home 20 times a day. That puts a lot of wear and tear on a purse." The most unusual object Dominguez carries in her handbag?"A snack for my puppy, a Maltese named Simba."

In Ivette's Louis Vuitton purse

* Altoids mints
* Bare Essentials "Parfait" lipstick
* Keys
* Louis Vuitton wallet
* Tweezers
* Dog treats
* Fruity Snacks
* Cash

Bright on! Handbags in vibrant shades of yellow, green, pink and blue are trendy for spring.

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother’s Day

2008-04-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. EFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

All About Authentic Designer Handbags

2008-04-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

from A Girls Guide To

Imagine purchasing your dream bag, the bag you have got wanted for so long, now you desire to demo off this beauty to your friends. They are all thrilled and a spot green-eyed, however person detects that your pocketbook is not the existent deal. Now all your friends are walking around with reliable interior designer pocketbooks and you are stuck with a inexpensive replication and worst of all you paid a batch of money for it. These years you have got to be vigilant and make certain you acquire the accoutrements you paid for.

There are a figure of things you can do to avoid one of these awful states of affairs of being shammed. It is always recommended to purchase your commodity from a reseller who have got a good name, because if a purchaser is not satisfied the narrative will distribute and the position of the physical thing will be spoilt, opportunities are you will cognize about it or if in doubt, make a hunt on the Internet.

In this fast paced twenty-four hours and age we have the Internet and this do our lives so much more than uncomplicated. The first-class thing is that you can have got got a expression at so many pocketbooks in the convenience of your ain place and not have to travel hunting from shop to hive away for the perfect handbag. These websites are very efficient and their service is fast and timely.

Then there is eBay where you can happen 100s of purses, however con people often take advantage of this platform. There have got got been numerous lawsuits where women have purchased reliable interior designer pocketbooks advertised on eBay, at high terms or so called price reduction prices, just to recognize they had been shammed. It is a slippery undertaking to find genuineness just by looking at a photo, and a question, which necessitates to be asked is, why would person sell interior interior designer pocketbooks at such as low prices, would they not loose money?

If you are new to shopping for designer pocketbooks rather remain away from eBay, because this is where a batch of uninformed women acquire shammed. There are some good and honorable deals; however determining genuineness is difficult, because some of the replications are very similar to the reliable bags, sometimes even for the more than informed ladies.

Designer pocketbooks are of the high-grade quality and the designing houses have got to keep these first-class standards, otherwise they will be loosing customers. Check the pocketbook inside and out for any imperfectnesses such as as, crooked stitching, mediocre quality hardware, the logotype on the bag and messy gum residue. If it is somes leather bag odor it, if you smell any chemicals its a phony. People believe that because they have got got hallmark card game they have the existent deal, but bad to state even these card game are replicated. If there is anything incorrect with the bag it is a replica.

You should not be discouraged, there are a batch of good bargainers out there who desire to make an true living, but be careful and always retrieve if the trade is too good to be true it almost certainly is. There will always be reliable interior designer pocketbooks on the marketplace which are in fashion, thus take your clip and don't be rushed or pressured by anyone.

What's Liz been up to lately? Comes & Goes!

2008-04-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Late last month Liz Claiborne announced the selling off of a number of its brands in its collection. But, they decided to keep Mac & Jac and Kensie labels and will be growing the two labels. Last year, Liz Claiborne had a fire sale to cope with the consolidation of Macy’s and The May Department Stores Co. It shed several well-known brands and cut 800 jobs. C&C California and Laundry By Design were sold to Perry Ellis International. Li & Fung USA acquired Emma James, Intuitions, JH Collectibles and Tapemeasure. Prana, a yoga wear and sportswear brand based in Carlsbad, Calif., was sold back to Prana’s management team. Sigrid Olsen will be closed, and Ellen Tracy is to be sold to a group of investors. Still in Liz’s label stable are Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans and Mexx. Hmmm. It's obvious to us the direction Liz is taking going forward.

Then, low and behold. Today we read about Kenneth Cole stepping down as the CEO of his company. Remember reading the headlines a few weeks ago scrutinizing Cole's management skills? In order to save his life's ambition, he took the advice of everyone around him and handed over the reins to Jill Granoff, executive vice president of direct brands at Liz Claiborne Inc. At Liz, Granoff oversaw development of Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans and Kate Spade - the only Liz survivors after last month's sellout at Liz.

Congratulations Jill! Another woman at the helm of an empire! This sounds like a perfect fit, and we can't wait to see what you do at Kenneth Cole. Cole, you're a winner! A very smart fella! We are sure to see just the right changes to make your legacy live on. And, we are really happy to see Kenneth Cole staying on as chairman and chief creative officer of the company.

Source: Apparel News

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

2008-04-14T20:41:00.001-07:00

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Myth Buster Designer Handbags in the News

2008-04-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

It was a fleeting thought, but nonetheless, we were thinking about renting a purse the other day. Poof! The thought was gone.

We did some Google browsing and stumbled across all the news media quotes listed below. So, we decided to consult some handbag experts to bust some of the myths floating around. We also did our own research and came up with some surprising data. Bottom line, it's not cheaper to rent a designer handbag. In the long term, you are better off owning the purse of your dreams. The media has taken hold as usual, it is all hype and drama. The proof is in the numbers. Rental fees can be as high as $300 per month or more for a famous high-end designer handbag (12 x $300 = $3600).

No wonder all the advertising is being pushed like none other. People are being blind-sighted by one of the worst investments a woman can make with her hard earned cash! Too bad there aren't laws to protect financial rape. Women, wise up. If you can't afford to buy yourself a new purse a few times a year, you certainly shouldn't be worried about impressing people with designer fashion accessories.

Here are a list of quotes made by prominent publications. They are myths, and we just busted them!

MYTH #1 -
“Because hot handbags have such a short shelf life, why not rent one instead of buying? That’s the logic behind…” — The Washington Times

Not true. A classic designer handbags does NOT have a short shelf life. Let's take the Fendi Baguette as an example. It started the entire "it" bag movement about twelve years ago and it's still going strong. As a matter of fact, Fendi introduced a "rebirth" of the detailed ornate baguette this past season. It's still alive and doing well. And, for all you Fendi baguette lovers out there, those designer handbags you purchased over the years are now becoming collector's items are reselling for a ton of cash. So, don't cash in yet. Hang onto, or still hang it over your shoulder and look fabulously current carrying a Fendit baguette. The Fendi Baguette is available in a small version about 9 x 6 inches in size or the larger MaMa Baguette style. Whichever, you picked a winner.

Not only has the Fendi Baguette survived over a decade of shelf life, it has been copied by all the major handbag brands. The word "baguette" is not synonomous to any small shoulder bag that fits neatly tucked under the arm when carried over the shoulder. Coach has one, so does Prada, Gucci and all the big handbag designers.

MYTH #2 -
“Fashion handbags are now a $5 billion industry, and a growing number of women are renting bags instead of buying them. For the price of a single designer bag, women can rent a year’s worth.” — NPR

Not true. Wait. Maybe true if you are willing to settle for less than the high end designer handbag style. You can rent at a low rate, but the designer bag is a low-rate, too. You get what you pay for in rentals and in retail.

A year's worth of high-end designer rentals like Chanel would cost much more than the price you'd pay for owning a classic Chanel handbag of your own. Chanel maintains its value, too. So, look at a Chanel purchase as an investment. The classic black quilted lamb leather chain shoulder bag rents for more than $300 per month. HUH! You can purchase one for about $1500. That's 5 months of rental fees, not including insurance and other hidden fees for renting Chanel.

Classic Chanel bags last a lifetime and are passed down through generations. Rentals are like booze, here today and gone tomorrow.

MYTH #3 -
“Do you want to look like Uma Thurman, the new face for Louis Vuitton, but just can’t afford those accessories? No problem. Now the middle class is scrambling for brand-name luxuries, borrowing has become the next-best way to look rich.” — Time

Think Keith Richards. Can't resist the Time Magazine quote we stumbled upon online. The new face of Louis Vuitton is Keith Richards! LOL. Now, re-read the quote above. Replace Uma Thurman with the name Keith Richards. Think Twice about what you wish for!

MYTH #4v-
“Ten years ago in the US the trend was towards cappuccinos and lattes – the sort of small luxury indulgence that was affordable to everyone. It’s the same idea with handbags you can rent.” — The Times

What? handbags have been around since the beginning of time. Check out Wikipedia. There's some great information online about the history of the handbag. Man-bags transformed into women's purses, and they've continually evolved throughout the ages. As a matter of fact, the best thing about a fabulous handbag is it can be carried to make your raggiest pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops and cotton T-shirt look like Vogue. All you need is a fabulous bag and your entire ensemble is pulled together to make a fashion statement.

Yet, renting a designer purse is not a good comparison to the cost of a cup of coffee, even if it's $5 from Starbucks. Let's see, McDonald's just introduced the "designer" flavored ice coffee drink on tap for $1.89. Hmmmm....am I dreaming? The Times is a bit off in their price comparisons here. To rent a high-end designer handbag you'll be putting out more than $300 per month. Let's see. Big decision here. Should I rent a purse or make my car payment?

MYTH #5 -
“In the age of new luxury where some people would forgo a month’s rent for a the new Chloe Paddington bag, retail analysts say there is a burgeoning group of middle-class Americans who are indulging a yen for high-end fashion. Companies ...are catering to fashionistas who lack the disposable income to satisfy their cravings for Coach satchels and Chanel clutches, but for whom carrying a cheaper knockoff is blasphemy.” — The Boston Globe

Sorry, Boston Globe, the Coach handbag is so very moderately priced that renting one is not a very good investment of a person's money at all. To encourage people to rent Coach is not a good financial strategy. Buy Coach. Actually, renting Chanel is not a good investment either. The rental fees for Chanel begin at about $270, and that's not including membership fees, insurance fees, and other hidden fees none of the news media discloses in all the free advertising they do to promote designer rental companies.

Rent a luxury car? Rent a luxury airplane? Rent a luxury suite? These make financial sense for the occassion at hand. Renting a purse? Well, think twice about your cost and pay-off. Do your homework first before jumping into something you can't get out of later.

Nobody should ever carry a fake counterfeit handbag. However, designers like Melie Bianco and Murval make fabulous similar looking eco friendly handbags for a fraction of what you'd pay for a good counterfeit. And, if we are working toward a youthful "new earth" movement, then doesn't the inauthenticity of "renting" a purse to look good actually make a person look bad? Renting a designer handbag in order to "look good" is like living a lie. Authenticity rocks!

MYTH #6 -
“Cash-strapped fashionistas rejoice. The authentic $850 Gucci pink clutch you’ve been eyeing … can be yours for $72.90.” — National Post

You'll have to show us this to prove it. All the handbag rental stores we scoured had much higher prices than $73. Maybe $73 per day, with a minimum rental membership fee, plus other fees like shipping, insurance and etc., etc. Do you really think paying $73 to carry a Gucci bag for one day is going to transform your life? your appearance? your stature? Hello?

MYTH #7 -
“You can pretty much look like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.” — KCNC-TV CBS, Denver

I wonder what Susie Ormand would say about that! Let's ask her. Susie, if you are reading this post, please send us an email with your comments. Is renting a designer handbag a good use of a person's budget? Email KarrBernadette at hotmail.com. Thanks Susie!

Now, refer to the comments made about Myth #4 and living your life authentically. Thank you.

MYTH #8 -
“If you’re a handbag junkie, there is hope online – a service that rents out designer handbags and prevents you from breaking the bank.” — CBS Market Watch Weekend

See Myth #6.

MYTH #9 -
loan[s] out ‘it’ bags that cost more than your rent – and that are guaranteed to be out of style in three months – plus a host of classic styles from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Donney & Bourke.” — Time Out New York

See Myths #1, #6 and #7.

MYTH #10 -
“Wake up and smell the Chloe. The Chloe Paddington bag, that is…it’s now possible for you (or that hard-to-please fashionista on your holiday gift list) to carry the $500 or $2000 bag of your dreams – and to swap it out for a brand spanking new model every month – for a fraction of what it would cost to buy all the latest must-have bags outright.” — FWD

Swapping bags out can only be achieved if the bag is available! But your monthly dues is automatically charged to your credit card. Just like that gym membership. It's not any good to your budget unless your are using it and getting the results you want.

But, if you save your money and make a personal invnestment in a designer handbag, it's yours for a lifetime. When the bag is yours all it takes is a walk to your closet when you are in the mood to change handbags . And, you never have to worry about who carried the bag before you. Can you imagine using a purse someone you don't know used for possibly carrying their puppy?

MYTH #11 -
‘I love it. I would never – and could never – afford to buy one of the bags, but I can rent one for three weeks for about $50.’ — SLTtoday.com

Not true. A three week designer handbag rental is about $210 at one of the lowest membership fee schedules for a really nice bag. Anything less than that, you may as well not even consider.

MYTH #12 -
“It says that you’ve arrived. That you’re part of an exclusive club. That you are a fashion insider.. And an affluent one. Your purse packs a punch.” — The Denver Post

Do you see the humor in this quote? Who are you trying to fool? The people around you know whether you can afford the purse you are carrying. What do you think people would really be saying if they see you carrying a designer handbag they know you can't afford to own?

MYTH #13 -
"…thousands of women have signed up to lease the latest luxury brand bags on market, many of them coming back for more week after week, month after month, or every time a new event or outfit calls for the perfect handbag.” — Baltimore Sun

Pure media hype. There's no proof in the quote by the Baltimore Sun. As a matter of fact, there's so much hype in the media it makes the regular person ask, "What's all this hype about?" Think about it. Paying rent sucks. We do it for a place to live or a car to drive. When it comes to a purse, let's get real. Now, we have to worry about making enough money to pay our purse fees?

MYTH #14 -
“A key feature of the business is that women can rent several different handbags over a year for the same price or less than it would take to buy a new purse.” — Pioneer Press

Agreed, a person can rent several purses over the course of one year. But, the cost would be much higher than making an investment in the purchase of one classic high end designer handbag. See Myth #2.

MYTH #15 -
“Business is booming…and retail experts say consumers don’t attach a stigma anymore to leasing large sticker items like cars, even furniture, so it makes sense that pricey purses would fall in line.” —WXYZ-TV, Detroit

Once again comparing a handbag to a $60K Lexus is not a good comparison. Same holds true for furniture. Pricey purses carry very high rental fees.

MYTH #16 -
“Fashion conscientious women will pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for handbags , everything from Gucci to Kate Spade, but now there is a local company that offers the exact, and we mean the exact, purses for as little as $20….” — KSTP-TV, Minneapolis

Not true, period.

MYTH #17 -
“It can cost a pretty penny…to carry a stylish handbag, and if you want a new bag each season, you’re talking some big bucks, but we’ve found away around it.” — Action News – WXYZ-TV, Detroit

For the rental price you pay, you can easily purchase a gorgeous new handbag every season.

Click here.

Desiring Designer Handbags - B. Bag

2008-04-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

FENDI designer purses B BAG natural canvas with red patent leather straps and trim 8BN165 designer handbags.

from The Life of Luxury

For as long as I can recall, I have been completely obsessed with designer handbags. I spent the majority of my youth dreaming of the day when I could afford to buy my favorite designer handbags. Here I am, some ten years later, still looking forward to that day. While I have been known to skip out on my bills to buy the latest trendy handbag, I have yet to spend more than $1000.00 on an individual bag. A girl can still dream, can’t she?

I was leafing through some catalogs over the weekend, and I was amazed at how incredibly expensive some of the high-end designer handbags really are. I knew they were expensive, but I had no clue how very expensive. Oh…the innocence of youth! I decided that it would be useful for our legion of faithful readers to have a handy reference of the most expensive designer handbags on the planet.

So here goes… It has been written about countless times in the press and in the blogosphere, but I simply cannot resist this little gem! If I had to name an all-time favorite design house, Fendi would be the one. I don’t know how they manage to do it, but they are consistently able to strike an incredible balance between innovation and classic design in all of their creations. Fendi designs some of the most exciting handbags in the fashion industry, and the “B.Bag” is one of the most sought-after handbags in the world. One might think that the $30,000 price tag might be a deterrent, but not for those with the means to support their addiction!

Another bag that has given me far too many sleepless nights is the Hermes “Birkin” bag! These bags were named after Jane Birkin, the oh-so-fabulous British actress and fashion icon. These bags are often duplicated, but never truly replicated. With a price tag of over $20,000, it is easy to understand why they are a favorite of vendors of cheap, imitation handbags. As you are likely aware, these bags are available by special order only.

Furthermore, the final costs will very much be dependent on the materials and hardware used in their construction. Wow! Do I need a Sugar Daddy, or what? If there was one other bag that creeps into my dreams with any regularity, it would be the “Muse” from Yves Saint Laurent. It is very much like a traditional bowling bag in shape and design. The first time I saw her was at Saks on Fifth Ave in NYC, and from that moment I knew one day she would be mine. If I had my way, I would choose the oh-so-supple white crocodile version. I cannot think of anything I would rather spend $20,000 on…aside from the “Birkin” bag mentioned above. Wouldn’t I make the perfect girlfriend? Wanna go shopping sometime?

Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

2008-04-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

Design-Preneurs of Fashion Handbags

2008-04-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

MELIE BIANCO HANDBAGS - priced just right around $60

by Bridget Wright

Leaving your Wall Street job for the entrepreneur’s life? These women in this news article did just that. What’s so intriguing is how they all started a designer handbag business with a simple love for the stuff. Well, I have a love for the stuff. I love handbags, I really do. I think that owning and managing my very own designer handbag business would be a blast! But when I read that starting the business took about $250,000 to $500,000, well, let’s just say I decided to re-think my career choice.

ELAINE TURNER HANDBAGS - high quality moderately priced around $300

Being a handbag designer sounds like something that is really doable, for the right person. What would interest me is finding my own design and look and being able to offer a brand that is totally different from everyone else’s. Since the suggested investment is so high, I want to be sure to that I can offer customers a unique item, one that they won’t find every other woman walking around with it on her arm.

Could you envision becoming a designer handbag entrepreneur? What unique look would you give your handbags?

MURVAL HANDBAGS - designer handbags every woman can afford - $50

Elaine Turner Handbags Online

2008-04-02T15:04:00.001-07:00

Use coupon code OFF10 for an additional 10% off Elaine Turner handbags for a savings of up to 50% off full retail. Guaranteed the BEST price online for Elaine Turner Handbags.

About Elaine Turner
from ElianeTurner.com

In 2000, former apparel designer and merchandiser Elaine Turner put her industry experience, love of accessories and passion for all things stylish to work on her first-ever handbag collection. Elaine’s impressive fashion pedigree, coupled with a keen interest in textiles and timeless style, led to the creation of a unique, conceptually-driven debut collection that instantly stood apart from the rest. Fans of the Elaine Turner collection have come to anticipate her rare yet elegant combinations of the unexpected. "We are recognized for our use of embossed exotic leathers such as ostrich, croc, and python. Seasonally, our uniquely designed and painted grass cloth bags have also become a well known signature look for the line," says Turner. Striking custom hardware bearing Elaine Turner's signature crown logo is also iconic to the brand.

Although Elaine Turner incorporates elements that make her bags conversation pieces she's never a slave to fly by night trends. "I stay true to my customer's desire for something decidedly sophisticated and classic, but with a twist."

As Elaine Turner collection continues to evolve and expand, so does her company. 2007 brought many exciting company developments including the launch of small leather goods, beach and travel collections.

Also, the opening of Elaine Turner retail boutique at Dallas NorthPark Center and the launch of in-store boutiques at all Tootsies locations.

The Elaine Turner collection ranges in retail price from $195-$695. It is available at the Elaine Turner flagship in Dallas as well as fine retailers nationwide including 150 specialty stores.