Elliot Luca Isadora Woven Leather Satchel

No matter how many times we see a version of the woven leather handbag style, we never tire of this timeless classic, although we can do without the expensive price tag usually associated with woven leather designer purses. But we don't have to worry about our wallet when shopping ELLIOT LUCA handbags. Made from soft Italian napa leather, Eliott Luca's Isadora woven leather satchel is stunning and features all of the high-end details that more expensive handbags boast but at a fraction of the cost. Elliot Luca Isadora satchel measures about 16 x 9 x inches with double straps measuring about 24 inches each with about an 11 inch drop. Get this authentic ELIOTT LUCA handbag at 16% off now.

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Designer Luxury Daily - Etro Green Hobo

Just as stylish and well made as more widely recognized Italian couture fashion houses, ETRO is a staple for fashion mavens who value fine craftsmanship and old world luxury as much as the name. One look at the ETRO green reptile skin distressed hobo and it's easy to see why ETRO has been a runway darling for those in the know. Etro handbag measures approximately 14 W x 9 H with a 5 inch depth. The adjustable strap measures about 14 inches long with a 9 inch drop. Shop this authentic ETRO purse at 39% off now.

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Fab Bag of the Day - Christian Dior Lime Green Wallet

If you are used to wearing the neutrals (blacks, whites, browns and nudes) like we are, than it's time to make room for some color. Although you don't have to give up the go-to basics completely, if you want to stay on top of the trends this season than it's all about adding in colorful hues. One way to tip toe into colors, if you aren't ready to take the jump, is by starting with simple accessories like this Christian Dior designer wallet. Featuring luscious lime green leather, the iconic Dior saddle style and silver Dior logo, keeping up with the trends are easy when you have Dior to turn too. Designer wallet measures approximately 4.75 L x 4 H x 1 inch depth. Shop this authentic CHRISTIAN DIOR accessory at 33% off now.

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Designer Luxury Daily - Balenciaga Quilted Burnt Orange Clutch

We appreciate all types of designer handbags but none more than clutch bags. Not only do clutches make an outfit seem more fun and lighten up a look but they are as trendy as ever. We especially like this BALENCIAGA quilted burnt orange clutch made from soft goatskin. Featuring specially tanned quilted goatskin with silver tone hardware and a zip close faux slit pocket. Balenciaga purse measures approximately 10 W x 7.5 H with a 2 inch depth. Shop this authentic Balenciaga handbag at 20% off now.

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Spring Savings are in the Air at eFashionHouse.com, Plus Site Welcomes Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner

eFashionHouse.com ushers in spring with new arrivals, savings up to 50% and adds three new handbag designers - Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) March 26, 2008 -- After months of winter fashion accessories, spring is finally on its way and eFashionHouse.com celebrates with savings of 25-70% on the latest trends in designer handbags. Committed to offering shoppers the best online prices for purses, eFashionHouse.com, 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, just added hundreds of new designer handbags from Marc Jacobs, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Anya Hindmarch, Isabelle Fiore, Coach, Tano and many more top designers, just in time for spring. The site also added three new designer fashion brands - Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner - to its huge selection of designer handbags for even more savings.

"We are excited to add Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner handbags because the handbag demand has changed from including not only the big designer names to now welcoming other chic designers with more affordable prices," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "Regardless of the Economy, women still want to buy themselves a new purse, and making affordable prices available online is the purpose of eFashionHouse where you do not have to spend a fortune to carry a new quality designer handbag."

With all purses priced under $100, both Melie Bianco and Murval are known for their trendy styles and amazing prices. A favorite among fashion editors, Melie Bianco has been featured in an array of magazines, like Marie Claire, People, Cosmopolitan and Self, because it is "chic and affordable" line (prices range from $30-$75) features funky and wearable styles perfect for the trendy fashionista. Another brand that is known for offering the look of couture without the high price, French company MURVAL was created by two sisters, Muriel and Valerie, who recognized the need for fashionable accessories at accessible prices. With its bags costing less than $50, MURVAL comes out with two collections a year and despite the low price points scores high among the fashion crowd.

Though not in the under $100 category, Dallas-based fashion designer Elaine Turner is still considered a bargain since her line features the finest embossed exotic leathers and signature painted grass cloth bags. Elaine Turner quickly rose to the ranks of the fashion It Bag and the brands popularity continues to grow because of its distinct and creative approach to classic looks in handbags and accessories.

Shoppers who crave the more luxurious designer handbag names can still look forward to savings and shop for the latest trends because eFashionHouse.com has it all. Some of the featured handbag styles available at a discount are:

• Marc Jacobs Patchwork Lou bag - 35% off retail
  
• Moschino Patent Leather Brownie bag - 28% off retail
  
• Anya Hindmarch Neeson bag - 20% off retail
  
• Chloe Bay Bag - 31% off retail
  
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Bag - 21% off retail
  
• Chanel Small Caviar Tote - 22% off retail
  
• Isabella Fiore Puff Enough Satchel - 15% off retail

In addition to the discounted prices, shoppers can receive an additional 10 percent discount using coupon code OFF10 when making a purchase from the eFashionHouse Sale Section. Plus, budget conscious fashionistas can always take advantage of the eFashionHouse.com layaway plan which allows shoppers to pay over time.

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 and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She has been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90's. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

eFashionHouse - PRWeb Press Release Group

Interested in an EFH Layaway Plan? You can put anything on layaway.
Read about the EFH Layaway here: eFashionHouse.com Layaway Program

Designer Luxury Daily - Burberry Metallic Gold Handbag

Burberry has come a long way from the classic nova check pattern. Don't get us wrong, we love the classic Burberry staple but it's nice to see that Burberry continually reinvents their look to stay on top of the trends. I mean who doesn't like variety when it comes to designer handbags. BURBERRY metallic gold pebble leather handbag measures approximately 10 W x 5 H with a 3 inch depth. The leather strap measures about 19 inches long with a 7 inch drop. Shop this authentic Burberry handbag at 24% off now.

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Bottega Veneta

Extra-Large Veneta Bag - Bottega Veneta's Icon Signature Designer Handbag

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Founded in the early 1960's, Bottega Veneta is a manufacturer of consumer goods, producing primarily men's and women's ready-to-wear clothing, small leather goods, and exclusive home items. The company is reputed for quality and exclusivity and its famed signature Intrecciato Line. The company merged with Gucci Group in July 2001.

The Label
Bottega Veneta was launched by Vittorio and Laura Moltedo in 1966. It developed as a family business of luxury leather accessories in Vicenza, near Venice.During the 1990s, interest in the brand declined and in 2000, British Designer Giles Deacon was employed to shake-up the languishing house and the Bottega Veneta Ready-To-Wear line was launched. Deacon's acclaimed strong, irreverent, but ultimately wearable designs helped BV achieve previously unreached levels of success.When Tom Ford persuaded Gucci Group to buy out Bottega Veneta, Giles Deacon was replaced by Tomas Maier, whose aesthetic is far more neutral and understated. Interest in the brand continued to grow and Bottega Veneta is now, once again, considered to be a major player in the luxury leather goods market.Many current Bottega Veneta leather goods are recognisable by their distinctive styling and signature Intrecciato weave, but they are generally only labelled on the inside (although, under Deacon, small, subtle logos were employed on the hardware). Bottega Veneta’s approach is best summed up by a company slogan that loosely translates as "When your own initials are enough"

The Designer
German-born Tomas Maier took the helm in 2001 and continued to revive the flagging brand by reworking the traditional woven leather signature.

The Look
In contrast to the aesthetic of his predecessor, Giles Deacon, under Tomas Maier, the Bottega Veneta Ready-To-Wear aesthetic is generally understated, with simple, clean lines, ladylike silhouettes and (particularly for S/S collections) Greco-Roman inspired draping and folding predominating.The current, subtle, R-T-W colour palette consists largely of light-toned neutrals and pastels for recent Spring/Summer collections, including S/S '07 and S/S '08 and black, neutrals and faded colours, such as reds and yellows for Autumn/Winter '07 - '08.Bottega is most known for its hand-woven leather goods (bags, belts, and shoes). The finest leathers are used and they are handcrafted in Italy. At $2,000+, the typical current Bottega handbag boasts clean lines, the softest Intreciatto woven leathers, and a classic palette. Major trends are nodded to (such as patent and studs for A/W '07 - '08), but always in a toned-down, easy-to-wear way.

The Perfect Pair - Black & White Designer Handbags

There's nothing more constant than black and white fashion accessories. No matter what you wear or how you feel, something in black or white fits the look and the mood. Just like peanut butter and jelly, black and white prevail when it comes to fashion. No matter what't happening in the fashion scene, you can always depend upon black and white. Your little black dress is complimented by a black and white bag. Your white summer frock is easily accented with a black or white accessory. We believe in versatility, color and style. But, when it comes to the bare necessities we recommend black and white anytime of the year and anywhere you go. Black and white designer handbags make a statement and the right impression.

Visit these links to see a variety of designer handbags with price-points we can smile about... you can't afford not to take a look!

Click here for Bally Handbags - A whole new collection just added of Bally designer handbags and accessories at very affordable price points. Bally leather tote bags, handbags and shoulder bags. Plus, a group of small Bally leather goods include wallets, pouches and travel accessories.

Click here for Melie Bianco Handbags - A variety of synthetic leather handbags in styles, colors and designs everyone loves. Melie Bianco takes the best from the best and makes handbags we can afford.

Click here for MURVAL Handbags - The new Spring Collection just added just-in-time and just for you. Check it out. New arrivals added weekly. Directly from Paris, the Murval quilted collection is a designer winner.

Save this link ..... new items arriving throughout the coming weeks.

Burberry Handbags - 150 Years Old and Still Going Strong

By Gregg Hall

For some reason, no one talks much about clothes inventions. Inventors do not just create gadgets, but are clothes innovators as well.

Burberry is one of the most recognized fashion brands. The Burberry brand was founded in 1856 by Thomas, a draper's aide, who opened his first store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. By the late 1800s, Thomas' business was well established, and he had become known for some of his clothing inventions. Thomas had invented a new material he called Gabardine, which was breathable, tear proof, and waterproof. He later created the trench coat, which became very popular amongst the soldiers fighting in the Boer War in Africa. Burberry is presently one of the most recognized names in luxury clothes.

Handbags by Collection:

Prosum Handbags The House Check Clutch features a crocodile trim, brass lock, magnetic fastener, and inside zipper pocket. This clutch comes in a light brown and sells at $1,000.

The Leather Tote features a double compartment, middle zipper fastener, front flap with decorative magnetic fastener, inside compartments, and comes in a Tan color. This tote comes in at a little under $1,500.

Heritage Handbags The Nova Check Satchel features black rolled handles, piping, trim, 2 way top zipper fasteners, inside cell phone pocket, and comes in black and Nova Check colors. This satchel retails at $500.

The Nova Check Shackle features a detailed leather strap, decorative snap shackle buckle and PVC with black lining. This handbag comes in black or Nova Check colors and brings $500.

Autumn and Winter Handbags The Manor is fashioned from leather, and features double handles, polished brass fittings, zipper top fastener, a brass lock and key with tonal check lining, and comes in beige, tan, and black. This handbag sells at a little over $1,500.

The Alligator features polished brass trim and buckles, 5 feet on the base, zipper fastener, keyhole pull, and leather covered handles. This handbag comes in Wine and is selling for over $2,000.

Handbags by Fabric:

Check Handbags The Zip Hobo features a leather trim, brass fittings, magnetic buckle top, convertible shoulder strap, canvas lining, zipper compartment inside, two pockets, and comes in a light brown. This handbag retails at $500.

The Baby Messenger is fashioned in a Nova Check and features black leather trim, snap over fastener, convertible shoulder strap, shackle buckles, side pockets on the outside, nickel fittings, changing pads, PVC with nylon lining, and comes in black or Nova Check. This handbag is found for $500.

Leather Handbags The Backpack features exterior pockets, house check, trim piping, brass fittings, canvas lining, inside pockets, convertible shoulder strap, and comes in black and cognac. This handbag brings around $700.

The Sling features check trim on all the sides, fold over flap and snap fastener, and comes in red, black, cognac, and white. This handbag sells at $400.

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2nd Vintage Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry and Textiles Show and Sale

Over 30 dealers will offer quality vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and textiles at the Danbury, CT, PAL on the weekend of April 5, 6, '08. Professionally managed by Cord Shows Ltd. (since 1970)

DANBURY, CT, VINTAGE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES, TEXTILES & JEWELRY SHOW/SALE

DANBURY, CT…. Spring is the time for a new fashion season but for many people, new can mean used and recycled AND VINTAGE. The proof of this is when the Vintage Clothing, Accessories, Textiles and Jewelry Show and Sale returns for the 2nd year to the Police Athletic League Building, 25 Hayestown Road in Danbury, CT (06811). There will more than thirty booths brimming with yesterday’s styles, now today’s latest fashion. All ages and both men and women will find one of a kind items to make them stand out in a crowd. A prime example of this occurred at the last Oscar ceremony when one of the stars was asked, “whom are you wearing?” The reply was that she was wearing “a one-of-a-kind vintage dress.” The show will be held on April 5th and 6th from 10 AM – 5 PM. The PAL Building is just a short distance from I-84 Eastbound exit 5, Westbound exit 6 (signs will be posted). By train, the Danbury Railroad Station is only 2.6 miles from the show. Take the Metro-North Danbury Line and call ahead for a taxi, 203-792-8294. Admission is $6 (under 13 free). One admission is good for return visits and food will be available by Riverfront Deli of Valhalla, NY.

Dealers attending will be offering nothing newer than the 1980s. A sampling includes What Was is Vintage, Merrick, NY, presenting a booth of antique costume jewelry, Bakelite, vintage clothing and accessories such as hats, handbags, eyewear, shoes, coats, jackets, dresses, sweaters, men’s hats, ties and cufflinks. Cherished Treasures will come from Newtown, CT, bringing clothes from the 1940’s – 60’, vintage buttons, sewing items and fabric, and vintage hankies. Also attending will be Funky Fashions from Brick, NJ; The Town Peddler, New Rochelle, NY; and Vintage Couture Jewelry offering clothing, scarves, chain belts, purses, couture shoes and hats from Easton, CT. Margot Hotchkiss Designs, NYC, will add vintage textiles and linens; Vintage With a Twist, Bedford, NY, and Grape in the Shade of Washington Depot, CT, will help to make fashion statements with designer dresses, gowns and elegant hats. Queen Ann’s Laces from Prospect, CT, will bring fine linens, lace, compacts as part of their vintage display; On Que, LLC of Danbury, CT, specializes in costume jewelry and Rhiannon’s Treasures, New Milford, CT, will bring clothing dating back to the Victorian era plus vintage fabric and trims. Fine antique jewelry dealers include JFS Associates of Harrisburg, PA; Fine Arts Ltd., Greenwich, CT; and Michael Weinstein/Artifacts, Binghamton, NY. Joyce’s Jems of Ardsley, NY, will specialize in textiles and trims as well as buttons, purses, linens and smalls. Antique Wardrobe, Southbridge, MA, will offer Victorian – 1950’s wearables; Jewels Unlimited/unique treasures, Walden, NY, will bring Taxco, Hobe and European vintage silver, hats and bags; Barbara Lambert, Weston, CT, will bring hats, jewelry and vintage garb and Kreativebeadz, Danbury, CT will bring vintage costume jewelry as will A Blast From the Pastof Hamden, CT. Three Vintage Babes, LLC., New Vernon, NJ, will display vintage costume jewelry and add fur stoles to the mix. Scout of NYC, will also be in attendance as will Sally Wistman of Danbury, CT, who will be offering textiles, vintage clothing, laces, paisleys, tassels and a wonderful early textile screen.

For further information please call 914-273-4667. During show hours call 914-589-1355.

Costume jewelry makes a comeback

THOMAS MANN designer earrings designer jewelry.
Thomas Mann earrings silver and goldtone. Thomas Mann earrings with fish hook wires. Signed by Thomas Mann 2006. Long oblong earrings with engraving. One earring says Do you believe in luck? The other earring says Or is it just fate?

JOANNA SMILEY
For The Times Leader


Trend-watching Northeastern Pennsylvanians who paid attention to the news out of Fashion Week might have sighed a little wistfully.

• After all, what was paraded as most desirable during the recent eight-day wardrobe-palooza in New York City is a bit beyond the common budget.

• Locals with an appetite for style, though, also can breathe a sigh of relief. Budget-conscious alternatives are everywhere, and that applies to fabulous accessories. Retro made a big showing at this year’s Fashion Week, which is good news for fans of costume jewelry.

• Great finds, from antique vintage to eco-friendly funk, are for sale all over town. The trick is knowing where to look.

• Ever been to the area near Insalaco’s Shopping Center in West Pittston? It’s home to a Chinese buffet, a car wash and an electrical supply company. Not exactly a presumed hot spot for fashion.

But nestled in this busy plaza, an unassuming shop called Accessorize & More reminds fashion bugs that sometimes the best finds turn up in the most unusual places. “I’ve been coming here for years. Just about everything is 50 percent off. They have very unique stuff, stuff you would never find in malls,” said Philomena Nardella, a customer from Scranton. On a recent Saturday, Nardella scoured the shop’s aisles. She had no clue what she was looking for, but she knew the perfect piece would catch her eye.

Ruby-red rhinestone necklaces and earrings flashed from the shelves. Gold bangle cuff bracelets -- for less than $5 apiece -- dangled from a bright magenta plastic hand, an art piece also for sale. Near the register were Maggi B knockoff purses and heavy-metal pocket mirrors engraved with the words “Fashion Slave.”

But it was a copper-rimmed, multi-layered chunk necklace that landed in Nardella’s purse. “I love the brown, and this is so vintage,” she said, smiling as she completed her $12 purchase. Typically, for a bracelet, necklace, ring, brooch or hair accessory to be considered costume jewelry it has to be fake in some way. Its value derives from its design and craftsmanship and not the material, said Clare Sauro, assistant curator of accessories at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s museum in New York City.

Costume jewelry doesn’t always have to be intricate. “One of the greatest pieces we have is a molded plaster brooch with ribbon you could literally make at home,” Sauro said, noting the museum displays about 800 pieces of costume jewelry. “Most costume jewelry is timeless, but there’s been a definite split in the last six to eight years. Costume jewelry has become associated with the high-fashion world. You see seasonal trends on the runway. But there is also a world of costume jewelry that is personal and emotion-based and not at all dependent on trends,” Sauro added.

Popular styles right now include affordable and earthy, eco-friendly pieces “with a renewed emphasis on the leaf,” said Jean Thompson, spokeswoman for the Buyers Market of American Craft, which just put on a trade show at the Philadelphia Convention Center. As the fashion industry prepares for the looming recession, Sauro also has a trend prediction. “With the economic downturn, people are tending to wear simpler clothes. Costume jewelry adds that flair you crave. If your outfit is from the Gap, you can still dress it up,” she said. Without even knowing it, 16-year-old Gabriella Corridoni of Pittston nailed three key trends with her recent purchase of an earthy, eye-catching, economical necklace.

“I don’t like to wear things everyone else is wearing,” the Pittston Area High School student said. Corridoni spent a recent Sunday afternoon at a house sale, perusing a Kingston family’s superfluous belongings. She stumbled upon an antique sterling-silver necklace. It had a chunky-looking design and real daisy flower encased in glass. She paid $1.50 for the piece. “It was the best buy. I only purchase costume jewelry when I see something really special,” she said.

Many of Corridoni’s hipster friends, however, stop by Details by Gloria in Wyoming on a weekly basis for its cheap, imitation-designer items. “It’s very trendy jewelry and purses. Knockoffs that are exactly like what you’d find on the streets in New York City,” Corridoni said. On a road dotted with row houses not far from Details by Gloria stands a 4-year-old gem of a shop. Blink once, and it might blend into the rest of the neighborhood. Though this Kingston store, Studio M Designs, carries precious gemstones and crystals, costume-jewelry shoppers craving bright colors such as turquoise can still spot great finds.

“We have tons of turquoise. It’s one of those great stones people buy all year round, year in, year out,” said Randy Knappman who runs the store with his mother. Above the shelf that displays dozens of ocean-blue rings, a sign reads: “Turquoise Dispels Depression.” “Years ago, my mom had a virus, and the doctors didn’t know what was wrong with her. She turned to alternative medicine and the healing powers of stones. It became her business, and I made it fashionable,” Knappman said pointing to a rack of sparkling cuffs. Northeastern Pennsylvania may not be red-carpet land, but so what? Kate Beckinsale and Beyonce wore exactly these types of bracelets stacked on their wrists at the recent Screen Actors Guild and MTV Video Music Awards.

Definition of costume jewelry:

“Affordable jewelry made with the design aesthetic of finer jewelry and sometimes outright copycats of designers’ work.”

— Jean Thompson, spokeswoman for the Buyers Market of American Craft

Here's what's "in" with Costume Jewelry:

• Mixing and matching

• Big bold chunky rings in solid metal

• Lockets

• Long, vintage pendants

• Necklaces with an organic feel

• Yellow and gold tones

• Multi-layered stacked bracelets

• Bright plastic pieces

• The ’60s and ’80s

• Sets

• Dainty

• Anything that looks inexpensive

• Diamond circles and journey

• Chandelier earrings

• Initial pendants

• Stackable rubber bangles

• Body jewelry

• Heavy Italian gold

• “Buy versatile looks that can be worn with a variety of styles.”

• “Look at magazines, awards shows, fashion shows.”

• “For designer looks without the high price tag, shop around for lookalikes at a fraction of the price.”

Coach Handbags - Affordable Luxury For You

Coach Soho Hobo

By Nicole Ross

Coach is one of the most sought after handbags in the world. It's company began as a small family ran business, out of a small loft in Manhattan, in 1941. In that era, the only people that were seen flaunting a these handbags were the rich and famous.

Even today Coach products are considered to be expensive to some (prices ranging from $250-$500), but when compared to other designer brands, the prices don't seem so steep. To the savvy consumer, the prices don't really matter when looking at what you are getting in return. This brands products are made of the finest quality of leathers. You can buy a handbag today and still find it in fine condition 10 years from now.

The reason for the longevity of the products is not only because of the quality of the leathers, which obtains a patina over age, but also because of the brass and steel rivets that are used to create the products. The quality and design of the Coach handbag still remains true since it's production over 60 years ago. Fans of this brand line remain stronger than ever. Celebrities and people of many backgrounds can be seen all over the world carrying one of these magnificent handbags.

Coach products fall into the category of affordable luxury. The handbags or any other Coach product is recognized as a brand that is priced high enough to be appreciated by the high-class, but at the same time low enough for the middle-class to purchase and feel worthy of. Coach products can even be found in outlets, small shops and boutiques for discounted prices. Even the rich and famous have been spotted in outlet malls buying Coach handbags. Who doesn't like to save a buck or two every once in awhile.

Believe me when I say that I do not think that any handbag owner is better than another because of a bag. Although, I will say that more than half of the people that I've seen carrying designer handbags do appear to carry themselves a bit better than some. People who wear designer anything seem to feel better about themselves and show that in their behavior. Maybe, I'm dead wrong about that. You will just have to judge for yourselves.

If you are one of the fortunate who can go out and buy a Coach handbag, my hat goes off to you. Do me a favor though, when you are carrying your beautiful handbag, make sure you hold your head up high and smile because you are special and you deserve the best out of life. And it doesn't get much better than Coach.

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Gucci Handbags - Ultimate Tips For You to Find the Perfect Handbag

Gucci Floral Hobo

By Korbin Newlyn

Gucci produces some of the most discriminating fashionable items for both men and women, and Gucci handbags should be an essential accessory in any well-rounded wardrobe. Here are some of the more recent Gucci Handbags from Gucci that you should anticipate to see this season, as well as some online destinations that you can log onto to shop for the Gucci purses that you you find fashionable.

Size and Styles

If you like larger bags, you might want to take a look at the Boston or Joy handbags that Gucci has available. These bags are complete with double straps for making carrying easier, and the double G logo that is part of the signature Gucci brand, or the monogram design, will furnish your bag with character.

You are sure to be the center of attention if you stroll into a room with one of these bags, and because the bags are large, they are excellent for traveling with, or for keeping all the items you will use during a busy workday. If you wish to have a somewhat sportier look, you can buy the Joy bag with red, yellow, or green trim, and the decorated Gucci logo.

If you like metallic shades, the New Britt large tote with double straps might be one of the most ideal Gucci handbags for you. The purse comes with an interlacing G ornament in one of the corners, and bottom feet, so that your purse will stay balanced if it is placed on a flat surface. There is also a cell phone pocket and inside zipper pocket in the purse, so that you can carry small items with you without them end up getting lost.

Shopping For Handbags

You can purchase Gucci handbags from the Gucci website, or you can travel to any of the upscale department stores in your area such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, or Neiman Marcus to locate Gucci handbags that you will love in a variety of colors and sizes. If you wish to discover discounted Gucci items, you might also wish to look into your local thrift stores and vintage shops; you might find a collector's item that will make a great topic of conversation.

If you wish to do some research online for Gucci handbags, you might wish to visit online destinations such as Handbagcrew or Zappos so that you can locate reduced priced items for the purses that you wish to have. You will also be able to see how much money you will save by purchasing over the internet, since the standard retail prices and the online prices will be posted side by side. You can also buy Gucci handbags on the internet site Ebay or Nextag so that you can bid on the purses you wish to and spend the money that you are comfortable with. You will be amazed at the great deals you will find. Happy shopping!

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Paris fashions skirt the present for the past

Christine Suppes, Special to The Chronicle

Do designers look forward or backward for inspiration and direction? We have just come out of several years of fashion subservience to the cult of Marie Antoinette. Yet last week at the Paris fall 2008 shows, there was nary a milkmaid ruffled frock to be found in most collections.

Fashion history lessons, however, are always available, and no designer is fonder of runway tutorials than John Galliano for Dior. His early-'60s-style ensembles of boxy jackets and pleated dresses in color blocks of chartreuse, violet, pink and orange recalled well-dressed women in the era between JFK's Camelot and the flower children. High-crowned, broad-brimmed hats with big hair and heavy eyeliner added a hard-edged, aggressive glamour.

Andrew Gn is another who enjoys historical reference. His exuberant if slightly gothic show featured sheer, high-necked blouses worn with high-waisted trousers and lacy three-quarter coats. When asked backstage about his collection, the designer said, "Simply Oscar Wilde." But one had to wonder whether he'd had another Oscar in mind, namely Oscar de la Renta, for whom he once worked at Balmain.

"It's all about color this coming season," said Ken Downing, fashion director at Neiman Marcus. "We will see a lot of shiny looks, and the juxtaposition of matte and shine."

For the first time in several seasons, accessories took a backseat to clothes. Christian Lacroix proved that fewer accessories and embellishment added more elegance and glamour to his best show in years. It was at Chanel that the embargo on accessories was most apparent. The models wore black and white, long and short, distressed and impeccably cut skirts and jackets, but no trousers were shown. They embraced the oversized handbags and shoes on the stage, but did not carry or wear them.

Two very different debuts took place this week. The highly anticipated Valentino collection by former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti was pretty and girly, a young take on an old master's metier. The era of classic Valentino is over, and although older socialites and movie stars may weep, younger women will prefer Facchinetti's natural, fresh style.

At Emanuel Ungaro, 23-year-old Esteban Cortazar, a Colombian native who grew up in Miami, made his debut. (See story, front page).

The geometric black and white beaded gowns at Elie Saab were spectacular. Although he is sometimes dismissed as too formulaic, Saab has the pulse of pretty. This is what many women want, including actresses and socialites who embrace Saab's brand of glamour and femininity. At Lanvin, the color was black, but the moment was modern and light-hearted. Again, this was an accessory-free collection, which no doubt added to the lightness. Designer Alber Elbaz is rapidly becoming fashion's darling. His clothes have the quality of exactly fitting the moment. The collection is unfailingly chic and refined, but with enough edge to be memorable.

John Galliano's own collection owed much to the show's set and choreography. He created Xanadu, with a giant Buddha, incense, naked men lounging on a sofa, and bird skeleton mobiles. His models skipped onto the runway and scampered through the Asian motifs in short fur jackets over graceful ankle-length dresses. The best gowns were in floral printed chiffon, which are so desirable at the moment as to be almost cult-like. The schizophrenia between Galliano's exuberant and youthful signature collection and the historical and hard one he designed for Dior is this season's most thrilling fashion mystery.

Authentic Fendi Bags

Tan Leather Fendi B Bag

By Clark Hunter

If you are looking for authentic Fendi bags to buy, there are some simple things that you can look for that will help you determine what is real and what is a waste of your money. There is nothing wrong with Fendi replica bags, but when you think you are looking at authentic Fendi bags a replica is the absolute worst thing that you could spend your money on. Authentic Fendi bags are beautiful, high quality, and internationally known for their spectacular impact on the whole handbag industry. Because Fendi is so well known and they offer such a wide variety of handbag styles, they are the most widely replicated bags in the world. Knowing all of this, you should be sure that you can buy the real Fendi bags that you want to buy.

The first thing to take note of is that all authentic Fendi bags have serial numbers printed right on them. This shouldn't be a serial number that occurs in any other Fendi handbag, so if you are at a retailer that has several bags all with the same serial number, you know that they are fakes. It's important to note that many fakes do in fact have serial numbers, so you cannot assume that a serial number makes one an authentic Fendi. A serial number in and of itself isn't enough to have you opening your check book, so keep reading so that you can decipher which is the real deal and which is not so that you don't spend too much on something that isn't worth it.

Once you have located the serial number you can then move onto the straps or handles on the handbag. Authentic Fendi bags have leather, not vinyl, straps and handles on their bags most of the time. Also, the straps are totally leather, there is no layering or vinyl backing on the handles and straps. Also, when you look at the stitching in the leather on authentic Fendi bags you will notice that it is not a different color, in fact it is so like the color of the leather it practically blends into it, while knockoffs are usually stitched in a different color. Stitching will also be straight on authentic Fendi bags, while replicas will often have uneven stitched lines in the handles or straps. It is this attention to detail that makes authentic Fendi bags so much more beautiful and pricey than anything else.

Another item that will clue you into which are authentic Fendi bags are the buckles. Buckles on the authentic bags will be perfectly square, not rectangular or circular. Buckles usually say Fendi on the sides of them as well, while others do not. Not only is the buckle perfectly square, everything about authentic Fendi bags is perfectly uniform. There is no unevenness to Fendi bags, but many of the replicated bags will be smaller on one side than they are on the other, the zipper won't be sewn in exactly even, and there just isn't the attention to detail that Fendi gives their bags.

Another thing that you should consider when you are shopping for authentic Fendi bags is that the retailer shouldn't be uncomfortable with you checking out all of these subtle differences. Retailers that get nervous when you start zipping and unzipping, buckling and unbuckling, and checking for real Fendi characteristics generally have something to hide and it would be in your best interest to move on to a retailer that is open and honest and comfortable with all of their products being scrutinized by their customers. That's the way retail works, and those that are legit know it.

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Dooney & Bourke: Young, Hip Sophistication

Dooney & Bourke White Banana Bag

By Alan King

Known by its signature DB canvas, the Dooney & Bourke has been around for a while. However, it is only in recent years that Dooney & Bourke has made a major comeback. With its fun, whimsical hearts design and bright colors of the canvas itself, Dooney & Bourke purses has become a favorite among the young and hip.

Because of the success of these colorfully designed handbags, Dooney purses adorned with the Dooney name in fun, scribble-style crayon text, the company has churned out a few more designs. For example, the Bumblebee style utilizes a cartoon bee accessorizing the letter “D”. It will soon become a favorite among the high school and college crowds.

But in the last few seasons, Dooney & Bourke has been steadily bringing out some of the more sophisticated DB canvas handbags in much more subtle and muted tones. And the younger crowd who embraced the whimiscal and colorful Dooney purses have become fans of the newer look, perhaps as they become a little older.

Dooney & Bourke handbags bring out the classy and sophisticated looks with updated purse designs. Even hobo bags by Dooney have a high-end look of lines and textures, slouches and taut, and crescent and half-crescent. Dooney & Bourke tote bags are very trendy and totally unboring with smart lines. Layer it with the signature DB or the quilted DB and the look is young, fresh and feminine.

The less-adorned Dooney & Bourke purses have also made a mark. The plain leather look of Dooney & Bourke’s purses in the past have made a major comeback. Plain black or brown leather purses have embossed Dooney & Bourke emblems or metal name plates. These purses can be found in the hobo, sack and tote, updated to represent today’s hip fashions. Even crocodile prints in eccentric colors like blue and red have hit the Dooney & Bourke purse scene, complete with metal DB plates.

The tote and satchel purses have become a favorite among the Dooney & Bourke handbag designs. You can easily find these with the signature DB canvas in fun colors, like white and pink, and muted tones like khaki and gray. As of late, Dooney & Bourke has become a purse maker for both the young and old with its extremely versatile styling and its assortment of colors and prints.

Fairly priced between $100 and $300 for most styles, the Dooney & Bourke handbag is affordable, making it easy for anyone to own. Dooney & Bourke products can be found in finer department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.

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New Old Retro Vintage - it's all crazy for couture

We're Crazy for Couture! Are you? Click here to see what's waiting for you. Designer handbags and accessories below retail from all the top Designers. Receive free ground shipping $200 orders and pay no sales tax worldwide. Visit the Sale and Final Clearance sections and get deeper discounts. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch and named the top online Chanel retailer by About.com. Check it out. We know you are crazy for couture or you would not have read this far! See the eFashionHouse Press Page. Interested in an EFH Layaway Plan? You can put anything on layaway. Read about the EFH Layaway here: eFashionHouse.com Layaway Program.

Elegance of Chanel jacket never fades

By Bernadette Morra
The Star.com

Introduced in 1954, Coco Chanel's iconic jacket is constantly reinvented but never

All it took was one jacket and Dee Dee Taylor Hannah was hooked.

"A few years ago, a client gave me a black bolero," recalls the Toronto architect, who runs her own firm and co-owns construction and project management companies.

The jacket was two sizes too big, but Hannah had it cut down to fit her well-toned size 38 frame.

The piece added French polish to Hannah's hip L.A. style, which is heavy on Vince T-shirts, snappy Tevrow + Chase separates, sexy boots and a wardrobe of jeans.

But so versatile is a Chanel jacket that the same item can be worn more conservatively with a matching skirt and pumps, if need be.

And in terms of construction, nothing else comes close.

"There are a million other jackets out there," Hannah says. "But there is weight and depth and substance to a Chanel jacket. "They are so beautiful and comfortable and flattering. Once you have one, it's hard not to buy another."

Hannah has built a wardrobe of Chanel that includes a quilted leather cardigan jacket, a red tweed motorcycle style, a peplumed wool jersey jacket that reaches to mid-thigh, and t