How to Get the Vintage Gucci Handbag of Your Dreams

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Get the Vintage Gucci Handbag of Your Dreams
While it may not seem like it, vintage handbags are the new thing and there is no question that vintage Gucci handbag is all the rage as well. There is something about a vintage Gucci handbag that you cannot get from a new handbag of any brand or caliber; perhaps it is the star quality or the attractive price tag that is attributed to vintage Gucci handbag.

Vintage, But Not Old
If you want something that can display true class, a vintage Gucci handbag is most certainly a great starting point. There are so many facets to a good vintage bag and Gucci satisfied all of the requirements for true finery when it comes to vintage. When something Gucci is dated, it is more than just old—it is true quality. Many important people, including infamous movie stars and recording artists of the past carried Gucci bags, so if you get a vintage Gucci bag it is like touching something that they touched, something that they held dear to them.

Where to Find Them
Where can you find a vintage Gucci handbag? Well, if you are looking for the real thing finding a vintage Gucci handbag can pose to be a rather mounting difficulty, especially if you are looking to be rather cheap at it. Vintage in itself does not mean old, and it does not mean thrift store quality merchandise. Think of a vintage Gucci handbag as a classic, something that other people will want but never be able to have, at least not the same as yours. For this reason, a vintage Gucci handbag that you are after may be one of a kind (or something rather close to it) and it may be rather difficult to locate.

There are some people out there who collect things like a vintage Gucci handbag. Especially when it comes to things that are hard to find, a vintage Gucci handbag is a rarity especially when it comes to certain styles and many people specialize in obtaining those things that are hard to find. If you are willing to spend good money on it, you can find and get just about any vintage Gucci handbag that you have ever dreamed of.

Vintage Fendi Designer Watch

There's only one thing that we love like we love vintage designer handbags and it's vintage designer jewelry like this FENDI gold and brown vintage leather band watch (model 310). If you are watch collector or if you just want a yellow gold face watch, now that yellow gold is back in, than scoring this vintage Fendi watch at only $89 is the way to go. Featuring a classic style, with a gold face, brown cabochon spinal crown, quartz movement and water resistant to 3 ATM or 100 feet. The face of watch has the Fendi brown stripe with gold hands. Adjustable brown leather band with Fendi and Genuine Leather imprinted in gold lettering on the reverse. Swiss made. Click here to shop for this authentic vintage Fendi designer watch now.

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The Coveted Vintage Gucci Monogrammed Clutch

One of our favorite vintage Gucci handbags is the GUCCI monogrammed canvas large clutch and it's easy to see why. First of all, we adore clutches but there is something so sophisticated and classic about this vintage GUCCI clutch that makes us feel like Jackie O or Grace Kelly when we wear it. Available for only $149, this is a small investment that is sure to pay off. Pair it with your favorite over-sized sunglasses and shift dress and you'll feel like a million bucks. Vintage Gucci clutch measures approximately 12 W x 8 H with a 2 inch depth. Guaranteed authentic. Shop vintage GUCCI handbags now.

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Online Shopping Brokers: Second- hand style - Online Shopping

Online Shopping Brokers: Second- hand style - Online Shopping

A Handbag Repair Specialist for Purse Restoration

Vintage BOTTEGA VENETA designer handbag -
EXCELLENT CONDITION

from newhandbagstore

Do you have a favorite handbag or tote that has seen you through plenty of occasions but just needs a bit of a facelift? A handbag repair specialist can handle everything from cosmetic cleaning and repair to serious restoration of a number of different materials from cotton and leather to nylon and other animal hides.


A handbag repair specialist is a good call, especially if your purse is worth a great deal of money or the work to restore an antique is too meticulous to handle on your own. Be sure to seek a professional through references from other people or research a few possibilities through the local Chamber of Commerce.

Cleaning your Bag

Cleaning a hand bag or purse must be performed by hand by a skilled artisan who is trained in a variety of materials like suede and leather as well as a whole host of other possibilities. The best place to look for a handbag repair specialist, especially if it is leather, is a local shoe repair company.

The person restoring your handbag to its original glory should be well-versed in a variety of materials as well as how to clean them. Stain removal, cleaning the lining by hand as well as the hardware and straps and even a dye job if necessary should be in all a day’s work for a handbag repair specialist. Indeed, steam cleaning and even stain protectant should be part of the cleaning process for purses and other bags.

Restoring your Bag

There are occasions where it would be necessary to enlist the help of a handbag repair specialist to do a complete restoration on a purse or other bag. If you have a leather purse, perhaps the stitching is loose or completely undone or maybe you have scratches on it. A handbag repair specialist is also trained to replace the hardware of the purse or bag as necessary like zippers, clasps, button enclosures, snaps and more.

Occasionally a handbag repair specialist is called upon for intricate detailing work such as replacing the crystals on an antique purse or sequins on an evening clutch. Of course, because this work is more meticulous and time consuming, expect the fees of the handbag repair specialist to be higher than a simple cleaning.

All in all, a handbag repair specialist can bring new life to a tired old handbag or purse, something you probably could not do on your own. Once you do have your bag fixed, you want to take extra precautions in terms of storage to ensure that it stays in prime condition. The most important piece of advice a handbag repair specialist can give is to place the purse or bag in a fabric breathable container rather than plastic so that it has some breathing room while still being protected by dust and moisture.

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

Hundreds of New Vintage stock added this week!

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.

Vintage Celine Monogram Speedy Bag

Even before the Boogie Bag, CELINE was outfitting the privileged with beautiful handbags like this vintage monogram horse carriage speedy bag. Featuring the original Celine monogram in blue canvas with dark blue leather trim, this vintage Celine bag is a great way to pay homage to this famed couture house. Celine handbag measures approximately 11.5 W x 8 H with a 5.5 inch depth. The straps measure about 14 inches long. Shop for vintage Celine handbags now.

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Yves Saint Laurent Suede Mombasa Purse

One of our favorite handbag styles from framed fashion couture house YVES SAINT LAURENT, the Mombasa purse helped put YSL handbags on the map among the young fashionistas set. Already a legend among the fashion elite, Yves Saint Laurent has maintained its designer royalty status with elegant styles and individual looks. The original "it" bag, the Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa handbag is one of those designer handbags that one must have it their collection. Now that taupe is all the rage again, it's time to bring out this timeless classic and start the love affair all over again. Authentic Yves Saint Laurent handbag measures about 15 x 7 inches with a single 21 inch strap. Get the Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa handbag at 44% off now.

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As good as new - Vintage Fendi Monogram Doctor Bag

As much as we adore of-the-moment Fendi, we are infatuated with vintage Fendi. There is something so old world luxury about vintage Fendi that makes us want to go yachting or whatever it is that these fabulous bags were apart of back in the day. Made from vinyl coated canvas, this monogram Fendi doctor bag is just what we need to complete the safari look we plan to sport now that it's warm out. Designer vintage looks so fresh. The vintage Fendi speedy measures approximately 13 W x 7.5 H with a 7 inch depth. The straps measure about 15 inches long. Made in Italy. Guaranteed authentic. Shop for this authentic vintage Fendi handbag for only $188 now.

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Authentic Bottega Veneta Black Woven Handbag

There are two things in handbags that you can always rely on to stay in style - black and Bottega Veneta - which is why we are such a big fan of vintage Bottega Veneta handbags. Not only do authentic Bottega Veneta handbags look new after years of wear but Bottega's timeless woven lambskin leather continues to maintain it's sought after appeal. Though this Bottega Veneta bag is vintage, you wouldn't know it from the slim shape that is so in right now. A great addition to anyone's collection, it is hard to pass up such luxury at such an unbelievable price. BOTTEGA VENETA handbag measures approximately 10 W x 7 H with a 3 inch depth. The knotted strap measures about 24 inches long when doubled or about 38 inches long with a single strap. Shop for vintage Bottega Veneta handbags at low prices now.

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Ethnic Inspired: Calleen Cordero Vintage Distressed Handbag

It's true what they say in fashion, what's old becomes new again as time goes on. Though this Calleen Cordero designer handbag is vintage, it features some of today's hottest trends like ethnic inspired adornments and metallic leather, plus you can't go wrong with the modern shape. The bag's leather is a distressed mix of blue and cooper and the top of the purse has brown leather trim that is embossed with cooper objects. The vintage handbag is fully lined interior in a light blue suede with one zippered pocket and one open patch pocket. Calleen Cordero handbag measures approximately 17 W x 14 H with a 9.5 inch depth. The handles measure about 13 inches long. Get this Calleen Cordero handbag for under $200 now.

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The beauty of Vintage - Designer handbags & accessories

Vintage designer handbags and accessories are very difficult to source. For one thing, unless you really know what it is you are buying and who you are buying it from, there are risks involved. Shopping at reputable resale boutiques in your area and internet sites with longevity like LuxuryVintage is the best way to obtain pre owned merchandise you can trust is the real deal.

Having shopped online for about ten years, we've seen it all. We tried the eBay route and got burned too many times. The fakes run rampant on auction sites, and the sellers are difficult, elusive and evasive. Most of the other auction sites are too new to have established a following or credibility. Buy from someone with a proven track record. Unless you have a lot of time to spare dealing with fraud and decete, we suggest you establish a good relationship with a resale shop or website vs. an auction site. That's just our personal opinion for the novice designer handbag and accessory shopper. You are better off dealing with a known shop or website vs the entangled mess of eBay and Paypal. Sorry guys! That's just how we feel from personal first-hand experience. We aren't saying it's all bad, we're just giving guidance to the novice shopper who isn't as educated in the area of online shopping as they would like to be. They know who they are.

The best source for used designer fashion accessories like handbags, jewelry, watches, bracelets, scarves, hats, etc. is a woman's closet! It's just not easy to find the woman with the goods who wants to unload her old unwanted treasures. That's the task of the resale shop or website owner. It's not an easy task, either. And, the items come at high cost for the owners of the resale or luxury vintage site or shop.

Some of the most coveted items come from famous designer brands like Hermes, Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, and Dior. Unless you know people with these items, it's difficult to find them used for a good price. So, if you love "vintage" you are better off finding a good retailer to buy them from instead of trying to hunt them down yourself. A resale shop or etailer usually doesn't make a bundle on the resale of used goods. Most of the items come at a fairly high price and are marked up enough to cover costs and make a very small profit. Vintage etailers provide options for returns if you are not happy once you have the product in hand. Always check for the authenticity guarantee, talk with the owner of the site and establish trust.

If you are looking for an authentic pre owned designer item and want a great price, but still don't have the money, use a layaway plan. It's a perfect way to get the items you want and keep within your budget. We do not advocate rental of designer bags and jewelry. We think it's a waste of your hard earned money. Rental fees, insurance and hidden fees add up quickly. And, the time you spend fussing with all that can be better spent doing other things you enjoy. Making an investment in a timeless designer fashion accessory is better in the long run. It's yours to keep or pass down to your children. Many of the timeless items from Hermes and Chanel hold maintain excellent resale value. Keeping the name and email address of the people you buy from may help you later if you ever want to resell some of your collection.

Casual Chic - Authentic Black Vintage Chanel Handbag

Though Chanel handbags are usually considered dressy, this vintage Chanel handbag is ultra casual and ultra hip. Made from smooth black lambskin leather, what's so great about Chanel purses, other than being fabulously stylish, is that they are timeless and last and last. Chanel bag measures approximately 9 W x 8 H with a 3.5 inch depth. The strap measures about 32 inches long. Shop authentic vintage Chanel handbags at a discount now.

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Vintage Bottega Veneta Taupe Woven Leather Handbag

Whether new or old, BOTTEGA VENETA is always in style which makes investing in a vintage Bottega Veneta handbag a sure bet. The iconic woven leather has stood the test of time to become a handbag legend because each bag is pure luxury. Made from individual strips of soft supple lambskin that are handwoven together, authentic Bottega Veneta handbags feel like butter but are durable enough to last for years. We especially like this vintage taupe Bottega Veneta handbag because taupe is really in right now (think safari style), and though several years old, is still in exquisite shape. Bottega Veneta handbag measures approximately 12 W x 10 H with a 4.5 inch depth. The shoulder strap measures about 24 inches when doubled or 42 inches as a single strap. Shop this vintage Bottega Veneta purse now.

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Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

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.

Vintage Gucci Doctors Bag

Personally we think vintage monogrammed GUCCI handbags are much cooler than brand new monogrammed bags but that's just us. If you don't already have a vintage GUCCI handbag than there is no reason to wait since they don't seem to be going out of style and are much more affordable than brand new Gucci bags. Vintage Gucci handbag features signature 'GG' canvas fabric with the Gucci red and green striped fabric and brown leather trim and light gold toned hardware. Gucci purse measures approximately 12 W x 7 H with a 4.5 depth. The handles measure about 13 inches long. Shop authentic vintage GUCCI handbags now.

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Chanel Vintage Handbags Stand the Test of Time

Sure authentic CHANEL handbags are expensive but we can't think of a better investment to make if you were considering purchasing a new designer handbag. Truly timeless, authentic Chanel handbags never go out of style and capture what a lot of other designer handbags desire to be. If you don't want to spend thousands of dollars for a new Chanel handbag than consider a vintage Chanel handbag. Just as beloved and sought after as the latest collection but at a quarter of the price. Just take this beautiful royal blue lambskin Chanel purse that is vintage but the color and the fact that it is authentic Chanel make it a very 'in' designer bag to have for spring and summer. Discount Chanel purse measures approximately 7 W x 5 H with a 2 inch depth. The gold and leather shoulder strap measures about 35 inches long. Shop this authentic vintage Chanel handbag now.

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The Designer Handbag Challenge: Gucci Handbag v. Chanel Handbag

Vintage Chanel handbag

by Melissa Peterman

We used three experiments to test the practical reliability of the two designer handbags in question. Each experiment was conducted with equal strenuousness on a Gucci handbag and a Chanel handbag of comparable size (about two liters). With each experiment we used fresh handbags.

Experiment #1
One of the most important jobs of a designer handbag is the ability to hold up to the everyday abuse doled out by a modern working woman. To test this capacity of the handbags we fastened the strap of each purse to a post, which was spun by a 10 hp lawn mower engine. The post applied an equal amount of centrifugal force to each designer handbag, causing a maximum angular velocity of 50 revolutions per minute. A dummy of mass 90kg was then hung across the bags' angular paths of motion to simulate a purse snatcher or other perpetrator. Damage to the handbags was then measured.

Experiment #2
The second most important capacity of the Gucci handbag and the Chanel handbag we compared was the ability of each bag to resist spillage of its unmentionable contents. To test this, we filled each designer handbag with tampons and dropped them unzipped from a second floor window of a men's college dorm building onto a busy sidewalk. We repeated this 10 times with each designer handbag and counted the number of ejected feminine hygiene implements after each drop.

Experiment #3
Our final test was to determine how well each designer handbag would stand up to the aftermath of a wild night on the town. We wanted to find out the extent of the bags' abilities to contain and recover from a drunken puking. To accomplish this we poured an equal amount of liquid projectile (two liters) from a funnel at a height of one meter. The greater than normal height was to approximate the speed and splatter effect of an actual puking. We measured the handbags' ability to catch the liquid and then had the bags dry cleaned and measured the residual fragrance. We obtained the liquid from the gutter outside the local bar at 1 am one Saturday morning.

Vintage Gucci Handbag

Analysis

Experiment #1
Each designer handbag in this experiment was swung around the post until it struck the dummy exactly 30 times. The bags were then examined. Afterward the bags were swung again until their straps broke. After the first 30 strikes, the Gucci handbag finish was scuffed and its stitches near the strap were beginning to pull apart. The chanel handbag was equally scuffed, but there were no evident signs of stress on the strap. However, a snap from one of the side pockets of the Chanel handbag was detached. In the second part of the experiment the strap of the Gucci handbag broke after 19 more rotations. Not surprisingly, the Chanel handbag lasted more than twice as long with 42 rotations.

Experiment #2
We filled each handbag with 22 tampons before each drop. We discovered that the chanel handbag was more likely to tip over upon impact (eight of 10 drops compared to five of 10 with the Gucci handbag), causing more of its contents to eject. We didn't correct for this considering tipping tendency a major factor in every day spilling incidents. The average number of tampons ejected from the Chanel handbag was 13.5. The average number ejected from the Gucci handbag was 8. On the fourth drop of the Chanel handbag several of the ejected items were picked up by a passer by, but were soon recovered.

Experiment #3
For the first part of this experiment, we had an intern hold the bags open as wide as possible while we poured the liquid. We then measured the amount of splatter not captured by the handbags. We also measured leakage of liquid from the seams of the bag. The gucci handbag failed to catch 340 mL of liquid while the Chanel handbag lost only 280 mL. We surmise this is because the Chanel handbag could be opened wider than the Gucci handbag. However, the Chanel handbag leaked more than the Gucci handbag. For the second part of this experiment, we dry cleaned the handbags and measured the aroma held by the bags. Each designer handbag exhibited a high level of lingering fragrance even after a second cleaning. The results of this test were inconclusive.

Conclusion Some of the tests applied to the designer handbags were inconclusive. The second part of experiment #1 and the first part of experiment #3 favored the Chanel handbag, while experiment #2 favored the gucci handbag. Overall, we believe the Chanel handbag is the better choice for practical use. But we warn that items intended to be kept unseen in a Chanel handbag should be secured with additional means. Any designer handbag should be cleaned several times after being used as a puke sack.

Suggestions for Further Study on Designer Handbags We suggest further valuable studies be conducted on this important topic. Other experiments could be devised to test such capacities as standing up to backing over by an automobile, clandestinely packing food into a movie theater, accidental machine washings, and resisting animals searching for hidden treats. We suggest obtaining your designer handbag from designer direct outlet for a good deal. We also suggest including a cheap Walmart handbag along with designer handbag in these studies.

For more information: check out designer handbag, gucci handbag, chanel handbag http://www.efashionhouse.com for good deals on designer handbags.


About the Author
Mat Moniker is a writer for Innuity

Louis Vuitton Handbags: Very Popular Designer Handbags

Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma Bag

by brandsofhandbag

As the name implies Louis Vuitton originated in Paris. The name is known for luxurious products including handbags and luggage. The handbags are artistic statements in and of themselves and are made of high quality leather.

Louis Vuitton invented an air tight piece of luggage in the 1800’s. In the 1850’s, Mr. Vuitton started designing unusual handcrafted items and then opened his first design house. In the 1860’s Louis was honored at the Worlds fair for his designs and high quality craftsmanship. His first handbag was introduced in the late 1800’s. The company grew into a leather empire.

The company is very prestigious and is known for its high quality well made handbags and luggage. The company has a monogrammed canvas design on all of its products.

The company can boast of the famous models and actresses they have used over the years to promote their products. Names such as Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson.

In 1896, Louis’s son Georges took over the company and it has become a multi million dollar company that is world reknown. It is the brand that is most counterfeited as the products are very desirable across the country and the world.

The first handbag was made out of canvas and it was designed to be durable and long lasting. In the 1900’s a small bag known as the steamer bag, named after trains which were the primary source of transportation back then. The handbag was designed to compliment the luggage.

In the 1900’s the Louis Vuitton bag was known for it’s classic lines and style. Darker, richer leathers were used to make a simple, elegant statement.

The products can be found in specialty shops, larger department stores and on line. The company has very strict counterfeiting rules and has struggled to maintain control of its product line and to fend off counterfeiters. The company has sued Ebay and Google for trademark violations.

Several designers came on board with the company to assist in the design of a limited edition line of handbags in over 30 different colors. The cherry blossom pattern originated in 2004 and is still very popular today.

The Louis Vuitton Epi line features small, compact, durable purses that are easy to maintain and they look chic and luxurious! The line has an extra long wrist strap that makes it very easy to carry and keep track of. It has a zip closure and is elegantly lined.

Another stunning limited edition handbag is the Vuitton Aumoniere. It is made of silk and satin and is the perfect evening purse for any gala or formal event. The handle is made of snakeskin and the purse is lined with lamb skin.

Celebirty Darling - The Lavin Kentucky Black Tote Bag

One of our favorite designer handbag labels right now, we can understand why so many celebrities have been photographed carrying the LANVIN Kentucky tote bag. Handcrafted from soft calfskin, the bag lives up to the LANVIN name by possessing only the finest qualities and attention to detail synonymous with French couture design houses. The Lanvin Kentucky bag measures about 14 x 13 x 5 inches with double straps about 20 inches each. The drop is about 8 inches. Shop this authentic LANVIN handbag at 42% off retail now.

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Combine Modernity And Vintage Elegance With A Dior Handbag

Christian Dior Handbags

from Factory outlet handbags

Christian Dior, like famous supermodels who go only by their first names, has the distinction of being recognisable with only the last part of the brand's name. Say Dior and everyone knows what you're talking about. Christian Dior has given us everything from couture, ready to wear clothes, fragrances and a mass of accessories that have us spoiled for choice. But a Dior handbag is surely every stylish lady's dream; the perfect blend of contemporary style and vintage elegance is sure to be found in every Dior handbag. The label is constantly being updated with its ear to the style pulse of today's modern woman.

Everyday Elegance
There is nothing more off putting about a label that is supposed to be stylish and yet clashes with our own personal tastes. Sometimes the type of fashion that is 'it' for the season makes you think deep down inside that everyone must be blind to even think of wearing anything like that out in public. It can safely be said that a Dior handbag does not cause such an offence, because they keep in mind that handbags are accessories meant to be carried off the runway.


Dior handbags are practical, with pockets for your cell phones and ample space for your possessions. These bags aren't just meant to look pretty, they actually have a function. With every conceivable variant of the handbag; you can always have your Dior handbag with you. Whether it's the Dior shopper, Dior tote or Dior clutch, there is a Dior handbag for every occasion. Yet despite their versatility, a Dior handbag can never be described as commonplace or everyday, the right touches remain so that your Dior handbag will cause envy and heads to turn wherever you go.

Modernity Every Step Of The Way
Dior handbags are boldly modern in that you will not find just leather bags in their collections. There are denim Dior handbags that highlight the ability of the label to transcend what is usually thought of as lowbrow and high fashion. Denim, that comfortable everyday material is elevated to fashionable and new in the hands of the designers at Christian Dior. A splash of vintage is always welcome in any closet; the vintage look of Dior handbags are kept with antiquated buckles, clasps and other details to give the bags a significant uniqueness as compared to other bags on the market.

Designer watches challenge handbags as the must-have fashion accessory

By Jessica Michault
Herald Tribune

PARIS: In the realm of luxury fashion, there are many contenders to the throne but only one king. For almost a decade, the designer handbag has worn the luxury crown. But now a battle royal is under way to determine the next sovereign. It will not be the designer ready-to-wear collections splashed across magazines, nor will it be stylish footwear like 10-inch, or 25-centimeter, heels or Minnie Mouse flats.

The workhorses of the industry, perfume and makeup, may bring in the money, but they lack the je-ne-sais-quoi luxe-glam of a designer handbag. No, the handbag's dauphin is the luxury watch, whether for women or men, with its "one size fits all" factor. Sunglasses and jewelry also possess that factor. But sunglasses, no matter how tricked out with diamonds or how feather-light and streamlined with titanium frames, will never have the timeless appeal of a luxury watch. And while jewelry is a close second to watches, with its cachet of one-of-a-kind creations and use of rare gemstones, these elements can also be easily incorporated into a luxury timepiece.

Like handbags, watches can cross any border; they do not clash with traditional dress or religious beliefs. In emerging luxury markets, like India, China and Russia, timepieces have come to be perceived as ultimate status symbols. Another measure of luxury watches's increasing status is that the price of an introductory timepiece is now on par with some designer handbags. A steady rise in prices for luxury handbags has brought many fashion labels over the €1,000, or $1,500, mark. In fact, €1,000 bags are starting to be banal; the benchmark for top-end bags is closing in on €5,000.

Industry-wide, fashion brands are creating designer watches and absorbing them into their stable of luxury goods. The crossover is easy. The brands entice fans of their designer bags to invest in a designer watch, too. And with the growing rumbling of a potential backlash against luxury handbags - because of the bag's shorter and shorter shelf life as a "one season wonder" - high-end watches with designer names on the dial look even more attractive.

The move is paying off. LVMH reported that profit for its watches and jewelry sector (which includes Tag Heuer, Zenith and Montres Dior) almost quadrupled in 2006, and it grew another 13 percent in 2007, when it took into account fluctuating exchange rates. Moschino is working with the Binda Group to create watches for its Cheap & Chic line. Chloé, which is owned by Richemont, has a line of timepieces in the works. And both the designer team of Badgley Mischka and the fashion golden boy Zac Posen now have watch partnerships with E. Gluck Corp., which manufactures watches for others.

Even Valentino, on the eve of his retirement from fashion, turned to Timex to create a limited edition watch to celebrate his 45 years in the business. The designer John Galliano, who has found success with his timepieces for Christian Dior, has teamed up with Morellato to produce watches and jewelry for his signature line. The jewelry line will be shown at the Baselworld watch fair this week, with the watch line to be shown next year. And if Galliano is to be believed, he has taken to heart the idea of creating a watch that can also act as jewelry.

"The Galliano watch is very feminine, very delicate, its more like a jewel than a watch," he said. "When we were coming up with these designs I wanted to create a piece that was like a delicate corsage, a decoration that you can hang on a chain necklace, as well as adding romance to a regular watch. I was really inspired to create a watch that would go with a beautiful evening dress, as well as add to your day."

Another fashion brand designer showing at Basel this year will be Roberto Cavalli, whose Diamond Time line of watches will incorporate diamonds and rock crystal embellishments. "As the Roberto Cavalli collection is evolving in an extremely sophisticated look approaching couture, I felt that I had to propose to my customers, men and women, an item which represents the highest level in the watch segment," Cavalli said.

These are entry-level luxury watches with prices ranging from €1,000 to €2,500. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci and Fendi, which have already made inroads in the luxury watch segment, are trying to make a connection between their fashion designers and their luxury timepieces. At Fendi, it comes in the shape of the watch itself, inspired by the belt-buckle-shaped must-have "B" bag that Silvia Fendi created for the catwalk.

At Basel last year, Gucci introduced its Signora watch, the first one designed by Frida Giannini, the mind behind the house's ready-to-wear collections. And this year Versace will introduce a 43-millimeter, or 1.7-inch, piece from the classically styled men's watch collection called Acron. Even Donatella Versace might feel comfortable wearing it on her wrist, thus showing it to be not only one-size-fits-all but also unisex.

Also at Basel this year, Louis Vuitton will inaugurate its first watch designed by Marc Jacob, who creates the house's successful ready-to-wear collections. Called the Emprise, which was the name used on the first range of fine jewelry Jacobs did for the house, it has a sleek retro '70s feel. "I liked the idea of this watch being a watch that came from those same original concepts for that jewelry, which was to look at the hardware on the trunks and hard cases, you know the historic, and I think inimitable, ability that Vuitton has for constructing these pieces of hardware, which are so distinctive on all of their bags," Jacobs said.

The more established luxury fashion brands are trying to separate themselves from the upstarts by touting the quality of their Swiss-made movements or through the addition of new and more intricate functions. The august fashion house Hermès last year widened its 25 percent stake in a renowned Swiss watchmaker, Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, though it did not say by how much. Vaucher, which is based in Fleurier, Switzerland, is known for its high-precision movements that are used by the likes of Tiffany and the Corum luxury watch brand. So while the luxury handbag still reigns supreme in the fashion empire, it would not be a surprise to see in the not-to-distant future a well-timed coup d'état.

Bold Jewelry is Key - Tod's White Alligator Leather Cuff

Although a trendy designer handbag is very important to completing the perfect outfit, it is also just as important to accessorize with the right jewelry. Big bold jewelry made from natural materials (leather, wood, cooper, etc.) were seen all over the runway and splashed across every fashion magazine and we love it. When we saw this Tod's white alligator bracelet we just had to have it. White is such a fresh color, especially for designer jewelry and the design seems edgy for Tod's, which made us like it even more. Made from genuine alligator, this cuff can also be worn as an arm band. Tod's bracelet measures about 1.5 inches wide with a 2.25 inch diameter when snapped. Embossed T logo on the polished silver snap. Shop this Tod's designer bracelet at 36% off now.

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The shiner, the better - Chloe Patent Leather Shoulder Bag

Despite vibrant colors taking center stage this spring/summer, you can still get away with wearing the basics (black, white and brown) if patent leather is part of the picture, plus nothing says fashionable like a designer handbag from CHLOE. This CHLOE runway collection brown patent leather handbag is classic CHLOE because it combines funky elements with feminine shapes and appeals to all types of women and their many fashion moods. Chloe bag measures about 12 x 13 x 6 inches. The longer of the two leather straps measures 28 inches long with a 9 inch drop. The shorter strap which can hang creatively on the backside of the bag measures about 24 inches long. Shop this authentic CHLOE handbag at 30% off retail now.

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Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

Elaine Turner Handbags

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/

Slim Tote Trend - Gucci Cream Canvas and Brown Leather Slim Tote 162429

If you haven't already heard, slim totes are another big trend for spring and although we've seen a lot of slim totes made out of leather, this GUCCI cream tote is the first we've seen made out of canvas. Great for the hot weather, canvas is lite to carry and great for summer but you can still carry this GUCCI tote to work because the brown Guccissima trim that dresses up the bag. Authentic GUCCI handbag measures approximately 16 W x 15 H with a 6 inch depth. Straps measure about 21 inches long with an 8 inch drop. The bag has 5 gold feet on an all leather bottom. Click here to purchase this authentic GUCCI purse at 28% off now.

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Woven Beauty - Anya Hindmarch Fitzgerald Handbag

In addition to original designs and refined beauty, ANYA HINDMARCH rose to handbag royalty because of the fine craftsmanship and luxurious materials she uses which are usually reserved for only the oldest couture houses. Drawstring handbags are a big trend right now and ANYA HINDMARCH makes it wearable with a modern take on a very classic style. Combining rich hand woven brown leather, with gold hardware and braided straps, the Fitzgerald boasts the exclusive Anya Hindmarch weave design. Designer purse measures approximately 17 W x 12 H with a 6.5 inch depth. The straps measure about 22 inches long with a 7 inch drop. The interior is lined in natural colored suede. Shop authentic ANYA HINDMARCH handbags at up to 32% off now.

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Marc Jacobs Mariah Patchwork Tote Bag

We recently read that the black and gold look is quickly becoming the next big trend and although we normally wouldn't wear such a flashy duo we love the glitz of the Marc Jacobs Mariah Patchwork Tote Bag in black with gold trim. This classic combination gives off a 'power' vibe and sometimes we like to flex our muscles, especially when it comes to high fashion. Authentic Marc Jacobs handbag measures approximately 10 W x 9 H with a 3 inch depth. The chain and leather straps measure about 24 inches with an 8 inch drop. Shop this discount Marc Jacobs handbag at 41% off now.

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Fashion special: Still crazy about Coco

from The Independent

Chanel revolutionised women’s fashion, and 25 years after Karl Lagerfeld took over, the label is as iconic as ever, says Susannah Frankel

Ask Karl Lagerfeld to sum up – in only 10 words – the power of Chanel and it's no great surprise when the great couturier, who, let's face it, is far from a shrinking violet where his dealings with the media are concerned, comes back with a rather longer answer than that.


Chanel encapsulates the idea of "modernity" first and foremost, he says. It embodies "a contemporary attitude – whatever the time or the decade". Chanel also stands for "luxury" and "the power of the logo". The iconic double C branding is surely the most instantly recognisable in fashion history. Also, for Chanel , read "the power of the handbag – the most famous in the world". Lagerfeld speaks here of the 2.55 in particular, named after its date of birth in February 1955, quilted, to keep its shape and echoing the texture of classic British outerwear, originally favoured by jockeys. (Chanel , for her part, favoured jockeys in return, but more of that later.) Suspended from a gilt shoulder strap, this was the first purse designed for a woman ensuring her hands were free.

The white camellia, too, says Lagerfeld, is an integral part of the story. It was Chanel favourite flower and her successor has, in the past, coloured it every which way, on one particularly memorable occasion, even casting it in diamonds the size of boiled sweets as the single closure to a perfectly cut Chanel haute- couture jacket. "I also love camellias," Lagerfeld goes on to confirm, "and gardenias. But I love old-style-looking roses too, like the ones you can only find in Paris at Odorantes in Rue Madame." The black ribbon bow – today a staple of every couture catwalk and no longer just Chanel's own – is treated with similar diversity. "We do this in all kinds of shapes, colours and materials," Lagerfeld says.

Perhaps more significantly, the Chanel name stands also for "timelessness, but for fashion at the same time" – while the recipe may be updated each season in line with the mood of the moment, the main ingredients remain the same – and for "the two-tone shoe, not only the pump but also 'the ballerina' and so forth". Chanel gave this to the world in 1957 – the first pair had a sling-back – in beige with a black tip, which has the miraculous effect of foreshortening the foot and lengthening the leg. Then, continues Lagerfeld, there's "the magic address: 31 Rue Cambon". Chanel set up shop as a milliner in that very street in Paris for the first time in 1910. The plaque on the door originally read "Chanel Modes". Although it is now significantly expanded, it remains the company's headquarters to this day.

Lagerfeld goes on to cite "the mystery of the Coromandel screens she loved and which have inspired her": it is the stuff of fashion folklore that Chanel was always surrounded and indeed shielded by particularly fine examples of these. Finally, the world has Chanel to thank for "the mixing of real and fake jewellery and the invention of fashion costume jewellery", enjoying something of a resurgence just now, incidentally, as seen at the most recent round of international collections everywhere from Balenciaga to Lanvin and from Louis Vuitton to, well, Chanel . True to her unusually democratic stance, Chanel herself thought nothing of mixing diamonds and paste, real pearls with great ropes of more reasonably priced approximations. She wore them well and today Lagerfeld embellishes everything from sunglasses to handbags with more of the same.

"You see," Lagerfeld argues with an energy and enthusiasm that belie his 74 years, "here are already 12 reasons and you asked for 10... That shows the power – and the staying power – of Chanel . The image, the fashion and the idea of the woman herself as the first modern one. It is the idea of modernity, a life and a lifestyle that women can identify with."

It is now 25 years since Lagerfeld took to the helm of France's most famous fashion house. Chanel died in January 1971 and it seemed only decent that a good decade should go by before anyone dared to step into her perfectly formed, not to mention supremely influential shoes. While contemporary fashion is elsewhere characterised by an increasingly high-profile – and at times inept – game of designer musical chairs where the revival of potentially lucrative status labels is concerned, it is worth noting that Chanel has remained unswervingly faithful to Karl Lagerfeld – by now the greatest couturier still practising the craft – and Karl Lagerfeld has stayed true to Chanel – today fashion's best-known name. Upon hearing news of his contemporary Valentino's retirement announced in the autumn of last year, Lagerfeld said: "I am not very pleased because I think it is not good that he's stopping; he is in great shape. He should continue. It's no fun; he'll be bored."

Although Lagerfeld is the man at the helm of the Chanel brand today, it all began in the hands of the house's namesake, whose life story is as much a part of the label's many signatures as a gilt chain is to the hem of the jacket of a Chanel bouclé wool suit. If anyone might reasonably be described as an autobiographical designer it is Chanel, after all. Even the lining of the aforementioned 2.55 bag is coloured garnet – mimicking, by all accounts, that of the uniform she wore at the convent where she spent her early years.

Equally important is that Chanel desire to create clothes sprang above all from her wish to dress herself in a manner she saw fit. She was nothing if not reactionary. "If I embarked on this profession it was precisely to make everything I didn't like unfashionable," she once said and she lived and worked by that rule tirelessly. Whichever way one chooses to look at it, the romance of this, perhaps the ultimate rags-to-riches tale, is unprecedented. With this in mind, it is small wonder that, almost 40 years after her death, not one but two Chanel movies begin filming this year: Audrey Tautou will play the young designer in Coco avant Chanel, directed by Anne Fontaine, and devoted to her young life; and Marina Hands (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) is set to play the lead in Coco & Igor, directed by William Friedkin and telling the story of Chanel relationship with the composer Stravinsky. Potentially less chic is a forthcoming TV mini-series starring Shirley MacLaine.


Gabrielle Chanel was born on 19 August 1883 in the French province of Saumur. Her father, Albert Chanel, was a market trader. Her mother, Jeanne Devolle, was of humble origins, bore several children and died young, in 1895, leaving her daughter to be educated by the nuns at an orphanage in Aubazine. Gabrielle was taught how to sew there and, when holidaying with her sisters, learnt the art of millinery – they loved hats. Aged 20 and based in the garrison town of Moulins, Chanel worked as an assistant in a shop specialising in trousseaux and layettes and then as a seamstress. By night she sang for her supper in cafés and bars and it was there that the slim, slight, dark-haired, black-eyed figure first became known as Coco.

In the early years of the 20th century, Coco Chanel moved in with Etienne Balsan, a famous horse breeder, and although not accepted by the elevated echelons of society in which he circulated, she became an accomplished horse woman and among the first of her sex to dare to wear jodhpurs. In order to deflect the received ideas of a mistress, dressed in the requisite frills and furbelows of the Belle Epoque style, Chanel set to adapting the staples of menswear to her needs, often scandalising others in her entourage by actually wearing men's clothing. "A woman is always over-dressed and never sufficiently elegant," she said later and few did more to correct that fact than Chanel . Her uniform of strictly tailored, unembellished garments topped with nothing more frothy than a straw boater caught on and it wasn't long before she was making hats, in particular, for her friends.

In her mid-twenties, Chanel was befriended by an English industrialist, the renowned polo player Arthur "Boy" Capel, who duly installed her in an apartment in Paris where she became his lover and began making hats on a more professional basis. By 1910, interest in her minimal and profoundly modern designs was such that she had outgrown this space and opened a shop at Rue Cambon, naming it Chanel Modes. It wasn't long before she had expanded her operation to include a store in Deauville selling clothes as well as hats, and then a fully fledged couture house in Biarritz where, by 1916, she was responsible for 300 employees all dedicated to the task of creating naturally feminine and relatively simple clothing, favouring freedom of movement and rejecting anything even remotely ostentatious or superfluous.

Across the Atlantic – and the American market was as important then as it is today – US Harper's Bazaar picked up on her success, publishing a picture of what they described as "the charming chemise dress", again borrowed from menswear – this time, specifically, a man's shirt. A year later, Chanel cut her lustrous dark hair into a neat bob, the better to suit her naturally androgynous silhouette and sun-tanned skin. Although it is often said that she invented the swimsuit – and it's certainly true that she went on to craft stretch clothing in jersey, formerly the preserve of nothing more haute than men's underwear – here Lagerfeld begs to differ.

"There are no images of Chanel in swimsuits and we know only the heavy bathing-suit costumes she designed for the Ballets Russes' Le Train Bleu," he says. Jean Cocteau also worked on the 1924 production and the collaboration between the fashion designer and the artist, who later also introduced her to Picasso, was to continue for more than 10 years. "But Chanel embodies the idea of the modern women and so she inherited that image too. People think she was the first. In fact she was not, but she is remembered that way. Now sportswear is all over the world and is not only worn for sport. Some sportswear and some sports did not exist in Chanel's time, but they represent something she would have liked if she had known it."

In 1919, Capel, described by Chanel as "the love of her life", was killed in a car crash and she threw herself into her work creating many of the looks that remain the staple of the contemporary woman's wardrobe to this day. In 1926 she designed her first "little black dress", described by Vogue as the fashion equivalent of the Ford motorcar; in 1928 she came up with her first tweed suit. That is not to say that her personal life was anything but colourful. Over the years she was linked to the exiled Russian Grand Duke, Dimitri Pavlovich, related to Tsar Nicholas II, who introduced her to Ernest Beaux (the perfumier with whom she created Chanel No 5) and to the sparkling beauty of baroque jewellery. She was also the lover of the second Duke of Westminster, Hugh "Bendor" Grosvenor, who shared her life for 10 years, demonstrating the potential power of great wealth – he was widely considered the richest man in Europe at that time – and whose aristocratic English wardrobe inspired her work continuously. "Westminster is elegance itself," she once said. "He never has anything new – I had to go out and buy him some shoes. He has been wearing the same jacket for 25 years." Despite the longevity of their relationship, Chanel refused to marry the Duke. "There have been several Duchesses of Westminster," she would say. "There is only one Chanel."

By 1935, Chanel owned five buildings in Rue Cambon, employed 4,000 people and was at the height of her power. In 1939, however, and just before the outbreak of war, she closed her couture house, stating: "I thought there wouldn't be any more dresses." She would, of course, have been able to live out the rest of her days in splendour, profiting from the sale of accessories and fragrance alone. Throughout the Occupation, Chanel spent most of her time at the Paris Ritz where she conducted an affair with a Nazi officer. At the end of the war she was arrested – though not charged – for collaboration and spent the following years in relative obscurity based in Switzerland. And that could have been that.

Some things are not to be, however, and in 1954, at the grand old age of 71 and spurred on at least in part by her rancour at the immense success of Christian Dior's proudly people-pleasing and retrogressive New Look, she began designing couture collections once more. Dior, she said, was "a madman" for wanting to put women back into corsets and overblown skirts. There was nothing for it but to show the world once again how it might be done.

While the French – by then in the thrall of not only Dior but also Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain and Jacques Fath – were less than effusive over Chanel's new designs, emancipated American women were more quick on the uptake, viewing her softly tailored jackets, silk blouses and wrap-over skirts as more fitting for women in the latter part of the 20th century than anything her competitors had to offer. It wasn't long before what was described as "The Chanel Look" was restored to its former glory. It upholds its position as purveyor of all that is quintessentially understated and chic to this day.

"I don't remember the first time I saw the Chanel logo," says Lagerfeld – in its original form, the double C was the fastening on the 2.55 bag. "But I noticed it when I took over Chanel , when real logo power started all over the world. For a company it is very important today because, much more than in the past, we all sell in parts of the world where they cannot read our writing or understand our languages. In one part – a very big part – of the world it is all about signs when they write. They can memorise perhaps the famous "CC" but they have difficulties reading the name first. They find out later. In the past we sold mostly to people who knew our culture and could read English or French. Now it is only a part of our clientele. Logos are the Esperanto of marketing, luxury and business today."

And there is perhaps no more potent signifier of luxury than the name of Chanel – from the logo itself to the cosmetic and fragrance lines, accessories and, of course, clothing. Lagerfeld says that these – and he is speaking of the Chanel jacket in particular – have "a staying-power that is difficult to explain".

The secrets of its success are manifold but inextricably linked to the life, times and pioneering spirit of the late Coco Chanel herself. "Many of Chanel's private dicta have entered into the unspoken rules that still govern fashion," wrote Cecil Beaton in The Glass of Fashion, published in 1954. "Though Chanel herself echoed the theory that fashions are never revived, it is a tribute to her rare and remarkable practicality, and an anomaly in the annals of recorded fashion, that few of her innovations became dated."

More than 50 years on, his words continue to resonate, and of that, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel herself would be proud.

Green with Envy - Bottega Venega Olive Leather Shopper

Despite not having its logo blasted all over, BOTTEGA VENETA has managed to become of the world's most sought after designer handbags based mainly on it's fine craftsmanship and luxury appeal. Even the styles that don't feature the renowned woven buttery leather are stunning, like this olive leather shopper that has the slightest hint of the signature woven look. Bottega Veneta leather tote bag measures approximately 9 W x 8.5 H with a 4 inch depth. Straps measure about 12 inches long with a 5 inch drop. Shop this authentic BOTTEGA VENETA handbag at 28% off now.

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Elaine Turner makes heads turn this season

We're getting ready to launch a brand new inventory of LuxuryVintage Online Store designer handbags and jewelry. It's all pre owned and in great condition for all you bargain hunters out there who love vintage couture fashion items. Save a link to this blog for updates. We should have the LuxuryVintage ready for you within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, take a look at some of the newer arrivals...... Elaine Turner makes heads turn this season:

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.

Elaine Turner Andie Handbag in Platinum

We absolutely adore ELAINE TURNER designer handbags and you will too if you don't already. Beautiful, original and affordable, ELAINE TURNER has been around less than 10 years but has already taken the handbag market by storm. You can tell by her designs that each style is perfectly crafted to be uniquely ELAINE TURNER. The Andie distressed leather shopper in platinum is one of our favorite styles because despite the unoriginal shape, this bag manages to really stand out. Featuring the signature Elaine Turner pink lining, soft lamb leather and custom silver hardware, ELAINE TURNER purses are really a steal considering they are made with all of the elements of more expensive designer purses but cost in the hundreds (vs. the thousands!). Elaine Turner tote bag measures about 11 x 17 x 5 inches. Shop ELAINE TURNER handbags at up to 40% off retail prices now.

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