Shopping Online for a Designer Handbag

by The Bag Lady

Fashionistas are constantly keeping up with the up-to-the-minute trends, especially having "owning" their own designer handbags, one, two, three, -- actually hundreds! If you’re a fashion admirer on a budget, it might be somewhat challenging to find handbags that you can afford. Here are some sites and stores you’ll want to investigate, as well as some tips for shopping if you are hoping to find the best deals.

The internet destination eFashionHouse has an excellent selection for you to select from if you’re looking for any type of designer handbag brands, prices, sizes and styles. You’ll find designs from Versace, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dior, as well as an excellent pre-owned store called LuxuryVintage. The site has everything you require in order to stand out in a crowd and produce your own personal fashion statement.

Online Handbag Blog Resources
If you’re looking for a large designer handbag selection, you’ll also want to check out these Google Blogs: ValueBags.com, LuxuryVintage.com, TanoBag.net, MelieBiancoHandbags.com, MurvalHandbags.net, PietroAlessandro.net, ElaineTurnerHandbags.com, and DesuignersLA.com. Brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, and Fendi are featured, and you will probably save money by shopping through the blogs because the prices are more affordable than in most department stores with additional discount codes posted daily.

You will find Prada messenger bags to use for work or school, and the designer book bags from Prada are fashionable and convenient as well.

Pricing and Style
When you’re trying to locate a designer handbag, it’s best to buy one that will go with just about everything in your closet. Elaine Turner handbags, Murval handbags and Melie Bianco handbags come in a variety of low to moderate prices in black or brown neutral seasonless colors and you can wear them with anything from a business suit, to a t-shirt and jeans. In addition, you want to make sure that you buy a bag that is large enough to fit all the items in it that you will need for the day. Small bags are generally used to carry inside a large day bag or for evening wear, so you want to make sure that it will work for you and your lifestyle.

We don't like using or suggesting online shoppers to use eBay auctions anymore. We've heard too many horror stories about fakes, defective and horrible merchandise being shipped through the auction sites. Some of the stores have handbags and make sure you purchase from a reputable seller. Brands like Isabella Fiore and Chanel are featured at some online stores, and the prices are high. You would probably be better off shopping at a reputable site like eFashionHouse.com where everything is reduced to sell. Write to the site and ask for an additional discount. They will usually send you an extra percent off your purchase when you are ready to place the order. For example, if you send them an email, you may be able to get an extra 5% off Chanel, Chloe, Hermes and other high end items excluded from their Sale sections. Otherwise, if you browse their Sale and Final Clearance sections you can find a huge amount of designer handbags and accessories at an additonal 10% to 20% off using coupon codes OFF 10 and OFF20.

Let's face it. Women love a new purse, and even in economic times where the budgets are tighter, they can afford an Elaine Turner bag, a Murval bag or a Melie Bianco bag. They are all priced just right and very high end fashion designed. Happy online shopping!

Elaine Turner Handbags: So You Love Handbags?

Elaine Turner Handbags: So You Love Handbags?


Check out the Elaine Turner Handbag sale at eFashionHouse.com! Use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off already discount prices. Savings up to 50% off retail! Click here

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

Are you 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.

tags: couture, designer handbags, efashionhouse, designers, no sales tax, final clearance, layaway plan

eFashionHouse offers online shoppers unlimited designer handbag purchases

Unlike other online stores, eFashionHouse.com offers online shoppers freedom to purchase an unlimited amount of designer handbags. Many large department stores limit online designer handbag purchases to one item per customer.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) January 21, 2008 – eFashionHouse announced today they have no limits when it comes to online shoppers. They do not limit the amount of items one customer can purchase. Unlike the department stores who announced on January 10, 2008, a worldwide purchase control of designer handbags, eFashionHouse proclaims the opposite.

“Our Internet business moto is ‘Shopping without Boundaries.’ We are in business to cater to the world,” said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse.com’s owner. Online shoppers can purchase as many items as they want when placing an online order at eFashionHouse.com.

eFashionHouse was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch and recognized by About.com as the top online retailer of Chanel.

eFashionHouse ships worldwide, offers deep discounts off retail, charges no sales tax and provides free USA FedEx delivery for orders over $200. Selling online for over twelve years, eFashionHouse lists high end brands like Chanel, Prada, YSL, Gucci, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Tods, Coach, Tano, Marc Jacobs, Ferragamo, Dior and more.

Unlike many of the other online stores selling the same products, eFashionHouse allows online shoppers to purchase as many designer fashion accessories they want. There’s no limit to the items online shoppers can purchase and the money they can save. eFashionHouse is known for deep discounts on their entire product line.

Aboute FashionHouse.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 StyleWatch Magazine 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 has been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s.

Online Shopping: YVES SAINT LAURENT downtown tote

Online Shopping: YVES SAINT LAURENT downtown tote

NEW ARRIVALS JUST IN AT 21% OFF RETAIL!

The Yves Saint Laurent Resort Line has made its way to eFashionHoue.com at 21% off retail! Clean designs speak for themselves. The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote is available in dark brown or camel tan deerskin leather. The leather tote features goldtone hardware, buckle detail, and double top handles straps. Dimensions of this supple medium tote are about 14″H X 17″L X 7″W, (some areas of the bag are larger depending upon which points are used to measure) which shows the tote is completely practical and large enough for everyday use. Opt for the leather tote; it seems you get more bang for your buck. Both colors are equally gorgeous in Dark Brown or Camel Tan deerskin. And, at 21% off retail, it's a bargain for this hot celeb-carrying tote!

The Power Of The Purse

Click here to see Chanel Handbags below retail

NY Times: The Power of the Purse (Video of Deborah Solomon asking New Yorkers about designer handbags).

The Power of the Purse is a great video of an interview Deborah Solomon of the New York Times did asking people on the street about Designer Handbags and the rising costs. She travles by several high end designer boutiques during the video commenting about Chanel handbags, Prada handbags, Gucci handbags, Armani handbags, and many others. The video is right-on the money. Our question is: When is it going to hit a cap? Are the prices going to continue to rise? Or, do we have to do something about it to make it stop. What can we do?

Our business specializes in the resale of high end designer handbags BELOW THE COST OF RETAIL. We've been online for over twelve years and have seen it all! If you have a comment after you watch the video, please send them to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com.

eFashionHouse Year End Clearance - EXTRA 25% OFF

Dedicated to offering authentic designer handbags and accessories at below retail prices, eFashionHouse.com announced today a New Year's Celebration with final markdowns throughout the website for handbag lovers around the globe.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) January 1, 2008. 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 announced today a year-end clearance with lowered prices throughout the site and an extra 25% off savings on its designer handbags and accessories.

There's nothing fake about this New Year Celebration, and there's nothing fake about the designer fashion accessories sold by eFashionHouse. eFashionHouse made a conscious decision to lower all their prices site wide to celebrate the new year, and to give fashionistas world wide a head's up about the increased prices to expect in 2008 for the same branded products.

In 2005, the average price of a high-end designer purse was about $2000. In 2007, the average price hit about $3000. In 2008, expect prices throughout all major Department Stores and ecommerce sites to increase again. "Some Designers have already increased their new collections as high as 20% per item," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "We don't expect this trend to change or fade in the near future."

Unlike other ecommerce sites, eFashionHouse has systems in place for global shipping. Online since the mid-90's, eFashionHouse has offered its shoppers deep discounts on names like Gucci, Fendi, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Etro, Marc Jacobs, Tods, Burberry, Tano, Furla, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Pietro Alessandro, and many more high-end designer brands. eFashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion stores with an variety of items at all price points. The site was recently recognized by About.com for being the top of three online retailers with below-retail Chanel merchandise -- both, new and vintage. The eFashionHouse.com New Year Celebration requires a coupon discount code to be used at checkout, the code is 25EFH08. The code is valid January 2, 2008 and expires January 11, at which time all items will return to their everyday prices of 25% - 60% off retail.

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.

Free Shipping Final Days Holiday Shopping eFashionHouse.com

Free 2-Day Delivery for Holiday Shoppers is available at http://www.eFashionHouse.com. Use coupon code FREE2DAY during checkout. A $200 minimum purchase is required for this offer. The coupon value is $18.00. Only one coupon code can be used per order. To use more than one coupon, place separate orders.

eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for discount designer handbags. About.com recognized eFashionHouse.com as the top of three online retailers selling below retail priced authentic Chanel handbags and accessories.

Don't wait too long to finish your shopping. eFashionHouse offers free shipping and no sales tax on all its orders. For more details visit the website or contact CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com. Happy Holidays!

eFashionHouse.com Uses Power Blogging for Designer Handbag Customers

Announcing five new blogs devoted to designer handbags purses and accessories.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2007 -- In an effort to let consumers know about the great deals they can find at eFashionHouse.com on a daily basis, eFashionHouse.com, named "Best of the Web" by People magazine StyleWatch for discount designer handbags, creates a fashion network of blogs to feature daily sales and articles related to the trends in designer handbags. eFashionHouse.com's fashion network of blogs includes five individual sites that focus on various brands and topics in designer handbags:

(1.) http://www.valuebags.com/ Discount Designer Handbags & Purses. Created for the budget conscious consumer who wants to carry a high-quality designer handbag but doesn't want to spend a fortune, ValueBags.com highlights a different designer handbag each day (Fab Bag of the Day), from designers like Coach, Dooney & Bourke and BCBG, all at below-retail prices. The blog also features coupon codes and links back to the particular featured handbag.


(2.) http://www.i-globalmall.com/ TANO Handbags Purses & Wallets. Devoted to all things Tano, i-GlobalMall.com is the perfect blog for Tano fans worldwide. Each day the blog features a new Tano style at below-retail prices. Tano lovers will also find articles relating to this trendy, yet reasonably priced, handbag line which offers a variety of styles and colors, not to mention the cleverest handbag names around. Plus visitors will find special coupon codes good for additional discounts off of their favorite Tano handbag.


(3.) http://www.designersla.com/ Handbags, Purses, Jewelry, Clothes - DesignersLA. A great blog dedicated to honoring Los Angeles-based designers, DesignersLA.com features the handbag and accessories from some of the hippest designers in LA. From household names like Juicy Couture and Rachel Pally to smaller labels like Circa Studio and Bells & Whistles, whether you reside in LA land or not, you are sure to love this site detailing all the glitz and glamour that is LA fashion. Plus the site features particular items at a discount prices.


(4.) http://www.luxuryvintage.com/ Vintage Designer Handbags Purses & More. Ever since Hollywood starlets have started showing up on the red carpet in vintage gowns and accessories, vintage handbags and accessories are back in a big way. For those who admire the classic lines of fashion past, then LuxuryVintage.com is for them. Each day the blog features a different vintage designer handbag and accessory, from coveted designers like Chanel and Hermes to one-of-a-king jewelry, vintage groupies will love the looks and the off-retail prices.


(5.) http://www.brandsboutique.com/ Designer Fashion Brands. Despite the recent grumblings about the handbag bubble bursting, we all know that the "it-bag" still reigns supreme. BrandsBoutique.com is for the fashionista who knows that building your handbag collection isn't just about carrying the latest designer craze but about being a true handbag connoisseur. The site not only features a different designer handbag daily but also includes articles that discuss all things handbags, from handbag fads to tips on properly cleaning your handbag.


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 reports increased holiday sales

Sky Valley, California, November 28, 2007 - eFashionHouse.com reported today holiday sales have increased 20% over last year and the average ticket order has also increased.

Anna Miller, President and CEO of privately held i-GlobalMall.com,inc., the owner of eFashionHouse.com, reports more customers are shopping for high end designer handbags and accessories on line than in the past few years. "People are getting more comfortable with on-line shopping for expensive items," said Anna.

eFashionHouse.com has been selling luxury handbags and accessories on line for over 12 years. Anna said she has seen many internet company's selling handbags and accessories come and go over that time period. i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. has been profitable since it's inception and the company has refused the "all out growth" approach that many internet company's have chosen.

eFashionHouse has grown internally without any venture capital funding. Instead, eFashionHouse.com has taken a slow and steady profitable approach, growing it's sales and customer base year after year. Anna said she is not interested in selling $30 million a year in sales if it doesn't make you any money - what's the point! i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. is the owner of 7 internet web sites; eFashionHouse.com, BrandsBoutique.com, LuxuryVintage.com, DesignersLA.com, ItalysOutlet.com, ShoppingBrokers.com and ValueBags.com.

i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. is located in Sky Valley, CA. For more information about eFashionHouse.com pleae visit the website located at http://www.efashionhouse.com/ or contact them by sending an email to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com or phone 310-828-1281.

Discount Designer Handbags Shopping

from googlechina

Every time someone hears the word designer, they automatically think of outrageous prices that make buying a handbag made by a fashion designer out of the question. What people do not realize is that the designer does feature affordable discount handbags shopping incentives for their regular customers, and clientele.

These top named fashion designers go further to offer designer handbags shopping frills, that will deliver the designer original purse to your front door, or any other location that you want to in the whole world. Many celebrities find this type of service very nice when they are on location in Italy and have an awards ceremony to go to.

For the regular consumer, who does not make millions a year, there are designer handbags shopping opportunities at retail outlets on the Internet. These online retailers feature top fashion purse designers such as Kate Spade, Kipling, Kathy Van Zeeland, Prada, and of course, Gucci. Even the regular consumer, without star status knows several of these designers names off the top of their heads.

While the designers do enjoy their celebrity status, they are more concerned with providing their customers with their creations, that are more than just a business to them, it is their life's work. A part of the designer is in every handbag that is made, and that is worth the price of the handbag on any day. When discount designer bags shopping, think of the value you are getting and not just a price.

Some Internet stores that specialize in men's & women's designer clothing, will be able to give you fabulous deals on designer handbags that are derived from a treasure trove inventory of over 350 suppliers. When discount designer handbags shopping, you need to consider the vast size of the inventory alone will make shopping so very affordable with these fashion designers.

When discount designer handbags shopping, search for retailers that can offer you 40% discounts on top designer fashions, and then enjoy browsing through as many of the inventories as you can sustain yourself on, because these designs are unique. Not only is owning one of these designer dreams very pleasurable, but gazing on the Internet can be very satisfying as well.

Feel free to compare prices when you go discount designer handbags shopping. That is what makes shopping such a great hobby for three quarters of the female population alone, and men do enjoy shopping for handbags styles too. There are ways to search the Internet for everything you need in designer clothing, and with fashion designer purses, you can search by designer name, style, and materials they are made from.

When you go discount designer handbags shopping, keep in mind that the designer creates more than purses in their product line. The particular areas of interest in designer fashion styles, might include shoes, belts, sunglasses, and a large assortment of timepieces that are one of a kind.

The accessories pieces found while discount designer handbags shopping are simply divine, with small and large MP3 cases, a mini belt bag and a diaper bag, all color coordinated to match perfectly with each other to make the whole creative design pop.

The green ETRO designer handbag photographed
above is available at eFashionHouse.com at 43% off retail.
Please click here for more details

Designer Handbags For All To Enjoy

from The Shopping Guide

Just in recent years designer handbags have made a major comeback from being for the more mature crowd to being a brand that young girls and women of all ages enjoy wearing.I see more of the colorfully designed handbags more than ever. These have become especially popular with the young and hip crowd. You'll see mostly the high school and college level girls wearing the colorful designs. Not to say that the mature crowd doesn't like this look. It's playful and fun and who doesn't like to have fun every once in awhile.

The subtle and earthy toned bags look more sophisticated. Now it seems these handbags are bringing the younger crowd towards developing a liking to them as well. I remember when I was a girl I didn't like my mother's handbag because it was brown all over. It didn't have any color to it. Now, browns and cremes are all I wear in the fall and winter. Funny how things change.Designer handbags have become some of the most popular around. The handbags that were once not so popular, like the leather handbags, are now being made with a more fashionable look. They look younger and more stylish.

Even the crocodile prints with eccentric colors have the designer handbag scene blowing up with popularity. I don't particularly care for this style, but I see them more often being carried by women over forty. Prices range from $100 to $300 for most styles. The more expensive handbags are still fairly priced, ranging from $300 to $500. You can find cute DB handbags and many other handbags in high-end department stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor or Nordstrom.

Here's a little secret...look for coupons from these stores in the newspapers around the holidays to get 15%-20% off most items. That is when I get to shop for my goodies. My husband gets excited when he sees the savings, too!Speaking of saving money...did you know that you can buy designer label products online? There are online stores that sell the top of the line handbags and offer discount prices for new items.

eFashionHouse is an online store that offers a vast selection of designer handbags and other products, all discounted. They also have live online auctions where you can bid on a new or slightly used handbag and walk away with the bag of your choice for just a fraction of what you planned to pay. That handbag that you would pay $300 for in the stores, you could end up only paying $150 for online. It's no joke!So, the next time you are window shopping online, like a lot of people like to do, when you decide to buy, try buying it online and see for yourself the huge savings. You'll be glad you did.

eFashionHouse.com Designer Handbag Discounter Saves Shoppers Money

Desert Hot Springs, CA (PRWEB) November 14, 2007 -- Dedicated to offering its customers authentic designer handbags and accessories at discount prices, eFashionHouse.com, named "Best of the Web" by People Magazine StyleWatch for discount designer handbags, offers its valued clientele the chance to receive additional savings through Free Gift News, an email savings program which delivers information about weekly sales and coupon codes to subscribers' emails.

Customers who subscribe to Free Gift News will receive exclusive savings and coupon codes. Each week eFashionHouse.com sends a Free Gift News email announcing special savings and coupon codes to use for an additional 20-30% off eFashionHouse.com's deeply discounted merchandise.

"We are constantly looking for ways to pass the savings onto our customers, which is exactly what Free Gift News does. Subscribers receive additional discounts on their order just by signing up for Free Gift News," says Anna Miller, CEO of eFashionHouse.com. "Each week we feature additional sales on featured brands, as well as holiday promotions and secret sales."Due to recent updates to the eFashionHouse.com network, Free Gift News was recently unavailable. It's now back and subscribers will receive coupon codes that equal additional savings toward featured designers like Gucci, Prada, Chloe, Tods, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Christian Dior, Fendi and many more of today's brands often hard to find on sale, let alone 50%, 60% or more off retail.

In order to receive the additional savings featured in the Free Gift News, visit http://www.efashionhouse.com and subscribe by entering a designated email address. You'll start receiving savings instantly and can unsubscribe at any time. Free Gift News is free and everyone with an email address is eligible.

As an added incentive for the holidays, eFashionHouse.com is offering free shipping with a minimum purchase and shoppers pay no sales tax world wide.

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.

Shopping Online for the Best Discount Designer Handbags

from Designer Handbags: Simply Marvelous Beauty

Want to to know how & where to shop for the best discount designer handbags?


There are many great designer handbags on the market of course, but one of their few drawbacks is the fact that they are so expensive that at times no money will be left over to put in that great new purse. Finding the best discounted designer handbags can give you the best of both worlds and help you get the great purse you need and still have some money left over to put in that great new handbag.


Finding the best discounted designer handbags is not always easy of course, and it is important to shop around for the best possible combination of quality, style and value. There are many different types of great handbags on the market, from value brands and low cost brands to the most expensive designer handbags on the market. Choosing the best designer handbags at the best price is one of the most important decisions any shopper can make.


Every woman knows, after all, that a handbag or purse is much more than just a place to keep a couple of extra dollars. A purse or handbag is as much a fashion statement as it is a practical item, and it is important to consider both practical matters and stylistic ones.


When it comes to practical considerations for discounted designer handbags, a number of things come to mind. One of the most important things to consider is the size of the bag. Handbags these days come in a wide range of styles, from the tiniest evening bags and clutches to the largest messenger bags and hobo styles. Most women, of course, will purchase a number of different purses and handbags for a number of different purposes, making it even more important to get the best price on the bags you buy.


In addition to the right style, it is important to get the best style as well. There are countless different kinds of fabrics, colors, textures and styles of discounted designer handbags, and these handbags are available in a wide variety of fabrics and leathers as well. It is important to choose a style that best suits your own needs, and to consider the use of the handbag as you shop.


For instance, many women will choose a discount designer handbag with a classic style and neutral color for everyday use, and choose more unique colors and styles for special occasions. It is important to consider your own taste and style, as well as the current trends, when deciding on the perfect type of purse for your own needs.


Finding the best combination of style, price and value is not always easy, but handbags are among the most important of all fashion accessories. Knowing where to shop for the best designer purses, and where to get the best prices on those purses, will allow you to get the best possible value for your money, while still leaving plenty of money to put in that great new handbag. After all, while everyone loves the beauty and style of a great designer bag, it is always important to get the best price on the products you need.

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How to Keep Designer Hand Bags Looking Brand New

Women carry their purses just about everywhere, including into public restrooms, sporting events, smoky bars and even preschool classrooms. Inevitably, the most carried bags end up being accidentally set in a mystery puddle or being touched by sticky hands, so in order to keep their bags looking like new women need to know how to properly care for their favorite designer hand bags.


Cleaning Purses Properly


Proper cleaning methods for purses varies depending on the bag and material it is made out of. Sometimes discount designer bags come with cleaning instructions, which are helpful when its time to clean up a bag. Nylon bags are perhaps the easiest to care for because they are more durable and water resistant. Standard home cleaning products can be used to scrub off any stains, which makes tackling a stain a piece of cake. Take note; before scrubbing down the nylon bag, be sure and test a small corner of the bag just in case discoloring occurs. Moreover, with Nylon discount designer bags, you can even take preventative measures -- spray your bag with Teflon or ScotchGuard.


Leather purses pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to sprucing them up because cleaning them can alter their color or appearance. Also, it is important to note that leather designer hand bags should never be cleaned with home cleaning products. Instead, determine what type of stain is on the leather and then go from there. For example, new blood or food stains can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but an oil or grease based stain can be cleaned by placing an absorbent material, such as chalk, on the stain for about a day. For specifics on leather care and stain removal, it is wise to contact leather specialists to ensure that you don't accidentally cause your discount designer bags more harm than good.


When it comes to cloth purses, it is best to take them to be treated at a trusted dry cleaner. This is recommended because if a stain is accidentally rubbed into the fabric when it is being cleaned by a novice it could ruin the bag forever.


More Tips


To ensure that your designer hand bags don't need to be cleaned too often, be conscious of which bag you take with you for a day at the zoo or a night out on the town. If you think there's a good chance that you might set your purse down in an unexpected substance, then be sure to take an easy-to-clean purse out with you. Also, regularly checking over your bags for spots or stains can help you tackle stains early, which means they'll be easier to get out in the long run.


The author recommends http://www.efashionhouse.com/ for amazing discounts on designer bags. Visit the website for more information.


Article Source: EzineArticles - Michael Champlin

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Fab Bag of the Day - Michael Kors

Michael Kors offers a variety of durable purses for a moderate price. His styles are perfect for everyday. The collection is primarily pebble grain leather and MK monogram canvas with contrasting leather trim. Most of the Michael Kors designs this season include lots of pockets both inside and outside of the purse to ensure safe and secure contents. The Michael Kors handbags are perfect gifts for the upcoming holidays. Shop early for the best selection and prices.

MICHAEL KORS designer handbags beige medium darlington shoulder bag designer purses. Measures approximately 12 W x 11 H with a 4.5 inch depth. The strap measures about 19 inches long with a 7 inch drop. Magnetic snap top closure. Beige jacquard fabric with MK initials. The leather is dark brown. Face of bag has a snap closure pocket with Michael Kors embossed on the brass hardware. Base of bag has four brass feet. Fully lined interior with one zippered pocket and multiple open pockets. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

To see this bag, click here.

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Years of record growth for handbag sales could be over

By Cotten Timberlake Bloomberg News

NEW YORK: The $7 billion market in the United States for handbags, the fastest-growing product in the fashion industry, might be slowing from the record growth seen in recent years.

Some analysts and retailers say that the increases in U.S. handbag sales may have peaked, as competition from other accessories like shoes and jewelry heats up and as higher gasoline and mortgage costs slows consumer spending.

The sales increases that reached as high as 28 percent in 2004, the strongest annual pace on record, could fall back to as little as 15 percent this year, with no signs of recovering before 2009, according to the Telsey Advisory Group, a stock research firm in New York.

The firm was founded by Dana Telsey, a retail industry analyst who was ranked the top speciality stores analyst by Institutional Investor magazine every year in the seven years to 2005.

Stephen Sadove, chief executive of Saks, said the handbag's status as a must-have item is being challenged.

"It used to be all about the shoes and our woman had so many shoes in her closet, then it became the multiplicity of handbags," Sadove told investors at a Goldman Sachs conference in September. "What you are seeing now is a new trend, which is branded designer fine jewelry."

Handbag makers, led by Coach and Louis Vuitton, are vying for the attention of affluent consumers, who are turning their attention to items like Tory Burch ballet flats and David Yurman bracelets, retail executives said.

"The handbag business has softened up a little bit," said Kathryn Deane, president of Tobe, a fashion consulting firm in New York whose clients have included Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. "When the consumer looks at accessories, she is not just looking at handbags anymore."

U.S. sales of handbags costing at least $100 could expand 20 percent this year, compared with a 22 percent increase last year, according to research from Coach, a maker of handbags and other accessories in New York. Coach and Telsey began providing sales data on handbags in 2001, after demand began to soar in the late 1990s.
Patricia Edwards, who helps manage investments including Coach shares at Wentworth, Hauser & Violich in Seattle, said, "Slower growth in the handbag segment overall is a prudent outlook given the economic situation we find ourselves in right now."

Coach, whose handbags sell for $200 to $400, expects overall revenue, which also includes jewelry, shoes and fragrances, to rise 21 percent in the year through June 28, 2008, said its chief financial officer, Michael Devine, at an analyst meeting at the company's headquarters in New York in September. In the year that ended in June, the company recorded a 28 percent rise, with handbags accounting for 64 percent of Coach's sales.

Sales at Coach stores in North America that have been open at least a year will rise "north of 10 percent," Devine said. His guidance is similar to what the company has said in previous years. In the year that ended in June, those sales rose 22 percent.

Coach is introducing three handbag lines this year. The retailer will need popular new products and a more buoyant economy to sustain the revenue gains of recent years, said Edwards, at Wentworth Howard.

"The growth further out might be more problematic unless they have a fabulous product line coincidental with better economic news," Edwards said.

While sales gains may be slowing, handbags are still leading the growth in the U.S. fashion industry, ahead of earrings, wallets and other small leather goods, according to NPD Group, a market research firm in Port Washington, New York.

Coach shares have risen 8.6 percent this year through Monday, outpacing the 7.7 percent climb for LVMH stock and the 1.5 percent decline for the Standard & Poor's 500 index of 29 U.S. retailers Louis Vuitton has found that "growth in the U.S. luxury market segment continues to accelerate on an annual basis," said Molly Morse, a spokeswoman for the company. She declined to provide more detailed figures, and Louis Vuitton does not provide revenue figures for its various divisions.

John Guy, an analyst at MF Global Securities in London, estimated that sales of fashion and leather goods at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, could slow from the 11 percent growth recorded in 2006.

At Prada, based in Milan, "we are growing the handbag business at a faster pace compared to other product categories," said a spokesman, Tomaso Galli, who declined to give specific figures. "We plan to continue to do so going forward." Prada and Gucci, owned by PPR, declined to provide sales forecasts.

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The Fendi Handbag - Find One On Sale

by Tori A Hewitt

What do you think of when you hear the name Fendi? Fashion? Quality? Timeless Elegance? Long recognized as a trend setter in the world of high fashion, Fendi symbolizes the highest quality in craftsmanship, painstaking attention to detail and only the most fashionable of clothing and accessories.

The Baguette is most widely recognized and coveted Fendi handbag. The vintage Baguette is a Fendi handbag that is part of the pop culture of the 1990s, believed by some to be a cult object and seen by others as a status symbol. However you see the Fendi Baguette, you must agree that it is a well recognized icon in the realm of designer accessories.Part of the appeal of the Fendi Baguette lies with its great simplicity. The short shoulder strap was a unique and revolutionary design at the time the Fendi Baguette was brought to market, and the name is so appropriate to the way the Fendi handbag is carried.

The association between carrying the handbag under ones arm to the manner in which the French tend to carry their loaves of baguette bread implies both elegance and comedy.Even though the Baguette may be the most widely recognized of Fendi handbags, Fendi has a comprehensive and diverse line of designer handbags.

There are more than 100 handbags available in the current Fendi handbag line, and they range in price from $175 to more than $1,000.The least expensive Fendi handbag is the Zucca Brown Handbag, which is both simple and practical. The retail price on this bag is $450, but it can regularly be found at the discount rate of $175.

Even though this Fend handbag is at the low end of the Fendi price spectrum, it is a high-quality handbag made with the excellent craftsmanship for which Fendi is famous.At the other extreme of the price range lies the Fendi designer FF monogram canvas shearling trim designer purse. Costing more than $1,000, this Fendi handbag is made of a combination of the highest leather with FF monogram canvas and features engraved hardware. Additional features include a full interior lining with a pocket.

There are numerous other Fendi handbags available between these two extremes of the pricing spectrum. When you decide to invest in a Fendi handbag, you will be purchasing a superior quality and highly fashionable elegant handbag that will likely last for a lifetime.

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A Handbag Defines a Woman' s Outfit

A handbag defines a woman' s outfit, and adds the finishing touches that all women enjoy having to contribute to an attractive and stylish appearance. Having the proper bag for most women is as important as having the proper pair of shoes, wearing the right dress, having appropriate earrings, or any other type of jewelry or accessory. In fact, accessorizing a person' s appearance through use of the right bag is something that most women learn at a very early age and it is a lesson that sticks with them for a lifetime of fashion consciousness.

A young woman for instance may decide that a shoulder style handbag is more appropriate for her looks and her lifestyle than some of the more formal bags that older women wear. Many times young women carry bags that are quilted or made of denim fabric. Others prefer a handbag made of leather or another material that is water resistant. The choices are many, and no one type of handbag is more right than any other as it comes down to personal preference.

Bags Change with Age

When a woman becomes more mature the type and style of handbag she carries is still quite important, but the style will probably change. A career minded woman will want to carry a bag that is practical and businesslike, and yet still feminine. Many times a woman will carry a leather bag made by a well known designer. Some will go for a retro looking handbag, others a replica handbag that resembles the designer bag. Still others will go for top quality in a bag preferring a name like Gucci over some of the handbags that are perceived to be less stylish.

Whatever handbag a woman chooses to carry, the choice is an individual one. Picking the handbag that is right for her is a woman' s prerogative. Men, when choosing gifts for women should keep in mind the types of bags they have seen the woman carry in the past. When in doubt it is always wise for a man to ask another woman, perhaps the sales person in the store, for advice on choosing the right bag. A Skilled sales person can get an idea of a person' s lifestyle and help choose the proper bag. Whatever the choice made happens to be, a handbag is an individual accessory, but all women carry them.

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Fendi's charmed circle; Dolce & Gabbana come into the light

By Suzy Menkes

Published: September 27, 2007

MILAN: A liquid softness, translucent fabrics, bigger volumes, long, full hemlines and artistic prints - as the Milan shows draw to a close, that is the point of view of designers who all seem to be striving for a modern romance.

When Karl Lagerfeld talks of the "birth of the day" and its streaks of dawn pink and pale blue, referring to the soft hues in his Fendi show, you know that times are changing. Likewise, Dolce & Gabbana exchanged sirens of the night for sylphs of summer as the designers' more familiar heavy metal and sultry sex were eclipsed by artsy flowers.

This surprising consensus among disparate designers is what we call fashion. And if their proposals are acceptable to women, there will be a change of mood and of silhouette for spring/summer 2008.

The Fendi show was celebrating, in discreet style, 10 years of the Baguette bag, which Silvia Venturini Fendi described as "timeless," saying: "I think the Baguette deserves a longer life than an 'It' bag."
For the show, against the canvas of Lagerfeld's semi-sheer mid-calf dresses, worked on a circle format, the Baguette bags were shown in varying sizes and decorated with big raindrops of beads and inset snakeskin clouds to go with the overall watery theme. That was reinforced by liquid flowing through looping pipes on both the backdrop and runway.

Fendi's charmed circle; Dolce & Gabbana come into the lightCoping with celebrity, the red carpet character testPrivate equity firms ready to cash in on luxury brandsThe idea was worked both in - and on - the graceful dresses, some with a perfect round of sleeve or collars; others with circle prints that Lagerfeld called "controlled graphics," inspired by the work of the DaDa artist François Picabia. "I was in the mood for print but didn't want flowers, so I thought of a rainbow," said Lagerfeld to explain how the arc turned into a circle.
Why did this cultured, elegant and well-thought out Fendi collection miss out on the emotional charge fundamental to a great show? Like a square peg in a round hole, Lagerfeld's transformation from a designer of sharp lines and silhouettes to a sweeter softness seemed slightly forced, although he played a masterly game of angular against circular, with geometric pieces buckling a circle of a belt.

The mid-calf dresses, white and semi-opaque, worn over shorts, caught a sporty modernity. But other dresses, especially those with soft gray and pink patterns, looked almost like a 1950s revival. But it was a good show with a clear vision. And that circle is going to play perfectly in China, where Fendi is off to do a show on the Great Wall and where, with serendipity, a circle symbolizes happiness.

It was a happy fashion moment to see Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana emerge from their dark, sharp club world and move on. The show started with paintbrushes dabbling on silk, running rivulets of color with Jackson Pollock enthusiasm to create bold, abstract flowers. From the small screen to the big stage as the video of work-in-progress in the Dolce & Gabbana studio morphed into the artistically patterned dresses spreading skirts like modern art canvases across the runway.

This was Dolce & Gabbana light - airy bubbles of skirts, caging nets of fabric, bouncy short hemlines and artsy evening gowns echoing Christian Lacroix in his haute pouf heyday.

But this colorful show was also about light in a different sense. The design duo let daylight in on their nighttime party clothes, moving into a parallel universe where women step out in pants and a gauzy shirt, swinging a flat bag (itself an artistic object) with a smaller purse attached. They even allowed themselves to show a lean pantsuit, displaying their tailoring side that has been idling for a while.

The main change in silhouette was that, as elsewhere in Milan, things had loosened up, moving away from last season's clinging sexiness with shiny metallic accessories. No one has ever doubted that Dolce & Gabbana had a more romantic side, and it was a wise move to turn to that sweeter register.

Even the footwear veered between not-too-high heels on laced shoes and summer flats. Not everything worked. A dress with a braiding of drapes looked like a fitted dress suddenly come undone. And some of the evening ball poufs were pure theater.

But the flowers were oh-so-pretty! - from sweet wisteria and orchids to more abstract dabs. They were a metaphor for the change in spirit from pert to pastoral. A slightly heavier theme reflected the flocked wallpaper of the backdrop and produced velvet brocades of William Morris-style patterns. But the overall result was of charming dresses that were mostly wearable and covetable.

Pucci does Cheyenne on a road trip down Route 66? Now that sounds like an unlikely fashion destination for the aristocratic Emilio. But with desert sand and coral colors - not the least of which was on the neon-patterned backdrop - the designer Matthew Williamson created a refreshing take Thursday on Emilio Pucci's noble heritage.

The designer's own boho instincts draw him toward a 1970s aesthetic. But this show was not so much retro as ethnic American in a hyper-sophisticated way, right down to feather pieces dangling from curving platform sandals. A chamois leather jacket, with a snakeskin mosaic of Pucci patterns, was a standout piece with Western influence.

But Williamson did not go wild for the West - apart from those sunset and sandstorm colors. "I was inspired by the archives and the boxy shapes Emilio did," said the designer, referring to square-cut dresses filled with geometric patterns that were in line with the general widening of shapes.

Since a little of Pucci pattern goes a long way, a sand-yellow suit, cinched with a wide belt, or a long, draped dress in solid colors of pink and orange gave a break from the prints. A chamois dress with the pattern cut like a doily into the suede was a master work - but not necessarily as desirable as a square-cut sweater worn with a pair of sloppy pants. Pucci could do with more simple sportswear pieces, which Williamson offers only as seductive swimwear.

But the British designer is making a good, straightforward job with brand Pucci - and there was one very satisfied client. The Pucci board member Delphine Arnault Gancia, of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton dynasty, wore a simple dress with a big history. The print was first designed for Marilyn Monroe but re-colored by Williamson. Just one of the ways that the designer is modernizing Pucci and giving it new life.
Suzy Menkes is fashion editor at the International Herald Tribune.

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Fine Sense Of Designer Bags

Written by EditorsChoice

Thursday, 27 September 2007

We are enraptured by the sense and styles that the actresses all wear. A designer bag can make or break an outfit; the bag is just as important as any other accessory you put on your body. Just watch any celebrity on the T.V screen you can see most reporters will talk about whose designer bag are they sporting. But whether we want to admit it or not designer bags are the one of the most expensive item you can purchase. We are just like any other person out there as we like to watch which celebrity is sporting the newest designer bag trend or style. Of course, we too, would like to own one ourselves. The question is which bags are celebrities are buying and wearing now and days? Here are a a few of the brands some of the celebrities are wearing this season or buying.

Prada Gauffre Antik handbag - Designed by Prada, its popular amongst such celebrities as Ashley Simpson, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham. The Gauffre Antik bag is richly trimmed, with lots of room to insert items for day and travel.

Yves Saint Larent Muse handbag - This little number is in the consent pages of glamor mags. You'll find celeb's like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba sporting the bag. This bag is roomy and sturdy with its heavy stitching.

The Balenciaga Boston Handbag - Elegance with well blended color schemes. It dons the shoulders of Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Anna Kournikova. The boston handbag has rich tones and top not stitching.

Jimmy Choo Mahala handbag - This bag hits top score with the likes of celebs such as Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson and Eva Mandes. Easy to tote with zippers galore, this bag is quite the style icon in its own right.

Christian Dior Gaucho handbag - This nifty little handbag sports details that accent the bag perfectly. Celebs such as Jessica Alba, Ashley Olsen, Kate moss, and Keria Knightly enjoy its extra features like a cell phone holder. It comes with many pockets so you can stuff your heart out. Plus it comes in many styles and colors to boot too.
These are just a few of what the celebrities are wearing over their shoulders. You can still sport a designer bag but you just have to shop around for the best affordable price in the store.

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Marc Jacobs Trendy And Unique Designer Handbags

There are a multitude of designers out there. From Gucci to Guess to Kate Spade to Prada. Have you noticed that many of the handbags look alike in style and color? Marc Jacobs stands alone as an independent designer who has developed and promoted trendy handbags that are like none other.

Marc Jacobs has a unique style of casual vintage grunge with sophistication. He is a young designer who prides himself on being unique and bold with his use of colors and designs. He is adored and respected across the board from rock stars to Hollywood starlettes. He has a diverse crowd of followers who are looking for something different that is not mainstream.

Marc Jacobs was born in New York City and studied at the Parsons School of Design. He originally designed hand knit sweaters. While he was still in college, he has won numerous awards including the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble and other prestigious awards. His first collection was ?sketchbook? and he was a partner with Robert Duffy. After working with him for several years, Marc Jacobs went out on his own.

He designs clothing and handbags for both men and women. He introduced his handbag collection in 2000. One of the most popular is the satchel which has a zipper closure with a belt like strap. The strap doubles as a shoulder strap or it can be carried by hand. Typically, the purses are lined in suede. The purses retail for $1,000 however, if you shop on line you make be able to find an authentic Marc Jacobs handbag for around $500-$600.00.

The Hobo handbag is made of soft leather with two front flaps. It has a front pocket with a buckle and a double shoulder strap. Other popular handbags include the lambskin quilted Stam bag, Ursula Bowler, Luxury Leather Marisa and Ventia Bronze.

The Spring line of Marc Jacobs handbags include a white calf leather and is named Karolina White. The Elise is quilted with a vintage look. The leather straps are rolled and it has a roomy interior. Also a pocket for a cell phone and many small functional compartments which makes this handbag very practical.

Womens Daily magazine named him the ?Guru of Grunge?. The line includes bright colors, many layers, stripes and large prints. Marc Jacobs is known for going against the grain and he is not afraid to take chances and risks. In 2002, Marc Jacobs designed a yoga bag to benefit Cancer research. He is also working on an accessory line to compliment his handbags. His style has been desribed as edgey and he is described as an enlightened designer who is forward thinking. If you are looking for a unique handbag pay attention to the Marc Jacobs line and see what is next on the horizon. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised.

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The death of luxury

Outrageously expensive handbags have become the new status symbols. Some women I know will have to avoid this book like the plague for it will ruin their favourite self-indulgence, shopping for mostly unnecessary, always expensive designer items.

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Lustre (Penguin, $37) looks at the world of designer brands from every conceivable angle. Author Dana Thomas is a Newsweek journalist who's covered the fashion beat for years and for this 346-page expose she click-clacked round the world on her Manolos researching the history and modern reality of the best-known luxury brands: Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more. What she discovered is that much of it - although thankfully not all - is just one great big con.

The luxury goods industry is a US$157 billion ($214 billion) business and many of the once-family run companies founded in the 18th and 19th centuries by artisans have been snapped up by big conglomerates. LVMH, for example, is run by French tycoon Bernard Arnault and owns up to 50 flash brands including Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon and Givenchy. To companies like this, argues Thomas, luxury is now all marketing and the bottom line is an exercise in cynicism that has turned what was once covetable into something available to anyone, anywhere. "In order to make luxury accessible," writes Thomas, "tycoons have stripped away all that has made it special."

Thanks to Hollywood stars photographed parading the streets clutching a double mocha latte in one hand and an It-bag in the other, crazily expensive handbags have become objects of desire for women once content to tote their necessities in something more modest. Now they spend thousands on a Bottega Veneta woven leather bag. Handbags are the perfect "entry "level" designer purchase. This thrills the design houses, especially when Vuitton can sell a handbag for about13 times what it costs to make. And, although the companies deny it, Thomas says she's seen how many brands manufacture goods in China where production costs are 30 to 40 per cent less than in Italy.

This was a brave book to write and it reads as if it has been well researched. The most shocking chapter is on counterfeiting. I had no idea some profits are believed to fund international terrorism.

Thomas does find one place where the rich can still feel special: in a Brazilian design emporium called Daslu. There you get your own salesgirl - a Dasluzette - and can spend three days exploring the vast interconnecting salons stuffed with desirable things. It sounds splendid.

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Prada Handbags Fashionable Designer Handbags From Italy

from Brandsofhandbags.com

Prada handbags may go down in history as the most fashionable handbags. They are made of high quality materials and carry a sense of elegance. Some people describe them as works of art.

The company is based in Italy and they manufacture all of their products. Mario Prada founded the company in the early 1900's. The first stores were in Milan where they started selling, handbags, luggage and shoes.

The handbags are described as luxurious and carry a very unique sense of style. However, the handbags are known to be simplistic and elegant.

The first handbags were made from walrus skins and then finer leathers were used. The handbags are designed with intricate details and the company uses crystals, shells and wood to add fine details to the design of the handbag. The handbags are sold in the United States, Europe and throughout the world.

The company's original founder Mario retired the company to his granddaughter in the 1970's. She has since owned and expanded the company. His granddaughter Miuccia had an eye for fashion. She actually expanded and developed the company to include more haute couture items. The Pocone became the most popular handbag in the United States. It is a large nylon, waterproof backpack handbag. Miuccia Prada has won numerous awards including a special achievement award from the National Italian American Foundation in 2000. Prada handbags are known to be both practical and fashionable which can be a rare combination.

In an effort to reach a younger population, the company introduced the Miu Mui collection in 1992. The emphasis turned to more earthy, practical colors and more of a hobo type design. The designs were compared to expensive vintage items. Also, a sport collection was introduced, chidlren's clothes, cosmetic, home and a children?s line was introduced. Also, belts and other accessories were designed and promoted.

It is difficult these days to discern the authentic Prada handbags from the imitations. The design of the Prada symbol is easily duplicated which makes the company a target for imitators.

One of the most popular Prada handbags is the Prada backpack which is described as a ?must have.?It retails for approximately $350.00. It has two pocket compartments in the front with a drawstring closure, buckle and snap. The inside lining is Parda?s signature black lining.

Another popular handbag is the Prada Shoulder bag which is made of soft nylon and has details of leather patches. It looks similar to a tote with black top stitching and a zippered pocket.

The messenger bag is very popular as it is similar to a purse and a briefcase in one. It has a very roomy interior with small side pockets.

The Wall Street Journal ahs named Miuccia one of the thirty most influential women in the world. She took over the company from her grandfather and made it one of the hottest fashion empires in the world.

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Tano Handbags: Affordable Leather Handbags

from Brandsofhandbags.com

Do you love the smell and feel of leather? When asked, the company answer that all of their products are made of leather and leather and leather. Then you may want to consider a Tano handbag. The chick designs and colors will make you a dedicated follower of these stylish bags that are fashionable and trendy. The company headquarters are based out of New York and the products are sold internationally.

They are economically designed and range in price from $50 to $200.00. The quality of the design and use of top of the line products make these handbags very fashionable and very affordable. The handbags are only sold in specialty shops and boutiques. They do have an exclusive website and products can be bought directly on line. They boast of having an anti department store rule because they do not want to become mass merchandisers.

The Boogie Bucket is a very popular handbag. It is made of a silky smooth leather and has a matte finish. All of the handbags are lined. This handbag features an adjustable shoulder strap and comes in some vibrant colors such as green, melon, ocean blue and floral orange.

The Jet Setter is made of Italian tag leather and has a very smooth texture. It is very lightweight and portable. It is available in brown and blue.

Oversized handbags. These bags are hand stained to give them a rich tone on tone look. There are small pockets for cell phones with an adjustable strap. The retail price is approximately $150.00.

Other popular handbags are the Misunderstood bag, Depeche bag, Lhasa Apso , Sid Delicious, Miss Congenialty, Lost Art, Stevie Kicks, Bottle Blond, Hollywould, Love Boat and Sex Bomb. The company is owned by a 35 mother of three. She admits to being a shopaholic and started with the company as a buyer. Recently, the original owner?s sons have taken over the business and have expanded the product line.

The owners describe the purchase of their hand bags as a sensual experience. They want consumers to touch and feel their hand bags and absolutely adore them before deciding to purchase them.

The company values the exclusivity of their designs and do not want women to be carrying just another bag. They pride them selves on craftsmanship and unique designs and colors. The bags are described as soft, squishy and comfortable.

There are a multitude of handbags available from trendy Gucci to quilted Vera Bradley and at times, it is difficult to choose. If you are love with leather Tano is definitely worth the price. The bags are very fashionable and they come in an array of styles and unique colors. If you cannot decide, buy two or three. After all, you need handbags for a variety of different occasions.

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Gucci Handbags: A Long Tradition Of Quality And Class

from Brandsofhandbags.com

Have you heard of them? Chances are that you have as they are one of the most famous and well known brands across the world. They are probably one of the most popular name brands. It is known as a haute couture company with sophisticated patterns and designs that are traditional and trendy. The company was established in the 1920's by Guccio Gucci and Italian from Florence , Italy who wanted to manufacture high quality leather goods. The label carries the infamous two Gs after the founder's name. He and his wife Aida had 6 kids and two of his sons ended up inheriting the company and fighting for control of it.

Their first handbag was made with bamboo handles and it is still manufactured today. They also manufacture perfume and watches. The first specialty stores opened in London, Paris and New York. The company then moved east into Japan, Hong Kong and Korea.

They come in an array of styles, sizes and colors. The name Gucci stands alone for quality and durability. The handbags have been known to last a lifetime and they rarely show signs of wear even after years. They are reasonably priced with the consumer in mind.

They can be found across the country and world in specialty shops, department stores and on line. If you carry a Gucci, you are carrying a quality name and product.

Some very famous Vanity Fair cover ladies such as Jackie Onassis, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn could be seen carrying a Gucci handbag.

The company became a corporation in the 1980's after the founder died. The Gucci team diversified as other well known designers such as Geoff Beene and Calvin Klein assisted in the design of merchandise.

One of their most popular handbags is the one made out of silk and leather. It is a Gucci signature pink and has a handcrafted strap made of bamboo. It has an elegant look because of the gold tabs and link chain. This handbag sells for approximately $450.00.

The Hobo bag is meant for casual wear or it can be dressed up if needed. It looks expensive but is reasonably priced. It is made of calf leather and has gold tabs with a soft interior lining. It sells for approximately $250.00.

The large White Tote is also very popular. It is known for its elegance and graceful lines. It comes in variegated colors of beige and tan and has gold tabs and a canvas lining. It has some specialty pockets for a cell phone and extra large pockets. It retails for approximately $200.00.

The Gucci name will be around for a long, long time. The company has expanded and has taken over other well known brands such as Rossi, Yves Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney.

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Burberry Handbags Designer Handbags From The Uk

from Brandsofhandbags.com

Some women consider their handbag to be a device for security as they may carry anything from a weapon to flashlights, to sharp objects to fend off thieves and purse snatchers. While others, consider their small, chic purse a fashion statement.

Burberry makes fine leather purses and they are based out of the United Kingdom. They also manufacture clothing and shoes. They have a signature plaid pattern that is used on almost everything they manufacture. They also have a catalog and fashion line. They have recently introduces a line of baby and infant clothing.

The company was founded the 1800's by a drapery apprentice. Thomas Burberry opened his first store in London in the late 1800's. He started out designing and manufacturing trench coats and then moved on to handbags.

Their handbag collection is diverse and they come in all shapes and sizes. Across the world, Burberry handbags are high quality and are geared towards the professional business woman.

One of their most popular handbags is a checked tote. It is large enough a lunch or any accessory items needed for work. It has two handles and sections and two extra large pockets on the outside. The handbag sells for approximately $450.00.

The Burberry satchel is geared towards a colder climate and would mostly be seen in the Winter. It is a larger handbag with one handle and a magnetic closure. It is made of very high quality leather and retails for approximately $1200.00. You can find it in large department stores, specialty shops and on line.

The Leather Pocket bag is made of stony leather which makes the finish look textured rather than smooth. It is known for its simple and chic design. It has an extra long strap with a buckle. It has a flap closure with extra large side pockets. It has a zippered pocket with a lined interior.

The Primrose Handbag has a nova check pattern. It is the most popular handbag made by Burberry. It has silver engraved tabs and are made of very high quality leather. There are many, many pockets and has a silky lined interior. Typically, this handbag sells for approximately $300.00.

Quality and craftsmanship are known for Burberry handbags. They are known for stylish handbags that come in all shapes and sizes for evening galas, work or shopping on a Saturday afternoon. You will find a Burberry handbag to compliment any outfit or event that you are going to.

They have specialty stores across the world. Some of the larger retail department stores sell their handbags and they have a website where you can purchase their handbags directly from them. Burberry also makes scarves, shoes, wallets and other fine accessories to compliment your handbag. If you are looking for a quality handbag look for Burberry.

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Many find teenagers' expensive tastes both scary and shocking

By Monica Corcoran , Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Jillian Hurwitz doesn’t really need to shop for a back-to-school wardrobe. After all, the stylish 15-year-old attends a private school where she wears a uniform every day. But that didn’t stop her from hitting the racks at the Madison boutique in Brentwood on a recent afternoon.

Forget cruising the mall for $39.99 Gap fall sweaters. At the moment, Jillian is dallying with an armful of designer jackets and jumpers by Marc Jacobs.

“Chanel is definitely my favorite designer,” she says, emerging from the dressing room. She adds that her most prized designer purse is a black Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag, which sells for about $1,200. Her best friend, 14-year-old Jennifer Hourani, prefers her Chloe Paddington handbag. But today, Jennifer is carrying a pristine, white leather Dolce & Gabbana tote (it was shelved after Labor Day).

If this all leaves you aghast, you haven’t spent enough time at the mall lately. Teens have become a force in the luxury market. The days of begging parents for a Benetton rugby or Coach saddle bag are long gone. They don’t just covet luxury goods, they buy them. A lot of them, in fact.

Designer labels make up about 15.3 percent of purchases by 13- to 17-year-olds, according to a recent study by New York-based marketing research company NPD Group. Five years ago, that figure hovered at 9.6 percent. Increasingly, luxury brands are catering to younger customers.

There may be no generation as thoroughly saturated in brand advertising as the one growing up right now. Beyond the glossy ads in magazines and on television, Marc Jacobs runs Internet campaigns, celebrities are paid to brandish luxury goods (and what they wear is dutifully chronicled in gossip columns and Web sites) and luxury campaigns feature preteen spokesgirls. Not to mention label names are actual plot points in TV shows, music and movies.

No wonder teens talk waaaaay more about labels than their parents. A recent survey of more than 2,000 13- to 17-year-olds by marketing consultants Keller Fay Group found that kids have 145 conversations about brands per week. Adults invoke brand names about half as often.

Jillian and Jennifer are more fluent than most. They shop every weekend and quickly spot the new inventory at Ron Herman. Last summer, the girls bought purses in France and Spain — one that they will even share. And Jillian has her heart set on a quilted red Chanel designer handbag for her 16th birthday in February.

Jillian and Jennifer attend the Archer School for Girls, where the dress code forbids creative ensembles and excessive jewelry. When it comes to book bags and handbags, however, the sky is apparently the limit.

“Girls at school have Birkin bags,” says Jillian, referring to the iconic carryall by Hermes that commands upward of $10,000 and a two-year wait list. “I don’t know if I have seen anyone with a crocodile one, though.”

Birkins as book bags?

“The luxury brands are endearing themselves to younger audiences and making an emotional connection,” says J. Elias Portnoy, chief strategist at brand marketing agency the Portnoy Group. “If you develop a relationship early, you’re likely to have a customer for life.”

Jillian was willing to give up all her other gifts to get the YSL Muse bag last Christmas, says her mom, Laurie Feltheimer, who oversees a fashion Web site called “Hot in Hollywood” on hsn.com. Dad Jon Feltheimer runs Lionsgate. “Girls today know about the ‘It’ bag before it even comes out,” Laurie Feltheimer says. “It makes me a little sad.”

Skye Peters is another 15-year-old Archer School student who shops at Neiman Marcus and Barneys for her school tights. Her dream designers are Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent — she even pronounces Laurent flawlessly with a silent T — and she also shoulders a YSL Muse purse as her book bag.

Skye, whose parents are Hollywood producers Jon Peters and Christine Forsyth-Peters, says she sees classmates carrying moderately priced Le Sportsac carryalls, too. “Mainly, it’s the younger girls who have Birkins,” she says. “I guess it’s a little weird, since they are so expensive.”

Then again, the news in Us Weekly and other tabloids that Lindsay Lohan’s orange Birkin bag was stolen from Heathrow Airport last year enlightened her fans to the brand. An article on About.com on teen fashion lists the Hermes Birkin as a “must-have item of the moment that every handbag enthusiast should own, or at least know about.”

Blame Hollywood, too. Two years ago, on the now canceled “Gilmore Girls,” Rory received a Birkin from her boyfriend. She promptly responded by saying, “I love you,” and he replied, “The lady who sold this purse to me said that was going to happen.”

Now, that’s a romantic spin on young love.

French luxury retailer Hermes doesn’t market to teens, but other designers have no qualms about courting the Clearasil set. In this month’s Teen Vogue, glossy ads for oversize fall handbags by Gucci, Chloe, and Louis Vuitton can be found in the first 10 pages of the mini-magazine with a cult following among teenagers.

And that’s just the ads. The women’s media Web site Jezebel.com recently tallied the prices of the merchandise featured in the editorial content of the September issue of Teen Vogue to a total of $74,458. Per their research, Cosmopolitan — not CosmoGirl, mind you — rang in at just $27,636.64.

The fact that dewy Scarlett Johansson pouts as the face of Vuitton and Lohan now fronts for Jill Stuart is no accident either. Just ask Calvin Klein. When the designer put Brooke Shields, then 15 and an idol to teen girls, in his jeans for ads in 1980, CBS banned the commercial, but denim sales soared.

Marc Jacobs — who featured 12-year-old Dakota Fanning in his clothing ads in February — takes youth marketing to a new level with his new fragrance, Daisy. The scent’s MySpace-inspired online campaign revolves around a Web community that you must be invited to join. Who but a sullen teen sent to her room has time to play games to win Marc Jacobs screen savers?

Even Karl Lagerfeld’s recent announcement that he will design a line of eponymous handbags and luggage that won’t exceed $1,000 sounds like a way to target his adoring adolescent Chanelphiles.

“I get it,” says Jillian, over a cup of pea soup at California Pizza Kitchen. “These designers know that we like their brands and want to suck up to us.”

On this afternoon, Jillian wears Chanel flats and a pair of Chanel logo earrings. She adds that salespeople at the Beverly Hills store don’t shun her because of her age. “They’re nice to us.”

“These luxury stores don’t shoo out teens anymore,” says Portnoy, the marketing strategist. “They’ve been instructed to keep an eye out for them and take care of them.”

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eFashionHouse.com supports ongoing designer handbag trends

Selling online for over twelve years, eFashionHouse.com, named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for discount designer handbags announces continued strategies for upcoming designer handbag demands.

Desert Hot Springs, CA (PRWEB) September 7, 2007 -- Designer handbag trends are strong, and the demands for lower prices will become stronger in the near future. In 2004, the average cost of a new high-end designer handbag sold at a high-end department store was about $2000. Today, with the increased designer handbag trends and the strong Euro value, the average cost in the same high-end department stores has risen to about $2500 to $3000 for a new designer purse.

The prices are increasing and so are the pressures to buy new handbags. Some people have become desperate enough to rent a designer purse. But researchers like ABC News Consumer Correspondent Elizabeth Leamy and chemical biologists have shown bacteria found on a handbag are enough to make a person sick. In an article published in August 2006, Leamy documents the high risk of bacteria lurking in a used handbag. Renting or borrowing a purse may not be very smart, especially with the high cost of healthcare these days.

Pressures increase because teens and young adults seek style and fashion from celebrities who carry purses costing thousands of dollars -- some costing as much as the homes where average kids live. Today, parents are faced with providing not only the finances for education, but with the growing demands of providing high-end designer fashion accessories as well.

The eFashionHouse.com mission has remained consistent since its conception in the early 1990’s. “Our goal is to provide a resource for people to own high end designer fashion accessories without paying full retail price,” said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse.com owner. EFashionHouse.com has fulfilled more than 100K customer orders over the past twelve years providing authentic designer merchandise at below retail prices. The average eFashionHouse.com sale is between $200 - $300. The price of the more expensive eFashionHouse bags sell for around $1000. Their strategy allows them to sell at discounts of 25% to 60% off the full retail prices.

EFashionHouse.com announced today new strategies to continually provide resources for people to obtain designer merchandise without having to refinance their homes. A new layaway plan is being implemented which provides people an opportunity to design their own payment plan according to their budget. Establishing new and stronger resources for sourcing authentic designer merchandise within the USA have been achieved and implemented this past year. EFashionHouse.com covers all sales tax for its USA customers, and provides free domestic shipping on the majority of its orders.

EFashionHouse.com is committed to supporting the ongoing designer handbag trends by continuing to provide an easily assessable, convenient and safe online resource for high-end authentic designer merchandise at off retail prices. Their twelve-year track record in today’s ecommerce market is a good indication of eFashionHouse.com’s ability to continually support the strong designer handbag needs and trends.

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Fab Bag of the Day - Pietro Alessandro Pewter Satchel

We love the shape of this bag. Seen all over the streets of Manhattan, today's featured designer handbag from PIETRO ALESSANDRO features the handbag style that has taken NYC by storm. And we can see why, this unique satchel is both comfortable and goes with everything.

Item Description: PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer purses pewter metallic leather satchel. New this season. All leather construction. High end designer details throughout the construction. Secure top closure. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. Measures about 18 x 17 x 3 with a 28 inch strap.

Click here to shop PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer handbags now!

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Old School Handcrafting from Tano Bags

Posted by Ellen, BagExchange.com

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We love luxury items, because they make us feel special. We believe that we are some of the privileged who are able to get a hold of a quality good that has been limited in their quantity. High-end leather goods companies encourage the association of crafting with uniqueness. Yet, the problem is that while the ‘$what?!$’ bags are so lust-worthy, they are exorbitantly expensive. .

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Honestly, how many of us can plunk down the credit card and say, “Hey, I’m in the mood to buy a Hermes today.” It’s not like buying an ice cream cone, chocolate or a lipstick to make you feel better. Good sense says to save, to which we all endeavor. However, lust is lust and there’s got to be a way to satisfy it in tiny increments until you decide to lose all rationality and go for the big buy.

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The rare beast is the one that offers unadulterated luxury without the uber pricey tag. That’s the boutique handbag, and more specifically, the ones that are not outsourced to some comglomerate manufacturer, but the ones still being cut, hammered, and sewn by a small cache of master craftsmen. And when you can find one of these, it’s a jackpot. Tano Bags exists in this tiny fraternity.

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Here’s the deal. Tano Bags is a family owned business that have been in existence for three generations. Most of Tano’s bags cost only around $150 to $250. They are made of, simply, “leather, leather, leather” in the U.S. of A. Tano is strictly a boutique bag with a ‘no department stores’ policy, making the buyer automatically one of the selected few. In fact, there is only one online dealership, musthavebags.com. Most of them have to be pre-ordered. I am thinking of getting the East London, but will have to wait a while as I just purchased a Goldenbleu. Still, yum, yum to all those colorful, squishy, abundantly proportioned lovelies.

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For more information about Designer Handbags, Fashion Accessories, Hip Jewelry and Very Cool Clothing visit http://bagexchange.com/

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CLICK HERE to purchase TANO Leather Bags

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'It' bags all about exclusivity

Sep 01, 2007

Rita Zekas, Living reporter

With apologies to the late James Brown, Papa doesn't have a brand new bag. It's Mama – and if she's Beyoncé, it is worth $52,500.

Fourteen Louis Vuitton bags were cut up and cobbled together by hand for this bag, the Tribute Patchwork. To ensure that you will be the only kid on the block carrying this summer's ultimate "It" bag, there are only five for sale in North America and 24 worldwide. None is available in Toronto and representatives from Vuitton were unavailable for comment.

Beyoncé has scored one, as has one woman in Washington, presumably not Laura Bush.

In December, Chanel is reportedly launching an "It" bag made of white alligator skin and diamonds. Only 13 will be available worldwide and they go for $260,150.

Why are bags costing as much as luxury cars or a down payment on a house? Even Coach, whose bags average $300, introduced a collection of limited-edition $10,000 crocodile bags. Neiman Marcus is celebrating its centennial with exclusive online offers like the Prada $8,990 croc clutch – making it a good time to be in the accessories biz but a bad time to be a crocodile.

The trend is all about exclusivity. If everyone has the standard-issue Vuitton priced at a mere several thousand bucks, then what's in it for the high rollers or the real cool kids?

"I sat in on a panel last year about luxury brands and what it means to the high luxe client," says Christina McDowell, image consultant and national spokesperson for Holt Renfrew, which stocks all the must-have brands from Bottega Veneta to YSL. "Is the client bothered by how everyone can access that brand? That's why that client demands more embellishment and variety."

Blame the knock-offs, says John Maloney, executive vice-president of design at Design News, an accessories wholesaler based in Dallas.

"The average retail price point for a designer bag at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bergdorfs and Holt Renfrew is $1,000," Maloney says. "The new buzz is exclusivity. The major design houses have to come up with ultra novelty fabrications, special treatments and sewing techniques to try and make their product less easy to spot on the cart in Chinatown. How demoralizing is it to see your assistant carrying a great knock-off of the bag you paid a house payment for?"

These "It" bags are carried by celebs and have become celebs themselves with their own names: the Hermès Kelly; the Fendi Spy bag; the Dior saddle bag; the Chloe Paddington bag. There is even more cachet if the bag has its own waiting list, à la the Hermès Birkin, costing anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 (U.S.)

There is no "It" bag this season, according to Rebecca Stern, former head of global merchandising at Gucci and currently a freelance fashion consultant based in Italy.

"Now it is multiple `It' bags," Stern says. "The crazy pricing is to create a difference between the wannabes who are now wearing Gucci, Prada and Marc Jacobs, and the true VIPs who can afford the Birkin or more expensive status symbols. Gucci, Prada, etc., are now `mass' market."

The high euro drives up prices of luxury goods – where a few years ago, the must-have bag was $500, they now go for well over $1,000. Prices have gone wild – from $895 for a Marc Jacobs shirt to $3,900 dressing gowns at Tom Ford's new bespoke store in Manhattan.

Ford says he wanted to create a place "where Cary Grant would shop if he were alive today." (In fact, Grant was outrageously cheap, according to photographer Maureen Donaldson, his live-in during the '70s. Donaldson contends that Grant used to buy dented cans of food and stockpile them.)

Inflated prices just play into the snob appeal: luxury sales worldwide topped $150 billion (U.S.) last year, of which 30 per cent came from the United States, according to statistics from Telsey Advisory Group. StatsCan doesn't track luxury goods.

And there is gilt by association.

Anya Hindmarch's environmentally correct canvas "I'm Not a Plastic Bag," priced at $15, caused a feeding frenzy from Asia to Manhattan and then was sold on eBay for hundreds of dollars. You can bet nobody is carrying green onions in them.

But there will be no bag-lash. Women will always be bag hags because purses are so forgiving – you don't have to be 20 years old or weigh 20 pounds to be able to carry one off.

One woman collected designer bags because she said she was too big to fit into designer clothes. She dropped the weight and she still collects bags, but they got smaller.

"Women no longer buy two and a half bags a year," explains Ellen Goldstein, chair of the accessories design department at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. "Now they buy from four to 12. Women look at bags as luxury items which are integral parts of their wardrobe, something that is part of their personality and image."

"Why do women spend what they do on bags? Men don't quite get it," McDowell asks. "It's immediate gratification, relatively affordable, a status symbol and an investment piece. And it can make your outfit. You put on a plain T-shirt, black pants, then throw on a fabulous bag and shoe and you're pretty cool."

The designer bag demographic ranges "from the little tweens all the way up," says Goldstein. "Young girls convince their moms they need the Coach bag, the Prada, the Gucci – any of the brands. They know brands."

They'd been watching The O.C. to see what bag Mischa Barton would be sporting each week.
The Holt bag customer crosses the boundaries of age, culture and style sense, says McDowell – "from students who use their summer job money to buy a Gucci or Coach bag to trendy hipsters and their Marc Jacobs and YSL Downtown bags ($1,595) to the more traditional Burberry."

Bag blogs like The Bag Lady, Pursed Lips, bagsnob, ValueBags have sprung up on the Internet faster than pop tartlets with DUIs.

With their hefty price tags, designer bags are touted as investment pieces and do help save landfill space.

"The winner is the Hermès bag," says Maloney. "It is handmade and not trendy. Pass it down to your daughter – she'll pass it down to hers because it's always chic. Have you seen anyone carrying around a Fendi baguette lately?"

You can purchase authentic discount designer handbags at eFashionHouse.com.

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