Hermes Birkin bags are coveted the world over, but British singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jane Birkin is less enthusiastic about the handbag that bears her name. While others might describe it as a perfect specimen of style, in a recent interview Birkin herself called it a “rather trivial piece of heavy luggage”!

She might see it as trivial, but Jane Birkin has managed to use the handbag for good. She explained that once she saw the “fortune” Hermes was making from her name, she compelled the label to donate some of it to her philanthropic efforts.

Hermes donates an undisclosed sum each year directly to Jane Birkin’s charity efforts, and that’s a commitment it intends to keep even after her death. This year Birkin used the money to stage a benefit concert in Japan following the country’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, and to help feed underprivileged people in France. She also donated one of her own Birkins to a charity auction, an effort which raised $163, 000 for the Japanese Red Cross.

“So that rather trivial piece of heavy luggage has done a lot of good in the world,” she said. That might be understating the point!

Of course if you really want to do help those in need you’ll donate to charity rather than indulging in a Birkin, but it’s nice to know that the It Bag comes packaged with a bit of good karma.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Nicolas Genin/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

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Diane von Furstenberg takes us back to the ’70s with this relaxed yet refined Kaitlin Messenger.

Rather than appearing like a fashion throwback, this messenger is right on trend. Seventies style is enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment, but rarely is the decade interpreted so well. The leather mesh body is a striking complement to the bag’s warm brown suede sides. The messenger’s relaxed shape is perfect for daytime wear, but the unusual finish and high quality materials ensure it won’t look out of place once the sun goes down.

The Kaitlin is luxuriously large and well appointed with a collection of open and secure pockets, both inside and out. These aren’t lined in leather, as we might expect at this price point, but if we’re careful they should survive daily use. We also probably deserve protective metal feet for our money, but they’re another glaring omission. We’ll need to watch where we set it down to avoid premature wear and tear.

I’d make the effort to protect the Kaitlin though, because at $795 she’s no throwaway purse. This is the kind of bag you’ll want to keep using long after the current celebration of the seventies is over.

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Leather Mesh Messenger

• Top zip closure
• A shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 15.5 x 10 x 3 inches

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Kaitlin Handbag:

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With Christian Dior continuing to stay tight lipped, the speculation on John Galliano’s replacement continues. Raf Simons is the latest hot tip to fill the anti Semitic former creative director’s very big shoes.

Fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily reported that a source close to the Belgian designer says he’s close to signing on the dotted line. But there may be a few obstacles in his way before he seals the deal.

The most obvious stumbling block is Simons’ contract with Jil Sander. He’s been with the firm since 2005, and he recently extended his contract. Christian Dior could probably buy him out of that deal, but that’s only if Jil Sander is willing to play.

There’s also the not so small matter of Yves Saint Laurent, who are also rumored to be courting Simons. It’s been suggested that Stefano Pilati’s been on shaky ground at the fashion house for some time, and with his contract expiring in March I can’t imagine it will be renewed. Simons would be a great replacement fit for either fashion house, so he might simply look to the highest bidder.

Even if the Christian Dior deal does go ahead, we’re getting very close to the release of new season fashions. Dior is likely to want a couture collection by January followed by a ready-to-wear collection by March. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for anyone new to put their stamp on the projects, which suggests Bill Gaytten will continue to head up the design work in the mean time.

With Christian Dior refusing to comment it’s up to us to gossip. Would you like to see Raf Simons at Christian Dior?

[Source: Fashion Indie]
[Image Source: Israel Papillon/Stock.xchng]

Christian Dior Handbags on eBay

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Dan W takes things a step too far with this Jeweled Leopard Mini Frame Clutch.

At its heart this is a classic leopard print purse, with a traditional frame and kisslock clasp. The orange body is complemented by a smattering of faceted plastic gems. I suppose these stones were intended to set this purse apart from all the other animal print clutches on the market. But in trying to separate it from the pack, Dan W’s simply made it gaudy.

At least we’re not assaulted by its ostentation. This clutch is very small, so it won’t dominate your outfit. This is always a plus when a purse is so showy. However those petite dimensions also limit the items we can carry inside it.

For me the strongest aspect of this purse is the hand-strap on the back. It’s an unusual alternative to a shoulder strap or wrist loop, and one I can really get behind. I just wish it was used on another clutch! Even at a bargain $28, this purse just isn’t for me.

More Features of This Dan W Mini Frame Clutch

• Made of microfiber
• Nickel frame and hardware
• Satin lined interior
• Measures 5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches

Get this Dan W Jeweled Leopard Handbag:

• Available to buy at eBags
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Cynthia Vincent brings military flair to the classic shoulder bag with the Vincent, a modern bag from her youthful Twelfth St. diffusion line.

The devil’s in the details here, and those details are delicious. The gently rounded bucket shape is lovely, especially in black nubuck. This underappreciated material has all of the softness of suede, without its easy propensity for showing wear and tear. I love the way that material makes the Hudson’s silhouette even softer. The style is capped off with glazed leather strapping dotted with bold brass buttons. The accents have a distinctive military feel which helps to separate the Hudson from the pack.

The Hudson’s main compartment is spacious, but a few key elements help make it manageable. The array of zip and slip pockets are just what we need to stay organized. The brightly colored interior also helps us easily see what we’re carrying. The shoulder strap is also longer than the average, and flat too, so it should feel comfortable on your shoulder and stay put when you’re on the go.

The Twelfth St. line is always a bit cheaper than Cynthia Vincent’s signature collection, and at $395 this shoulder bag is no exception. It’s always great to get a bargain, but even better when it looks as stylish as this!

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Military Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 14 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 11 x 6 inches

Get this Cynthia Vincent Hudson Handbag:

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

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• Check the Pink Pistol Boutique eBay store to see if this Cynthia Vincent bag is in stock
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Edgy British model and musician Alice Dellal is rumored to become the new face of Chanel handbags.

While the Chanel brand screams timeless European elegance, creative director Karl Lagerfeld has made some left of center choices for his advertising campaigns in the past. Most recent face Blake Lively courted controversy for being too American and average, while the girl before that, Lily Allen was known for boozing and bad behavior when she fronted her ads.

And even though Dellal is known for unusual shaved hairstyles and playing in a band smuttily called Thrush Metal, she’s managed to imbue equal measures of attitude and sophistication into some recent advertising campaigns. She recently fronted ads for Ermanno Scervino, Mango, and Agent Provocateur.

The Chanel press office is staying tight-lipped on the rumor, but that’s not likely to quell speculation. Karl Lagerfeld has a history of handpicking unconventional beauties for his campaigns, and as he’s the man in charge and behind the camera his word is gospel.

I guess we’ll have to keep guessing until Chanel issues a statement or those advertisements appear. Do you think Alice Dellal has what it takes to be the next face of Chanel? Or would you prefer the fashion house retain current model Blake Lively?

[Source: Elle UK]
[Image Source: Dinbhr/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Comme des Garcons shows the other labels how to create band merchandise with style with The Beatles tote.

This tote features black and green apples, a subtle homage to The Beatles’ own recording label, in amongst more traditional black spots. The Beatles logo is also nestled amongst the dots, although in black type it doesn’t leap out from the brown leather.

I have a feeling John Lennon and Paul McCartney would approve of the use of recycled leather rather than brand new skins. It’s an eco-friendly touch that seems very appropriate for this limited edition collection.

The print might suck fans in, but there’s not a lot beyond that to keep them interested. Once you strip that pattern away this is just a stock standard tote, with rolled handles and a very basic interior. It’ll do the job but it probably won’t dazzle you.

It’s up to you to decide whether you need dazzling for $549. That’s not really exorbitant for a leather handbag, but it does make it a very expensive piece of music memorabilia.

More Features of This Comme des Garcons Limited Edition Tote

• Contrasting trim

Get this Comme des Garcons The Beatles Handbag:

• Available to buy at FarFetch
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Leading fashion and accessories designers have given some cute teddy bears stylish makeovers to help The FEED Foundation.

Rachel Roy, Vena Cava, Cynthia Rowley, Milly, Nicole Miller, Susan Rockefeller, and Douglas Hannant, and The FEED Foundation’s founder Lauren Bush are amongst the big fashion names who’ve given The FEED Foundation’s Plumpy bear a makeover. Each one is made from 100% organic cotton and natural burlap, and then embellished with its own fun outfit. I particularly like Lauren Bush’s design pictured, with its replica FEED tote, dapper blue and red blazer, and cute baby teddy companion.

The designer Plumpy teddy bears are being auctioned off on the Charitybuzz website. Opening bids are set at $100, but each bear is valued at $600. That’s an awful lot of money to spend on a toy, but as proceeds will benefit the FEED Foundation perhaps we should simply think of it as a charity donation! You’ve got until December 20 to place your bids.

If you can’t afford a designer Plumpy you can still buy one of the regular teddies from The FEED Foundation’s website for $60. That price secures your teddy and enough energy-dense PlumpyNut peanut paste to feed five children in need.

[Source: TreeHugger]

Coloriffics ditches its usual satin for heavy metal with this Silver Frame Evening Bag.

Its name is descriptive but it doesn’t express the Middle Eastern heart of this handbag. I imagine you might be able to find an exotic looking purse like this in the bazaars of Morocco or Dubai. Of course there the silver would probably be worked by hand, but we save plenty by indulging in one that’s mass produced.

The attention to detail really is remarkable for $46. The gleaming silver exterior seems hand-tooled with intricate designs. Faceted rhinestones add some extra sparkle. The large flowers on the sides might not be very authentic, but I love the whimsical touch they bring.

I also appreciate this bag’s versatility. You can use it as the image shows or add the long chain strap to convert it to a cross-body. Personally I think the first mode suits it best, but it’s always good to have some choices.

It’s worth noting the dimensions though, because this silver purse is very small. You’ll fit essential cards, a slender cell, and a perhaps lipstick inside, but a Smartphone is probably out of the question. At least the zippered pocket that runs down the center does away with our need for a wallet.

This is a very different purse from Coloriffics, but I think the label pulls it off. Perhaps it should take risks more often!

More Features of This Coloriffics Metal Evening Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 2.5 x 5 x 4.5 inches
• Also available in black

Get this Coloriffics Silver Frame Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
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Cole Haan serves up traditional design with a touch of the exotic in this Hayden Charlott Satchel.

This satchel has the structured design and clean lines of the most sophisticated handbags, but its exotic finish is what really makes it special. A large lizard skin panel is complemented by a mottled snakeskin border. The exotics are made from embossed leather rather than real reptiles, but they look every bit as lovely. I’m especially enamored by this rich Prussian Blue color, but the satchel is also available in black or subdued White Pine if you prefer.

The Hayden Charlott is large but not extravagantly so, just the right size for holding everything you really need to get through the day. Its interior is lined with a strong khaki colored fabric and fitted with a handful of leather trimmed pockets and a key hook. The rolled handles are a little short for easy usage, but we can always attach the longer cross-body strap. It’s fully adjustable for just the right fit.

It was love at first sight for me, but those feelings grew as I spotted its price tag. At $328 it’s very affordable for a bag with such a luxurious look.

More Features of This Cole Haan Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Interior lining
• Dual handles with a 4 inch drop
• Measures 5 x 10.5 x 7.5 inches

Get this Cole Haan Hayden Charlott Handbag:

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

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• Check the Goldminegoodies eBay store to see if this Cole Haan bag is in stock
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