While many of us are feeling the effects of the latest credit crunch and wondering how we’ll pay off our Christmas shopping, a private handbag collector has showed he or she still has money to burn. The anonymous bidder spend more than $203, 150 on a crocodile Hermes Birkin bag auctioned in Dallas this week. It is believed to be the most expensive purse ever auctioned.

It’s impossible to say whether the bidder got value, but the handbag does sound pretty droolworthy. The one-of-a-kind accessory is made from scarlet red crocodile skin and encrusted with diamonds. Its hardware is made from white and yellow 18-carat gold. Color me officially jealous.

The handbag well and truly exceeded the experts’ predictions that the Birkin would sell for around $80, 000. Clearly they weren’t taking into account the passion some of us have for luxury handbags!

The Birkin bag was just one of 550 high-end designer handbags sold through Heritage Auctions. Purses from Fendi, Celine, and Louis Vuitton, and three more Hermes handbags all went under the hammer.

The director of luxury accessories at Heritage Auctions, Matt Rubinger, confirmed what the results show, commenting that the market for such opulent designer goods is “extremely strong.”

“It’s an area of fashion that’s been shown to hold and often increase in its value and we’re now seeing sophisticated shoppers motivated to invest in special pieces like the bags that we offered here.“

I’m envious of the owner of this new Birkin bag but I have to wonder, where does one carry such an expensive accessory?

[Source: Financial Times]
[Image Source: Houston Chronicle]

Crocodile Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

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Carlos Falchi puts a modern spin on animal print with this Zebretta Tote.

This is one of those rare Carlos Falchi handbags that looks much richer than it actually is. I’d started to feel that animal print was becoming passé, but the treatment here has changed my mind. I love the way the delicate zebra stripes have been subtly applied to this tote’s microfiber body. The same tote is available in classic black and white, but I prefer this unexpected coral red hue.

Sadly the interior is as basic as you can get. The main compartment is spacious but without any pockets or other organizational aids. There’s not even a clasp to keep our items safe. The base is flat, but there seems little point in that when the tote itself is so soft. Carlos Falchi might argue that his design offers easy access to our swag, but I’ll take security any day.

Despite its functional failings this tote might still be worth its money, particularly if you’ve always dreamed of owning a Carlos Falchi handbag. At $220 it’s still probably too expensive, but also more affordable than most of the label’s range!

More Features of This Carlos Falchi Zebra Print Tote

• Flat shoulder straps with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 13 x 5.5 inches

Get this Carlos Falchi Zebretta Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlos Falchi bags on BagBunch
• The Carlos Falchi microfiber tote bag, a leopard print alternative to this zebra print bag.
• Searching for more Carlos Falchi bags on eBay
• Other zebra print tote bags on eBay:

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Marilyn Monroe remains one of the world’s most enduring stars. Almost 50 years after her death she’s still emulated and adored by celebrities and fashion followers alike. No doubt Carlo Fellini will hope the clutch he’s created in her name is every bit as timeless.

He’s certainly begun barking up the right tree. Its soft satiny body is classic, but tiny angular pleats give the finish a fresh modern feel. The voluminous body is matched by an intricately engraved frame. Frames are so often seen as functional features alone, so I’m thrilled to see Fellini decorating the metal surface.

Sadly though only the front of the frame gets the treatment. This is the kind of corner cutting we’re used to at this price point, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing. The purse is also a bit smaller than you might expect, so don’t be surprised if even carrying the essentials is a squeeze.

It is hard to be too critical for $48 though, especially when it comes in a whopping eight shades. There’s probably one to suit every favorite evening outfit, but I think the champagne color called bisque is the pick of them. It’s not as gaudy as gold, but it’s got a similar metallic luster. Do you think the real Marilyn would have approved?

More Features of This Carlo Fellini Satin Clutch

• Kiss lock closure with encrusted rhinestones
• Satin fabric lined interior
• An interior slide pocket
• A chain strap with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 2.5 x 8 x 5 inches

Get this Carlo Fellini Marilyn Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Carlo Fellini bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carlo Fellini bags on BagBunch
• The Carlo Fellini Monica bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Carlo Fellini bags on eBay
• Other pleated satin clutch bags on eBay:

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Las Vegas Tonya Jacobsen is the winner of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market’s second annual Design-A-Bag contest. Ms Jacobsen’s hand-painted fruit and veg design will grace the supermarket’s latest limited edition reusable shopper.

While I’m sure Jacobsen will be tickled pink to see her handiwork on the store’s bags, she’s also won a far more lucrative prize. She will enjoy free groceries from the market store for the next 12 months.

Jacobsen said she was “so excited” about her win that she plans to ‘wrap’ all her Christmas gifts in the limited edition bags this year. What a great way to ensure all your nearest and dearest see your winning design!

Jacobsen’s design was chosen from more than 800 entries. After making the short list her artwork was selected by the Friends of fresh&easy, the members of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets’ company rewards program. The contest is part of the supermarket’s efforts to encourage its customers to shop with recyclable bags. Fresh & Easy’s chief customer officer John Burry explained the initiative, commenting that “By offering more attractive and useful reusable bags, we hope customers will be encouraged to use them more and in turn, join us in helping the environment.”

Tonya Jacobsen’s shoppers will sell for a limited time at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets across America for 99c.

[Source: MarketWatch]
[Image Source: Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets website]

Reusable Shoppers on eBay

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I must admit, I’ve never taken a lot of notice of Carla Mancini. Her accessories typically tend to blend into the background. However with this Jackie satchel she has me swooning.

There’s a lot going on here, but Mancini handles it so well that it doesn’t seem overdone. The deep angular seams make the finish feel like a modern take on patchwork. The delicate golden studs are beautiful, especially against that rich chocolate brown leather. The whipstitched handles are also stunning. The tassels on the side might be a step too far, but at least they get lost in the design.

The Jackie’s relaxed shape points to its everyday application. It’s generously sized with an ample supply of pockets. I only wish those were trimmed in more of that plush leather to help them last. It’s one of those little extras I expect at this price point, just like the also absent metal feet.

Carla Mancini probably hasn’t done enough to demand $575 for this satchel, but she also hasn’t priced it out of reach. It’s no bargain, but it would be a lovely addition to any wardrobe.

More Features of This Carla Mancini Studded Satchel

• Magnetic closure
• Faille lined interior
• Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 19.5 inch drop
• Measures 10.5 x 16 x 5.75 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Carla Mancini Jackie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Carla Mancini bags on BagBunch
• The Carla Mancini Julie hobo bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Carla Mancini bags on eBay
• Other studded satchel bags on eBay:

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The quartet of designing divas at Plastenka proves the old adage that one person’s trash is another’s treasure with their sustainable accessories range. The ladies turn plastic-based waste into their unique purses.

The Hungary-based label isn’t discerning about the litter it uses. The exteriors of their handbags are made from a hodgepodge of plastic products including coffee and tobacco pouches and plastic sacks. The interiors are just as green as they’re lined with old advertising banners.

Using plastic of course keeps the non-biodegradable substance out of landfill, but it’s also a smart design choice. Those same qualities that prevent the material breaking down also help it withstand some serious punishment. The fabric is also waterproof, so you needn’t worry about getting caught in a sudden downpour!

The range is also comprehensive enough to appeal to any fashionista. There are everyday wallets and belt bags for girls about town, laptop skins for the geeks, and messenger style bike bags for keen cyclists. These styles are also available in a range of sizes to appeal to the pack rats and girls who prefer to travel light.

Sadly the Plastenka accessories are a little difficult to track down. They’re available a range of boutiques in Budapest, and the designers will happily fill e-mail orders for European customers. Hopefully it’s only a matter of time before green girls around the globe can indulge in these upcycled beauties!

[Source: Plastenka website]

Calvin Klein’s created a classic satchel for the pack rats with the St. Moritz.

The satchel takes its name from a Swiss ski resort, but it seems more like a metropolitan miss than a snow bunny. There’s no fur or knit, none of the hallmarks of a typical winter handbag. But there is an icy charm to the pewter leather finish. This steely metallic hue makes the traditionally quilted leather seem much more interesting.

While the St. Moritz’s timeless good looks are a draw card, we can find them on so many other bags. The expandable design is what really sets this purse apart. When we let out the external zip we can enjoy a few extra inches of storage space. That helps the St. Moritz work for regular days out, and those times we need to carry a few extras. The leather padding on the straps make sure that when we’re loaded up our shoulders won’t feel the strain.

A bag like the St. Moritz will always stay in vogue, which makes its $188 price tag seem very reasonable indeed.

More Features of This Calvin Klein Quilted Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Platform base
• Fully lined interior
• Dual straps with a 12.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 4 x 8.5 inches

Get this Calvin Klein St. Moritz Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Check the Calvin Klein eBay store to see if this Calvin Klein bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Calvin Klein bags on BagBunch
• The Diane Von Furstenberg Carry On satchel bag, a great alternative to this expandable bag.
• Searching for more Calvin Klein bags on eBay
• Other quilted satchel bags on eBay:

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Burberry abandons its usual Nova check for a much wilder herringbone print with this Ada clutch.

I didn’t think I’d ever describe herringbone as wild either, but the treatment Burberry’s used here is quite surreal. It reminds me of those optical illusions that make your eyes go all cross-eyed. The unusual print makes the classic black and white combination seem fun and fresh. It also distracts our eyes so much that we barely notice the bag isn’t made from Burberry’s favorite leather, but a much more casual raffia. The natural fiber is used well though. I love the way it’s casually frayed around the curved flap, reminding us that this casual woven straw is the real deal.

I like the way the skinny black belt sets off the design, but I worried it might make the Ada difficult to use. Thankfully it’s just an illusion that it wraps around the clutch’s body. It’s not really holding the flap down; a magnetic snap takes care of that. The Ada’s dimensions are sizable but it’s sophisticatedly slender. That makes it appear more dressed up than your average raffia clutch but it also compromises storage space. But since when do we buy a clutch for practicality?

Perhaps the answer to that question is, when it costs $750. That’s the sort of price that makes us think we should have it all, at least when we’re not getting luxury materials. I personally think it’s too expensive for a raffia bag that doesn’t even have functionality on its side, but its looks are so striking I can understand anyone who’s still tempted!

More Features of This Burberry Herringbone Clutch

• Calfskin lined interior
• A detachable wrist strap
• Measures 11 x 6 inches

Get this Burberry Ada Handbag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Burberry bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Jane on a Chain Leather & Raffia clutch bag, a great alternative to this raffia bag.
• Searching for more Burberry bags on eBay
• Other herringbone clutch bags on eBay:

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After parting ways with Sarah Jessica Parker earlier this year, it seems Halston is on the lookout for a new celebrity face. And it just might have found it in Nicole Richie.

The socialite and former reality TV star is probably incredibly busy designing her Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 lines, not to mention her forthcoming collection for QVC. And then there are her domestic roles as wife and mother to her two adorable tots. But if anyone can add something else to their already crowded plate it’s Nicole Richie.

A source says Halston wants “someone with Nicole’s fashion credentials.” It’s also said to be impressed that Richie has been a longtime support of the label. She even wore a Halston gown to the launch of one of her own fashion labels last week. The source also added that Richie is keen to create a capsule collection with Halston, so perhaps we’ll see her becoming more than simply a face and figurehead. It seems like a waste taking someone with Richie’s creative talents on board without designing a few special items with them, doesn’t it?

Before we get too excited let’s remember that these words all come from an anonymous source, who may or may not know anything. I’m hopeful about the potential of Nicole Richie working with Halston, but I won’t hold my breath.

[Source: Grazia Daily]
[Image Source: Sgt. Michael Connors/Wikipedia Commons]

Halston Handbags on eBay

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Bulgari has such a way with materials that it can make even a drawstring handbag seem elegant. This Monete Shoulder Bag is a delicious case in point.

It’s strange that I’m so drawn to this shoulder bag because it’s everything that I ordinarily hate. I tend to find nudes bland, but the gentle wrinkling and warm hue of this one have won me over. I tend to dismiss drawstring handbags as too fiddly, but this one puckers so elegantly that I barely mind. I’m also swooning over the Monete’s silhouette, with its sturdy platform base and gentle structured curves. I’m not so enthused about the cameos on the chain strap, but they’re subtle enough to overlook.

There’s something so decadent about carrying a high end designer bag. We’re treated to a main compartment with a host of practical perks and just enough space. The pockets are trimmed in leather, and there’s also a handy holder for keys.

The price is enough to shake me from my daydreams though. At $2050 this Monete handbag is simply too rich for my blood. However if you can swing it I imagine its neutral color and sophisticated styling will serve you well.

More Features of This Bulgari Drawstring Shoulder Bag

• Light gold plated hardware
• A removable leather strap
• Measures 9.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches

Get this Bulgari Monete Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bulgari
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Bulgari bags on BagBunch
• The black Bulgari Monete shoulder bag, a great alternative to this nude bag.
• Searching for more Bulgari bags on eBay
• Other nude drawstring bags on eBay:

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