Elegant woven accents help to separate this Jill Tote from Badgley Mischka from the rest of the pack.

We’ve seen so many bags like this before, with their gleaming turn-lock closures and ladylike structured silhouettes. I like them all, but they tend to get a bit samey. The woven vertical stripes are just what I’ve been waiting for, because they make this satchel feel special. They’re complemented well by the whipstitched trim and handles.

The Jill is a great size for everyday use. It’s generously proportioned but not ungainly, so it won’t dwarf your body or weigh you down. It’s also well organized with an array of multifunctional slips and a spacious zippered pocket. The flat base is perfect for setting down during lunch or when you walk through the door after a hard day.

At $545 the Jill isn’t a bargain, but it is reasonable for an investment piece. In a choice of cognac or basic black, it’ll easily work in your wardrobe all year round, for several seasons to come.

More Features of This Badgley Mischka Woven Tote

• Fully lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 5 x 12.5 inches

Get this Badgley Mischka Jill Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappo’s Couture
• Check the 1usmade eBay store to see if this Badgley Mischka bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Badgley Mischka bags on BagBunch
• The Mulberry Bayswater bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Badgley Mischka bags on eBay
• Other Badgley Mischka tote bags on eBay:

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Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are again being investigated for tax evasion after the decision to drop the case was overturned.

You might remember that the designing duo was accused of failing to declare more than $1.1 billion in sales. In April the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, but recently that decision was overturned by a higher Italian court.

We won’t know until January why the case has been overturned, but a legal expert told Women’s Wear Daily it’s likely “the Supreme Court believes the judge’s decision to clear the designers was tainted by a legal flaw, a defective motivation or an error in the application of the law.”

On the other hand, if you believe Stefano Gabbana’s Twitter comments, it’s because the Italian government is a bunch of “Thieves!!! They don’t know what to do to get money out of us.” Perhaps it’d be smart for him to steer clear of social networking until this case is put to bed.

Dolce and Gabbana allegedly owe around $562 million in back taxes after the sale of Dolce & Gabbana and D&G to the holding company, Gado Srl. The Italian tax police believe this company is simply a legal entity established to avoid corporate tax rates.

If the new judge decides to proceed with the case Dolce and Gabbana may pay a fine to avoid a lengthy court battle and criminal record, undergo a full trial, or take part in a smaller trial using fewer documents and witnesses for a discounted penalty. Either way this holiday season is likely to be a stressful one for Dolce and Gabbana as they await their fates.

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Lammery/Wikipedia Commons]

Dolce & Gabbana Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Dolce Gabbana, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

B. Makowsky delivers a cross-body bag with a military twist with this Billie purse.

I like the way that B. Makowsky keeps its accents subtle. The studs that dot its flap and the gentle contrast stitching are clearly military inspired, but they’re not obviously trend conscious. That ensures the Billie will look fresh season after season.

B. Makowsky calls this color black, but it’s much lighter than the hue tends to be. There are elements of gray and brown in there which make it more interesting than basic black would have been. We can still use it as a neutral, but it’s a more intriguing one. I really appreciate the way the smoky color works with the polished golden hardware.

While the Billie’s looks are impressive, functionality hasn’t been overlooked. The mid-sized interior is well appointed with a pair of slide pockets, a zippered pocket, and a key fob. There’s also another slide pocket on the back for holding receipts and items you want on hand.

At $168 I wouldn’t exactly call the Billie a bargain, but it’s quite affordable for an everyday purse, particularly one made of real leather.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Cross-Body Bag

• Magnetic closure hidden under the flap
• An adjustable strap with a 12 to 24.5 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 10 x 9.5 inches

Get this B. Makowsky Billie Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this B. Makowsky bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Billie tote bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky bags on eBay

Ralph Lauren is the latest designer to show his love for the United Arab Emirates. The release of this limited edition Ricky bag comes hot on the heels of the launch of Gucci’s exclusive Marrakech purse.

The new Ricky bag is crafted from lavender purple crocodile skin and embellished with rose gold hardware. As the Ricky bears the name of Ralph Lauren’s beloved wife, it’s made to the highest standard. No less would do! Each piece is handmade and attached in Italy before being stamped with Ralph Lauren’s signature logo. Finally it’s fitted with a functioning lock, which is also attached by hand, and shipped with the key inside. I suppose anyone who can afford this limited edition purse probably has some precious cargo to cart around.

This limited edition purse is made to order at Ralph Lauren stores in the United Arab Emirates. That personalized service means the limited edition Ricky is much more expensive than Gucci’s offering, with prices starting at 88, 000 United Arab Emirates dirhams, or roughly $23, 965 US. To put that in perspective, Ralph Lauren’s last limited edition Ricky cost just $3750. Sure that was made of calfskin rather than crocodile, but the difference in cost is still substantial. Do you think this Ralph Lauren Ricky is worth its big bottom line?

[Source: La Moda Dubai]

Ralph Lauren Ricky Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Ralph Lauren Ricky, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Few designers name check as many big brand companies as Ashley M. While we’ve seen some more sedate designers from the label of late, this Coca-Cola bag sees it back to its usual tricks.

You’d probably have to be a real fan of the soft drink to indulge in this logo emblazoned handbag. There’s nothing subtle about its bright red fabric embellished with that recognizable white script. I’ve been known to knock back a few cans a day, but I still wouldn’t indulge in a handbag so lacking in subtlety.

It does have some unexpected green credentials though. It’s made entirely from recycled material to minimize its carbon footprint and waste. It’s also better appointed than you might expect, with three slide pockets inside and a hidden Velcro closure at the top. The pair of handles are long enough for grabbing as you’re heading out the door.

It’s also very cheap at $32. Ordinarily we pay a premium for eco-conscious accessories, so I think the price is very reasonable, even if the bag is a little too obvious for my tastes.

More Features of This Ashley M Recycled Material Tote

• Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 3.5 x 16 x 12 inches

Get this Ashley M Coca-Cola Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ashley M bags on BagBunch
• The Ashley M Coca-Cola tote bag, a great alternative to this recycled bag.
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• Other Ashley M Coca-Cola bags on eBay:

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It’s probably something that a writer shouldn’t admit, but I’m running low on inspiration today. I’m battling the typical Mondayitis and a head cold all at once. It’s not a lot of fun, which is perhaps why I’m drawn to this cheerful Inspire Tote. I’m a little skeptical that it will deliver the inspiration it promises, but at this point I’m willing to try anything!

Even if it doesn’t make good on that promise, this tote would still be a lot of fun. I love the vibrant orange colored canvas and the playful light bulb drawing that decorates it. The tan vegetable tanned leather trim and handles are a lovely way to dress up the fairly simple design.

The strap tie closure is certainly creative, but it’s not very practical. We’ll also need to exercise some creativity to keep the interior organized, because the single zippered pocket just isn’t going to cut it.

The price is my final bugbear. A canvas tote has to be extraordinary for me to even contemplate spending more than $100 on it. At $250, this one is simply too expensive.

More Features of This Anya Hindmarch Light Bulb Tote

• Canvas lined interior
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 11.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this Anya Hindmarch Inspire Handbag:

• Available to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Anya Hindmarch bags on BagBunch
• The Anya Hindmarch Boat bag, a great alternative to this light bulb bag.
• Searching for more Anya Hindmarch bags on eBay
• Other Anya Hindmarch tote bags on eBay:

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Canadian designer Anne Painchaud-Oullet combines contemporary styling with social responsibility with her accessories label, Ressac Bags.

Painchaud-Oullet uses punctured inner bicycle tubes to create her eco-friendly, durable, and water resistant purses. The material looks surprisingly like leather, but of course it’s much kinder to the planet. The construction of Ressac Bags saves the used bike tubes from landfill and give them a new lease on life.

Painchaud-Oullet sources the used tubes from local bike repair shops. Once she secures the tubes she cuts them to size, cleans them, and paints them with a glossy topcoat. She then handcrafts the tubes into the distinctive accessories she sells.

I wish we knew about the other materials that make up the Ressac Bags though. While Painchaud-Oullet is candid about the green credentials of her bike tubes, she doesn’t give details about the bags’ hardware and fabric lining. I’d like to think both elements are eco-friendly, but I can’t be sure. That’s concerning for a fashion house trading on its environmentally friendly approach to design.

There’s a wide range of Ressac Bags available, from large totes and backpacks to smaller cross-bodies, clutches, and wallets. They’re available from a range of Canadian boutiques and the label’s Etsy store.

[Source: Ressac website]

Anuschka has made a bag for the pack rats with this expandable tote.

This tote is packed with features, but its biggest draw card is its full length side zippers. When opened up they take the already sizable tote from large to enormous. This tote also has the functional features to cope with all that extra space. A zippered pocket runs down the center of the main compartment, dividing it into three user-friendly sections. There’s also another zippered pocket for valuables and a cell phone pouch. And if you’re still searching for storage space, you can utilize the external zip pocket.

Anuschka’s hand painted designs have always been an acquired taste, but I think these ones are a bit lackluster. This Wild Hibiscus Antique image is the pick of them, but it still doesn’t excite me. At least it’s not as unattractive as that creepy Queen of Jaipur.

At $204 this tote is one of Anuschka’s most expensive, but if you can’t travel light you’ll probably see value from its expandable design.

More Features of This Anuschka Hand Painted Tote

• Magnetic closure
• Made of cowhide
• Dual handles with a 14.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 10 x 9 inches

Get this Anuschka Expandable Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Anuschka bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More Anuschka bags on BagBunch
• The Anuschka Expandable Hobo bag, a great alternative to this expandable bag.
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Coach has been successful in its bid to secure a secondary listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. It will begin to trade on the Asian country’s market on December 1.

Coach already lists on the New York Stock Exchange, but with its plans to increase its profile in Asia it makes sense to secure a listing on the continent. It will reportedly float up to 294 million Hong Kong Depository Receipts, which represent one tenth of Coach’s common share, as part of its trading debut this week.

The Hong Kong listing should do more than simply raise its profile in Greater China. It will also allow the American label to attract more Asian investors, particularly in China where it expects the greatest expansion in coming years.

A recent report from leading global financial services company Credit Suisse says Coach stands to make $1 billion, or roughly 14% of total sales, in China by 2016. That’s a real jump from the $187.5 million, or 4.5%, it earned in China this year.

I’ve always seen Coach as more American than apple pie, but I’m impressed with the steps it’s taking to raise its global profile. Do you think Coach will succeed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: JMRosenfeld/Flickr]

Coach Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Coach, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Antik Batik’s bags have always been a bit hit and miss for me. This Ninon tote strangely falls into both categories.

I can’t ever recall beads looking as lovely as they do here. The golden beads pop against the bag’s soft suede body, creating a striking abstract sunburst pattern. The combination of black and gold looks so rich, much richer than this tote’s $508 price tag would suggest.

The front wowed me, so I’m disappointed to see the beading isn’t continued on the back of the bag. While this isn’t an exorbitantly expensive tote at $508, it’s not so cheap that I’d expect this corner-cutting.

This is one of many glaring short cuts. There are enough interior pockets to satisfy, but as they’re not trimmed with leather I worry about their longevity. There also aren’t any protective feet on the Ninon’s base, a real disappointment considering how quickly suede wears.

As far as the aesthetics go, this is one of Antik Batik’s most impressive totes. But its appeal seems to stop at the surface. While it’s not cheap, it’s missing the finer things I expect at this price.

More Features of This Antik Batik Beaded Tote

• Zip closure
• Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 17 x 6 inches
• Made in India

Get this Antik Batik Ninon Tote Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the LavishlyHip eBay store to see if this Antik Batik bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Antik Batik bags on BagBunch
• The Antik Batik Oslo tote bag, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more Antik Batik bags on eBay
• Other beaded tote bags on eBay:

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