Many eco-minded stylistas are rejecting authentic fur accessories and apparel and seeking out faux fur alternatives. However the Humane Society of the United States says shoppers may be getting more than they bargained for. The non-profit group filed a legal petition with the Federal Trade Commission this week accusing 11 retailers for misrepresenting faux fur fashions.

It claims Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Beyond the Rack, ShopBop, Barneys, Dr. Jays, Revolve Clothing, Gilt Group, Yoox, Summit Sports, and Ssense are selling items labeled as faux, although they contain real animal fur fibers. And the animal rights group has the lab test results to prove it. This puts the retailers in violation of the federal Fur Products Labeling Act, which requires all genuine animal fur products to state the species used and country of origin.

So how should you protect yourself? I guess the obvious answer is to avoid all fur items, even those labeled as imitation fur, until the issue is resolved. Alternatively you could steer clear of goods made in China. In this Asian nation synthetic furs are pricier than genuine ones, so man made fibers tend to be supplemented with real furs, including raccoon and coyote.

The Humane Society is urging the Federal Trade Commission to take action against the retailers. It’s calling for the recall of all offending items, the initiation of proceedings for injunctive relief, and fines of up to $5000 per violation.

Does this story make you more reluctant to indulge in faux fur handbags?

[Source: Ecouterre]
[Image Source: Michal Zacharzewski/Stock.xchng]

Faux Fur Handbags on eBay

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Anne Klein has been blowing her trumpet a bit lately. We recently looked at the Perfect Tote, and now we see the Perfectly Pleated Clutch.

The problem with calling something the perfect anything, is that people tend to judge it more harshly, looking for faults and holes. And with a $59 clutch, it doesn’t take too long for us to find its shortcomings. It’s made from synthetic rather than real leather, and that means its pleats pucker awkwardly when they should fall softly. The manmade skin is also too shiny to be natural, something we see clearly around the folds. It’s far from the worst synthetic I’ve seen, but one that’s perfectly pleated? Hardly.

While it’s easy to find fault in a clutch so seemingly conceited, if we kept that up we’d miss the really good things about it. We might forget to appreciate the interior, which is larger with more interior pockets than most. We might also miss the detachable strap, which gives the clutch a bit more versatility. It’s made from more of that synthetic rather than the typical chain, so it should also feel more forgiving on our shoulders.

It’s also incredibly affordable at $59. That doesn’t buy a lot in the fashion world, and it rarely buys a purse so stylish. Is it perfect? No. But it does represent great value for money.

More Features of This Anne Klein Croc Embossed Clutch

• Signature nylon lining
• Top zip closure
• Measures 10 x 6.5 inches

Get this Anne Klein Perfectly Pleated Handbag:

• Available to buy at Anne Klein
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Anne Klein bags on BagBunch
• The Kenneth Jay Lane Cleopatra bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Anne Klein bags on eBay
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A British survey conducted on behalf of online accessories store AnjliLondon.com has revealed the weird and wonderful items that the UK’s women stash in their handbags.

Around 80% of women carried common essentials like cosmetics, cell phones, wallets, keys, hand mirrors, painkillers, tissues, hair brushes, and umbrellas. Spare underwear was also common, with around a quarter of women admitting they carried an extra pair of briefs.

Things get a little more interesting when we look at the less common items though. Around 7% of women have Christmas cracker toys and stuffed animals, while roughly 2% of ladies carry small sex toys and leftover food. One honest survey subject said she even found rotten fish in her bag!

That might sound farfetched to you and me, but AnjliLondon.com’s spokesperson says she’s not shocked by the survey’s results.

“In fact, I suspect there’s a lot of women out there who could top what’s on our ‘weirdest’ list,” she said. “A woman’s handbag is a bit like a tardis, it’s so easy to keep throwing things in without even thinking about what you’re doing. It’s only when you lose something and tip out your bag that you realize how much rubbish you’re carrying around.“

But perhaps we can’t blame the ladies for their bizarre handbag contents. After all, 68% of women admitted that they never empty their purses, so they could have anything inside there!

[Source: Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Johanna Ljungblom/Stock.xchng]

Once upon a time I thought I knew American West. Its handbags were inspired by the Western frontier, embellished with hand-tooled details and rendered in earthy tones. But then somewhere along the way things changed. The result is accessories like this Crystal Canyons shoulder bag.

Its zebra printed panels are paired with a crystal and stud decorated base. While the colors are kept neutral the clashing details still seem a bit too much. Young girls might appreciate the accents, but a more minimalist approach would have appeared much more sophisticated.

At least we can always rely on American West for practicality. This is a mid-sized shoulder bag, with the right amount of space for what you need. It doesn’t take much to keep a space like this organized, so I’m impressed to see a large zippered pocket and selection of multifunctional slips. A long zip across the top helps keep your essential items just where you left them.

I always felt American West was a bit stuck in the past, but I’m not sure it’s new approach is gelling yet. It needs time to find its feet as a contemporary fashion label. I’d give this Crystal Canyons bag a miss, but it shows the potential of what it could achieve in future seasons.

More Features of This American West Zebra Print Shoulder Bag

• Fully lined interior
• A platform base with protective feet
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches

Get this American West Crystal Canyons Handbag:

• Available to buy at Zappos
• Check the Top Rocky Mountain Seller eBay store to see if this American West bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More American West bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Scarlet bag, a great alternative to this zebra bag.
• Searching for more American West bags on eBay
• Other American West Crystal Canyons bags on eBay:

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Dubai is one of the most luxurious destinations on the planet, so it makes sense that Gucci’s new limited edition Marrakech handbag, which is available exclusively in the UAE capital, is incredibly opulent.

Midnight blue and metallic taupe python comes together in the Middle Eastern inspired design. The bag’s soft silhouette is embellished with bohemian tassels, scoubidou piping, and handcrafted plaited handles. The interior is every bit as luxurious as the outside. The main compartment is lined in buttery soft nappa leather and kitted out with pouches for gadgets and small valuables. A Dubai Exclusive metal plaque is a permanent reminder of the handbag’s limited edition status.

These kind of country-specific designs aren’t unusual, but it’s unusual to see one looking so good. All too often similar products tend to trade on their limited edition status, but I don’t see any of that here. If I could swing the flight and the bag on top of my regular Christmas shopping, I would.

As you’d expect, the Marrakech isn’t cheap. It’ll cost fashionistas 17550 United Arab Emirates dirhams, or roughly $4780 US. It’ll be available next month at the Gucci stores in the Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall, as well as Dubai’s Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s boutiques.

[Source: Ahlan! Live]

Gucci Python Bags on eBay

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Alla Leather Art takes a walk on the wilder side with this Empire shoulder bag.

Ordinarily this fashion house deals with smooth buttery matte leathers. However this time around it’s given its skin a luxurious snake print. It does a good job mimicking the serpent, but I’m left feeling unfulfilled. The glossy treatment of the leather makes it a little hard and unforgiving. We especially notice its flaws around the drawstring, where the skin puckers awkwardly. The label’s greatest strength has always been its high quality plush leather, and the one used here just doesn’t meet the mark.

Without the leather to fawn over I’m left looking for something else to inspire me. The exotic embossing isn’t bad, but it’s nothing special in the fashion world. The chocolate brown handles should feel good on our shoulder, but their color doesn’t flatter the bag’s red wine body. It’s spacious enough with a good array of pockets, but so what? I’ve seen all that before, and often on bags with more impressive exteriors.

In taking the path so well traveled by other labels, Alla Leather Art has forgotten about what makes it special. It’s created some gorgeous accessories over the years, but the Empire isn’t one of them.

More Features of This Alla Leather Art Snake Embossed Shoulder Bag

• Black nickel hardware
• Hidden magnetic closure
• Dual handles with a 13 inch drop
• An adjustable leather cross-body strap
• Measures 7 x 14.5 x 10.5 inches

Get this Alla Leather Art Empire 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 Alla Leather Art bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alla Leather Art bags on BagBunch
• The large Alla Leather Art Empire bag, a great alternative to this small bag.
• Searching for more Alla Leather Art bags on eBay

When the bloggers at Bag Snob slagged off a DKNY handbag, they probably never imagined they would work with the label a couple of years later. However this bout of internet snarking has given birth to an unexpected design collaboration.

It all came about when DKNY’s PR department spotted the offending review. They could easily have ignored it or struck out but they handled the situation with grace, simply commenting “Haven’t you ever taken a picture of yourself that doesn’t do you justice?”

And so a friendship was born, and that relationship led to a limited edition five-piece collection. The press release tells us the line has everything that “every woman needs to complete her bag wardrobe.” That’s a lofty claim, but the range is so diverse that it also might be true.

The Tote ($495 ) is a classic square bag which takes its cues from TV’s period dramas Mad Men and Pan Am. The designers would like us to carry it by day, before switching to The Clutch by night. At $265 this evening purse is more expensive than I’d usually contemplate, but its reversible sequin trim gives it a bit of extra value. Jetsetters are taken care of with The Travel, pictured, a $565 bowling bag style which comes complete with FAA-approved toiletry bottles and a vanity stand. The crocodile decorated Treasure ($365) and the convertible Trendy bag ($325) round out the collection.

The Bag Snob for DKNY handbags are available now from the DKNY website and Net-A-Porter.

[Source: CultureMap]

DKNY Bags on eBay

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Alexis Hudson injects a little Middle Eastern flair into this pretty Prism wristlet.

I can imagine stumbling across this purse in an exotic bazaar in Marrakech or Dubai. Its unusual diamond shape and long tassel accent give it a beautiful bohemian flair. Its glitzy sequined panel complements the lush bronze leather beautifully. There are all-leather versions if you prefer something subtler, but I think this look would be perfect for after five. I could have done without the studs, but they’re not large enough to turn me off.

I wondered whether the Prism’s unusual orientation would make it difficult to manage, but it seems my fears are unfounded. Its 90-degree zip closure opens two ways to make it easier to access our essentials. I say essentials because you probably won’t fit anything more inside this small purse, but that’s not unusual for an evening bag.

At $225 the Prism costs more than I’d expect to pay for a wristlet, but it’s so unique that Alexis Hudson can afford to charge a premium.

More Features of This Alexis Hudson Sequined Wristlet

• Gold-toned hardware
• Measures 8 x 9 x 2 inches

Get this Alexis Hudson Prism Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Alexis Hudson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexis Hudson bags on BagBunch
• The Savanna Crinkled Satin wristlet bag, a great alternative to this wristlet bag.
• Searching for more Alexis Hudson bags on eBay
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Alexander Wang takes a step too far with this Lydia clutch.

I really like what this purse is at its core. I appreciate the way Alexander Wang has played with the traditional flap over clutch design, giving it an almost futuristic feel with its angular, clean lines. The glitzy blush metallic also makes a fresh change from gold and silver. But then there are those fur charms muddying up the design.

Only part of my reservations concerns the ethics of the rabbit fur. I don’t take a hard line stance against fur in the fashion industry, but I think if you’re going to use it you’d better have a good reason. The charms just don’t seem to add anything here. They overcomplicate the purse, which seems much stronger when they’re removed. While I appreciate that we can remove them, I really wonder why they’re included at all.

Bunny fur aside, the Lydia has some lovely details, including its detachable wrist strap and slim but spacious interior. It’s also relatively affordable for a luxury item at $525. But I hate knowing that some of that money is supporting the fur industry, don’t you?

More Features of This Alexander Wang Metallic Clutch

• Hook latch closure
• A detachable 9 inch wrist strap
• Measures 6 x 9 x 1 inches

Get this Alexander Wang Lydia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander Wang bags on BagBunch
• The 3.1 Phillip Lim Lynus bag, a great alternative to this rabbit fur decorated bag.
• Searching for more Alexander Wang bags on eBay
• Other rabbit clutch bags on eBay:

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Actress Tilda Swinton is the latest celebrity to donate handbags to Save the Children’s Bag to Save a Life appeal. Swinton has donated a Chanel purse and a Victor & Rolf bag to the drive, which launches today.

Swinton’s handbags join designer accessories previously owned by Sienna Miller, Florence Welch, Georgia May Jagger, Annie Lennox, and Minnie Driver, to name a few. The Bag to Save a Life auction is part of Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die campaign. The initiative looks to prevent the deaths of more than eight million children in third-world countries around the world.

Swinton is encouraging everyone to give generously through the auction.

“Bid high! Bid so much higher than you think you will or can!” she said. “Think of a dicey number and double it. And then double that. No fancy bag can ever carry what your generosity will mean to the children it will help to live.“

Of course it’s easy for an actress with a big bulging bank account to encourage such spending, especially at this time of year when we’re all stretched. However if you’ve got the cash to spare, there are certainly worse ways to spend it. You can bid from now until December 4 on the Save the Children website.

[Source: Contact Music]
[Image Source: Nicolas Genin/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Bags on eBay

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