The Rizzler is outrageously loud and ridiculously over-embellished. In fact, it might just be plain ridiculous. Yet for some reason I’ve fallen for the questionable charms of this Jeffrey Campbell backpack.

I’m beginning to wonder about my tastes too, but hear me out. Jeffrey Campbell has a vision here, and he commits to it no matter how controversial it might be. Pairing purple, pink and orange suede is gutsy. Decorating a bag with tassels so long they resemble bicycle handlebar streamers is also ballsy. And adding more tassels to the zipper pulls is probably madness. But all those outrageous design decisions ensure the Rizzler’s a backpack like no other. And that individuality is strangely alluring.

This backpack is spacious and well organized, with two zippered pockets on the front and another hidden away inside. However despite its design I wouldn’t make the Rizzler your next school bag. Suede is notoriously quick to wear, so you’ll probably want to use it sparingly. Then again, how many times do you wear an outfit that begs to be paired with such an outlandish backpack?

The Rizzler is relatively affordable at$262. For that price we don’t need to use it regularly to see value.

More Features of This Jeffrey Campbell Suede Backpack

• Drawstring top with magnetic closure
• Contrast interior lining
• Measures 12 x 14 x 8 inches

Get this Jeffrey Campbell Rizzler Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Jeffrey Campbell Rizzler, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Karmaloop eBay store to see if this Jeffrey Campbell bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jeffrey Campbell bags on BagBunch
• The metallic Jeffrey Campbell Rizzler bag, a great alternative to this suede bag.
• Searching for more Jeffrey Campbell bags on eBay

Hitha Prabhakar’s new book Black Market Billions explains the shocking link between counterfeit handbags and terrorism. The book follows closely the trail of one fake designer purse and one stolen handbag. Their journey starts in America’s fashion capital New York City but takes us to the major terrorist cells of Al-Qaeda and Central America’s drug lords.

Prabhakar, a Bloomberg Television retail reporter, says it’s relatively common for people to own designer fakes, be they handbags, movies, or electronics. However she claims that few of these consumers understand the implications of their purchases.

“What has been kept secret and hidden is the chain of events that flows the money from Main Street to major crime rings around the world,” Prabhakar explained. “This fast-growing industry needs to be exposed.“

Black Market Billions retails for $29.99. A companion iPhone app has also been released to coincide with its launch. The Smartphone program encourages amateur vigilantes to snap photograph of vendors selling counterfeit goods and upload them. The phone’s GPS will then chart the location of the seller to alert others of their illegal activity. The app aims to alert others of stolen or counterfeit goods, and ultimately make it harder for salesmen trading in these illegal activities to do business.

We all know it’s wrong to purchase counterfeit handbags, but I’ll bet few of us understand the far-reaching impact of the act. This book definitely provides some food for thought.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Black Market Billions Books on eBay

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Sherpani’s created a purse of uncharacteristic style with the Ivy.

It’s certainly not sophisticated, but the Ivy’s playful design is much prettier than most of the label’s creations. They don’t all take my fancy; the neutral Canyon bag’s a bit boring and the artsy graphic on the Song for You is unrefined. But this Spice bag gets it just right, with warm sherbety orange hue and intertwining leaves and flowers.

I like a lot about the Ivy’s design. It’s a great everyday size, not too big but not too small. The water bottle pocket is handy for staying hydrated, while the array of smaller pockets can handle gadgets and keys.

We don’t expect longevity in a purse costing just $69.95, but we probably expect better quality than this. The suede borders are prone to early flaking, and the strap’s buckle is too loose so adjusting it is virtually impossible. It’s far from perfect. I love the looks, but I think those flaws are just too big to ignore. A bag isn’t a bargain if it’s difficult to use after all.

More Features of This Sherpani Floral Decorated Shoulder Bag

• Made of natural cotton
• Magnetic button closure
• Measures 5 x 9 x 11 inches

Get this Sherpani Ivy Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Sherpani Ivy, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Sherpani bags on BagBunch
• The Sherpani Piont bag, a great alternative to this cotton bag.
• Searching for more Sherpani bags on eBay

The curly coat of the Mongolian lamb makes this Marseille tote from Pour La Victoire something special.

I must admit though that I’m torn by the use of this fur. On a purely aesthetic level, it’s quirky and interesting. I love the depth and texture it brings to the design, although I acknowledge that it’s probably too unusual to suit everybody. I have my ethical reservations though.

Traditionally Mongolian lambswool was sourced with respect for the animal. However as the wool became more popular, farming practices in the Asian nation changed to meet the demand. The sheep began to be seen as a disposable commodity, and their welfare was not considered. Consequently it’s become increasingly more difficult to find cruelty free Mongolian lambswool. As Pour La Victoire does not disclose information about the wool it uses, I’m left with serious concerns.

Those concerns tend to make everything else fade into the background. I don’t mind so much that the tote is spacious, with a range of carrying straps, because I’ve seen these attributes on bags that I know are made with animal welfare in mind. And often they’re much cheaper than the $595 Pour La Victoire is charging.

Do the ethics discourage you from indulging in a bag like the Marseille?

More Features of This Mongolian Lambskin Tote

• Made of Vachetta leather and Mongolian lamb fur
• Hook closure
• Front flap pocket
• Fully lined interior
• An adjustable and detachable leather strap
• Measures 16 x 16 x 4.75 inches
• Made in China

Get this Pour La Victoire Marseille Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Pour La Victoire bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Pour La Victoire bags on BagBunch
• The Daniella Zagnolli Faux Mongolian Lamb shoulder bag, a great alternative to this authentic fur bag.
• Searching for more Pour La Victoire bags on eBay
• Other Pour La Victoire Marseille bags on eBay:

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The dust has barely settled following the release of Versace’s affordable collection for H&M, but it seems there’s more on the way. The high end Italian fashion house is set to release another H&M collection as early as next February.

The Mirror UK has even released a few images of the spring 2012 line, which is set to feature strappy kitten heels, two-piece bikinis, and playful fruit decorated hotpants. Hopefully Versace will also create handbags that are more exciting than the last lot it offered!

Versace and H&M have been very clever at keeping this news hidden. There was no sign of the next line at H&M’s spring 2012 press preview in New York City last week, and no murmurs along the fashion grapevine. Perhaps the move was meant to create the mass hysteria that resulted from our assumption the first cut price collection would be the last. It’s just a shame that anyone who missed out had to suffer the inflated eBay prices to own a piece of the line. No doubt anyone still trying to flog the goods on the auction site won’t enjoy the same financial rewards they might have a week ago.

Are you excited to see Versace teaming up with H&M for another affordable fashion line?

[Source: Fashionista]

Versace for H&M Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Versace HM, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Jessica Simpson serves up her take on the classic wristlet with the Abby.

Jessica Simpson has never been a fashion pioneer, so perhaps it’s unsurprising to see this wristlet plays it safe. However while it’s not a trend setter, it’s still quite stylish. I’m particularly impressed by the faux leather, which is much more plush and less shiny than Simpson’s usual synthetics.

While the Abby looks a bit pedestrian from the outside its interior is especially noteworthy. The space is kitted out with a zip pocket and eight credit card slots, so you can leave your wallet behind and use the interior for more important things. It’s not enormous, but it is big enough to carry everything you really need.

The wrist strap is a convenient addition, but it would have been more appealing if it were removable. While I always appreciate a hands-free carrying option, it looks quite casual. It we could detach it the Abby might have seen us through until after five.

It doesn’t dazzle, but for $34.99 it doesn’t need to. That super cheap bottom line should be enough to lure bargain hunters in.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Red Synthetic Wristlet

• Snap closure
• Measures 8.5 x 1 x 5 inches

Get this Jessica Simpson Abby Handbag:

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

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• Check The Red Carpet Store eBay store to see if this Jessica Simpson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson Taylor bag, a great alternative to this wristlet bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Simpson bags on eBay

On December 5 Valentino will launch a virtual museum, a project which seems like the high-tech equivalent of a traditional retrospective coffee table tome.

On the launch date fans can download the museum via a desktop application. It will bring 50 years of Valentino’s fashion history into your home, and the equivalent of 100, 000 square feet. You don’t even have to get sore feet to explore it!

The museum will feature sketches, advertising campaigns, and editorials. There will also be a library of 5000 images from key Valentino events and red carpet moments, and 95 complete runway shows. Despite being entirely computer generated, the Roman architecture and dramatic lighting help set the scene. It’s exactly as you’d imagine a real-life Valentino museum would appear! However you needn’t worry about paying an entrance fee, and you can visit as often as you like and whenever you like, without paying heed to opening hours.

Valentino Garavini sees the virtual museum as a key part of his legacy. He told Women’s Wear Daily that he was “happy that thousands of students, young designers and fashion people will be able to see and study my work in every aspect of it, and in a manner easy and accessible for the younger generations.”

Garavini will appear alongside his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti at a YouTube press conference about the virtual museum on its launch date, December 5.

The video above gives us a sneak peek of what’s to come. Will you visit Valentino’s virtual museum?

[Source: Fashionista]

Valentino Purses on eBay

[phpbay]Valentino, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Elliott Lucca reminds us that black leather doesn’t have to be boring with this Rioja wallet.

The classic cowhide is dressed up with vertical stitching and seams. The details create depth and texture along the traditionally colored leather which really livens up the typical wallet shape. The metal nameplate isn’t really to my tastes, but it’s also not as gaudy as it might have been.

The Rioja isn’t enormous, so I’m impressed by all the features Elliott Lucca managed to cram inside. This is a wallet for shopaholics, with 12 credit card slots, two open pouches for bills and receipts, and a zippered pocket for loose change. That’s probably all you’ll need, but Elliott Lucca has also added a besom pocket at the back of the wallet for good measure. A zippered pocket probably would have been smarter here, but this pouch is still convenient, if not entirely secure.

At $104 this wallet isn’t cheap, but it’s also not unreasonable for a designer accessory either. Its superior materials and first class craftsmanship ensure you’ll see value for your investment.

More Features of This Elliott Lucca Textured Leather Wallet

• Light metallic gold-toned hardware
• Zip top with tassel zipper pull
• Leather and floral print fabric interior
• Measures 4.5 x 8 inches

Get this Elliott Lucca Roija Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Elliott Lucca bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Elliott Lucca bags on BagBunch
• The Elliott Lucca large zip wallet, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Elliott Lucca bags on eBay

Hobo International takes us back to a time before credit and store loyalty cards with this Rachel wallet.

This purse wouldn’t look out place on the set of Mad Men, with its traditional tri-fold design and brushed antique hardware. I particularly like this red leather version, perhaps because I can imagine how beautifully it’d work with some 50s style lipstick. This is the most vibrant of the bunch, which also includes a rich teal called Celeste, stone, chocolatey mocha brown, and basic black.

Whichever one you pick you’ll enjoy the modern organizational features, including the credit card slots and secure zippered pockets. There aren’t a lot of them, as you might expect from a wallet so small, but the features should hold your financial essentials just fine. Just make sure you keep those cards well away from the Rachel’s magnetic closures. More than one disappointed fashion fan has found their cards wiped from lack of care.

At $118 the Rachel is a little expensive for a wallet, but it’s so well made and timeless than it’s probably worth the extra coin.

More Features of This Hobo International Tri-Fold Wallet

• Fabric lining
• A complementary mirror
• Measures 4 x 4 inches

Get this Hobo International Rachel Handbag:

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

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• Check the Carriage House Gulfport com eBay store to see if this Hobo International bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The Autumn print Hobo International Rachel bag, a patterned alternative to this matte bag.
• Searching for more Hobo International bags on eBay

Former Salvatore Ferragamo designer Johanna Konanz is serving up vibrantly colored accessories this spring.

Lurid hues like turquoise, purple, hot pink, canary yellow, and bright green could have appeared overwhelming, but by using classic handbag styles, the Ecuadorian designer has ensured things don’t feel over the top. There are classic satchel bags and everyday wallets, and clutch purses ready to take you from day to night.

The bright colors help to liven up Konanz’s favorite exotic skins. I love the way the natural crocodile, python, and ostrich skins contrast with rainbow hued versions. While they’re ideal for the season they also have a timeless quality about them. Konanz was inspired by classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, two women I can easily imagine carrying the purses to a red carpet event in years gone by.

Of course we’ll pay a premium for the authentic exotics that Konanz uses, but they’re so lovely that I’m tempted to splurge. However it’s easy to be tempted when you don’t know the bottom line. Johanna Konanz gives us a link for inquiries rather than exact prices for the purses, which is generally code for super expensive. At least it’s free to browse!

[Source: Examiner]