Hermes, Tod’s, and Chanel make the world’s most covetable handbags according to a new Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey released by New York’s Luxury Institute. The survey saw luxury fans in European nations rating their favorites in a range of categories.

Stylistas in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany considered the quality, social status, exclusivity, and general ownership experience before settling on an overall LBSI score.

While fashion preferences varied from country to country, the top three handbag labels listed managed to transcend national boundaries. They’re the sort of bags we probably all aspire to own, and the survey’s respondents actually can. The Luxury Institute doesn’t just ask for anyone’s opinion, after all. Participants have a minimum annual income of €50, 000 or £60, 000. I guess they’ve got the finances to really know what handbags are the best that money can buy!

Personally I’m surprised to see Tod’s ranking so highly. I’ve often admired the label’s handbags, particularly its classic leather designs, but I would have thought that Prada or Valentino purses were more covetable. Are you surprised by the Luxury Institute’s results? And if money was no object, what luxury bag would you like on your arm?

[Source: Market Watch]
[Image Source: Kwanyatsw/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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Nicole Lee is one of those designers that marches to the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t always nail her accessories, but at least you can’t accuse them of being boring. This Helene clutch is another surprising, and surprisingly affordable, handbag from her collection.

The Helene’s large curved flap is decorated with strips of floral printed fabric which create a bow, or perhaps cat’s whiskers. Whatever it’s meant to be, the design certainly adds interest to the flap. It’s a bit busy for my taste, but I can’t criticize the designer for taking a risk.

I think Nicole Lee gets away with the experiment because she remembers what we really want out of a handbag. This Helene offers it all really: a decent amount of space, double security measures, and even a detachable strap.

I figure if you’re going to choose an unusually designed purse, you might as well go all out. This orange colored Helene certainly fits that bill! However if you prefer a more conservative look you’ll also find this purse in black, white, and a gentle mustard yellow. Each one is affordably priced at $45.

More Features of This Nicole Lee Flower Stripe Clutch

• Top entry with a magnetic flap and zip closure
• An interior wall slide pocket
• Measures 1 x 9 x 5.5 inches

Get this Nicole Lee Helene Handbag:

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Jeffrey Campbell serves up a pop of 80s with this Abbate Bag.

This purse takes me right back to my childhood with its fanny pack style and lurid neon pink hue. The patent leather finish is probably far too bright to please anyone who isn’t of my vintage, but the nostalgia factor should win it a few fans.

And I’ve got to say, I’m amongst them. Its small dimensions help it get away with its shamelessly retro appeal. Its practical design doesn’t hurt any either. This purse is small but expandable, with an adjustable waist belt for maximum comfort. While we don’t have a lot of storage space the interior zip pocket ensures we can keep what cargo we do have organized.

While the belt is a good gimmick, I wish it wasn’t our only carrying option. If the belt were detachable we could have used it as a clutch, or even attached a wrist strap. The belt is probably what dates this purse the most, so it’s unfortunate that we’re stuck with it.

I’m not convinced that the Abbate will inspire a fanny pack resurgence, but at $122 it’s an affordable way to remember the 80s. And it won’t look quite as dated as your legwarmers or Hypercolor T-shirts!

More Features of This Jeffrey Campbell Neon Fanny Pack

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 6 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches

Get this Jeffrey Campbell Abbate Handbag:

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

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

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• More neon bags on BagBunch
• The yellow Jeffrey Campbell Abbate bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
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Madonna’s Material Girl collection caters for young things her daughter’s age, but the pop star’s core fan base tends to be significantly older. So it makes sense that Lady M is launching a new lifestyle brand called Truth or Dare for a more mature demographic.

The line, which will hit stores next year, hopes to appeal to women from 27 to 50. A fragrance launch is first on the agenda, but the label also plans to release handbags, lingerie, and footwear shortly afterwards. Details are a bit thin on the ground at this stage though. I really hope we see luxury materials, as adults can generally afford to spend more than tweens, but at this point it’s anybody’s guess.

Madonna has teamed up with Iconix Brand Group for the project, a group she calls “great partners” who can help take her “vision to reality.”

In a statement, the line’s creators say that Truth or Dare will represent the duality of Madonna’s iconic image, both her power as a feminist icon and her softer, more girly side.

Madonna also stated that “the timing is right” for the line’s release, an interesting comment considering she’s only telling the press to expect the items in stores in 2012. That’s a fairly vague estimation. Do you think Madge knows something we don’t?

[Source: NY Daily News]
[Image Source: Ed-Van West/Wikipedia Commons]

Madonna Handbags on eBay

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Pour La Victoire shakes up the traditional hobo with this unique tiered design.

The unusual tiered finish is beautiful, but its appeal goes beyond the aesthetic. Every tier is actually an open pocket, offering us more storage space than we’d expect. Those pockets aren’t secure, but they’re a great place for stashing chapsticks, tissues, and other items you might need on hand.

The tiered body will draw fans in, but it’s certainly not this hobo’s only selling point. I really like the worn in look of the distressed leather, which should only get better with age. The olive color also makes a nice change from traditional neutrals. And that metal accent on the front is just darling.

I was already tempted, but the price has me convinced. At $395 this Pour La Victoire hobo is very affordable for a bag of such modern style and substance.

More Features of This Pour La Victoire Distressed Leather Hobo

• Gold-toned metal hardware
• Magnetic snap-flap with hardware detail on front
• A single chain strap

Get this Pour La Victoire Tiered Handbag:

• Available to buy at Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Check the Last Call by Neiman Marcus eBay store to see if this Pour La Victoire bag is in stock
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• The Nina Ricci Tiered evening bag, a great alternative to this tiered bag.
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Dior Homme’s creative director Kris Van Assche has created his second collection for travel label Eastpak.

The new line retains the minimalist approach we saw in the first, which should ensure it appeals to the lads and the ladies. The bags are made predominantly of hardy cotton, with the occasional splash of leather to dress things up.

The collection’s color palette is mostly muted with gray, beige, and white hues, although the red pops help to liven up the conservative shades. These hues make a refreshing change of pace from the earthier colors we saw in the last collaboration. They’re still not revolutionary by any means, but by playing with the cooler end of the color spectrum Kris Van Assche has offered us something new which is always appreciated.

The latest Kris Van Assche range features 11 different accessories including backpacks, weekenders, helmet style totes, and smaller handbags and pouches for everyday use. Considering the great differences in sizes it’s unsurprising that price points also vary. You can pick up the line’s cheapest item for €55 but the most expensive item in the collection will set you back €255.

Look for them in stores in the New Year ahead of the spring/summer 2012 season.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Eastpak Bags on eBay

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Some well placed pleats make this Bea Satchel from MZ Wallace as pretty as a picture.

This satchel really is all about the pleats. The vertical folds create texture and drama on this simply shaped satchel. Simple doesn’t mean boring here though. The silhouette is ladylike and sophisticated, like something the Mad Men cast might carry as they leave work for martinis.

I’ve never seen nylon looking as lovely as it does here. MZ Wallace has given the durable fabric a Teflon coating, which adds shine and value. Teflon seems a strange substance to use for fashion, but just as it does elsewhere it will make this bag water and stain resistant.

The navy nylon is already beautiful, but it’s given a luxurious lift with glossy patent leather trim. However, given how sparingly it’s used, I’m not sure it’s worth the extra dollars. A good quality synthetic would have worked just as well, and we’d have gotten out of it for less than $395. However that’s still not outrageous in the fashion world, especially for a purse so practical. The plethora of exterior and interior pockets and the detachable cosmetics case ensure we see real value here.

More Features of This MZ Wallace Pleated Satchel

• Golden hardware
• Top zip closure
• Dual handles with a 7.5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 11 x 7 inches

Get this MZ Wallace Bea Handbag:

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

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• Check the Jr2905 eBay store to see if this MZ Wallace bag is in stock
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• The Coccinelle Raquel tote bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
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The always affordable Melie Bianco serves up an alternative to high class woven satchels with this Sydney bag.

The Sydney obviously takes its cues from Bottega Veneta and other high end designer labels, although its weave is much wider than the ones these fashion houses employ. Luxury lovers may crave that intricate finish, but when we get out of it for just $103 I think it’s worth the compromise.

Melie Bianco makes the most of the wide weave by decorating it with contrast stitching. These accents really pop against the cheerful mustard yellow variety pictured, but the bag is also available in dark saddle brown if you prefer something subtler.

The weave is really the focus here; everything else about the Sydney is played very straight. Tradition isn’t a bad thing though. The gently curved shape strikes the right balance between style and storage space. The rolled handles may be difficult to keep on your shoulder, but you can always employ the longer strap if you’re traveling any distance.

While the price is right, I wish we didn’t see Melie Bianco’s traditional corner cutting. The weave isn’t continued on the back of the bag, so it seems unfinished. The Sydney is a great way to get the woven look for less, but if you’ve got a larger budget I’d probably indulge in one of those more opulent accessories.

More Features of This Melie Bianco Weave Satchel

• Top zip closure
• Signature polka dot satin lining
• Dual rolled straps with a 7.5 inch drop
• An adjustable strap with a 10.5 to 20.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 10 x 6.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Melie Bianco Sydney Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Slimskii Couture eBay store to see if this Melie Bianco bag is in stock
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Reese Witherspoon has bowed to pressure from PETA and vowed to stop carrying her python skin Chloe Paraty purse.

It’s believed Witherspoon’s decision came after she watched a documentary, sent to her by the animal rights group, which outlined the appalling way snakes are treated by the fashion industry.

Reese was quick to tell PETA she’d decided to ditch her exotic Paraty. It seems now all is forgiven, as PETA’s senior vice president Lisa Lange declared that Reese is “a kind person.” She added that she was “pleased – and not surprised” that Reese is forgoing her python purse.

Many celebrities have been criticized for wearing animal-skin fashions, but I can’t recall anyone else backing down like this. Do you think Reese Witherspoon did the right thing?

PETA hopes that Reese’s “honest mistake” will encourage others to indulge in faux crocodile and snake skins rather than the genuine articles. Or why not just ditch the reptilian style skins altogether? Reese has already been spotted carrying a blue satchel on a Beverly Hills shopping trip, and that drew plenty of admiring glances. However there’s no word on the material of her latest accessory yet. Do you think PETA will be back on the offensive if it hears her latest purchase is made of leather?

[Source: The Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Pete Souza/Wikipedia Commons]

Faux Python Purses on eBay

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Sherpani puts functionality ahead of fashion with this Mia shoulder bag.

It’s not that this messenger-style shoulder bag is ugly, but it doesn’t have all those things that make us turn green with accessory envy. It’s not made from an exotic skin, or even a soft, supple leather. Nylon might be durable, but it’s also pretty ho hum, even in a range of colors. I think this khaki shade might be the most versatile, but I’m glad there’s red and shadow blue to satisfy anyone looking for more fun.

Its curves are playful but they’re never going to start anyone’s heart fluttering. Sherpani’s floral emblem is a cute way to brand the bag, but it also doesn’t inspire the same feelings as a polished nameplate bearing a high-end designer’s logo.

Perhaps we’re better off ignoring what this bag is not and focusing what it is. And that, dear readers, is smart. It’s that elusive “just right” size, not too big or too small. Its interior is well organized with zippered pockets and open ones for gadget. There are even card slots, allowing us to leave our wallet behind if we need more storage space. The tightly woven strap is also adjustable, so we can take the Mia from a shoulder bag to a cross-body with minimal fuss.

And at $59.95, it’s also very affordable. All too often that sort of money buys us tacky looking thin leatherette or a purse so small that we can’t do anything with it. I’d take this over those budget options any day!

More Features of This Sherpani Nylon Cross-Body Bag

• Floral interior lining
• Measures 3.5 x 9.6 x 9.4 inches

Get this Sherpani Mia Handbag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore eBay store to see if this Sherpani bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More shoulder bags on BagBunch
• The Sherpani Milli bag, a great alternative to this messenger-style shoulder bag.
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