Say goodbye to back pain with the Healthy Back Bag, a new ergonomic handbag created under the advisement of health practitioners in the United Kingdom.

This is one of those purses that doesn’t believe we must suffer for fashion. Its unique teardrop shape distributes weight evenly along its length, rather than pulling down from the shoulder as similar bags do. These conventional handbags cause us to unconsciously lean and twist our bodies to keep them in place, but the Healthy Back Bag causes far less strain and improves posture.

Its non-slip strap helps us carry the Healthy Back Bag easily over our shoulder or across the body. It’s also very practical, with plenty of secure external compartments and a hidden zip closure. Its silvery lining is another great touch, as you can easily see where you left your cell phone, wallet, and other essentials.

Admittedly the Healthy Back Bag isn’t very fashion forward, but its functional features help to make amends. It’s also available in a range of colors and fabrics, from brightly colored casual nylon to luxurious black leather, which help to give it a bit of personality. You’ll find them all at The Healthy Back Bag’s online store and selected retailers around the United Kingdom.

[Source: Manila Bulletin]
[Image Source: The Healthy Back Bag website]

Healthy Back Bags on eBay

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We know Magid as a cheap and cheerful brand that loves to create casual accessories from woven paper straw. But every now and again it steps out of its box and delivers something unexpected like this satin clutch.

This purse is a thing of real beauty, which is both traditional yet a little bit quirky. Satin evening purses are a fashion staple, and ruffles are a standard way to embellish them. But by sweeping those ruffles off to the side, Magid’s helped its purse stand alone. The ruffles are held in place by a gem-encrusted strip of satin. It gives the purse the perquisite bit of bling, and really pops against its basic black background.

This clutch’s plain back is a bit of a disappointment, although not an altogether unexpected one. It’s a classic technique for budget labels looking to cut corners; pull all your aces out on the front and you don’t need to spend more money on the back.

While this clutch purse is something different for Magid, one thing that hasn’t changed is the label’s commitment to affordable fashion. At a mere $34, this purse is an inexpensive way to complete your evening ensemble.

More Features of This Magid Satin Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Internal slip pocket
• An optional shoulder strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 10 x 4 inches

Get this Magid Side Ruffle 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 Magid bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Magid bags on BagBunch
• The Magid Classic Satin Evening bag, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more Magid bags on eBay

High end fashion houses would have us believe that the sale of cheap knockoff bags at market stalls undermines their bottom lines. However according to a study by Chinese economist Yi Qian, it seems the reverse might be true.

Qian’s preliminary study examined China’s counterfeit market following outbreaks of food poisoning and exploding gas tanks in the country, when enforcement efforts were focused on matters more pressing that fashion copycats. During these periods the fake fashion label factories flourished, but so did sales of the real things.

The study determined that rather than taking sales away from the big fashion names, the counterfeit purses create free advertising for the genuine articles. They remind the world what labels are really popular, and serve as “gateway” accessories for fashion lovers. Carrying a faux Louis Vuitton handbag, the study suggests, only creates a longing for the real thing, especially when the shoddy workmanship fails! In fact, another study by MIT marketing professor Renee Richardson Gosline claimed that more than half of the people who bought a designer replica indulged in the genuine article within a couple of years.

So if the studies hold true, perhaps the Pradas and Guccis of the world shouldn’t be so quick to stem the counterfeit trade. In fact, it may end up doing their businesses more harm than good.

[Source: Slate]
[Image Source: Zizzie Fizz/Flickr]

Imitation Designer Bags on eBay

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Oh to be rich and famous, to have an overinflated bank balance and a jam-packed social calendar. Because those are just the kind of circumstances I need to justify indulging in this delicious evening purse from Maddalena Marconi.

Often this opulent European label goes over the top with its gemstones and decorations, but I think it’s done just enough here. It’s luxurious to be sure, with its hand sewn silver lace body, ivory and golden beads, and glittering Swarovski crystals. But all those decorations are arranged so artfully that it doesn’t seem like overkill. It’s the kind of purse I can imagine royalty or the figureheads of High Society carrying to complement their tiaras and ball gowns.

Of course such nobility don’t need to carry much on an evening out as their minders are doing all the heavy lifting. So it’s unsurprising that there’s little space in a purse such as this. You’ll be able to carry a slim cell phone and handkerchief if you know how to pack them right, but you may need to reconsider what’s really essential on an evening out. At least there’s a chain strap though, although I wish it were much longer and removable. The last thing we want is to clutter up that already small interior with a chain, particularly one too short to fit over our shoulder.

I’d be remiss not to mention that bottom line, a staggering $1298. You might need to snag the handsome prince before you indulge in this evening purse, ladies!

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Crystal & Bead Evening Bag

• Silver satin lining with brocade trim
• A chain strap with a 4.3 inch drop
• Measures 7.09 x 3.54 x 3.15 inches
• Comes with a dust bag
• Made in Italy

Get this Maddalena Marconi Beaded Silver Lace Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Maddalena Marconi bags on BagBunch
• The Maddalena Marconi Beaded Evening Clutch bag, a great alternative to this beaded bag.
• Searching for more Maddalena Marconi bags on eBay
• Other beaded evening bags on eBay:

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We all know Memorial Day is meant for paying our respects to those who’ve bravely serves America in wars throughout history, but fashionistas know there’s another reason to mark the long week. Its sales are legendary! And Modnique.com’s monster accessories sale is one of the best online this Memorial Day weekend.

You’ve got another day and a half to shop for the wide range of accessories on offer. There are bags from Furla, C’N’C, and Rough Roses, diamond rings, Swarovski crystal necklaces, Cartier watches, and belts and cufflinks from Kenneth Cole, just to name a few. And best of all, there are discounts of up to 90% on the recommended retail values. That can add up to a pretty hefty saving when you’re talking about designer leather handbags and gem-encrusted jewelry!

Americans enjoy free shipping, while international customers can take advantage of an affordable $4.99 flat rate. As an Australian who frequently gets slugged when buying from international websites, I appreciate that low shipping fee, and the knowledge that it won’t fluctuate no matter how large my shopping spree.

Remember to spread the word too, as you’ll earn extra shopping credits for every new person you introduce to Modnique.com. Those credits will come in handy next time the site’s clearing out such covetable pieces of arm candy!

[Source: Modnique.com]

Furla Handbags on eBay

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Totes don’t come much cuter or quirkier than this Cloudberry bag from Mad Imports.

The little tufts of woven raffia which dot the Cloudberry’s body make this purse a textural marvel. These little nodules won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but nothing with personality ever is. Personally I think it makes a refreshing change of pace from your typical woven raffia bag, and I’m thrilled to see the effect continued on the back of the bag too!

The colors are also so striking and fresh. Natural beige raffia is contrasted with more vibrant dyed blue, green, and mustard hues to create a cheery, summery rainbow.

As with any raffia bag, it’s worth noting the Cloudberry’s limitations. The natural fiber is notoriously brittle, so you won’t be able to load this tote up. Use it to carry the bare essentials only, and resist your natural urge to overstuff it, if you want to make it last.

That lack of longevity may disappoint fans, but at least at $98 it won’t cost too much to replace!

More Features of This Mad Imports Woven Raffia Tote

• Magnetic snap closure
• Fully lined interior
• Made in Madagascar

Get this Mar Y Sol Cloudberry Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Mad Imports Jujube tote bag, a great alternative to this quirky raffia bag.
• Searching for more Mad Imports bags on eBay
• Other raffia tote bags on eBay:

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Texan model Erin Wasson has teamed up with French luxury fashion house Zadig & Voltaire for a small capsule collection.

There are just 15 pieces in the Erin Meets Zadig range which combines Zadig & Voltaire’s famous rock and roll style with Wasson’s relaxed American air. While the line is small there’s a lot of variety to it with a python handbag, leather pants, suede jacket, and cashmere jumpsuit.

Erin may be more familiar to us as a catwalk model, but this isn’t her first foray into the world of fashion design. She collaborated with RVCA on the Erin Wasson X RVCA lines two years ago, but fans shouldn’t expect more of the same. Wasson was attracted to Zadig & Voltaire’s luxury status, and the more opulent fabrics and materials she could work with this time around.

Longtime fans of the brand may be surprised at how edgy the pieces in the new line are.

“Erin’s capsule is really different from what we are doing today,” explained the label’s founder Thierry Gillier. “It allows us to offer an even more distinctive product. We are rock ‘n’ roll, but Erin is even more rock ‘n’ roll.“

All that luxury comes at a price though. The collection starts at €90, or around $120US, for a cotton tank top and tops €1050, or $1400 US, for a foal skin coats.

The Erin Meets Zadig capsule collection will make its debut at Paris Couture Week in July before it’s rolled out to Net-a-Porter in September. The online retailer will enjoy its status as exclusive Erin Meets Zadig stockist until it hits Zadig & Voltaire stores around the world.

[Source: Refinery29]

Zadig & Voltaire Bags on eBay

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Mad by Design proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to carry a high-class accessory on your arm with this Mother of Pearl clutch.

This pretty purse is made from genuine mother of pearl panels, which are sewn together to create an opalescent finish which gleams when it catches the moonlight. Its gentle creamy tones will pop against your favorite little black dress and complement a gown with a more daring print.

We don’t expect clutches to be too practical, but this Mother of Pearl purse has everything I want in an evening bag. Its structured interior is lined with fabric and fitted with a small open pouch. The space hides a beaded strap, which is ready to serve you as the evening wears on.

I’d probably reserve this purse for those black tie events, as I can’t guarantee this purse will look good if it becomes an everyday accessory. For a mere $32 we don’t expect longevity, but it’ll look gorgeous while it lasts.

More Features of This Mad by Designs Shell Clutch

• Measures 7 x 4 x 2.5 inches

Get this Mad by Designs Mother of Pearl Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad by Design bags on BagBunch
• The Mad by Design Coddled Pearl bag, a great alternative to this mother of pearl bag.
• Searching for more Mad by Design bags on eBay
• Other mother of pearl clutch bags on eBay:

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A would-be handbag thief in Melbourne, Australia, got more than he bargained for recently when he attempted to snatch the purse of an 82-year-old woman. He held the grandmother at knife point to procure her purse, but her friend wasn’t frightened. The 89-year-old simply bopped him on the head with her own handbag!

A passer-by who saw the commotion came to their aid as the would-be bandit took flight. Local police are currently investigating the case and are determined to track down the scruffy man in his mid-40s.

You’ve got to hand it to those women though. I can’t imagine having the chutzpah to take on the assailant at my tender years, so I’m always impressed when I hear of elderly women having such courage. Of course there was the potential for the situation to get ugly, but I’m sure the handbag thief was too shocked to think of fighting back. And who could hurt an old lady with a handbag who’s not afraid to use it?

Police are urging any Aussies who have information about the attack to contact the national Crime Stoppers hotline on 1800 333 000. Hopefully they can lock the coward up so he doesn’t prey on any other old ladies!

[Source: Narooma News Online]
[Image Source: Sitesyrup/Stock.xchng]

I haven’t always been M. Andonia’s greatest fan, but lately the line has won me over with bags that show some real personality and pizzazz. This fun Hair on Calf Shoulder Bag is the latest M. Andonia purse to appeal to my retro sensibilities.

This shoulder bag won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but that’s exactly the point. M. Andonia has taken risks here, and created a bag that makes a real style statement. If you don’t like what it says, that’s OK. It’s making it anyway, safe in the knowledge that it’ll speak to someone. I haven’t always been a fan of hair calf, but in bright blue with leopard spots I’m finding it irresistible. It’s just so silly that I can’t help but smiling!

What saves this shoulder bag from becoming a novelty is its classic design sensibilities. Its structured shape has an elegant curved flap and golden down-drop clasp. This hardware matches the golden shoulder strap, which while not comfortable is very elegant.

Hair calf makes this one of M. Andonia’s most luxurious designs, so it’s disappointing to see the interior isn’t so plush. It’s not even lined, which is frankly unacceptable for a bag costing $219. Still, I suppose the label had to cut costs somewhere and doing it away from prying eyes is a smart move.

Pair this poppy purse with a little black dress or your favorite 50s gear for a fun vintage look!

More Features of This M. Andonia Leopard Print Shoulder Bag

• A zip pocket on the back
• Measures 8 x 2.5 x 7 inches

Get this M. Andonia Hair on Calf Handbag:

• Available to buy at M. Andonia
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More M. Andonia bags on BagBunch
• The Stuart Weitzman Cortes Serengheti Post Hobo, a realistic alternative to this leopard bag.
• Searching for more M. Andonia bags on eBay
• Other leopard haircalf bags on eBay:

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