A handbag owned by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is expected to fetch around £100, 000 when it goes under the hammer for charity in June.

Thatcher carried the black Asprey purse to state ceremonies and international summits, including meetings with Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan. For Thatcher her handbag was more than a mere fashion statement. It was a symbol of authority which she used to discipline backbenchers and show other dignitaries that she meant business.

Novelist and former Tory party deputy chairman Jeffrey Archer has organized the Christie’s auction slated for June 27. It will also include other key items including the stopwatch that recorded Roger Bannister’s first four-minute mile, and possessions owned by Michael Parkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio. Proceeds will be donated to charities chosen by each personality. Previously Thatcher has donated personal effects to raise funds for breast cancer care and research, so perhaps this latest donation will benefit this vital cause.

Margaret Thatcher last auctioned a handbag in 2000. A Scottish businessman, a longtime admirer of the former PM’s willpower and drive, paid £100, 000 for a Salvatore Ferragamo accessory she once owned. Given inflation in recent years, perhaps that means we can expect the Asprey bag to fetch an even higher price.

What would you pay to carry this piece of history?

[Source: The Guardian]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Asprey Bags on eBay

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Diane von Furstenberg serves up a textural feast with this Kelli hobo.

A woven center panel works with the Kelli’s gently ruched body to create a casually cool silhouette. It’s modern but not trend-conscious, so you needn’t worry about the Kelli dating quickly.

I really love the way the textures emphasize the buttery qualities of the leather. It’s the kind of treatment that separates the luxury finishes from the imitators. A synthetic wouldn’t have slouched so softly, or appeared quite so touchable. I’d probably restraint myself though if you’ve picked this cream version, as it’s bound to show fingerprints! If you’re worried about stains the black version may be a better alternative.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll be happy to know you won’t need to leave anything behind. The Kelli’s dimensions are very generous, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, Diane von Furstenberg has delivered space to spare and plenty of pockets too. But that traditional hobo slouch is never easy to manage, particularly on such a large scale. The Kelli isn’t the most difficult hobo to use, but prepare to wrestle with it a little.

For $675 though you’ll probably want to make the effort. That’s not small change, although it’s not exorbitant for a bag of this quality and style.

More Features of This Diane Von Furstenberg Woven Panel Hobo

• Golden hardware
• Tonal whipstiching and piping
• Dual shoulder straps with rings
• Zip top closure
• Measures 12.5 x 18 x 4 inches

Get this Diane von Furstenberg Kelli Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diane von Furstenberg bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Maya hobo bag, a great alternative to this woven hobo bag.
• Searching for more Diane von Furstenberg bags on eBay
• Other woven hobo bags on eBay:

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Just when I believe I’ve seen green accessories made from every possible material a designer comes along to surprise me. These cute iPad carry cases are actually made from repurposed mosquito nets!

Now the netting won’t provide much protection for your tablet, especially if you’re caught in an unexpected April shower. But don’t worry. The tech bags are also lined in waterproof industrial tarp, which is also repurposed.

These purses aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re also socially responsible. Each one is handmade in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh under fair trade conditions.

And they’re quite functional to boot. You’ll find three pockets inside and another two on the exterior, so you’ll have plenty of space for carrying your cell phone, keys, and wallet. A long carry strap makes this bag much easier to manage than so many iPad cases on the market.

The only downside that I see is the maintenance. These tech accessories require hand washing. But think of it this way. While that process is a bit fiddly, it’s also much greener than throwing a bag in the washing machine and then the tumble dryer! Thinking of the carbon footprint makes the inconvenience a little easier to swallow.

The mosquito netting iPad cases are available in your choice of gray or orange for $45 from the Uncommon Goods website.

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

iPad Cases on eBay

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Devi Kroell abandons the exotic skins she’s so fond of for this fun wooden clutch purse.

I’m always a little nervous when designers deviate from their signature looks, and some may say my concerns are justified here. This is a polarizing purse, but I’ve fallen for its retro charms. The chunky blue-green Swarovski gems are brash and bold, and they help to liven up the clutch’s pale wooden body. That’s been sanded and smoothed to ensure the purse will feel heavenly in the palm of your hand.

This purse has some serious limitations though. While it’s not especially small, its structured wooden body means that overstuffing it is out. It’s also really narrow, so you’ll need to pack it carefully to even get the essentials inside. And there’s no shoulder strap either, so we’re stuck carrying it all night. Something tells me we won’t be so enamored by the feel of the wood by the end of the night.

And it’s those limitations that make the price tag seem even more unreasonable. I might not might spending $1390 on a clutch that’s as practical as it is pretty, but when its functionality falls short I’ll always hesitate.

More Features of This Devi Kroell Crystal Clutch

• Lined with silk
• Measures 7 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Devi Kroell Wooden Handbag:

• Available to buy at Devi Kroell
• Check the Socialite Auctions eBay store to see if this Devi Kroell bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Devi Kroell bags on BagBunch
• The Prada Tessuto Pietre bag, a great alternative to this gemstones bag.
• Searching for more Devi Kroell bags on eBay
• Other wooden clutch bags on eBay:

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Payless ShoeSource is helping to rebuild the forests of Brazil through sales of a new reusable shopping bag.

In July the budget accessories chain will release a brand new limited edition shopper decorated with a gray/yellow leaf print pattern. So often reusable shoppers claim to be green as they can be reused for multiple shopping trips, but true environmentalists know that simply isn’t true. How eco-friendly can something be if its manufacture pumps plenty of harmful toxins into the environment?

Thankfully Payless has taken a more environmentally friendly route. Each one is made from at least 50% recycled polyethalene, the same material used in plastic water and soda bottles. By turning those containers into bags, Payless is helping to keep them out of landfill.

The reusable shopping bags will be available for just $1.99, so we can all afford to get behind the initiative. And best of all, a percentage of the profits will benefit The Nature Conservancy‘s Plant a Billion Trees campaign. One dollar from the sale of each bag, which is the cost of planting one tree, will help to rebuild the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Look for the limited edition shopping bags in more than 4000 Payless stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico this July.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Ilosuna/Wikipedia Commons]

Reusable Shopping Bags on eBay

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Don’t let the name put you off. This Dan W satchel might be called the Scout Group, but it’s much more fashionable than anything I’ve ever seen at a jamboree!

This satchel is certainly not the squeaky clean knapsack I’d expect to see a scout carrying. Its chunky hardware makes it look very edgy, and the crinkled black surface has a dangerous allure. It’s made of synthetic rather than genuine leather, but that appealing crackle helps it successfully imitate the real thing. It’s not as soft to touch, or as thick and plush of course, but from a distance folks will never know the difference.

I’m not completely sold on the Scout Group’s appearance. Its chunkiness looks a bit awkward to me, but it’s a matter of personal preference. But I can’t fault this satchel’s design on a practical level. I love the handy zippered pocket in the front, and the long easy-to-carry handles. I also appreciate the synthetic trimmed pockets inside, which should survive some harsh punishment for many years to come.

Its edgy looks aren’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan you’ll snap this satchel up for just $83.

More Features of This Edgy Dan W Satchel

• Satiny lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 14 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Dan W Scout Group Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless

(limited stock in some colors)

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

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• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dan W bags on BagBunch
• The Dan W Scout Group hobo bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Dan W bags on eBay

Angelina Jolie’s wallet is set to become a whole fatter. The Hollywood star has just been named as the new face of Louis Vuitton.

The altruistic actress will star in a worldwide advertising campaign this summer. Acclaimed photographer Annie Leibowitz will shoot the images which sources say will net Ange close to $10 million. That’s a whole chunk of change. In fact, it’s believed to the most lucrative brand endorsement of Angelina Jolie’s career.

Apparently the photos will be taken over the next couple of weeks, so hopefully we’ll start to hear soon how the advertisement is taking shape. The advertisement campaign will be restricted to the print medium. Personally I’m thankful for that. I’m getting really sick of those artsy fartsy advertising videos, aren’t you?

Personally I’m pretty excited about Angelina’s appointment. She’s one of those rare female celebrities that’s as loved by women as she is by men. She’s also utterly gorgeous, and a real fan of Louis Vuitton’s handbags. I always love it when a celebrity endorses a company they really believe in, although I have an idea that Angelina wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you think Angelina Jolie is the right woman for the job?

[Source: E! Online]
[Image Source: Remy Steinegger/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Handbag designers have reinvented the hobo bag so many times I was starting to forget what a hobo is supposed to look like. Cynthia Vincent celebrates tradition with this classically styled Donovan bag.

In a nod to the famous Scottish folk singer, this hobo sticks to its bohemian roots. The crescent shape is classic, and its soft leather body slouches in all the right places. The tan color is also very boho chic, although it’s also available in a deeper chocolate brown.

But Cynthia Vincent updates the hobo with a few key elements. The studded O-ring accented handle is very now, and the leather strap running around the purse helps to reinforce the Donovan, giving it more structure.

I love the look of that handle, but it’s not our only carrying option. Cynthia Vincent also offers a much longer cross-body strap, which is a much more practical carrying option for busy days or long commutes.

The Donovan has a lot of space, and I don’t think Cynthia Vincent has done enough to make it usable. There are only a few pockets, so I expect most of us will struggle to keep the space organized. You’ll be able to carry everything you need, but don’t be surprised if it takes a while to locate.

At $475 this hobo is no impulse buy, but its timeless style will make it money well spent.

More Features of This Cynthia Vincent Leather Hobo

• Printed canvas lining
• Zip top closure
• Measures 13.5 x 19 x 6 inches
• Made in China

Get this Cynthia Vincent Donovan Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cynthia Vincent bags on BagBunch
• The Foley + Corinna Plated hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Cynthia Vincent bags on eBay
• Other tan leather hobo bags on eBay:

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If you like Kate Spade or DKNY style but, like me, can’t afford to own one of their handbags, then you need something inspired by classic designer looks – but much cheaper. The Aldo Kemfort is just the ticket!

The quilted synthetic body and cute polka dot fabric bow give the 60’s style that we all know and love, but at a price of $50, rather than $500. To me, this is one hell of a deal, and whilst you pay for the cheapness in a lack of quality materials and perhaps slightly poorer workmanship, it seems a fair sacrifice to me!

There are, of course, a few parts of this bag that aren’t quite designer. The part chain handle, for example, would perhaps have been better in solid fabric, and a couple of interior compartments wouldn’t have gone amiss. This aside, however, this quilted tote is a smart and affordable choice.

More Features of this Aldo Kemfort Tote:

• Synthetic quilted exterior
• Single interior zip pocket
• Scarf bow decoration
• Dual chain and fabric handles

Get this Quilted Synthetic Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Aldo bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Eyelet tote, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more quilted bags on eBay
• Other Aldo bags on eBay:

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Belgian handbag label Kipling has teamed up with Dutch firm Gerzon Duty Free for an accessories collection available exclusively through airline duty-free catalogs.

The collection will feature a small shoulder bag, a three-piece pouch set, a travel wallet, the foldable shopper pictured, and a travel set which includes a pouch, passport case, and card holder. Each one is available in basic black or the punchy shade of pink pictured.

While the foldable shopper touts its compactness travelers will be pleased to note that all the items are actually foldable. They’re also very user-friendly, which is ideal for travelers on the go. However, something tells me if these goodies are as useful as they claim they’re likely to enjoy life once the vacation ends!

The bags will make their debut at the Gerzon Duty Free stand at the Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore next month before being rolled out into the airline catalogs.

Something tells me it might be time to book a vacation abroad. It’s the only way I’ll get my hand on this fun pink shopper after all. It might not be very luxurious, but there’s something so alluring about that sugary shade of pink!

[Source: DFNIOnline]

Kipling Bags on eBay

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