Ri Sol-Ju, the glamorous new wife of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, has angered locals by carrying a Christian Dior bag worth more than a thousand dollars to a meeting with the Korean People’s Army.

While the act wouldn’t rate a mention in the affluent United States, it’s a real faux pas for a woman leading an impoverished country.

It’s estimated that Ri Sol-Ju’s quilted black lambskin clutch would cost around 1.8 million Korean won, or the equivalent of $1,595US. To put that into perspective, the sum is the equivalent of what most North Koreans make in an entire year. The country has also suffered severe food shortages since the mid-1990s. Just think how many mouths could be fed if the lavish bag were offloaded!

To be fair, no one has confirmed whether the bag’s a genuine Christian Dior original or just an impressive lookalike. However I can’t imagine someone so wealthy would stoop to indulging in a knock-off, can you? And of course, if it was fake the situation opens another can of worms!

Of course Kim Jong-un and his wife don’t have to play the game and encourage North Koreans citizens to like them. They’ll stay in power regardless, whether it pleases the people or not. However it couldn’t hurt for the First Lady to earn a bit of good will, could it?

[Source: Styleite]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Christian Dior Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Christian Dior clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Stella McCartney is really on a roll with her latest additions to the Falabella line. She’s totally changed the materials, which badly needed updating, and the whole collection is looking a lot stronger and more cohesive. This would plaid shoulder bag is a good addition.

Pop meets punk on this wool plaid shoulder bag. The green plaid has sort of a cheerful preppy aesthetic that is awesome for fall, and the chain link edging gives it a distinctly rock-n-roll edge. I love the combination, and it’s one that will work with a wide range of styles. The slouchiness of the bag isn’t particularly practical, as it will look weird filled up, but half-empty it’s a cool casual look.

The body of the bag has a nice simple flap front design, and the only embellishments are the leather whipstitched edges and chain links. All of it comes together well, except for this weird half loop that hangs off the front flap. It just looks a little sloppy and cheap, but perhaps some will just find it to be an edgy little detail.

Overall, I really like this new addition to the Falabella line, but it’s a tad overpriced at $1,335. I’d wait until later in the season when it inevitably goes on sale.

More Features Of The Stella McCartney Falabella Wool Plaid Shoulder Bag

• 15″ x 14″ x 3″ size
• 4″ strap drop
• Fully lined
• Magnetic snap front closure

Get this Stella McCartney Falabella Wool Plaid Shoulder Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stella McCartney bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag, a hip alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney items on eBay
• Other green plaid handbags on eBay:[phpbay]green plaid purse, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Accessories labels are enjoying the lion’s share of the world’s fashion dollars, according to a new report from The New York Times.

Gone are the days when accessories design was considered the poor cousin to apparel creation. Economic uncertainty has seen a shift in the spending habits of fashion labels everywhere. Rather than spending $8000 on a high end dress that can only be worn on occasion, women would rather indulge in a $1000 handbag that can become an everyday companion. After all, as any bag lover knows, carrying a new purse is the easiest way to revamp any outfit!

The proof’s in the figures. For the last 18 months, women’s fashion is, on the whole, losing money. It’s the accessories that have kept the big labels afloat.

“Over the last six months, accessories have been 2 percent ahead over the last 12 months,” Marshal Cohen, the chief retail analyst at NPD Group, told The New York Times. “That may not sound like a lot, but in the fashion sector, that’s great.“

Michael Kors says accessories have accounted for 75% of his firm’s total revenue, and other companies report similar numbers. The trend’s even inspired Elle to revamp its Elle Accessories publication!

Are you surprised by the rise of accessories?

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image Source: Am1969/Stock.xchng]

Ed Hardy’s added some sparkle to its signature look with this Treasure Chest Agnes Hobo.

It might be covered in sequins, but at heart this is the same old Ed Hardy bag. Its bold tattoo style skull decoration fits right in with the label’s other designs. Just to make sure there was no doubt, there are Ed Hardy logos on the front and back. It wouldn’t do for anyone to miss it, would it?

The metallic purple finish is a bit tacky, but Ed Hardy’s never been shy about embracing the gaudier side of fashion. While I can’t imagine it’ll win the label any new fans, it’s bound to appeal to its already faithful following.

The Treasure Chest Agnes won’t win any awards for practicality, but its features are adequate. It’s a good size for everyday use, and it’s got zip and slip pockets inside. I also appreciate the synthetic trim Ed Hardy’s used to strengthen those pouches. The lining is a bit cheap, but with a bag made from synthetic we shouldn’t expect luxury.

I can’t imagine anyone but the most ardent fan forking out the $188 Ed Hardy commands. That’s an awful lot to spend on a bag made from cheap synthetic. However many retailers have recently slashed that price by almost 80%. You’ll need to find it on such a dramatic sale to see value!

More Features of This Ed Hardy Sequined Hobo

• Silver-toned hardware
• Zip closure
• Measures 13 x 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Ed Hardy Treasure Chest Agnes Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Ed Hardy Treasure Chest Agnes, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the EdHardyBag eBay store to see if this Ed Hardy bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Ed Hardy bags on BagBunch
• The black Ed Hardy Treasure Chest Agnes bag, a great alternative to this purple bag.
• Searching for more Ed Hardy bags on eBay

Nancy Gonzalez makes some of the most incredible exotic bags available today, with super clean designs and ultra high quality materials. This crocodile weekend bag is another surefire winner.

The sleek crocodile leather on this Nancy Gonzalez weekend bag is among the best exotic skins that I have ever seen, and that’s saying a lot, because I see a lot of bags around these parts. I love the way the pieces have been combined to create very subtly contrasting textures, instead of looking piece-y or patchwork-y.

I love a classic duffle. It’s practical and beautiful, and the crocodile skin makes it so cool and elegant that I find it totally irresistible. The large size makes for a roomy weekend carryall, and the suede lining means that it will last basically forever as long as you keep the croc skin lubricated. The Navy color is both of-the-moment and, obviously, classic.

You really can’t do better than $4,975 for an exotic bag of this quality. Sure, it’s pricey, but it will last forever and you will never get over its undeniable cool factor.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Weekend Bag

• Detachable shoulder strap
• Luggage tag
• Double zip fastening top

Get this Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Weekend Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nancy Gonzalez bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay
• Other croc luggage on eBay:
  [phpbay]crocodile luggage, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Betsey Johnson shows an uncharacteristic sense of style with this Neon Gem Clutch.

I’ve never seen a Betsey Johnson bag that could go toe to toe with the minimalist designs of Jil Sander or Emilio Pucci. Its vibrant neon pink hue has the girly spirit the designer’s famous for, but this clutch isn’t as fussy as most of her creations. It’s surprisingly chic! The angled gem-like shape makes this clutch a real showstopper.

Of course, if Pucci or Sander had created this clutch they’d have used patent leather rather than synthetic. That luxurious skin would undoubtedly age better, but when it’s brand new it doesn’t feel like we’ve really compromised. The sheen that plagues manmade materials is actually an asset when it’s mimicking patent. Only the most discerning fashionistas would tell the difference!

They’d also never guess you spent just $98 on this baby. That’s a real bargain for a bag with such high class looks. Clutch it with your favorite little black dress or playful party outfit when the sun goes down, or use the silver chain strap and rock it for a head-turning daytime look.

More Features of This Betsey Johnson Pink Clutch

• Push-lock frame closure
• Print lined interior
• An optional chain strap with a 22.5 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 1 x 4 inches

Get this Betsey Johnson Neon Gem Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Betsey Johnson neon clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Cute Little Things eBay store to see if this Betsey Johnson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Betsey Johnson bags on BagBunch
• The blue Betsey Johnson Neon Gem bag, a great alternative to this pink bag.
• Searching for more Betsey Johnson bags on eBay

Botkier keeps it classy with this Jackson Satchel bag.

I love the way Botkier’s brought an urban sophistication to the classic satchel shape. The design is clean, and the soft cowhide body gives the silhouette just a hint of slouch. The diamond stitching adds a bit of personality to the finish without detracting from the Jackson’s classic appeal. The cobalt blue color is the perfect match for a wardrobe full of denim, while the black and rustic brown hues are more traditional options.

The Jackson looks like it’d be right at home in the big city, and it has everything that busy urbanites need to get through the day. The interior is spacious without being overwhelming, and packed with practical pockets. Each one is reinforced with leather to help it last. The short straps will be a little awkward to use if the Jackson’s packed to capacity, but Botkier’s also provided a longer cross-body strap to help us out.

Really the only thing I wish for is some metal feet on the base. The cowhide is so sumptuous that it deserves protection. Without this important feature, you’ll need to watch where you sit it to avoid early aging.

At $395 though, the Jackson doesn’t need to be perfect. That’s relatively affordable for such a well-made designer bag.

More Features of This Botkier Cowhide Satchel

• Zip closure
• Fabric logo print lined interior
• A custom key holder with a hidden clip
• A front zip pocket
• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• A removable strap with a 15 to 19 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 12.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Botkier Jackson Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Botkier Jackson, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the My Favorite Online Store eBay store to see if this Botkier bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Botkier bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Marcel satchel bag, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more Botkier bags on eBay

Tory Burch is one of those designers that I mostly ignored until recently. I’m always excited to see conservative designers branch out into edgier territory. Unfortunately, this Roslyn is really a throwback to her ultra-preppy days, and not a very good one, at that.

There’s something compelling about the color combinations used on the Roslyn. Cobalt and lavender meat deep teal and tan stripes. Hmmm. It might work if it just weren’t so unbelievably busy. I could really do without the not-so-interesting monogram look on the main material. It’s just a little too much.

The Roslyn is a classic shopper with no frills and no additions. I like that aspect of the bag, but am not a fan of the rolled leather handles. They’re too short and not well-suited to a bag of this size. Otherwise, I’m a fan of the simple, boxy shape, so if you can handle the dizzying material, this is a bag that might just have your name on it.

$395 is a totally reasonable price for a designer bag that you could take everywhere. If, that is, you wanted to.

More Features Of The Tory Burch Roslyn Monogrammed Coated Canvas Tote.

• 16″ x 12″ x 5″ size
• Fully lined in navy twill

Get this Tory Burch Roslyn Monogrammed Coated Canvas Tote:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tory Burch bags on BagBunch
• The Tory Burch studded leather bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Tory Burch bags  on eBay
• Other coated canvas totes on eBay:
  [phpbay]coated canvas tote purse, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

LeSportsac embraces its feminine side with this Floral City Tote.

Really this bag is just a rejigging of the label’s popular City Tote. That bag was serviceable but more than a bit boring. This latest incarnation has a lot more flair, although it risks alienating anyone who doesn’t like fuss and frills!

The Floral City Tote is made from LeSportsac’s favorite nylon embellished with a playful polka dot. LeSportsac doesn’t stop there though. It adds rows of ruffles down the front, and a feminine pink rosette accent for good measure. This Floral City Tote is much more elaborate than most of LeSportsac’s range, and some girls might even see it as messy. Personally though, I’m glad to see the label having a bit more fun.

It hasn’t forgotten about the practical features we love LeSportsac for though. This Floral City tote has all the space of the original, plenty of pockets, and long straps for grabbing as you’re running out the door. It doesn’t exceed our expectations, but it performs admirably for a tote at this price.

At $78 this is a bargain bag with more style than we usually see from the LeSportsac label.

More Features of This LeSportsac Spotted Tote

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Dual straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 5.25 x 13.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this LeSportsac Floral City Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More LeSportsac bags on BagBunch
• The LeSportsac City tote bag, a great alternative to this rosette decorated bag.
• Searching for more LeSportsac bags on eBay
• Other LeSportsac City tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]LeSportsac City tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]