Hermes continues to go from strength to strength, with the luxury French brand posting a 30% increase in revenue for the year’s third quarter.

The greater sales figures are credited to the success of the label’s famous accessories, including silk scarves, timepieces and, of course, handbags. While It bags like the Birkin and Kelly always sell well, its more recent designs like the cross-body style Jypsiere which keep fashion fans interested in the label.

Early indications show that the only way for the brand is up. Its new creative director Christophe Lemair is tipped to show his designs for the fall/winter 2011 season. No doubt this fresh blood will result in new ideas to further reinvigorate the great house of Hermes.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. All signs point to Hermes enjoying its most successful year in history by the close of 2010. No wonder LVMH is keen to get in on the act!

[Source: The Purse Blog]
[Image Source: Liu Wen Cheng/Flickr]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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A bag doesn’t always need flash and frills to turn heads. It might be basic, but I can find a lot to like about this Alaia leather tote bag.

In the same vein of the label’s bowler bag, Alaia has created a tote which favors traditional design elements over fleeting trends. The cinched in shape is a little out of the ordinary, but it’s not quirky enough to really attract attention. That gently modern shape is tempered by the only color choice of basic black. There’s no hardware or decorative accents, which is a blessing or a curse depending upon your point of view.

Given its generous size the single zippered pocket is a bit disappointing. An open pouch or two would have gone some way towards keeping this roomy space organized. Alaia tries to make amends though with a luxurious, if not altogether practical, pale blush leather lining and a detachable cosmetics mirror.

I’m not sure Alaia has done enough to warrant this tote’s significant $2475 price tag, but if you need an everyday black bag it should see enough use to justify the expense.

More Features of This Alaia Black Leather Tote Bag

• Zip top closure
• Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 13 x 6 inches

Get this Alaia Minimalist Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alaia bags on BagBunch
• The Alaia leather bowling bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Alaia bags on eBay
• Other black leather tote bags on eBay:

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The holiday season is coming, and it’s time to start making your naughty and nice list of fashionistas. Even the naughty ones deserve a little something special, and this laptop sleeve from fashion’s favorite bad boy, Alexander McQueen, sure is something special.

The durable canvas sleeve has McQueen’s signature skull print in laid back black and gray. The monochrome color scheme makes it versatile, both fashion-wise and gender-wise. It’s hard to find gifts that are suitable for both men and women, but this is definitely one of them.

The leather trim on this case gives a luxurious touch to the otherwise punk aesthetic of the sleeve. This is definitely the kind of accessory that’s going to attract a lot of envious eyes. And for $395, it’s a somewhat expensive, but not exorbitant, practical gift for someone special.

More Features Of The Alexander McQueen Skull Print Laptop Case

• 16″ x 11″ x 1.5″ size
• Fits a 15″ laptop

Get this Alexander McQueen Laptop Case:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Alexander McQueen bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Tina bag, a fabulous alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Alexander McQueen bags on eBay
• Other skull laptop sleeves on eBay:
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Marcela Calvet allows her luxury materials to shine with the simple design of this handcrafted Horne clutch.

After all, when you’ve got glazed Caiman alligator skin you don’t want any details to distract. The simple flap clutch design and lack of hardware allows that exotic skin to shine. If you’re worried about the effect of your skin’s natural oils on the luxury material, or you’d just prefer to go hands free, you can add the detachable gold-gilt strap.

I also love the color. At first glance it seems like basic black, but look a little bit closer and you’ll see it’s a deep, deep shade of purple. Known as Bordeaux Grape, this delicious hue reminds me of a wonderfully aged red wine.

I never expect a lot of practicality from a clutch purse, so I’m pleasantly surprised with what Marcela Calvet offers us. There’s a zippered pocket for stashing small change and other valuables, and a convenient cell phone pouch too. This practical space is lined with Argentine calfskin for that extra bit of luxury.

We will have to pay for this level of opulence though, especially as the Horne is part of Marcela Calvet’s limited edition Tauzia 1945 collection. The $1300 price tag is high by Marcela Calvet standards, but the designer’s definitely done enough to tempt me.

More Features of This Marcela Calvet Alligator Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 4.5 x 12 x 2.5 inches

Get this Marcela Calvet Horne Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Marcela Calvet bags on BagBunch
• The Kara Ross Brevis bag, a great alternative to this alligator bag.
• The Marcela Calvet website
• Other alligator clutch bags on eBay:

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Looking back on my reviews of Phillip Lim bags, they almost always start out with a declaration of my love for them. He has an uncanny ability to take current trends and make them his own. He also puts out accessories in limited numbers, which makes them even more special. Phillip Lim is a designer for whom quality trumps quantity, and I really appreciate that. The Rosey is a great example pf Lim’s unique sensibility.

The smooth black leather on this bag is perfectly offset by the stud detail. The black-on-black color scheme is stylish and sophisticated. Since only the clasp is silver, it creates remarkable contrasts in a number of ways. The shininess of the silver is a great textural contrast to the matte leather, and the screw detail on the clasp has a chic hardware store aesthetic that goes well with the punk look of the spikes.

I love the complexity that Lim brings to the mostly minimal Rosey. The foldover envelope shape is soft, but the fastening strap and clasp are hard, which makes the Rosey very well-balanced, aesthetically. Basically, I can’t stop raving about this bag. And at $425, it’s really something to rave about.

More Features Of The 3.1 Philip Lim Rosey Stud-Embellished Leather Clutch

• 11″ x 6″ x 1″ size
• Fully lined in beige twill

Get this 3.1 Phillip Lim Rosey Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More 3.1 Phillip Lim bags on BagBunch
• The Alexander Wang Darcy Shoulder bag, a great alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Phillip Lim bags on eBay
• Other studded clutches on eBay:

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Why have just one leather when you can have three?!

This Coccinelle patchwork tote neatly combines soft brown suede, glossy snakeskin-embossed leather, and simple smooth chocolate leather. Were these in different colors the effect would be a little over the top, but the consistent brown shade means that instead you just have a range of textures that make this soft slouchy purse into something very interesting to look at.

Of course, it may be interesting, but is that enough to make it worth the $550 retail price? Perhaps not, but at least you will have an investment piece that won’t fade or age with the passing trends. The snakeskin could date I suppose, but in my opinion the lovely shape and traditional striped interior more than make up for the risk.

The Raquel tote is a slouchy and stylish handbag option.

More Features of this Coccinelle Raquel Tote

• Also available in black
• Suede, and smooth/snakeskin leather exterior
• Dual straps
• Striped interior with zipped pocket

Get this Twisted Seemed Patchwork Hold-all:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Coccinelle bags on BagBunch
• The J. Renee Fever tote, a great alternative to this snakeskin bag.
• Searching for more patchwork bags on eBay
• Other Coccinelle bags on eBay:

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Although pretty, this layered satin clutch from Menbur reminds me somewhat of a roof tiled in slate. I think it is the pattern, and the way those folded ruffles slope out from the curved metal clasp. Still, no matter, because as it happens that is an effect I really enjoy!

Satin evening bags are two a penny, and for that reason you may be seeking materials that are a little bit different to the norm. However, satin is a classic and a cliché for a reason; because it works perfectly as evening wear and is easy to coordinate. As such, I wouldn’t imagine you would feel too bad spending just $31.48 on it, especially when you get those pretty layers to make it that little bit different.

The practical nature of this ruffled purse will no doubt convince people of its worth. The long chain handle, the reasonably spacious interior; they will all be important factors. I do perhaps wonder if the size it a little too big for an elegant bag, but that will all depend on how much you like to carry with you!

A great price for a pretty bag; what’s not to love?!

More Features of this Menbur Ruffled Evening Bag

• Optional long chain handle
• Layered satin exterior
• Metal top clasp closure
• Interior slip pocket

Get this Affordable Layered Satin Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Menbur bags on BagBunch
• The Carlo Fellini Elizabeth clutch, a great alternative to this satin bag.
• Searching for more ruffled bags on eBay
• Other Menbur bags on eBay:

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We’ve often talked about our reluctance to shell out more than $100 on a canvas tote, but Marni’s new holiday bag make me want to bend the rules.

One side of the tote is patterned with Marni’s printed fabrics of collections gone by, while the other is embellished with the hopeful sketches of underprivileged children dreaming of a better world.

“I wanted to utilize our prints in an environmentally progressive way,” Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni explained, adding that these totes are “for the young—and young at heart!“

There are just 600 of the totes available, so they have exclusivity on their side. And there’s also the charity factor. Proceeds from the purses benefit world hunger charity Mani Tese and The Vimala Association, which supports the abandoned and sick children of India.

The biggest problem that I can see is the price, a fairly significant $175 considering the materials used. Perhaps we can all feel a little better about it if we consider that sum as a charitable donation? If that reasoning wins you over, look for the totes at Marni stores from November 10.

[Source: Vogue]

Marni Tote Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Marni tote, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

After drooling over so many unique evening bags from the Nicole Miller stable, I was surprised to come across this much more relaxed Kinjah laptop tote.

This computer bag shows us a very different side of the label, although there are a few touches that stay true to its trademark glitz. I’m not sure these elements of flash are entirely necessary though. The crocodile embossed trim helps to reinforce the polyester material, but I’m not sure this glossy skin is the best match for the camo printed fabric. I’m also not so keen on the star-detailed handle rings, which just seem a bit out of place on this casual tote.

Criticisms aside, it is nice to see a computer bag that veers a little left of center. The gray camo print is quite fun, and might just work for anyone in a creative office or frequent flyers.

I also can’t fault the very functional design, with its multiple compartments and pockets, and that convenient key hook.  I’m not sure it’s worth its rather hefty $220 retail price, but if you enjoy standing out on your daily commute you may see value here.

More Features of This Nicole Miller Camo Computer Tote

• Made of high density 1800D polyester
• Fits computer up to 15 inches
• An inside zip pocket
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 5 x 14 x 15 inches

Get this Nicole Miller Kinjah Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Nicole Miller bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nicole Miller bags on BagBunch
• The Nicole Miller Kinjah City tote bag, a great alternative to this computer bag.
• Searching for more Nicole Miller bags on eBay
• Other Nicole Miller Kinjah bags on eBay:

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I wasn’t sure how you could improve on the perfection of Lulu Guinness‘ popular fan clutches, but then again I’m not a designer. The creative Brit has done the seemingly impossible with the release of three new purses.

The pictured fan clutch is perhaps the most exciting, as it’s the result of a recent collaboration with British artist Rob Ryan. The pair has created a romantic scene, with a couple of lovers stealing a kiss in the starlit night. This one-of-a-kind purse is signed by both designers and currently available through eBay.

With a week to go this clutch is currently priced at £700, so it’s likely to sell for a pretty penny. The money won’t line the designers’ pockets however; all proceeds will benefit African AIDS charity ASAP. The charity helps local organizations that care for orphans and other children affected by HIV and AIDS.

If you miss out on the auction, perhaps you’d fancy one of the other new fan clutches. Lulu Guinness has created two limited edition designs inspired by fellow countrymen Sophie Dahl and Paloma Faith. The jeweled Paloma purse costs £795, while the lace detailed Sophie clutch is a relative steal at £595. Contact the Lulu Guinness flagship store in Ellis Street if you’re interested in either of these purses!

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Lulu Guinness Fan Clutches on eBay

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