Isaac Mizrahi serves up a classic purse that costs far less than the ones in his signature line with this Pebble Leather Shoulder Bag from his QVC collection, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE!

With all those capital letters preceding an exclamation mark, I expected something really exciting from the collection. Instead this purse is pretty pedestrian. Not even the scarf can make this simple ivory accessory interesting. There’s something to be said for traditional design, but it’s disappointing to see something so mundane bearing the Isaac Mizrahi name.

I expected poor quality leather for the price, but the skin is actually supple and surprisingly soft. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the PVC trim. The glossy accents give the purse an appealing subtle contrast, but they’re strangely sticky. I can just imagine it becoming fuzzy if you carry it with a sweater!

It is functional though, with plenty of pockets including a hidden one underneath the flap. The detachable strap also allows us to easily convert it into a clutch. It’s slim but well-sized for everyday use.

At $108.50 this bag is a fraction of the price of anything from Isaac Mizrahi’s signature line. It’s also a lot cheaper than we expect a leather bag to be. But that affordability does little to convince me to invest in this snorefest.

More Features of This Isaac Mizrahi Ivory Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Polyester lined interior
• A detachable single strap with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 7 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Isaac Mizrahi Pebbled Leather Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Isaac Mizrahi bags on BagBunch
• The DKNY Leather Scarf Shopper bag, a great alternative to this scarf decorated bag.
• Searching for more Isaac Mizrahi bags on eBay
• Other scarf shoulder bags on eBay:

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LVMH, the company behind Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Loewe, and other esteemed fashion houses, recently bought out leading leather supplier Les Tanneries Roux. The business deal ensures the firms can continue to create sumptuous leather goods.

The acquisition makes sense, as leathergoods accounts for roughly 37% of LVMH’s total sales. LVMH also knows what it’s getting, as its bought leather from Les Tanneries Roux for more than 20 years.

Les Tanneries Roux’s chairman Jean-Claire Ricomard will retain his position to “ensure that the company’s successful growth strategy over many years will continue.”

LVMH seems happy to maintain the status quo, as it’s very complimentary about its new business.

“These leathers are carefully produced by its highly trained, successful and motivated teams supported by the business’ efficient organizational structure,” a LVMH spokesperson said in a statement.

This is LVMH’s latest effort to ensure it has easy access to the best materials in the business. Last October it gained a majority stage in Singapore based crocodile skin supplier Heng Long International Ltd. I wonder which business it will pursue next!

The terms and price of the latest business deal have been kept under wraps, but I’m sure buying out such an esteemed company can’t have come cheaply! Do you think LVMH’s decision makes good business sense?

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

Soft tissue silk fabric makes this Lou Lou Clutch from Inge Christopher a feminine option.

Silk purses are a dime a dozen, but it’s unusual to see a designer playing with this soft, drapey variety. It’s the ideal choice for creating the large gathered blossom and voluminous pleated body. I also really like this gentle pewter hue, which is much more elegant than many metallic clutches. It’s also a great complement to Inge Christopher’s substantial double chain clutch.

I appreciate the way Inge Christopher has changed the tuck-away strap to suit the purse. On the gold bag we can get a matching golden chain, and on the black bag it’s a dark burnished pewter. It’s a small stylistic decision, but one that ensures the Lou Lou looks good in whatever color you choose.

The Lou Lou’s a delicate flower, but it should be large enough to hold party essentials. The open pocket could stand to be larger, but it should hold a slim cell phone or a favorite lipstick without too much trouble.

At $115 the Lou Lou is probably a shade more expensive than it should be. While the fabric is interesting, it’s just silk after all. We’ve seen comparable purses costing a lot less. However if you can find it on sale, it’d make a great addition to your evening wardrobe.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Silk Clutch

• Hidden magnetic closure
• Polyester satin lined interior
• A double chain strap with 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 2 x 7.5 x 4 inches

Get this Inge Christopher Lou Lou 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 Inge Christopher bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Inge Christopher Eve bag, a great alternative to this feminine bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher bags on eBay

Rihanna is reprising her role as designer for Emporio Armani. The pop star has created a new capsule collection for Armani’s diffusion label.

The leaked sketches show a collection which is more covered up than the pop star’s usual attire. It features relaxed shirts and shorts, skinny jeans, a denim boiler suit, and a black biker jacket complemented by tote bags, peep toe shoes, and lace-up boots. There’s even a lingerie collection for girls who want to dress in the range from top to toe! The line’s logo, which incorporates Rihanna’s initial and Emporio Armani’s eagle, is featured on charms and the handbags.

I must admit that I’m unsure exactly how much Rihanna does in designing these collections. After all, her debut Emporio Armani line only dropped in November. Goodness knows when she’s had the time to design clothes and keep her pop star day job!

Rihanna claims to have a hand in the design process, and even has plans to launch her own line after this one. She admits that she’s not a designer yet though, and so she’s working with other creative minds and companies to realize her vision.

Emporio Armani hasn’t announced a release date for the new collection at this point. Are you keen to see the Rihanna line in stores?

[Source: Daily Mail]

Emporio Armani Purses on eBay

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Imoshion has fun with fashion with the Rachel tote. But do you enjoy this bold accessory as much as the label?

This bag is far from sophisticated. Its furry pink finish doesn’t even attempt to mimic the opulence of animal fur. In fact, it looks like Imoshion may have hunted down some of Jim Henson’s Muppets to make it! The lurid pink finish is so flamboyant that Imoshion probably should have left things there. But restraint seems to be a foreign concept for Imoshion. It takes the design way over the top with the bold crystal studded black straps.

It’s worth noting that there is a black version. The complementary color scheme tones things down a little, but you’d still never call it tame. If you’re going to commit to this look, why not go all the way with the pink, blue, or purple varieties?

Whatever color you pick, the Rachel looks pretty silly. However it’s actually quite a smart. It’s a good size for everyday use, and its dual compartment design makes it very user-friendly. Its vegan leather straps are sturdy too, so we can easily grab them as we’re running out the door.

At $99 the Imoshion is really cheap, but probably not cheap enough to entice anyone with a refined sense of style!

More Features of This Imoshion Faux Fur Tote

• Measures 8.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches
• Made in China

Get this Imoshion Rachel Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check The Objects of My Desire eBay store to see if this Imoshion bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Imoshion bags on BagBunch
• The Imoshion Roxbury tote bag, a great alternative to this faux fur bag.
• Searching for more Imoshion bags on eBay
• Other Imoshion faux fur bags on eBay:

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Nicole Richie brings some edge to her House of Harlow 1960 line with the Val Clutch.

The Val takes its cues from Alexander McQueen’s iconic box clutches. The rhinestone encrusted leopard’s head clasp is like Richie’s own skull, a motif observed in many of her purses. Golden studs encircle the structured purse menacingly. Silver might have complemented the rest of the hardware better, but I like the way the different metals boldly clash.

Of course the Val comes with the usual box clutch complications. It’s quite small, and its structured design means overstuffing it is out of the question. The clasp will simply pop open if you try! The antique chain does bring a touch of practicality to the purse, but no one really buys this kind of bag because it’s functional!

Nicole Richie’s kept the price down to just $195 by using embossed leather rather than real snakeskin. It doesn’t feel like a compromise though, as the scales are so expertly applied. It’ll also wear better than the genuine article. That’s a real blessing for a purse with such day til dawn appeal.

More Features of This House of Harlow 1960 Studded Box Clutch

• Fully lined interior
• Measures 6 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches

Get this House of Harlow 1960 Val Handbag:

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

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• Check the Authenticshop2000 eBay store to see if this House of Harlow 1960 bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More House of Harlow 1960 bags on BagBunch
• The House of Harlow 1960 Marley bag, a great alternative to this exotic embossed bag.
• Searching for more House of Harlow 1960 bags on eBay

Puma is making it easier for customers to recycle their old handbags, footwear, and sports appeal items. The firm has just installed recycling bins in selected German stores, and it’s planning to roll them out to boutiques around the globe.

The Bring Me Back initiative was developed in collaboration with global recycling company I:CO. Customers simply need to drop their items into the store bins. In an altruistic gesture, Puma’s decided to accept any accessories and apparel items, regardless of their brand.

All donated items are sorted and awarded an I:CO grade. An old pair of jeans might become home or car insulation, while worn trainers may have a new life as part of a race track. Whether the goods are reused, upcycled, and repurposed, they’re saved from languishing unwanted in a wardrobe or in landfill.

Puma chief executive officer Franz Koch says his firm is constantly working on ways to make the business greener.

“With our Bring Me Back program, we are pleased to target for the first time ever the massive amounts of waste sports-lifestyle products leave behind at their end-of-life phase when consumers dispose them and they end up on landfills or in waste incineration plants,” he explained.

The Bring Me Back bins are currently installed in a variety of Puma stores in Germany, including outlets in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf. The program will roll out to other world markets in October 2012 before a complete global launch next January.

[Source: Ecouterre]

Puma Bags on eBay

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Hobo International reminds us of the power of some perfectly placed pleats with its Wren Clutch.

The artfully placed pleats emphasize the quality of Hobo International’s rich red leather. The Italian top-grain skin is first rate, and made extra appealing after Hobo International’s tumbled it. This technique gives it that beautiful, broken in look that usually only comes with age.

The Wren’s minimalist appearance make it perfect for making the day to night transition, and its size supports that styling. It’s larger than most after-five purses, but quite manageable thanks to the soft wrist strap and zippered pockets. One obvious pocket is inside, but the other is hidden discreetly at the side of the bag. This secret compartment is the perfect place for stashing valuables!

I wish the wrist loop was removable, as I think the Wren looks cleaner without it, but this is a minor quibble. I’m also not so sure about the golden bead which adorns it, but it’s so discreet that I can’t criticize it too much. At least the loop will make carrying a bit easier once the Wren’s packed to capacity.

At $138 the Wren is well priced for a bag of such substance and versatility. Look for it in red, orchid, or basic black.

More Features of This Hobo International Pleated Purse

• Graphic printed fabric lining
• Measures 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches

Get this Hobo International Wren 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 Hobo International bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The peony printed Hobo International Wren bag, a patterned alternative to this pleated bag.
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Some of our favorite fashion labels will soon become greener. The PPR Group, the French firm behind leading fashion houses including Gucci, Yves Saint Lauren, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga, has announced a five-year plan to reduce its carbon footprint and impact on the planet.

The multi-tiered plan addresses a range of areas which look to reduce the companies carbon-dioxide emissions, water usage, and waste. It also looks to source more raw, sustainable materials, reduce its reliance on nasty chemicals and other harmful materials, and decrease its paper and packaging.

The firm ambitiously looks to offset its 2011 global emissions and reduce its carbon emissions, waste, and water use by 25%.

The PPR Group’s also purchased a 5% share in Wildlife Works Carbon, an initiative which uses carbon credits to fund forest conservation schemes. Over the next three years the program looks to secure five million hectares of native forest. It then plans to protect the ground for at least the next 20 years, a measure which should see 25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions mitigated each year.

Going forward, the PPR Group will eliminate PVC from its products, source its paper products from sustainable forests, and regularly evaluate its suppliers to ensure they’re in line with PPR’s environmental goals. By 2020 the PPR Group looks to operate without any harmful chemicals.

Admittedly right now all we’ve got is promises, but it’s inspiring to see the PPR Group working hard to do its business better. Does this change your view of the company and its fashion firms?

[Source: Ecouterre]
[Image Source: Leafar/Wikipedia Commons]

All too often Hilary Radley’s bags look as cheap as their price tags. However the label gets things right with the Perched cross-body.

Here Hilary Radley has rejected trend conscious elements in favor of a more timeless design. I love the way the deep stitching emphasizes the gently curved flap. The gleaming time-lock closure is both beautiful and practical. The synthetic is also some of the label’s best. With its deep pebbled finish, it’s easily mistaken for real leather. Only the price tag gives it away!

The design isn’t quite as clean as I’d like. The bohemian tassel seems out of sync with the rest of the purse, and the oversized hangtag feels showy. Thankfully both are easily removed.

Other problem areas aren’t as easily overcome. The Perched is very petite, so storage space is limited. Perhaps that’s a blessing though, because the skinny shoulder strap isn’t made for carrying a substantial load.

We’re not getting a lot of bag for our dollar, but at $85 the Perched still represents great value.

More Features of This Hilary Radley Turn-Lock Cross-Body Bag

• A rear zip pocket
• Plainweave lining
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 12.5 to 25 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 9 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hilary Radley Perched Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hilary Radley bags on BagBunch
• The Hilary Radley Perched hobo bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Hilary Radley bags on eBay
• Other turn-lock cross-body bags on eBay: