The financial downturn doesn’t seem to be slowing Hermes down. This spring the luxury label plans to launch a new brand, called Shang Xia, in the lucrative Chinese market.

It’s an interesting move from Hermes, who generally tends to buy all or part of existing brands. This is the first time the fashion label will get in from the ground up, so it’ll be fascinating to see the results.

Hermes has already given Qiong Er Jiang, a Chinese furniture and jewelry creator who previously designed for the brand, the all important role of managing and artistic director. She’s overseeing the Chinese team, who will work with the Asian nation’s raw materials and use traditional artisan techniques.

We can expect to see Shang Xia release clothing, handbags and other accessories, furniture, and a range of lifestyle goods. Only time will tell whether the style, and the price, resembles the famous Hermes name.

[Source: Bag Snob]
[Image Source: Phil/Flickr]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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Jimmy Choo’s Simone might be a hobo, but it’s no flower child.

The Simone has all the trademarks of a traditional hobo. The totally touchable Nappa leather makes it slouch in all the right places, and the curved shape bears a passing resemblance to the familiar crescent. But a few special touches dress things up. First there’s the classic flap design, which takes the hobo out of the Woodstock era and makes it much more timeless. This feature is adorned with a gorgeous gold-tone horseshoe ornament, a gleaming accent which exudes sophistication. And does any color say elegant like basic black?

The look’s completed by stylish knotted handle in that same lush Nappa leather. It manages to be both chic and comfortable, a compelling combination that few designers manage.

Inside you’ll find that same combination of luxury and practicality. The suede lining feels delicious, while the zip and slip pockets are there to take care of the hard stuff.

If you’re looking for a bag to confidently make that day to night transition, the Simone from Jimmy Choo is definitely up to the challenge.

More Features of This Jimmy Choo Nappa Leather Hobo

• A single 21 inch leather handle with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 9.5 x 9 inches
• Made in Italy
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Jimmy Choo Simone Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the CyStylus eBay store to see if this Jimmy Choo bag in white is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jimmy Choo bags on BagBunch
• The Jimmy Choo Rania bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Jimmy Choo bags on eBay
• Other Jimmy Choo Nappa leather bags on eBay:

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Even if you’re a major Christmas shopping procrastinator, there’s still hope to get a few of those holiday gifts under the tree or in the stocking by Friday. A few online retailers’ shipping deadlines have already passed as of this afternoon, but a limited handful of others are still available.

For example, Amazon.com’s Christmas ordering cut-off for many items doesn’t end until December 23 at 4:30 pm (PST). Now that’s really cutting it close! Items on the site that are marked “ships from and sold by Amazon.com” or “fulfilled by Amazon.com” can still be ordered before the deadline to ensure its arrival by Christmas Eve.

For handbag lovers on your shopping list, you might consider the affordable but trendy, croc-embossed Jessica Simpson Sasha Tote or the Big Buddha Union Tote. Designer divas would love the Moschino Cheap & Chic Wish Bag, if your Christmas budget can handle the price.

Also in the running for last minute shopping is Endless.com. If shipping to one of the contiguous 48 states, you’ve got until 5:00 pm (PST) on December 23 to order items that are marked “free overnight shipping.”

Portero.com has a promotion running until 11:59 pm (ET) tonight to get free overnight shipping on orders over $1,000 from their “Now or Never – Last Minute Gifts” section. That might seem like a steep minimum to meet, but it’s not at all hard when you’re shopping Chanel and Hermes handbags.

[Source: Amazon, Endless, Portero]
[Image: Amazon]

Holiday Handbags on eBay

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Ooh, nothing beats the feeling of finding a fabulous bargain. At just $7.48, this stunning yellow cross body is a steal by anyone’s standards!

Of course, it is always a bonus if the affordable handbag actually looks any good. In the case of this Xhilaration purse they have gone out of their way to produce something that is actually very fashionable and very pretty. The layered folds have an origami quality to them, making them seem worth far more than they cost, and the studs give it a great eighties impression too.

Of course, you don’t get leather for less than 10 dollars. That said, the PVC exterior actually looks classier than it could, and does carry on the 80s theme! Inside the pleats give way to a purple faux-satin lining; a great contrast and god fun!

Sure it isn’t luxury, but if you need a fun and lightweight purse for the daytime then this bright beauty will do perfectly! And … what a price!

More Features of this Affordable Xhilaration Purse

• Pleated, studded exterior
• Contrasting interior
• From Target
• Long cross-body strap

Get this Bright PVC Cross-body:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More pleated bags on BagBunch
• The Chanel Sharpei tote, a great alternative to this yellow bag.
• Searching for more studded bags on eBay
• Other Target bags on eBay:

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Kathy Van Zeeland isn’t exactly known for producing understated handbags with subtle details, but this One Night Stand shopper bag definitely throws out any possible misconceptions of that out of the window.

There isn’t one single aspect of this purse that I can classify as simple or basic. Everything about it is bold and dramatic, which is exactly what I’ve come to expect from the label.

Let’s just start with the most obvious feature of the bold leopard print. Animal print material is hardly ever subtle, but this version is even louder due to the patent sheen on the synthetic leather. The pattern basically covers the body of the One Night Stand from top to bottom with only a few exceptions.

Once your eyes adjust to the crazy leopard print, you’ll start to notice the other details that stand out just as much. Patent bronze synthetic leather trims off the edges of the side layers and creates the slouchy handles. Vertical zippers on the front of the shopper are detailed with bright silver-toned, heart-shaped logo zipper pulls.

The Kathy Van Zeeland One Night Stand bag also comes in a n/s shopper version, but this wide shopper retails for $79.

More Features of the One Night Stand Shopper

• Measures 16 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches
• Double handles with 9.5 inch drop
• Sunken zipper closure

Get this Kathy Van Zeeland One Night Stand Bag:

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

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• Check the Buy’s Internet Superstore on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy Van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The B. Makowsky Eden Shopper, a great alternative to this shopper bag.
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland handbags on eBay

Jil Sander makes a real statement with this Zipper Tote. Although as with all statement pieces, what it’s saying won’t please everybody.

The look is designed to inspire opinion. Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to ignore. The tote’s fans will praise its asymmetrical pockets as dramatic, daring, and modern. But it’s just as easy to call the look cluttered and confused.

Whatever your take on it, you can’t fault the practical perks of all those pockets. Designer bags rarely have so many secure compartments, and the ones on the outside are just the start. Inside you’ll find a larger zippered pocket and two open pouches. That’s one for your cell phone and another for a small camera or games console! The long, flat leather handles are another functional feature designed to make carrying a breeze.

A bag as bold as the Jil Sander may divide fashion fans, but at least its supporters know that their money will buy quality and individual style.

More Features of This Jil Sander Leather Tote

• Canvas lined interior
• Dual handles with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 14 x 13 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Jil Sander Zipper Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Jil Sander bags on BagBunch
• The JJ Winters suede multi-zip bag, a great alternative to this zipper bag.
• Searching for more Jil Sander bags on eBay
• Other zipper bags on eBay:

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Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini has us all craving warmer weather in her latest advertising campaign. We’re transported to a tropical paradise with sparkling turquoise water and bronzed hotties Ryan Kennedy and Natasha Poly. In fact, it’s not too different from the poolside Cruise 2010 campaign, but the models are showing a lot more flesh!

Star photography duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott have captured all the luxury of a Caribbean getaway in the shots. The saturated colors and emphasis on indulgence are another clue that the taste for the decadent eighties hasn’t waned in the slightest.

It’s hard to stop staring at Natasha Poly and her bare bronze legs. That mini-dress does wonders! But if you haven’t got the figure for it, at least you can look good carrying one of the new season handbags. The pewter-toned crocodile is luxurious but not as glitzy as silver might have been. I love the way this muted metallic contrasts with the natural bamboo handle, even if it isn’t the most the comfortable carrying option.

With gorgeous fashions, beautiful models, and a summery vibe I think Gucci’s on to a winner with this advertising campaign.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Gucci Crocodile Handbags on eBay

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The Rumor satchel from Jessica Simpson is the ultimate illusionist. It’s masquerading as a woven satchel, but it’s actually just a textured synthetic.

The effect is quite striking from a distance though, and perhaps just as fascinating up close when you realize how cleverly it’s done! No doubt taking the cheat’s way out helps the Rumor stay under the magic $100 mark.

There are a few varieties of the Rumor, with differences that go beyond colors. I prefer the simplest ones, where the woven texture is seen on winter’s hot shades: violet and raspberry. The black bag is far from basic, with wavy lines laid over the black-on-black mosaic. While the color is kept consistent, all those patterns make the purse look a little cluttered for my tastes. Jessica Simpson’s bag collections always have at least one irreverent option, and here it’s the “Fashion Multi.” While it may be multi-colored, the palette of purples, browns, and whites is quite easy on the eye.

Whichever one you pick, you’ll enjoy an almost luxurious level of space inside. Plenty of pockets and a handy keychain help keep the enormous interior organized. The flat platform base and magnetic snap ensure that all the goodies you stow inside will stay there.

The Rumor is another worthy and whimsical addition to Jessica Simpson’s ever-growing collection of cheap and cheerful handbags.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Textured Satchel

• Decorative side ties
• Fully lined interior
• Dual chain accented straps with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 21 x 5 x 12 inches

Get this Jessica Simpson Rumor Handbag:

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

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• Check the Linda Kay’s Kindred Folks eBay store to see if this Jessica Simpson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Jessica Simpson bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Simpson Sasha bag, a great alternative to this textured bag.
• Searching for more Jessica Simpson bags on eBay

Well, it isn’t the first fashion industry break-up and surely won’t be the last. Since first teaming up to start designer handbag label Be & D back in 2004, co-founders Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain have decided to go their separate ways.

“It has been an incredible six years with Be & D, but Steve [D] and I have both come to a point professionally where we felt it was time to move on separately,” Be Inthavong explained.

However, that doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing any more from the label, which is a relief considering the gorgeous designs they’ve produced in the past. Be & D is losing Be but retaining “D,” or rather Steve Dumain, as sole creative director; and it sounds like Dumain has no intention of slowing down.

“In addition to our bread and butter clients we’ve added some incredible new accounts including Dover Street Market, On Pedder and Gente. At the end of the day it’s about the product and making sure there is a strong message with a focused voice — that will never change.“

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Be&D]

Be & D Handbags on eBay

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This is one fold-over style clutch that doesn’t convert to a tote bag, but I doubt that anyone will feel they’re missing out on that feature with the Matt & Nat Sade.

The designer label’s signature Japanese Paper material is made from all-vegan materials and gives this clutch bag a distinct contemporary style. The crinkled texture is a staple for the brand’s bags but is as pretty and unique as ever in this cognac brown color.

However, the manmade leather isn’t the only feature of the Sade that contributes to the clutch’s urban chic feel. The top of the bag might zip, but that’s not the main closure. After folding down, a strip of material slips through a square-shaped ring and secures at the bottom. It’s an unexpected addition that is really more decorative than practical but the look is stylish.

A minimal amount of screw-head hardware completes the modern appearance as do the subtle logos on the top corner and zipper pull. The interior of the Sade is lined in faux suede made from recycled plastic. This Matt & Nat clutch retails for $135.

More Features of the Sade Clutch

• Measures 12 x 6.5 x 1 inch
• Zip top with flap closure
• Signature Japanese Paper material

Get this Matt & Nat Sade Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Rocker Bag, a great alternative to this contemporary clutch.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat clutch bags on eBay
• Other vegan bags on eBay:

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