Laudi Vidni isn’t a name most handbag lovers would recognize, but the brand is set to become a firm favorite amongst unique fashionistas. The label helps stylish sisters design their own handbags so they can create the next hot trend rather than follow it.

There are eight basic styles to choose from, including shoulder bags, clutches, hobos, and totes. Then it’s time to have some fun with the details. There are 40 imported Italian leathers to choose from, including party patents, exotic crocodile, and daring options like floral velvet. Then choose one of six colored sateen linings, and either silver or gold hand-brushed hardware.

The site claims there are a whopping 10, 000 possible combinations, and I’m not about to argue. That cuts down the likelihood of someone else taking your customized clutch purse to your next soiree!

Laudi Vidni design-your-own bags start from $125 for the basic clutch. The larger the bag and the more luxurious the modifications, the more you can expect to spend.

[Source: Bag Snob]

In 2000 Kathrine Baumann launched Project Purple Heart, an initiative which looked to raise funds for the soldiers fighting so bravely for America’s freedom. Nine years later the project has been revamped to pay tribute to a new generation of armed services dedicated to fighting the same fight.

These beautiful minaudieres are the cornerstone of Project Purple Heart. Each purse is plated with 18 karat gold, and engraved with the words “I hope I’ve earned the freedom you have given me.” The center is embellished with a rare heart-shaped amethyst from the Swarovski archives. This stunning stone is suspended from a bar of semi-precious amethysts. There’s no shoulder strap, but the purple silk tassel is long enough to wrap around your wrist for a little extra security. When you’re carrying something this valuable, its safety is all important!

As you might expect, all that luxury doesn’t come cheaply. The clutches cost $2, 437.50, but if you’re feeling really flush you can buy one in a presentation box for a cool $5, 000. A portion of each sale benefits the Disabled American Veterans Fund, but I’m a little skeptical that Kathrine Baumann doesn’t state exactly what portion.

Many celebrities, including Dyan Cannon, Fran Drescher, and Bai Ling proudly carry Kathrine Baumann Project Purple Heart minaudieres. But I guess they can afford them! The rest of us may have to look from afar.

More Features of This Kathrine Baumann Gold Plated Purse

• Vintage push closure
• Measures 4.5 x 5.25 x 2.125 inches

Get this Kathrine Baumann Project Purple Heart Handbag:

• Available to buy at the Kathrine Baumann website
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathrine Baumann bags on BagBunch
• The Whiting & Davis Metal Heart Clutch, a great alternative to this heart bag.
• Searching for more Kathrine Baumann bags on eBay
• Other Kathrine Baumann bags on eBay:

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Most people tend to land on either one side of the Twilight mania or the other. Whether or not you find yourself a rabid fan of the popular books-series-turned-movie-sensation, if you consider yourself a fashionista you’ll probably appreciate the style of Ashley Greene, who plays spiky-haired Alice in the movies.

Although our lives are, without a doubt, worlds apart, I have at least one thing in common with the pixie-faced actress. We both happen to love Rebecca Minkoff’s contemporary handbag designs. Greene has evidently been seen toting around several of Minkoff’s styles.

The most recent Minkoff creation spotted on the arm of Ashley is the appropriately-named Darling hobo. This slouchy leather hobo is available in black, teal, and a trendy purple haze, which is Greene’s color of choice. The designer handbag retails for $495.

Twilight fan or not, you have to appreciate the personal style of this rising star. I could take or leave all of the hype surrounding the movie series, but Ashley Greene’s taste in fashion seems to be something to talk about.

[Source: Splendicity]
[Image: Sparkle in the sun/Flickr]

Rebecca Minkoff Handbags on eBay

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I’m trying to find something extraordinary about this Hype Ella handbag, but I have to admit that there’s not anything that stands out to me as unexpected or noteworthy. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your consideration.

As far as satchels go, the Ella is fairly standard in size and shape. A few decorative details set it apart slightly in its own category, even if they’re not the most original details to grace a handbag.

Probably the most distinctive style feature on this Hype satchel is the belted and buckled strips on the front and back. This combined with the relaxed leather body gives the bag an almost luggage feel to it, like a vintage travel bag that’s seen many a trip.

That doesn’t mean that the Ella is limited in use to carry-on or weekend tote, however. With its detachable shoulder strap, I think you’ll find it to be a perfectly convenient everyday bag for work or even shopping trips. A dual interior compartment and side zippered pockets add to the practicality of this $325 satchel.

More Features of the Ella Satchel

• Measures 15.5 x 14 x 4 inches
• Double handles with 4.5 inch drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Zip top closures

Get this Hype Ella Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype handbags on BagBunch
• The Gaby satchel, a great alternative to this leather satchel with buckled details
• Searching for more Hype bags on Bay
• Other Hype satchels on eBay:

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We’ve ogled Kara Ross’ luxurious clutches. Now this Nola tote shows us what the designer can do on a much grander scale.

The body is made of luxurious pebbled leather. The skin is so buttery soft, it can’t help but fall softly in a relaxed slouch more typical of a hobo than a tote. That same leather is employed in the double straps to cushion your shoulders. That’s a real blessing for days running errands or browsing stores at the mall.

The straps are trimmed with rings of genuine python skin. The exotic fabric is Kara Ross’ trademark, so her fans are sure to appreciate the extra sophistication the details bring. But of course, they send the price of this tote sky high. I’m not sure the small accents make enough impact to justify the $810 tag, but python lovers may disagree.

A hidden magnetic snap closure offers security without compromising Kara Ross’ design vision. There’s plenty of space for your belongings, but the relaxed profile makes it a little tricky to get your goodies in and out. Thankfully there are plenty of pockets, so you’ll always know where to find your keys or ringing cell phone.

The slouchy profile means the Nola won’t suit every after-five occasion, but it will give a luxurious lift to your everyday wardrobe.

More Features of This Kara Ross Python Trimmed Tote

• Gold-tone hardware
• Fabric lined interior
• An interior zip, cell phone, and addition pockets
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 12.5 x 4 inches
• Made in the USA
• Available in taupe or black

Get this Kara Ross Nola Handbag:

• Available to buy at Bloomingdale’s
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kara Ross bags on BagBunch
• The Lambertson Truex Paris Paxton bag, a great alternative to this python accent bag.
• Searching for more Kara Ross bags on eBay
• Other python bags on eBay:

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Hermes has the Jane Birkin-inspired Birkin. Marc Jacobs was so enamored with model Jessica Stam that he created the Stam bag. And now Michael Kors pays tribute to his Project Runway costar and fashion muse Heidi Klum with the Heidi Collection.

The range is just as chic and sophisticated as the German supermodel herself. The purses come in all shapes and sizes, from large shoulder bags and satchels to smaller clutches. The finishes too are varied, from glam metallics to more traditional textured leathers. While they may have their differences, the purses in the Heidi collection are united by common design elements including buckled details and gathered leather folds.

Ms Klum clearly approves of the handbags, as she’s already been spotted toting this espresso colored Heidi shoulder bag around town. Its generous size makes it perfect for stashing the goodies she needs for an outing with her little ones.

Michael Kors Heidi collection is available to pre-order at Neiman Marcus stores. The clutches start from $495, while the day bags retail from a pricey $1195.

[Source: Senora Cartera]
[Image Source: Neiman Marcus]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

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Small decorative purses may be in vogue this season, but this oversized beauty from affordable brand La Regale is trying to turn the tides in a different direction.

A sophisticated red handbag like this ruched clutch is always guaranteed to look good with smart evening outfits and posh cocktail dresses, without detracting from the overall look. Essentially this satin purse is a people purse; it looks great without taking all the attention!

This gathered clutch would probably look slightly classier with a contrasting satin interior. As it is the ruby red exterior continues within, but for the super-affordable price we really shouldn’t complain too much!

If you need a simple look with satin-induced class, this elegant purse from La Regale will keep you smart through the evening even if its workmanship won’t last for years!

More Features of this Ruched Satin Purse

• Optional braided shoulder strap
• Available in 7 colors
• Over-sized clutch
• Matching colored interior

Get this La Regale Gathered Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More La Regale bags on Bagbunch
• The Prezzo Croco Wristlet, a great alternative to this sophisticated clutch
• Searching for red satin clutches on eBay
• Other La Regale bags on eBay:

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You may or may not be familiar with the leather development house Fullum & Holt. Chances are, however, that you’ve come across more than one of their products without knowing it.

This Canadian company, originally established in 1897 and based in Montreal, has been working behind the scenes in the fashion world for quite some time now. Many of the leather handbags and accessories such as belts that we’ve seen from designers like Ralph Lauren and Alexander Wang were crafted in Fullum & Holt’s factory.

Well, now twenty-something creative director Morgan Lackman is taking the company to a new level in the fashion industry by delving into the wonderful world of handbag design. Instead of producing another designer’s leather bags, Fullum & Holt has created their own line mostly involving buttery soft lambskin.

Their contemporary takes on classic styles are fresh, original, and so worth saving your cash for. High quality craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap, though. The new collection ranges from $480 to $720 and won’t disappoint label-loving handbag fashionistas.

You can enter Style List’s contest to win one of these gorgeous new designs. The oversized spiral bag (seen above) can be yours by leaving a comment about the perfect outfit to complement the bag. The contest ends August 19 at 5:00 pm (ET) and is open to residents of the U.S.

[Source: Style List]

Lambskin Leather Handbags on eBay

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When I think of L.A.M.B. handbags, my mind automatically goes to bold colors and structured shapes. It’s not that Gwen Stefani’s line of bags is limited to that. I just tend to think of it first since there are so many in the collection resembling that description.

Similar to the Morant and the Cambridge styles, the Rowland Mini Doctor satchel has a look all of its own. The uniquely fabric-textured treatment on the main body of the tote adds an interesting visual appeal. I really can’t say whether or not the material is particularly sturdy, but it does appear to be somewhat sturdy and stain-resistant.

Just like the celebrity designer’s personal style, the Rowland combines classic, sophisticated elements with funky trends from today. The traditional doctor handbag shape contrasts with the ultra-contemporary abstract print that continues around the satchel. If you look closely, you can pick out the letters of the brand name included in the design. Women who prefer simpler versions of the doctor silhouette will probably find this L.A.M.B. one a tad busy for their taste, but it’s just the sort of thing you can expect to see from the designer.

Despite the fact that handbag lovers will probably spot the Rowland as a L.A.M.B. just from the style alone, any label confusion will be avoided altogether thanks to the printed logo, trademark number, and year established on the front of the bag. I was a little disappointed to learn that the handbag’s $325 price tag doesn’t warrant leather trim, but the Rowland Mini Doctor’s manmade upper isn’t enough to turn me off of this satchel entirely.

More Features of the Rowland Satchel

• Measures 13.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches
• Double handles with 4.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Logo-engraved hardware

Get this L.A.M.B. Rowland Mini Doctor Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More L.A.M.B. handbags on BagBunch
• The American West Sedona Sunsets Satchel, a great alternative to this unique doctor satchel
• Searching for more L.A.M.B. satchels on eBay
• Other doctor bags on eBay:

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A new website is helping the powerful tween demographic design their own fashions.

Fashion Playtes was created with pre-teen girls and young teenagers in mind. Users can customize a shirt, skirt, or handbag with their favorite colors and features such as ruffles and ribbons. Once they’re happy with the design, girls can then purchase it. Whether they want to buy a new accessory or not, designing one sounds like a lot of fun.

But the site isn’t simply a money-making exercise. It also aims to give girls a place to gossip about fashion and share their designs.

“We really want to make it more of a community so girls can share and collaborate,” said founder and CEO Sarah McIlroy. “We want to have a gallery — which we are working on right now — where girls can upload the clothing.”

The website also plans to have a number of fun games for girls to play when it officially launches in the first quarter of 2010.

[Source: VatorNews]