Hermes forgot about autumn and really took the winter thing seriously when planning their fall/winter 2009 advertising campaign. In complete contrast to the beach setting of their spring ads, the label went in the obvious opposite direction and took things to the snow-filled scenery of Sweden.

Brazilian model Raquel Zimmermann seems quite at home surrounded by the cold. The campaign was shot with the dramatic backdrop of the Ice Hotel. I’m not sure what Hermes fashion has to do with dogsledding through the snow, but somehow it works…or at least gets me in the mood for winter.

In this photo, Zimmermann is carrying one of those pups in a crocodile So Kelly handbag. Yes, that’s a So Kelly not THE Kelly bag that we all know so well. I really have no idea what makes the So Kelly anything like the original one with the name, but it’s a gorgeous bag nonetheless.

Click here to see more from the snowy campaign.

[Source: fashionologie]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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Animal print isn’t completely unexpected from Dooney & Bourke, but it does tend to catch me off guard a bit when I see it. I’m rather used to seeing the brand’s signature logo. However, when D&B does handbags in leopard or another exotic print, they do it well.

This particular Juliette handbag is from their much-loved zebra collection. The look is quite overwhelming and anything but subtle. It’s definitely meant to attract attention, but I’m guessing that anyone who loves this look won’t have a problem with that.

Animal print aside, the Juliette is a great mid-sized satchel. Though I’m not sure I would recommend wearing zebra to the office, you could fit plenty of paperwork and even a small laptop in this bag. I can imagine even more uses for it as a travel tote.

A platform bottom makes it convenient for setting down without worrying about your valuables tumbling over. The double rolled leather handles are fairly practical, but it’s the longer shoulder strap that seems even more handy for the average day.

Don’t worry if a zebra-printed satchel isn’t your usual bag of choice. This Juliette bag also comes in a perfectly subtle black leather with tan trim.

More Features of the Juliette Satchel

• Measures 15 x 12.5 x 5 inches
• Long strap with 18 inch drop
• Interior pockets

Get this Dooney & Bourke Juliette Bag:

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

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• Check the Downtown Chic Boutique store on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dooney & Bourke bags on BagBunch
• The Zebra Bitsy bag, a great alternative to this zebra-printed leather satchel
• Searching for more Dooney & Bourke handbags on eBay

This Betseyville Safari Park wristlet is yet another bold and dramatic handbag from vivacious designer Betsy Johnson.

This miniature wristlet definitely isn’t for the shy and retiring amongst us! The glossy gold trim, the bold animal print and the clear on-trend vinyl all combine to make this a real attention grabber.

As with many of the funky clear plastic handbags floating around the market, this wristlet does look a lot like a makeup bag. Cute, of course – but would you want your handbag to look as at home in the bathroom as in your hand?

With its simple elegant lines and basic design, this zebra print clutch from Betsey Johnson does exactly what it says on the tin. It is affordable, cute and very fashionable, even if the concept is decidedly basic.

More Features of this Betsey Johnson Safari Park Wristlet

• Zebra print clear vinyl exterior
• Gold patent trim
• Slender shape

Get this Gold Animal Print Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Betsey Johnson bags on Bagbunch
• The Nahui Ollin Itsy Bitsy Wristlet, a great alternative to this vinyl bag
• Searching for more vinyl bags on eBay
• Other Betsey Johnson handbags on eBay:

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It seems every handbag label worth its salt has a woven leather collection. For Michael Kors it’s the Newbury line, a classic basketweave selection with traditional designs and a muted color scheme.

Of course, those conservative shades like mocha and mushroom won’t suit everybody. But they share the same classic appeal that woven leather does. The design is classic too, with just a splash of shiny hardware and a little relaxed slouch.

Drawstrings offer security, but they can also make a purse look a touch too casual. Michael Kors solves the problem by keeping the closure hidden inside. When closed the leather gains subtle pleats and loses none of its sophistication. The extra magnetic snap closure may seem superfluous as first, but it’s actually an ingenious addition. If the puckered look isn’t for you, just use the press stud to keep your goodies safe and sound.

This is the large Newbury satchel, and it lives up to its name with more than generous proportions. There are zip and slip pockets to keep small items in order, and plenty of space for essentials and luxuries alike.

The relatively large weave isn’t as delicate as a Bottega Veneta or another high end luxury line. But it’s also a whole lot more affordable, at just $548.

More Features of This Michael Kors Woven Satchel

• Protective metal feet
• Signature fabric lining
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 7 x 10 inches
• Comes with a dust bag

Get this Michael Kors Newbury Handbag:

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

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• Check the Chic Jagger Boutique eBay store to see if this Michael Kors bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Michael Kors bags on BagBunch
• The mushroom Newbury satchel bag, a great alternative to this mocha bag.
• Searching for more Michael Kors bags on eBay

Though it’s yet to hit the magazine racks, the Harper’s Bazaar September issue will surely garner a few laughs thanks to its unique interview with Chanel big shot and ego-extraordinaire Karl Lagerfeld.

Any interview with Lagerfeld is sure to be a page-turner since this man has more quirks than you can count on both hands (who can forget the $1,000 Lagerfeld Steiff bear?). Well, now he’s taking his insanity, I mean genius, a step further by adding a character to his repertoire of strange behavior.

For the interview with Bazaar, the infamous creative director and designer is stepping into the shoes of the original Chanel legend herself: Coco. With the recent Coco Avant Chanel craze, it’s no surprise that fans of the label are craving more; I just wouldn’t have expected Lagerfeld to fill in for her.

Though we have to wait until the magazine’s release to be fully amused, Fashion Weed Daily has provided us with a short but hilarious snippet of the interview. Lagerfeld, as Coco Chanel, responds to questions about feminism, which he/she claims to never have been “ugly” enough for, Botox treatments, and Chanel fashion. Here’s my favorite quote:

HB: What’s the new Chanel classic?
CC: As apparently my old jacket is still around, done by this idiot Karl, I have to help him find a new idea.

Lagerfeld talking about himself disparagingly in the third person. Now that’s an article I have to read.

[Source: Fashion Week Daily]
[Image: SpreePiX-Berlin/Flickr]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Well, I must say that this Hobo International Barbara is quite the polished-looking bag. With its classic briefcase shape and style, you’re sure to appear confident and professional at work whether or not you actually feel that way.

I’m not trying to imply that the Barbara is intended exclusively as a to-and-from-the-office handbag. However, even after a mere glance, it’s hard to deny that it definitely gives off that vibe.

If you’re in a position that requires lots of schlepping of paperwork, files, or other work-related information, you probably understand the necessity of a trusty work bag. If so, you’ll be happy to know that this one has a generous interior with lots of pockets for organization.

Although it’s not enormous, and therefore thankfully not overly bulky either, the Barbara will probably hold most laptops as well as paperwork. Don’t let the somewhat skimpy handles concern you much. This tote has a detachable shoulder strap that will come in handy.

The Barbara provides more than a functional purpose, though. Considering its main practical use as courier of work stuff, this tote is decently stylish. I wouldn’t call it trendy by any definition of the word, but trendy isn’t appropriate at every office anyway. Unless you work at a fashion label, magazine, or other creative work place, the Hobo International Barbara is well-suited for you.

More Features of the Barbara Tote

• Measures 17 x 14 x 5 inches
• Double handles with 4 inch drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Zipper closure
• Exterior zippered pocket

Get this Hobo International Barbara Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hobo International bags on BagBunch
• The McKlein Park Ridge Briefcase, a great alternative to this office tote
• Searching for more work bags on eBay
• Other Hobo International totes on eBay:

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I am on the look out for a smart yet pretty clutch for the upcoming Christmas party season. Whilst trawling though page upon page of average clutches, this snakeskin purse caught my eye as an interesting bet for sophisticated winter looks.

This purse is best in the lovely deep cobalt blue, and I am particularly drawn by the textured layering of fold upon fold of snakeskin leather, with cute scale-like scalloped edges. The smooth edges are contrasted with the solid square shape and dramatic lines.

Whilst the unusual hardware is an attractive feature on this pint-sized clutch, I worry that the hassle involved in open both of them will make this bag more work than it is worth. As such an expensive option, you really expect ease of use to balance brilliantly alongside good looks.

Whilst the dual compartments inside this purse are very useful, this clearly isn’t the focus of the designer. The luxury leather and stunning color may speak for itself, but I hesitate about owning a bag with no handle option at all!

More Features of this Alexis Hudson Tango Clutch

• Available in mocha, cobalt, or multi-tonal
• Dual interior compartments
• Dimensions: 7″ x 7″

Get this Luxury Snakeskin Purse:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More snakeskin bags on Bagbunch
• The Mad Imports Leilani purse, a great alternative to this luxurious bag
• Searching for more scalloped bags on eBay
• Other Alexis Hudson bags on eBay:

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Melie Bianco has a special knack for creating on-trend handbags that don’t cost the earth. While the label has been known to “borrow” inspiration from Jimmy Choo and Valentino, it’s just as capable of coming up with must-have fashion items all its own. The Franny is this season’s head-turner.

The $84.99 price tag won’t buy you genuine leather, but the synthetic alternative is much softer than many other manmade skins. The lush fabric is embellished with wide braided trims, which run down the front of the bag and along the handles. They give the hobo a fun feminine look that’s a little more contemporary than ruffles or lace.

Open up the top zip to reveal an enormous space lined with Melie Bianco’s playful polka dot lining. Such an expansive interior probably needs a little more than the obligatory single zippered pocket and two gadget slips provided, but I suppose we’re lucky we get that! At least the Franny comes with an extra long shoulder strap for days at the mall or lengthy commutes.

While the Franny is a brand new addition to the fashion landscape, it’s already destined to be huge. People Style and W magazines have already profiled the purse, so it won’t be long before we’ll see it on the arms of budget-conscious fashionistas everywhere. At least with four colors to choose from, everyone won’t look exactly the same!

More Features of This Melie Bianco Braided Hobo

• A single shoulder strap with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 10 inches
• Available in black, brown, pink, and purple

Get this Melie Bianco Franny Handbag:

• Check the Marie’s Fashion Handbags eBay store to see if this Melie Bianco bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Sophia bag, a great alternative to this braided bag.
• Searching for more Melie Bianco bags on eBay
• Other Melie Bianco hobos on eBay:

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Chanel is suing a Las Vegas company which it claims operates websites selling counterfeit Chanel handbags.

Chanel filed the lawsuit on Wednesday against Marc Giovanni, Top Modea Purses Inc. and their affiliated websites Web sites boutiquelebon.com and boutique-marcella.com. The luxury label claims the defendants have infringed on its trademarks by advertising and selling replica goods bearing the Chanel trademarks. It adds that these counterfeit products are likely to be of inferior quality.

“The net effect of the defendants’ actions will be to result in the confusion of consumers who will believe the defendants’ counterfeit goods are genuine goods originating from and approved by Chanel,” a Chanel spokesperson said.

The websites have refuted the charges, calling their handbags “high quality, designer-inspired alternatives.”

“It is not our intention to fool our customers into believing they are authentic. Instead, we offer inspired designer handbags as a lower-cost alternative for those who wish to enjoy the same fashion and quality without the high price,” the websites’ spokesperson declared.

Mere alternative or something more sinister, if you slap another brand’s logo on to your purse, there are going to be repercussions. It seems there’s only one way for this legal battle to go.

[Source: Las Vegas Sun]
[Image Source: Puamelia/Flickr]

Authentic Chanel Handbags on eBay

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The Ava comes to us from Maxx New York’s vintage collection which pays tribute to the stars of cinema’s golden age. Being named after Ava Gardner gives this satchel a lot to live up to, and I’m not quite sure it delivers.

I’d never imagine Ava settling for embossed PVC when she could have had genuine crocodile skin. I especially can’t see her approving of such a poor imitation. The finish is just a little shiny to appear authentic, and the scales lack definition. But perhaps I shouldn’t be so hard on the bag. While Ava enjoyed the excesses of Hollywood, we’re living through a global recession. While she could afford thousands, this $168 is much more achievable for us.

While the finish has its flaws, the design comes closer to perfection. The curved lines of the front pocket, handles, and corner patches unify the style. It’s very retro chic, yet it doesn’t look dated. Those looks are backed up with a functional design. The ample interior space is kept organized with two zippered pockets and two open ones. Those curved handles are a little short for comfortable all-day carrying, but they’re complemented by a detachable shoulder strap.

The dark color palette fits its 50s muse, but I wish Maxx New York had offered a more contemporary version. There’s nothing wrong with basic black or brown, but this bold design would really suit a more colourful alternative.

More Features of This Maxx New York Croc Embossed Satchel

• Back zippered pocket
• A detachable shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
• A zip top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• Measures 13 x 9 x 6 inches

Get this Maxx New York Ava Handbag:

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

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• Check the Perfecthearts eBay store to see if this Maxx New York bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Maxx New York bags on BagBunch
• The Maxx New York soft dome satchel bag, a colorful alternative to this croc bag.
• Searching for more Maxx New York bags on eBay