Longchamp is marking the 20th anniversary of the Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM), which “promotes emerging French and international fashion talent”, with a new collaboration involving their well-known Le Pliage Tote.

The French fashion label teamed up with three previous ANDAM award winners to put a new spin on the famously practical and stylish Pliage handbag. Jeremy Scott, Charles Anastase, and the designers of Bless all had the opportunity to reinterpret the tote. The result is a mini collection of completely unique and one-of-a-kind bags that the public can snap up for their own wardrobe beginning in October at Longchamp stores.  

Of the three creations, possibly the most unique is the Bless bag designed by Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag. This quirky contraption actually converts from a circular brown leather bangle to the Pliage tote in what I can only guess is a mysterious way. I, for one, am completely baffled as to the mechanics of it. I’m not sure I can imagine a leather handle working as a one size fits all bracelet, but I’m definitely intrigued.

[Source: Style File]

Longchamp Handbags on eBay

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Kooba is not a name that’s as familiar to me as some fashion brands, but it’s certainly nothing new to the handbag world. This company has been creating enviable designer bags for over a decade.

Though I don’t think it’s been at the top of many shoppers’ lists for that long, the company has taken off in recent years with tons of celebrities followers and has been seen on young starlets such as Blake Lively and Kristen Bell. I can’t really say that this Natasha Tote design automatically makes me think young, hip, and trendy, but it does have a certain appeal similar to that of equally popular brand Treesje.

This coated canvas version of the Natasha has been around for a few seasons, but is still just as stylish now as it was before. The square handle rings and other hardware is modern and trendy but not overdone. I like how that style contrasts the traditional turnlock closures on the front flap and sides.

If you’re thinking that this shiny patent material is not for you, then you’re in luck this season. Kooba recently released a luxurious suede version of the Natasha with their Fall 09 collection. Though there are a few minor changes on the details, like less stitching around the handles and top border, the overall design is intact.

Whether in coated canvas or winter suede, the Kooba Natasha tote is a lovely choice for a fashionable yet classic designer handbag.

More Features of the Natasha Tote

• Available in coated canvas or suede
• Turnlock closure
• Expandable sides with turnlock feature

Get this Kooba Natasha Bag:

• Available to buy in suede at Amazon (limited stock)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the VIP Fashions store on eBay to see if this bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kooba bags on BagBunch
• The Tommy Hilfiger Biscayne Weekender, a great alternative to this coated canvas tote
• Searching for more Koob handbags on eBay

Origami has been one of the most enjoyable trends sweeping fashion circles this year. From beautifully executed folded dresses through to paper jewellery, this Japanese paper art has hit all aspects of fashion face on. New technology means that origami style doesn’t have to be made from paper, as this wonderfully structured hobo from Chinese Laundry has set out to prove.

The Chinese Laundry brand may not be very well known, but the art and design of this great looking origami tote show that they are definitely a company to watch!

It is rare to see such a conceptually unusual bag for less that $100 – and whilst the materials may not be top quality, this really is one of the best looking bargain handbags on the market. Available in a few bright shades, the clean lines and elegant structure only really work in pure gray or bone, when you can see the wonderful shadows the folds cast.

For such a large bag, this knotted hobo has very small handles. This is fine if you only want to have it purely for looks, but do bear this in mind when considering practicality.

An unusual and aesthetically wonderful bag, that hits the origami clothing trend perfectly!

More Features of this Chinese Laundry Origami Hobo

• Available in blue, pink, bone or gray
• Folded origami design
• Studded handle detail
• Spacious design

Get this Knotted Paper Art Tote:

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

You may also be interested in:

• Other Origami purses on Bagbunch
• The Hype Regina Hobo, a great alternative to this sophisticated bag
• Searching for more Origami bags on eBay
• Other Chinese Laundry bags on eBay;

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Matt & Nat have a knack for creating environmentally-friendly handbags that don’t skimp on style. The Zed tote is the label’s answer to the oversized trend. It’s a purse that’s as big on looks as it is on practicality.

It’s made from the brand’s iconic Japanese Paper vegan leather, a cruelty-free alternative to textured calfskin. I love the way this mustard bag shows up every crease and crinkle, but for a subtler look you could opt for no-nonsense black or gray.

You might be a little confused once you open up the top zips. Matt & Nat wouldn’t line their bags in suede, would they? You’re right, they wouldn’t. Instead they’ve cleverly recycled plastic bottles to mimic the soft fabric we all know and love!

Oversized handbags often become unmanageable, but you needn’t have such concerns with the Zed. Instead of one massive main compartment, there are two smaller ones. These spaces are much easier to organize so you needn’t feel overwhelmed. While the short handles don’t do the bag any favors, at least the Zed comes with a practical shoulder strap. I only wonder why you’d ever remove this convenient feature!

While the Zed is a big bag, it’s also a relatively slender one. That gives the Zed the chic styling often missing in oversized purses. Without the bulk, the Zed wouldn’t look out of place in the board room or a classy restaurant.

More Features of This Matt & Nat Oversized Tote

• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 18 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag
• Made in China

Get this Matt & Nat Zed Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited quantities)
• Check the SmartBargains eBay store to see if this Matt & Nat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Fifty-Five bag, a great alternative to this Japanese paper bag.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat bags on eBay
• Other Matt & Nat Japanese paper bags on eBay:

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Men may be tightening their belts, but a report by Reuters says the financial crisis hasn’t tempered the shopping habits of women. While sales of Swiss watches and other male extravagances have slumped, women’s handbags from luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Hermes are enjoying increased sales.

While men react to an uncertain job market by cutting back, women use designer purses and other treats to cheer themselves up.

“Women are also worried about their jobs, but not to the extent that they feel their mere existence is being threatened and so they are in the mood to buy despite the crisis,” said gender marketing expert Diana Jaffe

Eva Kreinkamp, director of marketing agency FrischCo, adds that women are better able to cope as they tend to experience change more frequently in their careers.

Or perhaps men simply don’t have any affordable luxuries to indulge in. While we can snag a designer purse for a thousand or two, a luxury watch costs at least $10, 000. A prestige model could easily cost $50, 000 or more.

“I think the soft luxury category is holding up because it is still more of an affordable treat,” explained Kepler Capital Markets analyst Jon Cox.

Whatever the reason, it’s lovely to know that no matter what the economic climate, we still love to spoil ourselves!

[Source: Reuters]
[Image Source: Bizmac/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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With a pop of color and plenty of style, Magid bring you this vibrant pleated satin clutch.

The pleating is so interesting here, with creases adding texture in all directions. It’s an abstract design, with horizontal lines contrasting delightfully with vertical and diagonal ones. By crafting the entire thing from the same colored satin, Magid creates interest without distracting us. It’s definitely the kind of purse that makes you look twice.

The narrow style is perfect for slipping under your arm, which is just as well as there’s no shoulder strap. But a slender profile does have its practical limitations. You’ll probably have room for your party must-haves, but if you’re used to oversized clutches prepare to scale back. The satin walls make overstuffing possible, but that lumpy look won’t impress anybody.

Conservative tastes beware: you’ll only find it in this playful turquoise blue or an even brighter Barbie pink. Not for the faint hearted, this is a purse that loves to stand out. It retails for a recession-friendly $39.

More Features of This Magid Turquoise Purse

• Top zip entry
• Fabric lined interior
• Measures 7 x 0.5 x 12 inches

Get this Magid Pleated Satin Clutch:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Magid bags on BagBunch
• The Treesje Geneva bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Magid bags on eBay

Baby products are nothing new to designer Cynthia Rowley, who has previously created a line of boutique-style patent leather diaper bags. For the average mommy, though, their average price tag of $240 can run a bit high.

Never fear, budget mommies. The diffusion line is here. This well-respected fashion designer is taking her classic style to baby registry-favorite retail store Babies “R” Us. It might not be as glamorous as a runway stage, but it’s definitely more up my alley as well as most other consumers.

Rowley’s Babies “R” Us collection will include diaper bags, baby clothing, and blankets. No word yet on what the mommy bags will cost, but I’m guessing the price tags will be quite a bit less than her previous diaper bag designs. If the already released baby clothing is any indication, I’d place it well under $100.

As one of many moms who understands the beauty of a budget but also appreciates good style, I’m quite glad to hear that designers like Cynthia Rowley are making their creations not only more accessible but also practical.

[Source: StyleList]
[Image: Art Comments/Flickr]

Diaper Bags on eBay

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I feel like I’ve been on a clutch kick lately on a quest to find ideal versions of this small, sometimes impractical, but necessary wardrobe addition. Though my latest favorite has been the Treesje Harlow, this Prezzo Croco Wristlet clutch comes in a close second.

It might not be quite as versatile as some clutches, but the Croco Wristlet is that small evening bag that every woman needs. Because of its classic shape, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a dressy outfit that won’t go with this purse. I can picture it with everything from cocktail dresses to a smart tailored jacket with jeans and heels.

Though it’s not made from real crocodile leather, which would add several zeros to the otherwise affordable $32 price tag, this printed PVC material is a decent imitation. Animal lovers and budget fashionistas will both appreciate that feature.

The envelope-style flap closure has a magnetic snap to keep your valuables inside. It also has a small zippered pocket for small things. You don’t get the option of carrying this clutch on your shoulder, but you can attach the optional wrist strap for a little convenience.

More Features of the Croco Wristlet

• Measures 12 x 4.5 x 1 inch
• Croc-printed PVC material
• Lined interior
• Magnetic closure

Get this Prezzo Croco Clutch Bag:

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

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Prezzo bags on BagBunch
• The Mad By Design Croc Clutch, a great alternative to this affordable faux croc clutch
• Searching for more Prezzo handbags on eBay

Ghibli are experts in the production of top-end luxury handbags constructed from that most sublime of leathers, python skin. Strikingly smooth and with a subtle gleam, this decadent fabric can easily separate the wannabes from the high rollers.

The eclectic hippy patchwork pattern makes the satchel-style tote highly desirable in fashion circles. Gleaming in vibrant jewel shades this is a tote that can match any outfit. Beware that so much color can often be a  bad thing – such a bright and vivacious handbag needs far more effort than normal to help it blend in.

I am a little hesitant about having such short handles on a bag that can be loaded up so significantly. Why put in the slouchy shape if it cannot practically be utilised? Just consider yourself warned that whilst this Ghibli beauty may look practical, it may be tiring to carry around.

With a cute chunky front pocket and sophisticated brown leather trim, this bright geometric purse is the height of luxury at a tear-jerking $1250! Beautiful, impractical, and everything an utterly ridiculous high-end tote ought to be!

More Features of this Ghibli Patchwork Tote

• Python leather exterior
• Dust bag included
• Silver metal hardware
• Satchel shape

Get this Multicolored Python Satchel:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Ghibli bags on Bagbunch
• The Valentino Patchwork Pochette purse, a great alternative to this funky tote
• Searching for more patchwork handbags on eBay
• Other Ghibli bags on eBay:

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Mad Imports keeps it casual with this cute Leilani clutch.

It’s made from natural-toned raffia, jazzed up with an adorable embroidered bird and leaves design. Each Leilani is a little different depending on the color you choose. I love the swooping swallow on this ocean blue clutch, but the blooms also come in punch pink, mango orange, and apple green. Each has a slightly different bird, so you’re really spoiled for choice.

Don’t buy the Leilani expecting bells and whistles; it’s all about the looks. There are no shoulder straps, no pockets, and only a snap closure for security. But there’s something refreshing about that pared down design, which seems entirely appropriate for such an organic purse.

Like all Mad Imports bags, the Leilani is a real change from the mass produced high-end designer clutches we so often see. Every purse is handwoven and made following fair trade practices in Madagascar. It won’t suit a black-tie gala or any other upmarket event, but its simplicity and colorful design have its own appeal.

More Features of This Mad Imports Raffia Purse

• Cotton lining
• Measures 6 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches

Get this Mad Imports Leilani Clutch:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Check the Whimsy Boutique&Gallery eBay store to see if this Mad Imports bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Mad Imports bags on BagBunch
• The Mad Imports Isadora bag, a great alternative to this embroidered bag.
• Searching for more Mad Imports bags on eBay
• Other Mad Imports clutches on eBay (see listings below):

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