Here’s some good news for Dolce & Gabbana enthusiasts. While the financial crisis sees most of us tightening our belts, the design duo’s famous lines will now be more affordable. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are lowering the prices of their main and D&G collections from 10 to 20 percent.

“In this moment of uncertainty, people spend more willingly on travel or spas rather than on a new dress. We want to work for the final consumer,” Stefano Gabbana explained.

But don’t think lower prices will mean inferior fashion goodies. Quality will be maintained, but construction will be simpler. Alternative stitching techniques will be employed to save cash, and rather than making their goods from hundreds of fabrics the designers will use dozens.

“This is the only way to save the market and our companies. It’s time to turn the page,” Domenico Dolce explained.

I wholeheartedly agree. It’s wonderful to watch our favorite designers adapting to the changing economic climate, rather than simply collapsing under the pressure. And anything that brings more affordable prices is a good thing in my books!

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: Fimocolous/Flickr]

Dolce & Gabbana Handbags on eBay

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Not even the humble wallet is safe from Kathy Van Zeeland’s signature style. This Basic Instinct wallet is loud and proud, just what KVZ fans want in an accessory!

The showstopper is the circular nameplate which proudly trumpets the Kathy Van Zeeland name. The distinctive crown and heart details make the logo seem a little over the top, but that’s the point.

Just as wild is the mock croc strip, which adds a little animalistic flair. Thank goodness the brown synthetic fabric is relatively sedate! It stops the Basic Instinct from jumping the shark, as it were, ensuring the purse is glam but not too gaudy.

Kathy Van Zeeland knows women, so it should come as no surprise that this purse is an organizational dream. There are 14 credit card slots in all, which should be enough for even the most dedicated shopping addict! These slips are complemented by two slide pockets, an expandable compartment, and a zippered pouch inside. There’s also a pull-out ID window for stashing your driver’s license or proof of age card. But it doesn’t stop there, with a slide pocket on zippered compartment on the back offering even more convenient storage space.

Of course, if you utilize all those compartments the Basic Instinct will go from sleek and chic to big and bulky. But it’s nice to know the space is there when we’re hitting the mid-year sales!

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Wallet

• Measures 4 x 7.75 inches
• Retails for $45.00

Get This Kathy Van Zeeland Basic Instinct Purse on eBay

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• Click here to find this Kathy Van Zeeland pumpkin purse at Amazon
• All Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay

Adriana Castro isn’t a handbag designer I’m particularly familiar with, but the Purse Blog and Luxaholics are making quite an effort to put her in the spotlight.

For five days in a row, the two websites have teamed up to give away some of Castro’s exotic bag designs. Monday’s prize was a crocodile cosmetic case, and today’s current giveaway is a python zip wallet. All you need to do to enter each contest is head to Purse Blog to snag the secret code and submit it at Luxaholics giveaway page.

Each Adriana Castro prize is up for grabs for 24 hours, from 9:00 am (EST) at the start of one day to 8:59 am (EST) the following. Contestants are allowed one entry per day. To enter the current python wallet giveaway, click here and enter today’s secret code: Miami.

Now that we’ve seen python and crocodile exotics in the giveaway, I’m curious what’s coming next. Perhaps ostrich or lizard?

[Source: Purse Blog]
[Image: Adriana Castro]

Exotic Leather Handbags on eBay

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This Tommy Hilfiger tote practically epitomizes what casual summer fashion is all about with its bright colors, bold florals, and canvas material.

The Royal Inn Items Small Tote is both fun and functional, much to the joy of many a summer vacationer. This seems like the perfect bag to take with you on a beach outing. Its Hawaiian-like floral print is whimsical and lighthearted while the canvas material is tough enough to take a beating.

Like most of Tommy Hilfiger’s designs, the Royal Inn handbag is imbued with classic Americana style, which is something people have come to expect and love from the brand. You can almost guarantee that a Hilfiger handbag purchase will result in something simple and slightly understated yet always chic. That’s how I’d describe this tote except with a little summer fun tossed in for kicks.

The name implies a bag that is diminutive in size, but this one can hardly be considered terribly small. Though it has nothing on the cavernous Juicy Couture Generation Y Tote, the Royal Inn Items handbag is plenty roomy enough for summer outings and is less expensive at only $59.

More Features of the Royal Inn Items Small Tote

• Measures 16.5 x 11 x 6 inches
• Double canvas straps with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic closure
• Logo hangtag

Tommy Hilfiger Canvas Totes on eBay

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Also See

• Get this floral canvas Royal Inn tote on Amazon
• Click here to search more Tommy Hilfiger handbags on eBay

Sometimes we fancy a little luxury. On days such as this, Fontanelli handmade luxury handbags are just the thing – decadent, detailed and more than a little bit sumptuous.

This particular handbag would be perfect for dark and beautiful evenings out, although be careful not to combine it with dresses or outfits that are too busy. A statement piece, this would be the perfect accompaniment to a little black dress with big panache.

Each of the many soft leather roses on this are individually handmade, coming together to form a deeply sexy bouquet going from darkest black through to lipstick red. It really is so decadent, soft and sophisticated from a foremost handbag designer.

It’s a costly piece at $458, but for a heavenly bag like this, it is probably worth the money.

More Features of this Fontanelli Bouquet Baguette

• Bunching fastener to create slouchy outline
• Deep black interior
• Optional longer handle
• Italian leather

See More Rose Decorated Handbags on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see this Fontanelli leather bouquet clutch on Amazon
• Click here to see all Italian leather bags on eBay

This black Coach patchwork bag breathes an urban feel and shines with a variety of detailed patched shades. What is essentially a basic style bag is transformed into something more hip with the variety of detailed patched fabric. The various irregular patches include:

• signature jacquard
• suede
• metallic leather
• lurex
• python print
• embossed leather
• ocelot print
• delave
• and printed metallic crocodile

While this bag is easily identifiable as a typical Coach handbag it does portray a rarer individuality due to its urban feel which is an uncommon style among Coach Patchwork bags. However, this bag does also come in the more typical khaki and brown colors you’d expect from Coach.

Part of the Zoe Line of Coach Bags

This bag is part of Coach’s Zoe line although it is a rarer model and doesn’t appear to be available directly from the Coach website any longer. However, at the time of writing it is available from a variety of third party Coach retailers (check the links towards the end of this post to find a store selling this bag).

I find the black and silver patchwork style of this bag gives more oomph over the regular Zoe line, which, while elegant, may be a bit plain for some of the more adventurous fashionistas. The dark irregular patterns of this bag add a funky metropolitan twist to the otherwise unadorned Zoe style.

The dark urban shades of this designer purse scream a night time party, but this bag is probably a little on the big side for clubbing, pubbing and dance floors. This leaves the bag being more suitable for the more relaxed evening occasion, and big enough for most day to day city use.

More Features of This Urban Style Patchwork Bag

• Measurements: 13″ L x 10″ H x 4″ D
• The inside is a fully lined purple silk.
• Black leather trim and gunmetal silver hardware
• Leather lacing detail and nickel studding detail on front
• Contrasting stitching
• Secured zippered top closure with 7 inch leather tassel pull; polished nickel hardware.
• 16 inch leather shoulder strap (8 inch drop length)
• Detailed side nickel buckles
• 2 nickel feet on bottom for protection
• 1 large zipper pocket inside with leather pull
• 2 multi-function slip pockets inside
• D ring

A genuine bag should come with a Coach care card, Coach tag, dust bag, Coach Creed & Serial Number and gift receipt for authenticity verification. It normally retails just shy of $400 plus tax.

Get this Coach Patchwork Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):[phpbay]coach tonal patchwork zoe 12901, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]
• Check the Coach Obsessions eBay store to see if this urban Coach Zoe bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach Patchwork bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Ergo Patchwork Hobo is a trendy zip-top alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Coach Patchwork bags on eBay

Joe’s Jeans has really impressed me lately with their consistently cool handbags. The Allanah’s my ideal cross-body bag, the Round N Round is the cutest doctor’s satchel, and now I think they’ve made my tote of choice. Meet the Hannah.

The Hannah manages to strike the balance between contemporary styling and timeless good looks. The lush leather is stitched together to create a gorgeous paneled design, one that makes us appreciate the fabric rather than distracting us from it. This modern look is complemented by a classic boxy silhouette and easy rolled handles.

There are no pockets to clutter up that exterior, but you’ll find plenty inside. With not one, but two convenient slip pouches there’s a safe place for your cell phone and your iPod. A large zippered pocket is a more secure option for stashing your keys and coins. And I love the small mirror, which is safely attached for make-up emergencies!

At $225, the Hannah tote bag represents excellent value for money. This marine blue is ideal for summer, but if you’re after something a little more evergreen consider it in black, white, or saddle brown.

More Features of This Joe’s Jeans Hannah Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Plainweave fabric lined interior
• A key fob
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 15.5 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Joe’s Jeans Totes on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to find this Joe’s Jeans modern handbag at Endless
• All Joe’s Jeans purses on eBay

The financial crisis seems to have touched everyone, from Miss Joanne Average on the street to our favorite fashion houses. Prada is the latest luxury label to feel the strain of the current economic climate, with The Financial Times reporting the brand has asked banks to ease the terms of their debt. The Italian label is hoping to renegotiate some of its debt, freeing up cash to create more stores. The company reportedly owed around 1 billion euros at the end of last year.

The Financial Times reports the brand hopes to convince Italy’s UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo to reschedule the repayment of 350 million euros, which is set to mature in the summer of 2010. That debt is owed by a holding company, which is 95% owned by Prada’s designer Miuccia Prada and her husband, Prada chief executive Patrizio Bertelli. The couple says they are not interested in recruiting outside investors at this point as their situation is not dire, and any potential valuation of the company now may later have a negative impact on the Prada IPO. Prada has considered holding an initial public offering several times in recent years, but always backed out due to poor timing.

The banks are considering delaying the repayment for a year or two. In this economic climate, the banks can’t afford to have their debtors in trouble, so it seems in their best interest to help Prada ride out the recession and collect the money in brighter financial times.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: D’n’C/Flickr]

Prada Purses on eBay

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With a name like the Palm Springs, it should come as no surprise that this Inge Christopher bag is one hot little number.

The soft satin body is pleated for a floaty feminine look. The glam factor is amped up with an elaborate beaded design running along the top of the bag. Thousands of tiny beads create a slightly bohemian circular design. They’re complemented by larger beads hanging down. All those beads look a little fussy, particularly when paired with the rhinestone covered ring handles, but if you carry the purse with a neutral outfit you just might pull it off.

The Palm Springs isn’t a large bag by any stretch of the imagination, but it offers much more storage than your average evening purse. The soft sides mean you can cram a few more goodies inside, but beware of overstuffing if you want to maintain the Palm Springs’ sleek after-five looks.

We’re spoiled for choice with the Palm Springs available in an exhaustive, yet subtle, range of colors. Opt for classic black, stone gray, or champagne, or the slightly more adventurous blush pink and aqua blue.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Pleated Evening Bag

• Tab over flap interior closure
• Fabric lining
• A small interior wall slide pocket
• Measures 9 x 3.5 x 6 inches
• Weighs 9.6 ounces

Get This Inge Christopher Palm Springs Purse

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• Click here to see this Inge Christopher satin handbag at Amazon
• All Inge Christopher bags on eBay

Michael Kors is now as well-known for his face and repetitive clothing choices as his sophisticated designs, thanks to his participation in the popular Project Runway series. With model Heidi Klum at his side, the fashionable duo is taking their teamwork to more rewarding heights.

Kors and Klum are working together for this year’s Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure campaign in support of the Breast Cancer Reasearch Foundation. The designer created the campaign’s limited edition shirt, which Heidi models in the printed public service announcement.

WWD explained the significance of Michael Kors’ involvement in the project:

“For Kors, participating in this campaign also means much to him personally. The mother of Lance Le Pere, executive vice president and creative director at his company and Kors’ partner, passed away from breast cancer, and the designer has had many people in his family, as well as his friends, affected by the disease.”

The Kors-designed t-shirt will hit Saks stores on October 1 with a retail price of $40.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: Human Flash Dancer/Flickr]

Michael Kors Handbags on eBay

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