The recent semi-annual update to Bain’s Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study predicts a continuance in the luxury industry’s downturn. Honestly, I’d be surprised to hear that anyone expected otherwise.

Although the study showed a 15-20% decline in the first two quarters of this year, there is hope for the rest of 2009. They expect the decline to slow down for the next two quarters resulting in a total decline of 10% for the year.

The market study looks at more than overall totals, though. An in-depth look shows a trend of consumers spending less on their purchases and shopping more carefully. The upper echelon of shoppers seems to be choosing quality over trendy “it” items. On the other side of the coin, the lower end of luxury consumers is considering less expensive designer brands.

Thankfully, many of the top designers already offer their own more affordable lines for the lower tier of luxury shoppers. If Prada is your usual handbag of choice but now seems out of your budget’s range, the brand’s sister line Miu Miu offers different but less expensive options. Michael by Michael Kors pleases the designer’s fans without pushing the $1,000 mark.

Whether you find yourself lucky enough to be in one of these luxury shopping tiers or not, the good news is that there’s a handbag for any price these days without having to sacrifice style. You need only to check out Jessica Simpson’s line to see that.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image: kristinamay/Flickr]

Prada Handbags on eBay

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Katie Holmes might have been draped in Miu Miu bags for the brand’s spring/summer ad campaign, but her latest accessory of choice is the Coach Parker Hippie handbag.

This celebrity mom is known for setting trends, but I think the practicality of this tote probably had more to do with this choice. The attractive style is just the perk.

Of course, you’d expect a classy style from Coach. The Parker Hippie’s single inverted pleat on the front is simple and elegant. Other details like the slouchy shoulder strap, supple leather material, and embossed logo enhance the handbag’s designer appeal.

The tote is fairly slim, which could hinder what you can carry. However, it’s the perfect width for slinging across your hip when you attach the longer strap. The thin shape keeps it from being too bulky as a crossbody-style handbag.

As with Katie Holmes, any mom would be grateful for the hands-free style when carrying around a toddler along with everyday necessities. The multiple interior pockets are the icing on the cake for this handy tote. The Coach Parker Hippie is a fabulous medium combining function and style for the practical gal. This large designer bag retails for $358. Look for it in Coach’s signature Op Art print as well.

More Features of the Large Parker Hippie

• Measures 14 x 14.5 x 3 inches
• Single strap with 9 inch drop
• Detachable longer strap
• Snap closure

Coach Parker Hippie Bags on eBay

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• See more from the mikebene2002 store on eBay
• Click here to search all Coach handbags on eBay

I like cheap brands that do it well. It’s a personal thing; I just find it so rare that labels release a mass-produced bag that looks darn good. I find I don’t care if everyone I see is using it, I just care that it didn’t, for once, break the bank.

This is bag is just that sort: affordable and quite a bargain, whilst looking sleek and stylish. On top of the obvious financial advantages (at $38 this is one of La Regale’s cheapest items), I also feel this one is unusual enough to stand out in a crowd.

With the vintage 20’s flapper girl style making a comeback, beaded clutches are the evening bag of choice at the moment. This bag is not only beaded, but shaped in the iconic flapper girl fan/shell shape – giving you space and usability that screams vintage from every pore. The fact that the fan adds to the space is just an added bonus.

This purse comes in two colors, each adding their own style and era. Be warned, however, that the gold option is not a rich subtle color. It features the brusque aggressive gold color of the 21st century with an almost orange tint. The black is a more general and coordinating tone, and would match with a larger number of dresses or suits!

Thankfully, this bag comes with a concealable chain strap – although I am willing to doubt that it’s strength or product lifetime aren’t quite as impressive as other more pricey shell bags! It is always nice, however, to have the option to let your shoulder do the hard work, whilst you sip the cocktails and devour the nibbles.

A real credit-crunch beater, this basic clutch features all you could want from a lower-end beauty, from the inner slip pocket to the glorious bling. Just twin it with a vintage fan or a beaded dress, and it will look great!

More Features of This La Regale Vintage Purse

• Frame bag with kiss lock entry
• Fabric lining
• Interior slide pocket
• Chain shoulder strap
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 1 x 5 inches

Vintage Beaded Clutches on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to find this vintage style fan clutch on Amazon
• See all beaded clutches on eBay

The Bulga Butterfly Hobo combines confidence and originality in a luxuriously relaxed fashion.

The fun, flirty design makes it an ideal complement for this spring’s hottest trends, including boyfriend tees, wideleg jeans, gladiator sandals and oversized sunglasses.

The butterfly hobo is constructed of fine Italian leather with a buttery texture and ultra rich color. The strap is large enough for you to fit on your shoulder, or if you prefer you can carry on your forearm. The tassled drawstring looks fabulous, but it’s bound to be frustrating when your cell phone rings. Personally I’d opt to keep the drawstrings loose, and rely on the magnetic closure for security. The gold hardware and studs add a touch of punk to a flirty feminine design. Last but not least the floral logo lining adds a whimsical touch.

The rich brown color plays well with all colors from neutrals to brights to metallics. However if you’re not loving this shade, it is available in other fresh tones including seafoam green, magenta and taupe.

More Features of This Bulga Studded Leather Bag

• Logo print lining
• Magnetic snap closure
• A single shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 16.5 x 2.5 inches

Bulga Butterfly Purses on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to buy this Bulga boho leather handbag at Amazon
• All Bulga bags on eBay

Straw bags tend to be practical, casual purses used to carry towels and flip flops to the beach or pool. But there’s no reason a straw bag needs to go back in the closet once the weather cools. Cute straw totes like the Antigua from Felix Rey have the good looks to suit every season.

The first thing that struck me was the color. Summery shades like pink, teal, and orange, are passed over in favor of this sophisticated gray. This shade gives this shopper an elegance we rarely see in a straw bag. That same refined style is seen again in the dark leather handles and gray silk covered gussets.

But that doesn’t mean the Antigua doesn’t know how to have fun. The wooden beadwork and straw fringing are flamboyant details which add a little girly charm. Yet the charcoal color ensures these quirky accents don’t overwhelm the grown-up design.

Straw bags never cost the earth, and the Antigua doesn’t either. The $150 price tag seems reasonable for a durable, yet stylish, tote that’s made for carrying all year round.

More Features of This Felix Rey Antigua Shopper

• Fully lined interior
• A zipper and patch pocket inside
• Dual shoulder straps with a 10” drop
• Measures 14.5” x 18” x 3.5”

Felix Rey Straw Purses on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to find this Felix Rey straw handbag at Amazon
• All Felix Rey bags on eBay

People bring some interesting items home from vacation, but a dead baby has to be one of the most bizarre. Staff at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airport were understandably shaken when they discovered just that in the luggage of a Vietnamese passenger.

This strange news story is actually quiet tragic. The Thanh Nien newspaper reports that 36-year-old Vu Van Tho was trying to take his dead son’s body home for burial. The baby boy died when his mother gave birth prematurely.

According to Vietnamese custom, a dead body can only rest peacefully if it is returned to its native homeland.

At least the father didn’t wait 11 years to take his baby home like the elderly sister in Munich did!

I can respect the tradition, but I’m not sure I could stash a body amongst my pajamas and underwear. I also can’t help wondering about that lingering corpse smell!

[Source: News.com.au]
[Image Source: Jasper Greek Golangco/Stock.xchng]

If you’ve ever eyed off Bottega Veneta’s woven intrecciato accessories while cursing your empty wallet, let me introduce you to the Aldo Winkeljohn. It may not be crafted from the same luxurious leather, but it’s so inexpensive I’m sure you won’t mind.

Thin strips of rainbow colored leatherette are woven together for this dazzling finish. The vibrant primary shades are ideal for the upcoming warmer weather, but I imagine they could also provide a little pop in winter. The delightful round shape adds to the Winkeljohn’s irreverent appeal.

The quirky style is continued inside with the bold and black and white patterned fabric lining. One side wall has a roomy zippered pocket, while the other has pouches to hold your personal technology. A zip top keeps all your precious cargo safe and secure inside.

The cushioned straps aren’t long enough for over the shoulder toting, but at least hand-held carrying is comfortable. The dual handles have extra cushioning, so they’ll feel luxurious in your palm.

This on trend handbag retails for a meager $35, so unlike the Bottega Veneta there’s no scrimping and saving required!

More Features of This Aldo Winkeljohn Handbag

• Metallic hoops and stud details
• A flat base

Woven Totes on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to find this colorful Aldo bag at Amazon
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It’s a great idea to have a colorful summer all-purpose bag in your arsenal that features a wide range of colors you often wear. I have a very summery striped bag with a mix of primary and pastel colors that match tons of items in my wardrobe. I’m always relieved to find it in my closet at the start of the season when I’ve yet to buy any new accessories. If you choose a bag with at least four colors you often gravitate towards in your clothing, it will be worth its weight in chunky gold hardware.

A great option is this Emilio Pucci Summer Shopper. If you fancy blues, purples and oranges, or like to dress in neutrals and let your accessories provide a pop of color, this could be a bag for you. Wear it with kahkis and a white shirt or an electric blue dress to equally fabulous effect. The colors will definitely get you excited for warm weather dressing.

In a classic Pucci print this bag will be recognized from a mile a way. If you like the name recognition, it’s a great way to show off a fabulous designer piece. But if you prefer to wear distinct bags no one’s going to be able to pinpoint, this probably isn’t for you. To fans, Pucci prints are as identifiable as logo bags.

More Features of the Emilio Pucci Summer Shopper

• Measures 16.5 x 13 x 8 inches
• Coated canvas with leather trim
• Flat base
• Made in Italy

Emilio Pucci Tote Bags on eBay

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• Click here to see Pucci print handbags on eBay
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Versace has a new joint effort in the works directed specifically at male car enthusiasts. They’ve teamed up with Lamborghini to create a special, limited-edition line of men’s travel accessories.

The line is supposed to be the ideal companion for one of the Lamborghini/Versace car collaborations: the Murciélago LP 640 Roadster Versace. I can guess what you’re probably thinking now – one of the companies’ car collaborations? Maybe it’s just me out of the loop, but I was previously unaware that such any such thing existed much less in plural form.

Nevertheless, the sleek Roadster Versace is a thing to behold and evidently only required the ideal travel bag to complete the perfect picture. These new, and equally luxurious, bags are all black and made from soft calfskin leather with just a hint of silver hardware.

The prices of this limited-edition line will range from $395 to $5,500, which should be pocket change for someone who owns the corresponding car. If you’ve got your eye on one of them, you’ll have to visit Versace’s New York or Beverly Hills boutique location where they will be offered exclusively.

[Source: WWD]

Versace Handbags on eBay

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This Zaftique handbag embraces the hobo’s bohemian roots with its fun rhinestone accented design.

It’s a little more structured than your typical hobo, but what it lacks in slouch it makes up for with its boho attitude. Large rhinestones are bordered with embroidered circles, a pattern which feels vaguely tribal. The seams are trimmed with lace for a fun feminine touch.

If you like the girly details, this garnet-colored purse will probably be your pick. But if you’re after something a little more versatile, a chocolate brown hobo is also available.

This rhinestone handbag is big and bulky, which makes me a little disappointed by the lack of organizational aid. The rear zipper pocket is an inspired addition for secure storage, but the zippered side wall pouch just doesn’t seem like enough for the inside. Some slip pockets for our cell phones and iPods would have made the world of difference.

But for this price, you can’t have everything. What it lacks in features and fabrics, this purse makes up with an affordable retail value. The faux suede finish and leatherette trim keep this Zaftique hobo priced at a recession-friendly $35.

More Features of This Zaftique Embroidered Handbag

• Gold hardware accents
• A single shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 4 x 12 inches

Rhinstone Hobo Purses on eBay

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• Click here to find this faux suede bag at Amazon
• All hobo handbags on eBay