Wonders never cease to surprise me, but this one really took me off guard. Evidently, one of Marc Jacobs’ BFFs is none other than rapper-extraordinaire and Dancing with the Stars favorite Lil’ Kim.

Now that you’ve had a second to recover from your initial shock, here’s the other surprising part. The two have been friends for years. I suppose I shouldn’t be bowled over by the info since the two are both in creative fields and have a love of fashion in common. Somehow, though, it still seems like an odd pairing.

The two have been friends for a while and once even collaborated for a fashion project to benefit charity. According to Lil’ Kim, Jacobs supported her throughout her 10-month prison sentence back in 2006 with weekly encouraging letters. The tiny rapper-turned-ballroom-dancer showed her appreciation in a slightly different way.

“I decided to buy a coloring book – I’m a huge Bratz fan – and I painted the Bratz and made them all wear Marc Jacobs, and sent it to him. He blew it up and framed it, and now it’s hanging in his house. So Marc Jacobs is the best.”

Lil’ Kim’s, um, art might be quite different from the fashionable and extremely wearable art of the popular designer, but I guess their friendship has withstood more than most.

[Source: stylelist]
[Image: windyjonas/Flickr]

Marc Jacobs Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]marc jacobs, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

If you thought you already knew how to carry a handbag, prepare to be enlightened. Vogue has recently come up with four new ways to tote your purse, inspired by some of the world’s most fashionable stars.

Firstly we’ve got The Scramble, the messy style favored by Kate Moss. Apparently Kate “grips an evening clutch, chains wrapped around like a messy boatman’s knot.”

If that’s a little too haphazard for you, perhaps you’re a Cuddler like Agyness Deyn. You guessed it: Aggie cuddles her bag like it’s a teddy bear. Well, a good leather purse can be awfully soft.

Then there’s The Twiddle. This easy style, popularized by Keira Knightley, sees you twirl your handbag like a schoolgirl.

And finally there’s The Dangle. This is what Chloe Sevigny does, holding her “oversized silk Louis Vuitton envelope casually scrunched in one hand, in the manner one would hold a McDonald’s takeaway.” The Big Love actress might be a style innovator, but I’m still not sure this is going to catch on.

Honestly, all these new handbag holding techniques seem a little juvenile! They might work for the stars, but I think I’ll stick to the tried and true ways to show off my purse!

[Source: The Daily Mail]
[Image Source: Shek/Wikipedia Commons]

Celebrity Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]celebrity handbag, 3, “”, “wholesale”, “”, “”, “100”[/phpbay]

When I first saw the Betsey Johnson logo on this clutch, I had to do a double take to make sure I saw it correctly. I wouldn’t say that I  don’t think of Betsey Johnson as a feminine; however, I just generally feel that her purses are a little more edgy retro than girly glam.

In complete contrast to the studded Rock Star Hobo, the Betsey’s Frill Clutch oozes with effeminate qualities, which I think makes it a perfect accessory for a girl’s night out. The soft leather folds beautifully on the front and back of the bag to create the pretty ruffles.

Of course, don’t expect it to be entirely made of sugar and spice. It is a Betsey Johnson, after all, and has other features that separate it from other ruffled leather bags like the SR Squared Ruffle Satchel. Although rock star studs aren’t anywhere on this clutch, the perforations in the ruffles and the rope-like trim add to the designer’s signature style.

Instead of having a detachable shoulder strap like so many other clutches, the Betsey’s Frill handbag has a wrist strap made from the same leather rope on the trim. It might not always be the most convenient way to carry a purse, but this clutch is petite enough to keep it from being too cumbersome. A horseshoe charm zipper pull completes the feminine yet funky look of this Betsey Johnson bag.

More Features of the Betsey’s Frill Clutch

• Measures 11.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
• Wrist strap
• Zip top closure
• Satin lining

Betsey Johnson Betsey’s Frill Bags on eBay

[phpbay]betsey johnson betsey’s frill, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Get this aqua-colored Betsey’s Frill Clutch on Amazon
• Click here to search more Betsey Johnson handbags on eBay

This colorful tote is a lot louder than many of Nancy Gonzalez’s creations, and that might be just what makes it so appealing.

There’s a place for cool and conservative, but every now and then I’d love to carry a shopper like this and really let loose. It’s made of strips of caiman crocodile skin in vibrant fuchsia, pink, and purple shades, woven together in an eye-catching wicker design. These are the kind of tones girly girls like me love, but they’re not going to appeal to everyone. In that respect it’s a shame Nancy Gonzalez didn’t create a more muted variety to please more conservative tastes.

If the colors don’t put you off, the price just might. Crocodile never comes cheap, and in this case you’ll pay nearly $2000 on eBay. I hate to think what it costs brand new!

But if you’re still on board, this fun tote is the perfect shopping companion. It’s got enough room to carry your latest purchases, a zip pocket for change, and slip pockets to handle your cell phone and PDA.

It might not be the ideal handbag for everyone, but I can imagine rocking this colorful crocodile tote on my next shopping spree.

More Features of This Nancy Gonzalez Woven Shopper

• Suede lining
• Double handles with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 13 x 9 x 4.5 inches
• Made in Colombia

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Nancy Gonzalez crocodile bag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Passion4Fashion4Less store on eBay – A Nancy Gonzalez Handbags Retailer
• All Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay

Okay, we can admit it. We’ve all envied Gwyneth Paltrow for her amazing designers clothing and accessories. Well, now you can literally get a hand on her fabulous fashion style by purchasing clothes, bags, shoes, and more fresh off her hangers.

Gwyneth’s new lifestyle website, GOOP, is working with Flogit4u on eBay to sell off some of the actress’ closet goodies for a fraction of their original cost. Now that’s what I call recycling! Though I might snicker at her website’s somewhat condescending nonsense and otherwise useless information, I jumped at the chance to check out what GOOP is offering.

The clothes and shoes are gorgeous, but the handbags will have your head spinning. We’re talking about Chloe, Jimmy Choo, Furla, and Celine almost all currently under $600. I even spotted a couple of Chanel beauties for around $1500. These are auctions, though, so keep in mind that the prices will rise with more bidding.

All of the proceeds of this GOOP charity auction will go to the Robin Hood Foundation, which seeks to end poverty in New York City. Their current auction items in the Flogit4u shop are all set to end in roughly five days, so you’ll have to act quickly to get Gwynnie’s garb!

[Source: Fashionista]
[Image: indoloony/Flickr]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]chanel, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

I’m not sure if Juicy Couture intended this Crown Madge handbag to be in honor of pop queen Madonna, but one thing is for sure: royalty was on their mind when they created it. Although it’s not ideal for the warm season ahead, the Madge would fit in perfectly with the upcoming fall season trend of luxurious, royal-inspired accessories.

The medallion on the front of the bag displays Juicy’s signature crown logo in a somewhat surprisingly subtle way. Of course it’s there for company branding, but it also seems like a slight nod to the queen-like style of the satchel.

Though it’s a nice detail, to me the star of the show here is really the smocked velour fabric. Without that feature, the Crown Madge would just be an ordinary bag with a crown-shaped detail. Instead, the smocking adds a richness to it and makes it nearly impossible to not notice the Tudor-esque quality.

The other smart move on Juicy Couture’s part is the addition of shiny gold-toned hardware to complete the style. What kind of royalty-like handbag would it be without a touch of gold? I could do without the slightly bulky buckled handle anchors, but it doesn’t detract too much from the elegant look. This black smocked velour Crown Madge satchel is currently available for around $215.

More Features of the Crown Madge Satchel

• Measures about 12 x 8 x 6 inches
• Handles with 6 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Interior pockets

Juicy Couture Madge Bags on eBay

[phpbay]juicy couture madge, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Get this black velour Crown Madge on Amazon
• Click here to search more Juicy Couture handbags on eBay

Kotur is bringing back old world glamor with this gorgeous Fino clutch.

The soft body is embroidered with fine vintage brocade in a range of color combinations. The fabric falls in elegant pleats, while the frame top design gives a sophisticated structure. A single glittering jewel clasp completes this elegant design.

The Fino is a petite purse: perfect for pairing with an elegant evening dress but not entirely practical. It’s strictly essentials only in a clutch of this size, especially if you choose to tuck the chain strap inside!

Like so many Kotur clutches, the Fino was made with budget shoppers in mind. Despite its rich appearance and intricate embroidery it retails for just $403.

More Features of This Kotur Fino Purse

• Metallic leather lined interior
• Two interior pockets
• A removable gold-tone chain strap
• Measures 9 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag

Kotur Brocade Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Kotur brocade clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Also See

• Click here to see more from Magnifique101 store on eBay – A Kotur Handbags Retailer
• All Kotur bags on eBay

The Brevis is everything we’ve come to expect from Kara Ross: a stunning clutch purse made from only the finest materials.

In this case it’s a delicious blue-green alligator skin. Fabrics of this quality need little embellishment, so Kara Ross is happy to let the scaly texture do the talking. The only accent is a clear crystal gemstone surrounded by chic polished silver.

Like so many clutches, the Brevis’ interior will only accommodate the essentials. But the suede lining does add a touch of luxury, and the slip pocket is ideal for stashing receipts and the phone number of your latest catch.

This Kara Ross converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag with a long strap. The chain links add a touch of class, while the leather center is designed with comfort in mind. It’s easy to attach and detach whenever your mood changes.

There’s a lot to admire about the Brevis, but you might have to do so at a distance. The $2995 retail price is quite reasonable for genuine alligator skin, but it’s still more than many of us can afford for an after-five accessory!

More Features of This Kara Ross Brevis Purse

• Flap design
• A removable strap with a 10.5 inch drop

Kara Ross Alligator Clutches on eBay

[phpbay]Kara Ross alligator clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Also See

• All Kara Ross bags on eBay

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about recycling and preserving the planet, and I do my part to offer a rallying cry for the “green” movement. This bit of news, however, just kind of rubs me the wrong way (pun intended).

The company Catty Shack Creations has found their own niche in the fashion world. They specialize in taking shaved pet fur, preparing it, and spinning it into your very own handbag. The result is a one-of-a-kind, unique creation made from recycled material. “Unique” seems like such an understatement for it.

Catty Shack Creations transforms the fur into yarn on their spinning wheels and then knits it onto a few rows of Alpaca yarn. No need to worry if you tend to get sneezey around pet fur; their process includes a thorough washing and felting to make each bag hypoallergenic.

I realize that we’ve been spinning and yarning with animal fibers like wool for a long time, and I understand that Catty Shack is only trying to memorialize your beloved pet while also helping the environment. Seriously, though, there’s just something about it that seems so strange.

I love my pet, but maybe this is just too far ahead of me in the “green” movement. I think I’ll stick to Matt & Nat’s environmentally-friendly purses instead.

Check out this video on The Bag Lady to better understand the process and form your opinion.

[Source: The Bag Lady]
[Image: Catty Shack Creations]

Recycled Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]recycled, 3, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Every so often I find a handbag that has a feature that jumps out and surprises me. I’m not sure why this Hobo International Deb bag was initially so compelling to me, but I just couldn’t stop myself from stopping to look at it.

There’s something so completely simple yet imaginative about the entirely circular shape of its body. All at once it calls to mind the funky and retro fashion of the Mod era yet also reminds me of a canteen one would use on a long hike. What made those two references pop into my mind, I’ll never quite understand, but the Deb definitely stood out to me as unique.

It’s a fairly small bag, so it’s not ideal for long days out or regular everyday use. However, this Hobo International purse is perfect for stashing a couple of essentials and heading out for a quick trip.

The long chain link strap has a leather piece at the top for comfortable shoulder carrying. Because of the strap’s significant length, the Deb can be worn on the shoulder or across the body, which seems to be so popular right now.

Not surprisingly for a Hobo International item, this round handbag is crafted from high-quality leather. It even has a fun patent sheen to it for extra flare. Just like the initial references that came to my mind when I saw it, I can imagine pairing the Deb shoulder bag with a graphic-print mini dress and boots, for that retro vibe, or with cargo pants and a form-fitting top for a spin on safari chic.

More Features of the Deb Shoulder Bag

• Measures 6.75 x 6.75 x 1.75 inches
• Chain link strap with 24 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Hobo Internationl Deb Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]hobo international deb, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Get the Deb in brown, black, white, or rusty red on Amazon
• Click here to search more Hobo International bags on eBay