While I admire Stella McCartney’s commitment to ethical design, I haven’t always appreciated her accessories. Her vegan leather often appears cheap, and her designs uninspired. However she’s ironed out the kinks with this Structured Shoulder Bag.

The blend of polyester and polyurethane is a better leather mimic than most of the materials Stella McCartney utilizes. She’s used it well here to create a ladylike purse that’s both retro, yet very modern. The structured design takes its cues from the fashions of yesteryear, but the golden chains on each side of the strap bring a bit of contemporary flair.

Stella McCartney’s commitment to design hasn’t stopped with the exterior though. The triple-compartment is one of the most user-friendly I’ve seen in some time. It should be a breeze to keep this baby organized, although those partitions mean it’s not ideal for carrying thick novels or other bulky items.

True to form, Stella McCartney charges us a lot for her name. $1195 is exorbitant for a bag made from synthetic, but if your heart is set on a Stella McCartney original this is probably the one to spend your money on.

More Features of This Stella McCartney Vegan Leather Shoulder Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Logo jacquard lining
• A single strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 9.5 x 11.5 x 5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Stella McCartney Structured Handbag:

• Available to buy at Neiman Marcus
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stella McCartney bags on BagBunch
• The Jessica Jensen Melissa satchel bag, a great alternative to this structured bag.
• Searching for more Stella McCartney bags on eBay
• Other structured black leather bags on eBay:

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Christian Louboutin is commemorating 20 years in the accessories business with a special capsule collection.

The capsule collection reinterprets Christian Louboutin’s most iconic shoes and handbags, so ideally it should be everything we love about the label, but better. It draws inspiration from Louboutin’s favorite muses, including the world of cabaret, architecture, world travel, and the arts, so it should be right up the alley of any Christian Louboutin fan.

The anniversary range will feature 20 different shoes, one for every year of business, and six handbags. Photographs of the shoes have been released via Christian Louboutin’s Facebook page, but images of the purses have been kept under wraps. This sketch, which shows the Christian Louboutin Artemis Plumes, gives us a little sneak peek though. It certainly looks promising!

As a handbag fan I can’t help feeling a little shortchanged that the bag collection is so small, but even that can barely temper my excitement for this special range.

Christian Louboutin’s Facebook fans can sign up for an invitation to shop for the capsule line via the fashion label’s online boutique ahead of its official launch. It will then be available at an exclusive pop-up boutique in London’s Selfridges store on February 27, before being rolled out to traditional Christian Louboutin stores in March.

[Source: Marie Claire]
[Image Source: The Purse Blog]

Christian Louboutin Purses on eBay

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Spiegel celebrates timeless good looks rather than trends with this Patent Clutch Bag.

This clutch makes a strong style statement with its clean lines and polished finish. The glossy treatment is a smart choice here. We’ve often complained that matte synthetics appear too glossy to ever pass as leather. Here though the shiny finish helps Spiegel replicate the more luxurious skin. To the untrained eye it’s hard to tell the difference, although the price tag makes it pretty apparent!

I really like what Spiegel’s done with the materials. Some vertical seams and a large patent button add interest without appearing overdone. While I appreciate the purple hue I know it won’t speak to everybody. It’s a shame Spiegel hasn’t given us a few more color choices.

Spiegel’s given us a few more features than we’d probably expect to find inside a $39 purse. The synthetic strap is a bit skinny for my tastes, but it’ll come in handy when you’re on the move. The interior is slender but long, so with some careful packing it should hold everything you need to enjoy an evening out.

I wouldn’t wait until after five to wear it though. This clutch’s minimalist design makes it perfect for carrying with jeans or a casual dress during the day!

More Features of This Spiegel Purple Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Measures 9 x 5 x 0.75 inches

Get this Spiegel Patent Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Spiegel bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade Seersucker Vionette clutch bag, a great alternative to this patent bag.
• Searching for more Spiegel bags on eBay
• Other purple patent clutch bags on eBay:

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Emily Harrison and Jennie Engelhardt have created an ethical alternative for leather lovers with their fashion house Hare+Hart. While their products use genuine leather, it’s sourced from free range, cage free animals.

The designers became friends while studying at Minnesota’s Carlton College, but their wanderlust led them to Argentina where Hare+Hart is now based. It seemed fated that the friends would discover the country’s pampas, the fertile plains which give birth to one of the world’s leading leather industries. Englehardt completed her senior studies in Buenos Aires, while Harrison traveled there to complete a sommelier course.

But fashion became their futures when they began to observe the lifestyle of the Argentinean cattle. The cows, goats, and other creatures are given room to graze before they’re slaughtered humanely for their meat and skin. The animals lead better lives, and the leather is never marred. It’s a win all round.

Hare+Hart launched in 2009 with its leather jackets, but it’s recently added handbags to the mix. It started small with its new spring collection of vegetable tanned, cow hair purses, but plans to expand the range in future.

“We see accessories as our growth market,” Engelhardt explained. “We’d like to stay in leather and continue into other leather categories as well.“

While many animal lovers won’t be impressed by Hare+Hart, I see it as a great compromise. It’s something like the way many of us opt to eat only free-range chicken, eggs, and pork. It’s about choosing to incorporate animal products into our lives, but really considering that choice and its implications.

What do you think of Hare+Hart’s ethical leather accessories?

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Hare+Hart website]

Sonia Rykiel keeps the studded trend alive with this Domino satchel.

She doesn’t do things by halves here. This simply shaped satchel is covered in hundreds of large and small brass studs. I really like the way the accents pop against the tan lambskin, but I’m still feeling a bit underwhelmed. The various sizes of studs are interesting, but their enthusiastic application seems lazy. Perhaps Rykiel thinks we’ll be so dazzled by the studs we won’t notice the Domino’s design is only half baked.

Its interior is serviceable but similarly uninspiring. Its cotton lining is nice enough, and its trio of pockets just what we’d expect to find. It’ll do the job, but you’ll hardly feel as pampered as you should when you’re spending $1185.

Sonia Rykiel had a great base here. The Domino’s soft lambskin is utterly gorgeous, so it really deserves to be the focus. Instead Rykiel’s opted to follow fashion trends, and those that are bound to be on the way out, rather than creating something timeless. Despite its promise, the Domino will disappoint all but the biggest studs fan.

More Features of This Sonia Rykiel Studded Satchel

• Magnetic closure
• Dual handles with an 8.27 inch drop
• Measures 15.35 x 9.84 x 3.54 inches

Get this Coach Patchwork Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Sonia Rykiel Domino, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Sonia Rykiel bags on BagBunch
• The Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Studded Bowler bag, a great alternative to this studded bag.
• Searching for more Sonia Rykiel bags on eBay

Whether you’re planning a picnic or pounding the pavement, Soapbox has you covered with this Vineyard tote.

On the surface it seems like so many other tote bags. We’ve seen its clean lines and classic shape so many times before that even the purple croc finish can’t pique my interest. I was looking for a little flair, and I found it inside.

It’s disappointing for a bag to keep its personality hidden away, but it’s also sensible. The main compartment is spacious and organized with reinforced pockets. This extra support helps the Vineyard carry wine bottles and other heavy items.

The Vineyard’s simple design makes it a bit pedestrian but also very versatile. It’ll hold a pair of wine bottles for a relaxing barbecue lunch, or an iPad or laptop for a day at the office. Whatever you’re toting it’ll stay safe thanks to the sunken zippered closure.

The man-made material is a bit thin and plastic-like but it also keeps the price down to a mere $48. I don’t mind a fabric compromise when we enjoy savings like that, do you?

More Features of This Soapbox Purple Crocodile Tote

• Nickel feet on the base
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 17 x 12 x 11.5 inches

Get this Soapbox Vineyard Handbag:

• Available to buy at eBags
• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Soapbox bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Soapbox bags on BagBunch
• The Rebecca Minkoff Bread & Wine tote bag, a great alternative to this bottle bag.
• Searching for more Soapbox bags on eBay
• Other wine bottle tote bags on eBay:

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Strong sales in Asia have helped LVMH and its fashionable companies exceed full-year profit forecast for 2011.

The luxury conglomerate’s net income rose a modest 1% last year to 3.07 billion euros, exceeding estimates of 3.06 billion euros. It’s a small win, but a significant one in the light of Europe’s uncertain economy. It’s also important to note that LVMH’s 2010 were inflated by a 745 million euro profit from its share in Hermes. Without that boost, the 2011 net profit would have jumped b a whopping 34%. It may be more telling that total sales rose by 16% to 23.7 billion euros. Again that was better than the 23.4 million euro increase forecasted.

LVMH’s agreement with Bulgari was one of its most significant business moves of the year. Bulgari has flourished under LVMH’s leadership, with a jump in its fourth quarter revenue of 20%. Its Louis Vuitton brand also enjoyed record results and Fendi continued to perform well, particularly with its Peek-a-boo line. Donna Karan enjoyed significant growth in the United States, while Celine, Loewe, and Givenchy also showed “remarkable momentum.”

LVMH said it believes the fashion house can continue to grow this year. The firm’s chairman Bernard Arnault called 2011 “another great vintage” for LVMH and its companies. This year the luxury goods giant hopes to strengthen its position as a global leader by relying on its “sound, long-term strategy.” Some might call that playing it safe, but with results like this perhaps it’s merely being smart.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: Nicogenin/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Turn heads as you step out with this Pearl clutch from Sondra Roberts.

While once we admired Sondra Roberts for her day bags, lately she’s impressed us with her after five accessories. The Pearl is a gorgeous example of what she can do with a classic egg-shaped base. The cacophony of pearl-like beads and dainty crystals is inspired. I love the rich bubbly texture Sondra Roberts has created using materials that are relatively low priced.

Clutches like this always come with some storage limitations. They aren’t meant to hold anything more than the barest of essentials, so we shouldn’t be too disappointed. Using them can be a trial, but when they look so pretty, how can we mind too much? I wish the strap was detachable so we could leave it at home if we wished, and a little longer for cross-body use, but these are minor quibbles.

It’s hard to find fault when a bag looks this good but costs just $158. That’s a bargain in anybody’s language!

More Features of This Sondra Roberts Beaded Clutch

• Clasp closure
• Satin lining
• A chain strap with a 10.5 inch drop
• Measures 7 x 4 x 2 inches

Get this Sondra Roberts Pearl Handbag:

• Available to buy at Nordstrom
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Sondra Roberts bags on BagBunch
• The Sondra Roberts Lace Flower Minaudiere bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Sondra Roberts bags on eBay
• Other pearl clutch bags on eBay:

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While many designers are creating affordable diffusion collections for major department stores, Stuart Weitzman is bucking the trend. He’s preparing to launch a high-class accessories line called SW1.

The collection’s footwear will range from $595 for a pair of satin or suede pumps to $995 for some luxurious boots. That’s a real mark-up on the $300 we usually pay for the designer’s kitten heels.

If you hoped to save money on the handbags you’ll be sorely disappointed. Most are even more expensive than the shoes, with prices ranging from $800 to $1500. The line looks to offer something for everybody with its muted pastels, earthy neutrals, and jewel colored exotic skins. The rainbow of colors is complemented by a diverse selection of shapes. There are totes and satchels for everyday, tablet cases for the office, and clutches and minaudieres for nights on the town.

We’re used to seeing Stuart Weitzman as a mid-priced designer, so it’ll be interesting to see how his fans respond to his more luxurious creations. Do you think they’ll embrace the new line, or be turned off by the price hikes?

A high-end line calls for some more exclusive stockists. While retailers in the United States have not been confirmed, Brits will find the SW1 goods in Selfridges while Canadians can shop for them at Holt Renfrew.

[Source: Lucky]

Stuart Weitzman Bags on eBay

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Sherpani delivers a messenger bag without frills with its Verve handbag.

If you’re looking for a high class accessory, this isn’t it. But as casual messengers go, the Verve is a fun option. I really love the contrast of the subdued brown body and the icy sky blue flap. While the nylon fabric isn’t very luxurious it is durable and more eco-friendly than you might expect. It’s made from 67% recycled fabric, which is certainly a step in the right direction.

The main compartment is spacious, but its unique design has polarized customers. While many girls warm to its deep internal pocket, others feel it’s a bit of a black hole. The water bottle pouch is a handy addition though, as are the mesh organizational pockets. These innovations are the sort of practical perks we don’t often see in handbags, and I’m thankful for them.

The strap puts practicality first. While its padded cushion doesn’t appear sophisticated, you’ll be thankful for it if you make use of all the space inside the Verve.

Sherpani offers us real value with the Verve. Your $75.95 won’t buy admiring glances and longing stares, but it will buy a handbag that will serve you well for many years.

More Features of This Sherpani Nylon Messenger Bag

• Magnetic snap closure
• Floral lined interior
• An interior key fob
• Measures 16.5 x 15.8 x 4.3 inches

Get this Sherpani Verve Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Sherpani Verve, 2, 63852, LE[/phpbay]

• Check the SkiersBoard eBay store to see if this Sherpani bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Sherpani bags on BagBunch
• The Sherpani Verve LE bag, a great alternative to this messenger bag.
• Searching for more Sherpani bags on eBay