French first lady Carla Bruni has shown she’s as socially conscious as she is stylish, lending her name to a new charity handbag. This casual purse is a far cry from the Christan Dior and Hermes bags we’re used to seeing Ms Bruni with, but it makes a much more significant fashion statement.

The colorful Carla bag is made from hessian and cotton by a sewing cooperative in Khayelitsha, South Africa. The wife of Nicolas Sarkozy was presented with a bag just like it on a recent visit to the co-op. Carla was so moved by her experience in this poor community, she commissioned just 420 reproductions to help raise funds to build a new cooperative.

At €100 each these hessian handbags are not cheap, but this vital cause makes it worth laying your money down for one of these limited edition purses. Every bag is numbered from 2 to 421 to guarantee their authenticity. The Carla bags are available exclusively through Colette stores.

[Source: Black Book]

Charity Handbags on eBay

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Inspired by New York’s hottest disco comes the Kathy Van Zeeland Studio 54 Nappa Belt shopper. With its glamorous metallic body and effortlessly slouchy cool, it’s not hard to see how it got its name!

The soft synthetic body is available in sexy metallic bone or classic white. Both neutral shades are given a lift with bold gold belt accents and shiny hardware. The centerpiece is a wide metallic belt, which cinches the top of the bag shut. In the center it sports a Kathy Van Zeeland plaque decorated with dazzling rhinestones and a crown and heart design.

Pop open the magnetic closure to reveal the deep interior. A zippered back wall pocket and two slip pouches help you stay organized all day. Don’t feel like rummaging through your bag for those must-have items? No problem! Dual side slip pockets are a convenient place for stashing the goodies you need at your fingertips.

Whether you’re hitting the dance floor, or simply catching up with the girls, this Kathy Van Zeeland shopper makes it easy to add some diva style to your outfit.

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Nappa Belt Handbag

• Logo print lined interior
• Dual shoulder straps with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 10 x 14 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Kathy Van Zeeland Studio 54 Shoppers on eBay

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When designer bags are being discussed, the name Fendi will almost always be brought up. An essential in any handbag collection, the Fendi De Jour is a classic tote-style purse that is sure to go with every outfit in your closet.

The De Jour bag is beautifully crafted out of soft, textured leather with details that can only be found on a quality purse. Intricate cutouts of the Fendi “F” logo embellish the exterior side pockets. The De Jour bag’s rolled leather handles are elegant yet made for comfort. Under each handle anchors, a small metallic star adds a subtle decorative touch consistent with the designer.

The interior of this Fendi bag is lined with a jacquard fabric bearing the signature logo. A practical magnetic snap keeps the sophisticated handbag closed. If you’re looking for a good deal, this probably isn’t the ideal purse as it retails close to $1000. However, if you’re in the market for a designer handbag and want one that practically screams refinement and luxury, the Fendi De Jour is an excellent option!

More Features of the Fendi De Jour Handbag

• Measures 19 x 13 x 7 inches
• Double leather handles with 7 inch drop
• Signature logo cutout details and lining
• Magnetic snap closure

Find the Fendi De Jour Bag on eBay

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• Buy the De Jour purse on Amazon
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Jessica Simpson’s Superfine clutch is super fine, and super functional!

The combination of python and patent fabric is ultra chic. These lush leather-looking synthetics are offset by shiny silver hardware. The bold belted accent and rectangular buckle caps off a stylish contemporary look.

Inside you’ll find a lot more room than you’d expect from a clutch purse. There’s enough space here for your wallet, sunglasses, and personal technology! The front pocket gives you even more storage room.

This Jessica Simpson clutch looks just like a high-end designer purse, but the price tells a different story. Retailing at just $68, this gorgeous clutch is sure to please budget-conscious fashionistas.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Snakeskin Purse

• Gingham print fabric lining
• A platform base
• An interior zip pocket
• Flap closure
• Measures 13 x 2 x 9 inches
• Made in China
• Available in black, camel, and red

Get This Jessica Simpson Superfine Clutch on eBay

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• Click here to view this Jessica Simpson patent purse at Endless
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She’s not even the first lady yet, but Michelle Obama is set to become our next style icon. Fashion bible Vogue are so impressed with president-to-be Barack Obama’s lady love that they want to feature her on the front cover!

“Starting with Eleanor Roosevelt, it’s been a long-standing tradition to photograph the new first lady. So needless to say, we are very interested in working with Mrs. Obama. Precisely how is still being discussed,” confirmed a Vogue spokesperson.

If Michelle accepts the offer she’ll become only the second first lady to become a Vogue covergirl. Former first lady and Democratic senator Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared on the front page of the December 1998 edition.

Hillary’s pantsuits and shoulder pads might have worked last century, but Michelle’s look is so much more modern and feminine. We’ve seen her sassy sense of style throughout the presidential campaign, and there’s only more to come. I think Michelle Obama would make an excellent Vogue girl!

[Source: FabSugar]
[Image Source: minds-eye/Flickr]

Obama Handbags on eBay

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Taking its cues from Kate Spade’s Sloane Street cami comes the Hobo International Paulina. The New York designer charges close to $400 for her purse, but this gorgeous Hobo handbag costs half the price!

You might be saving cash, but Hobo International won’t give you less for it. The sleek exterior is made from genuine leather in either classic black or racy rouge red. The sophisticated silhouette is timeless, with rounded leather straps and an elegantly curved body.

The dual zips run the length of the purse for easy access. Open them up to see the brightly colored lining. It doesn’t just look fabulous: its canvas so it’s made to last. A large zippered compartment divides the purse into three sections to make organization easy. Another spacious zip pocket in the side wall is handy for storing your small valuables like coins and keys.

With its classic lines and colors, you’ll find yourself grabbing this gorgeous satchel for years to come.

More Features of This Hobo International Paulina Handbag

• A platform base with protective metal feet
• Dual shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 15 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Hobo International Leather Satchels on eBay

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The fall season is well under way, and with it has come some lovely jewel-toned colors. A prime example is this dark wine-colored Dooney & Bourke Fredrica bag.

The Fredrica handbag is a fabulous addition to any fall and winter wardrobe with its suede and leather combination. You can easily go from practical to sophisticated just by altering the strap. This multi-functional bag transitions from a shoulder purse to a trendy cross-body messenger through its adjustable shoulder strap. Contrast stitching on the leather and the front of the handbag add interest. A silver metallic square shines with the signature Dooney & Bourke logo.

You can rest assured knowing that you’re getting a good deal with this designer bag. The Dooney & Bourke Fredrica sells for about $195. There is some upkeep with suede fabric, but the Fredrica is well worth the care involved. Choose it in one of the other fall-inspired colors such as brown, black, dark green, or gray for an equally stylish accessory!

Features of the Dooney & Bourke Fredrica

• Suede and leather combination
• Adjustable leather shoulder strap
• Converts from shoulder to cross-body messenger
• Magnetic snap closure

Find the Fredrica Handbag on eBay

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• Buy the Dooney & Bourke Fredrica on Amazon
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Girls on the go will love the effortless glamour of this Socialista satchel from Jessica Simpson.

The secret is the glossy patent synthetic finish available in a range of fashion-ready shades. The black and gray bags are classics, while the violet and leopard print purses show an individual sense of style. Casually cool contrast stitching and shiny silver hardware complete this modern look.

These beautiful bags are so spacious you’ll never have to worry about being short on storage room. The generous interior is enormous, so it can easily carry all your essentials and some luxuries too! A large leather-lined zip pocket is perfect for storing those items you need on hand, so forget about scrounging around the bottom of your bag for your cell phone or car keys!

Oversized handbags are so hot right now, but who wants to spend a fortune on a fad? This Socialista satchel retails for less than $100, so it’s an affordable way to get this season’s favorite look.

More Features of This Jessica Simpson Socialista Purse

• Gingham print lined interior
• Zip top closure
• Dual shoulder straps with a 5.25 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 17 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Jessica Simpson Patent Satchels on eBay

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Kylie Minogue is offering a £1,300 reward for the safe return of five bags of luggage. The Australian singer’s belongings were pilfered during crew tests hours before her concert in Bogota, Columbia. Kylie is currently in South America performing her X2008 tour.

Her suitcases contained some of the show’s costumes, as well as passports, laptop computers, and cameras, so the Aussie pop star is understandably keen to get them back!

But the show must go on. Kylie still wowed crowds in the Columbian capital on Saturday night. It may have had a few less costume changes, but with 25 backing dancers and a thrilling light display, the show was still a spectacle.

Columbia is a notorious crime hotspot, so Kylie is traveling with 15 armed guards in a bullet-proof car. But all those security measures can’t stop a determined bag thief! Perhaps that hefty reward will bring the culprits out of the woodwork.

The theft of the passports is particularly troubling, as Kylie is booked to play Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina before visiting Asia and Australia.

[Source: Music-News]
[Image Source: sunrise.seven/Flickr]

Designer Luggage on eBay

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This gorgeous Charlie clutch purse from Steve Madden knows how to make a statement.

It’s finished with overlapping satin ribbons which create a head-turning textured look. The electric cobalt blue shade is perfect for adding a pop of color to your little black dress, or dressing up a favorite pair of jeans.

This sophisticated purse features a shiny silver clasp closure for security and style. Pop it open to reveal the luxurious satin lined interior. There’s ample room inside for your evening essentials, and for hiding the delicate shoulder strap.

You can carry this pretty purse like a traditional clutch, or use the elegant chain strap for a hands-free fashion look.

More Features of This Steve Madden Charlie Purse

• An interior slip pocket
• A chain shoulder strap with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 4.25 x 9 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Steve Madden Clutches on eBay

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