Hermes accessories are set to get even more expensive.

The luxury label’s handbags, scarves, and shoes have never been cheap, but fans can expect a price hike of around nine per cent across the entire range in the coming weeks.

The fashion industry is a little conflicted about exactly when the increase will come into effect. Workers at the label’s Madison Avenue boutique say we’ll pay more from early February, but employees in the Wall Street outlet say prices could jump as early as January 24. The only thing that seems certain is that the price increase is coming.

The company’s chief executive officer Patrick Thomas says that the increased costs of its favorite materials, including cashmere, crocodile skin, and silk, are to blame for the jump. But we all know that Hermes goods were already much more expensive than the other accessories on the market, even the ones made with comparable materials. Surely a small cut in their margins wouldn’t have hurt any?

While people continue to spend the big bucks on Hermes and add their names to the waiting lists I can’t imagine Hermes will adjust its profit margins in the favor of consumers. Anyone who can already afford Hermes goodies probably won’t even notice the extra couple of hundred dollars on the price tags. However if you’ve always coveted a Hermes item, now might be the time to indulge.

[Source: The Fashion Spot]
[Image Source: Svilen Milev/Stock.xchng]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

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Did we need another tote from Lily Waters? Probably not, but we’ve got it with the Tina.

The Tina joins Lily Waters other totes: the Isla, the Jodi, and the Tara. None of them are very revolutionary. They all have the same traditional box shape, the same diamond quilting, and the same fabric finish. They’re even roughly the same size, so you have to look really close to see the differences. For the Tina that individuality comes from its toggle closure.

Personally I’m not a big fan of toggles, particularly on bags this wide. While they’re secure where they affix, they leave open gaps at the edges of the tote. That’s not a problem in most circumstances, but if your tote falls over on the floor of your car or at dinner items will spill. They’re also a bit fiddly to use, and when security is already compromised they don’t seem worth it. I’ll concede that they are cute, but that’s about all.

If you love toggles though you’ll be happy with what the Tina offers, and the price Lily Waters offers it for. At $40 it’s a very cheap tote, even if it’s not the most practical in Lily Waters’ range.

More Features of This Lily Waters Toggle Tote

• Interior pockets
• An exterior pocket
• Gingham lined interior
• A removable base for traveling
• Measures 4 x 10 x 14 inches

Get this Lily Waters Tina Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Lily Waters bag is in stock
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Paris Hilton isn’t the only one who loves having her furry best friend with her at all times. While the socialite is happy to carry her chihuahua inside a luxury designer purse, the rest of us are looking for a more affordable alternative. LeSportsac aims to put an end to our search with this pet carrier.

Its name isn’t very specific, but this bag seems more suited to dogs than cats and other animal companions. There’s a six-inch leash affixed inside, and a handy interior slot for holding identification. It won’t suit a big dog, but its dimensions should cater for most pooches that spend their lives in purses. They’ll enjoy gazing out of the mesh panels which offer airflow as well as a bit of a view. Odors and accidents are inevitable though, so I’m thrilled to see the bottom panel is removable for cleaning.

This Pet Carrier isn’t especially stylish but it doesn’t look any worse than the average LeSportsac bag. This one has a pretty monochrome pattern with butterflies and bows, but it’s not our only option.

The biggest selling point isn’t its looks but its price, an affordable $98. So why not save your designer handbags for yourself; your pooch would be much happier seeing the world from the inside of this pet carrier.

More Features of This LeSportsac Patterned Dog Bag

• Zipped main closure
• A front zippered pocket
• Dual handles with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 8 x 17 x 12 inches

Get this LeSportsac Pet Carrier Handbag:

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

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• Check the Big Apple Aloha eBay store to see if this LeSportsac bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• More LeSportsac bags on BagBunch
• The Dooney & Bourke Dog Carrier bag, a great alternative to this pet carrier bag.
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It’s set to be a very spotty season for Louis Vuitton. The esteemed fashion label’s teamed up with polka-dot loving Japanese painter Yayoi Kasuma for its new capsule collection.

We’ll see Yayoi Kasuma’s art decorating a range of Louis Vuitton products, including leather handbags, footwear, watches, jewelry, and apparel items, this July. The collaboration will be hard to miss as elaborate window installations in Louis Vuitton stores around the world will herald its arrival.

The 82-year-old artist’s range promises to be difficult to ignore. As well as a penchant for polka dots, Yayoi Kasuma’s art also often features phallic motifs. She’s also not shy about her body and has staged several performance pieces in the nude.

Louis Vuitton has a long history of artistic collaborations, including previous pairings with Richard Prince, Stephen Sprouse, and Takashi Murakami. However the new line is the first time Louis Vuitton has worked with a woman. It seems a good time for the label to take such a risk, as its growing Japanese fan base is sure to embrace accessories decorated with art from one of its own.

Personally I’m excited to see Louis Vuitton teaming up with such a vibrant artistic icon. All too often its creations seem stuffy, so I think it will benefit from this latest creative injection. Are you excited to see this new artistic range?

[Source: Art Info]
[Image Source: Sengkang/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

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I enjoyed Lauren Merkin’s distinctive pleated clutch purses when I first discovered them, but her formulaic designs became tired pretty quickly. So I’m thrilled to see her working with Michelle Fantaci, a designer who’s breathed new life into the label with bags like the Essex.

While it’s still a clutch purse, The Essex is much sleeker than most of its counterparts. Its snake printed leather is one of the most convincing impersonators I’ve seen. I love the subtle gloss that the designers have given the skin. It’s eye-catching but not overdone, perfect for an evening on the town.

The snake embossed leather is complemented by unusual golden hardware accents. These metal details work with the curved box shape to give the Essex a chic, retro feel.

The interior is simple but serviceable. It’s strictly for essentials only, but the box style means you can use all the space on offer. It’s a little disappointing that the chain strap isn’t detachable, but at least the thin serpentine chain won’t take up a lot of space.

Lauren Merkin might still be in a design rut, but at least she’s managed to enlist some quality creative talent. No disrespect to the firm’s creative director, but the Essex might be the best thing to come out of the Lauren Merkin label!

More Features of This Lauren Merkin Snake Printed Clutch

• Magnetic snap closure
• Made of snake embossed calfskin
• Measures 4 x 7 inches
• Made in United States

Get this Lauren Merkin Essex Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

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Dolce & Gabbana has ignited a media storm in Hong Kong as its security guards have forbidden onlookers from snapping photos of its store front.

The fashion firm claims its efforts are an attempt to protect its intellectual property, but The Wall Street Journal claims something more insidious may be going on. It reports that while locals have been stopped from snapping the pictures, foreigners and even Chinese tourists visiting from the mainland have not faced the same restrictions. The Wall Street Journal suggests the photo ban may have come from a Chinese high flyer who didn’t want to be seen buying his luxury goods in Hong Kong, where lower taxes are applied.

Apparently Hong Kong natives are particularly sensitive about perceived racism from mainland China, so they haven’t taken news of Dolce & Gabbana’s measures well. The store has become the scene of protests, but Dolce & Gabbana is holding firm. In an official statement printed in the country’s Standard the fashion house states it “has not taken part in any action aiming at offending the Hong Kong public.” The country’s politicians aren’t buying it, and have launched a Facebook campaign urging the Italian company to apologize.

Do you think Dolce & Gabbana has a case to answer?

[Source: Dolce & Gabbana]
[Image Source: K.rol 2007/Flickr]

Dolce & Gabbana Bags on eBay

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According to dictionary definitions, utilitarian is a word describing something designed for use rather than beauty. So it’s only fitting that Laurel & Sunset’s used the word to christen this hobo bag.

I wouldn’t say the Utilitarian’s an ugly duckling, but it clearly puts functionality first. Its dark brown color is a bit boring but it’ll easily work with your wardrobe, no matter what the season. Silver-toned hardware pops against the dark skin, but the zips aren’t simply aesthetic. They open up to reveal five pockets, and that’s all before we even get inside!

The main compartment is just as smart, with a zippered central envelope dividing it into several user-friendly sections. There are more pockets in the side walls, so the hardest part is remembering just where you put your essential items! We’re further spoiled with a pair of flat shoulder straps and an attachable cross-body one for busy days on the go.

Laurel & Sunset charges just $39.95 for this hobo, so you can probably guess that it’s not the best quality. The interior lining is a little thin and the synthetic exterior feels a bit stiff. But what it lacks in luxury, Laurel & Sunset makes up for in substance with this Utilitarian hobo bag.

More Features of This Laurel & Sunset Convertible Hobo

• Top zip closure
• Polyester lined interior
• Measures 10 x 16 x 4.75 inches

Get this Laurel & Sunset Utilitarian Handbag:

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

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• Check ThePursesBoutique eBay store to see if this Laurel & Sunset bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

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• The Laurel & Sunset Dunsmouth bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
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Laura Matthews has created a purse that lives up to its name with the Furry.

This striking handbag is very furry indeed, but animal activists will happily note that no critters were harmed in its production. Thankfully its gentle smoke-gray stripes ensure it looks like the real thing, even if it is an ethical imposter.

I love the soft fur finish, but I’m less enamored with the bold gold hardware. The swashbuckling sword medallion attempts to steal focus on a bag that should be all about the fur. The elements compete rather than complement one another, and that’s a real shame. The pendant matches the long cross-body chain beautifully, but I still wish it wasn’t there.

Personally the gold accent is enough to turn me off what was otherwise a really desirable purse. But fashion is never about pleasing everybody. It’s not quite my cup of tea, but at $150 anyone who does love it will enjoy a bargain.

More Features of This Laura Matthews Designs Faux Fur Evening Bag

• Zip top closure

Get this Laura Matthews Designs Furry Handbag:

• Available to buy at Laura Matthews Designs
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Big Buddha is expanding its accessories range with the launch of a new diffusion collection called Buddha Boutique.

Buddha Boutique looks to reward its loyal customers who’ve seen the original Big Buddha grow to become one of the largest affordable fashion labels in America. It looks to “show something different than what’s in the department stores under the Big Buddha name,” explained company president Jeremy Bassan. However he assures those dedicated supporters that the new range retains Big Buddha’s sensibility.

“Something different” sounds like a pretty good way to describe the Buddha Boutique bags as they reportedly feature neon parachute quilting, Aztec prints and a range of shapes from small minaudieres to large tote bags.

I particularly like the minaudieres pictured. This style of purse is so often dripping in gemstones and reserved for after five wear, so it’s refreshing to see some that are a bit more accessible and versatile. The red, pink, and orange version is perfect for the upcoming warm weather, but I can imagine wearing the blue toned one all year round.

The new line’s name sounds high end, but the Buddha Boutiques are actually a little cheaper than their stable mates. All items will be priced under the magic $100 mark.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

Big Buddha Bags on eBay

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Latico Leather celebrates studs with this Delilah cross-body bag.

If you aren’t a fan of the metal accents you probably won’t look twice at this purse. Hundreds of the brass nail heads cover this handbag’s large boxy pockets. It could easily have been overkill, but by keeping the rest of the Delilah relatively plain I think Latico gets away with the heavy metal treatment.

The studs are very trend conscious, but the rest of the Delilah means business. The front pockets appear a little tacked on, but they’re really practical. The main compartment is on the small side, but with those large pockets up front we should have all the storage space we need.

While the Delilah is smaller than most everyday purses, I think it’d be awkward to carry by hand so I’m unsure why the strap’s detachable. It’s good to have choices, but I think I’d stick to cross-body wear.

Considering it’s made from real leather I’m impressed Latico has kept the Delilah’s cost at an affordable $116.95. That price doesn’t buy us a premium skin, but it does offer the quality that comes from the genuine article.

More Features of This Latico Studded Cross-Body Bag

• Magnetic closures on front pockets
• Fabric lined interior
• A detachable cross-body strap with a 22 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 9.75 x 4 inches

Get this Latico Delilah Handbag:

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

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Coach Patchwork bag is in stock
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