Melie Bianco sinched designer handbag

MELIE BIANCO bags W7195K sinched designer purses designer handbags black is $65 online. Measures about 14 x 10 x 4 inches. Measurements are approximate. MELIE BIANCO handbags are designer handbags a very affordable designer purse. If this design reminds you of a high end designer handbag you are right. All the celebrities carry these shoulder bags and now you can too. Melie Bianco takes the best of the best and makes her designer handbags affordable for the masses. We love Melie Bianco and we are introducing her collection on DesignersLA. The Melie Bianco handbag line is made of very soft synthetic leather material. The high quality synthetic leather is light weight and easy to maintain and keep clean. The synthetic leathers and combinations used make the Melie Bianco handbags look rich without paying a high price. Most of the Melie Bianco handbags featured in DesignersLA have been spot lighted in major fashion magazines and television shows worldwide. The sizes are considered medium to large. The Melie Bianco bags have a secure top closure. The bags are fully lined and have extra storage pockets. Many of the Melie Bianco handbag designs have pockets inside and outside. The use of studs and zippers with pockets and strapping is common in Melie Bianco purse designs. The purses come in a variety of colors. Colors are listed in the drop down menu. If colors are not listed they are sold out. You will be delighted to add a Melie Bianco handbag to your collection.

A gift she'll love for under $75 - Melie Bianco Multi Pocket Satchel

There are a lot of things we can think of to give to mom on Mother's Day that will show our love and gratitude but there aren't a lot of things we think she'll appreciate for under $75. Good thing we have Melie Bianco to turn too because we can get a gorgeous handbag for mom without breaking the bank. We chose the Melie Bianco multi pocket satchel in brown because it looks a lot like another expensive designer handbag maker but at a fraction of the price. Not too trendy but very stylish, it's hard to get such a beautiful bag for only $74 but Melie Bianco makes it possible. Melie Bianco satchel measures about 16 x 9 x 5 inches. Shop forMelie Bianco handbags now.

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It's time for a white melie bianco handbag!

Yup! It's that time of year again when we can carry white! There's nothing more fashionable than a big white shoulder bag for this time of year! And, Melie Bianco makes them so very affordable you can own more than one! Would you believe? ONLY $76!

MELIE BIANCO bags W824WH top stitched shoulder bag white designer purses designer handbags. Here is a perfect hobo shoulder bag measuring about 16 x 13 x 4 inches. Measurements are approximate. MELIE BIANCO handbags are designer handbags a very affordable designer purse. If this design reminds you of a high end designer handbag you are right. All the celebrities carry these shoulder bags and now you can too. Melie Bianco takes the best of the best and makes her designer handbags affordable for the masses. We love Melie Bianco and we are introducing her collection on DesignersLA. The Melie Bianco handbag line is made of very soft synthetic leather material. The high quality synthetic leather is light weight and easy to maintain and keep clean. The synthetic leathers and combinations used make the Melie Bianco handbags look rich without paying a high price.

As seen in People StyleWatch, Melie Bianco's top stitched shoulder bag is a hit worldwide. Most of the Melie Bianco handbags featured in DesignersLA have been spot lighted in major fashion magazines and television shows worldwide. The sizes are considered medium to large. The Melie Bianco bags have a secure top closure. The bags are fully lined and have extra storage pockets. Many of the Melie Bianco handbag designs have pockets inside and outside. The use of studs and zippers with pockets and strapping is common in Melie Bianco purse designs. The purses come in a variety of colors. Colors are listed in the drop down menu. If colors are not listed they are sold out. You will be delighted to add a Melie Bianco handbag to your collection. And at these prices you may want to add several while supplies last. Your Melie Bianco handbag comes complete inside its sleeper bag packaged directly from the Melie Bianco warehouse. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother's Day

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. EFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

No, it's not a Marc Jacobs, it's a Melie Bianco handbag!

And, at $65.00 you may want to grab one in every color! It's synthetic leather, easy to maintain and has the feel and look of the $1500.00 Marc Jacobs bag. Melie Bianco takes the best of the best and makes a designer handbag we can afford! MELIE BIANCO handbags designer handbag designer purse W7295 tan quilted frame shoulder chain bag. If this design reminds you of a high end designer handbag you are right. All the celebrities carry these shoulder bags and now you can too. Melie Bianco takes the best of the best and makes her designer handbags affordable for the masses. We love Melie Bianco and we are introducing her collection for the first time on DesignersLA. The Melie Bianco handbag line is made of very soft pleather or synthetic leather like material. The sizes are considered medium to large. The Melie Bianco bags have a secure top closure. The bags are fully lined and have extra storage pockets. You will be delighted to add a Melie Bianco handbag to your collection. And at these prices you may want to add several while supplies last. Your Melie Bianco handbag comes complete inside its sleeper bag packaged directly from the Melie Bianco warehouse. Guaranteed authentic. Measurements are approximate. The Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16 x 10 x 4.5 inches with double handles about 21 inches each with about a 6.5 inch drop. There is an additional chain shoulder strap included. See photo. MELIE BIANCO handbags designer handbag designer purse W7295 tan quilted frame shoulder chain bag.

You struck gold with the Melie Bianco Metallic Gold Braided Hobo W7-10GD

Absolutely stunning, you don't need to say much about how amazing the Melie Bianco gold braided hobo is as most people can see for themselves. Featuring a retro vibe, this gold metallic bag seems to fall into the Grecian trend that swept the runway and graced the pages of fashion magazines this spring. A great bag for everyday, if you are the true fashionista, at only $47 this bag is as good as gold. The Melie Bianco gold braided hobo measures about 17 x 16 inches with braided shoulder straps. Shop Melie Bianco handbags at a discount now.

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Melie Bianco Top Stitched Handbag W824SDL

We can appreciate the look of the jeweltone colored handbags springing up this season but we will always adore neutral colored bags because, as a bargain shopper at heart, we know camels and blacks are great for all seasons. The Melie Bianco top stitched handbag in saddle tan is absolutely gorgeous. Simple yet stylish, this Melie Bianco purse is great for all occasions and an economical way to spice up your wardrobe. Melie Bianco top stitched shoulder bag measures about 13 x 14 inches with double shoulder straps and gold tone hardware. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $77 now.

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Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Melie Bianco Distressed Chain Tote W822SDL

Despite the similarities between this Melie Bianco white tote and another designer, we think we'll stick with the $67 version. So hip yet so affordable, this Melie Bianco handbag features and all-white body with red trim and gold tone hardware and makes for an easy way to update your wardrobe. Melie Bianco handbag W822SDL distressed chain purse measures about 14 x 16 inches with double rolled handle straps and a chain to use as a longer shoulder strap. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $67 now.

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Myth Buster Designer Handbags in the News

Melie Bianco Monogram Handbag

It was a fleeting thought, but nonetheless, we were thinking about renting a purse the other day. Poof! The thought was gone.

We did some Google browsing and stumbled across all the news media quotes listed below. So, we decided to consult some handbag experts to bust some of the myths floating around. We also did our own research and came up with some surprising data. Bottom line, it's not cheaper to rent a designer handbag. In the long term, you are better off owning the purse of your dreams. The media has taken hold as usual, it is all hype and drama. The proof is in the numbers. Rental fees can be as high as $300 per month or more for a famous high-end designer handbag (12 x $300 = $3600).

No wonder all the advertising is being pushed like none other. People are being blind-sighted by one of the worst investments a woman can make with her hard earned cash! Too bad there aren't laws to protect financial rape. Women, wise up. If you can't afford to buy yourself a new purse a few times a year, you certainly shouldn't be worried about impressing people with designer fashion accessories.

Here are a list of quotes made by prominent publications. They are myths, and we just busted them!

MYTH #1 -
“Because hot handbags have such a short shelf life, why not rent one instead of buying? That’s the logic behind…” — The Washington Times

Not true. A classic designer handbags does NOT have a short shelf life. Let's take the Fendi Baguette as an example. It started the entire "it" bag movement about twelve years ago and it's still going strong. As a matter of fact, Fendi introduced a "rebirth" of the detailed ornate baguette this past season. It's still alive and doing well. And, for all you Fendi baguette lovers out there, those designer handbags you purchased over the years are now becoming collector's items are reselling for a ton of cash. So, don't cash in yet. Hang onto, or still hang it over your shoulder and look fabulously current carrying a Fendit baguette. The Fendi Baguette is available in a small version about 9 x 6 inches in size or the larger MaMa Baguette style. Whichever, you picked a winner.

Not only has the Fendi Baguette survived over a decade of shelf life, it has been copied by all the major handbag brands. The word "baguette" is not synonomous to any small shoulder bag that fits neatly tucked under the arm when carried over the shoulder. Coach has one, so does Prada, Gucci and all the big handbag designers.

MYTH #2 -
“Fashion handbags are now a $5 billion industry, and a growing number of women are renting bags instead of buying them. For the price of a single designer bag, women can rent a year’s worth.” — NPR

Not true. Wait. Maybe true if you are willing to settle for less than the high end designer handbag style. You can rent at a low rate, but the designer bag is a low-rate, too. You get what you pay for in rentals and in retail.

A year's worth of high-end designer rentals like Chanel would cost much more than the price you'd pay for owning a classic Chanel handbag of your own. Chanel maintains its value, too. So, look at a Chanel purchase as an investment. The classic black quilted lamb leather chain shoulder bag rents for more than $300 per month. HUH! You can purchase one for about $1500. That's 5 months of rental fees, not including insurance and other hidden fees for renting Chanel.

Classic Chanel bags last a lifetime and are passed down through generations. Rentals are like booze, here today and gone tomorrow.

MYTH #3 -
“Do you want to look like Uma Thurman, the new face for Louis Vuitton, but just can’t afford those accessories? No problem. Now the middle class is scrambling for brand-name luxuries, borrowing has become the next-best way to look rich.” — Time

Think Keith Richards. Can't resist the Time Magazine quote we stumbled upon online. The new face of Louis Vuitton is Keith Richards! LOL. Now, re-read the quote above. Replace Uma Thurman with the name Keith Richards. Think Twice about what you wish for!


MYTH #4v-
“Ten years ago in the US the trend was towards cappuccinos and lattes – the sort of small luxury indulgence that was affordable to everyone. It’s the same idea with handbags you can rent.” — The Times

What? handbags have been around since the beginning of time. Check out Wikipedia. There's some great information online about the history of the handbag. Man-bags transformed into women's purses, and they've continually evolved throughout the ages. As a matter of fact, the best thing about a fabulous handbag is it can be carried to make your raggiest pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops and cotton T-shirt look like Vogue. All you need is a fabulous bag and your entire ensemble is pulled together to make a fashion statement.

Yet, renting a designer purse is not a good comparison to the cost of a cup of coffee, even if it's $5 from Starbucks. Let's see, McDonald's just introduced the "designer" flavored ice coffee drink on tap for $1.89. Hmmmm....am I dreaming? The Times is a bit off in their price comparisons here. To rent a high-end designer handbag you'll be putting out more than $300 per month. Let's see. Big decision here. Should I rent a purse or make my car payment?


MYTH #5 -
“In the age of new luxury where some people would forgo a month’s rent for a the new Chloe Paddington bag, retail analysts say there is a burgeoning group of middle-class Americans who are indulging a yen for high-end fashion. Companies ...are catering to fashionistas who lack the disposable income to satisfy their cravings for Coach satchels and Chanel clutches, but for whom carrying a cheaper knockoff is blasphemy.” — The Boston Globe

Sorry, Boston Globe, the Coach handbag is so very moderately priced that renting one is not a very good investment of a person's money at all. To encourage people to rent Coach is not a good financial strategy. Buy Coach. Actually, renting Chanel is not a good investment either. The rental fees for Chanel begin at about $270, and that's not including membership fees, insurance fees, and other hidden fees none of the news media discloses in all the free advertising they do to promote designer rental companies.

Rent a luxury car? Rent a luxury airplane? Rent a luxury suite? These make financial sense for the occassion at hand. Renting a purse? Well, think twice about your cost and pay-off. Do your homework first before jumping into something you can't get out of later.

Nobody should ever carry a fake counterfeit handbag. However, designers like Melie Bianco and Murval make fabulous similar looking eco friendly handbags for a fraction of what you'd pay for a good counterfeit. And, if we are working toward a youthful "new earth" movement, then doesn't the inauthenticity of "renting" a purse to look good actually make a person look bad? Renting a designer handbag in order to "look good" is like living a lie. Authenticity rocks!

MYTH #6 -
“Cash-strapped fashionistas rejoice. The authentic $850 Gucci pink clutch you’ve been eyeing … can be yours for $72.90.” — National Post

You'll have to show us this to prove it. All the handbag rental stores we scoured had much higher prices than $73. Maybe $73 per day, with a minimum rental membership fee, plus other fees like shipping, insurance and etc., etc. Do you really think paying $73 to carry a Gucci bag for one day is going to transform your life? your appearance? your stature? Hello?

MYTH #7 -
“You can pretty much look like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.” — KCNC-TV CBS, Denver

I wonder what Susie Ormand would say about that! Let's ask her. Susie, if you are reading this post, please send us an email with your comments. Is renting a designer handbag a good use of a person's budget? Email KarrBernadette at hotmail.com. Thanks Susie!

Now, refer to the comments made about Myth #4 and living your life authentically. Thank you.

MYTH #8 -
“If you’re a handbag junkie, there is hope online – a service that rents out designer handbags and prevents you from breaking the bank.” — CBS Market Watch Weekend

See Myth #6.


MYTH #9 -
loan[s] out ‘it’ bags that cost more than your rent – and that are guaranteed to be out of style in three months – plus a host of classic styles from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Donney & Bourke.” — Time Out New York

See Myths #1, #6 and #7.


MYTH #10 -
“Wake up and smell the Chloe. The Chloe Paddington bag, that is…it’s now possible for you (or that hard-to-please fashionista on your holiday gift list) to carry the $500 or $2000 bag of your dreams – and to swap it out for a brand spanking new model every month – for a fraction of what it would cost to buy all the latest must-have bags outright.” — FWD

Swapping bags out can only be achieved if the bag is available! But your monthly dues is automatically charged to your credit card. Just like that gym membership. It's not any good to your budget unless your are using it and getting the results you want.

But, if you save your money and make a personal invnestment in a designer handbag, it's yours for a lifetime. When the bag is yours all it takes is a walk to your closet when you are in the mood to change handbags . And, you never have to worry about who carried the bag before you. Can you imagine using a purse someone you don't know used for possibly carrying their puppy?

MYTH #11 -
‘I love it. I would never – and could never – afford to buy one of the bags, but I can rent one for three weeks for about $50.’ — SLTtoday.com

Not true. A three week designer handbag rental is about $210 at one of the lowest membership fee schedules for a really nice bag. Anything less than that, you may as well not even consider.

MYTH #12 -
“It says that you’ve arrived. That you’re part of an exclusive club. That you are a fashion insider.. And an affluent one. Your purse packs a punch.” — The Denver Post

Do you see the humor in this quote? Who are you trying to fool? The people around you know whether you can afford the purse you are carrying. What do you think people would really be saying if they see you carrying a designer handbag they know you can't afford to own?

MYTH #13 -
"…thousands of women have signed up to lease the latest luxury brand bags on market, many of them coming back for more week after week, month after month, or every time a new event or outfit calls for the perfect handbag.” — Baltimore Sun

Pure media hype. There's no proof in the quote by the Baltimore Sun. As a matter of fact, there's so much hype in the media it makes the regular person ask, "What's all this hype about?" Think about it. Paying rent sucks. We do it for a place to live or a car to drive. When it comes to a purse, let's get real. Now, we have to worry about making enough money to pay our purse fees?

MYTH #14 -
“A key feature of the business is that women can rent several different handbags over a year for the same price or less than it would take to buy a new purse.” — Pioneer Press

Agreed, a person can rent several purses over the course of one year. But, the cost would be much higher than making an investment in the purchase of one classic high end designer handbag. See Myth #2.

MYTH #15 -
“Business is booming…and retail experts say consumers don’t attach a stigma anymore to leasing large sticker items like cars, even furniture, so it makes sense that pricey purses would fall in line.” —WXYZ-TV, Detroit

Once again comparing a handbag to a $60K Lexus is not a good comparison. Same holds true for furniture. Pricey purses carry very high rental fees.

MYTH #16 -
“Fashion conscientious women will pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for handbags , everything from Gucci to Kate Spade, but now there is a local company that offers the exact, and we mean the exact, purses for as little as $20….” — KSTP-TV, Minneapolis

Not true, period.

MYTH #17 -
“It can cost a pretty penny…to carry a stylish handbag, and if you want a new bag each season, you’re talking some big bucks, but we’ve found away around it.” — Action News – WXYZ-TV, Detroit

For the rental price you pay, you can easily purchase a gorgeous new handbag every season.

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Drop Dead Gorgeous - The Melie Bianco Convertiable Satchel W832SDL

As the title says, we stopped dead in our tracks when we laid eyes on the Melie Bianco convertible satchel in saddle tan. A very unique looking handbag, this beautiful bag looks a bit like Juicy Couture but not as loud and definitely not as expensive. We don't know how Melie Bianco manages to make such trendy yet attractive handbags at such reasonable prices (this bag costs $76). Featuring gold tone hardware, side pockets, buckles a heart charm hanging from the zipper pull and supple faux tan leather, this bag redefines cowgirl chic. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16 x 10 x 6 inches. Shop this Melie Bianco satchel for only $76 now.

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Sienna Miller syndrome: Why a woman owns 111 handbags in her lifetime

Melie Bianco Handbags - One of the Best Finds - Bags on a Budget!

from The Daily Mail

For most women the handbag is more of a lifestyle necessity than a fashion accessory. And it seems having only one - or even two, three or four - just won't do. Indeed, researchers have found that the average 30-year-old owns 21 handbags and buys a new one every three months. That adds up to 111 over the course of a lifetime - with a total outlay of more than £8,000.

Five per cent of those surveyed even admitted to owning more than 100 at present. The average spend on each handbag is £76, but, of course, prices go far higher than that. Do women really need 111 handbags? Join the debate...

Celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Lindsay Lohan sporting glitzy arm accessories have helped to popularise expensive designer brands, say the researchers, who asked 1,500 shoppers about their handbags. It emerged that women typically use three on a regular basis, changing to suit the occasion, outfit or even their mood. The remaining bags are stored in an easily reachable place "just in case".

Many handbags are passed down through generations, the survey found, with one in eight women owning one more than 50 years old. One in three of those questioned had guilty consciences about their excessive handbag-buying habits. When asked what was the most they had ever spent on one, the aver-for women in their 20s was £185, while for 30-somethings it was a purse-popping £380, with designer labels Mulberry and Chloe being most popular.

When asked why women hoard so many handbags, nearly seven in ten said it's because "you never know what they'll go with". One in five said they are so fond of their handbags that sentimental value stops them throwing old ones away. Angela Poplett is a personal shopper at Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, which carried out the survey. She said: "Handbags can change your whole look and transform a plain outfit into one that's set to impress.

"Often women buy a new handbag to suit a certain outfit and don't want to throw it away after just one use so keep hold of it to use again one day. "It's clear from the results of this research that British women have some sort of handbag obsession. "Maggie Thatcher started the trend with her love for handbags and today's celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie have followed in her footsteps - so much so that I like to call this handbag obsession 'Sienna Miller Syndrome'."

The researchers also asked about the contents of handbags. As well as the usual items such as mobile phones, makeup and house keys, they were found to contain plasters, paracetamol, vitamins and even mini first-aid kits. Other items included dental floss, a spare stocking and insect repellent.

As much as women love their handbags, it seems that many just can't keep hold of them with 53 per cent of those questioned admitting to losing their prized bag one or more times.

Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

All you can carry

by Lara Zamiatin

Statement handbags are hardly new but if you were lugging a massive leather tote around a couple of centuries ago, you were quite clearly a peasant or the hired help. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the smaller the bag, the richer the owner was likely to be, says Glynis Jones, curator, fashion and dress, at the Powerhouse Museum.

"There's a sense of people [in those days] not having to carry much," Jones says. "Wealthy women had servants to buy things. A handkerchief was all they needed."

In contrast to 21st-century clubbers whose bags bulge with mobiles, make-up and life's modern necessities, revellers at 19th-century balls went out with few requirements. "If you went to a ball you had a little booklet and pencil," Jones says, "and you'd write down your dance partners for the evening."

A "reticule", or small drawstring bag, was carried by hand or wrist and rose to prominence when straight cut-tight-under-the-bust empire line dresses became fashionable and bags could no longer be hidden beneath outer clothing. Previously bags - or "pockets", as they were called - were tied around a woman's waist and concealed under voluminous crinoline skirts. A small slit in the garment allowed the wearer to reach her pocket. Resembling the inside of modern-day pockets, such bags, Jones says, were often exquisitely embroidered by their owners. Likening the unseen labour to corsetry, Jones says: "There's that secret pleasure of wearing beautiful things that aren't seen."

The secret and not-so-secret pleasures of the handbag are the highlight of a new exhibition at the Queen Victoria Building, Handbags Through The Ages, which displays more than 140 antique, vintage and modern bags. Twentieth-century creations from fashion houses such as Escada, Longchamp and Versace are on display, along with wares from several QVB retailers. There are also 122 handbags, dating back to 1760, from the 4000-piece Darnell Collection of vintage garments and accessories - the owner, Blue Mountains collector Charlotte Smith, also curated the exhibition.

The Darnell pieces include a brown velvet beaded bag from 1840 that was owned by the young Bostonian Lizzy Boott, wife of American artist Frank Duveneck, and an Edwardian suede pouch that was crafted by an Austrian accessories designer for the French couture firm The House of Worth.

Bags that made it into the exhibition, Smith says, "were either typical of a period or pieces that you'd never associate with a period". An example: Vivienne Westwood's petite Orb purse, which would not look out of place in a Jane Austen costume drama.

As well as pockets and reticules, Handbags Through The Ages contains examples of chatelaines and miser's purses, typical of the Victorian era.

Named from the French chatelain, or "lord of the castle", a chatelaine hung decoratively off the waistband by a hook. Women carried useful household items such as thimbles and scissors.

The miser's bag was anything but decorative, Smith says. "The Victorians were so conscious of style, shape and detail," she says, and yet the miser's bags "were ugly, looking like slugs". There was an opening in the centre, into which owners pushed coins that were held at either end of the bag by a metal ring. They were called miser's bags, Smith says, because "if you were a miser you pulled out only one coin at a time".

By the early 20th century, with women travelling more frequently, handbags expanded and became more of a statement, Jones says. The introduction of chemical dyes brought in vividly coloured bags. New technology in the 1920s enabled manufacturers to created tightly woven mesh and started the trend for the decade's fine mesh purses. Innovative early plastics such as bakelite and zeolite came into play about the same time, producing moulded bags in an array of weird and wacky shapes. In Britain in the 1930s, women started co-ordinating bags and shoes.

Reflecting the new role of women during World War II, no-nonsense go-anywhere shoulder bags entered the fray.

By the '50s, handbags started to resemble the large items women now carry, Smith says. By this time they held "car keys, big sunglasses, lipsticks and lots of stuff".

Handbags by necessity are functional accessories, yet functionality is a term that rarely enters the vocabulary of Sydney retailer Claudia Chan Shaw and her fashion designer mother, Vivian. For the Shaws, form reigns supreme over function.

"We're the sort of girls who like things that are unusual and quirky," Shaw says. "If you're going to be creative with a handbag, you can be a bit nutty with the shape or form." The Shaws have lent 10 bags for the QVB exhibition, including a Brazilian bag from 1987 that is made from a recycled Coca-Cola can and embellished with cut crystal; an American handbag resembling a loaf of bread; and a gigantic asymmetrical leather bag from Italy that has semi-circular curves not unlike the sail-like structures of the Opera House.

Fashion historians charting the rise of the It bag pinpoint the '50s as the era when designers began naming individual bags. Citing Chanel's quilted and chained 2.55 bag (named because it was first produced in February 1955), Roger Leong, curator, international fashion and textiles, at the National Gallery of Victoria, attributes the emergence of It bags to the phenomenon of leather travel bag companies such as Louis Vuitton and Fendi expanding into apparel, particularly since the early 1990s.

"These houses have a long tradition of craftsmanship and then they launched themselves into fashion," Leong says. "The trend of the past 15 years has been for these companies to employ very creative designers to produce some fantastic collections of clothes but the money is made on their extremely desirable handbags, shoes and belts.

"Young women will buy a chainstore outfit but they'll save up for the It bag. Shoes and handbags are the success stories of the last 15 years. Accessories used to be seen as accessories. Now they've become the main story."

Nicola Sault, the owner of the Grandma Takes a Trip vintage boutiques in Surry Hills and Bondi Beach, happily admits to owning about 350 handbags. "A beautiful vintage bag is an easy way to add a unique style to an outfit," she says. Likening her handbags to old friends, she explains: "They're always there and hopefully you never lose them. They look after your stuff, they're charming and they make you look fabulous."

Cheap chic

Melie Bianco Cheap Chic

from Gainesville.com
The Wal-Mart Metro7 line of clothing.
By VANESSA GARCIA
Sun staff writer

In her most exaggerated faux french, 24-year-old University of Florida student Lauren Parigi dropped the name of her favorite local clothing store.

Continue to 2nd paragraph "Tar-zhay," she laughed. That's what Parigi and her friends call discount retail giant Target when they're combing the clothing department for trendy dresses and tops. When they're in the market for, say, a toaster or economy-sized pack of toilet paper, the store retains its common name.

Parigi and her friends didn't coin the nickname. Fans of the retailer - best known for launching the "cheap chic" design concept - have associated Target's bull's-eye with affordable style since 2003 when Isaac Mizrahi raised industry eyebrows with an exclusive line of affordable apparel. Since then, Target has teamed up with dozens of high-end designers who offer everything from throw pillows and candles to bikinis and maternity tunics at budget-friendly prices. Now, every other discount retailer on the block is rolling out star-studded competition.

See our cheap chic shopping guide for local examples.

Why are A-list designers so eager to swap their Manhattan boutiques and well-heeled clientele for racks next to Slushy machines and soccer mom customers?

The appeal is three-fold, said Barton Weitz, executive director of UF's Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research.

For up-and-coming designers, these high-traffic chains offer the rare opportunity to upgrade from relatively unknown to household name overnight. For "over the hill" designers, it's a chance to reinvent their brand and market it to a group of consumers who may not have had access before.

At the heart of the cheap chic phenomenon is social conscience, the desire to make quality design affordable and accessible, Weitz said. Several established designers and celebrities (think Vera Wang for Kohl's and Shaquille O'Neal for Payless) deliberately use these partnerships to challenge the notion that sophisticated style requires gobs of money.

From a retail perspective, it's about keeping up with smarter, more fashion-savvy consumers. With more magazines, blogs, Web sites and how-to television shows dedicated to design and celebrity style, Americans of all budgets know more, want more and expect more, he said.

Ready to usher in the warmer weather seasons with a snazzy new wardrobe? Use this local guide to discount designer shopping to keep your budget intact as you upgrade.

TARGET

GO International: Every few months Target teams up with a Vogue-worthy designer to create a fresh line of clothing and accessories that reflect current runway trends. The products, which range from denim jeans to party dresses, sell for a fraction of the designer's usual triple (and even quadruple-digit) department store price. Just look for the racks marked GO.

More good news: Every garment is offered in "real women" plus and petite sizes (0-16). Shop online at target.com if you can't find your size in store.

Designer spotlight: Jovovich-Hawk; At Saks Fifth Avenue a sun dress from this ultra-chic design duo runs for about $495. At Target, snatch a spring ensemble by Jovovich-Hawk for about $30.

For real steals: Comb the clearance racks (usually located in the back corners of the women's clothing department) for past GO designers. Rumor has it, you can score marked down designer duds for as little as $10.

Design For All campaign: Target brings designer accessories, cosmetics, furniture and home decorations to the masses. The store currently works with about a dozen designers who create everything from funky throw pillows (Victoria Hagan) to fine jewelry (Justin Giunta) and - beginning April 6 - luxury handbags (Joy Gryson).

Save vs. splurge: At Bergdorf Goodman, Gryson's trendy bags (often toted by actress Jessica Biel) sell for about $800. Her limited-edition Target line, which will hit shelves Sunday, will offer faux-leather bags beginning at $19.99.

URBAN THREAD

Find unused catalog returns from top clothing and home decor designers. Prices are marked down 50 to 70 percent depending on overstock. A second location (13th Street at NW 16th Street) opened in February. The University Avenue store exclusively offers clothing from J.Crew and Anthropology. The 13th Street store offers discounted items from Free People, Crewcuts (J.Crew's children's line), Anthropologie Home and Urban Outfitters (clothing and home decor).

Guaranteed fresh: A vast majority of the store's offerings come from the current design season, which means you won't miss a single style step.

Something for everyone: Shop for discounted business suits and work-appropriate separates, special occasion dresses (including J.Crew bridal wear), clothing for kids and gift-worthy home decorations in the same store.

In Gainesville: Shop at 1117 W. University Ave. or NW 13th Street (at the intersection of NW 16th Street).

Simply Vera Wang: Wedding gown guru, Vera Wang, adds her signature design touches (subtle pleats, feminine fabrics, sophisticated details) to affordable home decor and a casual apparel line for Kohl's.

Dress like Avril Lavigne: This Grammy award winner will soon share her pop punk style with the masses. Her junior clothing line, Abbey Dawn, will hit Kohl's stores in July. Items will range for $24 to $48.

Coming soon: No need to worry. A Kohl's is on its way to Gainesville. The department store will replace the vacant Winn-Dixie shopping center on Archer Road. If you can't wait, visit the retailer in Orlando or Jacksonville.

WAL-MART

Norma Kamali: Hot off the pages of Vogue and Elle, Norma Kamali, a Manhattan-based clothing designer known for her mod take on sportswear and swimwear, is planning a line exclusively for Wal-Mart shoppers. Items will hit shelves Fall 2008.

J.C. PENNEY

Chris Madden for Home Collection: Find Moroccan-inspired area rugs, embroidered bedding and embossed dinnerware from this host of HGTV's Interiors by Design.

American Living: Style icon Ralph Lauren launched this apparel and home decor line in February. Get quality, sophisticated clothes, accessories and footwear for men, women and kids.

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE

Dunk like Shaq: Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal developed Dunkman, a line of athletic shoes, that sells for as little as $15.

Abaete: While Laura Poretzky's dresses run for about $500 at Saks, all of her sunglasses, shoes and handbags for Payless sell for less than $30.

Lela Rose: This Texas native's whimsical collection of pumps and flats is now available.

Shop online: Designer items are only sent to select stores. If local Payless locations don't carry what you want, check out payless.com.

Melie Bianco In Cosmo - A never ending story!

Check off another trend with the Melie Bianco floral print shoulder bag. Floral prints were seen all over the runway for spring which means Melie Bianco has it covered because we all know that if it's a trend, MELIE BIANCO is on top of it. A great bag for summer, the white faux leather trim dresses this bag up just enough to make it okay for work and play and the vibrant green hue makes it pop. Melie Bianco tote measures 15.5 x 8 x 8. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

Melie Bianco Double Handle Pleats W6-21

Mustard is one of our favorite colors right now so when we saw this MELIE BIANCO handbag we just had to have it. Since it costs less than $50 there wasn't much thought into ordering it but even if the bag cost much more, we'd pay it. From the smooth mustard colored leather to the pleats and brown trim, Melie Bianco equals handbag bliss. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

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