Today's designer purses

By: Austin Wolf

The Melie Bianco Handbags at Efashionhouse

Handbags come in all type, many will be in style for years to come while others will make you wonder why you bought them in the first place. Bags come in a right variety looks that could make them ideal for certain events, and styles. Finding the right bag for the right occasion is what you should have to do.

When categorizing handbags you should think of them in 2 different ways; the shape of the bag and the way you carry it. In today's fashion world small details are extremely important. It is because of these facts that many of us carry bags for use in evening, travelling, for doing casual shopping and another one for places like work, school, college etc. Let's accept that you can't use the same bag for college or work which you use for shopping.
Handbags are very private and personal, as they are used to keep our daily essentially needful things an advertising factor is the outside of the bag so it is far from personal. This serves to label who you are, the styles you like and your personality type. Most women both want and need handbags.

A handbag is an essential accessory which should be top notch. The idea of the handbag is has become increasingly important over the last two decades. As an example, in the 40's you wore fashion mostly in your clothing. Almost anything goes in the fashion world today and so it is with handbags. Accessories such as bags can help save and change the look you have.
The notion of what constitutes a great handbag is one that is constantly evolving and changing. A bag is the entry-level item to the luxury market and one of the most popular forms of handbag in recent times is the designer handbag.

Asking for advice on the bags we want to buy can help you to more choosy and be challenge.

I don't get why women have so many different handbags. Some women have to have a different handbag for every outfit they own. And no matter what the cost if they see a bag they want, they will buy it. It just doesn't make sense to me. But handbags are special, and make women really look stylish. They are very popular as they are handmade and each one is unique.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/

Handbags- Choosing The Right Fit For Your Body Type

By: bagbunch

Get Stylist Designer Handbags - eFashionHouse

Who couldn't use a little versatility in their wardrobe these days? With many people cutting back on luxury items like designer fashion, it's great to find a stylish accessory that will go with almost anything and earn its keep in your closet.

Melie Bianco always seems to have this in mind when designing handbags. Her chic creations are fantastic for a tight budget but don't sacrifice on any style points. For example, take this adorable Convertible Clutch with Raw Edges. It's trendy, modern, and practical. This nifty little number is three bags in one converting from tote to shoulder bag to fold-over clutch.

It's not real leather, but that isn't surprising in this price range. Retailing for only $70, you'll get way more than your money's worth with this purse. The raw edges and unique stitching add lots of personality to the Convertible Clutch and give it a slightly pleated look. The square shape is great for storage, which is something else this Melie Bianco bag isn't lacking.

I love the cutout handles that also functions as a decorative flap feature when the handbag is folded over as a clutch. Delicate rings on each side of the tote allow you to attach a gold-toned chain and leather-like strap converting it to a comfortable shoulder bag.

Whatever outfit or event you've got, the Melie Bianco Convertible Clutch is sure to work well. Daytime or evening out, this multi-functional purse hits the mark. Of course, fashion doesn't always have to be practical, but it sure does help from time to time.

More Features of the Convertible Clutch with Raw Edges
• Measures 15.5 x 12 x 3 inches
• Zip top closure
• Cutout handle
• Detachable strap
• Polka-dot lining

Source Taken: http://www.zimbio.com

Fashion Handbag, Fashionable Handbags, Fashion Accessories

By: Mehboob

Fashion Accessory help in highlighting the apparel or any dress code. Accessories are meant to change your entire look. These accessories include Fashionable Bags, Cell Phone Pouches, Sari, Evening Pouches and many others.

Get MELIE BIANCO Handbags at eFashionHouse at reasonable Price

They also help to hide any sort of weakness of a dress plus they all follow the current fashion trend, which makes everyone to accept them. Above all, these items make people feel comfortable and attractive, thus putting an impact on other's mind. The latest women accessories have been brought by Inspiration - a fashion accessory manufacturer to satisfy ever emerging wants of varied customers.

As we all know that fashion keeps on changing. Accordingly, Bags have also gone through too many changes to suite ever increasing wants of different customers. Fashionable Handbags are commonly used for different versatile usages. But the important fact is that these bags are needed to be stylish and fashionable. This task is beautifully done by Inspiration by presenting the most heart throbbing selective fashionable bags.

The bags have heavy work on different fashion fabric with innovative styles, which contributes in making them more attractive and demanding in the fashion market. Fashion bags are used for many purposes to store personal product

When you finally decide to dish out a large amount of cash for a handbag, you’ll want to make sure it’s the real thing you are purchasing and not a cheap knock-off. With the popularity of handbags at the present time, its no wonder so many companies are eager to produce knock-off versions of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags. We want to make sure that you know when you are being ripped off so you can spend your well-earned money on something that is truly authentic. Here are some hints which will help you spot a fake designer handbag when you see one

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you’re tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market

Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Typical mistakes while selecting Handbags

By: Rachel Broune

MELIE BIANCO designer handbags turquoise woven hobo designer purse S8-122TQ

Whether you want to make a fashion statement, or need a bag that is functional there are lot many styles and types available today which offer great styles that will carry you through the day and into the night. If you cannot decide which is best for you, you can try buying tips. Before you buy, consider your needs, lifestyle, and personal tastes. The best bag for you should hold everything you need to carry, feel comfortable, and fit in well with the rest of your wardrobe.

Types of Handbags

Across body bag - It enables you to carry a bag whilst keeping both hands free.

Shopper bags - They are a great shopping accessory and have a top-handle with a zip or button closure.

Shoulder bags – These are of different length from the ones that reach the waist to the hip. The strap gives free hands comfort unlike a clutch.

Tote bags - The top is open so that you can shove in your gym kit or those important documents right at the last minute.

Grab bags - Simply grab and go!

Occasion/Evening bags - Clutch bags are the most common occasion/evening bags. Clutches have no straps or handles and can be carried in your hand or tucked under your arm.

Purses & wallets - Available in different sizes purses and wallets are designed to keep together all your money and coins.

Handbag Tips

Always carry a purse or handbag which is in proportion to your body size.

If you do not have a handbag to match your shoes, carry a black handbag; this is basic, though some fashion designers disagree that the belts and shoes have to match.

If you are a stickler on being organized, acquire handbags that have pockets, compartments.

Clutch bags are fashionable, however, they can jeopardize your safety.

Keep handbag with you always and hold close to your body.

Some Do's and Don'ts for Handbags

Do not use hand creams or lotions on your leather.

Do not use baby wipes, or any other wipes on this type of leather as it may stain.

If you get oil on your handbag, put corn starch on it immediately. Rub it in to absorb the oil. Brush off with a soft toothbrush.

For ink stains: use a white eraser right away. Do not use alcohol to remove ink stains. It does not work.

Do NOT use saddle soap. It is very alkaline.

For other spot or soiling use the white eraser.

Both Durable & Stylish, Isn't That A Quality? - Melie Bianco Handbag Review

Melie Bianco Top Stitched Shoulder Bag

From Handbags Reviews

In the professional world we live in today, it is an essential as a woman, to have a handbag that is both durable and stylish. The Melie Bianco handbag is just that, it is constructed with a material that is similar to leather, which makes it very durable. On the outside of the bag, the appearance is like a rainbow of brown, hazel nut, turquoise, and light green, which makes the bag very stylish.

One of the best qualities that I found in this handbag is that it matches just about every outfit in my closet. Anything that is brown, hazelnut, cream, light green, turquoise, and blue will match this handbag perfectly. The Melie Bianco handbag also features dual carrying handles as well as a detachable shoulder strap. These two things come in handy when you want to change from wearing your handbag over your shoulder to just carrying it under your arm or gently in your hand.

Sometimes, if you are anything like me, when you are in a hurry you just want to pick up your handbag and run out the door, full steam ahead. You just don’t have time to handle the shoulder straps. On the inside of the bag it is fully lined with polka dot lining, which has a little extra fashion to the bag, instead of just being a plain color which makes a bag look bland.

On the top, there is a zippered opening that leads into the inside of the bag with a side zippered pocket and two open pockets. All of the pockets come in handy when you want to hide your money or put your cell phone down in your purse out of plain sight. You have to be really careful when you are out and about on the town because there are some people that will pick-pocket you in a heart beat.

Overall, the based on the experience that I had with the Melie Bianco handbag, I would have to say that it is a handbag that offers each and every woman a sense of professionalism and freedom to be who you are. The ability to change the handbag from consisting of a strap to just handles is absolutely wonderful especially when you like to use the bag for several different occasions and you really like the bag and you don’t want to used any other handbag but this one.

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Melie Bianco Celebrates Memorial Day with American Fashion Designers

Use coupon code MDS08 for an extra 20% off. Click Here!

Celebrate Memorial Day in style and take an extra 20% off all the American Designers at eFashionHouse.com. We owe a lot to the European influence when it comes to fashion. Yet, the American Designers produce an image we call, "Home." People like Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Melie Bianco and Elaine Turner pave the way for upcoming American fashion influence. Designers like Tano Bags, BCBG, Coach, Dooney & Bourke and Brighton bring a sense of American style and unique image to their collections. We honor all the American Designers this season and celebrate with them for Memorial Day 2008.

Whether you are looking for a new handbag, wallet, tote or leather shoulder bag, you can find a perfect American Designer Handbag for an unbeatable price. But don't lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day. We celebrate in honor of many people who have died in military service protecting our country. It's really about honoring our heros.

Yes, we are addicted to fashion, and we admire the creative design process. We are always seeking a bargain, and we shop online for the best deals we can find. So, get ready for Memorial Day with a celebration of American Designers at an additional 20% off, and remember our heros who lived their lives to make America our home.

MORE ABOUT Memorial Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. US Eastern time. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers place a U.S. flag upon each gravesite located in a National Cemetery.

Many politicians and community leaders give speeches at community gatherings on Memorial Day.In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, family gatherings, and sporting events. Some Americans also view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer and Labor Day as the unofficial end of the season. The national Click it or ticket campaign ramps up beginning Memorial Day weekend, noting the beginning of the most dangerous season for auto accidents and other safety related incidents. The USAF "101 Critical days of summer" begin on this day as well. Some Americans use Memorial Day to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen.

Flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day 2006.Memorial Day formerly occurred on May 30, and some, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), advocate returning to this fixed date, although the significance of the date is tenuous. The VFW stated in a 2002 Memorial Day Address, "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

Following the end of the Civil War, many communities set aside a day to mark the end of the war or as a memorial to those who had died. Some of the places creating an early memorial day include Charleston, South Carolina; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Columbus, Mississippi; many communities in Vermont; and some two dozen other cities and towns. These observances eventually coalesced around Decoration Day, honoring the Union dead, and the several Confederate Memorial Days.

Decoration Day, c. 1900. "You bet I'm goin' to be a soldier, too, like my Uncle David, when I grow up."According to Professor David Blight of the Yale University History Department, the first memorial day was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic race track in Charleston. The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who had died while captive. A parade with thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers was followed by patriotic singing and a picnic.

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the birthplace because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter, and because it is likely that the friendship of General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who led the call for the day to be observed each year and helped spread the event nationwide, was a key factor in its growth.

General Logan had been impressed by the way the South honored their dead with a special day and decided the Union needed a similar day. Reportedly, Logan said that it was most fitting; that the ancients, especially the Greeks, had honored their dead, particularly their heroes, by chaplets of laurel and flowers, and that he intended to issue an order designating a day for decorating the grave of every soldier in the land, and if he could he would have made it a holiday.

Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization, Logan issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance of this day.

Many of the states of the U.S. South refused to celebrate Decoration Day, due to lingering hostility towards the Union Army and also because there were very few veterans of the Union Army who lived in the South. A notable exception was Columbus, Mississippi, which on April 25, 1866 at its Decoration Day commemorated both the Union and Confederate casualties buried in its cemetery.

The alternative name of "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, but did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967 . On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend and for the first time recognized Columbus Day as a federal holiday. The holidays included Washington's Birthday (which evolved into Presidents' Day), Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971 . After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply at the state level, all fifty states adopted the measure within a few years, although Veterans Day was eventually changed back to its traditional date. Ironically, most corporate businesses no longer close on Columbus Day or Veterans Day, and an increasing number are staying open on President's Day as well. The holiday has endured as one where most businesses stay closed because it marks the beginning of the "summer vacation season" (similar to neighboring Canada's Victoria Day, which occurs on the prior Monday).

Melie Bianco is the creator of the highly fashionable Melie Bianco handbag

from Desigers & Style

The Melie Bianco designer handbag has turned out to be the most popular handbag. It has been seen in top fashion magazines all over the world sparking the Bianco frenzy. You may also have seen the Melie Bianco white handbag sported by LC on MTV's Laguna Beach. Many other TV personalities such as Julianne Moore and Cameron Diaz have also been seen sporting their own Melie Bianco handbag.

Melie Bianco bags are affordably priced between $25.00 and $60.00 online. If you are looking for a fun and stylish handbag, a Bianco bag is exactly what you need! We have gathered together for you an assortment of featured online retailers that are reputable and affordable. Please click on the link below and enjoy shopping at a few of the most secure sites on the internet.

Melie bags come in a variety of styles and colors, so there is something for everyone. The large slouchy hobo bag has a removable handle so you can turn your slouch bag into a sling bag. It's like having two bags in one! With padded double handles, plenty of room for essentials, side pockets, magnetic snap closure, and a cell phone holder all wrapped up in an extremely soft faux leather material, you're ready to hit the fashion runway.

Another of Melie Bianco's more popular handbags is the metallic heart convertible ring bag. This years collection is Bianco's hottest to date. If you want to add some excitement to your look, this convertible ring bag by Bianco will help you do just that. Made with top quality synthetic metallic material, a top zip closure, cell phone pocket, 2 large rings, 2 small rings, and a detachable shoulder strap, it's easy to interchange into several different styles and ways to wear.

Huge Melie Bianco Handbag Sale - in progress now

Huge Melie Bianco Handbag Sale - in progress now. Purses to Blog for at big online price cuts - Budgets that work for you! Budget Shopping Online - Huge Designer Handbag Sale at eFashionHouse!

In today's tight budgets, there's always hope for online bargain hunters. Click here to enjoy a huge Sale on all your favorite Designers like Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Coach, Tano bags, Murval, Melie Bianco, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro and many, many more! For more information.

Whether you love leather or just want a new purse to tote around town, you must see the sale currently in progress. The Sale Section is marked down plus use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off. The Clearance Section is as low as possible plus use coupon code OFF20 for an extra 20% off.

Enjoy designer handbags and accessories at unbeatable prices. Plus, guaranteed lowest prices for Tano, Elaine Turner, Murval and Melie Bianco. Click here for details.

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.

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.

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/

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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Snag a Bag

Melie Bianco Handbags are designed for the budget conscious person. Melie Bianco takes the best from the best and creates an affordable designer handbag. Click here.

Samantha Cabrera, Papierdoll

Landing a designer bag is now the mainstay of nearly every woman’s fashion desires. It began with a few boldface names and constant reminders of what we should be wearing by every budding starlet that now put ‘fashionista’ on their resume as well. After a decade of spending hundreds, and now thousands, of dollars on designer handbags, the fever has spread like wildfire. Everyone from the soccer mom to the urban high school teacher to the young professional wants a piece of the pie when it comes to toting a “good bag.”

Papierdoll brings you THE ultimate guide to shopping for a designer bag and scoring a deal at the same time. Understanding how to stakeout your prey and strike at the right time is similar to something out of Planet Earth, so keep this handy as heavy sale season approaches. As with any other sale purchases, understand that a vast majority of the time, sale handbags are final sale, especially when shopping online or from a high end boutique store, so shop accordingly. Of course if you’re a true steals-and-deals gal, you’ll have all season to scope what you may land come first markdowns.

On the web
Landing a bag online is probably the easiest, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come with tons of panic or several phone calls. A lot of this depends on what bag you’re looking for, whether it was an It bag or not, and how many are available once the sale hits. Often online stores do not replenish stock the way a major department store or boutique might, but because so many hardcore bag hags have gotten away from buying their bags online, there are many deals to be had. You could go the eBay route for a steal, but that comes with the whole is-it-real? song and dance, along with the notion of a good chunk of change going through the Paypal system. If you’re comfortable with this, go for it, but be sure to have the bag authenticated at a forum known for their handbag experts like ***spot.com or ***forum.com. Both sites have authentication sections where experts decipher a bag’s lining, hardware and leather to come to the conclusion of whether a bag is genuine. It isn’t always the easiest the process, but for every Marc Jacobs Stam fake that prowls ebay (and there’s a lot of them), there’s a vintage Chanel bag that’s authentic and whose owner has no clue of the starting value.

If you’re wary of eBay, I don’t blame you. Horror stories of real pictures and fake product paint the eBay forums, so opting for an actual online store is a far safer bet. Thepursepage.com is a designer handbag site devoted to designer handbag reviews and purses donned by celebrities. This site makes it easy to navigate upcoming designer handbag sales as well as sample sales, which usually take place in the LA or NYC areas, depending on the designer. Bookmarking the premier and designer handbag pages of major department stores like Saks.com and Barneys.com, also allows you to check back regularly to see if that beloved Givenchy Nightingale has been marked down yet. Most websites like these have newsletters you can sign up for, which will notify you of specific sales or promotional events. This makes it a bit easier, but know that, like you, a trillion other handbags lovers are signed up for this same email list, so pounce quickly if you see your bag available. Online boutique stores like shopbop.com, allow you to buy both contemporary and premier designers on their site, so you have a clear idea of what’s available. Other sites like aloharag.com (the only online site to purchase Balenciaga handbags) allow you to peruse the merchandise online, make an informed decision, and then call the store to make a purchase. This same policy goes for buying AR’s sale bags.

The thing with online stores is that there’s always a bag on sale somewhere. This can be good or bad for your bank account, depending on how you treat it.

As mentioned before, online stores sometimes have drastic markdowns, so the chance that your sale dream bag is a final sale is a solid one. Some sites do have exchange policies (meaning you can exchange the bag for store credit, in the event it is returned unused and in the original condition), but be sure to read the fine print. Most online boutiques have live chat or a 1800 number if you can’t find enough details on their website.

Boutique-ing Boutique stores have taken over in a major way in the past decade. Like the It bag, boutiques seemed to pop out of nowhere, and before you knew it, there were several in every major city, usually specializing in some sort of contemporary wear, footwear, or accessories. Boutique shopping is arguably the best of the shopping experiences since it allows you to shop at your leisure, in most cases. I’m sure we’ve all fallen victim to an early morning trip to a cute shop looking for a relaxing way to take our mind off of things, only to be hounded by the convenient sales associate that lurks around every corner. The key here is to be aloof and discerning, as associates can sniff out a girl who knows her stuff the way a dog sniffs out a piece of raw steak. Building a relationship with a boutique SA is well worth the effort, especially come sale time. A good SA will give you a ring when upcoming sales are in the near future, and most of the time, they will pull things for you, especially if you know you’re going to buy and hand over your payment information on the spot. This eliminates the need to shop the sale in the first place, as that lovely watermelon Muse (yes, I can’t wait until this one’s marked down!) can arrive at your doorstep in the exact same manner it would have had you paid full price.

The upside of building a relationship with a SA from a brand boutique (think Chanel, YSL, Prada) is they can often pull from another store. So if you know exactly what you’re looking for (and you should come equipped: style number, bag name, retail price, and color code, if you can), inventories can be checked, phone calls can be made and your next trip to the store may involve picking up your bag on sale. To build this relationship can sometimes take time depending on the size of the store, and how high traffic is, but make yourself known. When you visit, ask questions, and make it clear what bag you’re interested in. If purchasing something isn’t in the cards, request that you’re put on the store’s mailing list, as to keep up with events. “Events,” in the eyes of many boutiques translates to trunk shows, and yes, sales.

The client/SA relationship is also crucial (if not more so) for the independent boutique sale. Usually these sales are advertised once in the local major newspaper, and the client list is consulted for making folks aware of the upcoming markdowns. Smaller boutiques often let clients shop the sale early, and reserve items for the day of the sale. This isn’t always the case, but it’s worth looking in to if you plan on getting a Derek Lam bag on sale. Most independent boutiques have a strict final sale policy year round, so if you can’t physically get to the shop to check out the bag, be sure to request pictures to ensure it’s a safe purchase. Don’t let the notion of 30% off cloud your mind, because an expensive bag is still an expensive bag and if you’re stuck with something you don’t want…well, that’s never a good thing, regardless of the “deal” you got.

Shopping the ‘Department’ Department store shopping is usually the safest, if you’re unsure about the handbag or aren’t very familiar with the high end handbag world. One of the saddest things is a woman who gets insane with the handbag hunt, lands her bag, and opens the box only to realize that, yep, $1100 is a lot to spend on a bag…even if it was on sale. Do this with a boutique store purchase and you can pretty much hope to get half of what you spent after the whole eBay process, or buy from Nordstrom and know you’re home free. All a department store asks is that you hold on to your receipt! I know this may seem like such a hassle to some, but once you get in the groove of doing it, you realize it makes your life so much less hectic. Keep your receipts in your wallet and at the end of each shopping trip put them in an envelope or Ziploc. So if you decide that bright turquoise Tory Burch clutch works with nothing in your closet, you’re able to head back to the store and get your money back (or, find something that does work!).

Building a relationship with a department store SA is just as important as building one with a boutique SA, so don’t neglect to leave your name and number with someone who gives you particularly good service. Now that designer handbag sales are at an all-time high, sales associates know that going above and beyond only once can make a client for life. The relationship with a department store SA is beneficial because not only can they notify you of sales, allow you to pre-order sale items, and do store transfers, they are also (sometimes) knowledgeable on multiple brands. This comes in handy when choosing certain bags (yes, Balenciaga we’re talking to you) due to the variations in leather and color. When you begin to delve into the world of high end handbags, you quickly realize that a bag is not a bag is not a bag.

Shopping department store sales is great if you know when to shop. The prime sale seasons are late spring/summer, and right at Christmas approaches. Many retailers do first markdowns just two or three days before Christmas to get an early start on moving inventory after the holidays. During the first days of holiday sales, expect extra savings during early hours.

What I like about shopping department store sales is that the sale bags are usually pretty identifiable, even during the season. Styles that are specific to a designer’s current season will be marked down, as well fashion/seasonal colors in classic styles. By this I mean, you may not find a black Stam on sale at Saks, but you will find its beige sister with bright yellow python trim. If the seasonal colors aren’t your thing and you’re plunking down big bucks only once for your big hurrah bag, try shopping during gift card events at Neiman Marcus or Saks. In some cases, you have to shop with the house credit card, but other times you’re required to spend a certain amount in order to quality for gift card to use on a future purchases. I know this isn’t quite the same as cash in your pocket, but it does take some of the sting away.

Landing a designer handbag on a budget isn’t impossible, but as laid out, it does take some work. If you’re reluctant to go on the hunt, look into authentic resellers like realdealcollection.com, a New Mexico-based online resale shop that specializes on gently used and new Balenciaga handbags and accessories. ****collection.com even offers a layaway program encouraging clients to put 30% down to “hold” a bag, and pay the remainder within the next month. Heck, you can even hire a personal shopper to find your dream bag for you with services like luxurypersonalshoppers.com. Handbag lover Mona El Rafie will hunt far and wide to land your bag at a discount, and she only asks for 10% of the discount price as a fee.

Regardless of your budget, there’s a designer purse out there for you, you just have to look. And having patience and this guide in your corner won’t hurt either.

All About Melie Bianco Handbags

The Internet is the best resource for locating all the wonderful things you want in life. You can read about them, learn about them and purchase anything you want online in the comfort of your home.

Melie Bianco’s motto is “Affordable Luxury”. Melie Bianco understands that any fashionable girl wants to feel great about her look, especially her handbag without going broke! The handbags are made of premium synthetic leather that is buttery soft. Melie Bianco’s styles are inspired from the fashion runways to the latest of what the celebrities are carrying!

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Melie Bianco Handbags
from Hand bag 101

Tough to track down because of their relative newcomer status on the scene, Melie Bianco is based in Los Angeles, California. With a mission to provide quality fashionable handbags and purses at reasonable rates, Melie Bianco is off to a fantastic start. Stars like Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne have been snapped around town with the Melie Heart Hobo on their arms in spite of the low, low prices. Melie Bianco proves that a wonderful handbag does not have to cost over $400 to be trendy, even by Hollywood standards!

Applique Ethnic Hobo - This faux leather hobo by Melie is an interesting twist on the hobo shape. Less slouchy than most and more interesting than many, Melie Bianco has added some much needed distinctiveness to this handbag. Intricate, bohemian-inspired stitching and colorful, detailed edging add a definite funky feel. The best feature of the Appliqu Ethnic Hobo is the faux leather wrapped handle. Available in several color combinations, this hobo has added appeal.

Fur Detective Hobo - Wear white after Labor Day by carrying this fluffy white hobo bag. Metallic dual handles attach to white fur. Bianco continued on with fur and flash by adding a front pouch with matching metallic flap. If the fur and flash weren't enough, studs adorn the handles and the pocket flap as well, adding a truly one-of-a-kind touch to this already unique bag.

Multi Colored Chevron - Taking a tip from inimitable fashion icon Marc Jacobs, Melie Bianco knocks off the chevron design and brightens it up a bit with vibrant colors in the pink to purple range. The V-shaped chevrons add an interesting element to the handbag. Metal loops on the strap and appealing metal hardware are a nice touch. Interesting multicolored long tassels on the top zipper pull make a flirty and fun addition to this great bag.

Convertible Ring Hobo - As seen on MTV, Laguna Beach and in several fashion magazines, this Convertible Hobo has two rings on the strap in order to lengthen or shorten the handle. This one is a little different because it is a convertible. You can change the Ring Hobo to suit yourself. The white bag is made from soft synthetic material that looks and feels like real leather.

Read Comments
I purchased a Melie Biano bag -- Teal Raw Edge convertible handbag! This is the absolutely best designed bag I have ever owned! When I go shopping, I can have 3 different bags -- a clutch, a shoulder bag and a handbag with handle -- it is perfect! I just bought a lovely Pink one for Spring and Summer!! I get tons of compliments on this bag and I got a great deal on both!
Posted on 2/10/2008 10:59:00 PM by Anonymous

I bought a Melie Bianco distressed cinched city bag in orange I get compliments all the time. Melie Bianco handbags are great quality and you don't have to pay a fortune to own a piece of the latest in fashion!
Posted on 11/30/2007 10:18:00 PM by Anonymous

Melie Bianco Large Woven Trim Tote in Black!
Posted on 11/2/2007 5:24:00 PM by Anonymous
Melie Bianco Ethnic Bohemian bag in mint green is my favorite. I get compliments all the time!
Posted on 10/19/2007 7:32:00 PM by Anonymous

Melie Bianco Handbags - Orange Patent Clutch

You can't go wrong with the MELIE BIANCO orange patent clutch bag because it is a very small investment to looking good. At only $47, this Melie Bianco handbag features a bold orange hue, shiny patent, a funky chain and of course clutches are big right now. Orange might not be your first choice but think again because it is a easy way to update your wardrobe and brighten up your look. Melie Bianco purse measures about 11 x 6 x 1.5 inches with a chain shoulder strap to tuck inside when carried as a clutch bag. Shop this MELIE BIANCO handbag now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Red Quilted Frame Bag

We are really hooked on red designer handbags right now for some reason so we were happy to find one we love for less than a $100. It's easy to adore MELIE BIANCO handbag styles and though we've seen similar variations of the red quilted frame bag, you can't beat the craftsmanship and price of the MELIE BIANCO version. 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. Shop this MELIE BIANCO purse for only $65 now.

Melie Bianco Handbags Accordian Pleat Bag

We hope you are all having a wonderful holiday. We thought the Melie Bianco accordian pleat shoulder bag in this bold teal hue was appropriate for today since it looks like the color of an Easter egg. In addition to the fun color, the Melie Bianco accordian pleat bag has so much to offer including two bags in one. True to its motto of offering chic and affordable handbags, Melie Bianco makes this already inexpensive purse that much more practical by including an extra long strap that allows the carrier to wear the bag either on the shoulder or around the body as a messenger bag. Melie Bianco Accordian Pleat shoulder bag measures about 15 x 10 x 6 inches. The double handles measure about 15 to 17 inches long. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $56 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Ethnic Applique Hobo

If you haven't already, you're are going to see a whole lot of ethnic prints for spring and although we'd never thought about carrying an ethnic inspired bag, we are digging this Melie Bianco hobo bag with a ethic motif. Though not the colorful print you expect when you think of ethnic patterns, Melie Bianco always manages to modernize an old look to make it wearable for today. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 17 x 14 x 4 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a drop of about nine inches. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $55 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Large Buckle Bag

Sometimes a basic black handbag is all you need, and though there is nothing basic or ordinary about MELIE BIANCO, this large buckle shoulder bag is as basic as the brand gets. As aesthetically appealing as more expensive designer handbags, this large hobo exudes sophistication with a simple yet modern at the same time. Melie Bianco large buckle shoulder bag measures about 15 x 13 x 3 inches with double rolled 20 inch handle straps. Shop this MelieBianco handbag for only $58 now .

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Melie Bianco Handbags Red Triple Pocket Hobo

Red continues to be all the rage in fashion now and we can see why. Not considered fashionable the last couple of seasons, there's always room for red when it takes on a sophisticated look (vs. trashy) and can be an easy way to spice up an outfit. Featuring three pockets and silver hardware, the Melie Bianco triple red hobo is a good example of when it's okay to wear red as long as you're not going to sport it with a red mini dress. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a slouchy drop shoulder length strap. Shop this Melie Bianco purse for only $60 now.

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Melie Bianco Patent Pleated Frame Bag

We are really into red handbags right now because the color stands out is a a nice departure from the basic black and brown we usually see. When we saw this Melie Bianco patent pleated frame bag it was love at first sight. The bag has a retro air but seems modern at the same time. Melie Bianco purse measures about 16 x 16 inches. The opening for the handle or strap has about a six inch drop. The bag is very unconstructed and comfortable and can be carried over the shoulder by most. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $66 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Convertible Clutch

One of our favorite, if not favorite, handbags from Melie Bianco, the convertible clutch bag is absolutely stunning. The bag can be worn either as a satchel or shoulder bag and is glam all the way. Truly unique, whenever we wear this purse we get a ton of compliments on the design but the price (only $66) is what really amazes them. If you are looking to get this bag, shop now because it's been sold out for a while. Melie Bianco handbag convertible clutch with raw edges measures about 16 x 16 inches with a single shoulder chain strap. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags - Top Stitched Dome Bag

Quickly becoming our favored handbag brand, MELIE BIANCO Handbags continues to wow us with each new funky, original and attainable design. When we saw the Melie Bianco Top Stitched Bag we were in handbag heaven. Although colorful hues have made fashion headlines lately, fashion editors agree that gray (as long as it is lite and drab free) is a suitable color for spring/summer and will even compliment all those yellows, purples and reds you plan to wear. We are always floored at how Melie Bianco handbags look like other higher-priced purse collections but cost under $60. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16x 13 x 2.5 inches. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

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Meet the women hooked on style

MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S833TL accordian pleat
shoulder bag designer purse pewter.

Everything these fashionistas have in common is spending a ton of money on their fashion accessories. Melie Bianco handbags takes the best from the best and makes her handbags affordable for the masses. Above the Melie Bianco plisse reminds us of Miu Miu at a mere fraction of the cost. Check it out here....

by SHOSHANA GOLDBERG

LOIS GOSLING: THE DESIGNER JUNKIE
Property developer Lois Gosling, 35, has homes in Notting Hill, West London, and Surrey. She is divorced with a five-year-old son, Ollie. She says: I learned early on that great clothes make a difference. When I was 22 and going for my first interviews in the City as a trader, I bought an Armani suit for £1,000 and it gave me the confidence to secure the position I wanted. Having the right image is still key for me. When I look right, everything works. I'm proud of my wardrobe but I have little time to shop. I turned around seven building projects last year and am dealing with banks, designers and estate agents all day. Four or five years ago I started shopping with stylist Caroline Stanbury and I haven't shopped alone for clothes since. She's a sound investment as I don't make expensive mistakes. Gone are my days of trying to fly in clothes from New York. We recently began tackling my spring wardrobe with a morning at Matches in Notting Hill, where I tried on 150 pieces. In two hours, I'd bought cashmere by Diane Von Furstenberg, knitwear by Prada and funky scarves by Missoni. I also bought Burberry shirts, skirts by Chloe and Celine, tops by Stella McCartney and Phillip Lim and trousers by Mui Mui and Prada. My favourite dress was a black floor-length bias-cut evening dress by Giambattista Valli, costing £1,800. After Matches, Caroline and I went on to Donna Ida for jeans. I buy eight to ten new pairs a season — two in each style in different lengths, one pair for heels and another for flats. When I'm running after my son Ollie, I stick to flats by Lanvin or Jimmy Choo. Otherwise I prefer killer heels by Christian Louboutin or Prada. I also buy five to ten new handbags a season — usually Balenciaga, Prada, Burberry, Chloe and Marc Jacobs. Now my new wardrobe is complete I can focus on work and my son knowing I have the perfect outfit for every occasion. It may seem a fortune to others but for me it's an investment in my business. My clothes show that I live the lifestyle I'm selling. Even at the gym or on holiday I often make useful contacts, and clients tend not to just buy my properties, they often buy the entire contents, too. After my divorce, clothes became an important part of establishing a new independent identity. Besides, I don't drink, smoke or gamble; clothes are my only vice.


PEARL LOWE: THE VINTAGE COLLECTOR
Singer, model and clothes designer Pearl Lowe, 38, lives in Petersfield, Hampshire, with her partner, Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey, and their four children. She says: My mother was mad about clothes and I inherited her obsession. I remember her buying me an outfit in a boutique in the South of France when I was seven and I felt transformed. I learned then that beautiful clothes were my perfect short-cut to feeling good. I bought a knitted green, long-sleeved Alaia dress with a high square neck when I was 18 and wore it until it fell apart. In those days that £300 price tag felt like a fortune, but I preferred to buy one dress I really loved than waste money on disposable fashion. I've been collecting beautiful dresses ever since and have hundreds now. I have occasionally felt sick after spending thousands on a dress but I still love many of them. My beige chiffon Chanel that cost £1,200 and a timeless blue Chloe that was at least £800 will always look fantastic. I have rails of my favourite dresses by Anna Sui, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Jean Muir and Alice Temperley, as well as lots of vintage Twenties and Thirties pieces. I love wearing trousers when I'm skinny, but dresses are more flattering and forgiving when I'm carrying an extra pound or two, so I only ever wear dresses now. I'll wear them for the school run, sports day and going to the shops because that's how I love to dress and feel most comfortable. Moving from London to the country came as a relief in many ways. People are rarely concerned with what you PEARL LOWE look like here. Friends usually have first choice of my cast-offs but every now and again Danny and I have a huge clear out and Help The Aged in Liphook, Hampshire, suddenly has rails of rock star attire. I'm passionate about beautiful things and have been to ridiculous lengths to track them down. Even in labour, with contractions five minutes apart, I was on the phone to Harvey Nichols to get on the waiting list for some Chloe sunglasses I'd seen in Vogue that morning.


NATALIA THOMAS: THE STYLE MIXER
Natalia Thomas 33, is director of her own international fashion agency. She lives in Blackheath, South-East London, with her husband, a wine broker. She says: Even if it's heart-stoppingly expensive, buying something beautiful makes me skip along the street I love getting dressed up and feeling elegant. Jayson Brunsdon, an Australian designer who dresses Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, is unbeatable for glamour. I have 30 of his day, evening and cocktail dresses. They cost from £600 to £1,200, but I can wear him with Louboutin heels in the evening and boots for lunch. I have 200 dresses and love Prada, Christian Lacroix and Arthur Mendonca, a Canadian designer you can't buy here. I love coats, too, but I prefer to have 40 to choose from in a season than limit myself to several designer pieces. I have a beautiful black Balenciaga and a patent leather evening trench by Arthur Mendonca, but I'm also mixing it up with vintage designers pieces, as well as Zara and Reiss. I have a cabinet dedicated to lingerie. My favourites are Rosanna Ansaloni — Italian, simple, classic and elegant —and Chantal Thomass — jaw-droppingly pretty with a twist of sheer sexiness. And, of course, I have piles of La Perla and Agent Provocateur, too. Being Australian, I have a passion for swimwear. I have at least 80 swimsuits by Chanel, Missoni and Melissa Odabash. I've been known to spend £280 for a piece of black Lycra the size of my hand, but if the cut flatters, it's worth every penny. My favourite look for day is a vest top, great jeans and a to-die-for jacket with sunglasses and headscarf. I have 60 pairs of jeans and I don't mind spending £260 if the cut makes me feel fantastic. I like everything from smart and tailored to faded and skinny — Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Levi's and J Brand. I never regret spending serious money on tailoring. I have 50 jackets by Ralph Lauren, YSL, Chanel and Moschino, but I'm always in search of the next one. I like at least 30 pairs of sunglasses to choose from each season and collect everything from Roger Vivier to Topshop Vintage. I have 100 headscarves — Lanvin, Missoni and I can't walk past a Hermes. No matter how much I earn, shoes will keep me broke. I go mad at the beginning of every season and then try to be disciplined. I can't resist Dolce & Gabbana, Gina, Giuseppe Zanotti, Georgina Goodman, Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Miu Miu. My goal is to have a custom-built shoe house. I want to walk in and see them colour co-ordinated and on racks..


LOUISE GALVIN: THE LABEL LOVER
Celebrity hair colourist Louise Galvin, 37, lives in West London with her daughter Ophelia Rose, aged one. Louise says: I bought my apartment from a famous supermodel who'd had two rooms knocked through to make this fabulous dressing room. I fell in love with the idea of finally having somewhere I could hang all my clothes beautifully. I can sit on my art deco stool at my dressing table, doing my hair and make-up, knowing everything's in its place. I have piles of cashmere jumpers in black, navy, green and burgundy, rails of shirts - mainly black and white - but dresses are my grand passion. I grew up with a chic mother and my idea of grown-up glamour must have formed watching her getting ready to go out in elegant long Seventies dresses. I borrowed her Alaia dresses in my late teens until I could afford my own. When I was 16 I went to work for fashion PR Lynne Franks. Although I was only earning about £30 a week, I was given Katharine Hamnett, Jasper Conran, Zandra Rhodes and Bodymap clothes to wear, and, at the end of each season, we could buy them at cost price. That's when I acquired a taste for the quality and cut of designer clothes. I remember saving £2,500 in a brown envelope for my black Birkin bag in the Nineties. I was on a waiting list for two years and when it came I felt so grown up. It looks worn and loved now but it gives me as much pleasure as ever. My first piece of couture was by Anthony Price. He made me a black lace cocktail dress 14 years ago and I had to stagger the payments: £750 seemed like a fortune to me then but it was a great investment. It hasn't dated and having something cool to pull out that I know no one else will have feels fabulous. I wore it to Kylie's party at The Sanderson six years ago and my own Christmas party last year. Whenever I have any money to spend it goes on dresses. I love Prada, especially this season's pink sleeveless Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress that Anna Wintour picked out for me to be photographed in for American Vogue. Although I wear tailored trousers and jeans a lot I wouldn't feel dressed without Agent Provocateur or La Perla underneath. My mother taught me that being stylish and immaculate is a sign of self-respect.

Styling: KAREN CLARKSON

Year of the designer handbag

Melie Bianco's Pleated Patent New Age Bag $59 at DesignersLA

By Raphael Minder

Hong Kong is bracing itself this week for a French battle of the handbags, as Louis Vuitton and Chanel vie for the limelight with grand openings that underline Asia's growing importance to the fashion industry.

Tomorrow Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's pony-tailed designer, will attend the official launch of a moveable museum before it heads off on a world tour of fashion capitals. Housed in a 700 sq m structure designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the Mobile Art Museum - which looks more like a spaceship than a fashion gallery - brings together 20 leading artists and their interpretation of the classic Chanel handbag.

Across the Hong Kong harbour on Canton road, Louis Vuitton is re-opening a store that it has overhauled and expanded. The outlet will be its second-largest worldwide, after its flagship Champs Elysées store in Paris. Louis Vuitton's event will close on Friday night with a party for 2,500 guests held in a golden tent and hosted by Bernard Arnault, chairman of parent company LVMH, or Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Beyond this week's extravaganza, almost every leading fashion house has earmarked 2008 as the year of expansion in Asia, much of it focused on China. Louis Vuitton is turning its attention to second-tier Chinese cities, which will boost its mainland presence from 19 stores to 25 by year-end. "Today we see demand in every provincial city in mainland China," says Yves Carcelle, chief executive of Louis Vuitton.

The switch to second-tier cities is a telling sign of China's emergence as a key fashion market. Thibault Villet, a former L'Oréal executive who is now Greater China president of Coach, the US maker of handbags and other accessories, says: "When I worked in cosmetics in Asia, the development of second and third-tier cities happened five to seven years ago, but it's only just now happening for fashion. That shows that it's really the right time and a market that is reaching a new dimension."

The company will soon inaugurate a Hong Kong store with the biggest Coach façade worldwide and a lavish interior adorned with white Italian marble floors. Meanwhile Salvatore Ferragamo, the luxury goods group, plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a fashion show in Shanghai later this month.

The Asian growth story goes well beyond China, argue executives. Louis Vuitton's revenues rose "more than 300 per cent" last year in Vietnam, according to Mr Carcelle, who describes the Communist country as "a new dragon".

Alain Li, regional chief executive for Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury goods group, says: "China is of course a significant part of the story but we're really seeing the whole region as having very strong momentum and that hopefully will continue."

The thrust into Asia is not just about business. Nathan Jenden, a leading figure among the new generation of British designers, says: "The energy I get from Asia is something that I can't find anywhere else in the world. I think that New York is definitely not as exciting as Shanghai right now . . . Chinese ladies are in some cases much more elegant than some of the people back home . . . The local designers there are also incredibly avant-garde."

The scale and number of fashion events scheduled this year also underline another leitmotiv among fashion executives - the "new sophistication" of their Asian clientele. Louis Vuitton's Canton road store, for example, will feature a bookstore and will be the first to host an art exhibition area.

"I think the fashion world is beginning to realise that Asian customers are getting more sophisticated by the day," says Mr Jenden. "Yes, there are cultural differences. Europeans don't pick their teeth. But it's very important not to be jaded or patronising when in Asia."

Brenda Wang, founder of Brandxcel, a Hong Kong-based consultancy firm that advises luxury and fashion brands planning to enter the Asian market, also warns against a blanket approach to Asia. "If you try to hit three or four countries at the same time, there is a tendency to spread yourself too thin . . . People tend to view Asia as one country, but this is a place with different buying patterns and distribution landscapes across the key markets."

As an example, Mr Villet from Coach points to the importance of footwear in China, as well as the male focus on accessories. "Luxury in China started with men and historically-speaking they have a tradition of purchasing leather-wear accessories for themselves as well as for gifts," he notes. "Chinese men represent a very different market that you have to study and understand."

As to how immersed they should become in Asian culture, fashion executives point to a difficult balancing act between nurturing their brand and embracing the local culture. Coach, for example, will be relying on Asian celebrities to help promote its launches but is counting on a Hollywood actress, Kate Bosworth, to lead its media advertising campaign.

"We are clearly a New York brand and so we need to communicate an image in accordance with our DNA,'' says Mr Villet. "But the right way for us to go local is when we do events, where we certainly want to be working with the local celebrities."

Similarly, fashion brands are seeing opportunities in contributing to the development of the local fashion scene. Next month Yohji Yamamoto will fly into Beijing an entire cast of models for Y's fashion show, which will be held in a World Heritage site. But the event is also being combined with the launch of a foundation that will sponsor new Chinese designers and offer them education opportunities outside China.

Growth in some Asian markets, notably India, is constrained by a lack of property in the right locations or disproportionately expensive sites. On the other hand, store leases tend to be shorter while furniture and shop-fitting costs are much cheaper. "If a location is not working as well as expected, it is financially easier to get out of," says John Durnin, Asia chief executive for Alfred Dunhill.

Another challenge for Asia's fashion development is one shared across many other industries - a shortage of skills. Ms Wang, the consultant, says: "Finding a prime location is certainly difficult, but you may end up with the right location and inexperienced sales staff and as such, maximising sales or increasing repeat business will be limited."

Will image-conscious fashion houses join the outsourcing bandwagon by shifting production to Asia? Most insist that production there will concern specific products and remain on a small scale.

Last year Louis Vuitton made its first manufacturing foray outside of Europe by establishing a shoe production venture in Pondicherry, India. About 100 people are employed in its workshop there, which is "very limited," Mr Carcelle stresses. "We have no intention to go further."

India's couture honey-pot that may take time to sweeten

India's increasingly affluent society could turn into another honey-pot for the fashion industry - but patience may be required. Executives warn that India's traditional tastes in clothing and its poor infrastructure mean China is likely to continue to outpace it as a profitable fashion market for the foreseeable future.

The differences are also stark when it comes to women's wear. Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, chairman of L'Oréal, recently described witnessing China's transition in just a few years from "the Mao uniform to miniskirts" as one of the most "magical" experiences of his career.

In contrast, the sari remains de rigueur in India for women looking to impress. Vijay Murjani, managing director of Murjani Group, which distributes brands such as Gucci and Jimmy Choo in India, says: "The market is ready for accessories but it's definitely looking much tougher for ready-to-wear. The high-end couture market is going to remain very limited because when women here get dressed for a big evening out, they still wear Indian."

However, more property is now coming on to the market and Louis Vuitton is scheduled to open stores this year in two malls, in New Delhi and Bangalore.

Yves Carcelle, Louis Vuitton's chief executive, recognises that India's fashion development will be "slower than China". But he sees a silver lining to this time gap: "We don't need all the markets to explode at the same time."

So You Love Handbags?

Click here to see the Melie Bianco "perfect" patent handbag shown above $78!

from BagFancy

A few things to consider before shopping . So you really like handbags. Okay, maybe you love them. That much is clear. But now what? Picking a handbag isn't rocket science, but there are some things to think about when shopping. Some are questions of what you want in a bag, while other considerations are much more practical. Thinking through these can make a difference between being happy with your purchase or leaving your new bag sitting in your closet collecting dust.

Style
You're browsing, and you spot a bag that you're absolutely in love with. Sitting on the rack (or calling to you from your computer screen), it's the cutest thing you've ever seen! But unless you're going to hang it on the wall of your apartment for your guests to admire, you'll want to ask yourself this question: What is this bag going to look like on me? Remember that a bag is only one piece of the puzzle - it should ideally match an outfit or your wardrobe (not just color, but also style and attitude). So before buying, mentally cruise your closet and try to think of what you would wear while carrying that bag. Image is everything!!! When considering handbags/outfits, look at the image you are trying to project. Whether you're going for cute, sexy, cool, chic, conservative, etc. think of how the bag will help you pull off the image. Remember, everyone is unique and some styles don't work for everyone. Also, not all styles work for every occasion. Generally you will shop with specific kinds of activities or events in mind - and of course a formal night out is not going to be the same as a day of running errands. You might eventually want to develop a rotating repertoire of different styles for different occasions. Finally, consider your body shape and size. Handbags come in many different shapes and colors along with style, so make sure to pick one that is flattering for you. Take a look at a guide to matching body and handbag shape before picking (see Links at bottom of article).

Carrying Capacity
All right, so you've found a handbag that looks great on you. But it is a bag, after all, and you just might also want to put stuff in it. How much will you be able to fit in your potential bag? Also, what are you going to put in it? Along with the overall size of the bag, give some thought to things like compartments and accessibility.

Comfort
Another question: how easy will it be to carry? How big is the bag, and what kind of handle does it have? Depending on where you're going and whether you have a place to put your bag, you might end up holding it for a while. You're going to look great with your new handbag. You might as well be comfortable too!

Price
From the infrequent buyer to the shopaholic, we all eventually ask ourselves: How much should I spend? What is this bag worth to me? "Worth" is not just a matter of a dollar value, but also of what it does for you when you have it. Will you be happy that you spent the money and bought it? Is it worth giving up lunch for a week to own that cute bag? Is it worth giving up the extra week's lunch for the matching shoes you now need? Whether you spend thousands of dollars on a Hermes Kelly Bag or $8 on a tote bag from Target, if it was worth it to you, then as Bob Barker says… the price is right.

In the end… Shopping for a bag should be fun. That's what it's all about, isn't it? But if you take a little extra time to consider whether the style, carry capacity, comfort level, and price all suit you - you can end up being that much happier with your choice. And hey… Informed shopping can be that much more enjoyable anyway!

Melie Bianco Handbags

Melie Bianco handbags ethnic hobo

from Handbags 101

Tough to track down because of their relative newcomer status on the scene, Melie Bianco is based in Los Angeles, California. With a mission to provide quality fashionable handbags and purses at reasonable rates, Melie Bianco is off to a fantastic start. Stars like Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne have been snapped around town with the Melie Heart Hobo on their arms in spite of the low, low prices. Melie Bianco proves that a wonderful handbag does not have to cost over $400 to be trendy, even by Hollywood standards!

Applique Ethnic Hobo - This faux leather hobo by Melie is an interesting twist on the hobo shape. Less slouchy than most and more interesting than many, Melie Bianco has added some much needed distinctiveness to this handbag. Intricate, bohemian-inspired stitching and colorful, detailed edging add a definite funky feel. The best feature of the Appliqu Ethnic Hobo is the faux leather wrapped handle. Available in several color combinations, this hobo has added appeal.

Fur Detective Hobo - Wear white after Labor Day by carrying this fluffy white hobo bag. Metallic dual handles attach to white fur. Bianco continued on with fur and flash by adding a front pouch with matching metallic flap. If the fur and flash weren't enough, studs adorn the handles and the pocket flap as well, adding a truly one-of-a-kind touch to this already unique bag.

Multi Colored Chevron - Taking a tip from inimitable fashion icon Marc Jacobs, Melie Bianco knocks off the chevron design and brightens it up a bit with vibrant colors in the pink to purple range. The V-shaped chevrons add an interesting element to the handbag. Metal loops on the strap and appealing metal hardware are a nice touch. Interesting multicolored long tassels on the top zipper pull make a flirty and fun addition to this great bag.

Convertible Ring Hobo - As seen on MTV, Laguna Beach and in several fashion magazines, this Convertible Hobo has two rings on the strap in order to lengthen or shorten the handle. This one is a little different because it is a convertible. You can change the Ring Hobo to suit yourself. The white bag is made from soft synthetic material that looks and feels like real leather.

Reader Comments
I purchased a Melie Biano bag -- Teal Raw Edge convertible handbag! This is the absolutely best designed bag I have ever owned! When I go shopping, I can have 3 different bags -- a clutch, a shoulder bag and a handbag with handle -- it is perfect! I just bought a lovely Pink one for Spring and Summer!! I get tons of compliments on this bag and I got a great deal on both!
Posted on 2/10/2008 10:59:00 PM by Anonymous

I bought a Melie Bianco distressed cinched city bag in orange I get compliments all the time. Melie Bianco handbags are great quality and you don't have to pay a fortune to own a piece of the latest in fashion!
Posted on 11/30/2007 10:18:00 PM by Anonymous

Melie Bianco Large Woven Trim Tote in Black!
Posted on 11/2/2007 5:24:00 PM by Anonymous

Melie Bianco Ethnic Bohemian bag in mint green is my favorite. I get compliments all the time!
Posted on 10/19/2007 7:32:00 PM by Anonymous

The Melie Bianco Ethnic Hobo is shown featured in Life & Style Magazine. Click here for more details and online purchase information about Melie Bianco handbags.

Living In A Juicy World

Melie Bianco is making a name for herself, too. She's a Los Angeles Designer with handbags priced just right.

from Carnegie Mellon Today

If the world seems to be getting juicier, it may not be due to global warming. It may be due to global wearing—of Juicy Couture, the white-hot fashion empire launched by a Carnegie Mellon alumna.

Juicy Couture is everywhere. It’s casual and cocktail; sunglasses and shoes; men, women, and children. It’s equal parts class and sass—and stores can’t get enough of it. Reese, Gwyneth, Madonna, Brad, Kevin, and Ben all wear Juicy. But Juicy’s more affordable than many other labels, so the soccer mom next door wears it, too.

It began modestly. Gela Nash-Taylor—who was Gela Jacobson when she graduated from Carnegie Mellon as a drama major in 1978—was pregnant and couldn’t find maternity clothes she liked. So she and her good friend Pam Skaist-Levy bought loads of plain vintage jeans. Using their design sense and a lot of hard work, they transformed the jeans into a successful line of maternity wear.

By 1997, having learned the basics of the fashion business, they were ready to tackle something larger—but they didn’t go the standard route. Nash-Taylor recalls, “People say you have to go to a bank, do a business plan, and borrow $60,000 to $100,000. If I’d started a business $60,000 in debt, I wouldn’t have been able to get up in the morning.

“I don’t know if that’s the difference between men and women, or between business majors and acting majors—but Pam and I didn’t want that kind of debt.”

Instead, the entrepreneurs launched Juicy Couture with $200 of their own money and a revolving line of credit. They didn’t take a salary for two years; they plowed profits back into the business; and they repaid loans almost instantly. “The bank was irritated,” says Nash-Taylor wryly. “They didn’t make much money from us.”

Juicy Couture is different from many companies in another way: it does no formal market research. The founders create and sell what they want to have in their own closets, and in the closets of their husbands and kids. (Nash-Taylor is married to Duran Duran bassist John Taylor; he designs the logos for the Juicy men’s line.) "We know what we like," says Nash-Taylor.

And clearly they know what their customers like. Juicy Couture lines have expanded quickly, but thoughtfully. Women loved the casual "lifestyle clothes," so the company added men's and kids’ lines—along with accessories, swimwear, and watches. The founders didn't want to wear other designers' clothes at night, so they launched Couture Couture—basically "Juicy after dark" cocktail and evening wear. This summer, their first fragrance will debut. And this year, 17 new free-standing Juicy Couture stores will join the four already open. "We have so many ideas and plans," says Nash-Taylor.

In 2003, Liz Claiborne bought the company for a reported $53 million and a percent of future sales, but Nash-Taylor and Skaist-Levy are still the heart of Juicy Couture, with responsibility for creative direction as well as day-to-day operations.

Maximize Style with Discount Handbags

By Scott Nichols

Handbags are quite a unique accessory. Not only are they an attractive accessory, they are also functional. Other accessories, such as earrings and necklaces, are nice to look at, but they don’t serve a function other than their obvious aesthetic value. Handbags, however, serve a purpose other than just looking good.

The Forgotten Accessory

Of course, handbags only enhance outfits when they are fashionable and coordinate with what we are wearing. Unfortunately, many don’t give thought to the impact their handbag can give on the overall image they project. Now, to get the most out of this functional accessory, it isn’t necessary to have a different handbag to match every outfit. Women don’t need to change handbags every single day. However, it does make sense to use handbags that complement your attire.

By being a savvy shopper and seeking out discount handbags, you can probably get more than one handbag for the same amount you would pay for one at retail. You don’t need twenty handbags, unless of course you want that many. However, a few carefully selected discount handbags in a few styles and colors can help you accessorize your wardrobe perfectly every day.

Instant Wardrobe Update

Adding a new discount handbag or two to your wardrobe can be an inexpensive way to give your wardrobe a quick fashion update. One of the most cost-effective ways to introduce the latest trends into your wardrobe is to update your handbag. By investing in classic clothing and contemporary discount handbags, your wardrobe will always appear fresh and modern.

When selecting discount handbags to add pizazz to your wardrobe, think about the clothing pieces that you love to wear. Buy discount handbags that will work with several of your favorite outfits, so you will have an easy time coordinating the handbags with the things you wear most often. Additionally, make sure that you buy discount handbags that are very different from each other in appearance. Buying discount handbags that are so similar they can hardly be told apart won’t spice up your wardrobe. Choose carefully to get the maximum style bang for your buck!

Let the Real You Come Through

Your handbag says a lot about you and your personality. Particularly when you work in an environment where you have to wear a uniform or follow a strict dress code, your discount handbag may be the best way to let your co-workers see the real you. Unusual prints and shapes are a way to let people see your creative side. Bright colors convey an air of confidence. A classic, timeless shape and fabric sends a message of elegance and understatement. What kind of mood are you in today? Let your discount handbag tell the story!

_________

Is This It for the It Bag?

You don't have to pay a fortune to look like a million! Click here to see more!

By ERIC WILSON

EVERYONE’S talking about the bubble, and when it will burst.

There is too much inventory. Prices are absurdly high. And analysts are predicting a slowdown in a market that may have already passed its peak of irrational growth, in 2004. Even as prices have increased exponentially over the last three years, with buyers trying to get in on the ground floor of premier properties — the Paddington, the Muse, the Giant City — so, too, have reports of dwindling consumer confidence and a looming credit crisis that could potentially wipe out the value of Uptowns and Downtowns alike. Some people are concerned that a combination of volatile interest rates and the weakened dollar will ultimately cripple the market. Status handbags, you see, are a lot like housing. After the rise of the $1,000 purse, fashion’s equivalent of the $1 million studio, there inevitably comes talk of a backlash. Are we now living in a handbag bubble?

“The new condo market today is comparable to the It bag,” said Stephanie Phair, the vice president for merchandising for Portero, an online auction house that specializes in the resale of luxury goods. “Every bag has a name. At least in New York, you see the same thing with all those condo buildings going up with valets, pools, dog parks and fancy names. At some point, people are going to decide that, in fact, what they’d like is to go back to the tried and tested, the classic prewar or the apartment on lower Fifth Avenue.” “The appeal of the It bag,” Ms. Phair said, “has started to wane.”

Yet this is a moment when every bag seems to have, in addition to a price tag that could be confused with a ZIP code, a name that conjures up images of a wealthy enclave or a cast member of “Gossip Girl.” Heloise, Mathilde and Beata are bags by Chloé; Mariah, Camila and Elsa come from Marc Jacobs; the Uptown, the Downtown and the Muse are designs from Yves Saint Laurent, not buildings by André Balazs.

An entire genre of slouchy handbags, described as “hobos,” may even strike some readers as unintentionally funny, if not slightly offensive, with their earnest descriptions and indiscreet prices — the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Perfect hobo, $795; the Celine Bittersweet hobo, $1,700; the Prada nappa gauffre Antic hobo, $1,750 (a crazy gopher hobo?) — for bags meant to look as if they once belonged to tramps. “Designers are just testing the laws of economics by pricing handbags higher and higher until people stop buying them,” said Lauren Goodman, the fashion director of Domino magazine. “They are so expensive, and drive you to buy a new one every season, which is kind of a horrifying thought.”

Ms. Goodman is aware of the hot bags of the moment: the Prada leather styles that repeat the ombré patterns of the fall collection; the Marc Jacobs oversize clutch, carried by several editors during the spring collections; the YSL Downtown bag, which is shaped like a Chinese takeout container with a handle. “Some people still carry the Muse,” she said of another YSL style. “They think the Muse is hot, because they’re kind of behind.” But how does one afford to stay ahead?

At the rate that designers are introducing new styles, that no longer seems possible, which has led to a shift in perceptions about status bags. “That whole phenomenon has changed,” said Julie Gilhart, the fashion director of Barneys New York. “Our customers seem to be looking for something more interesting. They don’t want to spend money on something everyone else has.” They don’t want a one-season bag.

At the least, there is anecdotal evidence that the fastest-growing segment of the fashion industry, also considered its most lucrative because of its high profit margins, may not be immune to market exhaustion. Coach, the leading American handbag company, reported last month that its profit growth may slow this holiday season, setting off jitters among investors who view the brand as the entry-level threshold for luxury goods and an indicator for the broader health of the market. One could not avoid the sense of dread reflected in a Women’s Wear Daily headline this week: “A Chilly Wind Blows: Retailers Are on Edge About Holiday Season.”

Handbag sales in the $7 billion United States market are expected to increase by 15 percent this year, according to the stock research firm Telsey Advisory Group. This is considered a disappointment, because the growth is about half as strong as the category’s 28 percent gain in 2004. “That $5,000 Marc Jacobs bag is so yesterday’s news,” said Elizabeth Kiester, the chief creative director of LeSportsac, which is developing a line of bags with Stella McCartney that will sell for under $350, beginning in February. “The luxury market is so over the top now that it is demented. I call them limo bags. I don’t have a limo.”

Miu Miu Takes Macau - DesignersLA Takes Melie Bianco!

DesignersLA Takes Melie Bianco!

from Women's Wear Daily

MACAU — The seas were choppy and chilly winds were blowing as guests boarded the chartered ferry from Hong Kong, but no one seemed to mind the weather when they arrived in Macau to see that Miu Miu had pulled out all of the stops for a fashion show and public relations exercise the likes of which this city had never seen before.

MIU MIU designer handbag black leather plisse tote RN0505 designer purse

Nearly 300 guests were invited to witness a first (and last) of its kind event when Miu Miu presented its spring collection in the Wynn Theater. It was the first production in the theater, as well as the last (casino owner Steve Wynn decided just weeks ago to remove the red velvet banquettes and tear down the stage in favor of additional private gambling rooms). Using innovative choreography and clever video projections, models paraded across the stage in Miu Miu's latest — eliciting delighted exclamations from the crowd of celebrities, socialites and press. And the whoops kept coming as dancers from Paris' famed Crazy House cabaret took the stage in an eye-popping finale.

Sebastian Suhl, chief executive officer of Prada Asia Pacific, said the idea behind the event was simply to promote Miu Miu. "This is only the second large event we have done for Miu Miu. The first was to open the store in The Landmark [in Hong Kong] in December '06. We wanted to do something that fits the collection for the spring-summer season and we wanted to do something special — and obviously location is very important. No other luxury brand has done anything in Macau — in at least five or six years and maybe even longer than that," said Suhl.

Although Miu Miu doesn't yet have a store in Macau, there were 25 million reasons for holding the party here. The enclave, once a sleepy Portuguese colony, is now better known as Las Vegas East, with a spate of major hotel-casino openings and a tremendous surge in visitors, mostly from Mainland China. The number of visitors reached 25 million last year and is expected to reach 40 million by 2010.

It's no surprise, then, that Miu Miu will have a store here by the middle of the year. "The [Asia-Pacific] business has grown tremendously, and it's sizeable," said Suhl. "Based on that and on the strength of the brand generally, what we're doing is aggressively expanding. The first expansion will be in Macau, with Miu Miu taking the current Prada store at Wynn," he said, noting that Prada will move to a location three times larger, also in Wynn. "Prada will have the largest location in Wynn," said Suhl, who is eager to take advantage of additional floor space. "We can bring in categories like ready-to-wear and men's wear and do shoes properly."

Currently, Miu Miu has eight locations in the region — four in Hong Kong, two in Taipei, one in Singapore and one in Jakarta — and Suhl is preparing to roll out the brand to new markets, including South Korea, Australia and possibly Kuala Lumpur. China is also in the cards. "The challenge for China for any brand is not only finding the right hardware and the right landlord, but also finding the right locations. There are many, many projects going on right now in China and we're evaluating all of them for both brands. Miu Miu is definitely not forgotten in China — you'll see Miu Miu stores there as well as in Korea," said Suhl.

He added that Miu Miu also is likely to expand its presence in Singapore and Taiwan. In most cases, Prada is either already in a market Miu Miu plans to enter or has concrete plans to enter it as well. This year, the Prada brand will open its second Kuala Lumpur location at the new Pavilion shopping mall. Still, Suhl insists Prada is not used to test markets before Miu Miu opens its own shops. "In Asia, customers and the press have understood that Miu Miu is a brand on its own. Part of that is the new concept we launched. Hong Kong is a great case in point. We have four really prime locations that are performing far beyond our expectations — ours and the landlords'," he said.

Any expansion, however, demands cash, which makes the much-anticipated, thrice-delayed launch of Prada Group's initial public offering that much more compelling. Prada Group spokesman Tomaso Galli said plans are moving ahead, albeit with an eye on the market. "In 2008 there are two windows of opportunity — the earliest one is in June-July and the other is in October-November," said Galli. "We said that, when we get closer to the date, we would evaluate if one of those two windows presents a good opportunity. So, we still haven't set a specific time for the IPO; it very much depends on market conditions."

While he declined to be more specific about timing, it's clear the group would like to go ahead in order to raise capital for its future growth in countries like China. "It's a good opportunity to take advantage of the momentum that all of our brands are having — obviously, if we want to further this expansion and development, we will need resources, and an IPO would give us resources to really invest even more than what we do now," said Galli. "But we're not forced to do it if the markets are in such a situation that it wouldn't be advisable. We're under no pressure at all."

Industry sources valued Prada at an estimated 4 billion to 5 billion euros, or $5.91 billion to $7.39 billion, at current exchange.

When pressed to evaluate market conditions, Galli replied: "The good thing is that, just as all of the optimism two months ago was too early, all the pessimism now is also too early. We'll see what happens in the next two months. Well go on, we'll do the work and we'll see," he said.

5 Things to Consider Before Shopping for Your Designer Handbag

from The Purse Village

1 *How much do you want to spend?

designer handbags have no limits for the pricing so its very important to fix a budget in mind and stick with it. We can opt for the designer range of precvious season as it will give you affordable pricing.

2 *Whats your style?

Classic, edgy, simple, choose what style fits you best. Your style should match your current wardrobe style. If you can purchse only selected pieces from the designer range go for the more classy range as new trend go out of style very fast.


3 *Which designer brand is right for you?

Every designer brand have there own style of designing so its very important to make up in mind. Wether you want your handbag to be simple ,trendy, or edgy. Basic style of the company should be followed properly.

4 *What Colour?

This is a very important question as, sometimes we purchase colours looking good in the store but get sick of it after a week or two. Always prefer colour you always like to wear. Colour choice should also be done according to the outfits one have.

5 *Where will you purchase your designer handbag from?

You should be aware of the best place you can purchse your handbag from. Many people prefer the safety of buying handbags in the designers store, this guarantees authenticity and you wont get sold a cheap fake. But there are other online stores selling authentic designer handbags. Person should choose wisely.

Los Angeles Designer Melie Bianco at DesignersLA

Melie Bianco's mission is to provide chic affordable handbags.

Melie Bianco aims to bring affordable luxury to the handbag market by using super-soft faux leathers, quality linings and hardwares. At Melie Bianco we do not sacrifice price for craftmanship. That is why Melie Bianco products are known for their "butter soft" faux leathers.

Melie Bianco is proud to offer the lastest styles from the runways to our fashionable customers, while keeping in mind a reasonable budget.

Located in Los Angeles, Melie Bianco follows the celebrities and knows what's hot. Her designs are in just about every fashion magazine on the shelf. And, you've probably seen Melie Bianco's designer handbags on the Today Show, NBC Today Show, Fox Good Day New York, and many more live broadcast presentations.

Melie Bianco handbags have been featured in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Self Magazine, Life & Style, Accessories, People StyleWatch, Travel & Leisure, Cosmo Girl, Seventeen, Woman's World, Lucky, Glamorous Magazine, Apparel News, I Brands, Madesico, Woman's Day, Honey Girl, OK Weekly, and many more publications.

Melie Bianco takes what's hip and edgey and makes it even better. Her sleek styles and contemporary designs are multi-functional, comfortable and most of all affordable. You don't have to break the piggy bank to own a Melie Bianco designer handbag. We love the new collections she offers with each changing season. DesignersLA is proud to welcome the gorgeous and beautiful colorful edgey styles from Melie Bianco.