A Scottish stylista recently bagged a bargain, after paying just a few hundred pounds for a Hermes handbag. The prized purse was sold at the Cancer Research UK shop in Pitlochry, Perthshire.

It's estimated that the bag was worth at least £1500, but the store owners were happy to accept the much smaller donation.

"Myself and Sarah, who works out in the store, were looking through a selection of bags, and then this classy looking bag appears at the bottom of the plastic bag. I was still trying to work out what it was, when Sarah starts jumping around saying 'It's a Hermes. It's a Hermes,'" explained store manager, Mary Butchart.

The charity store was inundated with calls as rumors of the Hermes handbag quickly swept the town.

"Yesterday I received over a dozen calls from people saying they're interested in the bag, but on Monday a woman came into buy it. We'd been urged by people to put it up on eBay but as a charity we can't do that. However, this woman came and was willing to pay the cash up front for the bag, so we thought it was a very fair offer."

I'm sure the mystery buyer agreed! This is definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time.

[Source: STV News]
[Image Source: Liu Wen Cheng/Flickr]

Hermes Bags on eBay

Naomi Campbell might have quite the reputation when it comes to ridiculously violent reactions to seemingly innocent situations. However, the international supermodel also has a well-known heart for charity work.

Campbell has collaborated with luxury design brands before to benefit charity, such as her Hermes Birkin bag auction for the White Ribbon Alliance. Well, she's at it again to help out the pregnancy and childbirth focused organization, but this time with Louis Vuitton.

As global ambassador of the White Ribbon Alliance, the model has chosen a signature monogrammed LV handbag to retail in the company's stores, with part of the proceeds from sales going directly to the worthwhile organization.

Although we don't have a name yet for the upcoming handbag, we do know that it will retail for roughly $2, 800. You'll be able to get your hands on the new Louis Vuitton purse next March right around Women's Day.

Naomi summed things up with a short, and maybe slightly defensive, quip about this type of collaboration:

"People say fashion people don't do anything. We do a lot," she said.

She does surprise me with her commitment to the White Ribbon Alliance, but I'd certainly never say she doesn't do anything.

[Source: My Fashion Life]
[Image: leeno/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

Victoria Beckham plans to expand her VB fashion line, with handbags next on the agenda. She reportedly hopes the endeavor will take her brand to the top-end of the accessories markets.

"Victoria is looking for designers from the top houses to help her put together a high end collection that will rival her favorite brands, like Louis Vuitton and Dior," a source claims. "She wants the range to be classic but contemporary, and she's interviewing designers she wants to work with personally."

Vicks has certainly got an eye for high-end fashion, with a collection of Hermes Birkins reportedly worth £1.5million. And that's not to mention all her other arm candy!

But I have to wonder where Mrs Beckham finds the time! Between being a supportive soccer wife, mother of three, occasional singer, and sometimes American Idol judge, she's one busy lady! Hopefully she'll find a moment to give this handbag business a real go, rather than simply slapping her name on the finished product.

[Source: The London Paper]
[Image Source: Tawny Kate-aen/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

Hermes has the Jane Birkin-inspired Birkin. Marc Jacobs was so enamored with model Jessica Stam that he created the Stam bag. And now Michael Kors pays tribute to his Project Runway costar and fashion muse Heidi Klum with the Heidi Collection.

The range is just as chic and sophisticated as the German supermodel herself. The purses come in all shapes and sizes, from large shoulder bags and satchels to smaller clutches. The finishes too are varied, from glam metallics to more traditional textured leathers. While they may have their differences, the purses in the Heidi collection are united by common design elements including buckled details and gathered leather folds.

Ms Klum clearly approves of the handbags, as she's already been spotted toting this espresso colored Heidi shoulder bag around town. Its generous size makes it perfect for stashing the goodies she needs for an outing with her little ones.

Michael Kors Heidi collection is available to pre-order at Neiman Marcus stores. The clutches start from $495, while the day bags retail from a pricey $1195.

[Source: Senora Cartera]
[Image Source: Neiman Marcus]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

Recently she was donating handbags to charity, but now Naomi Campbell is back to her old tricks. The fiery model used her purse for evil instead of good recently! She's accused of hitting a photographer with her handbag during an Italian getaway with her billionaire beau.

Celebrity snapper Gaetano Di Giovanni claims he suffered scratches and bruises in the attack. He added that Naomi's "nails had damaged his left eye," and that his injuries required hospital treatment.

Naomi had just arrived on the island of Lipari, just off the coast of Sicily, with her main squeeze Mikhail Prokhorov before she clashed with the pap. I can understand wanting to escape the limelight while you're on vacation, but what about simply putting your hands over your face? Or even smiling sweetly and waiting for the snappers to go on their way?

But this is the Naomi we all know and love. She's denying the reports, of course, but they seem a lot more believable than her recent acts of altruism!

[Source: Daily Star]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

When I think of generous, philanthropic celebs, Naomi Campbell isn't a name which springs to mind. But it seems I might have misjudged the hot-tempered supermodel. She's showing rare altruism and donating an exotic Hermes Birkin bag to charity.

Naomi will part with a green alligator skin Birkin for the next Hermes annual vintage sale. And she's not the only star giving up one of the French fashion house's precious purses. Princess Stephanie of Monaco has kindly contributed a handbag belonging to her mother, the late Grace Kelly.

Funds raised by the luxurious donations will benefit The White Ribbon Alliance. The international organization looks to ensure pregnancy and childbirth is safe for all women and newborns around the world.

The Hermes auction takes place on November 10. You might want to start saving your pennies if you hope to secure either bag. The combination of star power and luxury is a heady combination for any fashion fan!

[Source: Elle UK]
[Image Source: Jesse Gross/Wikipedia Commons]

Hermes Birkin Bags on eBay

If you covet Hermes Birkin bags but don't have the dollars to splash around, this Shiny Croco-Leather handbag from Fontanelli is a more affordable alternative.

There are plenty of Birkin imitators out there, but this Fontanelli purse does it better than most. The greatest drawcard is the quality. While you don't get real crocodile skin for the $595 retail value, you do get real calf leather. The patent skin is embossed to replicate crocodile scales, recreating the exotics good looks without the massive price tag.

The shape is unmistakeably a homage to Hermes, but the details are a little different. That helps the Fontanelli distinguish itself, ensuring it doesn't look like just another knock-off. The flash of gold-tone hardware shines, contrasting with the glossy black fabric.

A long leather strap is a particularly inspired addition. While Hermes makes us struggle with the skinny handles, this detachable shoulder strap adds convenience and comfort.

Hermes who? While Birkin may inspire envy, I think I'll set my sights on this Italian beauty.

More Features of This Fontanelli Birkin Inspired Bag

• A large envelope zip pouch divides bag into three compartments
• Protective feet on the base
• Measures 3.9 x 12.2 x 8.7 inches
• Weighs 1.7 pounds
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Fontanelli Shiny Croco-Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Forzieri website
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We knew Hermes' Australian crocodile farms were bound to anger PETA, so it's no surprise to hear the animal rights group has hit back.

"The thought of purposely breeding and killing crocodiles for an outdated, overpriced handbag should make any fashionista's skin crawl," the group said in a statement. "If Hermes really wants to be a leader in the fashion industry, it should stop killing animals for cold-blooded vanity and use cruelty-free mock croc and fake snake instead."

I'm sure all animal lovers would agree with PETA's sentiments, but Hermes continues to defy the financial crisis, maintaining its net worth despite the economic downturn. It might not be politically correct anymore, but fashionistas still can't get enough crocodile Birkins. With the prized accessories costing up to $50, 000, it's no wonder Hermes is reluctant to can the croc bags! No one's likely to pay the big bucks for faux reptile skin after all!

[Source: Female First]
[Image Source: Sias van Schalkwyk/Stock.xchng]

Hermes Crocodile Birkin Bags on eBay

Holy Bottega Veneta! That's what I thought when I saw this handbag. Bottega has always played with the big dogs (and by dogs, I mean designers), but this bag puts the line into super luxe territory usually reserved only for the oldest and most respected houses.

Not that Bottega Veneta isn't respected, it totally is. And it's not exactly a fledgling line, but its 1960's birthday makes it considerably younger than, say, Hermes, who has (famously) been outfitting the elite since 1837.

This exotic cafe latte colored bag is made of sumptuous crocodile, and features a beautiful braid detail that borders the entire periphery of the purse. The trim is beautiful, yes, but also functional, as it will absorb some of the nicking and scratching from daily use, and prevent it from marring the surface of the bag.

And for $19,500, you're going to be looking for any way possible to protect this baby. If I were you, I might hire a personal bodyguard, because the squared off hobo shaped combined with the super sleek skin exterior is sure to make women everywhere eye you with jealousy.

The interior is lined with suede, which is another great hint of luxury, and also will prevent you from destroying this little lovely from the inside out. Seriously, imagine what a leaky pen could do to your new crocodile bag that costs as much as a car!

Hermes, watch out, because this is one for the ages. It's a lot more modern than the Birkin, and somewhat more reasonably priced for the material. (Although I couldn't find out the species of crocodile or how rare it is, a thing that Hermes will tell you in a second.) I think this one is going to find a lot of fans in the younger, hipper glitterati.

More Features Of The Bottega Veneta Large Veneta Crocodile Bag

• Fully zipped main compartment
• Interior zipper pocket
• 20" x 12" x 2" size

Crocodile Skin Handbags On eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Magic Necklace store on eBay
• Click here to search Bottega Veneta handbags on eBay

Even with Victoria Beckham's ridiculous, over-the-top spending on her Birkin bag collection, Hermes is still dealing with financial woes. It's a common story these days with fashion labels as people are cutting out luxury purchases.

Though Hermes recently opened a new boutique in the East Hamptons, the company has had to postpone the scheduled openings of two new stores in China. Some people might be surprised to hear it, though, since the brand was considered one of the top labels, along with Louis Vuitton and Gucci, doing well during the financial crisis.

Hermes' CEO addressed the issue recently:

“We have a crisis, all luxury companies can feel it,” CEO Patrick Thomas said at a shareholders' meeting yesterday. “It would be illusory to think that Hermes can escape.”

At least the company's hiring freeze isn't affecting the leather-goods department yet. Only time will tell how well they survive in the months to come.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: nep/Flickr]

Hermes Handbags on eBay