VBH became a designer to watch when Michelle Obama recently stepped out in New York carrying the Ballerina Bag. While the brand may have the First Lady's seal of approval, I find their bags a little hit and miss. The Glitter Clutch may have been a little uninspired, but this mother of pearl clutch is much more impressive.

Mother of pearl effortlessly gives an accessory a timeless, vintage quality. It's sadly underutilized these days, but that just makes mother of pearl clutches like this all the more appealing. The raised oval panels of opalescent pearl really pop against the clutch's smooth black finish.

The slender profile makes it easy to tuck this purse under your arm, but it doesn't take a genius to know it will limit your storage space. It's thinner than most clutch purses, so you may need to redefine your idea of "evening essentials," or take along a date who's only too happy to carry your must-haves!

The basic black body and simple shape make this purse so easy to pair with your favorite evening dresses. While VBH might be the next big thing, I have a feeling you'll be carrying this beauty long after the hype dies down.

More Features of This VBH Limited Edition Purse

• Black suede interior
• Measures 9.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Mother of Pearl Clutches on eBay

Mother of pearl clutch with brass US $1,090.00   Auction Ends: 18d 8h 49m Make it yours...

Zebra and Pearl Mother of Pearl Clutch Purse Mad Bags US $50.00   Auction Ends: 8d 19h 26m Make it yours...

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Refinery Celebrity Resale Boutique on eBay – A VBH Purses Retailer
• All VBH bags on eBay

Ever since Michelle Obama carried a Ballerina Bag to the ballet, fashionistas everywhere have been buzzing about VBH. If you can't spare the $1900 Ms Obama's purse cost, perhaps this more affordable Glitter Clutch will be up your alley.

It is more affordable, but this purse still isn't cheap. It retails at $850, which seems a lot for such a minimalist design. Still, without a lot of flash and fancy this is one clutch you can carry for years to come.

As you'd expect from its glitzy moniker, this envelope clutch is covered in glitter. But it's just a thin sheen, so it doesn't look as gaudy as you might imagine. A glitter encrusted clutch doesn't need much more to tizzy it up, but there are three small beads below the flap and accent stitching. I love the look of the beads, but the stitching simply looks a little sloppy and unfinished. It's a matter of personal taste I suppose, but it seems like the sort of thing I could create and I expect a lot more than that from a high end designer.

This slim little number won't afford a lot of storage room either. There's really no space to speak of, and you're likely to struggle to fit even the essentials inside. If you plan to take this one out on the town, you might want to bring along a boyfriend with deep pockets!

It might be a lot less expensive than the First Lady's VBH clutch, but it will also require you to make many more compromises. But that won't be enough to turn off bagistas hoping to own a piece of this hot new fashion house!

More Features of This VBH Envelope Purse

• Measures 5 x 11.5 inches
• Made in Italy

Get This VBH Glitter Clutch on eBay

VBH stretch Glitter clutch Retail $1875 US $235.99   Auction Ends: 4d 2h 50m Make it yours...

• Click here to see more from the RentMeAHandbag store on eBay – A VBH Purses Retailer
• All VBH bags on eBay

Michelle Obama earned some major fashion cred with bag lovers when she wore the cobalt blue version of this Ballerina Bag by cult-favorite VBH with what is rumored to be an Alaia dress.

If you'd like to take a cue from Mrs. Obama and wear this clutch out on a date with your sweetie, you could opt for this version in black python. It would go best to a formal destination like the Obamas' - the ballet.

But unfortunately, a formal price tag goes with it. While Michelle's version is said to be $1,500 this python bag is $1,900. It's a lot to pay for something you'll only bring out on special occasions, but it will certainly make those occasions that much more stylish and memorable.

The bag has a very graceful shape that is echoed in the curve of the flap closure. The python shines and is sure to be seen (and envied) from across the room.

This is purely a lipstick and cash bag, though, don't go cramming a PDA in this baby.

More Details Of The VBH Ballerina Bag

• Center seam detail
• Ribbon lacing on sides

More VBH Handbags on eBay

NWT VBH EELSKIN VIA BAG retail $4000 US $1,479.99   Auction Ends: 13d 20h 7m Make it yours...

$2700 NEW VBH Tootsie First Edition Black Sparkle Bag US $555.99   Auction Ends: 8h 4m Make it yours...

Also See

• Click here to find the VBH Ballerina Bag with the BagBunch Handbag Search Engine
• Click here to look for more Michelle Obama inspired fashions on eBay

If ever there was a bag that demands attention, it's this metallic tulle purse from Giorgio Armani.

The black silk handbag is adorned with black and pink squares of fisnet tulle, which give it the appearance of some kind of gothic ballerina. It’s femininely flamboyant, and completely original.

The kiss-lock clasp is a charming vintage touch. Open it up to reveal a space that's a lot less fussy than the exterior. A gold slip pocket isn't wide enough to really aid organization, but it does provide a smart spot for stashing your receipts or that hottie's phone number.

A thin gold leather handle isn't exactly practical, but anyone who buys this bag isn't likely to care about its functionality, are they? And at $528 retail, this bold purse is affordable enough for any daring diva.

More Features of This Giorgio Armani Tulle Party Purse

• Black fabric interior lining
• Measures 11 x 8 inches

Giorgio Armani Evening Bags on eBay

Giorgio Armani black satin evening bag w matte silver US $125.00   Auction Ends: 21d 3h 20m Make it yours...

$790 EVENING GIORGIO ARMANI Satin NWT PURCE bag US $179.00   Auction Ends: 15d 50m Make it yours...

Also See

• Click here to see more from the luxNdesire Clothing and Accessories store on eBay – A Giorgio Armani Handbags Retailer
• All Giorgio Armani bags on eBay

Let me begin this post by saying this: I am only suggesting that some Tory Burch bags are similar to some of Anya Hindmarch's designs.

Whether or not the similarities are mere coincidences, a form of flattery or an attempt at knocking off designs is debatable.

While Tory Burch has made a name for herself with casual, logo-emblazoned totes and shoes, she's also gained a reputation in the fashion world for claiming 'trademark infringement'. Last year Burch filed a lawsuit against makers of shoes eerily similar to her 'Reva' ballerina flats, and, frankly, she was quite justified.

It seemed as if everyone had jumped on the knock-off bandwagon, from Steve Madden to Payless, just to cash in on Burch's now-famous 'TT' logo. This back story is useful when you examine Tory's latest handbag collection and compare it with Anya Hindmarch's.

Tory Burch bags

Anya Hindmarch bags

These bags are a bit of a departure from Burch's established line. They're classically structured and feature a different take on her label's logo. Her Graduate's Doctor bag, Horseshoe hobo and Mick clutch bare subtle resemblances to Anya Hindmarch's Shirley satchel, Casati hobo and Slade bag.

While no designer has proprietary rights to silhouettes such as the satchel, hobo or classic handbag, the design similarities, taken in conjunction with Burch's logo redo (very similar to Hindmarch's famous logo plate), are enough to raise a few red flags.

I have my opinion as to whether or not Tory Burch's bags are a sincere form of flattery or knock-off attempts, but I'll leave the final word on the subject up to my discerning readers. How about it, ladies. What's the verdict on these bags?

• Tory Burch bags via Neiman Marcus
• Anya Hindmarch bags via AH's website

(Syndicated from: Handbag Debate: Tory Burch vs Anya Hindmarch - Coincidence or Knock-off?)

Usage License

Anya Hindmarch Bags on eBay

IM NOT A PLASTIC BAG ANYA HINDMARCH Brown Tote Bag US $14.99   Auction Ends: 26d 22h 33m Make it yours...

ANYA HINDMARCH Snakeskin Bag Handbag Tote Purse NEW US $895.00   Auction Ends: 29d 10h 5m Make it yours...

Tory Burch Bags on eBay

Tory Burch Leather Weekend Bag US $350.00   Auction Ends: 4h 54m Make it yours...

tory burch shoulder bag 100 authentic US $99.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 7h 21m Make it yours...

Marilyn Monroe may have passed away more than 40 years ago, but this Hollywood glamour girl is still influencing style trends today. Show your love for one of the world's biggest stars with this beautiful Ashley M shoulder bag.

It features an iconic image of Marilyn wearing a feminine ballerina style dress. This black and white photograph is accented by an embroidered red autograph and a matching lipstick mark.

This microfiber handbag is a little on the small side, but it makes the most of the space on offer. There's a cell phone pocket inside, and a zippered top to keep all you goodies safe.

The long shoulder strap allows you to wear this Ashley M purse slung over your shoulder, or across your body for a casually cool look.

More Features of This Ashley M Black and White Bag

• A 25 inch shoulder strap
• Measures 6.25 x 8.85 inches

Ashley M Marilyn Monroe Purses on eBay

NEW Ashley M Marilyn Monroe floral tote bag Beige US $50.00   Auction Ends: 14d 6h 31m Make it yours...

NEW Ashley M Marilyn Monroe Canvas Tote Beige US $32.00   Auction Ends: 10d 6h 43m Make it yours...

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Girls World Bagz store on eBay – An Ashley M Handbags Retailer
• All Ashley M bags on eBay