Christie’s Auction House to Launch “Gucci Collector” Website for Vintage Item Appraisals

Posted on: Nov 18

Gucci has always been vigilant to crack down on counterfeiting and trademark infringement, but now they're taking a new angle on brand protection. This time, however, they aren't fighting the fight alone.

Legendary auction house Christie's is teaming up with the luxury brand to provide a "trusted venue for transactions of vintage Gucci items," according to Gucci's chief executive Patrizio di Marco who was quoted in a recent New York Times article. By the end of this year, Christie's will have a section on their website solely dedicated to helping appraisals of vintage Gucci goods.

The "Gucci Collector" section of the site will allow users to upload images of their items, which will then be evaluated and appraised by a bonafide Gucci archivist.

"I feel it is a noble, appropriate and modern way to provide access to original Gucci vintage products to a relevant and well-targeted audience," said Mr. di Marco.

[Source: NY Times]
[Image: Qiao-Da-Ye/Flickr]

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Kate Spade Yuma Loren Clutch | Bright Yellow Tasseled Purse

Posted on: Oct 29

I feel, with the winter months encroaching, that a little dose of brightness may be in order. A drop or two of bright color needs to be injected into our wardrobes, to keep the long nights at bay and our spirits lifted.

As Kate Spade has been all over the fashion blogs for the past few weeks, it seems appropriate to choose one of her purses, and this yellow beauty from the Yuma range is just the thing to keep us all feeling happy.

This tasseled cowboy clutch is available in a dull and average shade of chocolate, but it is the golden marigold tone that make this stand out from the crowd. Textured with the layers of smooth flat tassels (no chance of getting tangled here!), this is a happy sunny little purse with a healthy does of attitude.

Whilst the cute exterior is wonderful, what with the functional-yet-stylish clasp, the interior isn't quite to my tastes. The strange leopard print pattern just doesn't push my buttons, and I wish for Kate Spade's 1960s influence to shine through a bit more.

Try teaming this cute and modern clutch with a bold pair of contrasting tights, to really make people around you feel bright and chirpy. If tassels aren't your thing, then this is certainly a version that is more accessible than most!

More Features of this Bold Kate Spade Clutch

  • Gold-plated hardware to add class
  • Available in yellow or brown
  • Animal print leather trimmed interior

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Nine West Vintage America Cindy Hobo | Chic and Contemporary Western Suede Bag

Posted on: Oct 25

Nine West's recently released Vintage America collection is all about classic American style and timeless fashion combined with a little of today's trends. That's exactly how I'd describe this Cindy hobo bag from the line.

Its traditional hobo silhouette is both classic and predictable, yet some interesting details take the Cindy to a different level. It might be simple in design and have clean lines, but it sure isn't boring.

The braided detail that runs down the sides of the handbag has a definite Western feel to it. However, there's a contemporary twist to it with the addition of some trendy studs.

The soft, gray suede also adds to the chic flair of the Cindy. The color is understated in such a way that allows the other features of the purse to stand out. The Western Americana vibe could have been taken a little too literally if it were in dark brown or tan instead, but the gray is the perfect balance to the style.

Knotted handles and textured leather trim finished off this Nine West design. The casual Cindy hobo bag retails for $189.

More Features of the Cindy Hobo

  • Measures 18.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches
  • Single strap with 7 inch drop
  • Zip top closure

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Laurel and Sunset Boho Patchwork Exotic Print Bag | Spacious Hippy Patterned Tote

Posted on: Oct 22

Whilst designer handbags are great, their luxurious materials and pricey tags sometimes aren't exactly what we need. Sometimes, particularly when we want to relax, a cheap and cheerful boho tote is the only thing that will do the job.

Great for flinging with chunky knits, tassels and funky clothes, this patchwork tote will match any number of outfits whilst still looking individual, cool and hippie-like. You will no doubt go through periods of hating it if you do buy it, but it will always find its way back into fashion somehow, and can be kept long after other bags would get too disheveled.

Sloppy floppy fashion is the name of the game here. The combination of fabrics may be a bit exotic and in-your-face, but the relaxed and easy going shape is great for those who carry lots and need a spacious design with plenty of compartments. Even better, the buckled middle and reinforced feet offer a bit more support to what is a purely fabric exterior.

I am disappointed that the leather trim is brown rather than black or even blue, although it does work to bring to mind aging travel bags and vintage looks.

This purse is ideal for anyone out there who can pull off boho like Nicole Richie, as long as they are feeling brave!

More Features of this Spacious Exotic Print Purse

  • Diamante buckle
  • Multiple trimmed pockets inside
  • Magnetic snap closure

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Burberry Sues Pet Supply Store for Selling Plaid Similar to Label’s Signature Pattern

Posted on: Oct 20

Burberry is taking a cue from fellow designer handbag maker Coach and cracking down on copyright infringement. While Coach has taken action against retailers who are selling styles similar to their own, Burberry is all about protecting its signature checkered pattern.

The British-based company is up in arms about UK pet supply store Pets at Home selling dog coats and baskets in a plaid design close to its own signature plaid. It must have been fairly identical for Burberry to feel that the retail store was violating copyright laws. The legal dispute is currently ongoing, although the items have been taken off the shelves.

It isn't the first time that the company's well-known (though some might call it strikingly basic and easy to imitate) plaid has been sold to consumers, and I'm guessing it won't be the last legal action that Burberry takes regarding the subject. Hopefully this one can be settled out of court.

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Saks Fifth Avenue]

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Designer Label Balmain Reveals New Handbag Collection | Bags to Hit Net-A-Porter Soon

Posted on: Oct 17

It's a rare day for me to be calling a $1,900 handbag a surprisingly affordable option. Well, maybe I wouldn't quite call it affordable, but I was at least somewhat pleasantly surprised by the starting price point of designer label Balmain's highly anticipated handbag line.

For a label whose items include a nearly $14,000 leather jacket for sale on Net-A-Porter, a collection of shoulder bags with a price range of roughly $1,900 to just over $3,900 seems almost reasonable ... or at least slightly attainable for some shoppers.

Consistent with previous rumors of the collection's designs, these Balmain bags include plenty of embellishments. More specifically, you'll find quilted stitching, strategically-placed smatterings of studs, and even a little fringe among the bunch. Each one has an edgy, contemporary twist that is indicative of Balmain's signature look.

This somewhat small line of handbags, including the priciest Punk Suede Shoulder Bag shown above, will be available on Net-A-Porter's website this coming Monday, October 19. See all four styles from the collection at Bag Snob's website.

[Source: Bag Snob]

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Gucci Irina Tote Bag | Bohemian Heart Studded White Leather Handbag

Posted on: Oct 12

Gucci is a label associated with classic style and sophistication ... but there's little of that here. The bohemian styling of the Irina may perplex die-heart Gucci-ites, but it's found new fans amongst free-spirited stylistas.

The basic white leather body is jazzed up with gleaming gold accents. The centerpiece is the flowery detail crafted from large golden hearts. The hearts and flowers theme might be perfect for the hippie crowd, but the execution is a little off for me. Honestly, it looks like something I'd expect to see in the teen section of a department store. Of course, the brand's still charging Gucci prices. This tote will set you back a whopping $2650. The price seems inflated, but what do I know? These babies walked off the shelves on their release, buoyed by their popularity amongst starlets like Lindsay Lohan.

The exterior doesn't impress me, and inside it's not much better. The zippered pocket and solo slip pouch might be adequate for a space this size, but I expect more than adequate when I'm paying more than $2k for it. A few more pockets for girly gadgets and a more luxurious lining would help to appease me.

The Irina tote seems like a bit of a misstep for Gucci, but it's been a popular one nonetheless!

More Features of This Gucci Boho Tote

  • Snap closure
  • A single studded shoulder strap with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 18.5 x 4.5 x 16.7 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in Italy
  • Also available in black

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Coach Sues Target for Copyright Infringement | Retail Chain Sells “Confusingly Similar” Purses

Posted on: Oct 6

Luxury handbag label Coach has filed a lawsuit against Target, alleging that the retail giant has infringed upon its intellectual copyright.

In a lawsuit lodged at the United States District Court in Manhattan last Thursday, Coach claims Target is selling handbags "confusingly similar" to its Ergo and Signature Patchwork collections.

"Target is not authorized by Coach to manufacture, distribute, advertise, offer for sale and/or sell merchandise bearing the Ergo designs or the Signature Patchwork designs," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit includes claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Target is pleading ignorance on this one, with a spokeswoman claiming "We are currently looking into this situation and working with our vendor partner.

"It always has been - and continues to be - Target's policy to respect the intellectual property rights of others."

It'll be interesting to see how this case goes. We've seen the luxury labels take down many small brands creating obvious counterfeits, but a firm with the might of Target may be another story.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]
[Image Source: Shoshanah/Wikipedia Commons]

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Big Buddha Soho Handbag | Soft Fringed Hobo Bag with Studded Tassels

Posted on: Sep 30

Big Buddha gives the hobo a contemporary makeover with the Soho.

It features two of fall's biggest trends: fringe and pyramid studs. Yet by keeping the accents in check, the look is timeless rather than faddish. The fringing is short, ensuring the purse never looks like it's just stepped from the South. The gleaming pyramid studs also make the purse appear more rock and roll than rodeo.

The Soho has the sort of looks to suit everyday use, and the practical perks to back it up. The suede-like handle is long and soft, ideal for slinging over your shoulder and forgetting as you attend to errands. Plenty of pockets inside the generous interior space complement the handy zippered pocket on the back of the bag.

This purple Soho bag is ideal for fall, but if you're after for a more evergreen look consider this hobo in blue, yellow, or brown. With six different tones available, there's bound to be one to suit you!

More Features of This Big Buddha Fringed Hobo

  • Made of suede-like material
  • Top zip entry
  • Satiny lining
  • An interior zipper pocket, slide pocket, and cell phone pocket inside
  • Measures 18.5 x 4.5 x 10.5 inches

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“InStyle” Lists Best Bag Styles, Fall Trends, and Celebrity Purse Fans

Posted on: Sep 22

InStyle's fun and informative list of the "Best Bags for Fall" includes a veritable plethora of handbag-toting celebrities showing off some of the most current styles for the upcoming season.

The list is fairly comprehensive encompassing nearly every recent, popular handbag trend I can rattle off in one sentence. This includes everything from design details like ruffles and studs to other features like silver color, snakeskin, and chain straps. Oh, and evidently satchels and oversize clutches are big for the season as well. I'm not sure they really ever went out of vogue, especially satchels, but I suppose they might be even more prominent this fall.

I can't say I'm particularly surprised by anything on InStyle's list, but it's fun to see which stars are wearing what styles. I've already seen the pictures of Jessica Alba sporting her Tod's snakeskin tote, but Heidi Klum's edgy studded and fringed large tote was new to me. Of course, the designer labels are prevalent on this list full of stars. Familiar names and trend-leaders like Rebecca Minkoff, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana all made an appearance.

See the full list of fall handbag trends seen on celebrities.

[Source: InStyle]
[Image: Rebecca Minkoff]

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