Vintage Designer Handbags Purses & More

Designer Handbags, Designer Purses, Vintage Jewelry, Clothing, Designer Shoes, Chanel Handbags, Hermes Scarves, Pre-Owned Treasures, Vintage Fashion & Much, Much More!

LuxuryVintage online since 2002.

Search eFashionHouse Network

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

New or Vintage? She wants a Designer Handbag




Whether she's into Yoga or an obvious Fashionista, decide the award your girly grad deserves and say "congrats" with an authentic designer handbag for the Class of 2008. You know she really wants a designer purse this year! And, she's all grown up and wants something special.


Shopping Online SAVES YOU MONEY! No travel time or gas to buy! Shop from the comfort of home 24/7!


All the girls are carrying a new purse to their new job. Your little graduate dreams about a new designer handbag. There are many styles and designs to select in price ranges from under $100 to more than $500. It's up to you. Whatever you pick will be a hit. Some of our favorites are Tano bags, Melie Bianco handbags, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro handbags, Gucci Bags, Prada bags, Fendi bags and many more. And, they are all on Sale! See the coupon codes below and start saving on your graduation gifts for that special gal in your life.


Shop the Sale Section. Take an extra 10% off!

Use Coupon OFF10 at
http://www.efashionhouse.com/productlist_saleefh.html/sale/4

Shop Final Clearance. Deep discounts. Plus get an extra 20% off!

Use Coupon OFF20 at
http://www.efashionhouse.com/productlist_saleefh.html/clearance/4

PLUS...Free Shipping $200 Orders & NO Sales TAX Worlwide!


----------

Graduation is here! She wants a REAL Designer Handbag! Have fun shopping! Here's a series of Graduation Tid-Bits we found amusing and thought you might, too!

Bad Graduation Gift Ideas
by Andy

A Briefcase: Oh, thanks Uncle Frank. You getting me this briefcase ensures that I’m supposed to work the same 9-5 office job that you've worked for that last 25 years while complaining about it and cheating on my wife with my secretary. (Sorry Aunt Jane)

“Planet Earth” on DVD: Am I that hard to shop for? How long did it take you to pick this out at Wal-Mart? Do you think that all I do is get high and watch the Discovery Channel? Well guess what, I DO!

“Planet Earth” on VHS: What? There’s like 20 tapes. Get out of my sight Grandma.

Money: What am I supposed to do with this? It's only four dollars.

----------


All Sorts of Graduation Ideas
from My Expression

Graduation Party Ideas
The Traditions of Graduation Party -Traditions are the lifeblood of every college. Traditions connect the students to the past of the college while at the same time preparing them for the future. From the historic to the contemporary, traditions can express a spirit of unity and create a sense of community while providing for loads of fun.

Graduation Planning Checklist - Its Graduation time! You’re planning on hosting a graduation party and you want it to be unique and exciting. Planning any party can be overwhelming and many things can go wrong. So, to be on the safer side, you need to come up with a graduation planning checklist to keep things from bouncing out of control.

The Do’s and Don’ts in the Graduation Party - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and what better excuse to throw a party! Spring is that time of the year for graduation invitations, announcements and gifts. Etiquettes and manners form a very important part of our being social animals.

What To Wear on Your Graduation Day - For 12 (in some cases more) seemingly never-ending years, you obediently went through the schoolyard quarrels, your first boy-girl party, your first date, the Prom, and now finally what you’ve always been waiting for – your Graduation day! This time you’re going to be wearing an outfit that your parents will finally approve of – a gown and a cap ...

Decorating your Graduation Party - So, its graduation day and you’re all set to host a special theme party. Yes, theme parties are fun and a whole lot easier to decorate! Half the fun of hosting a graduation party is decorating the party. You can decorate your room, your lawn, you table, and even your guests! You can turn graduation caps upside down and fill them with balloons or flowers ...

Graduation Speeches Etiquette - The graduation ceremony confirms each student’s quest for knowledge. Traditionally, the ceremony will include a graduation speech that seeks to put each and every students hard work (in some cases, not so hard work) into the perspective of their future. Yes, most of us have heard one or more graduation speeches either as spectators or as graduates ourselves ...

Graduation Gift Ideas - The date is fixed, and the invitations and announcements have already been given out. So, the day has finally come for you students to cry and to cheer and to leave your school or college halls forever. Yes, graduation day is indeed one of the biggest days in everyone’s life. After years and years of hard work, your efforts have finally paid off. You’re happy but ...

Chance to Promote Your Business with Graduation Open House Invitations - Do you plan to host a graduation open house for yourself or one of your children? It may not seem like it could work, but you can actually promote your business when you have an open house. You can start the promotion with something as simple as mention that the open house is being hosted by your business. This will definitely ...

Graduation Announcement Tips, Wording, and Special Poems
Graduation Announcement Wording Tips - Graduation is an important time in life, and should be announced properly. Stationary with crayons and graduation caps on it is an appropriate means of announcing a child graduating from kindergarten. A photo announcement is a nice keepsake for loved ones who are being invited to the graduation ...

Graduation Announcements Wording Ideas - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and you’re busier than ever! Your last year of college is filled with thousands of events and activities that you have never even tried to attempt during your college years. From sending out resumes and applications to asking for letter of recommendation, you have loads ...

Do it yourself Graduation Announcements - A great substitute to printed graduation announcements are announcements that you print by yourself on your personal computer. Not only are these ‘Do-it-yourself’ graduation announcements a lot more economical, but they can also be equally colorful and creative. Start of by using plain white card stock or even plain white paper ...

Sending Graduation Announcements - So, its graduation day and its time to let everyone know that you are a proud graduate. Now that all those seemingly endless years of toil and hard work have finally paid off, it’s finally time to celebrate. First things first, start by sending out graduation invitations and announcements to all your near and dear ones. Most colleges and high schools ...

Graduation Invitations in General and the Etiquette
Graduation Party Invitations - Planning the Party - Everyone who has played a role in the life of the graduate should be sent an invitation to the graduation party. It is understood by most that tickets to commencement are limited, however an open house allows for everyone to congratulate the graduate. - Invitations - You can choose informal themes, such as a backyard ...

Graduation Invitations Etiquette - There is a very good reason why people call graduation ceremonies ‘commencement ceremonies’. This is because graduation does not mark the end; it marks the beginning. Graduation is the achievement of all goals, and rewarding the graduate for his or her hard work is a must. Graduation time is the time to invite friends and family together for an exclusive ...

Choosing Graduation Invitations Theme - Whether for you or a friend, Graduation day is one of the most joyous and welcomed occasions in any student’s life. It marks the end of your educational journey that can sometimes seem to be an endless and intolerable journey. Graduation is a once in a lifetime event, so give this event the honor and prestige that it truly deserves. The very first ...

The Traditions of Graduation Cap & Black Color in Your Invitations - When it comes to graduation invitations or stationary there are some traditions that are still observed by most people. In the majority of samples that you look at while shopping you will find that there are graduation caps in the majority of them. This is simply an obvious choice of décor since it is an invitation for a graduation ...

Graduation Invitations Theme
Casual Graduation Party Ideas - If you want to throw a wonderful party for that special high school or college graduate in your life, don’t assume you have to spend a fortune and put together some very elegant get together. After all, your graduate has already worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment and now just needs some time to relax and unwind. That’s why sometimes a more casual ...

Throwing a Cocktail Theme Graduation Party - Graduating from college is a major accomplishment and is definitely one of the best reasons to have a celebration. However, too many graduation parties are all the same. If you want to throw an amazing party, then you’ll want to take a creative approach with your graduation celebration. One idea is to celebrate with a cocktail theme ...

Throwing a Party for Valedictorians and Summa Cum Laude Graduates - Graduating from high school or college is a huge achievement, but if your student is graduating with honors then that achievement is even more deserving of a special celebration. No ordinary graduation is going to be sufficient. Background on Graduation Honors - If you’re not familiar with all of the “honors” terminology, then ...

Black, Red, and Green for Graduation Invitations - Graduations are one of those major milestones in life that deserve not only to be recognized but also to be celebrated. Whether the student in your life has just earned a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or an even higher degree, you’ll want to find a way to show him or her just how proud you are of their hard work ...
Ideas for a Formal Graduation Party - When we think of graduation parties, sometimes we have the impression that all of them are just full of young people drinking too much and playing loud music. And sure some graduation parties would fit that description pretty well, but that isn’t your only option if you’re planning a celebration for a special student in your life ...

Feng Shui Graduation Party Ideas - Celebrating a graduation is a big deal. The family wants to show their pride at how well their student has succeeded. The student wants to know that he or she has done a good job by achieving this important life goal. When you’re planning something this special, then it only makes sense that you should take into consideration every possible way of ...

Creating Tassel as Embellishments For Your Invitations - If you want to create a graduation invitation that is sure to get the attention of those you invite you can do a lot of it yourself. It can be fun to add your own personal touch to it, even if you order the actual stationary and then create a tassel as an embellishment. Everyone associates a tassel with graduation, so this can be a fun addition! If you ...

Clip-Arts for Graduation Invitations - Do you want to add some fun and uniqueness to your graduation invitation but you aren’t sure what may or may not be appropriate? If so, you aren’t alone. The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of fun or original things that you can do; you simply need to infuse your own style into it and get creative. Anything that you can imagine can generally be created ...

Personalize Your Graduation Invitations with Special Inspirations - A graduation invitation can be just a graduation invite, but there are some great things that you can do to add your personal touch and make it interesting and even inspirational to those that you send them to. There is nothing better than sending out invites that have been infused with your own personal style, whatever that may be ...

Differentiating Masculine & Feminine Invitations Theme - Because both men and women graduate from high school as well as college there needs to be a way to differentiate between invitations that are more appropriate for men and those that are more appropriate for women. This is not to say that there aren’t invitations that are appropriate for both genders, but if you want something that ...

Seasonal Graduation Invitations
Show Your Patriotism with Patriotic Graduation Invitations Theme
- Over the last couple years the patriotism in our country seems to have been renewed and this includes the young, the old, and everyone in between. If you are graduating from high school or college why not share your patriotism with others with a patriotic invitation theme? Why go drab when you can serve to inspire those that ...

Graduation Photo Christmas Cards - Are you graduating early? Many students that graduate early, graduate in the winter months, which is a great opportunity to do something different with your graduation invitation. You can not only send an invite to all those that you would like to attend your graduation ceremonies; you can send a Christmas greeting at the same time by enclosing a Christmas card with a photo ...

After The Graduation
Sending Graduation Thank You Cards - So, your graduation day has come and gone, the ceremonies were amazing, the graduation party was brilliant, and above all, the graduation gifts were super cool! The graduate is happy, the graduate’s guests are happy, everyone is happy. But, after the ceremony, party and gifts comes the most daunting part – sending out ...

Graduation Photo and your Scrapbooking Project - Honoring the graduate is one of the most important parts of the graduation ceremony. If you’ve organized your photo albums over the years, then everything should be up to date. But, if you are like most of us, then you’re family photos are probably piled up in boxes in the attic. Since you are going to be graduating pretty soon, now ...

Career Guide After Graduation - Transitioning out of college can be both, an exciting as well as a scary experience. There are newer and tougher challenges to face, unwritten laws to be followed, unexplored opportunities for progress – and humiliation – in every nook and cranny. While recent graduates and most other college students are preparing themselves to become experts ...

Reunion Graduate Party Planning - Once you graduate, you only get to see you friends every ten years at each reunion! So you want to have a fun reunion party this time and not a boring formal one? Planning for your reunion would mean coming up with a special plan or an idea for the party. From the decorations to the food and particularly the entertainment, your graduate reunion party ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 25, 2008

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




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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Monday, April 14, 2008

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes



By Woody Lee

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Fashion History Lesson: Lanvin


Maria Palma November 25, 2007
In my fashion book, the name Lanvin may be a new addition, but this brand has been around for decades. I enjoyed reading this article by Linda Grant, Lanvin: a hidden allure which offers us a history lesson about Jeanne Lanvin's rise to fame in the fashion industry. It's amazing how long the brand has lasted considering Jeanne Lanvin wasn't a self-promoter and didn't have any public relations. She simply had a love for quality. Alber Elbaz, the current designer for Lanvin, saw something in this brand to give it new life. It wasn't until this year did I really pay attention to Lanvin - more so because of the recent bold and chic ad campaigns in the fashion glossies. For an example of Elbaz's genius designs, check out this video of the Spring 2008 Lanvin collection.

Labels: , , ,

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Made in China: Designer handbag fashion totally misunderstood



By Anna Miller, Ecommerce Entrepreneur & Internet Pioneer


CONTAINERS READY FOR SHIPMENT from the port of Shenzhen
Photo taken from an article written by Michael Christopher Brown.


Wow! What’s all this garble about “everything” made in China being counterfeit or fake? Do people understand the design and manufacturing process? Or, are they just determined to squabble about one of the manufacturing industry’s greatest resources?

True, there’s been a lot of media about children’s toys being manufactured poorly. Shame on China for the mess they’ve created. They’ll fix the problem, or they’ll lose business. We all learn from our mistakes, right? Or, at least the smart folks learn. And, let’s face it, China is no dummy!

China has been manufacturing most of the clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories stocked in all the major department stores throughout the world for many, many years. And, this is not going to fade or go away. China offers low-cost labor for low-end to high-end designer handbags, clothing and just about anything around the house.


Most people don’t understand the truth about the Made in China label. China has been producing most of the Designer Merchandise sold in the USA for very long time. Why? Because the price to manufacture in China keeps prices as low as possible for consumers. People complain about the high price tags on designer handbags, clothing, shoes, and accessories. If the same item made in China was made in the USA or Europe the prices would be doubled or tripled.


If the Hermes Birkin bag was assembled by hand in China instead of France, the price would not be $7,000.00 each. If Italian leather was sent to China for the assembly of Prada handbags, the prices would not be $3,000.00 each. Please put things into perspective.


Burberry’s new management decided to use China for some of its assembled manufacturing needs and people went crazy. The thought of using a designer handbag made in China is misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misguided. The product made in China consists of the same quality of fabric as if it were made in the USA, France, England or Italy. The only difference is the designer item was assembled in China, or any other country offering a cheaper assembly manufacturing process.


Most of the high-end Designers buy fabrics, leathers, and materials from the USA or Europe, pay a premium price for the high-quality fabrication, and then negotiate manufacturing in China. The materials and specifications are sent to China and made. Representatives from each of the Design Houses travel to China or other manufacturing countries to supervise the process. The finished products are shipped to the USA and other parts of the world for sale. It’s a process kept sweet and as simple as possible. It creates jobs and produces a global economy.


Most consumers don’t know the designer manufacturing process or understand the details. They see a Made in China label and assume it’s a counterfeit item or fake. In reality, it’s not. It’s a moderately priced item made in a country which has been stereo-typed. And, we can’t blame the consumer because most of the junk, counterfeit and fake merchandise bearing the trademarks of others are made in China. Hopefully, the USA Customs Department working closely with the fashion industry will help end importing counterfeit goods.


There are many countries available the fashion designers use to outsource labor. The high-end leather designer handbags with high-ticket price tags are made in the USA, Italy, London and France. The lower cost designer products are made elsewhere. Most designers offer collections every season which provide both high-end and lower priced products. For example, Ralph Lauren has five price and fabrication determined collections: RL Classics, Collection, Black Label, Blue Label and Lauren. Plus, many of the designers produce a separate collection for outlet stores and discount stores like Marshalls, TJ Max, Target, Walmart, etc.


Some of the countries are more commonly used than others, and nonetheless they are countries with capabilities and low-cost labor. Some of these countries include, and are not limited to China, Turkey, Mexico, Romania, India and Portugal.


Fashion designers who make designer handbags, designer wallets, designer scarves, designer clothing, hats, shoes, etc. use these countries because they can sell their products at affordable prices. Some of the fashion designers include, and are not limited to Coach, Burberry, Liz Claiborne, Robert Rodriquez, Max Studio, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, Juicy Couture, Donna Karan, Anne Klein, Brighton, and many, many others.


Just because an item is Made in China, it does not constitute fake or counterfeit. Let’s get this straight and communicated clearly. The reason the item was made in China is because at that point in time, the designer’s manufacturing team decided it was the best business decision to make for a cost-effective distribution of its product and collection.


The next time you see a Made in China label on a designer handbag or accessory, and you purchased it from a reputable source, thank your lucky stars for the bargain price you paid. If you have any doubt, take the item to the designer’s boutique for authentication and peace of mind. Don’t assume just because it’s Made in China it’s a fake. Do you know what “to assume” does? It makes an ass out of u and me! So, please don’t ASS U ME.


About the Author:
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates the internet website http://www.eFashionHouse.com. EfashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine and recently, About.com recognized eFashionHouse.com as the top of three sources for authentic Chanel at below retail prices. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. Anna has been buying and reselling authentic designer fashion accessories online since the early 1990’s. The Corporation’s vision and mission is “to offer authentic designer handbags, purses and accessories below the cost of retail.”


You can visit the i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. fashion blogs at the following locations:

Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A very fine vintage: Why fashionistas are spending thousands on clothes with heritage


By Joanna Blythe
Daily Mail

Not so long ago the fastest way to update your wardrobe was, ironically, by throwing in something old and a bit tatty - a 1940s tea dress from your gran's wardrobe, a 1950s cashmere cardigan from a charity shop or a retro brooch you bought for 50p at a car boot sale.

But now vintage is everywhere it's a different story.

As ever in fashion, the cache is in exclusivity. Which is why true fashionistas are becoming obsessed with the "new vintage" - clothes with provenance.

Think: Chanel circa 1925, limited- edition Birkins or Dior designed by Gianfranco Ferre.

The market for luxury vintage pieces with proven heritage or connection to an iconic design house has exploded.

Never has there been so much cachet for a celebrity to sport archive Valentino or Chanel on the red carpet.

Auction houses such as Christie's now regularly host sales of vintage clothing. As a result of this demand, the price of designer vintage has more than quadrupled in the past five years. (or up to ten times if the piece has connections to a classic film, famed actress or rare period.)

There's also a growing clutch of websites devoted to selling authenticated vintage pieces at premium prices.

This week Yoox.com is hosting an exclusive 100-item sale of Chanel vintage clothing (in May this year it launched a similar sale from the Gucci archive).

The sale will include everything from jewellery to cocktail dresses and winter coats, some from as early as the 1950s and others from the mid-1980s when Karl Lagerfeld took the helm.

Meanwhile, luxury auction sites such as Portero.com are now selling qualified vintage and second hand owned accessories including Piaget watches, Tiffany & Co, Hermes bags and Rolex watches.

Upmarket London boutiques are catching on, too. Browns boutique now stocks E2, a label which combines vintage pieces by Pucci and YSL alongside contemporary clothing.

The ultrahip Dover Street Market now includes a concession for Decades - LA's coolest vintage store where Hollywood starlets including Chloe Sevigny and Julia Roberts buy their red carpet gowns.

"It's a consistently good part of the store," says store manager Dickon Bowden. "We have had some incredible pieces that sold the same day we received them."

He reveals that recently a turquoise Chanel haute couture princess dress (designed by Coco Chanel herself) sold within minutes of arriving, although he won't be drawn on the price.

At the same time, small or ontheirway out fashion houses with a prestigious heritage have never been so attractive to investors and luxury conglomerates.

Halston, the 1970s American label synonymous with Studio 54 glamour, is to be relaunched this February by film mogul Harvey Weinstein and shoe expert Tamara Mellon.

The plan? A global luxury brand.

Cult British label Ossie Clark is also scheduled for a revival this February with investment from WGSN (a fashion news service) founder Marc Worth.

It's a sound investment considering the booming designer vintage market. Halston has always been popular with fashion-lovers, but with its relaunch imminent, the price of vintage pieces is set to rocket.

Here the consumer base has expanded from a small niche to everyone from celebrities to fashion lovers and investors.

Reese Witherspoon handpicked her own 2006 Oscar dress - a 1950s Dior number - in a Paris store, Mellon is said to have a host of vintage Halston pieces and auction houses are now attracting as many fashion junkies as they are antique enthusiasts.

Some of the highest-value items are those related to film stars. Last year Christie's grabbed headlines with the sale of the iconic black Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's.

The bidding reached a whopping £410,000. In this case, the dress was more than just vintage Givenchy, it was cultural history.

"Having a great story behind a piece always adds to value," says Monica Turcich, vintage expert at Christie's.

"Without the story, that Givenchy piece was just a little black dress; but with the provenance, it's a £410,000 design icon.

"People fall in love with the history behind a piece. We sell pieces with royal connections, like the massive sale of Diana's dresses in 1997 [auctioned a few weeks before her death]. Buyers fall for the romance of owning a piece of that fantasy lifestyle."

For collectors, vintage also has the advantage of being wearable. A 1950s Dior suit can be viewed either as a work of art to be looked at only, or thrown on for a fabulous dinner party.

"We have three real groups of bidders and registered buyers - collectors and museums, dealers and those buying to wear," says Turcich. "The collectors range from national museums to couture houses looking to fill gaps in their archives, or your average girl on the street.

"I'm seeing more of the women who buy-to-wear being increasingly knowledgeable and interested in acquiring an iconic name, so the buy-to-wear girl is fast becoming a collector."

It helps that luxury vintage pieces are now also a credible investment, so people are getting in early.

"People see them as tradeable assets - someone will buy a 1993 Louis Vuitton Murakami bag knowing it will become a collector's item," says Stephanie Phair of Portero.com.

She adds that many savvy insiders now buy pieces by young designers with small runs, aware that their collection will be much coveted in future. Pieces by Chanel, Hermes, Chloe and other brands in good condition regularly retain or increase in value over time - even if you wear them occassionally.

Turcich adds: "Wearing an item can affect the value - it's difficult to wear anything without affecting it in some way.

"That said, most of the best vintage has been worn at some point, so just being worn isn't enough to destroy value. The dress from Breakfast At Tiffany's, for example, was made to be worn by Audrey Hepburn and, therefore, is more valuable than if it had been just a nice black Givenchy dress.

"It depends on why you're buying: if to wear, then it won't matter; if you're buying to collect, you'd probably want to store it as is."

Value is also connected to current trends or events.

For example, the recent sweep of body-conscious trends in designer collections has seen fashion-lovers clamouring for archive Hervè Lèger and Azzedine Alia.

After all, when anyone can walk into Harvey Nichols and snap up a dress from the current collection, but it takes considerably more money and fashion know-how to track down an original from the 1980s heyday.

Why else have Victoria Beckham, Kate Beckinsale, Keira Knightley and Lindsay Lohan all been sporting their "bandage" dresses on the red carpet recently?

"Fashion has become such a disposable industry. If you see three celebrities wearing the same Chloe dress the same day, the designers are totally over-exposed, the same designs are everywhere," concludes Steve Philip, co- owner of Rellik vintage and collector of Vivienne Westwood. "But what isn't everywhere is an old classic."

________________

Labels: , , ,

Designer Purses at Bargain Prices – Shop Online Shop Vintage


If you’ve ever walked into one of the famous fashion houses on 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive, you know how wonderful it feels to admire the latest designer handbags in person. From the softest lambskin handbags to colorful snakeskin wallets and deerskin clutches, there is never a shortage of handbags and accessories to add to the wish list.

One could spend days admiring designer handbags made in various shapes, styles, colors and materials. That is until you notice the price tag and nonchalantly make for the exit with your mortgage payment (or rent check) still in tow.

With the average cost of designer handbags skyrocketing from the hundreds to the thousands, few can afford to drop $2k on the latest must-have creation from Chloe, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent. So what is a fashionista, who doesn’t have a trust fund, private jet or penthouse apartment, supposed to do when looking to purchase a new designer bag at a reasonable price?

Before you decide give up eating for a month, apply for a second job or max out your credit cards, there are ways to find designer handbags at below-retail prices (and it doesn’t involve purchasing a knock-off).

Let’s face it finding an authentic new Chanel handbag at a discount is like looking for a needle in a haystack or more like trying to find a pair of black Christian Louboutins in a size 7 at the Barney’s warehouse sale. Seems too good to be true, right? Not if you know where to look. Smart shoppers know that you can always find a deal and paying full price should never be your only option.

Shop Online.
If Chanel’s your forte than check out http://www.efashionhouse.com/, which was recently recognized by About.com as the top of three Web Sites to carry authentic Chanel handbags at off-retail prices. From the classic quilted style to elegant evening bags, eFashionHouse sells a variety of brand new handbags from Chanel (did we mention they’re guaranteed authentic) at 10-50% below retail. And if Chanel isn’t at the top of your list, the site is divided into five stores and carries hundreds of designers like Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Tods and even local LA designers, like Rachel Pally, Pietro Alessandro and Alexander Zar – all at below-retail prices.


We contacted eFashionHouse and asked how they do it -- sell these high-priced items below retail. "Our goal is to provide a resource for people to own high-end designer fashion accessories without paying full retail price," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse owner. “We are constantly looking for new ways to provide resources for people to obtain designer merchandise at prices 20-60% below retail. It’s our mission, vision and purpose!”


Other dot com online stores that are known to sell authentic designer handbags are Overstock and Ebay. Overstock sells more general department store merchandise making the designer items limited and higher priced. Ebay can be a challenge unless you are an expert Ebay shopper. Auction sites are largely unregulated and are not always what they appear to be. For instance you can purchase a designer handbag that is guaranteed authentic and find out it is in fact not authentic. Or you can bid on one thing and when it arrives the item is an imitation of what you bid on. To protect your self from buying counterfeit bags (which not only are illegal but are known to support terrorism and child labor), you should always shop from a reputable site that provides guarantees of authenticity and have a longstanding reputation for selling authentic items online.

Vintage Shops.
Another option for buying designer handbags at prices below retail is to peruse your local vintage shops however there is never a guarantee that you’ll find what you’re looking for and you will most likely be buying a used handbag. Vintage is always a hot trend but make sure the bag is in good condition and is truly authentic. There are some online sites that carry authentic designer handbags, like http://www.luxuryvintage.com/ and JillsConsignment.—both dot com online.


You could also drive to an outlet mall a hundred miles away to find your next designer purse but who has the time or the patience. And don’t even get me started on renting a designer handbag, from worrying about bacteria to the outrageous weekly fees, I’d rather save my money for six months than put my hard-earned income toward carrying a purse that’s been who knows where.

Finally if shopping for a new handbag at below-retail prices still seems too high, there is always the option of layaway. Certain sites like previously mentioned, eFashionHouse, offer layaway plans which provide customers the opportunity to pay over time according to their budget.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Classic Chanel Quilted Handbag


By Christabel BiellaOoh la la… The Chanel classic quilted handbag is true Parisian chic, it just oozes class and sophistication and no matter what the current trends are, has a classic timeless design that has lived through many a fashion era. There's something about that soft stitched leather and gold metal chain that has created a signature style icon for women all over the world.


So let's go back in time to when it first began…


In 1955, Chanel introduced the Classic Quilted bag with the shoulder strap, THE bag that shook the fashion world. It became so popular the first year she had to decline numerous requests due to the lack of time to painstakingly manufacture each one by her skilled artisans. The bag is known in industry shorthand as the 2.55, after the month and year it was introduced.
Chanel's signature quilted fabric has a "secret" quilting pattern sewn at the back to keep the material strong. This material is used for clothing and accessories alike.


Throughout the key fashion decades, the Chanel 2.55 handbag miraculously hasn't changed much. Unlike other fashion design houses who have altered their bag styles to appeal to the temporary whimsical demands of fashion trends, the Classic Chanel 2.55 has stood it's ground. In fact, in 2005, the fashion house celebrated by re-releasing the classic just as it was.


The classic Chanel bag will never die. The latest versions out this year of this classic bag are awe striking in lambskin and ostrich leather.


Can you believe that this bag is over 50 years old?

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Designer Luxury Daily - Handbags & Accessories!




HERMES VINTAGE 36 Inch Square Silk Scarf LES COUPES. Guaranteed authentic. Hand rolled and stitched edges. SKU : L4HE07A3095 Use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off this item. Click Here.

Labels: , , , , , ,

Vintage Fashion - Why It's Not Just Old Clothes


By Karen Richards
Some may think that vintage fashion is just a fancy way of saying second-hand or pre-loved. In the past dressing in cast-offs or hand-me-downs was usually done out of economic necessity and not by choice.

People who wear vintage fashion nowadays know that it is more than outdated clothes found in thrift shops. Vintage is serious fashion. Garments from the 1940s & 1950s are categorized as ‘classic’, while clothing from the 1960s & 1970s are considered ‘retro’.
So why has vintage become so popular?

• Wearing vintage is stylish. It’s in vogue!

• At the same time it is so trendy, it is mainstream.

• Adding vintage pieces gives your wardrobe pizzazz.

• With vintage you buy what you love, what appeals to you, creating your own distinctive style.

• The level of quality for cost is impossible to get in new clothing.

• It’s a source for one-of-a-kind clothes. One less thing to worry about in the world, as it’s not likely anyone else will have the exact same outfit.

• Can’t afford designer clothes. There’s always vintage – which is where most designers get their inspiration anyway.

• It has exceptional quality and tailoring. You can find pieces with gorgeous details including amazing hand-stitchery, buttons, trims and other lovely embellishments.

• Shopping for vintage is thrilling. You never know what you will find.

• Vintage can be beautiful and elegant or fun and quirky.

• Made from quality fabrics with first-rate workmanship, vintage pieces have stood the test of time.

• It’s very collectible. Vintage clothing is an investment. Keep it in good condition and it will always go up in value.

Karen Richards grew up surrounded by collections of all kinds. She inherited her love of anything with a history from her parents who have collected and dealt in antiques for over half a century. Her passion is vintage fashions and catalogues. She owns The Cats Meow- Classics in Vintage Clothing and Accessories a great place to find that one of a kind quality garment – gently used, vintage, vintage inspired and designer clothing.

Labels: , , , , ,

The History of Handbags



By Seth Miller

If we were to trace the origin of handbags, women would likely be surprised to know that they were first utilized by a group of men some 2000 years ago. Although wholesale handbags were not in the scene at this time, men in biblical times did indeed carry the equivalent of what we consider to be the handbags of today.

This practice came to women’s knowledge and from then on, its handbags became completely indispensable. Handbags, purses, or any other kinds of totes will forever be a part of women’s wardrobes. Although some men continue to don handbags occasionally, women have dominated the scene in the handbag industry. No outfit can stand alone without a matching handbag. By far, handbags have encapsulated women’s fashion ever since the first modern versions appeared in France.

Nowadays, handbags were everywhere. Thousands of handbags of all imaginable styles and designs are on the market. Apparently, each kind has found its use in the wardrobe of every woman. And yet, with the overwhelming number of handbags that has emerged year after year and grabbed up by female consumers, there are still many, many more soon to invade women’s fashionable wardrobes. Moreover, handbags designers are proliferating. From a non-designer label to outrageously priced designer handbags, from a simple and plain masterpiece to shiny and elegantly embroidered handbags, the fashion industry will never cease to crank out new handbags for the market.

Who would have ever thought that men from biblical times may have been the ones to give rise to the industry of fashionable handbags?

Handbags provides detailed information on Handbags, Wholesale Handbags, Designer Handbag, Replica Handbags and more. Handbags is affiliated with Discount Designer Handbags.

Labels: , , , , ,

Vintage Desinger Handbag-Is it Vintage or Just Plain Used


By Deanna Key
Vintage bags are new again. Just look around, they are everywhere. They were the talk of the fashion industry when many ‘A list’ celebrities were seen toting vintage handbags, gowns and accessories at this years Emmy Awards.

Buying vintage handbags is a great way to broaden your handbag collection. There are thousands to choose from and can sometimes be bought for pennies on the dollar. But when is a vintage handbag right for you, and what makes a bag vintage and not just used?

You will need to determine if the new handbag you are in the market for will be used frequently or are you more interested in the bag as a collectable. There is no harm in wanting to use a vintage handbag, how else are you and your impeccable sense of fashion going to be the topic at this years Christmas party, but it is important to buy a bag that will hold up to the challenge. So make sure you follow some simple guidelines when purchasing your new vintage handbag.

Only buy from a reputable dealer. Many of your questions can be answered and your worries set to ease when you know the dealer has done their homework and has a reputation of being honest and fair.

Obviously, anything that you use often must be made to last. Do not buy a handbag that is worn or stained more then a little. Some ’wear and tear’ can add mystique, but too much damage only looks used. Handbags can be restored and repaired, but it is highly unlikely you would want to go to all the trouble of having a handbag repaired, only to use it on a daily basis. Also, although most people would not be able to tell the bag had been repaired, repairing a bag greatly decreases it open market value.

Understand what you are paying for. Vintage handbags are given value not only for their popularity of past and current times, but also for workmanship. This can include things such as the clasping mechanism. Your biggest concern might be that the handbag close properly, but you could pay top price because the bag you are eyeing happens to have the first magnetic closure ever used on a designer bag. If you happen to find these types of things interesting then this is the bag for you. But if you are more interested in the appearance of a handbag, you might not want to pay this much for a piece of ingenuity and history.

Prices for vintage designer handbags can range from less then a hundred to several thousand. The price depends on condition, uniqueness, design, rarity, condition, adornments (beading), the material from which the bag is made and age.

When shopping online for vintage designer handbags, try using different search words: purse, handbags, vintage purses, vintage designer handbags, clutch purses, lunch box purses, cigar box purses and so on. Also look for an online boutique that offers great detail on the items they sell. A good description of the bag, estimated age and a full list of any flaws should be provided. It is essential that the retailer offer a money back guarantee.

A vintage handbag is right for you if you want genuine GUCCI or Hermes leather bag at a great price and couldn’t afford one new. Nobody has to know that it is vintage, but everyone will be wondering where you got it.

Deanna Key is the author of many articles and resources concerning desinger handbags. She has worked as an importer/exporter of designer fashions for over 5 years, and has imported over $25 million worth of designer goods.

Labels: , , , , , ,

Top Fashion blogs