2008 Graduation Gift Ideas

When it comes to genuine leather, Pietro Alessandro makes one of the finest moderately priced handbags available on the market. 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.

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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.

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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 ...

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.

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.

Myth Buster Designer Handbags in the News

It was a fleeting thought, but nonetheless, we were thinking about renting a purse the other day. Poof! The thought was gone.

We did some Google browsing and stumbled across all the news media quotes listed below. So, we decided to consult some handbag experts to bust some of the myths floating around. We also did our own research and came up with some surprising data. Bottom line, it's not cheaper to rent a designer handbag. In the long term, you are better off owning the purse of your dreams. The media has taken hold as usual, it is all hype and drama. The proof is in the numbers. Rental fees can be as high as $300 per month or more for a famous high-end designer handbag (12 x $300 = $3600).

No wonder all the advertising is being pushed like none other. People are being blind-sighted by one of the worst investments a woman can make with her hard earned cash! Too bad there aren't laws to protect financial rape. Women, wise up. If you can't afford to buy yourself a new purse a few times a year, you certainly shouldn't be worried about impressing people with designer fashion accessories.

Here are a list of quotes made by prominent publications. They are myths, and we just busted them!

MYTH #1 -
“Because hot handbags have such a short shelf life, why not rent one instead of buying? That’s the logic behind…” — The Washington Times

Not true. A classic designer handbags does NOT have a short shelf life. Let's take the Fendi Baguette as an example. It started the entire "it" bag movement about twelve years ago and it's still going strong. As a matter of fact, Fendi introduced a "rebirth" of the detailed ornate baguette this past season. It's still alive and doing well. And, for all you Fendi baguette lovers out there, those designer handbags you purchased over the years are now becoming collector's items are reselling for a ton of cash. So, don't cash in yet. Hang onto, or still hang it over your shoulder and look fabulously current carrying a Fendit baguette. The Fendi Baguette is available in a small version about 9 x 6 inches in size or the larger MaMa Baguette style. Whichever, you picked a winner.

Not only has the Fendi Baguette survived over a decade of shelf life, it has been copied by all the major handbag brands. The word "baguette" is not synonomous to any small shoulder bag that fits neatly tucked under the arm when carried over the shoulder. Coach has one, so does Prada, Gucci and all the big handbag designers.

MYTH #2 -
“Fashion handbags are now a $5 billion industry, and a growing number of women are renting bags instead of buying them. For the price of a single designer bag, women can rent a year’s worth.” — NPR

Not true. Wait. Maybe true if you are willing to settle for less than the high end designer handbag style. You can rent at a low rate, but the designer bag is a low-rate, too. You get what you pay for in rentals and in retail.

A year's worth of high-end designer rentals like Chanel would cost much more than the price you'd pay for owning a classic Chanel handbag of your own. Chanel maintains its value, too. So, look at a Chanel purchase as an investment. The classic black quilted lamb leather chain shoulder bag rents for more than $300 per month. HUH! You can purchase one for about $1500. That's 5 months of rental fees, not including insurance and other hidden fees for renting Chanel.

Classic Chanel bags last a lifetime and are passed down through generations. Rentals are like booze, here today and gone tomorrow.

MYTH #3 -
“Do you want to look like Uma Thurman, the new face for Louis Vuitton, but just can’t afford those accessories? No problem. Now the middle class is scrambling for brand-name luxuries, borrowing has become the next-best way to look rich.” — Time

Think Keith Richards. Can't resist the Time Magazine quote we stumbled upon online. The new face of Louis Vuitton is Keith Richards! LOL. Now, re-read the quote above. Replace Uma Thurman with the name Keith Richards. Think Twice about what you wish for!


MYTH #4v-
“Ten years ago in the US the trend was towards cappuccinos and lattes – the sort of small luxury indulgence that was affordable to everyone. It’s the same idea with handbags you can rent.” — The Times

What? handbags have been around since the beginning of time. Check out Wikipedia. There's some great information online about the history of the handbag. Man-bags transformed into women's purses, and they've continually evolved throughout the ages. As a matter of fact, the best thing about a fabulous handbag is it can be carried to make your raggiest pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops and cotton T-shirt look like Vogue. All you need is a fabulous bag and your entire ensemble is pulled together to make a fashion statement.

Yet, renting a designer purse is not a good comparison to the cost of a cup of coffee, even if it's $5 from Starbucks. Let's see, McDonald's just introduced the "designer" flavored ice coffee drink on tap for $1.89. Hmmmm....am I dreaming? The Times is a bit off in their price comparisons here. To rent a high-end designer handbag you'll be putting out more than $300 per month. Let's see. Big decision here. Should I rent a purse or make my car payment?


MYTH #5 -
“In the age of new luxury where some people would forgo a month’s rent for a the new Chloe Paddington bag, retail analysts say there is a burgeoning group of middle-class Americans who are indulging a yen for high-end fashion. Companies ...are catering to fashionistas who lack the disposable income to satisfy their cravings for Coach satchels and Chanel clutches, but for whom carrying a cheaper knockoff is blasphemy.” — The Boston Globe

Sorry, Boston Globe, the Coach handbag is so very moderately priced that renting one is not a very good investment of a person's money at all. To encourage people to rent Coach is not a good financial strategy. Buy Coach. Actually, renting Chanel is not a good investment either. The rental fees for Chanel begin at about $270, and that's not including membership fees, insurance fees, and other hidden fees none of the news media discloses in all the free advertising they do to promote designer rental companies.

Rent a luxury car? Rent a luxury airplane? Rent a luxury suite? These make financial sense for the occassion at hand. Renting a purse? Well, think twice about your cost and pay-off. Do your homework first before jumping into something you can't get out of later.

Nobody should ever carry a fake counterfeit handbag. However, designers like Melie Bianco and Murval make fabulous similar looking eco friendly handbags for a fraction of what you'd pay for a good counterfeit. And, if we are working toward a youthful "new earth" movement, then doesn't the inauthenticity of "renting" a purse to look good actually make a person look bad? Renting a designer handbag in order to "look good" is like living a lie. Authenticity rocks!

MYTH #6 -
“Cash-strapped fashionistas rejoice. The authentic $850 Gucci pink clutch you’ve been eyeing … can be yours for $72.90.” — National Post

You'll have to show us this to prove it. All the handbag rental stores we scoured had much higher prices than $73. Maybe $73 per day, with a minimum rental membership fee, plus other fees like shipping, insurance and etc., etc. Do you really think paying $73 to carry a Gucci bag for one day is going to transform your life? your appearance? your stature? Hello?

MYTH #7 -
“You can pretty much look like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.” — KCNC-TV CBS, Denver

I wonder what Susie Ormand would say about that! Let's ask her. Susie, if you are reading this post, please send us an email with your comments. Is renting a designer handbag a good use of a person's budget? Email KarrBernadette at hotmail.com. Thanks Susie!

Now, refer to the comments made about Myth #4 and living your life authentically. Thank you.

MYTH #8 -
“If you’re a handbag junkie, there is hope online – a service that rents out designer handbags and prevents you from breaking the bank.” — CBS Market Watch Weekend

See Myth #6.


MYTH #9 -
loan[s] out ‘it’ bags that cost more than your rent – and that are guaranteed to be out of style in three months – plus a host of classic styles from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Donney & Bourke.” — Time Out New York

See Myths #1, #6 and #7.


MYTH #10 -
“Wake up and smell the Chloe. The Chloe Paddington bag, that is…it’s now possible for you (or that hard-to-please fashionista on your holiday gift list) to carry the $500 or $2000 bag of your dreams – and to swap it out for a brand spanking new model every month – for a fraction of what it would cost to buy all the latest must-have bags outright.” — FWD

Swapping bags out can only be achieved if the bag is available! But your monthly dues is automatically charged to your credit card. Just like that gym membership. It's not any good to your budget unless your are using it and getting the results you want.

But, if you save your money and make a personal invnestment in a designer handbag, it's yours for a lifetime. When the bag is yours all it takes is a walk to your closet when you are in the mood to change handbags . And, you never have to worry about who carried the bag before you. Can you imagine using a purse someone you don't know used for possibly carrying their puppy?

MYTH #11 -
‘I love it. I would never – and could never – afford to buy one of the bags, but I can rent one for three weeks for about $50.’ — SLTtoday.com

Not true. A three week designer handbag rental is about $210 at one of the lowest membership fee schedules for a really nice bag. Anything less than that, you may as well not even consider.

MYTH #12 -
“It says that you’ve arrived. That you’re part of an exclusive club. That you are a fashion insider.. And an affluent one. Your purse packs a punch.” — The Denver Post

Do you see the humor in this quote? Who are you trying to fool? The people around you know whether you can afford the purse you are carrying. What do you think people would really be saying if they see you carrying a designer handbag they know you can't afford to own?

MYTH #13 -
"…thousands of women have signed up to lease the latest luxury brand bags on market, many of them coming back for more week after week, month after month, or every time a new event or outfit calls for the perfect handbag.” — Baltimore Sun

Pure media hype. There's no proof in the quote by the Baltimore Sun. As a matter of fact, there's so much hype in the media it makes the regular person ask, "What's all this hype about?" Think about it. Paying rent sucks. We do it for a place to live or a car to drive. When it comes to a purse, let's get real. Now, we have to worry about making enough money to pay our purse fees?

MYTH #14 -
“A key feature of the business is that women can rent several different handbags over a year for the same price or less than it would take to buy a new purse.” — Pioneer Press

Agreed, a person can rent several purses over the course of one year. But, the cost would be much higher than making an investment in the purchase of one classic high end designer handbag. See Myth #2.

MYTH #15 -
“Business is booming…and retail experts say consumers don’t attach a stigma anymore to leasing large sticker items like cars, even furniture, so it makes sense that pricey purses would fall in line.” —WXYZ-TV, Detroit

Once again comparing a handbag to a $60K Lexus is not a good comparison. Same holds true for furniture. Pricey purses carry very high rental fees.

MYTH #16 -
“Fashion conscientious women will pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for handbags , everything from Gucci to Kate Spade, but now there is a local company that offers the exact, and we mean the exact, purses for as little as $20….” — KSTP-TV, Minneapolis

Not true, period.

MYTH #17 -
“It can cost a pretty penny…to carry a stylish handbag, and if you want a new bag each season, you’re talking some big bucks, but we’ve found away around it.” — Action News – WXYZ-TV, Detroit

For the rental price you pay, you can easily purchase a gorgeous new handbag every season.

Click here.

Is your Authentic Designer Handbag Really Authentic?

from http://www.handbag-spot.com

So, you have just bought a new designer handbag. Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over . You got a huge discount off of the hefty retail price and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself. But know you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.

Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.

One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look at the bag itself. Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on the leather.

Also take a look at the hardware. All of the hardware should match in color and sheen. The hardware should also be free of scratches. Many manufactures, including Gucci, Fendi and Prada, protect their hardware with a removable plastic cover that is to be removed only after it has been purchased. The brand name or logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel and

Inspect the material the bag; lining, hardware and accents are made of. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice shine to it and most designer handbags have the name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some purses have straps that are specially coated and seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal a leather core.

Is there an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a little card that usually has the manufactures logo embossed on the front and has some information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many manufacturers, including Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade and Coach, use these cards.

Check for a serial number. Not all manufacturers use serial numbers, but many do. The serial number for Fendi purses can be found on the inside pocket. Simply turn the pocket inside out and there will be a printed number on the fabric or possibly on the leather tag. Gucci includes a small leather tag on the zipper seam of the handbag which includes a serial number.

If you shop wisely, and inspect the bag carefully, you will be able to spot a fake from a mile away. 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. Read more helpful articles and get discounts on designer handbags at http://www.handbag-spot.com/.

Pietro Alessandro Clearance Sale

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Unleash Your Distinct Style with a Stunning Designer Handbag

By Sofia Saliem

Fashion that never goes out of style. That's what you hear on the streets when you strut with a stunning designer handbag. Fashionable and functional. Two words define the modern handbags and even if they cost a bomb, women simply adore them. Don't you? Most, if not all expensive designer handbags are made by hand and the limited edition versions are highly sought after. Who doesn't want to be the only person on the walkway carrying the only handbag model in town? Look at all those eyes peering at you with nifty glances. Awesome feeling isn't it?

What if your friends talk about it, give flattering remarks and envy you carrying it? That would be an ultimate confidence booster which is why a stunning designer handbag always holds a special place. Top it up with a matching outfit and you'll be queen for the day. Also, it seems to people that you got money and are not afraid to spend it. You see on television how those gorgeous "celebs" strut around with eye-catching designer labels not many can afford. It'll raise your social status some might say.

Whatever it is, to have one as a part of your fashion arsenal in your wardrobe drives home an ultra-good feeling about yourself. How about fakes? Well, if you really and truly want to unleash a distinct style of your own, getting a fake handbag will plunge you the other way. If you can ill-afford it, then you do not have to resort to fakes unless you don't care of course. Again, fashion that never goes out of style. That's what defines a stunning designer handbag.

Before You Buy a Handbag

Any Pietro Alessandro Handbag you want at 20% off listed prices! Click Here!

From Caitlin Tew

A handbag can make or break an outfit. Wear a fun bag out with friends to show your personality. Or carry the ultimate bag to work and impress your boss. But if you choose the wrong bag, your look suffers.

How to Choose the Right Handbag
Just like a great pair of jeans, a handbag should fit your body type. The shape of a bag shouldn't match your figure: instead, choose the opposite of your body type. For example, pick a bigger bag if you're a tall and thin woman. Don't be afraid to try the handbag on at the store. Get a feel for how it fits. Pass on anything that makes you uncomfortable. Basic designs and styles will last you through the years while maintaining a sense of up-to-date style.

Fakes vs. Lookalikes
Fakes are complete knockoffs (with fake logos most of the time) and lookalikes are pieces that are merely inspired by the original (like many department store handbag lines). Fakes may seem great at the time of purchase--they're cheap and have the designer label--but counterfeiters have ties to all types of crime. How to know if your buy is fake and not the real thing? If the deal seems too good to be true (i.e. Coach bag for $20) it probably is. Learn more about fakes.

Get the Low-Down on Designer Bags
Most designers have websites for you to check out their merchandise. Go ahead and get an idea of which bag you like, and if it's in your price range, get it. But if it's a little too expensive, designers have specialty outlet stores and there are also plenty of websites that offer legitimate designer bags for a reasonable price.


'It' Bags
Now that you know the difference between fakes and lookalikes, you'll want to study up on which styles are hot in the fashion world. "It" bags -- expensive designer bags that get must-have status each season -- don't come cheap. Remember that fashion goes in cycles, so hold on to these pricey investments: they'll be back in style in a few years.

Hobo Bags
Style yourself like a chic street urchin with a crescent-shaped bag known as a hobo bag. This basic style of bag flatters almost all figures. It's found big and small, or just right in the middle (also known as perfect). They range from boho designs to classic, structured designs.

Our purses, our selves

Click here for more information about Pietro Alessandro Handbags online.

The Purse and the Person exhibit offers bags full of previously undocumented women’s history

By Ellen Snortland

My inner women's-history geek leaped for joy when I found out that the Pasadena Museum of History is highlighting the most public and personal possession that a woman has: her purse. Men need not feel excluded since many men now carry purses too. I know, I know. Just as boys' dolls are called “action figures,” to avoid the dreaded taint of “sissified” toys, some men may cringe when their “bags,” whether they are briefcases or knapsacks, are referred to as purses, but purses they are nonetheless! Hey, GI Joe is a doll, OK? A briefcase is a square purse.

I would like to encourage people, men and women alike, to get out and see the “The Purse and the Person: A Century of Women's Purses,” exhibition. You have until the end of March —which also happens to be Women's History Month — to take a stroll down history lane from the perspective of our purses, our selves. If you don't carry a purse, you at least are intimately related to a few purse carriers. A purse may well have been your first toy, since most mothers know how entertaining they are to a child — girl or boy.

Why would the PMH displaying purses be a source of delight to me? As a women's history buff as well as museumgoer, I know all too well that women get short shrift. For example, women artists are vastly underrepresented in fine art museums. As the famous “hit and run” artist activists the Guerrilla Girls, aka “the conscience of the art world,” have pointed out, “Do women have to be naked to get into the Metropolitan Museum? Less than 5 percent of the artists in the modern art sections are women, but 85 percent of the nudes are female.” By the same token, it's rare that women's lives and cultural artifacts get front and center stage, or in this case, the main display rooms in a museum.

Traditionally women's lives have been considered less valuable, and by extension less interesting, than men's. We therefore don't occupy as much space in our collective storytelling, whether that narrative is in the form of column inches, movies, television, books or museum curating. After all, a society documents that which or those whom it respects. Said another way, history is written by the victors. Museums are showcases of history and women have gone missing in many historical accounts.

As writer Jenine Baines noted in her article about “The Purse and the Person,” in the Jan. 31 edition of the Pasadena Weekly, one of her male colleagues exclaimed incredulously, “An exhibit about purses?” You most likely won't get that reaction from a woman or girl; they know the richness and vital natures of their hand “baggage.” The exteriors of our purses announce who we are (or aspire to be), and the interiors contain the most intimate aspects of our lives: secrets, keys, birth control, contact information and finances. For some men, purses are emblematic of women's frivolous natures. Oh, but just wait until they need a tissue or wonder if we can carry their keys for them! No wonder they carry their own now.

Thanks to the volunteer efforts of professional photographers Rob Greer, Gilda Davidian and Terry Miller, “The Purse and the Person” exhibit adds a local perspective (pursepective?) through custom posters and a slide show of local notables and their purses, including popular actor and activist Jane Kaczmarek; former Assembly member and state Senate candidate Carol Liu; LA Times columnist and natty dresser Patt Morrison; Doo Dah Parade Queen Naughty Mickie; and the first woman Tournament of Roses president, Libby Evans Wright.

There are too many others to list here but, in a nod to recent purse history, also included are several men who are secure enough in their masculinity to display their purses, er, briefcases: Sheldon Epps, executive director of the Pasadena Playhouse; Raul Rodriguez, award-winning float designer and HRH Andrew, Duke of the Doo Dah parade. All of them has a narrative about what their purses means to them.

Behavioral scientists say that smell is one of the most emotionally evocative ways to remember someone or something. I remember the smell of my mother's handbag in the '50s like it was yesterday. It smelled like Revlon lipstick and a slight dusting of talcum powder. Viewing the purses on display at the PMH was strangely powerful: the women's movement expressed in all our decorative, utilitarian and yes, sometimes frivolous styles. We carry our history, our bags and lives on our arms and shoulders with pride.

“The Purse and the Person” is at the Pasadena Museum of History through March 30. The museum is located at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Walnut Street. Parking is free in the museum lot. Exhibit hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Suggested donation is $5. Children under 12 are admitted free.

The man "purse" is back!

Pricey men's purses in a variety of shapes and sizes have been in the spotlight at fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York.

By COTTON TIMBERLAKE
Bloomberg News

They inspire lust, look better than a Scottish sporran, and the guy who organized Live Aid carries one. The man's bag is in again. A standout in the latest round of fashion shows that began in Milan and Paris last month, it has already made an appearance in New York as the city's Fashion Week got started Friday. From Louis Vuitton to Perry Ellis and Z Zegna, design houses have been sending their male models strutting down the runways flashing bags in a new variety of shapes and sizes. And men are paying attention.

"You've never seen grown men lust after an It bag like they did this morning," fashion reviewer Tim Blanks wrote Jan. 17 on men.style.com about Louis Vuitton's new Damier Graphite bags, unveiled in Paris. Designers are competing to capture growing demand as more men become bag lovers, following such pioneers as the late author Truman Capote and rock star Bob Geldof, driver of Live Aid. Capote carried one partly because, he reportedly said, he never knew where he might spend the night. Geldof designed one for British leather-goods maker Mulberry.

Called by different names – "manbag," man purse, city bag, day bag – they now are widely available on luxury retailers' Web sites and have appeared on store mannequins, in fashion magazine ads and in catalogs. "It's a snowball effect," said Tom Kalenderian, executive vice president of the Barneys New York luxury chain. "Now every men's collection that we go to has a strong presentation of leather goods. It seems almost imperative." Young men in large cities are prime customers, said Ross Menuez, a bag-mad fashion designer who launched his own line of bags last year. On the first day of New York's Feb. 1-8 Fashion Week, menswear designer Duckie Brown debuted its $900 nylon rucksack with leather detail.

"It's fabulous," Duckie Brown co-designer Daniel Silver had said the day before. "We have already taken orders. It's going to be THE new bag." The hot silhouette is the "north-south" narrow vertical shape, Kalenderian said. At the European shows, he liked bags with a vintage feel, with hand-burnished leather and featuring artisan touches like contrast stitching. The trend has spawned partnerships. Jil Sander's Raf Simons has teamed up with the backpack brand Eastpak of VF Corp. for a line. Yohji Yamamoto has done a deal with Italian brand Mandarina Duck. Menuez's bags include the "Marsupium" line of coated-canvas dry bags – like a sailor's carry-all – available in 12 prints inspired by roofs, manhole covers, tatami mats and other things. They start at $350.

The man-with-bag trend started in 1969, Frank W. Hoffmann and William G. Bailey wrote in their book, "Fashion and Merchandising Fads." The slim trousers and pocketless Edwardian jackets of the time generated "another method" for "toting one's everyday necessities," they said. Throughout history, men have used carrying devices from saddlebags to the sporrans worn with Scottish kilts. Leather-goods makers Gucci and Prada revived the category when they began showing men's accessories on the runways in the late 1990s, Kalenderian said. The creation of the Jack Spade unit of women's handbag maker Kate Spade in 1999 also spurred interest, Menuez said. Men can now enjoy their own versions of looks long flaunted by women, such as Burberry's beige plaid and Bottega Veneta's woven leather. Design elements include metallic and exotic leathers and embossed dragons and lobster closures. At Mulberry, Geldof's "Bob" has joined the brand's popular Roxanne and Mabel. Not everyone is comfortable with the manbag concept. The television comedy "Seinfeld" made it the target of jokes in one episode.

"Men don't want to look too fey," Menuez said. On men.style.com, designer Michael Kors was quoted as saying: "I have an issue with men carrying bags that look too slick." Valentino was said to describe "little bags" as "ridiculous." Ryosuke Matsumoto, 32, a senior art director at Bandujo Advertising & Design in New York, said he loves carrying bags but can do without the ribbing they incite, including his girlfriend's. He has bought four bags in the past five years. "I don't want to be carrying the same bags all the time," Matsumoto said.

On a recent visit to Barneys New York, Menuez helpfully pointed out some tasteful selections. He liked a Goyard "Boeing," $2,300, in a black chevron print; a Valextra squared-off duffel, $3,330, in the brand's signature off-white leather with black piping; and a $290 Dries van Noten multicolored striped bag that resembles a rice sack. Men should carry bags if only to do the ladies, and themselves, a favor, the designer said.

"It's the women who often have to carry the men's sunglasses, wallets, cell phones," he said. "It's kind of a problem if they have a fight and the woman runs away."

America and China Take A Vastly Different View of Bags

America and China Take A Vastly Different View of “Bags”

By John E. Carey - Peace and Freedom

In America this week, luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman shocked high-end shoppers with a new policy: there is now a limit to the number of designer handbags you may buy.

Designer handbags, like Prada’s latest ruched nylon styles, which cost $1,290; Bottega Veneta’s signature woven leather hobos, at $1,490; and the new rectangular Yves Saint Laurent clutch (it looks like a postcard) at $1,395 are now in limited supply to stem re-sale money-making possibilities.

On the streets of Beijing, one may purchase Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent copies for less than the equivalent of $5.00 (USD) each. And you may buy as many as you want!In other news from Beijing just this week: flimsy plastic shopping bags for groceries and the like are now outlawed. The bags are blamed for “white pollution” as they turn up in waterways, wells, piping systems and just about everywhere else.

So, if you are a “Bag Lady,” you now have options! China or the USA. But both have some restrictions!

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Shoppers: It's BYO as China bans plastic bags
By Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press Writer

BEIJING (APOnline) -- Declaring war on the "white pollution" choking its cities, farms and waterways, China is banning free flimsy plastic shopping bags and calling for a return to cloth bags steps largely welcomed by merchants and shoppers on Wednesday.

The measure, effective June 1, eliminates the flimsiest bags and forces stores to charge for more durable bags, making China the latest nation to target plastic bags in a bid to cut waste and conserve resources.

Beijing residents appeared to take the ban in stride, reflecting rising environmental consciousness and concern over rocketing oil prices.

"If we can reduce waste and save resources, then it's good both for us and the whole world," said college student Xu Lixian, who was buying tangerines out of cardboard boxes at a sidewalk stall.

The ban takes effect barely two months before Beijing hosts the Summer Olympic Games. As part of the pre-Olympic cleanup, the city has been demolishing run-down neighborhoods and working to clear smog.

The games have added impetus to a number of policies and projects, likely boosting odds for the bag ban's implementation.

Under the new rules, businesses will be prohibited from manufacturing, selling or using bags less than 0.025 millimeters (0.00098 inches) thick, according to the order issued by the State Council, China's Cabinet. The council's orders constitute the highest level of administrative regulation, and follow-through is carefully monitored.

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Retailers Limit Purchases of Designer Handbags
By ERIC WILSON

FOR products that are truly in demand, like Wii game consoles, tickets to the Super Bowl or cans of corn Niblets on double-coupon day, it may seem reasonable to limit the number a customer can buy at one time.

But readers of the fine print on the Web sites of luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman may be surprised to discover that such a policy also now applies to designer handbags, like Prada’s latest ruched nylon styles, which cost $1,290; Bottega Veneta’s signature woven leather hobos, at $1,490; and the new rectangular Yves Saint Laurent clutch that looks like a postcard addressed to the designer (with a $1,395 stamp).

“Due to popular demand,” potential shoppers are warned, “a customer may order no more than three units of these items every 30 days.”

Popular, the bags may be. But how many of the customers who can afford them really want more than one, or for that matter, three?

On its face, the policy sounds odd; that is because it really doesn’t have anything to do with popular demand. Rather, it is the fear that foreign buyers, taking advantage of the severely weakened United States dollar, will hoard the bags, then resell them in Europe or Asia, where the same items in Prada and Gucci stores typically cost 20 to 40 percent more. The popular Yves Saint Laurent Downtown bag, which is restricted to three per customer at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, costs $1,495. At Harvey Nichols in London, the same bag is £910 (or about $1,796).

Foreign tourists who are treating American department stores as if they were a nationwide outlet sale have largely been viewed as beneficial to retailers, and by some estimates those shoppers were the only bright spot in what was otherwise a feeble holiday sales season. But that spending power has not been so welcome to luxury companies like Gucci and Prada, which have spent the last decade trying to reach those customers in their home countries by opening expensive new shops throughout Europe and Asia.

Now those companies stand to suffer a sting from increasingly educated comparison shoppers, if not a more serious blow from a gray market of designer goods resold from American stores.

Ron Frasch, the chief merchant of Saks Fifth Avenue, which has 54 stores across the country, said the number of foreign shoppers trying to buy multiple items in stores was “pretty minor,” but he added, “it is certainly an issue that we watch.” Besides restricting online sales, Saks may deny a customer’s purchases of duplicate merchandise in stores on a case-by-case basis.

“What we try to do is use a lot of logic and common sense if we sense that someone is taking advantage,” Mr. Frasch said. “We monitor at the store level and at the corporate level for any patterns. We are very sensitive, first and foremost, to serving the customer, but secondly to any potential for reselling by customers.”

Ginger Reeder, a spokeswoman for Neiman Marcus, said its online policy applies to certain bags and shoes sold from designers who asked the company to limit sales.

“We work with our vendors,” Ms. Reeder said. “It’s primarily a protection for them, to protect their distribution from bags getting out there on the gray market.”

For now, the policies of Saks, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman apply only to online sales of handbags and shoes from Prada and the Gucci Group labels (Gucci owns Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta), but not other luxury brands like Dior or Givenchy, which are owned by the competing fashion conglomerate LVMH. Meanwhile, LVMH sells its Louis Vuitton handbags online only on its own site, www.eLuxury.com, where the policy is even more strict: two of each style per customer, per calendar year.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

OUR PROMISE TO YOU....."When you see a Pietro Alessandro handbag you want, send an email to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com include the style number and color. If the handbag is available, we will special order it for you. Plus, we will beat anyone's price for Pietro Alessandro handbags. Send an email with the other website's link, and we'll do our best to get the purse for you at a lower price."

PIETRO ALESSANDRO banana pebble grain with croc embossed leather 2063.

PIETRO ALESSANDRO banana pebble grain with croc embossed leather 2063.

The beautiful Italian leather banana yellow pebble grain with croc embossed leather designer handbag shown above is the Pietro Alessandro style number 2063. New this season. All leather construction. High end designer details throughout the construction. Secure zip top closure. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Measures about 17 x 14 x 5 with a 20 inch strap.

The style of this purse is very slouchy and comfortable. The Italian leather is scratch resistant and is complimented by a moc croc trim. The full zip top secure closure includes a long tassle zipper pull.

Pietro Alessandro Handbags an Extra 25% Off Now through January 11, 2008!

eFashionHouse.com 2008 New Year Event: Designer Handbag Liquidation Prices

Dedicated to offering authentic designer handbags and accessories at below retail prices, eFashionHouse.com announced today a New Year's Celebration with final markdowns throughout the website for handbag lovers around the globe.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) January 1, 2008. eFashionHouse.com 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 announced today a year-end clearance with lowered prices throughout the site and an extra 25% off savings on its designer handbags and accessories.

There's nothing fake about this New Year Celebration, and there's nothing fake about the designer fashion accessories sold by eFashionHouse. eFashionHouse made a conscious decision to lower all their prices site wide to celebrate the new year, and to give fashionistas world wide a head's up about the increased prices to expect in 2008 for the same branded products.

In 2005, the average price of a high-end designer purse was about $2000. In 2007, the average price hit about $3000. In 2008, expect prices throughout all major Department Stores and ecommerce sites to increase again. "Some Designers have already increased their new collections as high as 20% per item," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "We don't expect this trend to change or fade in the near future."

Unlike other ecommerce sites, eFashionHouse has systems in place for global shipping. Online since the mid-90's, eFashionHouse has offered its shoppers deep discounts on names like Gucci, Fendi, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Etro, Marc Jacobs, Tods, Burberry, Tano, Furla, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Pietro Alessandro, and many more high-end designer brands. eFashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion stores with an variety of items at all price points. The site was recently recognized by About.com for being the top of three online retailers with below-retail Chanel merchandise -- both, new and vintage. The eFashionHouse.com New Year Celebration requires a coupon discount code to be used at checkout, the code is 25EFH08. The code is valid January 2, 2008 and expires January 11, at which time all items will return to their everyday prices of 25% - 60% off retail.

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.

eFashionHouse.com 2008 New Year Event: Designer Handbag Store Liquidation

eFashionHouse.com 2008 New Year Event: Designer Handbag Store Liquidation

Year-End Clearance - FINAL MARKDOWNS - Everyting Must Go!

Be the first to know.

January 2 - January 11, 2008

Use coupon code 25EFH08 for an extra 25% off Site Wide!

Our everday prices are 30% - 60% off retail. Beginning January 2 through January 11 take an extra 25% off the lowest marked price.

Click here to shop Final Markdowns

http://www.efashionhouse.com/productlist_saleefh.html/clearance/4

This offer is for a limited time only. All items will return to their original prices after January 11, 2008. This offer can't be combined with any other coupon or discount code, on layaway plans or prior purchases. Some restrictions apply. Write to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com with questions. Thank you for shopping with us. Happy New Year!

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eFashionHouse named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for Off-Retail Priced Designer Handbags. About.com named eFashionHouse Top Chanel Online Retailer. Online since 1996 offers FREE SHIPPING $200 orders and NO SALES TAX worldwide. Questions? Write CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com - 24-hour message center 310.828.1281.

Shop FIVE Online Fashion Stores - http://www.eFashionHouse.com
BrandsBoutique - LuxuryVintage - ValueBags - ItalysOutlet - DesignersLA

Visit the eFashionHouse Blog Network.

Pietro Alessandro Press - Lindsay Lohan September 2007

Pietro Alessandro handbags are spotted in Los Angeles. Here's Lindsay Lohan on September 28 2007 carrying the very popular Pietro Alessandro Style 3051 Six-Pocket Whipstitched Bowler designer handbag.

Lindsay Lohan's Pietro Alessandro - Gray Six-Pocket Bowler 3051

Pietro Alessandro handbags are spotted in Los Angeles. Here's Lindsay Lohan on Octoer 3 2007 carrying the very popular Pietro Alessandro Style 3051 Six-Pocket Whipstitched Bowler designer handbag in gray with black croc embossed Italian leather trim. This is one of the Pietro Alessandro icon handbags. It is large, roomy, has an edgey style, and it's loved by everyone! For the best prices online for Pietro Alessandro, visit DesignersLA at eFashionHouse.com.

Pietro Alessandro in People StyleWatch Magazine

Pietro Alessandro was sponsored by eFashionHouse and featured on People.com.The photo above shows the very popular Pietro Alessandro Style 3051 Six-Pocket Whipstitched Bowler designer handbag. It is a large shoulder bag with lots of room and designer details. SPECIAL NEW YEAR EVENT. eFashionHouse.com is running a 25% Off discount on all Pietro Allessandro Handbags. Use coupon discount code 25EFH08 from January 2 - 11, 2008. If you have any questions, please write to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com.

PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer purses 3051 six pocket whipstitch bowler bag shoulder bag designer handbags bordeaux red. Super hot new design updated from earlier styles with a contrast whipstitch twist. Six pocket bowler shoulder bag. Lots of interior room. Fully lined. Has the it bag look. Very hot selling item. Flies off the shelves in every store in town. Superbly hand crafted of Italian pebble grain leather and moc croc embossed geuine Italian leathers. Perfect contrasting design. Antique brass hardware. Bag measures about 16 x 13 x 6 inches with double shoulder straps long enough to carry over the shoulder by most. Very limited supply. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. .

SPECIAL NEW YEAR EVENT. eFashionHouse.com is running a 25% Off discount on all Pietro Allessandro Handbags. Use coupon discount code 25EFH08 from January 2 - 11, 2008. If you have any questions, please write to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com.

Thank you for shopping with DesignersLA.

Pietro Alessandro Handbags for DesigersLA.com

Pietro Alessandro partnered with DesignersLA.com and eFashionHouse.com for a photo shoot and presentaion in People StyleWatch Magazine. The bag photographed was featured in People Magazine's Sales Scoop and is a signature style in the Pietro Alessandro handbag collection.

About the Photo. PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer purses 3051 six pocket whipstitch bowler bag shoulder bag designer handbags bordeaux red. Super hot new design updated from earlier styles with a contrast whipstitch twist. Six pocket bowler shoulder bag. Lots of interior room. Fully lined. Has the it bag look. Very hot selling item. Flies off the shelves in every store in town. Superbly hand crafted of Italian pebble grain leather and moc croc embossed geuine Italian leathers. Perfect contrasting design. Antique brass hardware. Bag measures about 16 x 13 x 6 inches with double shoulder straps long enough to carry over the shoulder by most.

About Pietro Alessandro Collection. Born out of a love for fine Italian leather and impeccable craftsmanship, Pietro Alessandro handbags offer a hip, one-of-a-kind feel. Designing handbags for over 20 years, owner Pierre Dabagh created the company with the fashion-conscious woman in mind. He adds excitement and energy to each bag by combining sophisticated textures with fine embellishments. From the shape, texture, and styling, Pierre has created a niche in the edgy, fashionable world of handbags.

Great gift ideas for you and all your friends. Spread the word.

Italian leather handbags made in New York City. Gorgeous is an understatement for the hip new chic of this designer. Leather craftsman for many years, the Pietro Alessandro updated collection is flying off the shelves in all major boutiques world wide.

If you think the photos are great, wait until you touch and see the bags in person. They are out of this world, drop-dead gorgeous. Our entire staff fell in love with the entire collection, and we promise you will, too.

Click here to see more about Pietro Alessandro Handbags Online at DesignersLA.

PIETRO ALESSANDRO black patent leather & leopard print handbag

We fell in love with the Pietro Alessandro collection the first time we saw it. Now, we offer our readers an opporunity to own one of the Pietro Alessandro handbags at a deep discount. For a limited time, and as a welcome to the Pietro Alessandro Handbag Blog, take an extra 20% off the entire Pietro Alessandro Collection at DesignersLA.com.

The PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer purse photographed about is black patent leather with tan leopard printed calf hair. The designer handbag is style number 7003. It's new this season. All leather construction. High end designer details throughout the construction. Secure top closure. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. Measures about 16 x 16 x 3 with a 40 inch strap.

Click here for more details

Welcome to Pietro Alessandro Handbags Blog

Pietro Alessandro is a name you'll be hearing when women start chatting about designer handbags. It's a new look, a new style and a very hip, colorful line of leather purses made in the USA.

The Park Avenue International Handbags Company is the home of the Pietro Alessandro Handbag collection. In 1982, Pierre Dabagh started Park Avenue International Handbags. In 2004, Pierre's son, Alex Dabagh, introduced the Pietro Alessandro Collection, and it gained popularity and recognition immediately.

The Pietro Alessandro collection brings to the USA consumer a touch of old world craftsmanship and contemporary style. Alex Dabagh is young, full of energy and very creative ideas. You can see Alex's creative influence when looking at the Pietro Alessandro handbag styles. The bags have edge, color, practicality and lots of room for today's active woman. The handbags are fully lined, have lots of extra pockets, and there are straps for over the shoulder or across the body carrying. The leathers and trims used on a Pietro Alessandro handbag compliment each other. The colors of the leathers range from classic neutrals to striking blues and vibrant yellows.

Handbag Fashionistas seeking the look and quality of high-end designer fashion without paying the high price are immediately drawn to Pietro Alessandro handbags, purses and small leather goods. The high-quality Italian pebble grain leather is standard for the Pietro Alessandro handbag line. The pebble grain is scratch resistant, durable and available is almost every color imaginable.

Fine leathers imported from Italy and Spain are used to craft unique and sophisticated handbags of all shapes, styles, colors and designs. Some are uniquely trimmed with genuine calf hair fur embossed with animal prints. The purse and handbags are expertly crafted and manufactured in the USA.

When creating the designer styled handbags, the designers use embossed leather with croc, python, nubuck, iquana and a variety of grained texutres. The hardware is unsurpassed. Many of the designs include special findings, semi-precious stones and crystals imported from Italy.

If you are looking for a hip, fashion handbag with practical, edgy, contemporary, style select from the Pietro Alessandro collection for your next designer bag. Click here to see Pietro Alessandro Online.