With the economy in the current shape that it is in, one can’t help but want to save money. And with so many stores having sales or websites hosting sample sales, how can a shopaholic possibly resist? But there is another way to save money that perhaps some people haven’t thought to consider… and that is buying pre-loved handbags and accessories. Why pre-loved? Well, for one, you can often find good deals on items that never go on sale (e.g. Louis Vuitton). You can also find discontinued styles and hard-to-find collector’s pieces. And the best part is, something only has to be used once or twice to be called “used”. This means that you have a pretty good chance of finding something that is practically new without the “new” price tag. Love it!

So where does one find a good selection of pre-loved handbags and accessories? Ebay was once a hot spot for used luxury items. Unfortunately, however, with all the fakes out there people have become wary of the things offered for sale in this virtual marketplace. This is such a shame because there are still trustworthy sellers out there that have wonderful deals to offer, the trick is learning how to spot them. And to set you off in the right direction, I would like to share will all you Bag Bliss readers out there some of my favorite ebay sellers.

1. Ebay Seller: bagteria
This seller usually has a good selection of authentic Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Chloe handbags. She also has a variety of Hermes scarves and accessories. I have purchased items from this seller before and, I must say, her customer service skills are excellent!

Currently Up For Grabs:

Balenciaga 2007 Sandstone Twiggy
Buy It Now Price – $675

2. Ebay Seller: authentic_lvlady
This seller mainly deals in pre-loved Louis Vuitton handbags. She often has limited edition pieces, along with a wide variety of monogram canvas. Her prices seem pretty decent and I especially love the deals she has on Epi Leather items!

Currently Up For Grabs:

Louis Vuitton Cerises Round Coin Purse
Buy It Now Price – $339.90 or Best Offer

3. Ebay Seller: let-trade
This seller also mainly deals in pre-loved Louis Vuitton handbags and accessories. They offer a pretty good selection through their ebay listings, but an even larger selection can be found on their website. For every item that is up for sale, they provide clear and close up pictures of the item from every angle imaginable. I love that because you can see for yourself exactly what condition the item is in. From my experience, their customer service is pretty good and their shipping is extremely prompt.

Currently Up For Grabs:

Louis Vuitton Multicolore Pochette
Buy It Now Price – $499 or Best Offer

Intrigued? Check out these sellers’ current listings at eBay – New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices.

The Chat: Recommended Ebay Sellers

The Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy 30 is just one of those bags that can best be categorized under timeless classic. It’s the perfect carry-all-you-need city bag.

What I love most about this bag, besides the shape and over all style is the material. I’m not really a fan of signatures scribbled all over my bag, I prefer the label to be inside or neatly stamped in a clean and simple way, like on the hardware or on the corner. Which is why I love the Epi Line so much. (added to Louis Vuitton 1985)

The famous Speedy style is the little sister of Louis Vuitton’s world famous travel Keepall. The classic satchel shape is crafted out of full-grain Epi leather, features a city-proof roomy textile lined interior, accessorized with polished silver metal hardware and topped off with the little “LV” stamp and signature padlock. The measurements are about 12″ in length x 8″ height.

You can find the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 from the Epi line over at eBay

Side Note: Don’t forget about the new change of address…

Eluxury’s next big move towards closing down – removal of Louis Vuitton products.

The last day to shop for Louis Vuitton handbags at eLuxury is set for today, May 15th.

eLuxury launched in June 2000 by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and was the only location online (besides LouisVuitton.com) where authentic LV items were sold, but after getting hit with declining popularity and sales, they announced the closure of the retail portion of the site.

After that date, Louis Vuitton items will only be sold at LouisVuitton

If looking for a steal, and you don’t mind buying a second hand bag, you should totally checkout the Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy’s on eBay. Right now there’s a dozen or so of this style in a variety of colors, like yummy Mandarin orange, Castillan red, Ivory white, Green, Yellow and more.

And you are not going to believe some of the deals – for example at this moment there are a couple authentic Epi Speedy’s with current bids in the $200-range with a buy-it-now’s in the area of $405 to $899.

Also, I probably don’t have to tell you, but be super careful for fakes. Before bidding, be sure that the user has a high rating, been around for a while, and it’s always a plus if they’re a My Poupette or eBay PowerSeller.

The Chat: Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy 3o

Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton payed homage to his departed friend Stephen Sprouse, who passed in 2004, with the release of the limited edition (yeah it totally glows in the dark!) Graffiti line which made it’s big splash at Vuitton boutiques worldwide at the beginning of this year. The line features the classic Louis Vuitton design that has been revised in the fluorescent Monogram Graffiti canvas inspired by late American artist Stephen Sprouse.

The Bags Basics: The Louis Vuitton signature monogram canvas material is designed in the new fluorescent neon colored graffiti. This bag also features natural cowhide leather, which darkens over time into that lovely aged golden color, and is accessorized with the traditional shiny golden brass hardware, and the zip top closure with padlock. The spacious interior is dressed in fine textile lining with an interior patch pocket, ideal for your cellphone. Measurements of the 30 Speedy are 11.8″ Length x 8.3″ Height. The size is really amazing, it’s perfect size for your daily mission. To give you an idea of what you can stuff in a 30, check out what fellow blogger Marissa can fit in her Louis Vuitton Multicolore Speedy 30.

A celebrity favorite: “Queen of Pop” Madonna recently picked up the Sunset Orange. Paris the Heiress has been spotted everywhere around town with her Fuchsia. English supermodel, Agyness Deyn just added the neon green to her collection.

Now for the price. You can find the Louis Vuitton Speedy Graffiti, along with all the other Louis Vuitton products over on eBay. The Graffiti Speedy retails for $1,180. Plus don’t forget to pick up a black light!

If on the otherhand you’re looking for the real “original” Stephen Sprouse vintage Limited Edition piece, which the newer neon graffiti’s are inspired after, check out ebay. Of course remember to get it authenticated first. Right now there are two pieces available in “excellent condition” from highly rated “Power Sellers” and “My Poupette” recommended LV resellers

August 16, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM Bag
One of my favorite bags at the moment is the Louis Vuitton Tivoli. Something about this bag just makes me love it to pieces and want it like there is no tomorrow. Maybe it’s the unique shape, or maybe because it’s like a more modern twist of a Speedy 25, or maybe I love it because it’s just absolutely fabulous. I never knew this bag existed until I saw a family friend with it, and I found myself staring at it constantly. I’m always drawn to satchel like bags but this is a satchel like no other. It has a bowling bag shape, a really cute zipper, and the best part about this lovely bag.. it base studs on the bottom of the bag to be sure your bag never gets dirty on the bottom. Every bag should should have base studs on the bottom in my opinion so us women never have to worry about our bag getting filthy! Tivoli PM too small for you, no need to worry they make this fabulous bag in a bigger size, the Tivoli GM.

The most amazing part about this bag is it’s price tag. It’s a gorgeous Louis Vuitton bag at a reasonable price. This lovely bag comes with the not so harsh price tag of $970. Beautiful bag… Great price.. who would want to pass this bag up? Fair warning though this stunning handbag is sold out everywhere. You must get on a waiting list or have pure luck to run into one.. one day at a boutique. Great news, it’s not a limited edition so if you can’t get this bag now due to popular demand, you definitely will one day!

Shop Louis Vuitton Tivoli Bags on eBay!! So many steals.

July 22, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer

Fendi Vintage Leather Olsen Twins Tote
This bag is destined to become a hit. Meet the new Vintage Leather Twin Tote, named suitably after the Olsen twins who made the real vintage exotic crocodile version a popular sought-after piece. Remember Ashley was photographed with this bag almost every other day a couple years back? I don’t remember seeing a photograph of the vintage Croc beauty on MK’s arm, of course they’re sisters and share bags, so it is probable that this bag made it over to MK’s closet for a brief time. (If you browse through the archive photos of celebrities with their bags over in TBF you will spot each MK and Ash sporting each other’s arm candy.) Although, it’s such a gorgeous day tote, that I wouldn’t be surprised if Ash kept that beauty all for herself. I would!

Now, I as well as you (and even MK) have a chance to get your hands on the Olsen-Style tote! Fendi just re-released the vintage style tote for fall, available in regular leather over at Saks.

If you’re still craving the exotic version contact fendi, I’m sure if you are dying to have it in crocodile, they will special order it for you. Although that’s not going to come cheap, it might cost you a hefty amount. I personally would rather try my luck at scoring the real vintage exotic crocodile version on eBay. It will be worth every penny. This is a style that never goes out of fashion, so it is definitely an investment piece. I couldn’t locate one in the auction houses website, although they do pop up occasionally (like 1 every 6 months), and usually are in the range of $4k to $9k.

For those of you who don’t care for the exotic version, stop off at Saks. The fresh new Twin tote in leather retails for $1,630. Very reasonable when compared to the exotic version. Plus the style is classic, one that will last years with out being “so last season”. Right Fendi only has the black style out and in stock over at fabulous online fashion boutique eluxury. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for other colors… or even a croc-embossed version (how budget friendly would that be for those of us who want the crocodile-print look, without the exotic price tag?)

The newer Fendi Twin tote shares all the similar features as it’s relative, the true-vintage. Same characteristics, size, hardware, capacity, etc. Dressed in smooth grained leather, accessorized with polished metal hardware, and features double rolled leather handles with double signature “f” link attachments (4.5″ drop, perfect for arm or shoulder wear). The mouth of the bag is an open top with a magnetic closure, which when open reveals the fine textile lining, a super spacious interior and a couple easy-access interior zipped pockets. The bottom of the bag is a flat leather base with protective metal feet. 15.5″ x 12″ x 6″ (at widest point)

Do you guys like this new re-introduced style?

For a steal: Shop Fendi on eBay!

Find the leather version here on Saks Fifth Avenue

June 19, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer

Valentino Fango Nappa Blossom Petale Handbag.
Over the last half year or so with the introduction of the Valentino Blossom Satchel Bag and the Historie Purse I have discovered a new obsession with Valentino handbags. Those bags, as well as the other new additions to the house are so stunning, and have been on the top of my want list!

Pictured above is one my favorite newbies to Valentino flower rose line, the Fango Nappa Blossom Petale. Available only in the color clay (at this time). This beauty features layers and layers of buttery leather, that spiral around to form a lush rosette pattern. I am such a sucker for rose designs. Additional noteworthy features: This bag is accessorized with golden hardware, feet to keep your bags bottom from picking up germs, a secure top zip closure, a cotton lined interior spacious tummy with a capacity of 13.5″ width x 12.5″ height x 5″depth, plus double strap options for either carrying by hand or over the shoulder action (double top handles have a 4″ drop / detachable crossbody strap, 11.5″ drop). Right now the Fango is available at saks fifth avenue for $ 2495 preorder.

I know what you vintage YSL fans are thinking. Of course this spiral rose design should look familiar.. do you guys remember the Yves Saint Laurent Nadja Rose purse? Oh yummy, that was like one of the first designer bags when I was a teen-ie that triggered my bag obsession.

Yves Saint Laurent Nadja Purse.
Above is a vintage campaign pic of the lovely Nadja purse, designed back in the early 2000’s (I’m pretty sure this bag debut spring 2003) by the fabulous one and only Tom Ford. This bag as been long sold out, however if you’re lucky you can spot one on ebay.

Side Note: In 1999, Gucci acquired the house of Yves Saint-Laurent and Parson’s educated Tom Ford was named the creative director of that label. During his time as Creative Director for YSL, he won numerous Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. That shouldn’t be a surprise, his ready to wear designs were amazing. His departure date from the house of YSL was in April 2004.

And the bags look pretty similar don’t you think?

One common problem with the YSL Nadja was that the rose design flattens over time. I sure hope the Valentino Fango beauy doesn’t have the same problem.

So what would you guys rather have? A vintage YSL Nadja rose bag or the newer Valentino Fango Patale purse version?

Shop Valentino:
Saks Fifth Avenue
Net-a-Porter

May 29, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer

Emmy Award-winning actress, television personality and talk show host Kelly Ripa has teamed up with Electrolux, a new line of premium appliances from Europe’s leading premium appliance brand, to help fight ovarian cancer.

As part of its commintement to raise more than $500,000 for The Ovarian Cancer Fund (OCRF) over the next two years, Elecrtolux is auctioning off several of the actual handbags used in “Kelly’s Bags,�? a fun, first-of-its-kind online game that captured the imaginations of tens of thousands of women this Spring while helping to raise funds for OCRF.

The mission of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

Help fight against ovarian cancer! Visit the ebay page.

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