Browse recent replica-inspired-handbags bags below:

Oh yes I did.

While surfing around the pages of online department store YOOX I stumbled upon this bag, pictured to the right, which I originally mistaken for Foley + Corinna’s classic Jet Setter, but upon clicking the image and further examination, it appears to not be what it seems. That’s always how it is when it comes to an amazing deal. I’ve never seen the Jet Setter on sale, reduced to up to 50% off. Unless it was at a sample sale or something.

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Imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Marc Jacobs doesn’t think so and is suing Christian Audigier’s Nervous Tattoo, Inc. for trade dress and trademark infringement over a purse designs.

Marc Jacobs has a pending application for it’s random “Marc Jacobs” scrambled trademark. The scramble trademark is what makes up the inside lining of the “Pretty Nylon” Tote. And the “size, shape, color or color combination, product design, texture, and selection and arrangement of materials and accessories” make up it’s trade dress, which is the image and identity of the “Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tote” for which Marc Jacobs fans around the world associate with it.

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Who doesn’t love options? I was approached by a sales associate at my local Saks outlet and was asked if I had seen their latest arrival, the two-in-one handbag (she must have barely spotted them). I was familiar with the style since a couple of tBFers proudly own the famous City Tote by Foley + Corinna, but I hadn’t experienced what a great style it was in person.

Our friends at ShopBop and their wonderful sales have both the City Tote by Foley + Corinna and the Post Q Tote by Un Apres-Midi de Chien marked down in the sales section (only selected colors on the City Tote). This is just one of the many examples of designer inspirations and competition.

Foley + Corinna with its original design features a zipper up front when expanded and nice pebbled leather, while Apres-Midi’s version consists of bubbly nylon and faux patent leather trim. From pure description it’s quick to note that one style definitely differs in price wise than the other. Both feature double rolled handles, multiple pockets and the handy detachable shoulder straps. Since I’m not the greatest fan of nylon handbags, my vote goes to the original City Tote. Which is your pick?

Regardless, don’t deny the great sales going on right now over at: Shopbop

The Chat: compare!

Target was just slapped with a new lawsuit by Coach Inc., accusing them of selling unauthorized reproductions of their handbags. This is the second time within three years that Coach has taken Target to court over the same intellectual property issue.

The bags mentioned in the lawsuit are Coach’s famous Ergo and Signature Patchwork purse collection.

news via: justicenewsflash

In the world of retail and fashion, I imagine there’s nothing more annoying than having your hard-set ideas and work get snubbed by a poor excuse of a replica. This not only affects the person behind the work, but the consumer who willingly spends on the factual item, expecting to carry a one of a kind piece. I was picking up some beauty items at my local mall yesterday and I spotted this handbag resting on the arm of a mannequin at a nearby store. I was in awe and quick to note the strong comparisons to a couture designer I am much familiar with.

Bebe calls this handbag the Perforated Trimmed Satchel; Bagista’s know this style as Balenciaga’s Covered Giant City.

The most obvious comparisons by far is the identical satchel shape with the top handle design, the leather covered studs, and the detachable flat shoulder strap. Also note the overall presentation of details such as the zipper pocket up front, reinforced stitching, and if you pay close attention, this satchel is perforated throughout its edges as well. We expected a poor inspiration from Forever 21, not you Bebe!

Besides the fact that you can’t ever compare the leathers of Balenciaga and Bebe, another major difference is definitely the price tag. You can splurge on Balenciaga for $1,795 or get Bebe’s reproduction of the Covered Giant City for $98 at bebe

For some great deals, shop Balenciaga at Authentic Balenciaga on eBay

The Chat: BEBE vs Balenciaga!

Some handbags just compliment each other nicely. Although these two designer pieces aren’t exactly replicas of each other, if you pay close attention to the number of similarities they have in common, it’s enough to have these two pieces battle it out against each other.

First up is the famous Nikki hobo with a twist of bohemian chic in it. It’s the Supernova Stud Nikki by Rebecca Minkoff. Pebbled leather, studded banding throughout the sides, and a comfy flat shoulder strap all found on this famous hobo bag. It’s a favorite among many Minkette’s and one of the latest pieces to the Rebecca Minkoff collection.

Now for its match, to the left is the Efram Hobo bag by Tory Burch. Distressed leather, studs running at the sides, a single flat shoulder strap and of course, the familiar hobo silhouette. They’re both newbie’s within their line, except that the Studded Nikki made its debut a couple of months earlier than the Efram hobo. The Nikki measures in at 14” x 19” x 4” while Tory’s hobos dimensions are 14” x 18” x 4”. Price wise, the Efram hobo costs $550, while the Studded Nikki retails for $650.

Ladies, whats your input on these hobos and most importantly, which one is your favorite? You can find these hobo bags online through: shopbop

The Chat: Rebecca Minkoff vs Tory Burch!

Coach is in the news once again involving a patent infringement, for another brand stealing one of their designs.

Last week Coach Inc. filed the suit against Brown Shoe Co. Inc., accusing the footwear firm of mirroring one of Coach’s handbag designs, the Ergo.

WWD is reports: “In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on May 29, Coach accuses the retailer of selling what is “virtually an exact copy” of its Ergo Pleat handbag in the Naturalizer chain of stores. Coach began selling the Ergo Pleat bag in 2007 and patented it in December 2008. Brown Shoe did not return a call seeking comment. Coach is seeking an injunction, profits it would have made and any profits Brown Shoe made off the patent as well as other unspecified damages.”

When I went to the Naturalizer home site I didn’t see the bag they were referring to in the lawsuit, however I did spot a couple styles that looked incredibly familiar to other designers. (to name a few – ysl, f+c, and more)

The Foley + Corinna City tote is such a fabulous bag. With it’s two-in-one, clutch-to-tote design, it’s a no-brainer that this bag is such a hit.

What’s sad is lately Foley + Corinna handbags, especially the City, has been replicated by many counterfeiters, and it’s now common to see this bag along with other rip-off Vuittons and Prada’s on Canal Street. Even Forever21 is copying the design, which is nothing new when it is a popular style. No designer is safe.

Now for the surprise.. the bag above is actually not by Foley + Corinna. It is forever21’s plastic “Versatile Hobo Handbag”

< * gasps * >

It’s described as a perfect sized handbag to hold all your essentials. Details include an optional shoulder strap, two exterior zippered compartments with tassel zippers, two interior zippered compartments, and antique metal hardware. Hold it by the handles for a hobo handbag look or fold it and wear it on your shoulders. Sounds pretty identical to the Foley + Corinna City, don’t you agree?

The difference is not only the material (foley + corinna being made of leather while forever21 uses plastic), but the quality.

I understand the reason why someone would pick the F21 bag over the F+C, to save money right? But think of it in the long run. Do you want a bag that would last more than a season without fraying and falling apart in your hands? Or wouldn’t you like to have a bag that gets attention, in a positive way? You don’t want to be known as that girl that carries fakes!

Maybe these deals will set you in the right direction, and away from that fake F21:
ShopBop – 25% off everything with code “inthefamily25″
Pink Mascara – 10% of everything with code “enjoy10″

Foley + Corinna bags are also available at these locations:
Luna Boston
Stefani Bags
Revolve Clothing
Fashion Chateau

The Chat: Foley + Corinna, a victim