Browse recent replica-inspired-handbags bags below:

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

Ed Hardy has his own handbag collection now, and I honestly don’t know what to think of it. I love Ed Hardy clothes, shoes, and bathing suits but his handbags come off as a little weird to me.

One of the Ed Hardy handbags that I’ve looked at quite often at the store is the Koi San Jill Satchel. I haven’t been eying it because I’m interested in buying one, more like it’s so vibrant that it instantly grabs your attention in the handbag departments.

Don’t get me wrong I do think all of Ed Hardy’s creations are beautiful, but sometimes the handbags are so colorful and gaudy that they come off tacky.

The Koi San Jill Satchel is made entirely of fabric and has a tattoo design detail on the front of it. Other details of the bag include dual shoulder straps and a top zip closure. There honestly is nothing much to this bag. It’s basically fabric that resembles a quilt, has a little tattoo design and that’s it.

The Ed Hardy Koi San Jill Satchel can be purchased in Black or Coral for $149 at Zappos. I’m not too fond of the bag, so I believe the price tag is a bit much. If you love Ed Hardy though, then this would be the perfect bag for you.

See the Ed Hardy Koi San Jill Satchel at: Zappos

end note: Maybe slightly inspired-by Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Duffel? What do you guys think?

The Pretty Duffle by MJ is available at shopbop for $160

The Chat: Ed Hardy Jill

While browsing around Couture Candy, I came across a bag that looked quite familiar. It was called the Eliza Flat Tote in Black Patent by Julie K, but I knew that Julie K wasn’t the high fashion designer I was thinking of that made this bag. It suddenly clicked in my head that this handbag looked like, none other than, the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Flat Tote. Suddenly the handbag wasn’t as appealing to me anymore.

(above: Tribute on sale at bluefly)
The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote can cost you anywhere from about $900-$1,400, and to see another designer basically make a look-a-like version of the handbag, for a fraction of the price, is a little appalling. I understand handbag lovers worldwide may think this handbag is amazing, because they can get a handbag that resembles a Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote for a more affordable price. When you think about it though, is this case any different than that of Forever 21?

Forever 21 is known for stealing ideas from high fashion designers, and selling a horribly fake version at the store. How is that case any different than what Julie K did? You decide for yourself.

Some details of the Julie K Flat Tote include: fuchsia lining; interior pockets; brass hardware; magnetic closure; and 100% genuine black patent leather. The measurements of the handbag are 16” W x 18” L making the handbag perfect for when you have quite a few stylish essentials to carry.

The Eliza Flat Tote in Black Patent can be purchased at Couture Candy for $473, which is a little expensive for a handbag that resembles a high fashion handbag. I will say though, if you always loved the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote this can be your chance to get a handbag that looks like it was inspired by it to the fullest.

See the Julie K Eliza Flat Tote in Black Patent at: Couture Candy

The Chat: Eliza Flat VS. Yves Saint Laurent