April 7, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia

Foley + Corinna City Tote vs Nine West N/S Tote
Isn’t it hilarious when you see lower-end brands copy an original trend that was set by a particular designer? Well, at least I think it is. Anyways, the latest copy cat who can’t seem to get enough of snagging up those one of a kind designer handbag styles is Nine West. And what’s even more hilarious is the fact they aren’t even known for their handbags, but just their shoes.

Here we have the original and wonderfully practical City Tote by designer Foley + Corinna up against, or shall I say way up above, the N/S Tote by shoe brand Nine West. And this is not the first I’ve seen as I have previously blogged on their cheap imitation of Valentinos’ Bow Bag. But anyways, the innovative design that was created by F+C presents three bags in one. It can be carried as a shoulder bag, as a tote over the arm, or as a giant clutch. How great is that? And of course Nine West thought it would be a great idea to make their own F+C City bag and try to pass it off as one of their own original designs. At least NW used genuine “supple” leather, as it mentions on their official website. Though I’m sure it can’t even compare to F+Cs’ distressed, soft leather. And as for comparisons in price tags, F+C runs about $420 while the N/S bag by Nine West most likely struggles to sell at an unreasonable $195, which is now on sale for $149.99. I would never pay that much for a Nine West bag. So, which version would you go for?

For the Foley + Corinna City Tote, stop over at Shopbop and you can visit the official Nine West webiste to view the N/S Bag.

[ The Bag Forum: Foley + Corinna City Tote vs Nine West N/S Tote ]

March 3, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS

Yves Saint Laurent vs. Liz Claiborne - Battle of the Patent Totes
Patent totes are going to be big this year… or so I have heard, anyway. Above we have two great totes. On the left, we have the Yves Saint Laurent Medium Downtown Tote in Bouganvill. On the right, we have the Liz Claiborne Bloomfield Patent Tote in Black. These two bags are very similar in size, style, and appearance. In fact, the Liz Claiborne design seems to be mimicking the Yves Saint Laurent one. Coincidence? Probably not. What I like best about these totes is large size. Yes, they are both very roomy on the inside - perfect for work or school! So, depending on your budget…

Here’s the specs on each bag:

Yves Saint Laurent Medium Downtown Tote
Patent leather with gold hardware
Double shoulder strap, 7″ drop
Front exterior pocket with side snaps
10¼”W X 13¾”H X 9¾”D
Retails for $1,395
Check it out here: Saks Fifth Avenue

Liz Claiborne Bloomfield Patent Tote
Synthetic patent leather (PVC) with silver-tone hardware
Dual shoulder straps, shoulder drop: 9” length
Front and rear exterior slip pockets
Exterior zip gussets provide expandability
11″ wide across bottom (20 ” wide across top) x 6″ deep x 14″ high
Retails for $89
Check it out here: Zappos.com

February 27, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Tory Burch Tote vs. Steve Madden Bag
As I stumbled upon Steve Maddens’ Perforated Patent Tote, the name Tory Burch jumped into my head. Why, you might ask? Well, take a look for yourself. Both bags share obvious similarities, such as, the same bag shape, both bags also measure in at 17”W x 16” H. You can find long straps attached to the body of the totes by a round gold rivet insertion. You can also find a magnetic snap closure inside both bags for security purposes. Both bear perforated embellishment on its front side; Burch’s tote sports its recognizable reflecting T’s (Burch’s signature logo), while Maddens tote is perforated with some type of symbol I can’t really make out. Of course the most obvious comparison between Burch’s and Madden’s creations would have to be the high-shine patent leather body. So what differences do these two totes have? Burch’s tote comes in a variety of hues, including new color combinations, such as Turquoise on Yellow or Tangerine on White, which will be available soon as they are part of the Burch’s Spring 2008 collection. While, Madden’s tote is adorned with a detachable charm piece. You can obtain Madden’s BJENN bag for $38 through Steve Madden (dot com) or get the original Tory Burch tote via Nordstrom (dot com) for $325.

Find it: Tory Burch Designer - Handbags - Nordstrom

February 12, 2008

Forever21 Bags
Why am I not surprised? In this day in age it is not a shocker when you hear about a lower label replicating or inspiring their designs after a high-end designer’s work, especially when you are talking about Forever21.

There are other companies guilty as well, but by far Forever21 is up there as one of the top (popular) chains that mass produces cheaply made items that are highly similar if not identical, minus the designers logo, to that made by a designer. Clothes, jewelry, handbags, you name it. F21 copies it all.

F21 is recognized for their huge selection of inspired-by handbags and even been hit with a few lawsuits for copyright infringement. But is that slowing them down? No. Odd isn’t it? You would think that with all the lawsuits against the forever21 chain they would resist from copying other designers works. You would think. I wonder who buys these bags anyway. Is quality over quantity not in everyones best interest anymore? The plastic F21’s just seem like a waste of money and probably wont last more than 2 weeks of wear.

Anyway, here’s the latest inspired-by versions:

F21 does the Fendi Spy Satchel
This is no big surprise.. Ever since the Fendi Spy bag was declared an “IT bag” years ago, F21 added it to their interpretation to their product stock.

The F21 faux leather (plastic) hobo retails for $29.80. Which is still a waste of money. Right now you can find a couple Fendi Spy Satchel on sale over at bluefly.

F21 does the Marni Balloon Bag
Even the Balloon bag by designer Marni isn’t safe.

The F21 plastic sack retails for $31.80, while the Marni purse carries a retail price of $1,317 over at net-a-porter.

F21 does the Botkier Bianca Bag
On the right is a tacky plastic version of Botkier’s hit piece, the Bianca satchel.

The plastic F21 purse can be found for just under $20, while the Bianca over at Shopbop retails for $595.

F21 does the Tod’s Nylon Messenger Media Bag
Nooooo. Not my beloved Tod’s Media bag! I love the fashion brand Tod’s. Classic, been around for years and have never had a problem with knockoffs, well not nearly as bad as other designers.

The satin F21 version retails for $17.80. The real deal retails for $775. Find at eluxury.

December 20, 2007

Lauren Conrad (for Linae Pelle) Does Cynthia Rowley
When MTV’s The Hills star Lauren Conrad was designing the latest collection for brand Linae Pelle, I wonder if she was inspired by Cythia Rowley’s designs or was it just a coincidence. Because I can’t help but notice the LC clutch looks quite similar to Cynthia Rowley’s Martha purse. These bags are pretty close to being considered identical, or at least belonging to the same family. Both oversized clutches are designed in a simple flap over clutch style and feature a thick gold chunky chain detail as the main focus.

The Cynthia Rowley purse is slightly longer by 4″, but both bags are the same width. Price wise, you can find the Cynthia Rowley designer bag at Shopbop for $195, or you can save a few dollars and snag the look-a-like Lauren Conrad Linae Pelle purse for $145 at LPcollection.

Cynthia Rowley gets my vote

Discover the Cynthia Rowley Martha Clutch

Discover the Lauren Conrad for Linae Pelle Bag

November 21, 2007

Forever21 Does Marc Jacobs’ Hudson Handbag
Yep Forever21 is back to their old ways (did they ever quit even after getting hit with all those lawsuits) of replicating highly favored luxury designer handbags and spitting out a crappy cheap pleather imitation version.

It is far too obvious this time. I wouldn’t even have to tell the average designer handbag loving person; Forever21 totally replicated the Marc Jacobs Hudson bag. The Hudson was very popular last year and is currently completely sold out (try your luck on ebay), which I am assuming is why forever21 feels safe to put it up on their website. Anyway, this bag is a huge nay and belongs in the trash with all other faux designer purses.

November 13, 2007

Smuggling Fake Louis Vuitton Handbags
via

October 30, 2007

Kate Spade “Your Designer Handbag is Fake”
Would you ever call anyone out for carrying a replica designer bag? Mrs. Kate Spade would….

In a recent interview with NYTimes, Kate Spade revealed her most recent encounter with a Kate Spade fan carrying a fake designer handbag. “I knew all the bags that were on the street, and this one I didn’t know had hit the street yet, but I knew it wasn’t real. I’m telling you, I was across the street and I could tell.” she said. So what did Kate do next? She walked on over to the lady and asked, “Where did you get that?” The woman instantly recognized the designer. “She was like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re Kate Spade!” And what was her reasoning for sporting a fake designer purse? “She said, ‘Oh I didn’t buy it, my husband did,’” said Kate. Hah! I’m sure that’s what they all say… blame it on someone else.

October 19th, 2007

Would you Wear this? Coach Bleecker Patchwork Handbag
Coach recently came out with this new Bleecker line about a month ago, which is basically “the new and improved” version of the original Coach Duffle Sac that was produced in the early 70’s.

The unique looking bag is new to the Bleecker collection. It’s created with a patchwork of foliage colored leather pieces on the vintage inspired slouchy shape.

I guess the shape is okay, but you know it reminds me of those vintage coach bags that you can find at any antique-retro-vintage shop, that usually retail for no more than $80. And that patchwork pattern looks too old fashioned. Like a bag you would find hiding in the dark corner of your grandmothers closet. Maybe its just me. What do you guys think?

So the simple question is… would wear this bag? Or even pay in the neighborhood of $700 for creation?

Discover the Coach Bleecker Patchwork Bag
Price: $698

October 16th, 2007

Katie Jordan Price Loves her ‘Fake’ Leopard Hermes Birkin Bag
Katie ‘Jordan’ Price (aka Katrina Alexandra Infield) made an appearance at Lewes Crown Court earlier this week as her ex-nanny went on trial accused of falsely claiming benefits and stealing from the mum of three. Bag for the occasion, was a replica leopard-print Hermes Birkin Bag. I don’t get it. Lord knows she could afford the real thing. The Daily Mail reported that Price and her husband Peter Andre were ranked at #2, second only to David Beckham and Victoria Beckham and that their fortune weighs in at $60 million and rising. Price currently stands as one of the richest women in Britain. So what’s up with the fake Hermes Birkin Bag?

September 13, 2007

Accessories De Mademoiselle: The Inspired-by Hermes Birkin Bag
pictured above: American Actress Meredith Monroe (best-known for her role as Andie McPhee on Dawson’s Creek) was recently spotted with the Accessories De Mademoiselle Purse.

We here at Bag Bliss understand that money doesn’t grow on trees and not everyone can afford luxury designer handbags like the Hermes Birkin, which will set you back about $8k for just a basic leather version. This is why many designers try their best to produce handbags that imitate the features and characteristics, without crossing the knockoff line into the replica zone. Those bags that are considered inspired-by are, in most occasions, found for a fraction of what the designer bag would cost. This bag for instance is the Hermes-Birkin-inspired bag by Accessories De Mademoiselle (a handbag company out of Tokyo Japan) which can be discovered at yoox carrying a price tag of only $378.

Discover the Accessories De Mademoiselle Inspired-by Hermes Birkin Bag
Price: $378

August 8, 2007

Marni Balloon Bag vs French Connection Polish Purse
In this day in age it is not a shocker when you hear about a lower label replicating their designs after a high-end designer’s work. Forever21 is recognized for their huge selection of inspired-by handbags and even been hit with lawsuits like crazy lately from Diane von Furstenberg clothing to Gwen’s Harajuku purse line. Now French Connection has been caught for inspiring their handbags after Marni’s hit, the Balloon purse. The bag, which by the way retails for only $100, was produced by the fashion brand for the fashionista who loves the look but can’t afford Marni’s $1,600 bag.

If I had to choose either or, my vote would go out to the Marni Balloon Bag. The French Connection one just looks cheap and tacky, especially in that black patent pvc dress. The quality just isn’t there, which is to be expected for a $100 bag. I mean how long do you think this pvc plastic bag is going to last without showing some wear. If you are saying in your head “well I like the idea of saving a few bucks for a inspired-by purse,” then I suggest first you check out what eBay has to offer. There are a few sellers with new and slightly used Marni Balloon’s at reasonable prices.

Discover the Marni Balloon Bag
Price: $1,605
*or check them out on sale at ebay

Discover the French Connection Polish Purse
Price: $100

August 7, 2007

Britney Spears loves her Replica Chanel Purse
It was only a matter of time before ex-pop star Britney Spears was added to the pool of celebrities who wear fake designer handbags. Joining the list with tennis pro Anna Kournikova who sports a fake Louis Vuitton Multicolore Speedy, reality t.v. star Nicole Richie who owns a few fake Balenciaga’s, American actress Michelle Trachtenberg who totes a replica Chloe Paddington Satchel, and now Britney Spears with her white-ish-pink bag that’s suppose to be “Chanel.”

I didn’t realize how much she has let herself go until I discovered this picture of her leaving Italian restaurant Cravings last night in West Hollywood with this dreadful piece of replica-crap on her arm.

Nay Britney, nay.

July 24, 2007

Gwen at War with Forever21
Looks like Diane Von Furstenberg isn’t the only one taking a bite out of inexpensive-trendy fashion company Forever 21. Apparently the singer / fashion designer Gwen Stefani is currently at war with F21 for trademark infringement of her Harajuku Lovers fashion line, in particular, the handbags.

Papers filed in Los Angeles Federal Court claim Forever 21 is marketing, promoting and selling products featuring a design “virtually indistinguishable” from Harajuku’s signature heart & box logo. The lawsuit claims Forever 21 “changed a couple of words, ‘Harajuku’ to ‘Forever’ and ‘Lovers’ to ‘Love’, in the Heart Box trademark which are inconspicuous and likely to go unnoticed by a consumer”.

Well I am not surprised. Have you been in Forever21? All of their clothes, handbags and shoes are designer inspired. Well that can be said for a lot of other similar companies…

> Shopping for Harajuku? Check out Nordstroms and Macys!