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

Take a second good look at this, as it’s not what it seems to be. I recently ran into this new clothing label Slow and Steady Wins the Race (yup, that’s its name), and I was utterly shocked at their latest handbag design, the 4 Sided Birken. No, I didn’t misspell anything, I’m not making this up, and I’m not pointing fingers either, but can you all see the resemblance to the French Couture Brand Hermes Birkin? Top handle straps, secure flap, square-ish silhouette, and leather body?!

I would never be caught dead carrying a fake and even designer inspired handbags are a big NO in my book. Clearly, the infamous Birkin inspired Slow and Steady’s version. It’s no surprise how a Hermes Birkin can cost the average person a kidney and their first born, surprisingly, the Slow & Steady’s Birken doesn’t run cheap as it carries a steep price tag of $1,100! Personally, I’d rather save my pennies for years to buy the original Hermes Birkin!

Ladies what’s your input on this bag? Do you feel like this is a designer inspired piece or a major coincidence instead? Only available in brown at the moment, shop Slow & Steady Wins The Race at: Revolve Clothing

The Chat: Slow & Steady Wins The Race

October 25, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Celebrity Style: Piper Palin’s fake Louis Vuitton Bag
I remember when I obtained my very first designer handbag; I was in my mid teen years when my parents bought me a brand new monogram Speedy 30. It took much persuasion as they weren’t too convinced that spending $565 (at that time) on a handbag was suitable for their kid. Speaking of kids, check out Miss. Piper Palin’s style. Ok… she isn’t your typical celebrity or my fashion idol, but you must admit, she’s such a cutie! I can only image what I would have done with a Louis Vuitton at the age of 7, but Piper seems to enjoy her handbag of choice. So what’s the problem with this picture? Yes, you guessed it… it’s the handbag. I never got the concept of celebrities sporting fake designer handbags. You would think such a large bank account with unlimited expenditures, a fake would never cross their mind. The most logical explanation to celebrities with fakes would be that they were either given to them, or they were simply tricked into buying them. In the case of Miss. Piper, she was definitely handed down that bag she’s carrying as I can’t consider her personally going into a Louis Vuitton boutique and picking up something for herself, FAO Schwarz definitely, but not Louis Vuitton. Sarah Palin, if you have the moolah to spend on Salvatore Ferragamo pumps, please don’t allow Piper to carry fakes. Buying knockoffs is bad for the economy and for $750 (reported price of Piper’s handbag) you can actually buy her a brand new and authentic Vuitton.

Buy authentic Louis Vuitton, at: eLUXURY

Chat Now: Celebrity Style: Piper Palin’s Bag