Finding a designer handbag that incorporates both style and trend with eco-friendly material is often a rare find. And Novella Royale has done just that with a beautiful execution.

Novella Royale is a fresh face among the designer handbag crowd. The birth of the brand came to light when the designers over at Novella Royale became inspired by the simplistic concept of designing luxury handbags without creating waste from new materials. Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. An idea that we all wish more designers would take advantage of. So with that as their core model, they went about creating the most amazing one-of-a-kind pieces. The leather from each of their bags is hand selected and hand cut from vintage jackets! How many designers out there do that? Not only are the bags exterior shell made of 100% recycled leather, but each bag as well is lined with organic fabric.

The little studded piece we have pictured here is the “Clover”. Currently available in four, perfect for Fall – Autumn shades of Olive, Copper, Grey, and Brown. Measurements are about 13” length, 13″ height. Very spacious, no doubt about that. And the thick strap allows you to stuff up your bag with as much as your heart desires, without causing strain to your shoulder. The strap drop on this purse is about 34″, which is the perfect length to either wear resting on one shoulder, or slinged across as a crossbody messenger. And if you find the strap to be a little long, don’t be afraid to tie the strap into a little knot at the top. That would take inches off instantly.

Right now you can find this designer sitting on the shelves of PinkMascara and CoutureCandy. Right now, the new Clover is available for $644.

@ PinkMascara they are currently featuring a Novella Royale Mister Giveaway

@ CoutureCandy they are applying a 15% deal to all new customers! Code: firsttime

Some Bagista’s quiver at the sound of “vintage Chanel” in hopes of finding a one of a kind piece to add to their collection, or simply to admire a lovely well cared for accessory. To my surprise, I found this authentic vintage Chanel over at ShopBop (dot com) brought to the online fashion boutique by What Goes Around Comes Around Vintage.

That might sound a bit confusing, so in case you aren’t aware, WGACA are the nations leading experts that specialize in finding true vintage pieces around the globe. This Double Chain Tube Bag made it’s way to their possession and is available for sale right now.

This quilted leather Chanel is said to be from the 80’s and for the time being, it appears to be in such great condition. The barrel shaped shoulder bag suspends from Chanel’s signature double chained leather straps and deep gold hardware can be found decoring this piece. Chic logoed C’s are found at its exterior sides and dyed grained leather lines it’s interior. Small and cute, this Chanel would make the perfect accessory to any formal outfit. With a rare piece like this comes a pretty steep price tag, you can purchase this Vintage Chanel for $2,750.

Love this? Find this piece online through: Shopbop

The Chat: Vintage Chanel!

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

American handbag designer Mary Norton started making handbags on her kitchen table in Charleston, South Carolina, 11 years later her glamorous little evening necessities are the most sought-after Red Carpet accessories.

Mary Norton is considered one of the most original accessory designers with evening clutches and handbags that have garnered an impressive A-List celebrity following including Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Tina Fey, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez.

Pictured above is Mary Norton while attending the Costume Designers Guild Awards Dinner wearing a Teri Jon dress, jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels and finished off with her gorgeous crimson red satin Roseanna clutch. (The Roseanna was also worn by Taraji P. Henson and Miley Cyrus at the 2009 Academy Awards)

For her latest spring collection, if you love fun vibrant colors, checkout the delicious Candy Collection. There are so many gorgeous bags in this bunch, definitely my favorite selection. Each bag features layers of custom dyed ostrich feathers – turquoise, purple and green & raspberry, yellow, orange and white. The Roberta with Swarovski crystals and Ginny are worth taking a look at. Price range is $795 to $995 for the clutches and $495 for the shoes.

Also featured for Spring 2009 is the flashy Disco Fever, and as the name suggests, this collection is filled with disco patterns and metallic shades. The yellow Rhianna is my favorite, it’s the perfect clutch day-to-night clutch. Price range is $595 to $695 for the clutches and $445 to $595 for the shoes.

Also don’t forget to check out the new for Fall 2009 Peace on Earth clutch. As featured on E! the hard box clutch features laser cut calf hair, adorned with Swarovski stones. Available for pre-order.

And I recently got the opportunity to exchange a Q + A with this fabulous designer.

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September 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer

Vintage Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Steamer Trunk
So everyday I walk past this boutique called Polite Society, never really stop in, more of just stare out of the corner of my eye as I walk by. They usually have really amazing window displays set up. I remember last winter they had this Louis Vuitton Trunk on display in their window, which I thought was just a display item and not for sale. Well, turns out it is, and it’s still available.

So anyway, finally about 2 weeks ago I finally stepped foot in the Polite Society. I’m not just saying this, but this is my newest favorite store. (and being one block away from the BB office is dangerously close.) They have gorgeous clothes and amazing one-of-a-kind home décor items. When I was there, I picked up a Helmut Lang little black dress, which at first I was hesitant on the fit, but then the lovely lady working there convinced me, “that’s the fit of the dress” so then I purchased it.. yeah, I’m an easy shopper. Also while there, I spotted the authentic LV trunk (Appraisal papers and authentication papers from the Louis Vuitton company included), still there, in excellent condition, neatly on display in the back corner of the store by the changing rooms.

Priced at $9850. And guess what ladies and guys, you don’t have travel all the way to Emerald City to get this rare piece (however if you do want to, I of course recommend it), visit shoppolitesociety.com.

Ps. If you are in the Downtown Belltown Seattle area, this is the newest boutiques to carry Rebecca Minkoff! Not many other downtown shops carry this designer. Oh and they also got tons of cute new fall clothes in for both men and women!

[ The Bag Forum: Vintage Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Steamer Trunk ]

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

April 9, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Vanessa

Vintage Chanel Handbags
Chanel bags are truly timeless. They have represented luxury and fashion for over 50 years. A 50 year old Chanel bag is more desirable today then it was then. A Chanel bag serves as an antique item…a collectors product, something to hand down to your daughter and granddaughter. Vintage Chanel handbags are some of the most highly demanded products at antique shows and vintage shops. People know that buying a vintage Chanel bag will serve as a highly fashionable product and will be well worth the money. The vintage bags are generally cheaper than brand new ones but are hard to come across.

I came across a few Chanel vintage bags on ebay.com including the bag in the top right that can be purchased for $755.00. I’ve never purchased anything from this seller so I can’t make any guarantees. But the bag looks to be authentic and in good condition.

Clearly, a Chanel bag is a smart investment. You can get 20 years of usage out of it and sell it for almost as much as you paid for it. You can also pass it down to a loved one who would love the bag more than you. Just recently Victoria Beckham was seen shopping at a vintage store in L.A. looking at a vintage Chanel bag…if someone like Victoria—who can have any bag in the world that she wants—is looking at Chanel vintage bags, then you know they are wanted!

So ladies, hold on to your Chanels! Someday you may be able to sell them for a good amount of money or pass them down to your daughters who may covet them more than you.

Also find Vintage Chanel on ShopBop!

March 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Chanel Bags available at YOOX
Are you craving Chanel, but don’t want to pay full price? eBay is one website where you can score authentic Chanel via the internet, and for a limited time only check out YOOX (dot com), they just got in a piece or two of authentic (and in good condition) Chanel.

The Chanel listed above is the one that caught my attention the most. It has so many classy details I just love about Chanel. First of all, this Chanel is made out of smooth quilted chocolate brown nappa leather, (dark brown being a nice substitute for a solid black leather bag). Chanel’s signature logo closure was also applied to this bag, a detail I truly adore. Something that isn’t really appealing to me would have to be the single nappa leather strap; it seems so boring, in my opinion. I most definitely prefer Chanel’s classic metal and interwoven leather chain straps. It seems like Chanel was starting that chain and leather strap feature on this bag, but never finished! As I mentioned before, this bag is not brand new, instead YOOX’s claims it is in good condition. If you are interested in this Chanel, make sure you read up on its specific flaws before buying. Although, something in the back of my head is saying, “Who cares… its CHANEL�?!

Buy this Chanel before it’s gone, here: YOOX.COM

[ The Bag Forum: Chanel Designer Bags available at YOOX ]

March 24, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS

Vintage Steamer Trunks: Louis Vuitton vs Free People
The Vintage Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk has been a hot item on ebay lately. In fact, they have been so popular that people are willing to pay as much as $8,000 for a complete trunk (e.g. the drawers and hangers are present). Certainly these people don’t intend to actually use these trunks for traveling. So what are they doing with them? Are they simply collector’s pieces or are they being showcased as antique furniture in one’s bedroom? Yep, those Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunks are pretty cool! I think it would be awesome to have one sitting in my house, just as a conversation piece!

So what do you do if you like the idea of a steamer trunk, but you don’t want to fork over the 8 grand for it? Well, Free People has recently come out with this vintage-inspired steamer trunk (pictured above on the right). Free People says that this trunk is “a more feminine interpretation of the classic early 1920′s steamer trunk”. Feminine is right! The trunk’s exterior is covered with a patchwork of floral fabrics. And it’s interior? The trunk is lined with hot pink satin. The body of the trunk is composed of heavy-duty plywood, while the trim pieces are made of Burmese teak. The trunk is large, measuring 23 1/2″ x 23 1/2″ x 46″ and it retails for $2,700.

Personally, I think the trunk is cute in its own quirky way. But the $2,700 price tag seems to be a bit of a stretch for an item that would have no practical use other than as a piece of furniture. Gee… I could get a whole bedroom set for that amount!

The Free People Vintage Steamer Trunk can be found on their website. You can check it out here: Free People Clothing Boutique

And for those of you interested in a REAL vintage steamer trunk, you can head on over to ebay! Search for a Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk here: Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, Furniture, Luggage items on eBay.com