How much are you willing to spend on a handbag? A few months ago, we saw one-of-a-kind Ralph Lauren handbags fetch for $2,500 each. The Olsen twins’ glazed black crocodile backpack for The Row makes that pale in comparison. Sold for $35,000 to $39,000, this extreme luxury bag is in high demand at the moment.

Supposedly, ultra high-end luxury items sell well in hard times, which is why a fair amount of celebs have been spotted with Hermès bags recently. While Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been involved in fashion, both high and low, for quite some time, they wanted their own handbag collection to mirror the Hermès, Balenciaga, and Fendi bags they carry but with their own style.

The Olsen twins’ collection for The Row is now being sold at Barney’s, and the high-end department store’s professionals appear to be gushing all over it. Creative-Ambassador-at-Large Simon Doonan said at the launch of the collection:

“Bags had become quite unstructured—as a trend they got gi-normous. To have a bag with precision design that’s more considered and beautifully executed is exactly right for now. I spent part of the evening with the black crocodile backpack, and that was a good feeling.”

Meanwhile, Fashion Director Amanda Brooks gave Fashionista her opinion about the bag:

“I think if you were every going to spend $39,000 on a bag, that’s the bag you should buy because I think you’d wear it for a really long time. There’s enough design to make it interesting and beautiful but they truly are classic bags — and I think you also might be the only one who has it.”

Apparently, Barney’s does not carry Hermès in store, and The Row bag seems to fill that void. Brooks mentioned:

“Obviously we don’t carry Hermes bags in the store so we were trying to find something that appeals to that customer who is willing to spend a lot of money on a bag that’s going to last a long time and has a classic design.”

Should even those with money to spend throw it all on a $39,000 backpack? Or, is it better to put that money away toward college tuition and, instead, go with an inexpensive but still stylish handbag instead?

What pop star isn’t branching out into fashion these days? Lady Gaga has been interning to design hats, Rihanna is now the face for Armani, Jessica Simpson has a fashion line far more successful than her music career, and “Tik Tok” singer Ke$ha is getting into watches. While a modest choice for someone with such flamboyant fashion tastes, Ke$ha’s watches will retain her style, from animal print to glitter and rhinestones.

In an interview with People, the Animal singer said: “Even though it’s a tiny surface area, I think I’ve done a good job packing in tons of signature K Monay swagger.”

As far as specific designs are concerned, one mentioned is an American flag-inspired print. Why something so patriotic? Ke$ha said: “I chose that theme because for me, the flag represents freedom of speech, a right I exercise every day.”

Leopard print, one more reminiscent of her style, is another look. About this one, the explained: “[It's] a theme I have in my look often. It reminds me we are all animals inside, and I wanted this watch to do the same.”

Far more designs are expected, and in advertisements, Ke$ha has been pictured sporting eight of the watches. As far as wearing them is concerned, Ke$ha seems to take the watch-as-jewelry approach: layer them or wear them on other body parts. Should we expect to see watch arm bands or anklets from Ke$ha in the future?

Maybe not. But, as the singer mentioned in her interview, she has been designing clothing since she was a child and has input in the props, sets, and instruments in her stage shows. With a career move like that of any other celebrity, Ke$ha told People: “I’m definitely plotting my next design moves. Stay tuned! Look for animal-friendly organic jewelry and fake fur.”

To stay relevant, watches for women are now being designed like jewelry, or have a celebrity name like Ke$ha or Jessica Simpson attached. Would you wear watches designed by the “We R Who We R” singer?

The clothing takes center stage at Fashion Week, and the accessories play a distant second fiddle. Nevertheless, without fine-tuned observation of the handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, or shoes accompanying the rest of the garments, how are you supposed to know what to wear for the upcoming season? Designer sunglasses styles for spring 2012 have gradually been rolled out since the spring 2011 Fashion Week, and more came out during the last series on shows in September. So, if you’re looking to get up to date with the latest eyewear, what’s in – and what’s out – for men and women?

It’s all about the colors for this upcoming spring. The colored frames of your Ray Ban wayfarers are no longer sufficient. Rather, designers like Fendi and Anna Sui take it a step further and just color the full pair with a solid shade; red, purple, and gold appear to be the most popular colors for women. In the case of Fendi, the colored sunglasses are rimless and transparent. For other designers like Dolce and Gabbana, the frames are solid colored plastic.

Men’s sunglasses, while likely not red or purple, don’t fall far out of the realm of this trend. Expect to find some shades in gold, and if you still own a pair of colored plastic framed aviators, hold on to them.

On the same note, metallic looks are in for both sexes. Although mirrored lenses were a trend for men over the past summer, they’ve now extended to women. Metallic sunglasses for both sexes, on the other hand, won’t just stick with silver or blue; rather, gold too is predicted to be popular. If the mirrored look doesn’t suit your tastes, gradient lenses are making a comeback.

As far as shapes are concerned, the more angular, the better. But, oversized sunglasses are still on the fashion radar for women – just as long as the rims are round. A hybrid style – angular with rounded edges – is too ambivalent, and for a pair, go with either a round or fully angular design – whichever fits your face shape. Or, a cat eye pair has the right amount of angles and curves for women – a straight slant on top and a rounded swooped line on the bottom.

In January, the Jersey Shore star mentioned that she was getting into fashion. Since then, Snooki’s empire inspired by her fashion sense and tastes has expanded. While her most prominent items of the moment are slippers and jewelry, the pint-sized guidette is including sunglasses, according to a recent tweet: “My sunglass line coming out in the fall! Black frame pink writing says POOF NATION =D”

She followed it with a twitpic of one of her designs, an oversized pair of sunglasses with hot pink and black frames printed with the words “Poof Nation.”

For many fashion writers and journalists, Snooki’s fashion tastes are considered subpar. Tim Gunn, in fact, went as far as saying her style is similar to a monkey house at the zoo. But, is this the case with her sunglasses line?

While only one design, pictured above, has been revealed, it appears that the Jersey Shore castmember is in sync with the latest trends – but gives them her own style. Celebrities, as we saw a few months ago, are still keeping oversized sunglasses in trend rotation, but rather than the thick frames of five years ago, they prefer thinner designs and a palette of red, black, and brown shades.

Snooki’s twitpic shows that, for this particular oversized look, she chose the latest trend, which is somewhat surprising. Considering the Jersey Shore cast’s penchant for tackiness and rhinestones, you’d think that she’d go for the older look, especially as nearly a year ago, she was spotted in shield-style shades covered in rhinestones – even the lenses.

Nevertheless, Snooki’s style, at least from the single picture, is not subdued – but it’s not overly opulent, either. The colors and wording are her touch. The full line is expected to appear in about a week, so what do you think the rest of the styles will look like?

Where do you draw the line between “designer inspired” and simply a “knockoff”? As long as knockoff handbags, and products in general, have been on the market, the dividing line has clearly been imitation, from the design down to the nameplate. But, what if the imitating product has some strong similarities but no nameplate? What do you call it then?

Designer Monica Botkier calls it a straight-up knockoff. Last week, she wrote a blog post accusing the Kardashian sisters’ new collection for Sears, the Kardashian Kollection, of copying one of her handbag designs, the Botkier Clyde. In her post, Botkier wrote, “We were one of 50 designers supporting the effort to stop design piracy and knock-offs. Ironically we just discovered below how our Botkier ‘Clyde’ was simply copied by Kardashian Kollection for Sears. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but we don’t think so…”

If you compare the two handbags, seen above, the only difference appears to be the leopard print. Both bags have the same shape, diagonal zippers, and side pouches. At the same time, the Kardashian sisters, in a statement, claim these similarities are just a coincidence and accuse Botkier of copying Balenciaga:

Jupi is nevertheless investigating the matter, as we take this issue seriously. In any event, it is our understanding that the Kardashian Kollection bag in question has not yet been offered for general sale. Nor is it available for sale online. Pending our investigation of the matter, we have undertaken appropriate preventative measures regarding the handbag.

The Kardashian Kollection handbag was independently created. Jupi was surprised to hear of the complaints by Botkier since Jupi is aware of preexisting handbag designs bearing substantial style similarities to the 2009 Botkier Clyde handbag, dating back to 2005. Jupi was also surprised by Botkier’s statements in the media about purported “knock offs” of Botkier handbags in light of other comments in the media noting the similarity of Botkier bags to preexisting Balenciaga bags.

What do you think? Do you think these similarities are a coincidence? Should the Kardashian Kollection bag be considered “designer inspired” or a knockoff? And, is the fact that Botkier possibly copied Balenciaga even relevant in this instance?

Attaching a celebrity name to a product often ensures that it will sell – even for a little while. Some celebrity brands have even become successful, such as Britney Spears’, Paris Hilton’s, or Antonio Banderas’ perfume lines or Jessica Simpson’s eponymous clothing and shoes. So, considering the moderate to mega success of such brands, why wouldn’t a star want to attempt to put together a fashion line?

Robert Pattinson, the actor best known as Edward Cullen from the Twilight movies, seems to be considering such a venture. According to his Twilight co-star Kellen Lutz (Emmett Cullen), “Rob and I were talking about clothing lines, he found out I was doing one and was like, ‘I should do one.’ He’s always so hipster.” Lutz himself is involved in fashion with his Abbott & Main collection that recently debuted in the United States.

Paris Hilton, similarly, is expanding her brand overseas and into eyewear. While the heiress is no longer tabloid fodder, or at least as much as she used to be, she’s developed a successful brand that includes clothing and perfume and is expanding to eyewear, including sunglasses and contact lenses. The former Simple Life reality star said, “Every girl knows that a great wardrobe of glasses is key to getting the right ‘look’ each season. I am so excited about working with OEM, who have brilliantly interpreted my style into a range of must-have frames and cute colored contact lenses for fashionable girls across Asia.” Considering the recent hype surrounding the diamond contact lenses, what do you think Hilton’s products will look like? More importantly, will her sunglasses line hark back to her oversized signature look, circa 2006, or be more modern?

Hilton, as well, went to Manila this weekend for an opening of a luxury fashion outlet for her brand. While news outlets are primarily talking about the heiress losing two phones in flight, she is going to be in the Philippines for a week for the opening of her Hilton Fashion and Handbag store.

A few weeks ago, an NYC councilwoman proposed a bill in an effort to curb the counterfeit goods industry in the city. If this bill is passed, those found purchasing fake designer handbags or other counterfeit merchandise could face a year in jail or pay a $1,000 fine.

Perhaps this bill is needed. Although designer handbags can be outrageously priced, purchasing counterfeit merchandise is not advised, either. However, demand for such goods has increased. In August 2010, we published a post about counterfeiters targeting lower-end designer brands for handbags, such as Coach or Ed Hardy. Compared to a $1,000 Christian Louboutin clutch, a $100 Coach purse seems like a deal but, with the economy the way it is, is still far out of many budgets.

A more stringent crackdown actually began late in 2009. At the time, we wrote that police were confiscating counterfeit merchandise and shutting down businesses that carried such products.

For some, counterfeit handbags seem harmless. Priced about $40 each, a counterfeit handbag looks like the real thing on the outside, down to the texture of the material. But a closer inspection often reveals that such handbags are poorly put together: The metal name plate, glued instead of screwed on, falls off easily, the zipper jams, or stitches start to come undone. If showing off designer duds is your thing, finding counterfeit items allows you to maintain such a look without breaking the bank.

At the same time, why go through the trouble of finding counterfeit goods (they’re usually not visible from the front of a store) when designer-inspired handbags have the same looks? Websites carrying wholesale designer handbags, such as Best Handbag Wholesale, keep up with the latest trends. Similarly, discount designer goods are another option. Sites like Vision in Style carry discount designer sunglasses, all of which are authentic and affordably-priced. Why go to Chinatown for illegal goods – and risking jail time or a steep fine – when the web has plenty of honest options?

First, celebrities went for classic sunglasses, and now the handbag appears to be next. Don’t you remember when, just a year ago, studs and animal print were in, and Fashion Week 2010 came up with a bunch of bright designs? If you need your memory refreshed, some of these looks included neon Versace bags, bright animal prints from Mulberry, sequins on Dolce & Gabbana bags, and just plain oddities by Fendi. Looking at what the celebrities are wearing now, you’d be forgiven if you thought we were in a completely different decade.

Sarah Michelle Gellar has the classic handbag look down with an Yves St. Laurent Muse Tote. No sequins, no studs, no neon. Instead, Gellar’s bag is large and practical. A standard leather color, the Muse Bag is not shapeless and has a multipurpose look. Take it out on the street for a day of shopping or errands or on a vacation.

Alyson Hannigan, another former Buffy cast member, was also recently spotted with a similar classic leather handbag. Her Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel is smaller than Gellar’s but no less practical. For us average people, a satchel is the perfect all-purpose bag. Stylish enough for casual wear and sophisticated enough to bring to work.

Even though her classic actress-like turn in The Tourist was a flop, Angelina Jolie has always been one to stay away from tacky trends – at least in adulthood. While the public seems to forgive her for odd choices as a young adult, Angelina appears to consistently stick with a classic and basic look, and her recent handbag is no exception. A Chloe Aurore Tote, Jolie’s handbag combines the same type of practicality and fashionable qualities.

Although appearing to be the last celeb wearing the hobo trend, Keira Knightly also goes for a classic look with a Miu Miu Ostrich Hobo. Unlike the other bags seen on celebrities recently, Knightly’s has a two-tone look with some embellishments.

Has fashion become the career path for actors who just can’t get a gig? It appears that way. As we saw a few weeks ago, Katie Holmes debuted a handbag line at Barneys New York, Lindsay Lohan started designing her own handbag line, and, nearly a year ago, Rachel Bilson became the face of Sunglass Hut. Now another former O.C. cast member is taking the fashion route as well. Mischa Barton began designing handbags, and although none are sold in U.S. stores as of yet, they can be found in Japan, the UK, and online.

Celebrity fashion lines, from what we see time and time again, often appear to be created solely for the label and not for the style. Katie Holmes’ line, as you may recall, consisted of simple black and white, Hermes-esque bags, while Lindsay Lohan seemed to capitalize on more youthful trends like animal print and studs. Mischa Barton’s handbag line is no exception. With satchels, classic cuts, and nude shades, the bags are in style but offer nothing original. Aren’t celebrities supposed to be setting trends, not following them?

Don’t blow $100 on a Mischa Barton bag (or $4,000 on a Katie Holmes satchel) when plenty of designer and designer inspired handbags offer the same thing at lower prices.

If you take the designer-inspired route, what can you expect?

Best Handbag Wholesale has put together satchels and handbags with a basic, three-shade color scheme. As handbag styles start straying away from the studs and overt animal print, a classic but still original look is now in style.

Black handbags can still have some embellishments, like this one, also from Best Handbag Wholesale. The slouch or hobo look, however, is no longer practical or stylish, so go with a reasonably-sized bag with some shape.

Nude may be the new black, and every handbag line has been dabbling in a light tan to dark brown color scheme. Even if you try this trend, however, stay within current style parameters.

We got it right back in February: Spring and Summer 2011 handbags are now smaller, brighter, and less busy, and the recent Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2011 handbag collection confirms this.

After taking a look to see what this top-of-the-line brand has to offer, we came to a few conclusions:
• Clutches of all styles – bright, shaped, and with or without a strap – are in. Put the hobo in your closet and be prepared to be economical with your purse.
• Embellishments are still fine, but do not go overboard. Some snakeskin and some studs give your bag character.
• Tote bags are in and preferably have a two-tone style. Louboutin’s have longer bodies and incorporate some bright colors.
• Satchels are the new black purse. With a dark color, a satchel is professional enough for work but not briefcase-like. It’s stylish enough to be used as an everyday bag.
• Bright colors are approaching 1980s levels. Expect to see some turquoise, neon pink, and cobalt blues. Just don’t match your bag with your eye shadow.
• Shapelessness is out. Your tote, clutch, or satchel should have a rectangular design or something different, such as Louboutin’s bow-shaped Bikini Pouch clutch.

You might have noticed that the typical Louboutin bag approaches $1,000, and the average person does not have that kind of money to shell out for style. Instead, turn to designer-inspired handbags to get the looks that fit into your budget.

Get the two- or three-tone tote bag with this grey and pink handbag from Best Handbag Wholesale. Longer tote bags do not always need a staid design. Instead, this zebra-print tote keeps the look and adds some character. Animal prints, as well, are still in.

For texture and bright colors, go with this hot pink crocodile leatherette handbags. You don’t need to go to Hermes or Louboutin for the crocodile skin look. As a bonus, this particular design has a tote bag style.

Not all handbags need to be bright, and if you want a toned-down style, go with the nude look. Handbag Distributor carries nude-colored handbags in tan, pink, and brown.