Ebay recently lost a lawsuit in France and was ordered to pay $63 million in fines to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA for not doing enough to prevent knockoffs from being auctioned on its website. How do you spot a knockoff on eBay? CNET’s Molly Wood recently talked to CBS about how to find knockoffs on eBay. She notes that it is harder to find a knockoff online because you can’t feel and hold the product. However, you can look closely at the stitching on the photographs of the product being sold. The reputation of the seller is also something worth taking a close look at. These tips provided on eBay’s website may also help you avoid paying a lot of money for a knockoff bag.

One of the gals who made Balenciaga celebrity famous was seen hiding from the cameras. This blond haired gal is posed like a chicken with an itch on her way out after a sushi dinner. I am not sure why one who always loves the cameras is deciding to hide all of a sudden, but can you Name that Celeb with the Balenciaga bag?

Find out after the jump!

Ah yes, this was oh so simple. It is the ever clad Nicole Richie. We all know Nicole is a huge Balenciaga fan, having been seen sporting their bags in many shapes, colors, and sizes. But why did she want to hide? Is it because of the pregnancy rumors? The paparazzi did what they do best and focused on attempting to take a bump picture. But her bump may just be a malnourished bump, which happens when you are starving. Or maybe she isn’t starving but she is growing a new little Simple Life character. Either way, her style is atrocious this night and she needs more meat on those bones. I will offer up some of mine from the niceness of my heart.

A hot spring trend is floral prints. Being able to implement the beauty and flourishing growth of spring in our wardrobes and accessories brightens our look and our day. Balenciaga, who is known for their slouchy handbags made with naturally distressed goat leather, has ventured into the floral realm for one of their Spring 2008 handbags. The Balenciaga Giant Seau Bag features the Fleur Fluo print which gives the handbag a unique and chic appeal. The large and bright floral pattern is eye catching and is set off with white leather, a perfect combination. I love the shape of this bag, like a bucket bag. This can slouch low and stay close to your body. Pair this with a simple sun dress, jeans, anything white, and you will look perfect for spring.

Inquire through Balenciaga or Neiman Marcus for this bag. The price is $1,325.

When most of us think of Balenciaga Bags, we think of the B-bag craze surrounding the leathers, colors, and celebrity following. Little do many know that Balenciaga does make exotic bags for our enjoyment. A member of our forum, Purse-Oooh, was lucky enough to snag a Balenciaga Crocodile Work Bag which sports a black crocodile body on the coveted Balenciaga Work’s style. Price is around $18,000, which is very steep but great for those that are die-hard Balenciaga fans.

After bringing you stunning pictures of the Balenciaga Crocodile Work Bag, I had to find out more information about Balenciaga crocodile bags. It seems Balenciaga does dabble in the art of exotics every now and again, and when they do the skins are stunning and the colors pop. From the Fall 07 collection, the Balenciaga Crocodile Weekender in yellow was released and it is quite the show stopper. The weekender is just as large as its name suggests, and this yellow crocodile version will be sure to capture every eye on your weekend getaways. If you are in the market for a crocodile B-bag, you can speak to the boutique as they are all custom made. Balenciaga is known for their wide array of beautiful colors, so imagine picking another bright bold color and placing it on a crocodile bag. The price will surely capture your attention, at $22,500.

I called Balenciaga America Inc, and experienced amazing help from the people on the other end of the phone. A special thank you to Anette for going out of her way to find out more on this bag for me. If you are interested, call the Balenciaga NYC store, +1 212 206 0872, or inquire about other Balenciaga items from Balenciaga America Inc., +1 212 279 4440.

Balenciaga Giant City

They say when away the mice will play. That was quite true during my last trip; as I traveled around Spain, Vlad broke into my closet and attempted to photograph my entire bag collection. He got most pieces, but did not find them all :wink:. One thing quite a few of you noticed is my lack of a Balenciaga bag. Truth be told, I do not have one stashed anywhere, I simply do not have one. I do not have a BBag because I have spent years literally racking my brain trying to figure out which color on which style I want. Bubblegum has always looked delicious or what about the baby blue all the celebs carry. So many choices. On our next trip to NYC I plan on purchasing my first Balenciaga bag. Typically it is nearly impossible to find BBags online, but not anymore. Balenciaga has opened up their website to online shopping for the US only! This means more learning about their bags and being able to indulge online, which I am all for. And Balenciaga does not do anything small, as they have designed an exclusive online, the Balenciaga Giant City with Coquelicot Japonais print. I fell for the Balenciaga Giant Seau bag with the floral print when I first saw it, and now this exclusive has my heart. The colors are perfect for fall and winter! There is lambskin offsetting the printed textile and palladium plated metal hardware. Enjoy what Balenciaga has done, opening up online sales through their site! Buy this bag exclusively through Balenciaga online for $1595.

Balenciaga Giant Part Time

When Balenciaga introduced giant hardware on their already hit handbags, the accessory world was split. I specifically remember many not being fond of the large chunky hardware. The thing is, I always loved it, it fit my style perfectly. One of many top handle purses from the house, the Balenciaga Giant Part Time implements soft vintage crafted lambskin to give the perfect supple slouch that Balenciaga has become known for. The funny thing is, I am in no way a Balenciaga expert. You know who is? A huge group of BBag lovers on Purse Forum! This group can know the difference between a BBag because of the leather (some seasons has softer leather that people yearn to hunt down), color, and hardware. I just look and know what it is that I like. The Giant Part Time in pink bubblegum is a perfect mix of feminine colors with gold plated oversized metal hardware. There is a removable shoulder strap which helps with ease of carrying. Dimensions are 16.5” x 5.9” x 9.1”. There are quite a few colors offered, but the girly side of me has always loved Balenciaga Pink Bubblegum. Buy through Balenciaga online for $1,645.

In my opinion, Michael did everything right for Fall ‘07 ready to wear. The eye catching bags are not so bad either, especially the brightly colored croc clutches (yellow is not my favorite but the electric blue and juicy orange will be worth the investment). I also like his interpretation of the structured kelly bag but am not so sure about the wrapped strap, will need to get a close up in person to see if it has magnetic enclosure like the Givenchy Clarabell. I do love the added brass hardware on the top handle. It’s an interesting element that is not often used and it will also help the handle keep it’s shape making this bag an even better investment. I am usually not a fan of big buckles but in this case, it makes the bags more youthful. It is also available in leather and should you not be ready for croc. And check out the cute patent leather man bag (bottom left) he showed that are cute enough for us girls! After a year of dissing Michael, we are definitely feeling the love again.

(Photo courtesy of Barneys New York Dallas, thanks Nina!)
I loved this bag at first sight and loved it even more when I heard the name. Givenchy’s Nightingale is nothing short of fabulous. The dark silver metallic ostrich leg handle lends a modern twist to an otherwise classic shape and very simple bag. I played around with it and it was really light which makes it a great everyday bag to knock around in. It is one of those bags that will go with everything so you don’t have to think much about it. Dress it down or glam it up, you’ll look chic no matter what you wear it with. Can I say again how much I love the metallic python detail? It’s subtle enough that you won’t look like a Vegas showgirl but substantial enough to stand out. And the price is not bad for an exotic $1,895 at Barneys New York.

Sunday’s Oscar fashion can be summed up with one word, pragmatic. I guess black is the new black again. I was so bored, I was hoping that someone might actually fall from tripping on their gown (Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner). I guess celebrities are finally doing what seems so simple, you know, look in the mirror before you go out. But not everyone avoided my wrath.

Pockets?


So how pragmatic are we talking? How about pockets on gowns to hold lipstick and awkward hands - Sandra Bullock and Amy Adams (her gown even comes with a sunglasses case).

Blushing Bride

It was very practical of Nicole Kidman to do a dress rehearsal for her wedding. It’s important to see how the gown photographs. Verdict: Go with it. You looked amazing!!!

In the Nude

Did Jessica Alba look naked to you? The color of the gown was so close to her skin color it was hard to focus my eyes. I would have loved it in another color.

Poochie

This Givenchy tulle number on Naomi Watts could have been really fabulous, but the fit was so awful. Why is it all bunchy in the middle?

Wrong Season

Reese Witherspoon looked like one of those monochromatic Christmas trees you see at a department store.

Obstructed View

OK, Matt Dillon had the worst seat in the house. He sat behind Charlize Theron! The dude was cursing the whole night and you know he wanted to knock that big ass bow right off of her. Did you see him when Philip Seymour Hoffman was accepting his Oscar? He was squinting, ducking and diving around trying to see past that humongo bow.

If Only This Were the SAG Awards

I see now why Hilary Swank never wears bust revealing gowns. She has major sock boobs, like serious tribal ones. It’s so sad. There is an entire landing strip from her neck to her cleavage, which starts at her belly button. OK, Hilary, go back to wearing backless gowns, we won’t make fun of you for that anymore.

Best Dressed

Best Dressed of the night - Salma Hayek. Although I’m not sure why she was there. And Uma Thurman. Truly fabulous!!