Anya Hindmarch brings a low-priced handbag collection to Target

IF THE gloomy economic forecast has you looking for less pricey alternatives to this season’s “It” bag, British accessories designer Anya Hindmarch’s collection at Target might appeal.

Though prices for a Hindmarch luxury tote at her Robertson Boulevard boutique generally start at $995 for a piece in her main collection and can reach $6,500 for a bespoke crocodile bag, her Target line of au courant handbags retails for a down-to-earth $19.99 to $49.

Hindmarch has cultivated a 20-year reputation for her work, and the London-based handbag stylist has a well-heeled set of fans -- Madonna, Kate Moss, Reese Witherspoon and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher -- slinging her creations.

She’s been a hit in less lofty realms as well. Last year she designed a cotton tote for a British supermarket chain that read “I’m not a plastic bag” and sold for under $10. The stock of 20,000 was snapped up in less than an hour.

Her collection for Target features her greatest hits, such as hobo bags, totes and clutches in blue, black and tan faux leather reminiscent of the “naplak” patent leather in her signature collection, with gold metallic trim, a lining with interior pockets and a similar slouchy hang.

Like most “It” bags, they won’t be around for long. The limited-edition collection debuts Oct. 12 and is set to be on the shelves for two months -- or until it disappears.

Anya Hindmarch for Target, in most Target locations or online at www.target.com.

SALES

Rashel Karlin Friday: The Latvian jewelry designer known for her skill with natural stones celebrates Los Angeles Fashion Week by offering 25% off the entire stock in her Sunset Plaza boutique until Oct.17. Find necklaces with semiprecious stones wrapped in gold filigree wire and stone flower rings with pearl accents, plus bracelets and brooches.

8521 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 855-8935. 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Rashelkarlin.com.

OPENINGS

Toms Today: The socially conscious shoe brand teams up with the UCLA Bruin Democrats to host College Day and Vote! Night at its temporary store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Store patrons can register to vote and also vote with their feet with $45 Tom’s canvas slip-ons that feature the GOP elephant, the Democratic donkey or “Split Decision” with a head and tails from both. The shoes, inspired by the Argentine alpargata (espadrilles), come with a pledge that for every pair sold, a pair is donated to a needy child. The Toms pop-up shop is open until Oct. 27.

1617 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. (800) 975-TOMS. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. wwwtomsshoes.com.

Live! On Sunset: The former Tower Records space on Sunset Boulevard is now Live! On Sunset, a clothing boutique that calls itself an interactive melding of Fred Segal, QVC and the “Today” show. Owned by denim guru Gerard Guez, the store has an in-house TV studio that will feature celebrity and designer appearances broadcast on its website. The 8,500-square-foot space carries men’s and women’s collections from BCBG, William Rast, Modern Amusement, Diesel and Tom Ford Eyewear plus mini-shops such as The Way We Wore’s vintage clothing and Sportie L.A. sneakers.

8801 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 360-1660. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.www.liveonsunset.com.

Milkmade: Picture an apartment in Amsterdam interpreted in a Japanese hard-boiled detective novel. That’s the vibe Milkmade owner Brian Lee is going for as he takes over a log cabin-style Abbot Kinney bungalow to sell select domestic denim and sportswear collections for men and women, featuring labels House of Cassette, Trovata, Corpus and Endovanera. Imported goodies include the Stori Sac “bolster” handbag ($750) from the U.K., which can be slung over the shoulder. 1413 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice (310) 581-8890. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.milkmade.eu.

EVENTS

Biagio Black Wednesday: Little Black Dress’ pop-up boutique hosts a show and sale of works by L.A. photographer Biagio Black to benefit the Junior League of Los Angeles. The exhibition, titled “Junoesque,” features 6-foot-tall portraits of actresses including Keira Knightley, Eva Green and Marion Cotillard in -- you guessed it -- little black dresses. The Like’s Z Berg will spin. To attend, e-mail rsvp@biagio.tv.

The Sunset, 8570 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 205-0875. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. www.biagio.tv.

Endovanera Launch Thursday: The Front St. boutique, located in a tunnel beneath Sunset Boulevard, hosts a showing of local fave Endovanera men’s and women’s fall collections, plus jewelry by 1541, Ladyboy shoes and handbags by Cerre.

1154 S. Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 413-6666. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. www.endovanera.com.