Seeing this tote reminds me that it is time to get back to Yoga. Truly is good for the mind, body, and soul. The hottest yoga brand of clothing and accessories, Beyond Yoga, have released the coolest line of canvas bags that graffiti artist Andre Charles sprayed with selected words. Each version has a word selected by a different A-list celeb. After being asked to complete the sentence “I am beyond…” Rachel Bilson came up with Drama, Jennifer Aniston choose Grateful, Cameron Diaz said Hopeful, Anne Hathaway picked Lucky, Drew Barrymore obviously choose Happy, and Reese Witherspon opted for Blessed.

Not only are these totes super fun but they are also charitable. 30% of the proceeds from each Beyond Yoga Tote will go to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that encourages working actors, artists, and musicians to donate their time and talent to children battling serious medical conditions. You can choose your “I am Beyond…” tote with one of the pre-selected words but there is also an option to customize your bag. You can customize your Beyond Yoga Tote with a word of your choice, which makes it that much more meaningful. Not only fun but also personal and better yet completely affordable. Shop the totes under Charitable Items at Beyond Yoga for $65.

Giveaway

You are all BEYOND LUCKY! We are giving away the same version Reese Witherspoon has been endless sporting, “I am Beyond Blessed”. This version is oversold right now and will not ship until 8/15. But we have one for you all!

TO ENTER: Tell us in the comments section which word you would choose to complete the sentence “I am Beyond…” and why. Contest runs until 8/17/09 at 10:00 p.m. EST. Good luck and thank you to I am Beyond!

The amount new registrations following the new year at the gym is incredible, yet the amount of people that follow through is slim (no pun intended). And you think I am sitting here, on my couch, typing this because I am the big gym-goer? Nope. I am one of those people that for years now has been swearing to get back into shape and continues to neglect it. It may be because I was once a Division I competitive athlete, or that I am still remembering the 5 am morning practices, or because looking at my left shoulder scars reminds me of the toll my sport took on my body. No matter what, I have an aversion to working out.

This week I am starting to get back into the work out grind. Nothing like I used to, but at least 3 days a week I need to treat my body to something aerobic. The gym does not feel welcoming to me, way too different from what I am used to. But I am open to pilates and yoga classes. I am thinking a new gym bag will be motivation enough to at least go to the classes a few times (though this is merely a lie I tell myself).

It is hard to find a great gym bag. Because most athletic bags look just like that, athletic bags. A little more of a feminine touch without going overboard, I find the Adidas by Stella McCartney Zutan Gym Bag to be a contender. Gray is a great neutral color and the shine from the contrast adjustable straps gives that little extra oomph. This bag is also practical, as it should be, with a zip top, four interior zip compartments, and a side tab with a snap closure to increase the width of the bag. The materials are easy to keep clean, 60% nylon, 40% polyester, along with the color. I do not know what most people spend on gym bags, as I always had a team issued Speedo Swim Bag, but $160 via Net A Porter seems reasonable.

Now I just need to actually get to the gym, with a new athletic bag or without.

Emilio Pucci Montalban Print Large Shopper | $339 at eLuxury


Michael Kors Marina Large Grab Bag | $175 at eLuxury

Emilio Pucci Lava Print Large Terry Beach Tote | $409 at eLuxury

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

For many, the holy grail of handbags is the Hermes Birkin, a highly coveted, highly sought after, and hard to get bag. Another reason the Birkin is so exclusive is the price. Because let’s face it, how many people actually want to spend over $7,000 (or upwards of $140,000 for a diamond encrusted Birkin) for a leather handbag? Granted you may want to, but does your significant other, bank account, etc? For most of us, no. If you are in dire need of getting your hands on a piece of Hermes, there is always the ridiculously overpriced Hermes Beach Bag. Available to order online, the Hermes Beach Bag is available in turquoise, white, yellow, or black and is strictly made of cotton. Fling it on your back and head to the beach in style. Though, I guarantee you will not feel that Hermes aura carrying this bag like you would carrying a Birkin. And even worse is the fact that you would be dishing out $800 on a cotton beach bag merely for the name. Again, if you are swimming in money a-la-Ducktales or you just really are some sort of over-the-top Hermes fanatic, then this bag is for you. If you rather put a nice chunk of money towards a designer leather bag that is much more practical, than join my club. So no worries mom, dad and all other super practical people in my life; I will not be buying this bag anytime soon. But if this is for you, more power to you, buy a Hermes Beach Bag via Hermes for $850.

I had many friends in high school who had a ‘family life’ class (or something of the sort), where the females had to put on a faux-pregnant belly to see what it will feel like to be pregnant. Along with that was sex education. Being in private Catholic school, I never had to try on that belly because all Catholic girls wait until marriage and do not need sex education ever {insert total sarcasm here}. But if I were in that ‘family life’ class, I would envision the faux baby bump to resemble the Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Backpack. This backpack is exclusive to Barneys New York and is made with natural toned canvas. There are three cargo pockets, which form a great preggy belly, and a removable star sequin detail. This merely reminds me of the scene in 10 Things I Hate About You where Bianca is seen wearing the pregnant suit to remind her of what she will carry for 9 months if she supersedes the Stork bringing a baby. Exclusively a laughable joke via Barneys for $198. Hey, at least it is cheap.

Granted I have not stepped foot in the gym in a while, but when I decide to go back (after my indefinite hiatus) I would love to carry a retro athletic bag. The Lacoste Sailing Boston Satchel embarks on an athletic journey with a retro chocolate and burnt orange color pattern and large body. Granted this bag is touted as a satchel, but I would inevitably use it as my athletic bag to have all my friends laugh at me and my choice of work out bag. Mostly a cotton body but trimmed in leather, the bag features a top zip closure, internal zip pocket, and polyester lining. Dimensions are 12″W x 8″H x 7″D which makes it the perfect athletic bag or carry on if this workout hiatus continues. Buy it through Nordstrom for $220.

One simple word: unimpressed. Chloe Dao was Project Runway Season 2’s winner. While on the show her designs were elegant and fit in all the right places for the women that modeled them. Granted The Chloe Bag by Chloe Dao is meant to be used as an overnight bag or carry on, the color and saying looks overly simple and grade-schoolish. The phrase “Carry On“ is stitched on the blue canvas bag which was inspired by one of Tim Gunn’s popular sayings from the show. Measurements are 17“ wide, 10“ height, 7“ diameter, yet either way I would expect more from Chloe. Via NBC Universal Store for $95.

{thanks SimpleCase}

When Megs discovered this particular piece at Zappos, I got really excited. Living in Germany and Germany happening to host the Soccer World Cup this year, this athletic little number brightened up my day! I’m not going to come here and pretend like I am a true soccer fanatic. Nothing like that really, but I have been following the WCs very closely in recent years and get just as excited as the common soccer nut when it comes to the playoffs. Brasil is my favorite team. Actually though, to me it’s more about seeing amazing soccer. Like all the other 1.5 billion people who watch it, I guess.
The Gilli Handbags Happy Stadium is a rectangular shaped shoulder bag made of suede with leather trim. It’s got the dual rounded shoulder straps and is finished with silver tone hardware. The dimensions measure 13″ wide x 7 1/8″ deep x 8″ high. For a price of $516, you may consider it to be a little rich for the Athletic bags section, I couldn’t make up my mind on where else to place it.

While we continue to think about that frightful weight loss resolution, let’s think about a yoga bag. I am somewhat forced into low impact exercise after my shoulder surgery, so I figure I better get into yoga a little more. Any of you yoga people? I always had a hard time imagining that something like yoga could keep me in shape, but my mom is a new-found firm believer in yoga. She used to run about 3 miles a day (I know amazing woman!), but hurt her knee and needed some low impact exercise. Poof! Yoga made it’s first appearance into my family. So if downward facing dog is also your thing (get your minds out of the gutter people!! ), then you may like the Modern Union Yoga Bag. These bags are messenger style bags which are styled from codura fabric but with a stylish outer flap with a printed design. This bag wouldn’t be a yoga bag without the straps that neatly hang from the bottom which will carry your yoga mat. Just make sure you don’t turn side to side too quickly and knock people around. For all of your work out musts, this bag does its job. On the outside of the bag there are both water bottle and cell phone holders (come on those two things are necessities nowadays), there are also pockets to hold CDs inside the bag (this bag must have hit before the iPod revolution), and many other compartments for your doodads. Sizing up at 13″ x 17″ and available in 4 different patterns, this yoga bag can help get you or keep you in shape for $68 through Modern Union.

As the new year approaches, it is inevitable that so many people’s resolutions for 2006 will be losing weight. If you don’t believe me, listen to what Women’s Health has to say:

An estimated 40 percent of Americans promise to lose weight in the New Year; however, almost 90 percent of those who responded to a nationwide survey reported either occasional or no success losing weight. In fact, nearly half of the respondents reported losing very little weight or, unfortunately, gaining weight instead.

Ok all of you, if you are part of the 40% why not actually follow through with that resolution this year. What better way to do it than in style? I have been an athlete my whole life and I still remember wearing my Juicy pants with a tank top on my way to competitions. Shh don’t tell anyone because I know that is pretty stupid! Vlad and I are both quite the work out gurus (seriously that man has been working out 3 hours a day lately!!) And while I am back on a lighter work out regime after my shoulder surgery, I have decided to take up some low key work outs. Since we are all fashionable we better look good on our way to the gym because chances are that we won’t look so cute on the way out. For you ladies that want to look super cute, check out the vintage looking Nike Ridgeline Sport Bag. This bag comes with a bit of history; it is inspired by the bags that Olympians in the ‘72 games carried. The bag looks sleek and chic but has practical use for the lady on a mission to a slimmer more toned frame. There are top handles and a zip top closure for easy access to your Volvic bottled water and iPod shuffle . This beauty is made of premium leather and shows off intricate laser etched designs. Measuring 5.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 2.75″ D, this Nike bag doesn’t look too sporty for even the most fashionable of us all. Buy it via Nike’s online store for $220 and break that nasty not following through with New Year’s Resolution deal!

Long time no action in the athletic department here at the Purse Blog. What a shame, since there is so many sporty & chic, yet tough and indestructible bags for all sorts of exercising. Whether it’d be the daily (or occasional) trip to the gym, or rock climbing on the weekends with the lady friends, hanging off 100 ft drops with one hand on a 1 inch ledge, there is plenty of bags to carry your gear or just look good with your athletic clothes.

Personally, I’ve always had a thing for Oakley gear. I’ve owned quite a few of their sunglasses before, and although some of them had gone through significant beating in the past, they still look sharp for the most part. Recently I discovered that Oakley had bags for the ladies in stock (actually I had never looked for them before). The one I decided to show you today is the Oakley Netting Bag. The netting is actually laser cut on the outside and comes with a tough gal internal camo print bag. An adjustable leather strap with custom buckle close, external pocket with custom Oakley zipper pull, and decorative D-ring round the bag off. Now, I am not sure that laser cutting on the netting will make the bag any more durable as it already was to begin with, I just call it a marketing punch line that will make the 15 year olds go “kewl dewd”… nonetheless, I like the netting on the dark bag, in my opinion it’s a great companion if you’re into outdoor sports and don’t hold back from getting dirty in the mud at times.

As soon as I spotted this trendy little number from the Prada Sport line I fell in love. I know I may still be a kid at heart, but the Eskimo pattern is just so cute! Made of orange nylon, silver mesh, and faux fur (with the Eskimo pattern), the bag is simply chic. There are removable gray web shoulder straps with seat-belt buckles which add a unique and fun touch to the bag. And of course, like the name says, there are side zip pockets. Where I am a bit baffled is the price. Yes, you are Prada, but give me a break! Those materials are nothing that you could not find at the local craft store but with the name Prada you can’t expect this bag to be anything other than $650 (through Neiman Marcus).

This highly versatile and functional bag made from perforated soft Italian leather, is off set with the celebrated Tanner Krolle contrast stitch detailing. The bag; large enough for a full gym kit, has a practical waterproof compartment inside, with a discrete magnetic pocket hidden behind the embossed Tanner Krolle logo at the front. The outside zips are lockable and come complete with Tanner Krolle branded padlocks and embossed oki-ni and Tanner Krolle leather zip pulls. The mini i-pod attachment slides on to the shoulder strap for easy access but is also detachable so the holder can be used independently. The screen and navigation dial can be viewed through the holder window with the mini i-pod still secure in its case. The bag is fully lined with an exclusive print created for especially for oki-ni. Available in three colours: black, dark brown and cream these bags are extremely limited. Dimensions of boxing bag: length 32cm x width 49cm x depth 20cm, please note that the mini i-pod pictured is not supplied.

The bag just rocks. No other way around it. I even know that many of the man bags I have written about might be too trendy for many of the males out there, but this is perfect. The bag comes in black, dark brown, and cream and will cost about $ 1,269 via oki-ni.

Calling all you trendy men! Humm… small crowd. Let me help all of you men out. Dressing good is ranked highly important for women. It impresses us if you match and can even look stylish while doing it. We would love to have a man that works out and takes care of his body. You know you want all of us women to run, squat, swim, lift, yoga, aerobicize, jump, bike until we look like the girls on the runway (sorry, but for the most part it won’t happen- keep dreaming!). We would also be so impressed if you knew the brand Bottega Veneta. Remember it. So if you are still desperately trying to vie for a certain woman’s attention- listen closely- combine all of these things we want into one. Why not carry a super sleek Bottega Veneta MarcoPolo Sport bag or the Bottega Veneta MarcoPolo Tennis Bag. The bags are super hot and any woman would find you immediately attractive if you carried that to the gym. The Sport Bag costs $1360 while the Tennis bag will cost $1320.

Note: If you do buy this bag, do us all a favor and buy some new work-out clothes and get rid of the tennis shoes you have used for everything since highschool. It’s not a trend nor will it ever be one.

I just realized last night while exercising furiously in a 30-head spinning session for 2 hours that we have totally ignored sports bags thus far. How irresponsible of us! I am sure lots of you femmes exercise regularly in one way or another, and how lame would it be to carry your sporting goods in some ol’ stinky backpack if you can do tote it in style? Exactly.

I did some searching and stumbled across the Puma Quilted Sports Bag. Awesome stuff! The dome-shaped quilted, synthetic leather sports bag comes in either shiny white or limelight shades and impresses with its versatility. Gym bag, carry-on for travel or just casual weekender, this spacious bag does it all. A two-way zipper opens the main compartment widely, giving easy access to its innards. The 11″ wide x 8″ deep x 11 1/2″ high sports bag goes for $66 through Zappos.com.