Totes

Who doesn’t have a hobby? I feel pretty safe to assume that we all have had at least one hobby in our lives and most likely dabbled with many more. I can laugh at it now, but I loved Ninja Turtles. What little girl does that?! I collected them and had a collectors carrying case. That may be much of the reason why my family laughs at me now for being such a fashion guru. Kate Spade has put hobbies to the test with some of her bags. The Kate Spade Hobby Gardening Tote boats a gardening theme screen print on the cotton canvas bag. The tote looks like it would fit perfectly under the arm and you really could take it out to your garden with you. Actually, if you lived in Germany for example, you could take it to your Strebergarten. There are four exterior slide pockets and the interior is lined with cotton twill and has a double slide pocket and zip pocket. The tote measures 10 1/2″h x 15 3/4″w x 7 3/4″d and is available via Kate Spade online for the sale price of $123.

But if you love going on weekend picnics, you may want to opt for the Kate Spade Hobby Picnic Tote. Showing off a screen print fork, knife, and spoon, this could be the perfect picnic basket-bag that you may be looking for. Also marked down via Kate Spade for $123.

Around Christmas time I had a big decision to make; what bag did I want to see under the tree. You laugh, but for a handbag enthusiast like me it was quite a big decision. I ended up opting for my beautiful Honey Fendi Spy Bag, but there was another bag I was lusting (and it was a bit cheaper!!). The other bag was by Gucci. It is the Gucci Medium Shoulder Bag (link). I feel in love with the woven leather straps and the way the bag fit on my shoulder. But when it came down to it, the Spy was far too divine to pass up. But today I ran into a Gucci look-a-like for a price that will make you smile rather than cringe. Banana Republic releases quite a few cute bags from time to time and this bag will not disappoint. The Banana Republic Kempton Harness Tote (link) is made of Italian leather and is has a fun flair with its 10″ drop braided leather shoulder straps and ring accents. This looks just like the Gucci bag I love!! After opening the magnetic closure you will find a plethora of pockets (zip, center divider, cell phone) along with stain and water resistant monogram lining. That right there is key. We all pay thousands for bags but most are not stain and water resistant on the inside- go figure. This bag measures: 16″ x 12″ x 5″. For a fraction of the Gucci price, you can have the twin of a high end designer bag for a fraction of the price. Available via Banana Republic for $169.99 right now.

When I was younger I always imagined that in 20 years the world would look so different. I am still waiting for flying cars and living on Mars. Until then the modern look will have to do. There is something about some accessories that is so in-your-face and futuristic. The Dior Rebel Leather and Suede Tote mixing modern touches with contemporary refinement. While this bag is not over the top it is able to get my attention with its antiqued silver metal hardware and use of pockets. As far as the pockets go, there is a front flap pocket with a chunky metal clasp and side flap pockets with magnetic buckles. The taupe calf leather and suede accenting makes this bag scream out refinement at its best. The bag measures 13.75″ x 12.5″ x 5″ at the base. If you feel Matrix like at any given moment, this bag may be the perfect accessory to make that statement. Buy it via eLuxury for $1590.

Some patterns on bags remind me of something a grandma would wear. Now I am not bashing any of you grandma’s out there- rock on ladies!! But some patterns just look ‘matronly’ if that is a better word :p The Pucci print is unmistakable- you see it anywhere and you know it. But sometimes, Pucci has a bit of a different bag that is a bit more subtle but you still see the underlying similarities and know it is Pucci. All my talk about ‘matronly’ bags and Pucci comes together with a new bag I saw today. The Emilio Pucci Festa-Print North/South Bag is covered in the Festa-print canvas and is accented with hot pink leather trim and piping. The canvas just looks a bit like Vera Bradley, which many consider ‘matronly’ also. While it does look a bit old, I also think it could work for all ages. On the inside there is Pucci logo textile and a zipped pocket. The new Pucci bag measures 11″ x 10″ x 4″ (at base) and is available through eLuxury for $415.

Today is the most hectic day I have had in a long time. I have about 8,586,230 errands to run before Vlad makes it back to the States tonight!! I have to find the perfect airport outfit too (don’t even get me started on airport outfits) and clean up! Wheee. So right now I don’t have much posting time because I’m running behind on time. For a bag that is like no other and reminds me of the days of Joan of Arc, give your attention to Kooba Ada Woven Leather Tote. This bag looks like metal garb to me. But there is no metal; the bag is made from woven leather with large antiqued brass studs, canvas, and rope. Something about this bag just reminds me of a metal suit rather than anything else. Hum this could be the lack of sleep talking or the excitement for Vlad’s arrival. Either way buy this crazy bag that is not my style through eLuxury for $725.

Many times the perfect color on a bag makes the bag. Isn’t that weird? It always baffles my mind, but it happens. The Anna Corinna Small Nouveau Tote takes on inspiration from art nouveau on its canvas bag which is accented by leather detail. On the front and back there is suede banding which gives off a perfect detail without overpowering the bag. Simple and casual is what makes this bag easy for everyday wear. The top closes with a leather drawstring and there are double leather handles. Overall this tote measures 22″L x 13″H. At first I was only set on the ivory option but upon further inspection (aka staring down the bag) I have found that I actually like both the forest and black. If anyone is bored and has some time on their hands, can you check out the model carrying the black one? Tell me if she does not remind you of Jodie Foster. Yikes she is scaring me with the resemblance. Anyhow, buy the tote through ShopBop for $312.

Our good friend Toni over at Hayden Harnett shot me an email yesterday, letting us know about their super fabulous new summer styles. For our readers, Toni also decided to throw in a 15% discount on all of their products. Gotta love deals! Just use the discount code “BPT2532″ during checkout, and you’re all set!

First of the Karanina in embroidered twill and straw:

Secondly, the Malia City Basket:

And last, but not least, the Nico xxHobo… a real winner in my book!

More Nico colors after the jump!

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What lady does not need a big brown bag? And no, I’m not talking about the Bloomingdale’s bag, although that is always nice to have also. While oversized totes sometimes seem to be never-ending in capacity, many of you know that you need a huge bag for all your ‘things’, especially if you have kids. What mother out there does not carry a few small toys, crayons, random medicine, candy and treats, etc? A new option for a must-have big bag is the Botkier Bombay Tote. The tote is meticulously made of soft Italian goatskin leather and is further shown off with antiqued brass hardware. While this bag could have been too simple to give it more than one glance, Botkier spiced the bag up with wraparound straps, simple stud detailing, and a leather tassel (which is removable for those of you who think it is too much). The inside is spacious to fill all the goodies you need to travel with to keep everyone around you realizing you are ready for anything at anytime. Overall the bag measures 13″ x 20″ x 8″; I didn’t lie- it really is big!! Buy it through eLuxury for $540.

Being bad to the bone is not always a bad thing. Anyone else notice that skulls and rocker chick look is in? Brands like Holy Grail are making the bad girl one of the “it” girls of the moment. I have bought some nice jeans and paired them with a skull shirt and I love the look. What about you? I love to be able to go from a girly girl to a rocker chick from one day to the next. The Shelly Litvak Small Whip Stitched Brown Tote will help your badass look with its skull in snake print on the front. Very different for a girl who isn’t afraid to show some attitude. Buy it through Le Petite Salon for $1238.

How do you like your totes? Are you someone who prefers it longer or taller? My preference is for a longer tote, but sometimes a taller tote catches my eye and is also appealing. One of the taller totes that has my attention is the Mulberry Elgin Tote. Mulberry has made its way into many of our hearts and hands and this tote is simple but fashionable with its brass buckles and buckle strap closures. The tote is designed from soft pebble leather and is shown off by contrast stitching. For carrying, there are two shoulder straps with a 71⁄4″ drop which should be ample room to fit under the arm. Measuring 131⁄4″H X 12″L X 53⁄4″W , this tote shows that its height and length are not hugely different, but from an outsiders eye the dimensions seem to be much easier to differentiate. After opening the buckle strap closure, there is a zip pocket and suede lining. I’m a fan of the buckle and strap detailing on this bag. Buy it through Saks for $995.