Recycled Street Sign Briefcase | Tripp Gregson Saves Aluminum Roadsigns

Posted on: May 28

Recycled Street Signs Tote

North Carolina artist Tripp Gregson has created a work bag which will stand out in any office with this Recycled Street Sign Briefcase.

Just as its name suggests, this briefcase has been carefully crafted from old traffic signs destined for landfill. The signs give the briefcases a pop of color and a real retro appeal, but the material also has a practical purpose. As well as being eco-friendly, the aluminum is super tough.

The inside of each briefcase has been padded and kitted out with organizational pockets. It’s just the thing for keeping your laptop, important documents, and stationery in order each day. There’s also a combination lock, so you can rest easy leaving your briefcase in the office while you head out for lunch. And finally there’s a carry strap to make your daily commute a little easier.

All too often eco-friendly designers forget about those modern perks, so it’s refreshing to see Tripp Gregson include all the contemporary touches we expect in a briefcase. We do pay for the privilege though. All those little extras see this Recycled Street Sign Briefcase costing $250 from the Uncommon Goods website. It’s available alongside a range of recycled street sign goodies from Tripp Gregson, including bookends, martini glasses, and a back scratcher!

[Source: Uncommon Goods]

Lux de Ville Hi Jinx Tote | Spade Decorated Red Synthetic Carryall Bag

Posted on: May 28

Lux de Ville Hi Jinx ToteLux de Ville’s signature rockabilly style is on show again with this Hi Jinx tote.

While this tote fits in neatly with the label’s design vision, its all-over pattern is something new for me. I’m sure it’ll polarize fashion fans, but I quite like the way the quirky black spades look against the cherry red synthetic. If it were all rendered in real leather it’d appear much more luxurious, but then again it wouldn’t cost a mere $54 either. I think that material compromise is something most recessionistas will happily make.

I’m not so sure about the look of the chunky silver chain which hangs across the purse, but it serves a practical purpose. While those rolled handles are too short to sling over your shoulder, you can use the chain for simpler carrying. This metal strap isn’t entirely comfortable, but if you’ve got a distance to travel it’ll make the journey easier. It’s also removable if you’d prefer a cleaner look.

The Hi Jinx is quite large, which has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand it’s refreshing to find a bag that holds everything you need to carry with ease. But with just one zippered pocket inside, it’s also difficult to keep organized. You’ll need to take some care when packing this tote to avoid lengthy searches for your keys and cell phone.

The Hi Jinx has real charm though so I can easily forgive its shortcomings, especially for its bargain price.

More Features of This Lux de Ville Spade Decorated Tote

  • Fully lined interior
  • Measures 13 x 6 x 6 inches

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MICHAEL Michael Riley Leather Envelope Bag | Hip Urban Black Shoulder Bag

Posted on: May 27

MICHAEL Michael Riley Leather Envelope BagThe MICHAEL line has consistently delivered high quality, trend-driven accessories this season. This Riley envelope shoulder bag packs a fabulous amount of attitude into a small package.

The black leather has a fine grain to it that shows off the stitch detail beautifully. The combination of the texture and the seaming gives the bag a biker chic appeal, but the petite size and restrained adornment keep it classy. The silver hardware is prominent, but not overdone.

I love the discreet, envelope shape of the Riley. The tiny front pockets are a really nice touch to the classic shape, and the zippers add to the bag’s edgy appeal. I’m not crazy about the large, smooth push-lock front clasp, but it’s innocuous enough that it doesn’t really interfere with the overall look of the bag. The chain strap is a cool, but somewhat impractical addition.

You really can’t beat the price of the Riley. At $200 it packs a wallop of style for a very palatable price.

More Features Of The MICHAEL Michael Kors Riley Leather Envelope Bag

  • 11″ x 6″ x 1″ size
  • 20″ strap drop
  • Fully lined in designer embossed fabric

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DKNY Leather Tote | Classic Feminine Brown Leather Satchel

Posted on: May 27

DKNY Leather Tote

DKNY is the kind of line that doesn’t really seem to have a solid aesthetic of its own, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It follows the trends, but keeps them classic. This leather tote is a great example of how DKNY interprets a traditional ladylike design for a new generation.

The brown leather on this bag is nice and neutral. A little too neutral, if you ask me. Frankly, I’m just get tired of “medium brown.” Still, the color ensures its versatility, even if it does leave me longing for something a little more colorful.

The shape is curvaceous, but very structured, which creates a nice, feminine balance. I love the minimal use of embellishment. Actually, there really isn’t any embellishment, save the turn-lock fastening front flap pocket. This is a great detail, however, with a nicely worked shaped to the flap and a simple and elegant clasp.

This a great timeless bag at a great price. For $325, this tote will take you through several seasons, and even years, of fashion ups and downs.

More Features Of The DKNY Leather Tote

  • 14″ x 11″ x 6″ size
  • 7″ strap drop
  • Adjustable, detachable, cross-body strap
  • Fully lined

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Lulu Guinness Rainy Day Fund Clutch | Mini Frame Satin Umbrella Coin Purse

Posted on: May 27

Lulu Guinness Rainy Day Coin PurseI always mean to put away some money for a rainy day, but sadly my pay seems to dry up long before the storms hit. Perhaps if I had a coin purse like this cute Lulu Guinness Rainy Day Fun clutch I could stick to my financial resolve!

This satin purse is pure Lulu Guinness with its whimsical umbrella and embroidered raindrops. The scrolling script running along the bottom tells us this is a purse for our Rainy Day Fund, although you could easily use it for a girl’s night out or a well deserved shopping spree!

Its interior is simple, without pockets or dividers, but we don’t expect much inside a purse of this size. There’s no strap either, so you’ll need to hold it by hand or stash it inside a larger handbag. Its red satin lining is particularly luxurious, and a great complement to the vintage kiss-lock clasp.

Perhaps this purse is too expensive at $80, but it’s so unusual anyone who’s fallen for it may have to swallow that price. And once you’ve bought it, perhaps you can resist spending all your small change!

More Features of This Lulu Guinness Satin Coin Purse

  • Structured frame design
  • Measures 3.9 x 5.1 inches

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The Sak Remembers September 11 | Betty Sue Flag Bags Help Brooke Jackman Literacy Charity

Posted on: May 27

The Sak Betty Sue BagsThe Sak is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks by donating a portion of sales from its patriotic Betty Sue collection to The Brooke Jackman Foundation. The foundation was established to honor one of 9/11’s fallen heroes, a bond trader who was planning to move out of the world of finance to pursue her passion for helping children.

Through the foundation Brooke’s dream lives on. The group helps improve the literacy of New York City’s underprivileged children by distributing thousands of Brooke’s Books and Brooke Packs each year. It has donated almost 100, 000 books since its inception in 2001.

That number is sure to increase with The Sak’s help. It is currently donating part of the proceeds from its crocheted Betty Sue bags. As The Sak is based in New York City, its co-founder Mark Talucci said “the events of 9/11 really hit home.” In supporting The Brooke Jackman Foundation, The Sak can remember this time and give back to a very personal cause.

The flag design is available on a cross-body bag, cosmetics case, Malboro shoulder bag, and even a pillow and placements! It doesn’t cost much for us to lend our support, with Betty Sue items ranging from $17 to $39. They’re currently available from The Sak’s website.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]

The Sak Crochet Bags on eBay

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Lucky Brand Fugitive Satchel | Red Pebbled Leather Carryall Bag

Posted on: May 27

Lucky Brand Fugitive SatchelLucky Brand reminds us of the beauty of a simple satchel with the Fugitive.

There are no bells or whistles here, no attempts to follow the latest fads. What we’re left with is gorgeous pebbled leather in a sumptuous shade of red. Its shape has a little slouch, but it’s not completely lacking in structure. In short, this is a bag with classic good looks and classic appeal.

And just like the very best classics, this is a handbag that knows the job it has to do. It performs its task admirably, with enough space to carry everything we need and a few things we don’t. Leather trimmed pockets make it a bit easier to keep those items in order, while the wide leather straps are designed to minimize shoulder strain. Real leather is always a bit heavier than synthetic, so I’m thrilled to see Lucky Brand doing what it can to make carrying the Fugitive comfortable.

My only niggle is the choice of a snap closure, rather than a more secure zip. In my opinion the Fugitive is too wide for such a clasp, as any items can easily slip out of the sides. It’s not a deal breaker, but you’ll need to take a bit of care.

At $199 I wouldn’t call this satchel a steal, but the Fugitive is reasonably priced for a bag that is sure to become a wardrobe staple for years to come.

More Features of This Lucky Brand Leather Satchel

  • Snap closure
  • Plainweave lined interior
  • Dual handles with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 10 x 16.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Beef Jerky Chanel Purse | Arts Student Makes Real Meat Bag

Posted on: May 27

Chanel Beef Jerky Purse
When Lady Gaga wore her meat dress at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards complete with matching raw meat purse, I thought it was both brilliant and hideous. I loved the drama of the controversial outfit, but I couldn’t help worrying about the smell! Now Californian arts student Nancy Wu has created a more palatable version from beef jerky!

The student from Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design stitched together sheets of the dried meat to create her Chanel replica. I don’t normally condone designer replicas, but when they’re done as cleverly as this it’s hard not to get behind it!

The attention to detail is really extraordinary. Wu has even carefully crafted the iconic interlocking C and signature chain link handle. This purse may have taken a lot more time to create, but it’s certainly a more affordable solution!

I probably wouldn’t take this purse out on a hot day, but it could be a great conversation starter once the weather cools. And besides, you’ll always have something to eat when you feel peckish on the run. How many designer bags offer that?

There’s no word yet on Chanel’s response to the bag, but surely the fashion house has to admire Wu’s artistry. If she works as well with leather as she does with meat, perhaps she could be in line for a job!

[Source: Lost at E Minor]

Chanel Bags on eBay

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Louis Vuitton L Shoulder Bag | Slouchy Mahina Gray Leather Handbag

Posted on: May 27

Louis Vuitton L BagLouis Vuitton epitomizes luxury, but I must admit that I’ve never warmed to the label’s drab brown and tan signature prints. So I’m thrilled to see the fashion house reinterpreting the monogrammed pattern with its L bag.

The L handbag sees Louis Vuitton’s famous signature pattern created with thousands of tiny perforations. The label calls this Mahina; I just call it stylish! What a way to make the gray calfskin seem interesting, yet still elegant.

The L is one of those special bags that is both sophisticated, yet not too conservative. Its slouchy form lends itself to everyday use, which is just as well for the price. When you’re paying more than three and a half grand for a purse you’ll want to use it regularly, right?

Given the workout this bag is sure to get, I’m disappointed that Louis Vuitton hasn’t added metal feet on the base. That soft leather deserves protecting, and we can’t be expected to do the job alone!

If you’ve got the budget for it, and you know how to handle it with care, the L bag would make a worthy investment piece.

More Features of This Louis Vuitton Mahina Shoulder Bag

  • Microfiber lined interior
  • Flat pocket inside
  • An interior D-ring
  • Measures 16.1 x 12.2 x 7.9 inches

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MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Cross Body Bag | Edgy But Classy Quilted Bag

Posted on: May 26

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Cross Body BagThere have been a ton of quilted leather bags on the market in the past few seasons. It’s a classic look that was revamped in the 1990s, so today it looks a little retro. This Hamilton shoulder bag by MICHAEL Michael Kors is a great way to get the look at a reasonable price.

I love the petite size of this bag. Cross body bags are tricky, because if they’re too big they can be really uncomfortable, not to mention unflattering. The Hamilton is a nice size for the style, though. Unfortunately, while I love the look of the chain strap, it’s not really great for wearing across the body. Fortunately, the strap has a leather strip right where it will hit your shoulder, so it avoids this issue partially.

The quilting on the bag is larger than what I’ve been seeing lately, and it brings attention to the smallness of the bag in a way that I really dig. It also has a really cohesive geometric look. Overall, I love the edgy look of the Hamilton, particularly considering its wee price tag. At $155, it’s a deal for sure.

More Features Of The MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Cross Body Bag

  • 6″ x 5″ x 1″ size
  • 23″ strap drop
  • Fully lined in designer embossed fabric

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