A new report from the University of Arizona reminds us that like everything else, those reusable green shopping bags we’re all so fond of might be teeming with bacteria.

The university tested 84 bags carried by shoppers in Tucson, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. It found that more than half of these were contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria, including 12% with e.coli.

But don’t let that discourage you from going green, says the National Resources Defense Council. We should simply remember to wash our bags from time to time to keep the bugs at bay. So many reusable bags are being made of machine washable cotton and other durable fibers, so that’s pretty easy advice to follow.

It’s also worth being aware of the power of cross contamination. You’ll need to take more care of bags carrying meat, poultry, and fish than those filled with sealed bottles and cans.

Just make sure you use eco-friendly detergent when cleaning your bags to really go green!

[Source: Consumerist]
[Image Source: Lululemon Athletica/Flickr]

Reusable Shoppers on eBay

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Tommy Hilfiger embraces the season and its taste for nautical fashions with this fun hibiscus print Boat Sack.

As its name suggests, this purse is just the thing for your next harbor cruise or yacht ride. Or perhaps if your budget doesn’t extend to messing about in boats, it’ll work as a cute beach bag.

No matter where you carry it, its vibrant pink and orange colors and distressed logo print scream fun in the sun. Its bucket shape works well with the chunky rope handles to create a casual coastal vibe. Canvas isn’t a luxurious choice, but we appreciate that it keeps the cost down while withstanding the salty sea air.

This boat sack is roomy, but not so big that you’ll struggle to manage it. With some careful packing you should fit a beach towel and sunscreen inside, but you won’t have a lot of space to spare. Thankfully there’s a zippered pocket inside, so you can keep your cell phone and other valuables separated from your wet towel and bathers.

This Tommy Hilfiger purse really won’t work once the weather cools, but for $69 you won’t mind that too much, especially since it’ll look just as good next year.

More Features of This Tommy Hilfiger Hibiscus Print Bag

• Polished silver-tone hardware
• Polyester lined interior
• Open top design
• Dual handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 11 x 11 inches
• Made in China

Get this Tommy Hilfiger Boat Sack Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Check the Fabulous Fashion Finds and More eBay store to see if this Tommy Hilfiger bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tommy Hilfiger bags on BagBunch
• The Tommy Hilfiger crab print boat sack bag, a great alternative to this hibiscus bag.
• Searching for more Tommy Hilfiger bags on eBay
• Other Tommy Hilfiger hibiscus bags on eBay:

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When I first heard of Gucci’s children’s collection, targeted at little ones from 0 to eight years, I was a bit harsh on the concept. I thought it was crazy for parents to clothe their quickly growing, sticky fingered tiny tots in luxury goodies, and I suppose I still do. But there’s at least a charitable reason for considering indulging in Gucci’s new line.

The launch of the kiddie line coincides with Gucci’s six-year anniversary of supporting UNICEF. So it seemed like a perfect time from the luxury label to pledge USD$1 million for the charity’s Schools for Africa initiative. This program aims to help all children access basic education, especially those who are disadvantaged.

“We know that Gucci’s collaboration with UNICEF has helped produce significant results for children in the last five years, thanks ultimately to the interest and enthusiasm of our customers,” said Gucci president and CEO Patrizio di Marco. “We are proud of what has been achieved so far and are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to be the foundation for our social investments worldwide. We truly believe that education is one of the most important and lasting investments for all children.“

The Gucci children’s collection features just about every fashion item your kids could ever need including apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and scarves. It will be available around the world in Gucci boutiques, selected specialty and department stores, and online from November.

[Source: BharatTextile]
[Image Source: Epicaxas/Flickr]

Gucci Bags on eBay

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If Judith Leiber’s cupcake minaudiere from the original Sex and the City movie was a little rich for your tastes, consider this more affordable alternative from Timmy Woods.

Of course, affordable is a relative term in the designer handbag world. Many would be shocked to hear Timmy Woods charges $333 for this novelty purse, but when compared to Judith Leiber’s $4295 price tag it almost sounds reasonable!

Before you forget your head though, remember that just like a real cupcake this handbag is all about satisfying a craving rather than a real need. It’s tiny, so you’ll definitely need to leave a few items at home when stepping out. It’s also so quirky that you might wonder what to pair it with.

On the plus side though, by crafting this purse from wood the designer has made an accessory which will keep its shape without adding a lot of weight. It’s also going to be durable, unless you really knock your accessories around. The long strap is another bonus, as you can wear it over your shoulder or across your body. It’s also got a limited edition appeal, and each one has been signed by Timmy Woods herself.

If you’ve got the confidence to carry it, and the dollars to spare, this sweet treat from Timmy Woods will be a real conversation starter.

More Features of This Timmy Woods Cake Cross-Body Bag

• Clasp closure
• Satiny lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in The Philippines

Get this Timmy Woods Cupcake Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Timmy Woods bags on BagBunch
• The Judith Leiber cupcake bag, a great alternative to this cupcake bag.
• Searching for more Timmy Woods bags on eBay
• Other cupcake bags on eBay:

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Cole Haan is very good at making certain types of bags. The Genevieve is a design the label returns to again and again, and this complex plaid patterned tote is probably one of my favorite versions.

The plaid of this triangle tote, although clearly based on traditional plaid and woven designs, is incredibly creative. Some won’t like the combination of pale tans and olive greens, but I think the gently metallic shades combine to make a design that is, quite frankly, gorgeous. It is complex at the same time as being modern, an effect that I think is very hard to carry off.

Metallic may not be the most summery set of colors, but in combination with a woven pattern and casual shape it offers a great way to go straight from day to night. The shape too emphasizes this, being spacious enough yet at the same time compact enough for both parts of the day.

The price is the only thing that puts me off about this bag, but if you are willing to pay the $395 then this Genevieve should see you happily from summer to winter.

More Features of this Cole Haan Woven Tote

• Multiple interior pockets and compartments
• Woven leather exterior (plaid)
• Dog clip closure
• Custom metal hardware

Get this Metallic Genevieve Hold-all:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Cole Haan bags on BagBunch
• The Cole Haan Genevieve Square tote, a great alternative to this triangle bag.
• Searching for more plaid bags on eBay
• Other Cole Haan bags on eBay:

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Oh, what a fabulous color. This bag from Melie Bianco is the the most sublime ice cool shade, perfect for hot days in the sun but just as suitable for the icy weather of winter too. A true year round staple.

This soft synthetic leather satchel is also incredibly on trend at the moment. Cute bags look gorgeous and never really go out of fashion, and there isn’t really anything cuter than a curved and traditional satchel. This is, essentially, the best way to look girly whilst avoiding covering everything in bows and glitter. Not that there is anything wrong with bows and glitter, per se, but it does have a somewhat distracting effect.

In addition to the shape, that aforementioned color is pretty on trend too. We have all seen the much loved Topshop nail varnishes that were released earlier this year? Well, this bag neatly matches one of their more delicate pastel shades, and there is nothing better than coordinating your bag with your nails!

Cute and almost unbearably desirable, I am amazed that I have managed to resist this bag!

More Features of this Melie Bianco Flap Over Handbag

• Also available in a rose brown
• Man-made leather exterior
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Optional long shoulder straps

Get this Sky Blue Satchel:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Melie Bianco bags on BagBunch
• The Giani Bernini glazed leather satchel, a great alternative to this traditional bag
• Searching for more satchels on eBay
• Other Melie Bianco bags on eBay:

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Tepper Jackson gets back to basics with this stylish messenger bag. While many of the brand’s designs feature wild psychedelic prints and playful stenciled animals, this handbag instead relies on a bold shot of color and clean lines for its style.

Available in wine red, moss green, or teal, this is a classic messenger bag. Its traditional flap shape and playfully striped cross-body strap toe the line, but its synthetic body makes a more sophisticated statement than classic canvas. It’s a budget alternative to leather, but its quality doesn’t leave us feeling like we’re slumming it.

The interior has all of the whimsical style we expect from Tepper Jackson. Its bold patterned lining is so much fun, it’s easy to forget that this is actually a functional space. It has a separate compartment for a laptop, and plenty of room for your important files and folders. These large spaces work well with the smaller zip pockets we see on each side.

With this messenger, Tepper Jackson has given us the sort of bag that can help us transition from the college classroom to the boardroom.

More Features of This Tepper Jackson Synthetic Messenger

• Printed plainweave lining
• Flap closure
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 11.5 x 11.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Tepper Jackson Teal Flap Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in wine and teal)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the The Storage Store eBay store to see if this Tepper Jackson bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tepper Jackson bags on BagBunch
• The Tepper Jackson Peacock messenger bag, a great alternative to this plain bag.
• Searching for more Tepper Jackson bags on eBay

American designer Karen Lukacs gives vintage clothes a new lease on life, as brand new handbags!

Karen has a gift for seeing the potential in all sorts of fashion items, from knit sweaters to jewelry, leather jackets to neck ties. As she only uses vintage fabrics, handbag fans are assured that every Karen Lukacs bag is one of a kind. Each one is handcrafted with an attention to detail rarely seen in larger manufacturers. It’s the little things that bagistas will really appreciate: the fabric lined interiors, the convenient cell phone pockets and key rings, and other thoughtful details.

Not to mention the prices. With most bags costing less than $100, Karen Lukacs are affordable for even the most frugal fashionistas.

“I’m in the business of upcycling discarded finds into functional works of art,” the designer explains on her Etsy page. “This is recycling. This is Indie Design. This, is Eco Fashion.“

Karen Lukacs’ environmentally friendly handbags and purses are available online through Eco-Handbags and her Etsy store.

[Source: Karen Lukacs Design]

Recycled Bags on eBay

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This Sandy cross-body bag from affordable label Tianni is one sporty little number.

The striped cross-body strap and woven microfiber body have a real athletic air that’s sure to appeal to girls on the go. Microfiber isn’t a luxurious choice, but I think it looks much better than the cheap synthetics so many budget labels use. It’s also super strong, so unlike a tacky pleather it should last for many years to come. Synthetic isn’t abandoned altogether though; it’s used as a stylish accent rather than the main event.

The Sandy is just as practical as it looks, with plenty of pockets inside and out. Unlike so many bags with ample compartments though, it’s not uncomfortably large. This really is a bag for busy girls; it’s got the space you need and no more so it won’t weigh you down. Its webbing cross-body strap is completely adjustable to make sure you find the perfect fit.

The Sandy isn’t a trend setter, but for a mere $50 it does its job admirably.

More Features of This Tianni Microfiber Crossbody Bag

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Measures 10 x 1 x 10 inches

Get this Tianni Sandy Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in all but black)
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

[phpbay]Tianni sandy cross*, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Tianni bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tianni bags on BagBunch
• The Tianni Sandy tote bag, a great alternative to this cross-body bag.
• Searching for more Tianni bags on eBay

Childhood best friends Sallye Irvine and Claire Leaman are the brains behind Earthchic, a brand which creates fun reusable shopping bags from eco-friendly materials. The company looks to help educate people about making eco-friendly choices, starting with ditching paper or plastic for a reusable tote bag!

Every Earthchic bag is made from an innovative new material called Ecospun which is crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles. When you’re touching this soft fabric it’s hard to believe it started out carrying soda.

Eco-shoppers are rarely fashion forward, but the prints on the Earthchic bags make them look a little more appealing than the average. Choose from horse-spot Palomino, zebra-striped Safari, and the French inspired Fleur de Lys.

While Prada charged a pretty penny for its new reusable shoppers, Earthchic believes it shouldn’t cost the earth to save the planet. Its bags cost no more than $35, and if there are great discounts if you buy in bulk. Get them from the Earthchic website or Eco-Handbags.

[Source: Earthchic]

Eco Shoppers on eBay

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