Stylish with Substance

They're bras with ... breastises inside (check 2nd picture--mature)! This is the most inventive handbag creation since the first person correlated purses with vaginae (probably the first man to see a woman with one, and I vouch for the concept).

These wallets are open inside like pouches, with one zippered pocket, so they could double as small clutches, too. Just be careful who's around when you pull your cash out of the - um - cups. Whoo! Bag flash!

What a riot! This custom Money Bag (different bras/skin tones) is available from Freckleface for only $35. Beyond a steal for a must in any purse collection!!

And for more fun, check out the beyond saucy baldie lady, the Britney - it's the um, other part. ;-)

Kaboodle.com is a social shopping wish list site I'm sure many of you have heard of. One cool feature is the ability to make and vote on "Help me choose" polls. You can also publish them to you blogs, so here we go!

It's a cool, fun and helpful feature to get more exposure if you really need the help. Don't have a blog, but have a cool handbag poll - send it to me through my contact form (which has a new script, finally)!

*Update: I just realized that the code doesn't work AT ALL in WordPress, so I've added a link to the image leading to my polls page on Kaboodle. Sorry!*

Wow, Zazzle has really improved their stock canvas totes for creative sellers to put their designs on to sell. I've just received word that they have lots of Trick-or-Treat designs to use for totin' candy stashes, or even by adults as Holiday market totes. They have two different orange-accented bags (not to mention an orange-y floral and black, natch), which is great, too.

The bags are 100% cotton, no mention of organic, but it's still pretty good. Go Zazzle, go good eatin'!

Free shipping on bags at Zazzle with coupon code FREESHIPBOOO (there's an extra o).

(Shown in photo, Got Candy? by T-shirt Fun and The Batty Tote by Jamie Creates 1.)

Now, simple sewn fabric indie purses don't have to be boring with grandmother style. Even a basic bag can be chic in a sleek geometric shape with a cute fabric. This "Creamsicle" purse even has matching fabric straps, which I usually hate, but somehow here it works. So much so, it deserves a feature.

Fangobbles' signature shape is this triangle-esque handbag with different fabrics. A girl can definitely find something she likes in her Etsy shop, or use their "convo" feature to inquire about other prints.

And when an item goes on sale in this shop, it may not last long, so keep on it. Hopefully you'll learn to love indie, if you don't already, just browse Etsy! There's something for everyone, including the snobbiest fashionistas.

Most of you have heard the crazy frenzy involving Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not a Plastic Bag", which is indeed made of cotton. The 5 pound bag (currency, not weight) sold out in the UK within one hour of being released. Then resellers reaped hundreds of dollars of profit via eBay.

Now a U.S. version is coming stateside (pictured). And the wait-listing is set to begin.

So why do I make the bold claim that Anya is an eco-poser? The bags are limited edition, with a 2 tote-per-customer limit. But to use these at groceries, one would need oh say five. When they sold out, what happened? Well, they didn't immediately continue production, just lived it up from the buzz. When limited edition colours hit stores in outside countries, UK will be stocking more at Sainsburys stores. (So hopefully the correct steps will be set in motion.)

I understand that buzz is very good to make people want to follow this earth-friendly trend, but Hindmarch is 1: just hawking a fashion for fellow faux environmentalists, girls who will do it because it's trendy, and 2: it's just plain ironically twisted that these bags can't serve their intended function, and most people who want one for that function can't get one. The eBay buyers, by the way, in no way intend their main desire to be to help the Earth. They want a piece of IT, 'cause hey, even at $400 it's not too-too bad a price to catch a HOT celebrity-toted designer bag. And the ones who sell, are they anti-green and pro the greens (if you know what I mean)? Yes, but who can blame them, when I'm sure 90% of you reading this would sell one if you had two.

To be green is to be open for all. Environmentalism is not a luxury. We're too caught up in the A list and we're demeaning what means something for the sake of "cool".

Tell you what, I know of these well-made inexpensive colored tote bags. I am going to buy a few of those, then sew on cute doodles and use those at grocery stores. Truly personalized. You know, I might even sell them for $5 each. I could even put sayings on them: "I'm not an IT bag." "I'm not a poser bag." "No plastic, no dead animals, no vanity." Puh-leaze!

That being said, am I going to try to get on the waitlist? AND snatch two? HECK YEAH. (And I think I'm gifting #2.) I want one and I deserve one, I just happen to believe everybody deserves one. This shouldn't be a bag for the elite or even just the in-the-know purse addicts. (Although it should equally be open to bag collecters, as I am.) (And who wants to bet against me that no one outside of "the know" will buy this?)

So the waitlist opens May 7th at AnyaHindmarch.com and boutiques are taking pre-orders as of today (although the phone lines are busy!).

List of U.S. Boutiques and phone numbers:

Los Angeles # 1-310-271-9727

New York, NY
East 60th Street # 1-212-750-3974
Greene Street # 1-212-343-8147

New Jersey # 1-973-379-7183

Source

I was on the hunt for a camera case for ... oh probably years. Especially with my camera turning on and wasting battery if I take it anywhere with the batt left in. Ugh. Just recently, I also decided I needed a new digital camera, a small one with a "macro" setting. Now not only does my new camera do away with my cam problems, is on beat with modern technology & fun other settings in addition to macro, and it comes in pink(!) but it doesn't even turn on randomly due to its optical lens features.

Still, when I found the cam, things just *clicked* into place and I found the perfect little case! It's pink as well, is small enough to secure the camera, but with extra room to fit small accessories, in genuine leather and its darn cute to bag! Clearly meant for a camera, with padded sides to protect your gadget and a multi-colored dangling fob including a camera charm, it could even be a small clutch with its fashionable look and wristlet strap. The buckle + charms combo remind me of COACH meets Luella. Love it!

The price is darn right a dream, too: $24.99 and your order might come with free standard shipping. Oh yeah, here are the cameras, as well. Aren't we just the picture of stylish perfection?

The holiday season is approaching, and so for each full week of December - and the first week of 2007 - I will do a different countdown of bags.

We kick things off with bags for bargain, budget bags might just be what's on givers minds this week. (And don't forget our whole series on Gifts the week of giving thanks!)

#4: Gap Foiled suede satchel

This bag is made of genuine suede, but moreover, it has a metallic flower print patterned on that suede. The shape is simple, although a little Spy-esque, so really what won me was the unique and luxe technique for the material. This bag is on sale, too, for $49.99! Great for a surprisingly large bag at 16" wide.

For the year-end-and-beginning we're doing top 5s every week in December, plus one special week in January. And to start off the Christmas shopping month, and to compliment our gifts series, this week it's the Top 5 Budget Bags.

#5: Liz Claiborne Leather Croc-Embossed Pocket Tote

I have this bag and it's a great quality, nice-looking, affordable brand bag. The moc croc leather is metallic and looks chic, plus it has plenty of pockets and is sizable. I predict snake will be back for Spring, so if you want to stock up now, think about this bag. Especially as it is on sale for $49.49 (and long gone from the outlets, so eBags is the place to purchase).

4th Top Budget Bag
3rd Top Budget Bag
2nd Top Budget Bag
1st Top Budget Bag!

This post is part of our week-long Holiday Gifts series. Read post 1: Coach Demis on eBay.

Who ever heard of a jewelry roll? Well luxe brand, Banana Republic, has made just that---this "Jewelry Roll" is for storing jewelry. The clutch-like piece of fabric unwraps to reveal three wide pockets lined in silk for storage. With its red velvet exterior and beautiful satin bow, I say this item could even be used as a handbag for holiday events!

Measuring 7 ½" x 4" and at only $38, that's not a bad choice.

A dear two-tonal maize straw tote with a cute printed lining and matching fabric tie closure---that is this J. Crew Bicolor Straw Tote. With a triangle shape and a juxtaposed tie to match its cotton poplin lining, this bag is sweet to stroll the boardwalk and I'm even thinking it would be a wonderful accent around the house to hold knitting or magazines, or stand on a table in a sitting room. Call me crazy! But at only $48, this tote could serve any duty.