Handbags

Monday, August 31. 2009

Back-to-School Bags Under $30: Forever 21

I know that some people like to malign Forever 21 for their "fall apart" fashions, but all the bags I've ever purchased from the fast-fashion chain have garnered dozens of compliments and they've held up really, really well. As in, I've never had a single problem with any of the half-dozen or so bags, totes or clutches that I've purchased from the store over the years. For example, I still use this black convertible bag at least weekly (it was in my daily rotation for a year but a girl's gotta mix things up), and the zippers still function perfectly, there are no loose threads, and the pleather has held up really well, no scuffs and you can just wipe it clean. So with that in mind, if you don't have a lot of cash to drop on a new handbag this season, consider purchasing one from Forever 21. And here's some more food for thought: Just because something costs $30 doesn't mean it's disposable. There's nothing on the tag that says you can't enjoy your budget purchases for years to come!

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The Budget Babe

in Handbags at 16:25 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

Back-to-School Bags Under $70: Urban Expressions

If you're looking for a roomy, comfy, affordable handbag for back-to-school with an "It" bag vibe, Urban Expressions is a brand you should know. You can find this Los Angeles-based company's stylish, modern collection of handbags and clutches at stores like DSW as well as online at Baghaus.com, FashionFlairs.com and FashionBliss.com. Urban Expressions has been featured in People StyleWatch, Life and Style, Cosmo and O, The Oprah Magazine, so you might be familiar with some of their designs already! Most bags are priced under $50 at Baghaus, and under $70 at DSW, but as always, look for sales and sign up for the DSW rewards club (if you aren't already a member).

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The Budget Babe

in Handbags at 13:25 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, July 29. 2009

Site Spotlight: Novica.com

The Seller: Novica.com (part of the National Geographic Family) is an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with sourcing and direct-shipping offices in seven developing nations.

The Goods: At any given time, Novica features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to
world-style home decor. Novica also recently launched an entire section devoted to handbags, where you'll find the perfect tote handbag for running errands to that one-of-a-kind leather handbag you've been searching for to take to the office.

The Cause: Launched in 1999, to date Novica has helped change the lives of 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

The Cost: Most bags at Novica range in price from under $50 to about $200 (not bad compared to designer bags).

Here are 5 of my favorite handbags under $50:

Agel handbag, 'Blue Fantasy', $44.95. Woven by hand from agel grass, this nautical striped handbag says summer.

Alpaca wool shoulder bag, 'Andean Warmth,' $44.95. Rich colors and an on-trend "tribal" print make this bag a chic addition to any wardrobe.

Silk handbag, 'Silver Horizon', $44.95. A simple, classic silhouette makes this the perfect go-with-anything bag.

Cotton batik shoulder bag, 'Chocolate Bouquet', $49.95. Exotic floral patterns appear through hand-stamped batik in this shoulder bag from Bali.

Cotton handbag, 'Plum Abstractions', $22.95. This colorful tote from Thailand looks plucked from the MoMA giftshop, earning it some serious cool points.

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Eco-Friendly Fashion, Fashion for a Cause, Handbags at 07:29 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)

Friday, July 24. 2009

The Look for Less: Mulberry Bayswater Bag

The Mulberry Bayswater bag manages to be a timeless classic and top celebrity "It" bag at the same time with its unique combination of modern lines and vintage appeal. Make this $895 investment over at Mulberry.com (it comes in a dozen different colors and finishes, I just used this brown one as an example).

Or, just scoop up Forever 21's Reptile Leather Doctor's Tote for $32.80 and make believe you're carrying the real deal. Works for me!

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The Budget Babe

in Designer Looks for Less, Handbags at 17:02 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, July 23. 2009

Vera Bradley: Yea or Nay?

Since its launch in 1982, Vera Bradley Designs' signature cotton quilted handbags, luggage and accessories have become recognized worldwide. The fabrics are a tad too "country cottage" for me, so they don't work with my personal style, but here's why I still give them a big ol' thumb's up:

The Vera Bradley success story is the epitome of the American Dream. Two longtime friends start small and make it big through hard work, passion and a loyal fanbase.
It's a women-owned business. Gotta love that.
The headquarters are in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Midwest represent!
The styles appeal to all generations. Last time I was at the airport, I saw a daughter/mother/grandmother trio toting Vera Bradley carry-ons—too cute for words.
They're affordable. Vera Bradley has something for every budget, from inexpensive wristlets to under-$100 tote bags, and discontinued styles always go on mad sale.
Those delightful prints. How can anyone hate on those adorable little paisleys and florals? It would be like hating Care Bears. No one hates Care Bears.

OK, I've made my case. What do you think about Vera Bradley? Yea or nay?

poll by twiigs.com

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Handbags at 13:30 | Comments (23) | Trackbacks (0)

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