Louis Vuitton's Label Line

Considering that Louis Vuitton started as a luggage line, the new Label line is a charming return to the company's roots. The bags are embellished with a vintage Vuitton ad for its wardrobe trunks and other travel essentials. The small pochette bag is handy for travel--stash your passport, boarding pass, small change and other airplane essentials in it instead of rummaging through your carry on. Read more on the Louis Vuitton Label line.

FEED bags by Lauren Bush

One of the activities I most look forward to when planning an overseas vacation is shopping! The feeling of finding exotic items like a scarf in the indigenous print, tribal jewelery, a wooden decorative mask or a beautiful embroidered blouse and bringing back a piece of the destination is exciting. Lauren Bush brings us a little piece of Guatemala with her FEED Guatemala bags created in partnership with UNICEF and Lord & Taylor.

The FEED Guatemala bags are handmade a nonprofit organization called Nest, that empowers women and female artists around the world. The Guatemalan Nest artisans are using their traditional Ikat fabrics to make these bags the colors and woven patterns which reflect the vibrant Guatemalan culture. In addition to empowering women, the bags generate funds to help UNICEF provide micronutrient supplements to Guatemalan children who are stricken by poverty.

Because of its exotic look, carrying this bag around town will make you look like you just got back from vacation and you will feel great about it knowing the lives of those women who helped to create it, is better off because of your purchase. The FEED Tote bag is available at Lord & Taylor for $39 and the pouch for $19 and FEED will donate $10.50 or $3.50 respectively to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs in Guatemala.

Contributed by The Stylester.

This review was based on a free sample.

Kate Moss for Lonchamp - The Faraway Collection

The latest handbag collection, from the eternally chic Kate Moss recently launched at Longchamp. The Faraway collection features three different lines of bags (from left to right): The Faraway Chic “adapts to the hippy deluxe ambiance,” Faraway Exotic was inspired by Kate’s trip to Peru—she brought back fabric samples that inspired the bag; Faraway on the Road is said to “evoke a timeless spirit of adventure” and is one kick ass weekend bag.

Kate Moss for Longchamp Women - Handbag and luggage : Longchamp.com, $745
Kate Moss for Longchamp Women - Handbag and luggage : Longchamp.com, $575
Longchamp handbag, $1,270

Watch the Faraway mini-movies on Longhamp.com featuring Ms. Moss, the bags and Marrakech, Morocco.

Carlos Falchi Henna Tiger-Snake Collection

We have Carlos Falchi's daughter, Kate to thank for the sexy new Henna Tiger-Snake collection. According to WWD, Kate studied the art of wedding henna for this Indian-inspired line of handbags. It's easy to see the henna motifs and curry colors in this clutch. "It has an air of funkiness without it being too over the top," she said.

The Carlos Falchi Henna Tiger-Snake Collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks.

Lead-Free Handbags

Until last night, we didn't even know there was a possibility our handbags could contain lead. We must have been on vacation when the report came out in January that a number of PVC bags, including those from Target, H&M, Macys and Kohl's, were found to contain lead. (We're wondering if our PVC shoes from these stores are at risk for lead, too?)

Now, thanks to the Robert Verdi eco-tweetup last night, we know there are safer options, including the K.C. Malhan line of bags. Designer Jessica Singh creates vegan bags made with lead-free beads (Does that mean our beaded tops could have lead too? We can't even think about that possibility.)

We love the leopard print clutch and the cosmo coin purse, both available at K.C. Malhan.

See our other favorite products that are good for the earth.

This review was based on a free sample.

Straw Bags

We spent last summer on the hunt for the perfect straw bag, to no avail. We couldn't find any bags that fit the bill of being stylish and functional. This upcoming season, looks like the challenge will be to pick just one!

We're partial to the Tory Burch Slouchy Straw Tote--Gold trim will always get us!

The Prada Straw and Leather Shopper is no slouch either, with fringed trim and a stylish rosette.

For a dash of color, there's the Kate Spade Foley Beach Benedictia.

Leave it to Jimmy Choo to make raffia look naughty in the Bazli raffia and leather tote.

For a bargain, try the Croft and Barrow ZigZag bag, available at Kohl's.

Best Friend Bags

 Remember those little heart necklaces you would break in two and share with your BFF back in the day? This Rebecca Minkoff take on the trend is a modern way to share your affection with your bestie! These are coin purses, but we would use ours to hold our lipgloss in our carry ons. Too cute!

Available at Bloomingdales.

Microbartering 101

One of our favorite things about our girls' trip is shopping. It's especially fun when you're in the Caribbean or somewhere with local crafts. If you don't have a trip planned to anywhere exotic, Buildanest.com brings the artisans to you. The site even does it one step better: the group provides interest-free financing to women in third world countries so they can purchase supplies, space at a bazaar and other items they need to start their own business. The proceeds from their items sold on the site, go to help the next generation of women.

The above lace rainbow tote is from Guatemala and retails for $60.

Eco-Friendly Bags and Wallets

We were first attracted to the looks of the Matt and Nat bags--then liked them even more once we learned the vegan bags feature linings made of recycled bottles. The lining of each bag is stamped to let you know exactly how many bottles were used, for example, 16 recycled bottles were used for the above bag.

If candy wrappers are more your thing, consider the Nahu Ollin line of bags that are made of recycled wrappers by small communities in Mexico.

Or check ot this Harvey Treecycle Wallet, made of recycled seatbelts.

Gap Fringe Bag

Glad to see our favorite fringe bag trend is still going strong--at both ends of the price spectrum.

Marc Jacobs leather fringe bag feels like a day at the beach.

While Gap's Suede Fringe Bag is made for City Girls.

Last Day to Enter! Coach Audrey Giveaway

You know you want it!! Tell us your dream getaway on our Facebook page before 11:59 PST tonight and you'll be entered to win the Coach Audrey Metallic bag shown above. Read on for more info on how to win.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Jimmy Choo Conti Bag

Forget the 80s, we want to take it back to the 70s and go disco style! One of our lifelong laments is that we weren't around to experience Studio 54 back in its heyday. If we could time travel, we would take the Jimmy Choo Conti bag, head to W. 54th Street on a Saturday night and wave it in Steve Rubell's face. No doubt the velvet ropes would instantly part and we would finally get our chance to party with Andy, Liza and Bianca.

*SIGH* Time travel or no, the print pony and snakeskin clutch is still pretty fab and definitely on our holiday wish list!

Holiday Gift Ideas - Studded Leather Clutch

This chic, studded bag from Top Shop could easily be mistaken for Jimmy Choo. We love that it's roomy enough to carry our phone, our Flip and our favorite lip gloss. It even has a strap for when we want to use it in the daytime. And at $70, it's not breaking anyone's bank.

Gossip Girl Handbags

The plot of Gossip Girl may have jumped the shark, but we'll still be tuning in every Monday to catch the fashion. While this past week's episode was a little heavy on maxi dresses--which we loved during the summer, but have already relegated to the back of the closet--we did like the accessories, at least. Nate's new girlfriend, the Republican Bree Buckley, played by Joanna Garcia (New York Yankee's Nick Swisher's real life rumored girlfriend), was carrying the Be & D Cosette Satchel, similar to the one below, available at Bloomies.



XOXO

Fringe Bags

Last year we were all about fringe on our shoes, now we've moved on to fringe bags.

Annie already bought a similar hot pink fringe bag to this one at Topshop. "I've already gotten a surprising amount of use out of it. Though mine doesn't have grommets. I got mine at the store."




On the other hand, we like the grommet detailing on this DVF fringe bag, available at Bergdorf's. It's been on our wish list since we spotted it backstage at her show.



Weary about spending serious cash on a trendy bag? This gray, faux leather fringe bag from Mark will only set you back $32.

Carry On Bags: Cute New Carry On Bags

We're always on the look out for covetable carry on bags for our weekend getaways. Here are a rainbow of options on our wish list:

Lululemon Jet Running Tote Here's a little secret: Workout bags make great carry ons. They tend to have lots of pockets and compartments and are washable and roomy enough for the weekend. This one is no exception.


Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Let's face it, getting to the airport to catch the plane and flying are stressful enough. A bright coral bag like this one is an instant pick me up. We love the roomy outside pocket for our ticket and ID.



Bettina Square Tote Bag This is like a purse and carry on in one, so you won't have to do that thing where you shove your third bag into your second to show you only have two carry ons when you get to security. It has 5 credit card slots and pen holders and a groovy floral lining.



Kate Spade Union Square Travel Opus Because we're determined to get something from the Kate Spade sale and who doesn't love a bag that would make Kermit proud? The nylon zip top bag would make a great beach bag, too.


Marc by March Jacobs Tote This bag will looks just as chic when you're walking around the city as it does on the plane. Marc, you've done it again!


The DVF Tiger Box Bag We get it. Not everyone loves color. But if you're going with black, at least mix it up with a sexy pattern. Meow!

Eco-Friendly Bags

Here’s a great idea for anyone in need of a gift. We recently got one at a bridal shower and love their many functions and the overall message! Everyone was excited because they all got a different bag that matched their taste. They can be good for anything from bringing home groceries to giving dad a father’s day gift to toting your goodies to the beach on a girls’ vacation. Envirosax are eco-friendly, adorable bags that fold up to a palm-size bundle but can carry a load. You can choose from a number of styles or you can customize your own bag to whatever you’d like it to say! They come in different sizes and fabrics (cotton, bamboo, polyester, linen, hemp). They even offer a wine bag! Invite your friends over, have a drink, and save the environment! Plus, Envirosax donates a percentage of its sales to charities and non-profit organizations that benefit the environment. Prices range from $7.95 to $37.95 for a pouch of 5.

Louis Vuitton Totally Monogram Tote

If bags are more your thing than mascara or, if, like us, you're an addict of both, you won't want to miss the Louis Vuitton online pre-sale of the Totally Monogram Tote. It's the first time the iconic brand has ever launched a product online and we salute the company's efforts for being ahead of other luxury brands when it comes to the web. The bag is available through June 1.

They've also joined Twitter and already have close to 300 followers in their first four hours. At that rate, they'll give Oprah--who just topped 1 mil--a run for her money. Find them at http://twitter.com/louisvuitton_US.

Miu Miu Bowler Bag at a Discount

We're totally jonesing on this Miu Miu bowler bag which looks like it would make the perfect carry on or overnight bag. The small type at the left informs us that it's:

* not widely available until October.
* was featured in the Harper's Bazaar Runway Report Special Issue.
* Is available for $898, a discount from its $1460 retail price at Brooklyn's Consignment by Eva Gentry.


How they got it early and for less, we don't know. What we do know is that if you want it, you should act fast!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Rubis Tote

Our sister-in-law came for a visit toting this wow bag from LV. The Monogram Rubis is from the 08 Cruise Collection and was inspired by Marc Jacobs. The patent red weave is so bright and fresh, it's seasonless, and quite striking against the basic monogram. Jen says she can't walk through the airport with at least one person stopping to ask her where she got it. We loved the size (it's huge) with plenty of room for a throw, a book, a cosmetic case, a laptop and basically everything else you bring on board. It may be on the heavy side, but Jen says it's worth the convenience of having extra space not to mention it's cool to carry a bag that everyone envies! She found hers at Neiman's Louis Vuitton salon. Unfortunately, when we were searching for it on line we found some "replicas" (ewh!) so be careful if you're interested in getting one for yourself.