Everyone needs a good weekend bag. Even if you don't travel on a regular basis, it's still important to have at least one mid-sized duffle with space to fit everything you need for a few days away from home.

One of the great things about this Tommy Hilfiger Explorer duffle bag is that it could work for either a man or a woman. Though I'm sure there are some women who would scoff at carrying a blue and white striped tote, there is really nothing decidedly masculine about this bag.

It is probably best described simply as a nautical-inspired duffle bag. It's nothing quite as overt in style as something like the Dooney & Bourke DB Sport Duck Tote, which has water-loving animals actually printed right on the bag. The Explorer, with its ticking stripe and dark brown trim, merely hints at that classic vacation-in-the-Hamptons look that Tommy Hilfiger often imbues into their creations so well.

That aforementioned dark brown trim is made from shrunken oil leather and outlines the top and bottom of the bag as well as connecting up the sides to the handles. Those two little straps are hardly convenient when carrying this size of duffle, though. The longer detachable strap makes toting the Explorer a less trying task and will suit you much better for quick runs through the airport.

More Features of the Explorer Duffle

• Measures 21.5 x 11 x 8 inches
• Handles with 6 inch drop
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Denim material
• Twill lining

Get this Tommy Hilfiger Explorer Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock on sale)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tommy Hilfiger bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Sasha Small Duffle, a designer alternative to this functional duffle bag
• Searching for other Tommy Hilfiger duffles on eBay
• Other duffle bags on eBay:

The once utilitarian LeSportsac line of nylon bags is continuing its fashionable conversion with a new collaboration, this time with the princess of prep Lilly Pulitzer. The partnership seems perfect since both brands are very much about their graphic prints.

“The collaboration with LeSportsac was such a natural for us,” Janie Schoenborn, creative director of Lilly Pulitzer, told WWD. She talked about how well previous LeSportsac collaborations demonstrated “how well colorful prints manifest themselves on classic, versatile bags.”

This will definitely be the most classical, if not high-profile, design partnership for the brand that has already had Gwen Stefani of L.A.M.B. and Stella McCartney create popular incarnations of their bags.

There will be three prints designed by Pulitzer and specially co-branded for this collection. They will include handbags, totes, small accessories, travel bags. A tennis case is sure to be a big hit with Pulitzer's Hamptons-loving following.

We can probably look for a preview of the collection this fall, and expect to see it at both companies' freestanding stores and websites come spring.

[Source: WWD]
[Image source: Lilly Pulitzer]

Le Sportsac Handbags On eBay

Even with Victoria Beckham's ridiculous, over-the-top spending on her Birkin bag collection, Hermes is still dealing with financial woes. It's a common story these days with fashion labels as people are cutting out luxury purchases.

Though Hermes recently opened a new boutique in the East Hamptons, the company has had to postpone the scheduled openings of two new stores in China. Some people might be surprised to hear it, though, since the brand was considered one of the top labels, along with Louis Vuitton and Gucci, doing well during the financial crisis.

Hermes' CEO addressed the issue recently:

“We have a crisis, all luxury companies can feel it,” CEO Patrick Thomas said at a shareholders' meeting yesterday. “It would be illusory to think that Hermes can escape.”

At least the company's hiring freeze isn't affecting the leather-goods department yet. Only time will tell how well they survive in the months to come.

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image: nep/Flickr]

Hermes Handbags on eBay

MOST WANTED STUNNING Hermes BIRKIN 35 PELOUSE Crocodile US $99,000.00   Auction Ends: 1h 41m Make it yours...

HERMES KELLY 35 CREME WITH GOLD HARDWARE WITH RECEIPT US $4,600.00   10 Bids Auction Ends: 3h 8m Make it yours...

STUNNING Hermes BIRKIN 35 MATTE CROCODILE INDIGO Blue US $77,000.00   Auction Ends: 9h 17m Make it yours...

If you missed Hayden-Harnett's recent "Beauty and the Beach" summer fun giveaway, no need to be glum. You've got yet another chance to win a handbag full of beach-ready equipment and beauty products.

This time it's NIVEA and Shay Todd teaming up to hand out several of their products in a super chic package. The two companies are offering a Coach Hamptons Weekend Tote full of summer essentials to one enviable reader of StyleList.com.

This gift bag includes a cute Shay Todd bikini set with a cover-up tunic as well as an array of NIVEA products including body wash, lip protection, and even cellulite gel to get those legs ready for exposure.

To submit an entry, you simply need to leave a comment on the contest page with your thoughts on what makes a pool party perfect. I'm guessing that any answer including a Shay Todd bikini or NIVEA lip balm is more than acceptable, though it won't have an impact on their selection process.

If you've got your eye set on that Coach Hamptons Weekend Tote, be sure to enter the contest before June 11 at 5 pm (ET). The Bikini Bash Summer Essentials Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Click here to view the contest's official rules.

[Source: StyleList]
[Image: Coach]

Coach Hamptons Handbags on eBay

When you think summer in the Hamptons, this is the bag you picture, no? A J. Crew staple for years, I love this Madaket Tote anew every year I see it in the catalog.

The wonderful thing about madras is that its many colors mean it will go with lots of things in your wardrobe, especially the nautical red, white and blue palette of summer. In traditional Indian cotton with solid cotton lining the fabric is also durable and forgiving of stains.

Navy cotton canvas handles, binding, sidebands and piping frame the colorful madras body. An inside zip pocket holds your wallet while you shop or valuables on the beach.

A top snap closure and side snaps help you adjust the size whether you're using this as an overnight bag or to pick up produce at the farmer's market.

More Features Of The J. Crew Madaket Tote

• Measures 13 x 17 x 8 inches
• 8 inch handle drop

Find More J. Crew Madras Totes On eBay

Also See

• Search for more info on the J. Crew Madaket Tote with the BagBunch Handbag Search Engine

Last summer, popular American brand Ralph Lauren teamed up with the East Hampton Historical Society to assist the organization's ongoing restorations of historical areas, one English Colonial farmstead in particular. Now the brand is reinforcing their support with a small line of clothing and accessories devoted entirely to the society.

It seemed like an odd pairing of fashion and farms at first, but it does make sense that Ralph Lauren would choose to throw money at an area that basically epitomizes their signature style. The Hamptons have that easy American, laid-back but always chic vibe that describes the designer's items as well.

The Ralph Lauren/EHHS collection will include t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and a canvas tote proudly displaying the society's trademark logo. The handbag, shown here, isn't your typical designer's charity tote.

In fact, if I didn't know that the historical society actually exists, I'd probably assume that the tote was simply inspired by a vintage logo. To be quite honest, I'd consider buying it either way. However, it's nice to know that 100% of the proceeds go to something more beneficial than lining the pockets of the fashion world execs.

Ralph Lauren's East Hampton Historical Society collection will be available soon in select stores in the area and online.

[Source: Luxist]

Ralph Lauren Handbags on eBay

Hermès won't let the financial crisis get it down. The French fashion label will open the doors of a new retail store in East Hampton this summer. But blink and you'll miss it. Doors will close again when the weather cools on September 20.

"We have 22 of our own boutiques in the U.S. - East Hampton will be 22 and a half," Hermès President and CEO Robert Chavez explained, adding that a permanent location doesn’t make sense in the global recession.

"We just weren't ready to commit to a long-term lease, knowing that obviously the key selling period is in the summer months when most people are there."

In keeping with the location's laidback vibe, the Hermes store will be a relaxed affair with crisp white paint and casual accessories. The East Hampton's store will sell Hermes famous handbags, although we can probably expect more beach bags than Birkins. It will also feature scarves, neckties, homewares, bathing suits, beach towels, and a selection of riding gear. I'm particularly intrigued by the one-of-a-kind white leather saddle, whose price is "available upon request." Naturally.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Mr.mt/Flickr]

Hermès Casual Tote Bags on eBay

If you're more into authentic artisan bags that look like they came from an exotic market than the latest trendy label off Fifth Avenue, this Moroccan Straw Tote may be for you.

Handwoven in Morocco using 100% natural materials, this is a classic straw tote that will never go out of style. It would look great with most summer looks, especially something preppy for the Hamptons or nautical at the lake. In a neutral natural straw color accented with brown, it would go with a lot and could be your everyday bag for summer or a vacation.

The downside of straw totes is that their shape is very rigid. While this is part of what makes them sturdy and long lasting it can make it more difficult to fit everything you normally would in a shopper of this size.

A few rows of tighter weave at the top and bottom provide some contrast to the all-over wider weave. The braided brown leather handles are attached with metal grommets. This is a mark of quality since cheaper straw bags often have flimsy handles. This bag is a great buy for the price.

More Features of the Moroccan Straw Tote

• Measures 14 x 9 x 4.5 inches
• Also available in other styles

Find More Straw Totes On eBay

Also See

• Click here to purchase the Moroccan Straw Tote On Amazon
• Click here to see more Moroccan accessories on eBay

Elie Tahari offers his take on the popular turnlock satchel with the Tamar.

The richly textured pebbled leather is chic and stylish, but I can't say the same for the turnlock front pocket. It should be an elegant addition, but its size makes it look a little gaudy. The black finish helps to tone things down, but it also means the fastener lacks the chic style we've seen on Coach's Hamptons Vintage Hobo or Marc Jacob's Totally Turnlock Quinn.

What it lacks in looks it makes up for in practical design. The Tamar is large without being overwhelming thanks to its convenient triple compartment design. A large zippered pocket in the center divides the interior into separate sections to make organization a breeze. The side walls amp up the storage options with a zippered pocket and three handy slip pouches.

The rolled straps feel heavenly in your hands, but they're too short for over the shoulder carrying. It won't be an issue in the office, but I'd probably leave the Tamar at home for those long shopping sprees.

More Features of This Elie Tahari Tamar Bag

• Silver-tone hardware
• Magnetic snap closure
• Protective feet on the bag's base
• Dual handles with a 4 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 9 x 7 inches

Elie Tahari Satchels on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Prime Design Distribution store on eBay – An Elie Tahari Purses Retailer
• All Elie Tahari bags on eBay

Israeli born designer Elie Tahari has unveiled his new spring/summer 2009 ad campaign. It stars the stunning Italian model, Angelina Jolie lookalike Bianca Balti.

I love the way Terry Richardson has photographed Bianca, with his favorite flash techniques illuminating her dewy skin. I'm not sure anyone could make those clown-like Heather pants look good, but Bianca does her best with the gold spotted trousers.

Those harem pants might not have won me over, but I can't help drooling over her snakeskin satchel. It's called the Nico, and it's promising to be one of Elie Tahari's best-selling accessories this season. The pale python finish could so easily appear washed out, but the hand-painted gold detail and polished gold hardware gives the handbag some added flair.

You can get a jump on the next season's trends at one of Elie Tahari's boutiques. The spring/summer collection is currently available at the Atlanta, Bal Harbour, Boca Raton, Boston, East Hampton, Last Vegas, and New York stores.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Elie Tahari Satchels on eBay