50 Unusually Bold and Bizarre Bags

Posted on: Nov 16

To me, there's just something special about a high quality leather purse or bag. They are traditional, durable and never go out of style. However, not everyone is satisfied with commonplace purses and some like to carry standout handbags that are far from ordinary. Here's a look at 50 bags that stray from the beaten path. Love them or hate them, there is no denying that they are unique. Each is made with rather unusual materials, or fashioned to look like something it is not. As you'll see, this type of creativity in design produces purse styles ranging from cute to tragic.

Farm Animal in Chaps

[Image Source]

This lovely purse was spotted at TJ Maxx. No idea what look designer Diane Gail was going for, but there's no doubt that she nailed "Farm Animal Wearing Chaps" with this one. Not sure if the pattern of the animal hide was lined up this way on purpose, but it reminds me of that one bad night I had at a Biker Bar with a cow.
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Harveys Seatbelt Wrislet | Eco-Friendly Woven Recycled Seatbelt Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

Although I'm a big proponent of the eco-friendly movement and am all for the practice of using unexpected recycled products in fashion, I've never been a huge fan of the Harveys seatbelt bags. I can appreciate the product for a clever use of the material. However, like the Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags, I can't help but sometimes see the original material staring back at me when I look at them.

There are a few exceptions to my slight distaste for the brand, though, with one such style being the striped Harveys Rugby Satchel. Now I can add a new one to that short list. This Seatbelt Wristlet from the brand is definitely all seatbelt but on a smaller, more palatable scale.

Perhaps it is the vibrant red hue of the wristlet that attracts me as well. I actually like the way that the weaving on the bag brings out different tones within the color.

Like most practical wristlets, this Harveys design has a detachable wrist strap allowing you to either wear it on your hand, carry it as a clutch, or tuck it in a larger bag for extra storage. The price tag of $78 is a little steep for such a casual wrist bag, in my opinion, but it's not an uncommon range for an eco-friendly line.

More Features of the Seatbelt Wristlet

  • Measures 8.75 x 5 x 0.75 inches
  • Zip top closure
  • Woven seatbelt material

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Baggu Introduces New Affordable and Eco-Friendly Duck Bag to Their Collection

Posted on: Oct 29

Baggu's line of reusable shopping totes are environmentally-friendly, durable, and as stylish as a replacement for plastic grocery bags can be. Actually, these tough, little ripstop nylon bags are popular for more than just supermarket shopping since their cute style options, including stripes, florals, and other prints, make them appropriate for everyday use as well.

Well, now the company that brought you the Baggu Tote has added a new sibling to their collection of totes. Instead of ripstop nylon, however, this one is made from 100% recycled cotton canvas.

The recently debuted Duck Bag is as equally sturdy as the original Baggu Tote but with a different shape and convenient features. The short double handles don't seem very practical, but the longer adjustable shoulder strap is great for wearing across the body while running errands or toting around books, paperwork, or even a laptop.

The Duck Bag retails for an extremely affordable $18 and is currently available in eight colors, though I'm guessing the options will expand as the tote gains popularity. Get your own (plus maybe a few extra for Christmas gifts) on Baggu's website.

[Source: The Fashion Informer]
[Image: plusshe]

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Nahui Ollin Barhandle Satchel | Medium Eco-Friendly Recycled Candy Wrapper Handbag

Posted on: Oct 24

Many of Nahui Ollin’s cute candy wrapper purses are for girls who travel light. This Barhandle Satchel shows the eco-friendly designer is just as skilled at working on a larger scale.

Larger is a relative term though. Packrats shouldn't pick this up expecting a substitute for their well-worn oversized carryall. It's a medium-sized satchel, but one that probably holds a little less than the average. The woven candy wrappers are surprisingly strong, but you don't want to test them by overstuffing. Besides, with no pockets to keep the interior organized, extra luxuries will only create clutter.

Like any Nahui Ollin, the greatest drawcard is that adorable candy wrapper finish which makes each one a true original. This floral print is perfect for girls craving spring, while the barcode pattern has a chic monochrome look. The straight leather straps give the Barhandle its name. They look so striking, but they mean you will have to carry this satchel by hand. Thankfully the candy-wrapper fabric is more lightweight than leather or PVC.

The Barhandle has its limitations, but green girls looking to upsize their Nahui Ollin collection will probably find a way to work around them!

More Features of This Nahui Ollin Recycled Candy Wrapper Satchel

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 1 inch drop
  • Measures 8 x 8 inches
  • Made in Mexico

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B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich E/W Tote | Basic Brown Leather Tote with Lots of Storage

Posted on: Oct 16

Every gal needs a good basic, stylish tote bag. It's an essential wardrobe piece and an addition that's ideal for those days when you've just got to grab-and-go while getting ready. We all have them, right?

There are also times when entirely practical has to accompany basic and stylish. That's where B. Makowsky got it right with this Lites Greenwich E/W tote. In my opinion, this handbag fits all three categories with a little edge on top of everything else.

It's a rather enormous size ringing in at over eighteen inches wide, but I don't know many women who couldn't fill it up on a busy day in less than five minutes. The superb interior organizational features make it a great option for work or play. There's even a zippered center divider inside and side slip pockets on the exterior for storing particulars.

Beyond the convenience of pockets, however, the Lites Greenwich tote bag has a pretty crinkled leather texture that looks fabulous in this toffee brown. The effect reminds me of the swishy broomstick skirts that were so popular in past years, but frankly I'm much more content to carry the texture around on a leather purse than wear it. The Greenwich E/W tote also comes in an equally basic black color as well as a not-so-basic orange.

More Features of the Lites Greenwich E/W Tote

  • Measures 18.5 x 12 x 5 inches
  • Twisted double handles with 9 inch drop
  • Magnetic closure
  • Crinkled leather material

Get this B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich Bag:

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Posted in B. Makowsky, Black, Brown, East-West, Orange, Tote | 1 Comment - Have You Say »

Matt & Nat Werner Japanese Paper Tote | Manmade Vegan-Friendly Bag with Recycled Lining

Posted on: Oct 5

Sometimes I think that Matt & Nat handbags are more impressive when you them in person rather than in photos, but this is one case where the purse stands out nicely in a photograph as well.

The Werner Japanese Paper Tote features Matt & Nat's signature crinkled manmade leather texture. Although some people might say that the brown is basic, it really brings out the nuances of the handbag's texture where it might otherwise be lost with a bolder or brighter color. Plus, the cognac color is not exactly what I'd call a run-of-the-mill brown. It's a rich, vibrant hue that catches the eye but wouldn't clash with much.

The tote has a nice a-line silhouette that typically provides a decent amount of storage space inside. The Werner is no exception to that. Its slightly flared sides and significant depth allow for tons of the kinds of things that women tend to stuff in their handbags. The size and shape of the bag isn't exactly user-friendly for the petite, but it's just fine for the average fashionista.

With its spacious interior, I would've liked to see a tad more organizational pockets inside or outside, but there's an acceptable amount present with one large zippered pocket on the outside and one on the inside. The interior is lined in Matt & Nat's famous faux suede made from recycled plastic bottles. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the Werner is impeccable and what I'd expect from the brand. This is definitely one case where a faux leather tote is worth its price of $225.

More Features of the Werner Japanese Paper Tote

  • Measures 18 x 13.5 x 6 inches
  • Double straps with 8 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Signature logo plate

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Harveys Recycled Seatbelt Half-Wallet | Ecofriendly Woven Purse

Posted on: Sep 8

Harveys ecofriendly handbags made from recycled seatbelts can now be complemented by this coordinating half wallet in the same iconic design.

Not as bulky as a full wallet, these half wallets feature just enough slots and spaces for a day out. Whilst the environmentally friendly purses are spacious and functional, don't expect them to hold every single card and coin in your no doubt extensive collection. A half wallet is a useful addition to a handbag collection, and should do you proud for many an occasion.

Whilst the unique seatbelt fabric is both quirky and attractive, don't expect high class evening looks - after all, these were once functional straps for holding people in place, and rarely came Swarovski encrusted or in vibrant colors! Function and individuality is the main aim of the Harveys brand.

As with all Harveys seatbelt bags, chunky zips, metallic touches and thick coordinating edge trims are present, as is the much loved seatbelt brand name, labeled in the cool gray interior.  This planet loving recycled purse is a useful piece of kit, and a great conversation piece!

More Features of this Recycled Half Wallet

  • Available in black, brown, red or champagne
  • Monogrammed interior
  • Exterior made from recycled seatbelts
  • Multiple interior slots/pockets

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LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday Shoulderbag | Functional Handbag in a Range of Colors

Posted on: Sep 7

Having a beautiful and stylish handbag is great, but sometimes what you really need is a functional and useful shoulder bag that will see you through whatever the world throws at you.

Everyday brand LeSportsac is just the thing for useful purses, and this deluxe version of its shoulder bag is jam-packed with useful features. Inside there are plenty of spacious pockets for all sorts of bits and pieces, including an expandable front pocket and matching little purse.

The looks of this simple square handbag may not be awe-inspiring, but they are inoffensive. Also, as with all LeSportsac bags, you can choose from an extensive range of patterns and fabrics to ensure that the shoulder bag suits your personality entirely. It isn't a rare leather or recycled tote, but this sporty purse does manage to attempt individuality!

All in all this LeSportsac everyday shoulder bag is a useful addition to your bag, and is great for days out, picnics and more. Its sporty looks aren't terrible, but don't expect masses of admirers!

More Features of this Deluxe Shoulder Bag

  • Range of 25 shades/patterns/colors
  • 11" handles drop
  • Adjustable shoulder-strap
  • Multiple interior pockets

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Bottletop Recycles Ringpulls for Celebrity Favorite Charity Handbags

Posted on: Sep 7

British organization Bottletop is creating recycled handbags for charity.

The brand's founders, Cameron Saul and Oliver Wayman, turn soda pop ringpulls into edgy eco-friendly purses. The bags are crafted in Salvador, Brazil, helping to generate income for the poverty-stricken South American area. The region's homeless collect ringpulls for the label as a way of making some cash.

"It's nice that they know they can get a bit of money from bringing them to the centre," said Mr. Saul, who pays £3 per kilogram of metal.

Each bag uses about 1000 ringpulls, ensuring the metal tabs don't end up in landfill. They are crafted by a Brazilian women's collective, saving the employees from becoming maids or worse, prostitutes. Money generated from the sale of the bags, which retails between £30 and £70 in British outlets, helps to fund sexual health awareness programs in Third World nations.

The handbags have become a hit with socially-conscious celebs including Peaches Geldof, Annie Lennox, and Natalie Imbruglia. They are available online, or through Fenchurch's  in London's West End or the Eden Project in Cornwall.

[Source: TimesOnline]
[Image Source: Bottletop]

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Handbags Made from Deck Chair Canvas | The Royal Parks Foundation Collaborates with Designer Bill Amberg

Posted on: Sep 5

Handbag makers seem to be getting more and more creative when it comes to using recycled materials for their designs. We've progressed from recycled bottles (still a favorite) to billboards and now to deck chairs.

In a headline that made me do a double take to make sure I read it correctly, London's Royal Parks Foundation has decided to find a second life for the canvas on their deck chairs, which reside at their various parks throughout the city. The charity is going green with the material by enlisting designer Bill Amberg to craft it into limited-edition tote bags.

Amberg is no stranger to working with unique materials, though. The designer is well-versed in applying innovative techniques to creating sustainable handbags.

The canvas isn't what you might expect from deck chairs, though. As part of a previous "Deckchair Dreams" initiative, the foundation enlisted artists and celebrities to design their own pattern depending on their personal significance of the park. The canvases have been cleaned and restored by the charity and will now have their chance to shine again.

All proceeds from the sales will benefit the Royal Parks Foundation. Get your own deck chair canvas tote bag online for around $90.

[Source: Telegraph]

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