Jimmy Choo is known as the designer brand that makes women drool over beautiful shoes. Everytime I see a Jimmy Choo shoe my heart skips a beat. The shoes are gorgeous, but every now and then the designer brand has some beautiful looking handbags.

When I came across the, Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote I was surprised! When I think of Jimmy Choo, I think of a designer brand that is classy and sophisticated looking. To see that the “Pep” Glazed Tote was made by Jimmy Choo was appalling and shocking at the same time.

I do not like anything about this bag. To me, this bag looks like an absolute mess. You got flags, jewels, lips, and even shoes featured on the bag. If you examine the bag, it really does look like magazine cut outs. The bag is all over the place, and I don’t understand the theme of it at all.

I’m not sure who would actually carry this tote around. I suppose those who love edgy fashion might have an appreciation for this handbag. All I know is that, my wardrobe is edgy for the most part and I despise this bag. I could never see myself using this bag, but of course that is just my opinion. If you happen to love this bag, then rock it out because I know I never could.

The Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote can be purchased at Nordstrom for $995, which I think is ridiculous for this bag. The bag is not cute at all, and the price is way too high. I would think this bag would cost $400 at the most, but when you’re dealing with Jimmy Choo you can never expect a low price. Sorry Jimmy Choo, but this bag get an F in my book.

See the Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote at: Nordstrom

end note: Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of net sales from the Project PEP collection to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.

The Chat: project pep!

Attention Bag Bliss readers! I regret to inform you that Earth Overshoot Day keeps arriving earlier and earlier with each passing year. This year it landed just this last Friday, on September 25th. But wait… what exactly is Earth Overshoot Day? And why should we even care? Well, one way to think about it is to say nature has a budget. Our planet can only produce a certain amount of resources and absorb a certain amount of waste in a given time frame. And with the ever increasing demand of human consumption, resources are now being used at a rate faster than the Earth can regenerate them and wastes are being produced at a rate faster than the Earth can absorb them. At these current rates, we would actually need 1.4 planets in order to be operating in a sustainable fashion. The word “overshoot” refers to the ecological debt that we keep incurring with each passing year. This is something that everyone should be concerned with because we cannot keep going on like this forever. At some point, we will become bankrupt.

Now I know that we don’t tend to think about these things in our day to day lives. Especially when we are living in a world that revolves around consuming. But we can all make a difference by making some simple changes. And I thought maybe it would be fun, since this is a handbag blog, to point out some eco-friendly handbags that are currently available. If we must consume, then why not do it in a sustainable manner?

1. Urban Junket T.O.T.E. Laptop Bag
This cute and colorful laptop bag is constructed of 100% organic cotton. Plus the lining is made of recycled plastic water bottles that were transformed into thread and dyed with 100% organic vegetable dyes.
$99
Find it at Luggage Online.

2. Nahui Ollin Envelope Clutch
This lovely clutch is constructed of recycled candy wrappers. The metallic look makes this clutch perfect for a girls’ night out.
$89
Find it at eBags

3. Novella Royale Hudson Studded Clutch
Check this out girls! This rocker-chic clutch is made of genuine leather AND it’s eco-friendly. This beauty was made from recycled vintage leather jackets!
$395
Find it at Shopbop.com.

4. Envirosax Organic Bamboo Shopping Tote
With all of the billions of plastic sacks out there littering our oceans and our communities, what eco-friendly handbag list would be complete without a reusable shopping tote? This one is made of organic bamboo and linen. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and 100% sustainable.
$25
Find it at ENVIROSAX.

If you would like more information about Earth Overshoot Day, check out The Global Footprint Network!

The Chat: Eco-bags!

What handbag collection wouldn’t be complete without something unique? Or perhaps even exotic? Well, how about both? Introducing Novica: an online, fair trade marketplace associated with National Geographic. Their mission is “to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity”. They offer everything from home decor to jewelry to artwork. What really grabbed my attention, however, was their new handbag section. They have every shape, size, and style imaginable. Materials used include cotton, wool, silk, leather, beads, and even pop-tops. And the best part is, you don’t have to be interested in hippie-like styles to find something you’ll absolutely love there.

The bags are handcrafted by artisans from Bali, Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Thailand. I think what I love most about Novica is how they give a name and a face to associate with each piece. Each artist has a story to tell and it’s wonderful to learn a little something about them when you’re considering purchasing one of their works of art. This is definitely a website I suggest you check out! These handbags would certainly make wonderful conversation pieces!

Here are a few of my favorites listed below:

1. “Moonbeams” Clutch
Natural jute with rhinestone beads
Artist: Radhika
Price: $94.95
Gorgeous for a special evening out!

2. “Earth Day” Shoulder Bag
Silkscreen on cotton
Artist: Thanyarat Sananpanich
Price: $64.99
Perfect for use as a shopping tote!

3. “Grand Central” Handbag
Natural leather
Artist: Ricardo Hinojosa
Price: $109.99
Elegant and chic!

Check out these styles and many, many more at NOVICA – Home Decor, Jewelry & Gifts by Talented Artisans Worldwide!

The Chat: Novica!

When I think of eco-friendly handbags, I usually think of organic cotton shopping bags, woven straw totes, or pop-top messenger bags. However, the truth of the matter is that designers are becoming more and more creative with eco-friendly materials these days. I have seen super soft microfiber bags made from recycled soda bottles, I would have never guessed that they were actually eco-friendly! But after looking at all of the eco-friendly handbags out there, I never thought I would see a leather handbag that was eco-friendly as well. Let’s face it, leather is one of the most eco-unfriendly materials out there. So what happens if you simply cannot live without leather handbags, but care greatly about the environment as well?

Introducing the Mister Stud Bowler Bag! This studded beauty if one of five styles currently available from a Los Angeles-based company called Novella Royale. So how is this leather handbag eco-friendly? The leather actually comes from recycled vintage leather jackets. Plus each bag is handmade and lined with organic cotton. No two handbags are the same, as they each have their own unique shade and distressing. How cool is that? I am definitely adding a bag from this designer to my wish list!

The Novella Royale Mister Stud Bowler Bag measures 11″ x 9″ x 5″ and it retails for $584. Find it here at Pink Mascara.

The Chat: Novella Royale!

Dear sample sale addicts, I am going to tell you about an amazing sale taking place today, Thursday June 4th over at online sample sale site HauteLook.

HauteLook is teaming up with New Yorkers For Children with 100% of the proceeds going directly to helping youths in foster care in New York City.

You’ll see luxury labels including Alexander McQueen, Bulgari, Diane von Furstenberg, Valentino, Vivienne Tam and more.. also there’s going to be more than just handbags at this sale. Items that were generous donated to the cause range from electronics to signed memorabilia to designer clothes, jewelry, and more. And again, remember 100% of the proceeds are going directly to that charity…

Be there @ H.L. when the doors open so you don’t miss out on all the deals! Sales begin at 8: am PST / 11: am EST.

I have always loved Juicy Couture’s canvas totes. They are so big and spacious that you can fit so much in them and still have so much room. They are definitely ideal for a college student who has to carry so many books, notebooks, and a lap top. Another plus to this tote is that is has a magnetic closure. I have seen many Juicy Couture totes in person, and I don’t remember ever seeing a magnetic closure on one. A magnetic closure is definitely an added plus to the already gorgeous Juicy Couture tote.

Some details of the tote include having interior pockets and logo print lining. Also, if the tote ever happens to get dirty from everyday wear, that’s ok because it can be machine washed! The tote comes in a gorgeous magenta-like color and has the saying, “From Juicy With Love” on it. If you are looking for a simple but yet stylish tote, this is without a doubt one of the cutest totes I have seen in a while!

The Juicy Couture Generation Y Canvas Tote can be purchased at Nordstrom for $78, which I think is a great price for this tote. The tote may be on the simple side, but it is a designer tote. For a designer tote, that’s fashionable and cute it’s definitely worth the money!

See the Juicy Couture Generation Y Canvas Tote at: Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Chat: Juicy Couture Generation Y!

November 25, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs
Introducing the Coach Resort 2009 Handbag Collection
Way back when my love for handbags was in its infancy, I absolutely adored Coach Bags. But as time passed, their novelty began to wear off. I mean, what fun was there in owning a Coach bag if everyone and their sister had one as well? Plus my tastes had begun to grow more and more extravagant. They had simply lost their appeal. But lately, I have found myself taking a second look at Coach. And for good reason! Not only are their new styles fresh and exciting, they are absolutely gorgeous as well. These bags are probably some of the most beautiful bags I have seen from Coach in a very long time. If you don’t believe me, then head on over to Coach’s official website and check them out for yourself. I guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised.

But with so many great new bags from Coach to choose from, you are probably wondering if they could ever possibly top themselves. Well, guess what! I think they just may have! Introducing the new Coach Resort 2009 Collection, which is due out next month. Soft leathers, pretty shades of pink, and illuminating metallics, this collection has it all. Beware of sensory overload, these bags will definitely delight and dazzle. But what I find most appealing about the collection is all the new shapes that is has introduced. Their silhouettes are so simple, rounded, and unstructured. They just look so soft. Suppressing the urge to squeeze them may prove difficult. These are definitely not your typical Coach bags. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come:

Resort Leather Shoulder Tote in punch (left) – $598
Resort Shoulder Bag in blush (middle) – $448
Graphic Op Art Shoulder Tote in multi (right) – $798

Resort Python Shoulder Tote in silver – $2200

Parker Karung Shoulder Flap (left) – Available in March
Resort Python Clutch in silver (right) – $1100

Also check out Coach’s new online charity called Coach Cares!

A group of ten celebrities (including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Ryan Reynolds, Mandy Moore, and Eva Longoria) have chosen their favorite Coach styles. During this coming holiday season, the proceeds from of each of these bags sold online will be donated to the celebrity’s charity of choice. What a fun way to brighten up the holidays! For more details click here

Check out everything Coach at: Coach Official Site

Chat Now: Introducing the Coach Resort 2009 Handbag Collection

November 20, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

The Feed Bag by Feed
With our environment in a state of crisis, more and more people have been jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Being green and being fashionable are now one in the same for many people. Celebs everywhere have been photographed shopping at farmers’ markets carrying their reusable shopping totes. But don’t get me wrong, I think it is wonderful how everyone is becoming more aware of how humans have negatively impacted the Earth. My only hope is that the Going Green Trend will someday be more than just a trend, it will be a way of life.

So you like the idea of carrying around a tote bag that will help save the Earth. How about getting a tote bag that saves the Earth in more ways than one? Introducing the Feed Bag by Feed. When I first saw this tote, I only saw the word “Feed”. Wait… what kind of feed? Horse feed? But upon closer inspection, I realized that the bag actually said “Feed The Children Of The World”. Not only is this tote bag eco-friendly, it also helps feed the hungry by donating $20 from its sale to the U.N. World Food Program. According to the WFP website, “one in nearly seven people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life, making hunger and malnutrition the number one risk to health worldwide.” Although this isn’t the most attractive eco-friendly tote I have ever seen, I think its worthy cause more than makes up for it.

The Feed Bag by Feed retails for $59.95. Find it at Vivre
And for more information about the WFP, please visit their website: WFP

Chat Now: The Feed Bag by Feed

October 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

Breast Cancer Awareness Purse Hangers
As you probably already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As a person who works in retail, I can tell you that this is a big deal at many different department stores. Most usually have a display that contains various items that donate their profits (or a portion of their profits) to breast cancer research. Customers, young and old alike, go absolutely batty for this stuff. Personally, I think it is wonderful that stores offer so many items that help support breast cancer research. My only regret is that they don’t seem to put as much effort into the research of other types of cancer. Hmm, perhaps this is because their customers are primarily women? I really don’t know. At any rate, if you’re like me, then you might want to help support this good cause but don’t like the idea of being all decked out in pink. So I tracked down these adorable little purse hooks/hangers — perfect for any handbag junkie wishing to show their support. The one pictured above is my favorite. I love the pretty pink crystals! It can be found on Amazon.com for less than $15.

Also available are these two styles:

They range in price from $12.95 to $14.95, with a portion of the proceeds going to fund free mammograms for women in need. You can find them at Shop to Benefit The Breast Cancer Site

Chat Now: Breast Cancer Awareness Purse Hangers