Keep Your Keepsakes Close With A Casual-Cute Bucket Bag

imageBucket bags: they’re like the handbag version of a bad-habit enabler for all those on-the-go gals who just haphazardly throw items into their bottomless pit purses on their way out. They’re like the anti-messenger bag. They’re certainly not good for organizing, but they’re low-maintenance, roomy, and just so darn cute! Whether a tiny and compact pouchette, or a big leather version to fit all your tossed-in-at-the-last-minute loot, don’t let the simple shape fool you! Today’s trendiest bucket bags are tricked out with lots of studs, cinched by drawstring tassels, or brightened up with bold colors to make sure they’re anything but blah. Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of 8 of my favorite bucket bags!

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Bag Of The Week: Botkier James Hobo

imageOf course I love nearly all bags, but if we’re really getting down to business, the purses that get a serious “maybe-I’m-more-than-just-looking” double-take from me are ones that do something fresh and new aesthetically. For example, a couple months ago I was lovin’ this tie-dyed leather shopper (right?! Tie-dyed leather!), and this Botkier James Leather Hobo is blowin’ my mind in a similarly visually-impressive way. While it’s certainly all leather (like buttah), its distressed texture makes it look like denim! And not in a cheap 80s way either. Without any obnoxious zip-flies, patched pockets, or any actual denim, the antiqued illusion is totally chic. Of course, the site copy suggests that you wear it with denim leggings, but I think I’ll opt out of the jeggings (thanks for the tip though?) and rock it with just about anything else I already have in my closet!

What: the Botkier James Leather Hobo
Price: on sale for $476
Where to Buy: Bloomingdale’s
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Botkier James Hobo to the Hive.

Gyst Changing Bags

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For snow, surf or other wet adventures, the new Gyst water-repellent bags make both getting ready and post-activity cleanup a snap. A flap unfolds into a mat, keeping feet clean while you shimmy in and out of wetsuits, boots and the like. When not in use, the mat magnetically reattaches to the main compartment, which securely stores wet stuff.

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Designed for outdoor use, the durable PVC-free bag rests on a waterproof base and its numerous zippered compartments organize everything while protecting it all from sand, snow and mud.

The Gyst comes in four different types—the messenger, duffle and two backpacks—and ranges from $95-170. To order a bag send an email to info [at] gystconcept [dot] com, until their online shop is up and running.


Stylehive’s Stylescopes Say You Should Lighten Up With A Spring Clutch!

imageSo far this spring, Stylehive’s Stylescopes has had their sights on lightweight scarves, fresh pops of color, and floral prints. Next on the stars stylish agenda? Season festive clutches! Yup, this week you’re destined to leave March’s heavy baggage behind you and pack light with nothing but your necessities. Sure, clutches aren’t exactly “hands-free” like your favorite clunky hobo, but their compact size will have you feeling free (and ease your shoulders!) as you take a load off and go lightweight this week! Not sure which style, shape or print you’re set to rock? Let fate decide! Virgos will have lots of pockets to store their tiny must-haves with this leafy-green Jerome Dreyfuss clutch, while Sagittarius ladies will go girlie in a pink fold-over bag. Take a look at the slideshow to see what kind of handheld handbag your sign should show off!

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Bag Of The Week: Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-Body Bag

imageEver since cross-body designs started making it big in bag trends (and doing wonders in relieving our aching shoulders), I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect one. However, since compact size is key when it comes to cross-bodies, and I’m a sucker for all things oversized (more room for all my loot, of course), I have yet to find one that really makes me want to take the plunge and stray from my carry-all ways. This one from Banana Republic may not be my soul mate in bag form exactly, but it’s certainly got my attention! The bronzey-taupe is pretty, but I love the citron green for spring! The chain strap adds a fancier edge, and it can even be doubled to serve as a mini shoulder bag. And hey, at only $69.50, it’s the perfect low-risk start to your cross-body collection!

What: the Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-body Bag
Price: $69.50
Where to Buy: Banana Republic
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-body Bag to the Hive.

Bag Of The Week: Alexander Wang Pyramid Clutch

imageLeave it up to Alexander Wang to create a bag that somehow looks so “out there,” yet at the same time has the classic feel of a long-standing staple that simply belongs in your wardrobe! Aside from its revolutionary shape, the Darla Clutch isn’t too different from any trendy pebbled leather, zip-closure, studded handheld bag… but that pyramid shape takes the interest level up a few dozen notches. I mean, who says a clutch has to be rectangular anyway? It’s just as easy to hang on to as the square-shaped bags in your arsenal, and hey — you might even be able to fit more night-out must-haves in it, as long as you don’t bust the zipper. But let’s face it — this bag’s primary focus is lookin’ fine, not being functional… but my guess is that it’s a multitasker! And at $490, I sure hope it’s more than just eye candy!

What: the Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch
Price: $490
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch to the Hive.

Cloak Bags

Cloak Bag protegge la vostra macchina fotografica e ti consente di scattare le foto anche senza sfilarla dalla custodia.
[Via]

Cloak Bags

Cloak Bags

Bag Of The Week: Kooba Jagger Bag

imageI wonder which Jagger this bag may have been named for. Is it Mick Jagger for his rock and roll style and propensity to bare his chest? Or is it Bianca Jagger, known for her chic downtown style? Nonetheless, this versatile bag by Kooba is perfect for any occasion. The sleep shoulder bag’s roomy interior appears when you unzip the sides and front to hold daily essentials such as your laptop and even an extra pair of shoes. Later, pull up all the zippers to create a smaller compact bag for a nighttime look! The bag comes in classic black or white which will definitely go with your professional work attire to any outfit fit for Studio 54. So go ahead, channel your inner rock and roll persona and make the Jaggers proud.

What: the Kooba Jagger Bag
Price: $595
Where to Buy: shop.kooba.com
Who: facadeindreams was the first to add the Kooba Jagger Bag to the Hive.

TravelTeq Trash Briefcase

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While Steven Alan lays claim to the ultimate travel bag, globetrotters looking for the ideal briefcase would be hard pressed to beat this Belgian company’s first offering. Focused squarely on frequent-flier-mile-collectors, the TravelTeq smartly designed their Trash briefcase to combat the nuisances of airports in a handsome package.

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Individually handmade in Italy with Florentine Vachette leather, the Trash comes with water-resistant nylon lining in a trio of primarily colors, as well as in a stealthy, jet-black Panther model.

Eight different compartments account for everything from the now-requisite padded laptop sleeve to a mobile phone holder and external pocket for easily presenting your ticket. They’ve even included a pen slot that doubles as a cigar holder for unwinding post flight. And the bag’s other side has a branded external band meant for linking with rolling suitcase handles—which we’re sure will pair well with the trolley case TravelTeq promises to unveil later this month.

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The bag is currently sells exclusively from the TravelTeq online store for about $540.


Art Fair Survival Kit by 20×200

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photos by Youngna Park

The tradeshows of the art world, art fairs can leave even the most avid art enthusiast feeling deflated by day’s end. To help keep everyone in high spirits during the NYC art marathon that started yesterday, Jen Bekman and the team behind her online art initiative 20×200 will be handing out survival kits packed with a Daily Candy city guide, artist Jason Polan‘s clever hand-drawn map, a “Visual Palate Cleansing System” for the visually overstimulated and much more.

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Packed in only a portion of the totes, a few lucky fair-goers will randomly receive the “Why You Should Buy Art” limited edition print by William Powhida. Dubbed by NY Magazine critic Jerry Saltz as “the second best thing to happen to the art world in 2009,” Powhida is quickly becoming a loud satirical voice for the independently-minded art community. His “Why You Should Buy Art” piece strongly highlights this sentiment (in large part a response to controversy about the New Museum), which provides reasons such as “How else will you become a trustee?” and “Nothing says culture like a bigass painting.”

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To provide attendees with a personal interactive element, 20×200 is holding a Twitter contest for the tote bag. Simply snap a photo of yourself or someone else carrying the survival kit tote and upload it to Twitter or Flickr with the hashtag #20×200 for a five dollar gift card and a chance to win a $200 print from 20×200. They will also give away bonus prints to people spotted carrying the tote at the fairs.

For more information on the NYC art fair festivities, check out The Armory Show website or download the 20×200 map.