(Sofi admiring my bag)

Summertime is just around the corner! Are you excited? Well, you should be! Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of getting the Eriq Henri Lollipop Pam Tote. I have been using it everyday! Yes, it is large, but that is the purpose. This is going to be my perfect summer tote. For the past two weeks, I have been testing it out.

The majority of the time I had two 5 subject notebooks, iPod, cell phone, camera, cords, wallet, bottle of Advil, pen and keys. For a brief moment, I put in my laptop and that did not work for me. Only because the laptop that I have is heavy! If you have a lightweight laptop, I would recommend this tote. The bottom of the tote is also padded, so if you happen to put the bag down in a not-so-nice manner, it would have some protection. This feature satisfied the needs of my iPod and camera. On the outside of the bag is an open pocket. I used this pocket mainly for my keys and cell phone, as it is an easy reach. For this pocket, I would recommend a snap closure or zipper. This way you can fling it around and those would not go flying out. The feature states that this tote comes with a magnetic clasp, but mine did not. I am actually okay with that, but it would be a nice feature. The interior lining is NOT black and as you may know, black linings are difficult. The lining is a gunmetal green (thanks Gary) therefore it is easy to find things and it goes well with the Greenhouse Effect Green. I love the color choices of the handles which is also the same color as the fabric running at the top of the bag. The handles also have a drop length of 8.5 inches. This fit perfectly under my arms even with a fleece on. The Colorado weather changes every 15 minutes, so the day after it was 80 degrees out, we had snow and a high of 45 degrees. Gotta love it! I can not wait until their new items are available, they look HAUTE!

Eriq Henri’s art is unique. He changes the ordinary to extraordinary! He makes it his story, which can turn to my story and your story. So, what are you waiting for? Get a bag and make a statement.  

 

There are some people that follow the trends of the celebrities in this crazy world of pop culture. Since working in a “bag” related industry I have now dubbed myself a “bag dork”. You catch yourself looking at all of the handbags (Pocketbook for your East-coasters) and wondering what brand they are carrying.  During the week, I do have my favorite television shows and catch myself looking at the accessories that the actors/actresses are wearing.

Now that the writer’s strike is over, most of all of the our favorite television shows are back on the air! YAY! Desperate Housewives is one of my favorite drama shows, you can never get enough of the gossiping girls on Wisteria Lane.

During the episode on April 20, “In Buddy’s Eyes”, Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria-Parker) was carrying a clutch by Rafe. The specific clutch she was carrying was called the Lotus Joy Long Frame Clutch Flower Patent in Black.

 

Speaking of Rafē, the pregnant Jessica Alba was spotted carrying the Lotus Coco Large Tote in White this week in Beverly Hills.  She has been seen carrying the same product at the beginning of her pregnancy! It is good to know that they do not use them once, then discard because of the season!

I love music and I have been inspired by the new Madonna (Hard Candy drops 4.29)featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland song, Four Minutes. After watching the video I was ready to put on some hot laced up knee high boots and dance on car tops. Now if only I had a dancing partner that looked like Justin. So instead I began to think, what if I only had 4 minutes to find MY perfect handbag? This short amount of time made me think of the features that would be the most important to me. Start the timer, I have 4 minutes!

4:00 – 4:01– Login to eBags.com and hit immediately hit the Designer Handbags tab.

I shop by Designer and click Just Cavalli. I like Cavalli jeans and if I only have less than 4 minutes, I need something that will match my attire. I quickly scan the other brands listed just in case Cavalli’s handbags do not match my interests. A Designer’s clothes versus handbags are always different.

4:01 -4:02 – Eh, the bags are not matching my current mood/style. What next? I go back to the Designers and choose MICHAEL Micheal Kors and I think I am hitting the Mother Load! (not be confused with the eBags Private Label luggage)There are so many items to choose from. My jaw slacks. What do I narrow it down to? Think, Think. I like Satchels! I have 6 to choose from. The Hudson Pebble Large Satchel catches my eye! I like the shape of it as I have been digging the “doctor bag” style.

4:02 – 4:03 – Does time really go by this fast? OK, I like the Dome look for this bag. It only comes in two colors, Vanilla and Luggage. We can definitely pass on Luggage as the brown would not help improve my groove. I also do not see it matching my knee high boots while I am dancing on the grocery store checkout conveyor belt. The dimensions are showing rather large for a handbag, but again it is a Satchel. A Satchel is not meant to be small. I think Dome shape bags are even trendy this season.

4:03-4:04 – My final minute! I check out the Vanilla and the associated photos. I realize this bag also has white canvas lining. Ouch, that is not good. That means you will be able to see all the dirt! Can I live with that? I sure can! The Satchel does not come with a million pockets either, so I think this is the keeper. The Satchel is also made out of leather and I love the smell of real leather. It makes me feel important.

Now where is Justin? We only have 4 Minutes to Save the World!

On May 22 the fourth installment of Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, will hit theaters. For the men that were once boys, Indiana Jones was their hero. He was an adventurer! He and his gang went to hunt treasure, fought alligators, and escaped death. Indiana Jones had his signature bullwhip, fedora hat, leather jacket and a great man-bag. Did I just say man-bag? The original Indiana Jones bag was a British Army surplus MK VII Respirator bag which might be the inspiration to some of the bags that are offered on eBags.com. The main features of the bag include internal pockets with dividers. The bag was also made of real cotton canvas with a leather strap. How else was he expected to steal The Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark? He needed it to carry the bag of sand to replace the famous statue before he barely escaped alive from that dark tunnel!   In spirit of the new Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I have found some similar products for the boys that are now men. Even for the boys that want to play the part of Indiana Jones in the backyards of their parent’s houses.     

When hearing of the brand Hurley, I think of surfing. Hurley has been around since the 1970’s, long before I was a twinkle in my parent’s eye. I did not acquire anything Hurley until I was in my teens when I was living in the Florida Keys. Some of my good friends were surfers and sported Hurley gear, from sunglasses to boardshorts to backpacks. I was excited to learn that eBags acquired Hurley bags as a brand and I have already made my first purchase! When it comes to handbags, I am fairly picky. I do not want something that is too big or too small. If it is too big, then you just end up putting in more “junk” then it is just madness inside! I am also not a huge pocket person either. I mainly like one main open space with one pocket inside and/or on the outside. Keep it simple and sweet. Needless to say, I found my perfect handbag the Hurley Block Letter Jacquard Bowler. This totally fashion acceptable handbag does have 1 main compartment with interior pockets. On the outside there are 2 easy access pockets with snap closures. I love these pockets as I can slip in my Motorola Razr with ease. The only downfall is the black lining. I wish the lining had a contrast color such as hot pink. Needless to say I had put my Black cell phone in the main compartment and almost lost my mind trying to find it since it was matching to the lining. Hurley is a very affordable designer. Their collections are prefect for anyone looking for trendy items at affordable prices. I already see my future purchase, the Hurley Holiday Train Case!