PopSugar

On Our Radar: Stefano Marcantonio

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:47:27 -0700

Stefano Marcantonio is about to embark on a new journey. After working at the William Morris Agency in Los Angeles, he's decided to hone in on his passion for fine leather goods and create a line of Italian handbags. Lucky me has been able to get a sneak peek at these hand-crafted gems made from precious skins (think alligator, ostrich and python) and moulded brass hardware. Manufactured in the same Milanese space as Chanel and Armani privé, Stefano recognizes the value that this manufacturing ground brings to his products.

His inspiration came from the rich beige, musk green, ochre, dark red and smoky grey colours in the Autumn woods, and the majority of pieces are named after 17th century powerful princess and queens. My personal favourites are The Meredith, a red python shoulder bag with an edgy skull on the front and the The Soraya, a timeless cobalt blue ostrich clutch.

The bags will be available online and in stores with prices ranging from £680 - £7,000 (not including made-to-order items) this February (just enough time to save your pennies ladies), however, buyers will have first looks in September.

To check out all of the bags in the 2010 Spring/Summer line, read more.

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Fab Worthy: Russian Doll Clutch

FabSugarUK — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:00:23 -0700

Russian culture is becoming ever-more mainstream. Chanel drew upon them as influence for the pre fall collection earlier this year and featured a cute Russian doll clutch which has already been spotted on Lily Allen and Natalia Vodianova.

Topshop have also taken on the style in a more simplified version. This zip clutch (£22) is a great way to add individuality to your party wardrobe. You won't be able to fit much inside, but there's enough space for your lip gloss, money, ID and keys - what more does a girl really need?

Cool Idea: Flower BagPack

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:06 -0700

Young Polish designers Olga Dabrowska and Adam Groch (aka +OYO) created the Flower BagPack (prototype) as an alternative for the cellophane wraps for bouquets. The bag is not only good-looking, but also eco-friendly and more functional than the traditional cellophane sleeve.

There are two variations of the design. One is meant for one-time use and to be recycled, as it is made from only waste paper and cardboard. It allows bouquets to be packed quickly and stores easily, and is very compact. The other is meant for multiple uses - for the charming man who makes a habit of bringing his girl flowers - and is made of cellulose and leather leftovers, both ecological materials. It can be rolled up and stored when it's not in use.

Pretty clever, eh? Makes me want to go out and buy myself a bouquet! To see additional photos, read more.

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Love it or Hate it: Straw Nautical Shopper

FabSugarUK — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:00:32 -0700

Working the nautical trend doesn't need to just involve stripey tops, instead why not extend to your accessories as well? This nautical straw stripe shopper from Topshop makes the perfect summer beach bag or you could use it for school/work. Curiously, it's made out of 100% paper! Is it a nautical step too far?

How Many Bags Do You Carry to Work?

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

This morning on the bus I realized I was the most loaded person, bag wise. From my purse to my computer bag to my gym and lunch bags, I was a sight to be seen. Carrying one big bag isn't really the answer either. Feeling so over burdened, I thought I would see if there are other fit souls still lugging their gym bags around along with all those other necessities. So what about you guys . . .

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Be a Smart Bag Handler

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Oversize bags, purses, and gym bags can be convenient, but they're not good for your back, your shoulders, or your neck. O magazine loves to give tips on being both trendy and healthy. And what's more important than a woman's health and her purse?

Here are a few highlights on keeping your bag safe for your body:

Your weight and your fate: (New York-based chiropractor) Isis M. Medina's rule is that you should tote no more than 10 percent of your body weight-so a bag that's more than five pounds when empty is a bad start. If your load is excessive, your head and neck jut forward rather than staying over your shoulders, which can lead to headaches, neck tension, and back pain.
Getting a handle: Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap slipping (so you hunch up your shoulder to keep it in place). Avoid chains, too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble).
No feed bags: Slouchy may be in, but Medina likes structure: When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work, the doctor assures us, if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable.
Easy access: If you have to do a major dig to find your phone or comb, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure-a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps; Medina also likes outside pockets for frequently needed essentials.

Fit's Tip: Check out the Puddle Jumper Bag for all your gym gear, it's one that I think Medina would approve.

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Steal of the Day: Snap Purse

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 08:28:17 -0700

I must have snaps on the brain. When I ran across this top snap pouch, designed and sewn by candyargyle, I knew I had to have it. I already use a couple of fabric zipper bags to organize my cell phone, iPod, lip balm, and other purse essentials, but this snap pouch would work just as well. It would also be adorable as a purse for a casual weekend brunch, or as a makeup bag in your bathroom cabinet. And at only $14, it's definitely a Steal of the Day.

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Space Invaders Bag

GeekSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:00:46 -0700

All of a sudden, Space Invader items are popping up everywhere. Released in Japan in 1978, the game seems to be having a pop culture comeback, infiltrating street art, geek jewelry and now novelty purses. The Space Invaders Bag is being sold by DCX for about $50. What do you think, is this bag totally geeky, or geek chic?
Source: Oh Gizmo

Cooler Keeps Drinks Cold, MP3s Pumping

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:00:20 -0700

Sure, the solar powered beach bag is an August must have, but what if you'd rather cool your drinks and play music instead of just charge your gadgets? Uncommon Goods is selling a bag that plays tunes - it gets AM and FM and hooks up to any iPod or MP3 player - all while keeping your brews cool. While the exterior of the bag was inspired by wooden-paneling, it's supposedly lightweight and it's got a padded shoulder strap so you'll never want to put it down. It costs $45. Beer, MP3 player and sunblock not included.

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Fab's Perfect Size Bag

FabSugar — Sun, 27 May 2007 12:02:22 -0700

Life & Style claims they've found the perfect size bag: the YSL Downtown tote, but I beg to differ. Don't get me wrong, the Downtown tote is definitely gorg and a really good travel bag, but we think it's too big for everyday use. What can one girl possibly store in such a gigantic purse? Notice how tiny Ashlee Simpson looks next to her red tote. She could probably hide in it if she ever wants to get away from her eyeliner-wearing boyfriend, Pete Wentz!

To see our perfect-size bag and why we love it, read more

Prada Nappa Gaufre Convertible Handbag, $2,620.