Fashion slaves risking back trouble with oversize handbags

March 29, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

By LAURA ROBERTS, The Daily Mail

If you’re saving up to buy an oversize designer handbag, don’t forget to put a little extra aside. You’ll need it to pay the osteopath and chiropractor’s bills when your back goes. Lugging around the giant bags that are in fashion at the moment can damage your spine, health experts say. Women risk causing permanent damage by carrying overstuffed bags on one shoulder or in the crook of their arm.

Heavy load: Katie Holmes with her Hermes bag

Even carrying a bag in your hand, like actress Katie Holmes, with her £4,000 Hermes HAC tote, risks putting too much strain on one side of the body. It is thought the average woman carries around 5.2lb in her handbag - twice as much as her mother used to. Osteopath and acupuncturist Garry Trainer said he has noticed more women coming to his clinic with back strain. “If a heavy bag is carried constantly on the same shoulder then it can compress the muscles on one side while stretching the muscles on the other,” he said.

“Ideally weight should be carried across both shoulders close to the body. “People do carry the kitchen sink in their bags and they should try and cut down what they carry around.” The trend for big bags is said to have taken off with U.S. stylist Rachel Zoe who thought they had the effect of making the carrier look petite in comparison. Although the bags themselves are hardly lightweight, it is what is inside that really weighs women down.

A bit of light shopping: WAG Coleen McLoughlin shopping in Las Vegas in December. Laptops and mobile phone chargers are among the modern-day gadgets which now commonly accompany the hair brush and lip gloss. Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association, said: “Women are bound to overfill these huge bags. “Carrying a heavy bag has a cumulative effect, and we will see more back pain as a result.”

Spring Savings are in the Air at eFashionHouse.com, Plus Site Welcomes Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner

March 25, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

eFashionHouse.com ushers in spring with new arrivals, savings up to 50% and adds three new handbag designers – Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) March 26, 2008 — After months of winter fashion accessories, spring is finally on its way and eFashionHouse.com celebrates with savings of 25-70% on the latest trends in designer handbags. Committed to offering shoppers the best online prices for purses, eFashionHouse.com, named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, just added hundreds of new designer handbags from Marc Jacobs, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Anya Hindmarch, Isabelle Fiore, Coach, Tano and many more top designers, just in time for spring. The site also added three new designer fashion brands – Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner – to its huge selection of designer handbags for even more savings.

“We are excited to add Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner handbags because the handbag demand has changed from including not only the big designer names to now welcoming other chic designers with more affordable prices,” said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. “Regardless of the Economy, women still want to buy themselves a new purse, and making affordable prices available online is the purpose of eFashionHouse where you do not have to spend a fortune to carry a new quality designer handbag.”

With all purses priced under $100, both Melie Bianco and Murval are known for their trendy styles and amazing prices. A favorite among fashion editors, Melie Bianco has been featured in an array of magazines, like Marie Claire, People, Cosmopolitan and Self, because it is “chic and affordable” line (prices range from $30-$75) features funky and wearable styles perfect for the trendy fashionista. Another brand that is known for offering the look of couture without the high price, French company MURVAL was created by two sisters, Muriel and Valerie, who recognized the need for fashionable accessories at accessible prices. With its bags costing less than $50, MURVAL comes out with two collections a year and despite the low price points scores high among the fashion crowd.

Though not in the under $100 category, Dallas-based fashion designer Elaine Turner is still considered a bargain since her line features the finest embossed exotic leathers and signature painted grass cloth bags. Elaine Turner quickly rose to the ranks of the fashion It Bag and the brands popularity continues to grow because of its distinct and creative approach to classic looks in handbags and accessories.

Shoppers who crave the more luxurious designer handbag names can still look forward to savings and shop for the latest trends because eFashionHouse.com has it all. Some of the featured handbag styles available at a discount are:

In addition to the discounted prices, shoppers can receive an additional 10 percent discount using coupon code OFF10 when making a purchase from the eFashionHouse Sale Section. Plus, budget conscious fashionistas can always take advantage of the eFashionHouse.com layaway plan which allows shoppers to pay over time.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She has been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90′s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

eFashionHouse – PRWeb Press Release Group

Interested in an EFH Layaway Plan? You can put anything on layaway.
Read about the EFH Layaway here: eFashionHouse.com Layaway Program

The ‘It bag gang’ strikes again: Anya Hindmarch store is targeted in latest smash-and-grab

March 20, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

from The Daily News

A Smash-and-grab gang has struck again in the West End with a raid on Anya Hindmarch’s handbag shop. Two thieves used a sledgehammer to smash through the window of the New Bond Street store. They drove off on a silver moped before police reached the scene taking thousands of pounds worth of handbags and leaving the hammer behindShattered: Sledgehammer thieves raided Anya Hindmarch’s New Bond Street shop

The raid at about 10.30pm yesterday was the latest in a series of attacks in the Bond Street area. It is the second time Hindmarch — famous for her I’m Not A Plastic Bag design — has been targeted.

Second time unlucky: Anya Hindmarch is among several
West End designers targeted by raiders despite extra security measures

In December, police raided addresses in north London and arrested members of gangs which had allegedly been carrying out up to three raids a week. Detectives believe the latest attacks are the work of a new team, including a woman. Last Thursday, four suspects on two scooters tried to break into Jimmy Choo’s flagship store but electronic security shutters were activated when the glass was broken. Two days earlier, a woman and a male accomplice stole at least 10 handbags worth thousands of pounds each after she smashed through the glass door of Italian fashion retailer Salvatore Ferragamo.

In October last year four men rammed the front doors of Hindmarch’s store in Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, grabbing goods worth £20,000. Detectives believe there is a loosely linked group of up to 50 individuals who are staging the raids. Witnesses said last night’s attack was carried out by two men on a moped. They were wearing light-coloured crash helmets and grey hoodies. Shops items in windows overnight and to install shutters.

There have been more than 60 robberies at boutiques and jewellers in Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Chelsea in the past few years, despite efforts by shop-owners to improve security. Other stores in Bond Street and Sloane Street have stepped up security following a wave of motorbike raids. The royal jeweller Asprey has been hit at least six times, losing some £400,000 worth of watches in one raid alone.

It led to Asprey importing 22mm reinforced glass for its shopfront at huge cost. Gucci, hit at least twice in Bond Street and three times in Sloane Street, now employs 24-hour security guards. The gangs can make tens of thousands of pounds re-selling designer items on the black market. Anyone with information about any of the raids should call Westminster CID on 020 7321 8876 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The Perfect Pair – Black & White Designer Handbags

March 20, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

There’s nothing more constant than black and white fashion accessories. No matter what you wear or how you feel, something in black or white fits the look and the mood. Just like peanut butter and jelly, black and white prevail when it comes to fashion. No matter what’t happening in the fashion scene, you can always depend upon black and white. Your little black dress is complimented by a black and white bag. Your white summer frock is easily accented with a black or white accessory. We believe in versatility, color and style. But, when it comes to the bare necessities we recommend black and white anytime of the year and anywhere you go. Black and white designer handbags make a statement and the right impression.

Visit these links to see a variety of designer handbags with price-points we can smile about… you can’t afford not to take a look!

Click here for Bally Handbags - A whole new collection just added of Bally designer handbags and accessories at very affordable price points. Bally leather tote bags, handbags and shoulder bags. Plus, a group of small Bally leather goods include wallets, pouches and travel accessories.

Click here for Melie Bianco Handbags – A variety of synthetic leather handbags in styles, colors and designs everyone loves. Melie Bianco takes the best from the best and makes handbags we can afford.

Click here for MURVAL Handbags – The new Spring Collection just added just-in-time and just for you. Check it out. New arrivals added weekly. Directly from Paris, the Murval quilted collection is a designer winner.

Save this link ….. new items arriving throughout the coming weeks.

Current Style in Handbags

March 20, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

By Morgan Ross

Bags are a very important accessory of a woman’s attire in any season. Handbag designs keep getting better and more innovative every season. Interesting trends emerge and this year is no different.

Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Handbag

BAG IT: Bags this current season are expected to have a lot of stitch details. Huge and oversized handbags are the hottest item this season. But remember to keep it small for the evening. The trend this season will veer towards accessories on the handbag, like plaited handles, plaited areas etc.

It may include that extra strap which buckles down or even the edges of the handbag having leather thongs wrapped around them. Some other trends may include tassels and studs and even possibly padlocks and frills on the bag.

Juicy Couture Charms Wristlet

Interesting accessories are expected in the handbag this season. These may include key rings and metal buckles. Pockets in the bag, leather appliqués and charms that dangle are likely to be part of the current handbag style scene.

Isabella Fiore Lil Bow Monique Bag

Crystal beads, gold tone studs and even leather bows may add that extra special. It is likely that decorative trimmings on the bags will be extremely popular. Another trend may be to have headscarves threaded through the eyelets of the bag. Even a gold chain may be slotted to create a special look. The trend in handles may include chains in the leather or they may be made exclusively of chain.

Betsey Johnson Clear Tote

STYLES GALORE: Printed bags are very much in vogue and so is the new deeper taller bag shape and deep tote styles. The material of the bag may be leather or suede, which may appear as washed out and faded. It may be tie-dyed or frilled or even tool impressed.

Tano Kitty Crowbar Hobo

The handbag with a slouch is also set to make an impact this season. Hardware on bags is very much “in”, as is ironmongery. It is the large, oversized slouch bag, which will round off the fashion look whispering.

Melie Bianco Orange Patent Clutch Chain Bag

WATCH THE HARDWARE: Hardware on bags is a definite attraction this season. Bags are likely to have a row of studs or they may have extra leather, trimmed with metal over the bag’s body. Chain handles on bags are likely to be very popular. White bags are set to make a strong impression.

Anya Hindmarch Ossie Metallic Leather Handbag

Another likely trend is the bag with the metallic finish that has metallic tones making it shimmer and glisten.

Etro Slim Gold Tote

THINK SLIM: The trend is towards the shape of bags growing taller, sleeker, and cleaner. There is no lumpy untidiness of excessive bulky outside pockets on every available surface, although the size maybe big.

Here are some unique designs in purse and handbags, which can be, expected this year and which are sure to catch on.

Marni Reversible Cloth Poplin Purse

USE THE CLOTH: Cloth purses are very casual fashion items but they are very popular. The strongest trend this year is likely to be colourful fabrics and unique patterns. Bold colors and striking contrast are likely to be “in”. Also very fashionable is the practical reversible cloth purse. The purse can be literally turned inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern. This allows you to have two purses for the price of one.

Gucci Monogram Pochette Bag

PUT A NAME TO IT: Monogrammed handbags never go out of style. The present styles are likely to be monogrammed handbags in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and styles.

Marc Jacobs Leather Sling Bag

An expected upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. The preferred material for such handbags is soft leather, because it is durable and very stylish. Apart from that, sling handbags are very comfortable to carry. They form the perfect accessory whether the outing is a casual one or a business one.

Coach Signature Lozenge Canvas Tote

Monogrammed tote bags are also very much in fashion. They are the most perfect, casual fashion accessories. Monogrammed tote bags serve a variety of purposes, whether at the beach, or at a picnic, even at school. The best material for tote bags is soft cotton canvas and this is likely to be the trend this year too.

DOGGIE BAG: Dog purses are gaining popularity. With almost everyone loving dogs the fashion is veering towards handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous pouch. Dog purses and handbags are also a great gift idea for anyone who loves their beloved hound. Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag.

If you don’t like dogs, you can have your own photo, or the photo of that someone special in your life, printed onto your purse or handbag, Photo purses or handbags are ultra-cool and make a special fashion statement.

Melie Bianco Multi Color Graphic Clutch Bag

CLUTCH THAT BAG: Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities. The trend for clutch purses and clutch handbags is likely to be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

If you follow the above trends you can be sure that you will be never out of sync with your handbag this season. You will be very much a part of the “in” crowd.

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Britian is falling out of love with the “It” bag

March 18, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

Jennifer Howze

Times Online

Since 1956 when Grace Kelly used an Hermes bag to shield her tummy from photographers during pregnancy, the It bag has grown from pricey princess accessory to hotly pursued must-have. In recent years every season has brought with it more handbags proclaimed to be the new ‘It’ bag. A new style tucked into the crook of Sienna Miller’s or Kate Moss’s elbow could incite frenzied buying and acres of coverage in the press.

But that is coming to an end, predicts Mintel, the consumer research group. Mintel forecasts that British women will ditch the expensive celebrity-endorsed bag in favour of lower-priced high street versions as they tighten the belts and tire of the hype.

“Women have become more cynical about celebrity-endorsed products. Many will no longer be as quick to spend hundreds, even thousands of pounds on a bag just because the likes of Posh Spice have been snapped with one. Especially when these days the must-have looks are quickly translated to the high street,” says Katrin Magnussen, senior fashion analyst at Mintel.

“We’ve been writing this for some time at The Times,” says fashion editor Lisa Armstrong. “It was such an obvious outcome for a phenomenon that had been endlessly hyped. Customers are wise to the fact that celebrity “endorsements” have become devalued when the celebs all get bombarded with freebies.”

While acquiring a status bags has become easier in recent years – luxury companies have expanding their offerings to cash in on the fervour – it’s also become more expensive, with some versions soaring beyond the £20,000 mark. “The fact that prices have climbed to eye-watering levels – £1,000 is now quite common – while exclusivity levels have plummeted has also been a factor in the demise of the It bag,” says Armstrong.

To be sure, the handbag sector is hardly ailing. Sales between 2002 and 2007 grew 139 per cent, topping £468 million in 2007, according to Mintel. Shoppers are expected to spend £553 million on them in 2008. In the past 12 months, 55 per cent of British women bought a new handbag. But while in the past three years the market has grown 30 per cent year on year, this year growth is expected to almost halve, rising 18 per cent over 2007.

The It bag as we know it (with ostentatious logos and chunky padlocks, chains and other bling) may be on its way out but handbag obsession lives on. “Women still love bags, they still love luxury and they’ll always require something chic to carry their belongings around in,” Armstrong says. “What all the analysts seem to have missed is that actually there is an It bag – it’s the Chanel 2.55, first designed in 1955. It’s just that it became an It bag by stealth, without any hype.”

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that customers who formerly bought the bag of the moment are now looking for smaller niche brands or limited-edition versions to set themselves apart in the fashion crowd.

“I think there will always be a customer for designer bags,” says, Yvonne MacKenzine, head of buying for women’s non-clothing at the online fashion retailer ASOS.com, which carries handbags “in the style of” celebrities like Paris Hilton and Sarah Jessica Parker as well as bags by YSL, Chloe and their own brand. “But there is more of a move towards individualism – that is, for accessories that have more of a vintage feel and that are less identifiable.”

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New York Show Business

March 17, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

Apparel News posted a wonderful article about the New York Show Business Fall Fashion. We grabbed a copy and added a twist with handbags about all the runway Fall Fashion predictions. With the latest trends coming this fall, handbags will follow to match, compliment and add a finishing touch……

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from Apparel News

NEW YORK-Fur, feathers, futurism and flappers. Fall fashion in New York was taken to the extreme. From the runways to the trade shows, there were plenty of new fashion trends to be found during New York Fashion Week and the market that ran Feb. 1-12. The Fashion Coterie, Designers and Agents, Train, Platform 2 and So Ethic trade shows followed directly after fashion week, and retailers were able to snatch up the latest looks launched on the runway. The shows offered a wide range of designers from T-shirts and denim to contemporary and high-end goods. It was business as usual, and while the economy may have slowed spending on the showroom floors, fashion isn’t giving an inch in frivolity. There were sexy, form-fitting bandage dresses at Hervé Léger by Max Azria and architecturally engineered structures designed by the students of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Monique Lhuillier went luxe with fabulous furs and feathers while other brands such as Diesel and Boy by Band of Outsiders went for androgyny and uniformity. Fashion spanned the gamut, from the flapper-chic styles of the 1920s to the space-age designs of the future. That said, there were plenty of offerings to keep stores well-stocked with the “new” basics, including knits, dresses, leather jackets and high-waist jeans. Other trends continued to be important, including bohemian with a modern globe-trekker twist and the 1970s, with its nostalgic return to glamour. Here is a look at the trends from New York.

Luxe Leather – Tano Handbags

Leather outerwear has never been more chic. Trench coats, bombers and hoodies (popularized by Mike & Chris) are on every best-dressed list for Fall.

Fur – Ugg Australia

Fur is en vogue this season, and the freshest take is luxurious accessories. Hats, scarves, capes and even extravagant cuff treatments sport the luxe look.

Color Block – Melie Biaco Check

Jewel tones shined brightly in solids and bold plaids. Purple, chartreuse, safety orange and fuchsia are bright spots in Fall’s otherwise dark and murky palette.

Globe Trekker – Kooba Metallics

Global chic is the new version of boho. Defined by batik prints, fur vests, geometric prints, metallic treatments and layered looks, the modernized version is sure to satisfy the wanderlust at heart.

’70s Chic – Melie Bianco Retro

“Le Smoking,” Halston and Bianca Jagger-1970s-era glamour returns. Think bell bottoms, lounge suits and shirt-dresses. The relaunch of Halston is the cornerstone of the sexy trend.

Knit Knack – The Sak

Knits are the new jersey. Designers went beyond the basic turtleneck this season to create dresses, sweaters and coats in cashmere, metallic wools and chunky wool/cotton blends. Styles ranged from extravagant cable knits to simple V-necks. Layered over a silk slip, the look is the new answer to everyday luxe.

Star Trek – Kooba Mirror Bags

Futurism enters another galaxy for Fall. Designers are inspired by superheroes, who usher in a “power” look for the superwoman of today. Defined shoulders, a nipped-in waist and hard-edged style characterize the look.

High Shine – Stella McCartney Patent

Wax treatments update denim, dresses and coats to capture a futuristic, industrial look for Fall.

Multi-Layered – Miu Miu Plisse

This season, designers go to extremes with architectural, layered treatments. Stacked collars, cylindrical structures and accordion-pleated shoulders are just a few examples.

Surface Treatments – Prada Handbags

Feathers, intricate layering and ombré treatments instill a couture touch to the season. Styles range from form-fitting bandage dresses to feather-embellished gowns and delicate layered frocks.

Designer Handbags for Women

March 16, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

Gucci Signoria Style Medium Leather Tote

Women and fashion have been synonymous for centuries. Not only are women passionate about elite fashion clothing, but even accessories and designer handbags are a part and parcel of their lavish wardrobes. Women’s fashion handbag inspirations are derived from exclusive and unique designs, exquisite designer craftsmanship, luxurious Napa leathers and exotic furs and skins.

If you are really a true fashionista, you will, at the turn of the season be lusting madly over a gorgeous new handbag that is a must have for the wardrobe. Whether it is the clutch bag, rectangular or antique looking, a black patent leather handbag or a metallic purse to be worn on your shoulder, or tossed into the crook of your elbow, a good designer purse will do wonders for your personality.

We are constantly watching women fall prey to the latest fashion trends in designer handbags that include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and the likes. Unique and stylish, these designer handbags and accessories remain an extension of a women’s personality. A Chanel woman is all about class, sophistication and refinement, mostly black and white with a touch of colour every now and again. For bolder designs combined with elegance, Italian designer handbags from Fendi or Armani are more suited. If you are undeniably chic, with an eye for unique detail, Donald J Pliner or Luella Bartley would be an ideal choice.

The many designer handbags that are available now serve more than just as an accessory. They are more of a fashion statement. A handbag is no longer seen as simply a carry-on, understated accessory whose primary purpose is to hold make-up and few dollars. For the 21st century woman, it holds something far more valuable, her confidence and poise, and that certainly deserves the very best.

Women of all ages are keen on possessing and owning as many designer handbags as they can; not only to match their outfits but to suit their lifestyles as well. Whether it is a leather briefcase for the corporate woman, a beaded evening ladies purse for the opera goer or a laptop bag for the woman on the go, there is an exclusive handbag for everyone. Soft supple leather, satin or silk designer handbags crafted by the most exquisite artisans add grace and panache to a woman and turn heads instantly.

Undoubtedly, an exquisite designer handbag is a woman’s best friend!

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Bottega Veneta

March 16, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

BOTTEGA VENETA handbags EXTRA-LARGE Veneta bag designer purse brown intreciatto woven leather designer handbag.

from New York Magazine

The Label
Bottega Veneta was launched as a family business of luxury leather accessories in Venice back in 1966, and today designs both a men’s and women’s ready-to-wear line.

The Look
At $3,000 a pop for a bag, expect to see classic clean lines, the softest leathers, and a classic palette rather than trend-driven designs. Bottega is most known for its hand-woven leather bags, belts, and shoes. Maier’s ready-to-wear women’s line posses the same timeless, ultra-luxurious look.

The Designer
German-born Tomas Maier took the helm in 2001 and revived the flagging brand by injecting a more modern feel and reworking the traditional woven leather signature.

Profile
With its smoked mirrors, wrought-iron displays, and undulating staircase, the Bottega Veneta store is a fitting tribute to the sensuality of leather. Enter via the doormanned Fifth Avenue entrance or directly from the graceful calm of the St. Regis Hotel lobby into this two-floor boutique, aurally appointed with Euro hip-hop beats and capped by a gorgeous greenhouse ceiling. The Italian leather maker has long distinguished itself with signature woven leather (intrecciato) handbags, and plenty are on hand here, in a variety of colors. Also look for the characteristic texture on designer Tomas Maier’s wallets, placemats, pillows, and trivets. No less inspired are the well-edited men and women’s effortless, understated ready-to-wear collections, featuring silk cocktail jackets and swingy shift dresses. And what would a leather retailer be without shoes? Bottega carries an ample supply of women’s strappy slingbacks and demure cut-out pumps, as well as men’s Grecian-style sandals.

“Bottega Veneta is truly a icon of luxury and elegance with that typically fine, conservative Italian quality that you would pay anything for the privilege of owning. The leather goods are some of the best made I have ever seen and the homeware collection combines subtlety with beauty and incredible class! This was my first visit to the NY store and without any doubt, the service was as super-efficient and the selection as plentiful as it is at the stores in Europe. When you see how finely made the goods are here, you know its well worth the expense!” Internet Shopper

“If you are in the market for flashy and ostentatious apparel and accessories, go elsewhere. If you prefer master craftsmanship, supreme materials, and timeless design, then Bottega Veneta is for you. The clothes are works of art, well above any fads or trends–true investment pieces. Furthermore, the salespeople are very eager to help you out with sizes, fits, finishes, colors, etc. Of course, this quality will come at a price (note: $90,000 alligator totebag), but there are end-of-season sales. Furthermore, all the season's pieces can be seen on their website catalog (including the price), so you won't suffer from any sticker shock, just product awe. If you're going to treat yourself, treat yourself to Bottega Veneta.” Internet Shopper

Poking a few holes in this bag phenomenon

March 15, 2008 | Filed under Uncategorized

ANYA HINDMARCH designer handbags neeson plaited
calf leather navy shoulder bag designer purses

Paula Simons, The Edmonton Journal

I’m sitting in my kitchen, trying to organize my life. But my lunch bag is hectoring me. “Sweat once a day to regenerate your skin,” it chirps. “Dance, sing, floss and travel,” it commands. “Don’t trust that an old age pension will be sufficient,” it warns. “Do not use cleaning chemicals on your kitchen counters or floors,” it counsels. “Someone will inevitably make a sandwich on your counter.” (Though presumably not on my floor.)

“Stress is related to 99% of all illness,” claims my bag. “The world is changing at such a rapid rate that waiting to implement changes will leave you two steps behind. DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW!” Lunch bag? All this nagging is doing nothing for my stress level — or my skin.

Call it life in the Lululemon Zone. Everywhere I look, as I walk around the city, I see women and girls carrying Lululemon bags. I’m not talking about designer purses or knapsacks or sports totes — I mean those canvas-handled polypropylene shopping bags the trendy New Age sportswear store gives you to take away your purchases, the ones printed with all kinds of lifestyle advice and affirming mantras.

In Edmonton, the red-and-white Lululemon carrier bag has become a hip fashion accessory. Instead of throwing the bags away, people are happily reusing them, carrying them to work, to school, to the gym. The smaller ones make perfect lunch bags or gift bags — the larger ones can schlep everything from gym gear to groceries.

The bags are ubiquitous. I’ve never purchased anything at Lululemon. I’ve never even stepped foot in a Lululemon store. Still, we have somehow accumulated two or three Lululemon baggies at our house.

They’re just so darned useful: sturdy, water-resistant, and surprisingly capacious, easy to fill, easy to carry, easy to fold and store. My daughter uses one of the smaller bags to take her song books and sheet music back and forth to her harp lessons. The other day, as we were getting out of the car, her music bag fell off the car seat and landed in a mud puddle. The music stayed dry, and one wipe with a damp cloth made the bag good as new.

CANADIAN ALL THE WAY

It’s easy to be seduced by the Lululemon bag. It’s good for the environment. It’s bright and cheerful and patriotically Canadian. And it’s an incredibly cheap way to make a fashion statement — you don’t need the pricey work-out gear to prove you’re cool, you just need to carry your library books in a Lululemon bag.

What a brilliant marketing ploy. Here we all are, walking around with these bags, advertising this designer brand and its slightly loopy philosophy wherever we go, like so many bipedal billboards. Even when we’re not wearing the clothes, we’re spreading the gospel of the Lululemon cult, an odd mixture of junk science and self-improvement, one part Oprah, one part Dr. Andrew Weil and one part Ayn Rand.

“Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocrity is as close to the bottom as it is to the top, and will give you a lousy life,” reads my bag. “Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck to everlasting health.” “Children are the orgasm of life.” “Choose a positive thought. The conscious mind can only hold one thought at a time.”

Really? I’m pretty sure my mind can hold more than one thought at a time. And it does, every time I read my indispensable, opinionated bag. (Maybe that should be The Journal’s new slogan for me: “Read Paula Simons — Edmonton’s indispensable, opinionated bag.”) Sara Gardiner, who speaks for Vancouver-based Lululemon Athletica, says the durable bags started off as a way to reduce packaging and environmental waste. But the company is delighted to see us carrying them everywhere.

“You do see them all over. It’s like a movement,” she enthuses. “It’s awesome; people totally love it, for sure.” Gardiner calls the writings on the bag, many dreamed up by company founder Chip Wilson, the Lululemon manifesto. “It’s just really meant to inspire people,” she says. “But obviously, some of the quotes are going to resonate more with some people than others.” Well, it’s true my plastic bags from Save-On never inspired me. But it says something slightly sad about our world that we’re now supposed look to shopping bags for spiritual meaning.

COOL FACTOR WANING

But I’m ambivalent about the whole Lululemon phenomenon. The company is a real Canadian success story — although its spotlight time as a stock-market darling seems to be waning. And there’s nothing wrong in a socially responsible company making use of eco-friendly packaging to encourage people to exercise, drink water and love their kids. Still, the curmudgeon in me is put off by the cultish following these yoga clothes have created. “Movements” make me even more uncomfortable than yoga poses.

Some fashion industry observers now feel Lululemon has become too popular, too overexposed. Apparently, every time a fifth-grade girl or a middle-aged suburban soccer mom pulls on a Lululemon hoodie, the brand loses some of its urbanite uber-cool mystique. But then, as my Lululemon bag tells me, life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle those setbacks. I just hope that if and when the Lululemon bubble bursts, I’m left holding the bags.