Designer Totes aren't the ONLY popular Tote!

I have scoured the web looking for the neatest tote bags...I don't mean the outrageously expensive designer totes, I mean the ones us everyday, simple people can use. The ones that it doesn't matter if the kids get their sticky or french fry greasy hands on or the one you left sitting on the picnic table at the park and chances are it'll still be there when you get back or the one that everyone loves and wants one just like!




Totes are functional, versatile and an absolute must for busy people. Do you realize what you can carry in these bags? Have you any idea who all can use totes? I always give my Mom one for Mother's Day. She uses them a lot, has several now for different uses and everyone thinks she's the Queen of Totes! She has some she uses at the grocery store, one she uses for garden supplies, one she takes to work and one she has for the beach. The kids know when that little red and white tote is sitting by the door when they arrive that Gram's planning on going to the beach! So now when she gets a new tote for Mother's Day or her birthday, she doesn't mind because she has a tote for every occasion, one to match almost every outfit and one for everywhere she goes!


I have found really nice totes and will cont to post my 'finds' as I come across them.




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Here are the 10 "It" bags of seasons past and present, that every handbag enthusiast should own, or at least know about.

1. Hermes Birkin

The Hermès Birkin bag is named after the iconic actress Jane Birkin, who once had a highly public relationship with influential french singer, Serge Gainsbourg, to whom she bore a child (Charlotte Gainsbourg). The 'Birkin' is the symbol of ultimate luxury, due in part to its exposure on popular television shows such as 'Sex and the City'. An authentic 'Birkin' costs upwards of $6,000 and can have a waiting time of up to 2 years.

2. Chanel 2.55

This little classic will always be "in". It was born in 1955 (hence the name 2.55) after Coco Chanel decided she wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands and is inspired py the quilting on Jockeys coats. Karl Lagerfeld released a second, updated version in 2006.

3. Chloe Paddington

The Chloe Paddington was created by designer Phoebe Philo in 2005 and is considered to be the quintessential 'Boho-Chic' bag because of it's slouchy, unstructured shape and exposure by stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, who are known for their bohemian sense of style. A leather Paddington typically costs around $1,500.

4. Balenciaga 'City' Motorcycle

Balenciaga's line of motorcycle-inspired handbags are created out of distressed goat leather, which is what gives them their unique, relaxed shape. The 'City' bag in particular, caused quite a stir after becoming the official handbag of choice for notorious fashionistas like Mary-Kate Olsen. The Balenciaga 'City' bag is not available online and retails for about $1,200.

5. Alexander McQueen Novak

The Alexander McQueen Novak represents the structured shapes of Fall 2005 and was inspired by Kim Novak, a vintage-era starlet who appeared in Alfred Hitchcock films. It's original run consisted of a mere 200 bags, which caused mass hysteria among handbag lovers everywhere and elevated the bag into permanent "It" status.

6. Marc Jacobs Stam

The Marc Jacobs 'Stam' is named after the designers close friend, Canadian Supermodel, Jessica Stam. The bag features quilting and gold hardware similar to that of classic quilted Chanel bags, but differentiates itself with it's relaxed look, gusseted frame and kiss-lock closure. Practically everyone in Hollywood has one and it retails online for around $1,300.

7. Fendi Spy

The Fendi S/S 06 'Spy' Bag is priced starting at $2,100 and is a favorite of style stars like Hilary Duff and Linda Evangelista. It's notorious status is caused partly by it's enormous waiting list, which can last up to 3 years.

8. YSL Muse

The Yves Saint Laurent muse is a status bag of the highest quality. Crafted out of the finest embossed leather, this oversize structured tote features expertly minimalist gold hardware and is often carried by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss and Jessica Alba. They are often sold out and are priced starting around $1,200.

9. Prada Gauffre

One of the latest "It-bags" to hit the market is the Fall/Winter 06/07 Prada Gauffre. Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Madonna have all been photographed with theirs. It is made of Nappa leather and retails for $1,800-2,650.

10. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy 30 is more of a mainstay classic than a trend, but that doesn't stop it from maintaining "must-have" status all year round! Jessica Simpson carries hers practically every day. It is the ideal city bag, featuring a roomy interior with natural cowhide exterior and golden hardware. Price: $620.

It's a Fake World We Live In

Counterfeit merchandise is nothing new. If something is hot, and expensive, cheaper look-a-likes are likely to follow.

But these days, the desire for designer handbags, shoes and jewelry has reached new heights. Is there any harm in saving money by buying a knock-off wallet or watch? The companies and organizations fighting it think so.

Imitations are selling, and at a fraction of the cost of the originals. Who can afford $2,000 for a Rolex watch, or $500 for a Louis Vuitton purse? If the companies didn't charge so much, people wouldn't have to buy fakes.

A recent Internet search for "fake designer handbags" turned up almost 5,000 Web sites. It contributes to approximately 10% of global trade. Just hit the downtown area of any major city. Wherever there are street vendors, you're likely to find knockoffs. Just take a walk in Chinatown, New York City and you'll fing an awesome amount of counterfeit products on display. Four blocks overflowing with fake designer purses, hats, scarves, watches, rings and necklaces. The labels of fashion's most in-demand brands: Kate Spade, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, Dooney & Bourke, Coach, and Burberry. They alert each other of suspicious customers or police in the area. The system worked. When police raided, the tip-off arrived before the cops. Gates slammed shut, doors locked and merchandise flew off tables within seconds. Sorry, closed, outta here. See you later... somewhere else. It doesn't really stop, they just move somewhere else.

It's illegal, plain and simple and, yes, people are going to jail for selling knockoff handbags. Sad but true. Even the most innocent of people who are having purse parties, or selling a table full of handbags or other designer items at flea markets can face charges. Will it stop us? Unlikely. We want what our favorite celebrities have without the huge price tag. Counterfeiters are not paying taxes or trademark fees, and we're stepping on toes when we carry a fake Chanel. It should bother us when we buy a fake handbag, wallet, scarf or watch... Yeah, right.

I HATE Shopping!

I know women are supposed to love to shop. I don't. I hate crowds, I hate traffic, I hate the competition of a big sale. I wish I was rich and had a personal shopper to browse the racks and bring clothes to my house. Everytime I go shopping, I wear the wrong clothes and I'm either too hot or to cold, my shoes hurt my feet or i have too many layers on and can't try clothes on. I figure I'll just stick to shopping online.

You can buy just about anything online and have it delivered right to your door, or for that matter, anyone's door! This can be a great convenience especially if you don't have time, (or you hate) shopping. You often get special internet deals, too. Here are some more great reasons to shop online.

1. Lower prices

Online shopping can reduce overhead costs in a variety of ways, which can translate to lower prices for you.

2. Research ability

You can compare products and prices, surf around until you find the best deal, not only on the item you want but the shipping costs, too. You can get a really good description and information about products on a website versus a print catalog.

3. Increased selection

Most businesses can't stock everything in a store, so they have online shopping and a larger selection.

4. Convenience

You can shop 24/7, at your leisure, even in your undies, or...naked! .

5. Time Saver

There is no traveling, parking, and walking involved. You can shop for 30 minutes after work and find the perfect shoes and it probably would have taken you half a day at the mall!

7. Good for the Environment

There is reduced fuel consumption and air pollution, because so much of our car travel is dedicated to shopping. The need for print catalogs is zero.

8. Personal Shopper

When you go to Shopping.com or Buy.com, it's like having a personal shopper that does all the running from store to store, while you sit at your desk sipping a cool drink or warm cocoa. It's great!

Is This Handbag Real or Fake?

You know you want the purse. You know it would go great with your shoes, you know, the red ones you bought on sale. So you've been eyeing up this Prada handbag but if you spend $300 on a purse, you liable to get shot or committed to an insane asylum. You know the price is right, you saw the same purse online for $800.00. So are you going to take the chance? How can you tell if that handbag is a fake? Everyone claims 'theirs' is the authentic one.

Fortunately there are clues to help you differentiate between the real and the imitation or genuine 'replicas'. Here are a few pointers:

1. Check the zipper. A genuine designer handbag has a zipper that is smooth and easy to zip. Most of the fakes have zip that may either open up in the middle after you zipped up or the track feels uncomfortable.
2. Check the fabric or the leather. The fakes have a very rough and stiff feel on the fabric and the 'leather' bags are usually made of dyed rubber.
3. Feel the handle or strap of the bag. It should stay in shape even after prolonged use. Most of the fake bags straps are not shaped properly and the stitches are badly done and uneven.
4. Check for a serial number inside the handbag.
5. Go to a store that carries authentic purses and feel some of the bags. The fabric or leather of the designer purses will be much better quality. If you have a chance, use a wet cloth and rub off the bag. If you see some color stain on the cloth, you got yourself a fake!

Not all discount handbags are fakes. Not everyone is out to rip you off, although there are many that are. They may truly have discounted the line to make room for new collections. If you are buying them online, make sure the merchant is reputable.

Have fun!