Description:
Making "baggage" a good thing!
Contents:
Everything Old is New Again.
I got my first "Real" job so I could buy a handbag. It was during the "Preppy" fashion craze and I lived in New England. I already had the chinos and the boat shoes and the button down shirt with the argyle sweater, but I didn't have a Bermuda Bag. My parents had informed me any "needless accessories" would have to be bought with my own money. Needless accessory? Obviously, they hadn't a clue.
I was 15 and finding a job wasn't easy. At last I got hired in the local mall pushing cheese at the Hickory Farms store. It was horrible. The uniform was itchy, the product unpalatable and, regardless of how many hot showers I took, I still smelled like curds and whey. Ah, but the Hickory Farms was just four store-fronts from Pappagallo's, the store with MY Bermuda Bag. I could visit it on my way into work and on my way home.
A Bermuda Bag is a soft-sided purse with a large wooden handle. At the time, they came in two sizes, large and small. There is no clasp or zipper. You pull open the handle to gain access to the bag. The bag itself is simple muslin stitched to the handle. You needed to buy a cover for the bag and you would button the cover over the muslin, onto the handle. Ah, what style. For me this bag was it.
I remember the day I'd finally saved enough money. Smelling of Stilton, I ran to Pappagallo's and made my choice – the larger one with the darker wooden handle. I opted for the classic navy blue wool cover. It felt wonderful. I took that handbag everywhere.
The next week I returned to the mall, Bermuda Bag at my side, to turn in my Hickory Farms uniform. No more processed wine/nut cheese spread for me. It was March. The store fronts were full of the new spring lines. I passed Papagallo's, and quickly turned back. There, in the window, was a Bermuda Bag. The light cotton cover was reversible – a new feature – Kelly green on one side, pink and white argyle on the other. I clocked in at the Hickory Farms 5 minutes later.
So, guess what I saw the other day, while browsing about? These.
Anyone for a little more cheddar?
About Me - Part Deux
So, the front office said I forgot to tell you a few things. Stuff like, "What will this blog be about?" and "How can The Bag Hunter be a resource for you?"
I've already told you why I'm blogging. I think "baggage" can be a good thing. It takes time, energy and effort to find the right look at the right price for the right task, but when you manage it, it's magic.
For example: I'm not just a blogger, but a photographer. I specialize in nature shots. Finding a single bag that could hold my equipment, make it accessible AND keep it all safe took me forever. I needed help, but there was no one to ask. So I’m setting myself up as the "someone to ask." Why Me? Why not me? And it will be more fun with your help.
What will this blog be about?
It will be about purses, and luggage, and backpacks, and diaper bags and briefcases and phone covers and just about anything we would fit into the term "bag." Believe me, I’ve used them all!
It will be about the latest trends and the classic standbys.
It will be about how to spot a knock-off and where to go when you don't care.
How can The Bag Hunter be a resource for you?
I’ll give you suggestions, opinions and insight. You do the same. Just type your questions or ideas into the comments box and we'll take this journey together. Sort of a virtual reconnaissance shopping. Trust me. I can find things for you to buy you never knew existed.
I'm carrying this bag today. I needed some hint that spring is coming! Plus, I was feeling a little girlie. My mom found this for me in a handy-craft shop in Maine. (thx, mom)
Meeting Me
(drum roll)
There's a New Blogger holding the Purse Strings.
(trumpet blast)
Let's have some fun!
Being fashionable is great. If you can fit it into your calendar, lifestyle and budget, that's even better. But, most of us don't spend our day getting ready for that one flash bulb moment. We've got things to do. I've got things to do.
There's the family, the job, the mortgage. I can drool all I want over a $3,000 bag, but unless it comes with a maid and a chauffer, I can't use it. I need bags that can carry my world, not break my bank. That doesn't mean I'm not on the hunt for a full-blown bit of fashion. Or that I won't lay down some coin for an abuse-proof piece of luggage. I just want what I want, and part of that is making sure I get my money's worth.
About Me:
Height: 5' 5" (blogging adds 2 inches)
Weight: About ½ hour
Current Diet Restrictions: No Thirds, not even on dessert.
About My Family:
1 Understanding Husband (He bought me my first Kate Spade.)
3 Lovely Children (All boys, so I don't have to share)
1 dog (He doesn't fit into a Pinto let alone a purse.)
1 cat (He barfed on my leather Ghurka briefcase. Bad Kitty.)
About My Life:
I'm a writer and photographer. I love to travel too, so when I go somewhere I take a lot of gear. I get real enjoyment from well-crafted products and even though I like things that last, I also like variety, spontaneity and change. Where I come from (and where I'm going) "baggage" is a good thing.
DIY Solar Bag!
Found this really interesting article about creating a solar
bag. Basically a messenger bag with a solar panel attached
allowing you to recharge your electronics. Fun stuff
 Click to view story!
Looking at the article I think we have a couple of inexpensive canvas bags that could do a good job with this.
The Maxam Canvas bag is really cheap, $12.99
Boblbee Peoples Delite Executive Laptop Backpack
Heyo, i'm Josh over at WoB, and I don't normally get involved in these blogs for bags.
However, I really really wanted to try this pack out.
"Boblbee"
makes some incredible bags. These are the most rugged laptop bags i've seen on the market. They're futuristic looking, in fact you may have seen them in episodes of star trek, or movies like Charlie's Angels. The entire rear compartment is a Hard exterior shell, ABS Plastic. Its basically the safest thing i've ever put a laptop in.
What's your look?
Going for the professional look, business casual look or just the urban street girl look? Well look no farther with the Jennifer large tote bag.This tote is sleek, stylin and in your price range. It has more than enough room to accommodate for your everyday needs, not to mention it has pockets galore. There is a zippered pocket in the middle, a small zipped pocket on the side and two fitting pockets opposite. The bag also has 4 large outside pockets for quick access. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors. I went out on a limb and choose a red one. I really wanted to stand out with this tote and frankly I think I do!
Find Your Look
Multi-Use Bag! I like it!
When looking for a new bag, this is the kind I look for. It's the "Shiraleah Donna Mini Purse" and perfect for both day and nights (not too big, not too small) and the color fits with most outfits.
It's a great bag for someone with little time too coordinate bags with clothes because it fits great with both a casual look (jeans, t-shirt) or a professional work suit. Awesome.
Sassy, Summery Sherpani Pinot Tote
Want a fun bag to carry the basics? Looking for something that comes in fun colors? Like to have the kind of bag that makes people stop you on the street and say, That's sooo cute - where did you find that? Well, then the Sherpani Pinot Tote is just the bag for you.
Check out the cool flowers on top!
And it's really is quite comfy on your shoulder...
It comes in all sorts of great colors - mine's in Island Rose. I wear a lot of basic colors, so I am excited to have a bag that will spice up my wardrobe! The Pinot Tote is terrific because it's not too big, carries the basics, and says, "You are NOT boring." That's my kind of bag. Try one out today!
Cool, Blue Mia Messenger Bag
Check out this absolutely fabu messenger bag from World of Bags that High Sierra let me try out. It's called the High Sierra Mia Street Shoulder/Messenger Bag.
 Mine is a summery NOT-boring blue, but this bag also comes in 6 other colors. It's super durable, light-weight, and carries lots without seeming too big, bulky, or in the way. The strap is comfortable and very adjustable.
I was able to carry lots of groceries plus my wallet, cell phone, and keys. I could have carried a lot more if I hadn't been so cautious. Here's me before the grocery store:
Want to get one for your very own? I'm sure you'll use it as much as I do. Next stop for me and my cool Mia bag - the beach!
My Fun Flote Handbag!
 My new Flote Driggs handbag / clutch!
Where to buy?
When looking for a bag that will be functional for both evenings out, and for using day to day, I look for several things; a color that I love that will add some pop to my outfits, a size that can hold the essentials (cell phone, I.D., makeup) without being bulky, and most importantly something that makes the bag unique so it isn’t the same bag everyone else in L.A. is carrying. The first thing that caught my eye with this bag was the color. The green is so lush and tropical that it almost looks like you could take a bite out of it. The silver chain and slide lock closure make a great contrast to the pebbled leather, and is long enough that I can put it over my shoulder (although it looks cuter dangling out of your hand so that you can see the chain better).
Down to Earth Tote for the Everyday Woman
Want to Buy Me!
As stated in my previous blog, we really do need bags for so many aspects of our daily lives. I found myself on the way to work carrying a purse, a plastic supermarket bag with my lunch and a folder with some left over paperwork I brought home. That was certainly a juggle and inconvenient, especially when you need your extra hand for opening the car door, or even answering your cell phone.
I went on a search for a bag that will hold all my important things that I need to lug to work day after day. I knew I needed a bag that was more upper class casual and able to match a good amount of my outfits for work. I found this really great bag that certainly has enough room for everything I need. The bag is called Ellington Leather Hailey Bucket Tote Bag. I was literally able to put my purse in the bag, my bagged lunch, my folder with important paper work and a sweater for the cold AC at work. The bag has an organized interior zip pocket, slip pocket, three pen slots, and D-ring for key clip and a cell phone pocket. This certainly has allowed me easy access to my most used belongings.
I love this tote bag. The color is great for the summer and even fall. The material and over all look is sophisticated, however down to earth. Its in no way flashy and I still feel really in style with the earth tone shades. Big totes are in ladies, so go get yourself one.
My Everything Bag
We need bags for so many things in our life. To go work, to go to school, to stay over a friends house, to travel out of town and to lug around various other entities in our daily routine. I don’t know about you, but I know I can speak for myself and most of my friends, when I say “we just plan don’t have the money to spend on a new bag for every adventure in life.”
My hunt for the perfect versatile bag came to an end. The OGIO Girls Road Trip Messenger Bag has become my everything bag. I use to this bag to carry my books to class, to pack an overnight bag at my girlfriends house and even as a carry on for my previous trip out of town to Pittsburgh.
The bag comes with a main zippered section and a front panel with an organized compartment. There is also a cell phone holder on the side and a water bottle pocket. The interior is made of soft suede with a gorgeous teal color that has an artistic black swirl design. The strap is padded and fits nicely across my right shoulder while the bag rests on my lower back. The front panel is held shut magnetically, so there’s no pesky buttons or velcro to deal with.
I am really happy with this bag. It has an urban edge with a sporty look and I didn’t have to break bank to get it.
Get it here!
Pretty and Practical
 You can find the bag here!
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My new Flote Driggs handbag / clutch! 
