Oversized Handbags are a Must for Spring – Make Yours Eco Friendly!
By Bonny Osterhage
A woman’s purse is kind of like one of those clown cars at the circus. Sure, it may look tiny, but open it up and then stand back, as mints, hair accessories, keys, a protein bar, a cell phone, the occasional Lego piece, paper clips, lipstick, wallet and more come tumbling out. There just never seems to be enough room for all the gear we women need to get through our busy days. This Spring promises to change all that with the emergence of big, beautiful, eco fashionable bags with roomy, vast interiors. These bags are designed to hold everything a girl needs, with space left over for everything she wants — because you should never be caught unprepared!
Cherry Berry Vegan Black Bag
This gorgeous bag is the perfect marriage of sleek and sporty. Details abound in the side tassles, center buckle and chrome hardware. And, of course, there are lots of compartments and pockets to keep you stylishly organized. $125.75 at www.cherryberry.com.
Cork Design Toggle Bag
Here’s something you don’t see everyday: a handbag made from the bark of the cork tree. Sounds like it might be rough, right? Wrong! The texture is actually similar to that of a nubuck suede. This super cool bag is lightweight, water resistant and very cute. $185 at www.shopcorkdesign.com.
Crystalyn Kae Soiree Pleated Bag
A basic black bag gets a kick from peek-a-boo pleats of vintage fabric. One of the more versatile styles we’ve seen, the handle can be worn short and close, or long and across the body in a messenger bag style. $215 at www.crystalynkae.com.
Elliot Mann Province Bag Folio 10
Just looking at this big colorful bag makes us happy! Elliot Mann creates his one-of-a-kind designs from vintage remnants of fabrics from around the world. Who knows what your bag has been in a former life! $275 at www.elliotmann.com.
Izzy Lane Faux Crocodile Handbag
We love those Brits. They gave us the Beatles, Hugh Grant and this elegant handmade bag! It is simply stunning — and that’s no crock! In fact, it’s faux croc with an undyed Shetland wool lining from the Izzy Lane flocks. What will they bring us next? ON SALE FOR £149 or approximately $250 (normally £249 or approximately $350) at www.izzylane.com.
Jane Marvel All Day Long Handbag
You will marvel at how you ever made it without this deep vegan bag. It holds all your stuff in place with plenty of interior pockets, and features a magnetic snap closure to minimize spillage. Two exterior pockets make locating those elusive keys and cell phone a snap. Choose from a variety of patterns and color combinations. $89 at www.janemarvel.com.
Kim White Double Magazine Bag
Who knew a bag designed to be so functional could also be so beautiful! We love the combination of neutral colors and the subtle, metallic sheen of the pewter recycled leather. We also appreciate the large side compartments that are long enough to hold (you guessed it) magazines! This is the bag you take when you need to take it all. $300 at www.kimwhitehandbags.com.
Nikita Lynn Anna Tote
A fun combination of patterns and colors combine in this oversized organic cotton/canvas bag. Holds everything you need and then some! $119 at www.nikitalynn.com.
Sparrow Handbags "The Nadia"
This green bag beautifully illustrates the casual chic of black and white. Made from organic cotton twill, the simplicity of the design is punctuated only by silver snaps on the side tabs. Very sophisticated. ON SALE FOR $63.75 (normally $85) at www.planetthreads.com.
Stella McCartney Logo Polly Hobo
You will be quite the name dropper when you carry this amazing recycled nylon bag, bearing the designer’s moniker as the pattern. So pretty and feminine with the ribbon detailing on the handles, we think this one makes a big statement. $785 at www.neimanmarcus.com.
Woven Collection Beige Satchel
You won’t believe your eyes when you realize that this “straw” bag is actually made from recycled paper! Very “summer on the Vineyard,” this traditional satchel has zippers that open all the way down both sides for easy access to the interior. No more fumbling around for a pen. $96 at www.juteandjackfruit.com.
Click the Apricot for 15% off with your White Apricot Exclusive Offer—That makes it $81.60!
Yellow Port Slouchy Bag
Cool and casual, this recycled canvas bag is perfect for running around on weekends. The neutral hue goes with everything, and we love the kitchy little keychain dangling from the recycled leather strap. $131 at www.hauteline.com.














































