White Apricot

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Eco Friendly Winter Fashions Offer White Hot Style

By Bonny Osterhage

 

White has come a long way from the virginal, sweet, pure shade it was once considered to be. Today’s white is sexy, sleek, sporty, sophisticated and elegant. Sure, it looks great against summer-bronzed skin, but white has finally shaken off stereotypes to become a perennial favorite. These eco friendly winter white fashions prove that if you limit this shade based on archaic fashion rules, you are missing out on an entire season of white hot style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama Chanin Spiral Coat

 

Every inch of this hand stitched organic cotton coat is sheer perfection. From the hand-embroidered spirals with their knots and tails, to the button and loop closure, no detail has been overlooked. We know it’s a bit pricey — but we also think it’s priceless. $7,660 at www.alabamachanin.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burning Torch Boutique Cashmere and Lace Vest

 

Few things in the world are as luxurious as the feel of cashmere against your skin. That is one of the reasons we are drooling over this recycled cashmere vest with its intricate lace pattern. The Mandarin collar and wooden button make it anything but ordinary. $370 at www.burningtorchboutique.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canopy Verde Dewberry Tote

 

White gets grounded with a touch of brown in this organic cotton and bamboo blend bag. This generous tote features interior pockets that can hold water bottles or baby bottles, making it multi-functional as a gym bag, diaper bag, or even an overnighter. $229 at www.canopyverde.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah Lindquist Circle Skirt

 

We simply adore the whimsy of this hemp blend circle skirt. Vintage leather skull appliqués and ruffled English net peeking out from the bottom — what’s not to love?  For the girl who knows how to have fun! $300 at www.deborahlindquist.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hessnatur Organic Wool Fleece Jacket

 

When the temperatures plunge, cozy up in this plush, sporty jacket for a great weekend casual look. The organic fleece is lightweight so you can stay warm without feeling bulky. $150 at www.hessnatur.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Loudermilk Flurry Top

 

This is one of the most unusually beautiful tops we’ve seen in a while. White organic cotton lace is accented with an  asyemtrical “swath” that drapes across the top for a fluttery, cape-like appearance. Very cool! $415 at www.junoandjove.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olsen Haus Charm

 

Olson Haus breaks the cardinal “white shoe after Labor Day” rule with these sleek faux patent lace ups. Although they pay homage to the current menswear trend, these booties stay feminine with a 3-inch heel and a peep toe. Very sexy! $225 at www.olsenhaus.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prarie Underground Eclipse Dress

 

This sporty dress will earn a place of honor in your closet for its comfort and versatility. Made from soft, organic cotton French terry, with a cute side pocket, the loose drape lets you wear it as a dress, a tunic, a cover up…the possibilities are endless! $121 at www.embodies.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thieves Tubiaku Dress

 

Stand out from every black dress in the room when you wear this body-skimming head turner. Although at first glance, it might appear to be a seriously sensual creation, this dress has a sporty side with a front zipper, hood, and sleeve thumbholes. We think it would be cute over leggings too! ON SALE FOR $299.54 (normally $374.42) at www.theivesboutique.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaute Couture Ivory Pea Coat 

 

We had to salute this super cute and weather resistant military inspired jacket. We were drawn to the cute boxy shape and the double rows of vintage buttons that grace the front. The fact that it is vegan and recyclable put us at ease. $385 at www.greenwithglamour.com.