Cute handbags made from recycled candy wrappers—is that possible?! At first I thought no, but after taking a peek at these handbags, I discovered the concept wasn’t as bad as I first thought.

Ecoist is a company striving to produce products that merge fashion with environmental awareness. Their handbags, which are available in several different styles and range in price from $28 for a small pouch to $238 for a large tote, are made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages and soft drink labels. The materials have been discarded because of printing defects or discontinued candy lines—inventive idea!

And if you’re searching for a specific color of purse, there’s even a section of the web site that allows you to search for purses divided by color.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Meet the Mulberry Emmy, the newest ‘IT’ bag among the Hollywood set; Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Scarlett Johansson have already been spotted with this leather beauty on their arms. Selling for $1,195, it’s available in cognac and red. Personally, I don’t care for the cognac version, but I adore the red—amazing what a color change can do for me!

Designed with stylish outside pockets and chunky brass buckles, this is a great bag for day to day since it has plenty of space and I love that you can change the way you hook the handle to transform it into a shoulder version. I haven’t quite figured out how to do that yet by looking at the picture, but I think you connect the two straps together to make it longer. I’d carry it as it’s pictured, but I still love that there’s the option of change!

Popularity: 5% [?]

For the girl who likes a little something different and unique, check out this crystal resin purse from z becky brown. Made in the USA, this box-shaped purse has open panels on each side that allow you to indulge your inner designer. How do you do that? Well, first you pick your purse, which is available with different-color lids and various handle and hardware options. Second, you pick a fabric insert—these come in a multitude of prints and colors ranging from summer grass to zebra skin.

Simply place your fabric inserts inside the open purse panels and you literally could have a different look every time you get the desire. Purses range in price from $68 to $104, while the fabric inserts cost $20. And, if you happen to be feeling a bit artsy, make your own inserts following the layout templates, available on the web site.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Wow, perhaps the nicest-looking handbag I’ve seen in a while. BCBG Max Azria’s “Geneva” seems to be styled after, and I can’t believe it, but really rivals, the Chloé Paddington. Though without the “pad” lock (which I actually prefer) this bag’s style is more detailed and is actually nicer, in my opinion, than the “original.” It boasts of high style and .. ooh .. ahh .. I just can’t …

Credit cards watch out, I think I need to buy this bag! Side straps, scalloping, tassel, details, cognac leather, only 13.5″ wide … Look like a movie star carrying it!! At 49% off on Bluefly.com from $340 to $173.40, it’s a deal!

** And it turns out Bluefly.com’s handbags & wallets sale lasts up to 6:30 a.m. EST on Monday, May 29th! **

Popularity: 4% [?]

Oh, yes, it’s a mini-handbag-fest here at Pursed Lips and at Bluefly.com, with their day-long handbag and wallet sale.

This white leather shoulder bag by Via Spiga, called “Neela,” has wonderfully-contrasting gold-tone hardware with flap-over metal / leather tassel atop a fold-over top. (I’m sure none of us can get enough of that unique style.) What’s more is little Neela has a triply-twisted leather strap.

What really gets me is still the contrast of the trendy white and its hardware.

This snazzy purse is on sale from $165 to $84.15 on Bluefly.com.

Popularity: 4% [?]

This “Marrakech” bag by BCBGirls is so funky, with a middle-Eastern ethnic feel. Its crochet strip pattern reminds me so much of python that I just have to give it a mention, and the fact that it’s on sale at Bluefly.com nearly 50% off ensures that I couldn’t wait another day to post.

So many details make this bag unique and special: gold woven canvas, wooden beads on the straps. At 16 1/2″ by 8″, the Marrakech is selling out with a $60.35 pricetag.

Shop Bluefly to see more sales and similar items. Save a further 15% off BlueFly’s already discounted prices on handbags & wallets today only!

Popularity: 4% [?]

I’ll try to weekly feature bag-related posts from other Lipped Media blogs. Even though it’s my idea, I’m forgetful and sometimes, there will be no bags (the horror!).

This week we’re doin’ OK.

• Sharp Byte featured the Begeren Tribeca Laptop bag and Meg-pie didn’t like it that much, but I say she didn’t give it enough chance. I blame poor photography for the black not shining as it should, but just look at the mahogany; it’s supple, detailed; it really is the haute of laptop cases. I will admit that it, being slightly rugged, is not for everyone, especially with its haute pricetag.



• SJS from Style Spotlight pointed out that Jessica Simpson has a Louis Vuitton addiction; just look at that large piece of luggage she’s using as a handbag! Even I think she has a serious problem. (I should know.)
• Pet-Pet’s Darla Kitt loves the spunkier side of style, so she was drawn to a Tattooed Pet Carrier. It floats her boat, I say! I do actually love the little dress the doggie is wearing, though!
• While there was no actual handbag featured, I, yes I myself on Kiss Me, Stace, gave great advice to the fellow handbag addicted who are married. When you bring home your IT bag of joy, fear not for the husband not being thrilled. I give a tip! (It involves lingerie and heels.)

What a week! Ahhh, I love bags. I’m going to love this feature!

Popularity: 11% [?]

With white bags popping up everywhere this season, I find this creamy-colored Michael Kors Leather Hobo refreshing—I know, I know, it’s still light colored, which means it’s not always the most practical bag to keep sparkling clean, but I really like the neutral hue.

The braided leather drawstring and zipper pull give the purse a bit of a nautical feel, while the shape of the bag is just longing to be tucked underneath your arm. Measuring 17″ l x 7.5″ h x 5.5″ d, it sells for $298 and features goldtone hardware, an interior zip pocket and a top zip closure.

Popularity: 4% [?]

eBags Memorial Day Sale starts tomorrow, Friday May 26th, and lasts through the weekend ’til Monday May 29th. Get 20% off handbags!

(For the future, sign up to their newsletter to receive special sales and pre-sales!)

Popularity: 3% [?]

When I saw this bag, I thought it was Chanel. Silly me, it’s a new Marc Jacobs. Am I really so crazy, there? Marc Jacobs has once again channeled Chanel for a new handbag. Seriously, this guy should forget Louis Vuitton, and Karl Lagerfeld should be removed from his house … and Marc should go to the other place he belongs (besides his own name and Marc by Marc Jacobs).

(Called the Ursula Pouchette, this bag is available in 3 colors from eLUXURY.)

Popularity: 3% [?]