I recently discovered Marka handbags, which is a company that produces business and travel bags that not only serve their functions well, but are quite stylish and chic at the same time. This is a feat that is not always so easy to carry out considering the active lifestyles of most people. Functional bags need to be well-made, able to carry a lot and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but at the same time, they need to look nice.

Marka bags, founded by Molly Nelson and Katherine Walker Buxton, fill that handbag void of multipurpose bags that are at the same time, functional and pretty. The web site is fun to browse with bags divided by style, occasion and even a special section for laptop bags. There’s bags for work, travel, everyday and even some that would work for new moms. There’s lots of chic color choices and beautiful combinations of Italian leathers and woven fabrics. Plus, the bag prices span a wide range with some in the $100-dollar range and the most expensive around $425.

For a fun twist, check out the “ex-files” which showcases how the bags got their names. Not only are these bags chic, there’s a great sense of humor connected to them too!

Popularity: 3% [?]

If you’re a fan of MICHAEL Michael Kors Accessories, make sure to tune into QVC at 7 pm Eastern time tonight and at 1 am tomorrow morning. QVC will be presenting a collection of handbags and footwear by the designer during two 1-hour shows. A word of warning: When Kors first appeared on QVC several months ago, the entire show sold out within a span of 10 minutes, so be quick with the dialing fingers.

Popularity: 3% [?]

21680" title="News video">CBS 4 Boston gave news of a web service running to protect individuals from losing stolen property forever. Just Stolen.net holds a database of your current valuables and lost or stolen items. Using descriptions and serial numbers, registered police forces use this tool to cross-reference stolen goods.

It is very important to enter all of your valuables, including handbags, wallets, laptops, iPods, et cetera, now (before any possible incident occurs) with more fully accurate descriptions and serial numbers to better ensure a return.

To add images of your items (also recommended) or to report something lost or stolen, click on “Update existing item(s).”

Also take precautions to prevent theft. Fasten your handbags shut while in public, use extra caution at ATMs (including being aware of who is around you), and be very careful to conceal electronic devices.

Finally, good luck!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Dutchy handbags are a recent discovery for me—I think several of their bags are really cute and I have to admit, the “Dutchy” name sparked my curiosity, so I decided to investigate. According to the handbag company’s web site, Audree Halasz (founder of Dutchy) has been designing and sewing her own handbags since 2001; after receiving lots of positive feedback, she officially began her own company in 2004. The name “Dutchy” comes from her father’s childhood nickname when the term “in dutch” referred to mischief.

The purses, which are all made from 100% genuine Italian leather, range in price from around $174 to $253 and come in several different sizes and styles. The bag featured above is the Nana Doc Medium ($253) and is available in off-white or a shimmery teal. I also really like the Nana Day bag ($174) that has a bit of a retro feel to it; the Nana Hobo ($205) is also a great choice—I love it in the Aloe Pearl color! Many of the company’s purses are featured on CoutureCandy, but be sure to check out the company’s own web site for a few extras!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Coach has a whole new lineup of Soho style handbags, of which I will now focus only on a few of the ‘Mia’ satchels, as there are so many bags, some with specific special details that would require further attention.

Basically the difference from the Soho satchels of the past are (1) no pockets on the front, (2) longer straps, some of thick braided leather, (3) the straps are attached to the bag bodies with Soho styled rounded buckles, and the pockets on each side are “fastened” with them, as well (of course actually by a magnetic snap, as usual).

These styles are made to be worn on the shoulder, which is something new, but I’m not sure the bodies of the bags are thinner, despite having no front pockets.

Overall, I’m interested in the bag candy, but I’m not thrilled with the size of the bags, at nearly 15″ wide. This is not the direction in which I wanted things taken!

They have many styles within the category, including Signature and new surprises.

Popularity: 4% [?]

It’s IT Bag Monday, and this entry is about a brand new label that is sure to make an impression.

The new design house Gryson was started by Ms. Joy Gryson, who formerly worked as design director for Marc Jacobs (can’t we see the similar quality in these bags?) and also was behind many “IT” bags for other power houses, according to Bergdorf Goodman.

My favorite of her small debut collection are the satchels, with trigger-lock closures, elegant lines and rich tones. The Seamed “Sophie” Satchel is classic, while I slightly prefer the Medium Leather “Ava” Satchel for its unique shaping. The lines speak to me.

Both bags are made of Italian leather, with a suede lining, golden hardware and a hanging I.D. tag. The Sophie comes in burgundy or black leather, is sized 9″ h x 16″ w x 6½” d at $825, while the Ava comes in burgundy or khaki leather, is sized 7″ h x 14″ w X 4½” d at $775. Bergdorf Goodman is taking pre-orders for both, which should ship by September.

*Via: Purseuing*

Popularity: 3% [?]

Please, say it isn’t so—the Fall Previews have begun popping up on web sites and as much as I love looking at new handbags, shoes and clothing, I’m just not ready to start thinking of colder months when we’ve barely entered the beginning of summer! Regardless, I took a look at the Fall Preview on Bergdorf Goodman’s web site and the first handbag that caught my interest is the Struzzo Mini Globe Ostrich Bag from Loro Piana. Unfortunately, the size information wasn’t given, so I don’t actually know if this bag is Mini or maybe more Medium.

Granted, I don’t like all the details on this purse, including the extended tab on the front flap pocket and the length of the handles, but the interesting shape of the bag and the slight shimmer of the gray ostrich caught my attention. Of course, at $5,470, I don’t have to worry that I don’t like all the details because I certainly won’t be buying it—but, someone somewhere will be.

Popularity: 5% [?]

There’s a new color palette, yet again, for Coach’s Fall rendition of their scarf print Signature. The new bags are in a mixture of mainly blue & tan.

The Fall bags are also the start of new logo tags for Coach; they continue the double tag/double color (plus a double strip of suede pieces) from Spring, but add a small circular brass emblem. I like it!

I also really like the Demi size of this round of styles. It packs a bold punch into a compact canvas. Sized 9 5/8 (L) x 5 (H) x 2 1/2 (W), with a 14″ shoulder strap, the Coach Hamptons Weekend Scarf Print Demi is priced at $198.

Popularity: 6% [?]

On my original browse-spree when I found this bag, I got very excited. The Buti Horsebit Pebbled Leather Satchel is a great medium between side belts and a full horizontal strap bag, which are both things I love and was once desperate to find.

I love the orange-tan color and slouching shape. Plus this bag is made of soft Italian calf leather. Sized medium at 13″ wide, this handheld bag is $482. Also check out the similar styles on Forzieri.com.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Where has Coach been hiding this lovely bag? The Soho Straw Basket is billed as *new*, but is already sitting in (and only in) the “Last of Summer” special section on www.coach.com!

The beauty’s trimmed in red leather with golden turnlock hardware and a brass logo tag, but it’s not of any usual recognizable style of Coach, so that could explain the very limited aura.

I’m so glad I found this, and now you have too. It’s another great option for straw bag lovers. At 20″ wide, it’s a part of that “huge” trend, too, with a $398 pricetag to match. (But there’s free shipping until Friday afternoon, remember.)

Now there’s one more question, Last of Summer: really? Today, the 21st of June, marks the first day of Summer. So all Summer bags must be off the shelves? I am not looking forward to Fall, and sure, I shouldn’t and don’t need to buy more Summer bags, but now all that’s to come is Fall bags, with Autumn colors. I don’t know. I do know that the thought of Coach Fall lines excites me, though, since I already am anticipating and wondering about the new renditions of styles, and what I might want to buy!

My first pick from the first peek into Coach’s Fall bags is tomorrow!

Popularity: 6% [?]