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: 2% [?]

Glam.com is holding a contest to win an “Ultra-Luxe” reversible beach bag from Le Sport Sac. All one has to do to enter is take their “What Kind of a Beach Babe are You?” quiz and fill out the follow-up form.

So why do you want to win this? All the goodies inside!

Some of the freebies include,

• 7 for All Mankind denim skirt
• Flip-flops from FlipFlop Trunkshow
• Decleor SPF 20 spray
• Frédéric Fekkai “Beach Waves” haircare
• J.Lo aviator sunglasses
• Dashing Diva nail kit
• The latest beach reads from Melissa de la Cruz
• Eau d’Italie signature fragrance

Popularity: 4% [?]

A dear two-tonal maize straw tote with a cute printed lining and matching fabric tie closure—that is this J. Crew Bicolor Straw Tote. With a triangle shape and a juxtaposed tie to match its cotton poplin lining, this bag is sweet to stroll the boardwalk and I’m even thinking it would be a wonderful accent around the house to hold knitting or magazines, or stand on a table in a sitting room. Call me crazy! But at only $48, this tote could serve any duty.

Popularity: 5% [?]

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: 4% [?]

If you’re searching for a cute beach bag for summer, look no further than the Nicolette Perspex Beach Bag ($337.21) from Melissa Odabash. The main body of the bag is made from Perspex, which is the trade name for a clear, lightweight, tough plastic, but also features white leather trim, silver hardware and a white leather detachable mini purse inside. It’s also available in yellow and has a fun tiger-striped lining.

Popularity: 3% [?]

I suddenly feel like discussing the longevity, throughout a single year, of straw handbags.

They first pop into style right before Spring begins, and as soon as we see a sign of the season, we rush out to buy a straw bag or start feverishly using a straw bag we already have.

It’s novelty, and this original fever wears off.

But the straw bag trend picks up in the heat of summer. On vacations, at the beach, in country club luncheons and upscale sea food shacks — whatever—the straw bag is again hot.

Then in late August, we use (or hunt for) our straw bags with a passion–like they’re going out of style—because they are.

The straw bag is a novelty, but as I see it, it will come back every year. And a few times every year says “worth it” to me, but I wanted to warn you ladies about the practicality before the breezes turn to scorchers!

Popularity: 4% [?]

I just realized - despite aspirations toward the contrary - that I haven’t actually posted about a single laptop bag! Well, that simply must change!

It’s so hard to find a fashionable laptop tote, and even the “feminine” ones simply have a splash of pink and that’s all. Well, this Case Logic - “Fashion Tote” / Laptop Case may not be haute couture, but it’s pretty snazzy and trendy for a laptop case!

Featuring neat side decos and a horizontal belt, this brown or black tote is sized at 18″ x 13″. Excuse me while I say, “yowzas!” That’s a bit large for my frame and therefore gives more space than needed for any laptop I’d buy (I am currently in the market). But the style, itself, looks like a fashion handbag, and not just a *machine transportation case*. That is always much-appreciated.

The possible catch: It’s made of a synthetic: microfiber, but it should be sturdy enough (boy, though, would I overuse it).

The best parts: check out the inside pockets, including one for an umbrella!

And then the price: only $79 from eBags.com!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Montauk: A Native American people formerly inhabiting the eastern end of Long Island in New York. J. Crew Small Printed Montauk Tote with Charm: quite charming indeed.

Something about these convertible J. Crew totes get me, but I was especially impressed with this Montauk print when I saw it in stores a couple of weeks ago. A unique layout of the print on each bag, snazzy convertible style, and cute dangling charms make it special. And now, it’s on sale! It’s down from $59.50 to $29.99. I just might have to snatch one up when I go to the mall on Tuesday. I know, I know. But when a sale-stalkable item pays out with such a great price?? Sure, I’ll think some more about it and make sure I love it when I see it again, but this thing may not last through dilly-dallying!

Popularity: 3% [?]

This bag caught my eye in the store. Talbot’s Leather-Trimmed Hobo Bag. It is so lovely. It converts from a hobo into a tote with snaps on the side. It would make the cutest beach bag that would double as a boutique-strolling purse.

I’m so tempted to sale stalk this bag (now at a not-bad $78), but even at a low price: it’s mostly white. White on a beach bag, especially? (And I have a regular-old beach bag, so it doesn’t necessarily have to do the double duty.)

And you know I just bought a new expensive bag! I promised myself: no new purses.

Oh!

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’m leaving on vacation this week and I have to admit, I really don’t like the travel bag I’m using. So, I’ve decided I need to buy a new one before my next trip—maybe this weekender bag. I discovered it the same time I found the Floral Catchall I previously posted about.

Available in brown or red, it’s $240 and has several inner and outer pockets. I’m going to be gone for less than a week, so the size (18″ l x 14″ h x 8.5″ d) would accommodate most everything—well, come to think of it, I might need two. I always end up taking more than I need—I’d rather have more than suddenly decide I need something I didn’t bring!

Popularity: 3% [?]