Tote-ally awesome.

I first fell for Angela Adams when I found her amazing collection of rugs, but it's her handbags and paper goods that have kept me entwined in this wanton retail relationship. All of my bags are large enough to hold my entire life, but sometimes when I go out, I don't want all of that excess baggage. I'm also past the point of comfortably fitting the "bare necessities" into my back pocket (and husband's pockets). Enter the new Lulu Mini Tote. At 9x9 inches, I can squeeze everything I need into this convenient canvas bag, which comes in three of my favorite shades (an orangey red, earthy green, and basic black). Mind you, with Angela's stunning hand-silkscreened print, there's nothing basic about it.



$45, angelaadams.com.

Handy

Photo courtesy flipandtumble.com

These re-usable 24-7 bags from Flip & Tumble aren't just pretty -- they're convenient and washable, too. And (bonus!), they fold into tiny little balls so they're easy to stash when you're not using them. (Click on "see how it goes from a bag to a ball" for a video of the process.)

I want one in every color.

Craving a Pickle.

Everyone says when you're pregnant, you'll crave crazy things like pickles and ice cream. I enjoyed my first taste of bacon ice cream last week (so freakin' good), but the only Pickle I've wanted since I got pregnant is one of these:



I lurrrve Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and recently found their outlet site where they sell "Discontinued Classics" and "Certified Seconds" at very non-scary prices. All of the PPB bags I've seen in stores were made of "dry clean only" fabrics, which in my mind don't mesh well with babies. But in my search, I found their Glazed by Petunia option, made of glazed, wipeable canvas. Much more my style. And then, with a little help from my friends, I decided on the Touring Tote in the Trotting in Tiergarten pattern (say that five times fast). My first baby purchase! It's so adorable that I'm tempted to wear it now as a handbag... but I will wait.

Coveting Red Ruby Rose

Another one of my favorite Etsy shops is Red Ruby Rose--the creator, Rowena Dugdale, is a photographer, illustrator, and crafter from Bristol, UK, and uses the most gorgeous prints and silks for her clutch purses.

This one is my current favorite. I love the print, and the inside is lined in the most beautiful shade of blue dupioni silk (I am such a sucker for blue!).

Yellow Peony silk-lined clutch, $75

Her other clutches are just as gorgeous, though, and I bet you would get compliments on them all night long.

Green and gold silk-lined clutch, $75

Yellow seedheads silk-lined clutch, $75

Lurrrving Orla Kiely

After obsessing over Orla for ages, I finally indulged a few months ago in this goes-with-nothing-and-everything Multi Stem Shoulder Bag.

I wanted to spread the lurrrve by letting you know about the fabulous Summer Sale going on now at www.orlakiely.com/usa. With items up to 50% off (and the right amount of rationalizing) it's kinda sorta almost afforable. The Primrose Print Dress is not only ideal for summer, but could transition nicely into the fall over a pair of jeans or leggings.


$72.50 (down from $145).

Trendwatch: Sporty Chic

I'm so psyched that sporty chic is in for Spring/Summer 2008. It works out perfectly with my signature ensemble: flip-flops, feminine skirt and fun graphic tee.

My sister knows me too well and gave me this Sporty Barrel Bag from Free People for my birthday last month (thanks, Boo!). Now my look is complete AND I'm in style:) Be sure to check out the grosgrain ribbon detail and yellow printed inner lining. Lurrrving the lining. It's still available and on sale!

Have Stella, will travel!

With airlines adding fees for extra bags these days, it's even more important to choose wisely when it comes to luggage. I adore the new pop pattern that Stella McCartney created for her LeSportsac collection... and soon it will be available in a carry-on!

It comes with plenty of pockets and straps for storing your most precious, fashionable cargo. My favorite feature is the bottom compartment for stowing shoes. The entire collection is made from recycled fabric, so wherever your travels take you, know that you're going green.