On the heels of the gorgeous Florentine Vacchetta comes the new Tartan line from Dooney & Bourke.  This is the first fabric-based line I have liked from D&B in a looooong time.  The Tartan is classy (dare I say, “preppy,”) but not overdone, it’s available in three colors, and the selection of silhouettes is ample.  The logo hardware is understated yet undeniably Dooney.

My favorite right now is the Victoria, very reasonably priced at $135.  It measures 14.5″ L x 12″ H x 6.5″ W with loads of pockets inside and clean lines outside.  It’s an excellent every-day size in a durable every-day fabric but the conservative Tartan really dresses it up. 

My prediction: more ladies are going to find their way back to Dooney & Bourke if they keep this up.  Bravo!

I don’t like to spend a lot of money on trendy bags that may or may not have staying power.  Big Buddha offers a selection of fashion-forward bags at reasonable prices, though they aren’t leather, but if you’re not going to carry it forever, who cares?

Right now Baghaus is having a huge sitewide sale, with free shipping AND a free bag hook for purchases over $50.

Check out this Big Buddha Taylor Bag – a gorgeous color with right-now woven look:

Big Buddha Taylor Bag – $ 73.10
Retail Price: 86.00
You Save: $12.90

In an $850M deal, Amazon has acquired full ownership of Zappos.com.

Let’s hope they allow Zappos to retain its identity and customer service policies.  I love buying from Zappos, since they offer free shipping, including return shipping if the shoes don’t fit.  Who else does that?  They’ve also started carrying clothing, handbags, eyewear, etc., so Zappos.com is one of my regular stops when I’m window-browsing.  Check them out!

Women’s Apparel at Zappos.com

For once, I am absolutely green with envy over an idea, not a bag.  It’s such a simple concept I can’t believe it hasn’t been done before: a flat-shoe vending machine.

For anyone who has ever limped home after an event where your shoes were more fashionable than practical, a foot-saving option is now available in the UK (and, hopefully, soon in the US).  For as little as £5 (about $7.50), trendy partiers can press a button on a vending machine at many clubs around the UK and have a pair of flats discretely dispensed to save their poor, aching feet.  Rollasole flats come rolled up so they take up almost no space, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and even arrive with a bag to put the torturous high heels in for the trip home.  They can even provide a vending machine for your wedding or other event.

I look forward to having this option available here in the US, but for now I will settle for regretting my inability to come up with this ingenious idea myself.

Rollasole.com

Well, it was bound to happen.  My husband found a line of handbags for me.  Bless.  He stumbled on a blurb while reading a magazine, which is often how I discover new lines of handbags.  In this case, however, the magazine happened to be Plane And Pilot.

Anyway, here’s the scoop:  A former flight attendant has designed a line of bags.  This is often a good thing.  Flight attendants must learn to pack light and think practical.  They know what to take, what to leave behind and how to pack efficiently.  They were the first to sport those darling little “bags on wheels” before everyone else.  If a flight attendant designed it, it must be great, right?  Well, in this case, maybe we missed the mark a bit.

The bags are made from vintage airline seat upholstery, with additions like seat-belt straps and buckle hardware.  The problem is, I’ve never been on any airline whose upholstery spoke to my inner diva.  Except, perhaps, the navy blue leather in Alaska Airlines’ first-class seats.  I suppose it will be durable, if a bit like, well, wearing your grandmother’s sofa cushion.  And belting it with her 1973 Pontiac.

Next gripe, the tote has a basic magnetic snap closure–bad idea for a travel bag.  It needs to zip fully closed or half your contents will wind up spewing out on takeoff.  But what about for a diaper bag?  Not enough functionality.  Needs more pockets for that, inside and out.

Shown here is the Galley Tote in Blue Lagoon.

From the website:

Our classic tote is hot off the runway with its clean simple lines and bright patterns. Deep and roomy enough yet stylish for all your favorite books and magazines. It’s a smart option for the working woman, traveling or the new mom.

• Inside zip pocket
• Cellphone/multi-function pocket
• 2 front flap pockets with magnetic snaps
• 2 side pouch pockets
• 4 metal feet on bottom
• 100% Nylon Flight Lining
• 15” straps with buckle connector
• Signature airplane hang tag
• Jumpseat charm detail

Limited Edition Vintage Pattern

Color: Blue Lagoon
(also available in Tropical Sunset)
Size: 15(L) x 15(H) x 6.5(W)
Price: $275.00

I admit it could be a fetching idea, for that…special someone.  But, for these prices, I think I’d rather have the airline ticket and leave the seat behind.  Check out jumpseatbags.com for more info.  And darling, I love you, but please remain in the cockpit.  I’ll deal with the bags.