Purse Pixie

I love that cross-body bags are so in right now. It’s nice that the fashion industry has given a little nod in the way of practicality without losing much style. I also like that designers are making bags so versatile now. Whether large or small, many bags now come with a detachable and/or adjustable shoulder strap to help you get the most use out of your purses.

I think this is brilliant. An example is this nautical themed bag, the Melie Bianco striped foldover clutch.  As I’ve said before, I don’t really do clutches except to swanky parties, so I wouldn’t buy this as just a clutch but the added shoulder strap is helping to woo me.

Have you taken advantage of this new trend and bought any bags with detachable straps?

The Budget Fashionista recently published a list of 50 great purses under $50. While a few are so cheap looking I wouldn’t spend 50 cents on them, there are also some cute, trendy bags to amp up your summer wardrobe. Check out the full list here. Which is your favorite?

I have loved Alice in Wonderland since I was very young although I have grown up and now someone yelling “I’m late! I’m late!” can have a very different meaning, Wonderland still holds a special place in my heart.

Alice in Wonderland is all the rage right now because Tim Burton’s new movie comes out today.  Considering how much I did not like Tim Burton’s version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I am very skeptical of this new film but I will probably have to go see it anyway.

In classic Disney fashion (no pun intended), a whole product line has been launched to go along with the movie. Some of the items are okay and some make me want to yell “Off with their heads!”

I don’t really consider myself to be a crafty person. I made my kitchen curtains but that was all straight lines.  But if you are crafty and you love purses you should check out U*Handbag, a blog all about making your own handbags. I came across this site when I was scoping some other purse blogs and I am so glad I found it. Lisa Lam offers sewing advice, purse patterns and tips for beginners, like moi. She also includes some other crafty projects to try and even gives soup recipes to keep you warm through this chilly winter.

I usually buy my purses but U*Handbag has inspired me enough that maybe I’ll try making my own. Maybe.

Although they can make your boobs look weird sometimes, I am becoming more and more of a fan of the cross-body bag.  A cross-body bag is a great way to have your hands free for things like sorting through clothing racks, keeping up with the kids or carrying groceries. I especially like this idea for spring when I like to feel free, unburdened by a heavy bag on my shoulder, and Target has come out with some spring inspired cross-body bags selling for as little as $10! These Target purses are cheap enough to throw on, mistreat, and then toss after a season without feeling guilty. You can buy them online or at Target stores, where I noticed they already have swimsuits out–in case you’re ready to tackle that beast.

Asheville, North Carolina is a very eco-conscious city and living in Asheville one cannot help but to become a bit more environmentally aware. I now use my own bags for grocery shopping; I use compact fluorescent bulbs; I am attempting to compost.

Luckily, my new found eco-soul jives well with one of my  long-time favorite designers. I first encountered Matt & Nat bags about 8 years ago when my friend bought an orange and brown satchel (I fell in love with it but she beat me to it). I am now lucky enough to have my own Matt & Nat bag and am even more in love with the company.  Not only are their bags funky and functional but they also contain no animal products. Their faux leather is luxe looking and the liners of their bags are made from recycled plastic bottles, so if you want to be chic and eco-conscious Matt & Nat is worth checking out.

I should also mention that they are now having a huge sale with discounts of 30% or more on their Fall 2009 line.