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Recession Chic - Beach-y Totes For $25 or Less!

Fun in the sun? Yes please! But only if it's done in style!


You've found the perfect bikini (or two), the cutest sandals, some killer shades and ... what a pity to stuff them into a plain, boring tote or ... dare we say it?? A crinkly, bummy plastic shopping bag.


Sure, a beach bag is just for you to hold your stuff in, but that doesn't mean you can't express yourself through it! We're thinking something roomy that you can stash everything in, but crushable or pliable so you can lay on it, stuff it in between the other bags or toss it onto the beach towel with no worries. Something eye-catching - bright colors, cool prints - also makes for a stylish beach tote.


And with a beach tote, you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot! Check out these fashionable faves for $25 or less!

Bag of the Week - Topshop Chocolate Whipstitch Leather Satchel

This bag from TopShop is structurally and texturally classic and simple. It's the perfect size for a day shoulder bag, without all of the adornments that can render a purse tacky or cheap.


Simple whipstitch detailing gives the bag a John Wayne Western feel and it's all the extra detaling it needs. Also, the adjustable strap with the buckle is cool and subtle addition that's convenient too! It's roomy enough to accomodate your daily dependables, but not so big that you end up bringing along everything in your apartment. Plus, we love the color of the rich and truly chocolate-y leather.


No huge label, no tassles, no useless gold hardware just a well made, basic, brown leather bag that you will wear well and often. This bag can go anywhere you go and with almost anything you could wear.



Where to Buy - Topshop



Price - $40.00 (was $80)



Who Found It - BrookeElisabeth was the first to add the Topshop Chocolate Whipstitch Leather Satchel to the Hive.

Bag of the Week - Etenia Bag

Summer is the perfect time to put away your big, bulky handbag and replace it with something slightly smaller and a lot more lightweight.


Who wants to be lugging around a whole lot of leather in steamy, sticky weather? The girls here at the Hive suggest choosing a canvas carryall or a pretty printed nylon tote.


One of our very favorites is Wool and the Gang's knitted Etenia Bag. Offered in several summery colors like taupe, turquoise and royal blue along with basic black and grey, the Etenia Bag is a compact, crocheted cross body cutie!


Made of Peruvian cotton and detailed with fringe, the boho chic bag is versatile enough to wear day or night. You'll take this bag from the beach to the streets because it's the perfect pouch to fit all your summer essentials ... bronzer, lip gloss and your cell.


Oh! And don't forget your sunscreen!



Where to Buy - Wool and the Gang



Price - $139.00



Who - Melimeli was the first to add the Etenia Bag to the Hive.

Coach Classics Collection at Net-A-Porter.com

Starting today the Coach Classics collection is exclusively available on Net-A-Porter.com.


These classic styles were introduced by Coach in the 1970's and have been brought back from the archives. They look perfectly on trend with today's fashions.


"The Coach designs from this era were seminal in defining our approach to great American style," said Reed Krakoff, President and Executive Creative Director for Coach. "Heritage is our hallmark, so we're pleased to reintroduce these iconic bags.'


The Coach Classics include (photo at top, L to R) the Madison Satchel, the Stewardess Bag, the Duffle, the Shoulder Purse, and the Field Bag. You can get them in British Tan, Mahogany, Navy, Red, and Black. Prices range from $300 for the Shoulder Bag to $500 for the Field Bag.


I can't wait to get my hands on that adorable red Shoulder Bag! It totally takes me back to my teens.

Bag of the Week - Lilly Stud Cross Body Bag

The Parisians understand simple elegance, and if you're looking to add a little 'ooh-la-la' to your look this summer then we suggest the Lilly Stud Cross Body Bag by French Connection.


The Utility Blue color adds a soft touch to flow-y summer outfits and really looks awesome against white paisley dresses.


Wear this bag conveniently across your shoulder with the adjustable strap, or frolic with ease by holding on to the attached handle. Your goodies are going nowhere with the lock fastening front flap, but style is never sacrificed as the gold of the fastening complements the suede material fabulously!



Where to Buy - French Connection



Price - $158.00


Who Found It - LTopiol was the first to add the 'Lilly Stud Cross Body Bag' to the Hive.

The Perfect Black Hobo Bag for under $200

You can't beat a hobo bag for it's great functionality and this Liebeskind Andrea Leather Hobo is now on sale at Nordstrom for only $185.90 (was $279).


My friend Susan has it so I've seen it in person and the leather is fantastic and so soft. The photos online don't do it justice. You really feel like you are having a luxe bag. It reminds me a bit of the Alexander Wang Donna Hobo without the large price tag.


Liebenskind is a German brand which makes bags, belts and shoes. Their handbags and totes are fabulously hip and stylish. I also love their price range.


If you are looking for a tote, the Liebeskind Nina Slouchy Leather Shoulder Tote is only $185.90 (was $279) and comes in black, blue, or brandy. Hopefully Nordstrom will continue to carry more of their products!



Brought to you from our friends at Coquette!

Bag of the Week - Le Sportsac JOYRICH Backpack

Le Sportsac has collaborated with JOYRICH to create a collection of street-fab luggage and accessories. Done in three prints and available across the web, these bags are going to sweep the nation's hipsters like Chrome messenger bags before them!


They have a gold chain pattern, a Chanel-inspired number bag, and, of course, an animal print. The collection adds pizzazz and charm to the often dowdy backpack.
Now that airports have all but banned baggage altogether, carry-on options look more and more appealing. Although the raggedy, high school leftover bag will get the job done in a pinch, why not update to something a little more snappy than that stained evergreen Jansport with the 'I Heart Josh Hartnett' key-chain and family of nesting spiders?



Where to Buy - Urban Outfitters


Price - $158.00

Rebecca Minkoff LA + SF Sample Sales!

California ladies! Rebecca Minkoff sample sales are coming to LA and SF! Just in time for a handbag update.



Thanks for the sales tip, Coquette!

Payday Splurge (Weekend Getaway)!

Aaah ... ! The long awaited Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us! That means an extra day of sleeping in, delicious BBQs and fun weekend getaways.


And weekend getaways should be just that. Fun. Don't worry about bulky luggage, over-packing or boring, unsightly duffles. We've found five great travel bags that are perfect as a carry-on or an over-nighter!


Each one is fashionable and chic, and of course we found them in varying price points! So no matter what your budget may be, you can rest assured that you're traveling in style!



Milly - Napa Tote, $445.00



Samsonite - Drive Wheeled Carry-On Tote, $259.99



See by Chloe - Tieta Carry All, $175.00



Deena & Ozzy - Straw Geo Weekender Bag, $79.00



American Apparel - Vintage Jet Stream Vinyl Travel Bag, $50.00

Bag of the Week - Maisy Patent Large Shoulder Bag

We can't help but bleed love for Leona Lewis (har har har), especially when it comes to her style. That's why we have our eye on this classy-looking patent bag that she's been spotted toting around town!


Not only is it a great price, but it's large enough to fit all of your goods and it comes in either black or nude so it can match just about anything you wear - whether you get one color or both. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself the perfect tote because after all, you "don't care what they say" you're "in love with" it. Or something like that. Trust us. It works.



Where to Buy - Asos.com



Price - $112.64



Who Found It - SusanY was the first to add the 'Patent Large Shoulder Bag' to the Hive.