Not just a paper bag lunch – Stylish Lunch Bags

I've been a bit slack post holidays, you'll have to forgive me...

Recently I was looking for a stylish bag to carry my lunch, and I was surprised at the variety available. Usually I just carry my lunch in a plastic bag, but it looks kinda messy and everything squishes together, not good for bananas and stone fruit! So here are some of my favourites:

Vintage

It wasn't that long ago that I was going to school with one of these. You'll pay top $$$ for one in mint condition, but I have the feeling that my lunch will no long fit in one!

Sachi

These look the least like a lunch bag than all the other options. I'd almost be afraid to put it in the fridge, but then I guess that's what the look is about.

Dooney & Bourke

A slightly different look, I love the sturdy handles and the variety of patterns you can choose from.

BuiltNY (Getway tote)

This is the one I finally went for. Trouble with these is that it's hard to find one (except in the plain colours) that does not have pink, I finally went for the cute polka dot number. The hold: Salad container, sandwich container, drink, fruit and yogurt tub!

B.Makowsky Monaco Satchel

So in previous posts I have mentioned that I am a bit handbag crazy. I recently acquired this beautiful B.Makowsky Monaco Satchel in Wisteria from Amazon (great price on the bag, shocking price for the shipping).

My original attraction to this bag was the description other bloggers and reviewers had given of the leather being "buttery" soft and indeed it is, it has a luxurious feel to it, but the reason I truly love this bag now that I own it, is that it has pockets, both on the inside and outside, for everything, such as no more searching for your mobile, there is a tiny pocket on the outside that faces you and is very discrete. My least favourite part of this bag? The animal print lining, I'm glad it's not something that I have to look at often as it's a bit over the top for my liking.


It will be interesting to see how long this bag lasts and how well it wears, but I do plan on replacing it with another B.Makowsky, if I can hold out that long!

Etsy: Vintage fabric handbags

I don't recall how I stumbled across Madebyhank and her gorgeous vintage fabric handbags, it was an occasion when her store actually had bags available and I'm still kicking myself for not picking a few up for myself, sis and my BF at the time, but talk about god given talent (if you believe in such things!).

http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebyhank

Hank (or Katie) is purely self taught, and only started using a sewing machine 5 years ago! She creates these beautiful handmade pieces, so each are individual and one of a kind from a variety of materials and a variety of styles. My favourite are anything with the ruffles, whether its these shoulder bags (above) or the clutch style (below). The hard part is being online when the right colour and/or style is available! I'm starting to think that I should just grab the next ruffle item i see and decide where it goes from there!

Hank not only has her etsy site, but also has her own blog, in which she gives previews of upcoming releases as well as the release dates (on occasions!).

http://madebyhank.blogspot.com/

So if you manage to grab one of these babies let me know your secret so I can follow suit!

Oroton handbags and other leather goods

I have always been a fan of this Australian "Luxury Accessories" retailer. In fact I have three handbags, once wallet and one coin purse at current count, including this baby in black (one of the smaller bags I have is in this very vibrant and classy red).

http://www.oroton.com/?nocache=true

One of the key components of the Oroton label is their "O", which can be seen on their handbag handles, or on the clasp of their purses.

The beautiful part of the Oroton brand is because it has been around since the 1930s, you can pick up one of their vintage styles in most of the local vintage clothing stores or vintage markets that happen around town. The mesh style can be found on occasions un-used, in the original box.