Pink Designer Handbags

Travel Goods, Gadgets & Gear: Fashion in the bag

01.01.70

For every season, for every purpose under heaven, there is a women's bag made to turn heads. Here, some of the newest show off a design aesthetic and functional artistry that combine in come-hither bags and corroborate what women have known forever: one can never have enough bags.</p><p> FOR THE FEMALE ADVENTURIST</p><p> When, according to the National Sporting Goods Association, more women than men took up hunting in 2009, AmeriBag, the Healthy Back Bag folks, and Browning, the famous firearms company, paid heed. AmeriBag Outdoors acquired the Browning hunting gear license to create its Browning Handbag Collection ($120-$200), featuring sporty corduroy bags trimmed with leather perfectly in step with women's everyday and outdoor lifestyles.</p><p> Durable, stylish and functional, the collection is a great extension of the Browning brand, whose roots go back to 1878 and the design of a single shot rifle. With wide wale corduroy dyed to create a weathered look, Browning logo-embossed leather accents, antique brass hardware and animal print lining, the bags fit in at the rifle range, a casual dinner out with the girls and a weekend getaway</p><p> Collection pieces include the Billings Healthy Back Bag Tote, the Bozeman Tote, the Bridger Hobo and the Missoula Messenger. Additionally, AmeriBag Outdoors offers the serious outdoor sportswoman a Pink Browning Hunting Gear line comprising Browning's Rambler Waist Pack and the Browning Powder Creek Backpack.</p><p> WINK, WINK</p><p> A kitschy cell phone holder. A piece of fashion art. A conversation starter. Whatever you call it, Hi-di-hi Arts &#38; Wonders' Winky Cross-Body Bag ($32.50) is pure whimsy. First introduced in the Netherlands, the eye-catching pun intended round bag that has just enough room to hold a cell phone, lip gloss and mad money actually appears to wink as you walk. Created by Dutch designer and Hi-di-hi founder Sylvia Krens, Winky makes its American debut at the 2012 Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas on March 6 to 8.</p><p> "This is a fun accessory sure to be a conversation starter for travelers who love style and functionality," said Bridget Faricy, president of Hi-di-hi. "Lightweight but durable, it smartly equips travelers for adventures near and far, providing style, security and satisfaction when they're ready to take on the world."</p><p> To celebrate its arrival in the U.S, Hi-di-hi is unveiling a special limited edition bag in addition to its standard if there can be such a thing Winky. The Liberty Winky Cross-Body Bag ($52.95) is a silver metallic bag with adjustable shoulder strap and featuring steel spikes that reflect Lady Liberty's crown the epitome of freedom of expression.</p><p> HIP HUGGER</p><p> Here's a novel solution to an age-old problem: how to carry lots of little necessities while remaining hands-free especially when navigating your way through airport checkpoints: Hipzbag's Passport Bags ($24.95-$27.99) are adorable micro bags that are worn low-slung on the hips.</p><p> Tuck in your passport, cell phone, camera, credit cards, keys and other small essentials and then either clip Hipzbag to your belt loops with swivel hooks or connect it to a skinny, matching waist strap and let it ride your hip.</p><p> While it does the job of the fanny pack, your granny's fanny pack it's not. Created by self-professed computer nerd Kathy Crifasi who, while an unabashed techno-geek, asserts she is "way too cool" for that particular item, Hipzbag is a smaller bag that's, well, hip. Available in two sizes (5.5 inches by 5.5 inches and 4.5 inches square), it accessorizes any outfit in faux or patent leather, velveteen or nylon that can be accented with stripes, rhinestones even college logos.</p><p> Kathy Witt is a freelance writer and the author of "The Secret of the Belles" (Dog Ear Publishing, $12.95). Visit Kathy's blog at www.TravelinTales.com.</p><p> </p><p> 2012, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Source: Kansas City Star