I first learned about Freitag, a Swiss company, and its products while flipping through a magazine during a flight. What kept me reading the whole article instead of turning up the volume on my headphones to whatever random movie was playing on that mini screen 10 rows up was how they made their products. This wasn’t just another ho-hum ad for a travel bag; Freitag was born from something bigger.

The idea came about when graphic designer brothers Markus and Daniel Freitag wanted a durable and waterproof messenger bag to carry their belongings in. They traveled by bike and when it rained, their designs would get ruined. They were inspired by the colorful trucks that would drive past their apartment, so they made the very first Freitag bag out of a truck tarpaulin with a used car seatbelt as the strap and an old bicycle inner tube as the edging.

And there it was: an awesome looking bag that was practical and eco-friendly. Read More »

Confession: I have a closet at home that is filled with handbags, and handbags only. Not a drawer in my dresser, not the top shelf in my coat closet—an entire closet, filled with bags.Now, when I say that my closet is filled with bags, I’m not referring to those envelope-sized purses flaunting a designer logo that spoiled teenagers sport with hideous velour sweatsuits.

I’m a fan of big, shapeless, and most importantly, cheap totes. Let’s face it—a typical college student’s wallet is a lot chummier with the letters H&M than with D&G. With my budget, splurging means hitting up smartbargains.com for a discounted leather hobo from Liz Claiborne.

But the New York Post’s roundup of fall’s hottest bags is having my peek at my savings account to see what, if anything, I can afford. Sure, their absurd idea of a “mid-range” bag ($500-$1000) bemuses me, but if loving them is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.

My favorites:

Isabella Fiore “Let Go My Deco” Satchel

What’s hotter with a chic all-black outfit than red pumps? A red patent bag! This shiny satchel is eye-catching and functional, with side pockets for easy access to your cell phone and iPod. Pick it up at Saks Fifth Avenue for $625. Read More »