The Modern Materialist : Bags

Earth-Friendly Alternative to Paper Bags

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:07:00 GMT

Happy Earth Day, folks! I know we try our best to be green, but a little help from retailers could go along way. Imagine if all those plastic and paper bags would just disappear?

Enter 60BAGs, the bag that will decompose in 3. . .2. . .1. . .

er, 60 days!

60BAGs are made from a special woven fabric that is the byproduct of industrial waste (there has got to be a euphemism for that) and doesn't use natural resources or much production energy. If every store used a biodegradable bag like this, we wouldn't have plastic and paper bags filling up landfills or the cabinet under the sink.

This product received an honorable mention at the Green Dot Awards.

[60BAG]

[Via NOTCOT.org]

Y U Should Buy This Laptop Bag

Steph Auteri — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:16:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Need a bag that will fit your laptop and all your other work-away-from-home items? Let's not go crazy. It's possible to fit everything into one, compact frame without a shitload of bulk:

[$167, hard graft]

The Y Laptop Sleeve has a y-shaped strap so that you can keep your notebooks, mags, and the like close, and a U add-on pouch for your smaller extras. A final, external leather is there for your iPhone/iPod.

[Via Holy Cool]

The Perfect Bag for Octo-Mom?

Steph Auteri — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:11:00 GMT

Nadya Suleman — Angelina Jolie look-alike and the mother of octuplets — is looking to trademark the name "Octo-Mom" so that she can sell branded diapers and clothing.

Would she be perturbed to leaen that the octo-bag already exists?

[$32, Patina]

[Via Ooh! Shiny!]

Wish You Were Here!

Steph Auteri — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:03:00 GMT

Some people collect tchotchkes when they travel. Other collect postcards. Or (like I once did) shot glasses.

Why not collect something you can actually use?

[$20, nestliving]

At nestliving, you can buy cotton tote bags for each of your favorite cities, which feature a schematic map that includes neighborhoods, city icons, and landmarks. Cities include Paris, Cambridge, Seattle, Portland, London, Manhattan, and more.

Related: Display of Civic Pride

Downsizing: Your Camera Bag

Steph Auteri — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:06:00 GMT

Shutterbugs: Do you really want to carry around the monstrous camera bag/backpack every time you leave your house?

[$29.95, MoMA]

For those of you with simple point-and-shoots, this cute camera case matches function with style

For those of us with DSLRs (why God, why!?), this case only fits compact cameras.

Quick Tip of the Day: Use Protection

Steph Auteri — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:40:00 GMT

Please people. Promise me you'll use protection. I mean, it's easy enough to just carry it with you wherever you go, so why not?

[$85, James Piatt]

The PeaceKeeper 400 should be sufficient in sending the, um, right message. Though if that doesn't work, there's always the Persuader:

[$379, James Piatt]

[Via Curiobot]

This Isn't a Paper Bag

Alex Zalben — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:04:00 GMT

This is not a paper bag. It's actually...

...a leather bag! That looks like a paper bag. So there you go.

[€65, Good for All]

[Via SwissMiss]

Bacon, Eggs, and Belongings

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Breakfast on the go?

Sorry, but this Breakfast Purse isn't edible (though I don't know why anyone would want to eat such a crispy piece of bacon).

[$116, Uptoyourtoronto]

[Via Fashionably Geek]

Related: Vegan Breakfast Soap

Let Obama Carry Your Groceries

Steph Auteri — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:39:00 GMT

I don't like to place too much Hope in a man who is, after all, only human. But Barack Obama as president makes me feel good. The past eight years have brought actions and circumstances that I never thought could happen or exist in this day and age. And, at times, it scared me, even as I made my slow way to resignment and acceptance. But now...? Change...an about-face...a movement toward something better seems possible again. Obama has made it easier for me to hope, and to look forward. Heck, he's even made it easier for me to carry my groceries.

[$10, Baggu]

I've always loved these reusable, machine-washable shopping bags, which come sans Obama in a huge variety of colors and patterns. The proceeds from these Obama Baggus, however, go toward repaying the DNC's campaign debts.

What about repaying my debts, people!?

::sigh:: Change is slow.

Inventory I Lust After: Jack Spade

Steph Auteri — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:01:00 GMT

[$195, Jack Spade]

Is it weird that I like Jack more than Kate? It's just that...I love the slimmer, simpler looks...the pure and simple functionality of his bags. (I use a men's wallet as well.)

After the jump, my favorite pieces from Jack Spade's inventory. Men: Do you love these as much as I do?

[$145, Jack Spade]

I actually already own this vertical messenger bag in bright orange (it was on sale). Love it!

[$225, Jack Spade]

I have a weird thing for briefcases and laptop cases, besides not having a laptop of my own. Or a need to carry around important papers.

[$55, Jack Spade]

From now on, I'm using these every time my husband and I go out to dinner.

[$95, Jack Spade]

An addition to the inexplicable moustache craze, these moustache gloves make me snort.

[$15, Jack Spade]

And finally, these Nice Parking cards are an elegant alternative to previous snarky, parking-related cards I've blogged about.

Sleek, Quirky, Eco-Friendly Bags for Guys and Gals

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:33:00 GMT

I've been needing a new messenger bag and I'm always torn between the brighter ones and the more "serious" ones. Zaum seeks to reconcile the two.

The above model, Citta Piccola, is vinyl and comes in a variety of different colors.

[$130, Zaum]

Zaum also makes eco-friendly bags:

That right there is the Eco-Lola clutch purse made from undyed, natural felt and certified organic cotton.

[$95, Zaum]

You can also customize your bag for $30 more!

Some more of Zaum's nice bags:

Eco-Avia EMA3

[$190, Zaum]

Busta Media ADM4 - Laptop Sleeve

[$68, Zaum]

[Via Holycool]

Make Your Garbage Man Happy

Alex Zalben — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:02:00 GMT

Suck UK, one of the most creative designers on the 'net, have done it again with these great garbage bags. Yup, garbage bags:

No note on price, but head to the Suck UK site, and they'll hook you up.

[Suck UK]

[Via Nerd Approved]

Related: This Sucks, Pretty Trash

One Picture Perfect Bowling Bag

Steph Auteri — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:24:00 GMT

So. I was in a bowling league back in junior high.

I had a purple bowling ball bag with a matching purple bowling ball that had my initials etched into it.

I was also the worst bowler on the league, but at least I had style.

What's in my bowling bag now?

Well, if I had this sweet bowler bag from Acme Made, I'd keep my dSLR equipment in it.

Various color combos will be rolling out in November and December, and will be available for $40.

[Via Gizmodo]

Rolling Luggage 2.0

Alex Zalben — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Tired of bulky, same looking luggage? Well, the rolling bag gets an upgrade, courtesy of designer Rooz Mousavi:

What do you think? Useful, or not?

[Via Yanko Design]

Bag of the Day: Geekiest Bond Accesory Ever

Alex Zalben — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:33:00 GMT

James Bond is probably the coolest cat on the planet. So how do you make the geekiest bag on the planet out of him (not literally)? Easy:

Science!

[$14, Cafepress]

[Via Fashionably Geek]

Inventory I Lust After: Lunch Totes From Built

Steph Auteri — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:27:00 GMT

[$20-$40, Built]

I'm a sucker for bags of all sorts but, at the moment, I think I'm pretty set in the handbag department.

Considering my commute, however, plus my determination to bring in a healthy lunch every day, I don't think a cute lunch tote would be at all impractical. And the BuiltNYC totes are especially cute and functional. After the jump, help me pick out the perfect lunch tote:

[$22-$23, Built]

The Fugu Lunch Tote has dual compartments in order to insulate your food and drink separately. In addition, it stores flat while not in use. While I don't usually bring in my own beverage (my trips to the water cooler are matched only by my trips to the bathroom), it might be nice to have the option to store a flask of wine or something.

[$20-$22, Built]

I like the Tortuga Lunch Tote, partly because "tortuga" is the Spanish word for "turtle." And I have a thing for turtles. Aside from that, the Tortuga (hehe) insulates for up to four hours, and folds flat when not in use. It also has added cushioning, in case I feel the irrational need to use my tote as a weapon, momentarily forgetting about the safety of my sandwich.

[$20-$25, Built]

This is the Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote. While the office isn't exactly what I'd call a "getaway," its size guarantees room for, I don't know, multiple sandwiches. And perhaps some snackage as well. Could be useful if I'm seized by a bout of emotional eating.

[$20-$23, Built]

Voila! Built's original Lunch Tote insulates your food and drink separately, and then — for the love of god — opens up into a placemat! I...I'm not sure if I can beat that.

[$10, Built]

Where were these things when I was a young'un?? These Munchler Lunch Bags, aside from being adorable (I want the bunny rabbit!), also unzips to a placemat.

[$15, Built]

Even better, people. These Munchlers are backpacks! God. Too much to choose from.

Touch My Fanny

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:34:00 GMT

I have a confession to make: I love fanny packs. In fact, I still have a neon green one that I rocked in grade school, and I can't help but wish I was cool enough to wear it in a casual, ironic way. Don't get me wrong, I love purses. But sometimes I like to take a walk without being weighed down by a bag. And on the rare occasion that I go out dancing, I hate that my only options are to either wack people with my flailing purse, or go without it and just stash money and my ID in my bra. But I think my prayers have been answered (don't judge. If I want to engage in a spiritual prayer session about accessories, I will do just that):

They call it an Ammo Bag and even disguise its fanny-pack qualities by making it wearable across the shoulder, but I know how I'm going to be wearing it...

[$78, SupermarketHQ]

Designer Dog Bags

Alex Zalben — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:32:00 GMT

Your dog may not have a great sense of humor, but he (or she) is sure to appreciate these Dog Poo Bags, created by Junge Schatchel:

They come in eight different styles, with each package containing 16 bags. Gives new meaning to the phrase, "Can I get that in a doggie bag," doesn't it?

[13 EUR, Poopoobags.com]

[Via Notcot]

Best Backpack for Your Gadgetry

Steph Auteri — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:30:00 GMT

What makes this backpack better?

[$84.99, Amazon]

The Logitech Kinetik Backpack is designed to house and protect your laptop, digital camera, iPhone, and more. Its hard, lightweight exo-shell casing keeps your gear protected from shocks, bumps, drops, and more. Inside, it has expanding pockets and pouches for all those things you can't bear to leave at home!

I'm obsessed with bags so, obviously, I so want this.

[Via GearCrave]

Spending my iPhone fund: A tote made of salvaged billboards?

Brian Marabello — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Still got my iPhone money. (Not by choice.) Perhaps I’ll invest it in a new tote made of old ads. Hopefully, not an old Apple ad. It’s too soon, I still hurt.

Vy & Elle takes billboards (which are made of vinyl) and makes them into all sorts of storage devices – messenger bags, gym bags, wallets, purses, coolers, makeup kits and even phone cases, which are too narrow to hold the new iPhone. I appreciate the solidarity, Vy & Elle.

I’m partial to the Hot Toddy (pictured below), but really want so much more of their other wares.

[$22-187, vy&elle]

BirdBackPack

Alex Zalben — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Hey, check out that awesome bird print on that back-pack. Pretty cool looking, right? Except it's not a bird print...

...It's an actual bird! The backpack is made out of mesh, and specifically designed to carry around your bird. So Materialistas, tell me this: crazy or not?

[$30, Doctors Foster and Smith]

[Via The Green Head]

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Steph Auteri — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Five Things That Take Up Far Too Much Room In My One-Bedroom Condo:

headbands (oddly...)
books (I'm pushing for a third bookshelf)
cat toys
our four (!) laundry baskets
my collection of purses

Perhaps I should throw away all of those purses and just buy this:

[Price TBD, UrbanTrend]

The Go Anywhere Backpack can be folded into a tiny ball when not in use. Which is awesome.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Related: How To Flip & Tumble

Airport Security To Become Slightly Less Annoying

Steph Auteri — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Earlier this week, the New York Times reported on bag designers developing airport security-friendly laptop bags. So while you still may be asked to remove your shoes, if you have the right bag, you won't be asked to remove your laptop.

Pathfinder Luggage and Targus are two luggage manufacturers who say they are "rushing to produce the new 'checkpoint friendly' laptop cases and expect them to be available by late September or early October." The Pathfinder models will range from $100-$200, while the Targus bags will be $39-$100.

And now, for nostalgia's sake, George Carlin on airport security:

Piss Off American Airlines

Alex Zalben — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Hey, want to drive American Airlines up the wall? I’m referring, of course, to their new bag policy, which forces you to pay extra just to stow a bag on one of their planes. You know, because it’s considered a luxury to travel with a change of clothing?

In any case, if you want to really drive ‘em nuts, get one of these:

This design concept from Gary Wilkinson has a spikey metal lock in the middle that grows and shrinks, depending on how much stuff you put in there. So not only will you hand AA an over-stuffed bag, you’ll hand them one that looks like it may murder them at any time.

[Via Yanko Design]

Related:

- Trace Me Luggage Tracker

- Being Prepared: Airport Check-In

My Document Laptop Case

Alex Zalben — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:30:00 GMT

It may not be practical, but it sure is a neat idea… This laptop case concept from 25togo is shaped, of course, like a document folder. Forged from vinyl*, the bag comes in four different versions, including laptop, camera, mp3 player, and cash. Obviously, those are all different sizes.

And here’s why I say it’s not practical: the tab at the top, while necessary to the overall design, is annoying. It can’t be a handle, as the weight would be off. It can’t flip over, because that destroys the illusion of a file folder. So it just needs to stick upwards and poke into your arm as you carry it.

Not that I have any better suggestions.

[25togo]

[Doobybrain]

*You say forged when referring to vinyl, right?

How to Flip & Tumble

Steph Auteri — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT

No, this is not an instructional graphic for storing your tights.

Well, yes, you can store your tights this way.

And I do.

But this is not that.

Trust me.

[$12, Flip & Tumble]

I so wish all my bags did this. They would be so much easier to store.

[Via Design Milk]

Can I Get That In a Doggie Bag?

Alex Zalben — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:30:00 GMT

After posting about underwear, and then stuff you put in your underwear, I thought I’d give you guys something a little cute and normal to chase away the possible weird taste in our mouths.

Instead, I’m giving you a bag shaped like a sad, sleeping dog. Sorry!

Created by artist Meryl Smith for the Honey Space Gallery here in NYC, she combined leather, papier-mache, gold paint, and a Louis Vuitton zipper to create this one of a kind bag that sells for a mere $3000.

The bag is, sadly, no longer on display, with no real info on how to track it down, though you can check out the Honey Space gallery in person, or online, for more info.

[Via Neatorama]

Who Wants To Go On a Picnic?

Alex Zalben — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Right now, I’m trapped, sitting in my apartment. I’m typing on my laptop, while two feet away is a giant window looking out at people having fun and frolicking in the almost-warmth. Instead of going with them, I’m here, slaving away at my desk, like some sort of Blogging Monkey*.

Point is, this weekend, screw you guys, I’m going outside. And not only am I going outside, I’m going to the park. And even better than that… I’m going to have a picnic. A DELICIOUS picnic. Which I shall carry in my sweet-ass Malibu Picnic Tote.

The Malibu Picnic Tote looks like you did in the Eighties, but on the inside, it’s all Noughties. There’s a large, insulated pocket for all of your food, as well as a separate wine pocket, that holds up to two bottles of wine. White wine, because it’s warm out, and you like spritzers.

The set also includes two acrylic wine glasses, two cotton napkins, a corkscrew, a cutting board, a cheese knife, plates, knives, forks, spoons, a book of poetry, an open white shirt, and Joseph Fiennes with long, flowing dark hair and brooding looks.

Joseph Fiennes, poetry, and shirt may not be included in every Tote.

[$60, Cooking.com]

*Note To Self: Ask Nerve to hire me a blogging monkey.

Recyclables

Steph Auteri — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:30:00 GMT

[$52, Uncommon Goods]

Alex sent us a link to this post about these recycled newspaper market tote bags because — as the type of guy preoccupied with arcade games and general geekery — he felt he didn't have the required knowledge base to judge a tote's attractiveness or womanly functionality.

As I'm the type of girl who uses men's wallets and prefers laptop bags to Coach purses, I'm not so sure I can be trusted either. But I do like decoupage and collage-work, and so I deem these sorta cool.

Speaking of laptop bags...

[$59.50, Hip & Zen]

Hmmm...nifty, but I think the totes may be cuter.

Love It Or Leave It: Angry Little Girls Bag

Alex Zalben — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:30:00 GMT

[$15, Angry Little Girls]

[Via Hippy Shopper]