Bitchin' Bags
Guys: Don't know what to gift your gal? Please even the pickiest partner withone of these beautiful bags
There is always jewelry, but you probably have terrible taste. She’ll pretend she likes it and tell you she's “saving it” for special occasions, and you’ll have wasted all that money. Think outside the Tiffany-blue box this holiday season and get the special lady (or ladies, you dirty dog!) in your life something pretty, wearable and functional. Whether she’s sporty and on-the-go, all business and boardroom-bound or high class and high maintenance, there is a bag that will fit her lifestyle and your budget.
Here are our top picks:
Haul Couture
The Alabama-based Haul Couture has already garnered attention with appearances on both the Today Show and Iron Chef, but it is brand new to the Texas market. Clever pockets, insulated and stain resistant fabric, and an optional interior organizational stacking system make this bag as useful and functional as it gets. The sophisticated patterns will let her Haul around whatever it is she keeps in that deep, dark, abyss she calls her purse in style. If you really want to demonstrate your devotion, and inspire Grinch-green envy amongst her friends at your superior thoughtfulness, get yourself a “coordinated” (they’ll squeal and say “matching!”) men’s bag.
The Bro Breakdown: You can’t go wrong with any choice, but you should probably have in mind some reason the bag you picked was “just perfect” for her.
Price: $85-$185
lululemon – Arabesque Bag
Don’t let the fancy French word scare you — it’s from lululemon, so she is going to love it. Labeled compartments keep the inside organized, and a zippered and vented exterior pocket lets her keep her sweaty stuff separate. Available in purple, silver or black, this bag looks so good she may carry it more places than just the gym. (lululemon has several stories in town; 1016 W. 6th Street or 116 11600 Century Oaks [The Domain]).
The Bro Breakdown: It’s a gym bag.
Price: $118
Blue Avocado – hip chil Urban Messenger
This insulated, cross-body messenger bag from Blue Avocado is on the small side, but eco-friendly and versatile. Its ergonomic design fits the body, straps at the base allow for storing a yoga mat and it is machine washable. If you want something a bit bigger, the All Purpose Insulated Reusable Tote is a great alternative. (Buy it locally at TreeHouse, 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 600.)
The Bro Breakdown: Cheap and useful, like a purse should be. But don’t tell her that.
Price: $16.99-$22.99
Matt & Nat – Zocalo Tote
This bag from Matt & Nat is great for those who eco-friendly and/or socially conscious. The lining is made out of recycled bottles, and $21 from each purchase will be donated to Charity: Water, an organization dedicated to bringing clean water to those in developing nations. All their products are cruelty-free, vegan, and on average recycle 21 water bottles to produce the lining of each bag. Peruse the sale selections for a real steal.
The Bro Breakdown: It’s a bag for chicks who care about animals and people and stuff.
Price: $18-$325
Other Options
It might be that your leading lady is a real bitch. A hairy one, who loves you without question but sometimes makes a mess on your carpet. You can take care of your pawed partner in an eco-friendly way with Pooch Pick-Up, biodegradable cornstarch bags. Or, if she has been an extra-good girl, get her a spiffy new Sherpa tote so she can always be by your side. (Buy it locally at Bark ‘n Purr, 4604 Burnet Rd.)
The Bro Breakdown: You probably shouldn’t tell your buddies you bought your dog a holiday gift.
Price: $7.99 and $59.99-$79.99