Recently in Canvas/Linen Category

Lauren Bush launched the newest FEED bag, the FEED 2 Kenya bag exclusively in store at Bergdorf Goodman. Each bag pays to feed 2 Kenyan children for 1 whole year, with $100 of the bag's proceed going directly to the United Nations World Food Programme's School Feeding operations in Kenya. Did you know every five seconds a child dies because he or she is hungry? Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined. Not only does the money go to feed children, the bag itself is handcrafted in Kenya by a coop of women so you are also supporting women artisans.

The FEED 2 is much more stylish and fashionable than the first version, each bag is exquisitely hand-beaded and has leather handles and shoulder strap for everyday wear or farmer's market shopping. Wear it across the body as a messenger for busy days running errands. The bags are $195, exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, in store. Click for more information on the FEED project.

Now here is a tote that makes sense and has good value, unlike the Valextra canvas tote for $1060. Yes, it is true you can get a canvas tote for $20 but if you look at the construction the breakdown in quality is obvious. This One Language tote is beautifully made, has a great design and is functional. It is 100% natural canvas with tight seams, perfectly turned corners, is sturdy and maintains its structure. It has a super wide gusset so is the perfect beach / pool bag. There is a smaller compartment for your laptop (comes with a laptop case that can be used separately), or for wallet and personal items. The interior is full of pockets for phone, sunscreen, keys, etc and unlike most totes, there is a covered flap that zips closed. Comes in 4 cute designs, I love the bicycle - cute, whimsical and epitomizes the carefree days of summer. At One Language Label for $110.

I have to say something about this tote. I love Valextra, all their bags are exquisite. You pay for the superior construction and leather. But this is a canvas tote for $1060!! WTF?? I love the white with bright turquoise trim, absolutely perfect for the summer. But how can you possibly justify the price?? It's not even that big, 20" by 12", but who cares, it would have to be the size of a car for it to be worth a grand. We all indulge but this is just stupid wastefulness. At Barneys New York.

Remember the "I'm not a plastic bag" craze? Of course you did =) Well, get ready for the next storm to hit. The Flea Bag rage is gathering strength at the celebrity level and you will be seeing, hearing and buying a lot of this as editorial continues to flood worldwide. The original design was intended for the flea market, thus the name, to fit all your purchases while shopping. What makes it timely is the eco-conscious part, it is not vegan but the leather uses vegetable dye, the canvas is all organic hemp and cotton and the ink on the print is water based. There is nothing toxic, not even glue! And they are handmade in New York so you are also supporting the dying fashion manufacturing there. Essential for the summer for beach, on the road and weekend getaways. Or if you love flea markets and farmers markets, use it for what it was intended and avoid all those plastic bags! It is pretty big, 16" x 16" at its widest. Comes in white, pebble, saddle and coffee bean leather trim. At Luxcouture for $395 I also saw it in orange, which is fab, at WWD.

UPDATE: Already the demand is out of control on these bags and the designers have raised the price to $415. Hope you got one while you could at $395!!

I appreciate Stella McCartney's stance against the use of leather in fashion and I like her designs but sometimes the prices are just a bit... high. Take this gem embellished champagne twill clutch for example-- it's very cutsey (and not my cup of tea) but I'm sure many of you will find it appealing, especially with Prom season coming up. But if you are shopping for a prom clutch for yourself or your daughter, I doubt you'll want to shell out a grand for it. So here are some options for you to DIY.  Start with this J. Furmani champagne colored satin clutch (11" wide) for $31.50 and add a few crystal flower pins on it ($15.95 each). For under $100 you'll have a similar look plus you can choose the colors to coordinate with your gown.

Of course some of our bag snobs may want the Stella version-- here it is for $995 at Net-a-Porter.com.  What do you think?  DIY or go for the Stella?

We have the ultimate gift guide for the ultimate mom! We are giving you fantastic ideas so you can be sure to get your fantastic mom (or your baby mama) the gift she deserves. There is something for every kind of mom, all Snob Worthy of course =) Also, share some of your good ideas and some gifts you have given from past Mother's Day that were a huge hit.

Click here for The Ultimate Mother's Day Gift Guide.

Lambertson Truex filed for bankruptcy because they're not selling enough bags which I can understand because I have never bought a Lambertson and I can't say that I know someone who has. And that's pretty bad statistics. But this one seems ok. But then again, it's a canvas tote and the only one who can make an industry out of that is Tory Burch. This one is by far cuter and better though. The silver leather handles and the white canvas is so crisp and clean for the summer. The tote is not huge but the gusset is very generous so will still fit all your big summer items. There are nice side pockets and even comes with a shoulder strap. A nice gift for your mom if she needs one. At Saks Fifth Avenue
for $295

OK, the weather is just pissing me off. I thought it was established that we were well into Summer (or at least Spring) and then the weather turns on us and it is now windy and freezing ass cold. I want to go to the pool and use totes like this (went to the pool this weekend and almost got sick from trying to brave the weather). To me, this beach / pool tote represents warm sunny days of leisure and fun. Big hat, sunglasses, flip flops, and a good book on my Kindle and I am happy. I love the bright bold Pucci prints but I can't really wear it without it looking clownish on me, I just can't pull it off, it is too fussy for me, but a tote I can definitely do and this way I get my Pucci fix without looking like a clown. This giant tote (16.5" L x 13" H) is perfect for travel or even the farmer's market if you're careful with berry stains. I prefer the east/west totes for the pool and beach because you can fit larger items and can find things easier. Emilio Pucci Print Shopper in Yellow Multi at eluxury for $660.

As a part the Summer Edition 2009 capsule collection, Sonic Youth singer Kim Gordon collaborated with Marni to create bags and tee-shirt with her abstract prints, like the one on this canvas balloon bag. Is it abstract? Looks like a puppy to me. I know she is a famous singer but is she a designer too? I guess any artist can delve into any medium these days and they do. I don't know how I feel about this, I just can't take the pushing of the envelope on things that are good just the way they are. Oh no, that was total old people thinking. But let me get to some points that do not reflect my age or personal digressions. It is canvas and is unlined but is still $1000, sure it is much less than the leather balloon in the same size for $1800 but still I don't want to throw away bag. White canvas, think about it. It will get so gross that the abstract print will blend in with all the dirt. Good or bad, you decide. At Marni boutiques and Marni online.

Hi Bag Snob,

I am a faithful reader and I am hoping that you can help me with my recent dilemma. I am looking for a canvas tote/shoulder bag for my upcoming vacation and also to have for the summer. I am seeing a lot of bold prints and while I am not shy of flair and color, I was hoping to find something a bit more versatile for everyday wear and also reasonably priced.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Diana

Dear Diana,

We are all looking for that perfect canvas tote for the season and it is as if Anya Hindmarch herself is listening to us! If there is one thing she is good at, it is knowing what women need and desire. She has the appropriately named, Seasonal Tote in this season's boldest and brightest colors, electric blue and neon yellow. But as always, it is done with perfect taste so you won't be walking around like a glaring street sign. These totes have a super big gusset to fit just about anything you can possibly carry. And the price? It is also considerate to our needs, only $98 at Anya Hindmarch.

Love,
Bag Snob