Funchico.com - Funky, Chic & Cool Laptop Bag News

Cutest Netbook Sleeve Ever - the Lady Damask from Slappa

First of all, I'm excited that more and more laptop bag and sleeve designers are naming bags the Lady Something.  I'm holding out for someone to make the "Lady Katherine" bag :)

Second ... I simply cannot express how cute this new netbook sleeve from Slappa is.  Seriously. Slappa has started a line of both sleeves and bags for women (which I am thrilled about), but this Lady Damask (White) Netbook Sleeve is just adorable.

I wrote a full rhapsodic review of the Lady Damask over on my Squidoo Netbook Review lens.  Do check it out - Slappa is onto something good with their new line for women. I've got one of their bags in my review queue - stay tuned!

Loving the elegant Lady Lindy laptop tote from Bobarra

The Lady Lindy from Bobarra is one of the most elegant bags I've seen in a long time: really simple lines, but with a touch of flair via the scalloped trim. Plus, it's checkpoint-friendly. Can't get better than that!

I've been watching The Tudors series on CBC. Up here in Canada, the season just finished and I've been wondering how I might start working more brocade, puffy sleeves, jeweled head pieces and snoods into my wardrobe. Luckily, I have found the perfect bag that Catherine of Aragon or perhaps her daughter, Mary would carry. Elegant and stylish without being over the top - a bag fit for a queen. I'm referring to the Lady Lindy laptop bag from Bobarra. Andrea from Bobarra was kind enough to send over one for review.

When I first unpacked the Lady Lindy, I was struck by two things. One - the unusual fabric pattern. When carrying it, I've had a number of people say "Great pattern - what is that, fleur de lis?" Then they look closer. "It's frogs! Frogs!?". Yes, frogs. I have the "Charlotte" pattern (named after the delightful southern city in North Carolina; Bobarra also has several other more traditional fabric patterns if you're not a ranidaphile). From a distance, it looks like an elegant, slightly Tudoresque fabric - but up close, whimsical frogs. Very clever! The second visual aspect of the bag that really stands out are the scalloped top edges. I've never seen this is a laptop bag before and to me, it really takes the finishing to a whole new level. Again, sophisticated with a touch of whimsy.

Check out my full review of the Lady Lindy from Bobarra.

The e-Pad Laptop Desk - Both a Laptop Bag and a Portable Desk!

This is pretty sweet. A laptop bag that doubles as a portable desk. From Brookstone.com - only $40 USD. Comes in three colours (uh, where's the hot pink, Brookstone?!?)

And I can't tell you HOW I know, but I do have it on good authority that both Katy Perry and Taylor Swift love their e-Pad.

Love these bright coloured totes from Tepper Jackson at CareerBags.com

I just saw these on CareerBags.com - totes and carryalls from Tepper Jackson. Do you love the colours? I LOVE the colours!  This Kashmir patterned weekender/carry-all tote is my favourite. LOVE it.

Not strictly for laptops - but you could pair it with one of these crazy sleeves from Isis Dei (also at CareerBags).  I think this green polka-dot sleeve would be perfect.

Handmade Neck and Wrist Straps for Your DSLR Camera

I have been spending WAY too much time on Etsy lately. Way. Too. Much. Time.

I can't help myself though - people are so crafty and make such pretty things!

One of my recent discoveries is rhembein's shop.  She is a photographer AND a crafty-type - she makes these really bright and delightful neck and wrist straps for your DSLR camera.  All her fabrics are fresh and funky!  These are two of my favourites:

 

Her straps retail for $25.00 USD.  Ooo .. and she's Canadian :)

Super Cute Bags for Your Bike!

I came across this great post by Jan over on PoppyTalk (a great blog on emerging designers, with a focus on handmade) about bags for your bikes - if you can't have the traditional basket.  She posted a number of photos from different designers.  This one is my fav - it's the "Bicycle Bag" designed by Alexandra Cassaniti and available from OogaBooga for $96.

Have a Netbook? Looking for Sleeve or Case?

I got a new ACER glossy red netbook a few weeks ago.  I adore it, but I've already scratched the cover because I was carry it and the powercord in a sleeve that was too big for it.  Poor little netbook.  But I've learned my lesson and am here to help you not make the same mistake.  I've started a Funky, Chic and Cool Netbook Sleeve lens over at Squidoo.

Now, I'm just getting started, so you can expect to see more review there soon - but there are a few, including some super-cute sleeves from designers on Etsy!  Please drop by!

Lexie Barnes Copper Classic Tote a Beach Picnic Allstar!

So, it's hot in Vancouver right now. Very hot. As in, history making heat wave hot, with a good dose of humidity to boot. One of the only places it's really pleasant to be right now, in a city that doesn't believe in air conditioning, is at the beach, lolling in the Pacific breeze. And that's where the Lexi Barnes Classic Tote comes in.

What could you ask of a beach tote? That it be lightweight? Roomy? Stylish? The Classic Tote excels in all these areas, and can take on the city as well as it takes on the beach. I toss in my beach essentials, and a few non-essentials (hellooo, picnic!) and the sand is mine to command. Also, the nylon exterior is perfectly able to brush off any accidental drips, of, say, deliciously creamy ice cream.

Seriously, we here at Funchico cannot say enough good things about this bag - the jealous stares from our fellow beachcombers don't hurt, either.

There are three sizes and three colours of the classic tote to choose from (we adore the copper!). They range in price from $79 to $119 - check these hot totes out on the Lexie Barnes site!

What's Better Than a Bag with Butterflies?

A FREE bag with butterflies! Ellen over at CareerBags.com has announced their monthly giveaway, and this one's an lepidopterist's dream come true!

Head over to the giveaway page and enter your name for a chance at a free Butterfly Touch Vintage Tapestry Bag.

Tom Bihn Releases Their Swift Knitting Bag in Cork!

I adore Tom Bihn bags - I've particularly liked the Archetype Laptop Sleeve, the Smart Alec backpack is my go-to travel bag, and both Rose and I are big fans of the Swift knitting bag.  So, I'm delighted to see that Tom Bihn has released the Swift in the cork material that they use on the Archetype. Delightful and different!

Image from the Tom Bihn blog; more on their website