FEED bags by Lauren Bush

One of the activities I most look forward to when planning an overseas vacation is shopping! The feeling of finding exotic items like a scarf in the indigenous print, tribal jewelery, a wooden decorative mask or a beautiful embroidered blouse and bringing back a piece of the destination is exciting. Lauren Bush brings us a little piece of Guatemala with her FEED Guatemala bags created in partnership with UNICEF and Lord & Taylor.

The FEED Guatemala bags are handmade a nonprofit organization called Nest, that empowers women and female artists around the world. The Guatemalan Nest artisans are using their traditional Ikat fabrics to make these bags the colors and woven patterns which reflect the vibrant Guatemalan culture. In addition to empowering women, the bags generate funds to help UNICEF provide micronutrient supplements to Guatemalan children who are stricken by poverty.

Because of its exotic look, carrying this bag around town will make you look like you just got back from vacation and you will feel great about it knowing the lives of those women who helped to create it, is better off because of your purchase. The FEED Tote bag is available at Lord & Taylor for $39 and the pouch for $19 and FEED will donate $10.50 or $3.50 respectively to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs in Guatemala.

Contributed by The Stylester.

This review was based on a free sample.

Carlos Falchi Henna Tiger-Snake Collection

We have Carlos Falchi's daughter, Kate to thank for the sexy new Henna Tiger-Snake collection. According to WWD, Kate studied the art of wedding henna for this Indian-inspired line of handbags. It's easy to see the henna motifs and curry colors in this clutch. "It has an air of funkiness without it being too over the top," she said.

The Carlos Falchi Henna Tiger-Snake Collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks.

Lead-Free Handbags

Until last night, we didn't even know there was a possibility our handbags could contain lead. We must have been on vacation when the report came out in January that a number of PVC bags, including those from Target, H&M, Macys and Kohl's, were found to contain lead. (We're wondering if our PVC shoes from these stores are at risk for lead, too?)

Now, thanks to the Robert Verdi eco-tweetup last night, we know there are safer options, including the K.C. Malhan line of bags. Designer Jessica Singh creates vegan bags made with lead-free beads (Does that mean our beaded tops could have lead too? We can't even think about that possibility.)

We love the leopard print clutch and the cosmo coin purse, both available at K.C. Malhan.

See our other favorite products that are good for the earth.

This review was based on a free sample.

Straw Bags

We spent last summer on the hunt for the perfect straw bag, to no avail. We couldn't find any bags that fit the bill of being stylish and functional. This upcoming season, looks like the challenge will be to pick just one!

We're partial to the Tory Burch Slouchy Straw Tote--Gold trim will always get us!

The Prada Straw and Leather Shopper is no slouch either, with fringed trim and a stylish rosette.

For a dash of color, there's the Kate Spade Foley Beach Benedictia.

Leave it to Jimmy Choo to make raffia look naughty in the Bazli raffia and leather tote.

For a bargain, try the Croft and Barrow ZigZag bag, available at Kohl's.

Best Friend Bags

 Remember those little heart necklaces you would break in two and share with your BFF back in the day? This Rebecca Minkoff take on the trend is a modern way to share your affection with your bestie! These are coin purses, but we would use ours to hold our lipgloss in our carry ons. Too cute!

Available at Bloomingdales.

Microbartering 101

One of our favorite things about our girls' trip is shopping. It's especially fun when you're in the Caribbean or somewhere with local crafts. If you don't have a trip planned to anywhere exotic, Buildanest.com brings the artisans to you. The site even does it one step better: the group provides interest-free financing to women in third world countries so they can purchase supplies, space at a bazaar and other items they need to start their own business. The proceeds from their items sold on the site, go to help the next generation of women.

The above lace rainbow tote is from Guatemala and retails for $60.