Find the perfect bag for you. How to choose bags, catalogs, All colors, types and more. http://www.mysmartbag.com 2012-02-04T05:30:16+01:00 text/html 2010-02-28T12:57:12+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Say-Thanks-with-Nice-Gift-Bags-for-Weddings Part and parcel of wedding preparations is thinking of wedding favors to express gratitude to the bridesmaids and maid of honor, as well as sponsors and guests. Preparing gift bags for weddings can be real fun, especially if you have a creative knack and you’ve got plenty of time in your hands. Some brides work with their wedding planner and choose simple but delightful wedding favors packaged with a creative twist. Some young couples pack chocolate candies in a clear gift bag and tie a ribbon using the wedding colors and voila, they have nice edible wedding favors. Couples who want to give something really special to members of the bridal entourage may opt for a raffia clutch bag & choker with faux gem, or a vanity bag which may be filled with items like a mini talc or fragrance product. Another great option, especially if the wedding has a nature-inspired theme, is to give a small green bag or basket with confectionery items. Some nice gift bag ideas for the maid of honor & female principal sponsors of the wedding with an eco-friendly motif are feminine clutch bags, eco tote bags, or handwoven macramé bag made from scrap fabric. The creative possibilities abound. Fancy little boxes or gift bags for weddings designed to match the wedding theme (whether it’s a beach wedding, a garden theme, winter wonderland theme, Gothic theme, & so on) may actually be filled with small tokens of appreciation like handmade accessories (popular choices are handmade earrings and bracelet sets), tabletop items, or chocolate colored candies. text/html 2010-02-28T12:55:19+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Grab-Attention-with-Chic-Messenger-Bags Many of today’s fashion-forward individuals – from students & fast-rising young professionals to mothers and sports buffs on the go – opt for simple yet stylish gear and accessories that evoke understated elegance. Chic and functional messenger bags, in particular, have become a handy companion for individuals representing all ages and walks of life. Typically slung over the shoulders, the useful urban carriers that are great for a city dweller on the go or the fashionable jetsetter come in varied styles that offer more than visual delight. Messenger bags also give back support and let users have easy access to essential stuff even while moving around. At the same time, the bags provide security. Messenger bags may range from sporty styles suited for teens and outdoor enthusiasts to leather types for working professionals. Business messenger bags double as laptop carriers that usually come with convenient padded compartments, detachable shoulder straps and numerous file pockets. Traditional leather messenger bags that evoke corporate savvy are also great for traveling. They can go from boarding area to boardroom – in style. For the average guy who just needs to walk through the city or drive around and do some errands during weekends, or just drop by a friend’s house, an embossed leather messenger bag with an interesting design or solid pattern, in super-light fabric may be quite handy. Nowadays, there are also super attractive messenger bags for ladies, in alluring colors and materials, developed by luxury goods manufacturers. Classic & attractive, polished & elegant, or sporty & with a laidback appeal, today’s messenger bags are definitely grabbing attention, both for their looks and many useful features. text/html 2010-02-28T12:54:05+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Choosing-Quality-Mens-Bags-Other-Travel-Tips-for-Executives-on-the-Go If you’ve ever observed what the seasoned male business traveler (the type who’s clear-headed enough and wants to get the work done quickly when he lands) brings during long-haul trips, you’d notice that he generally carries only a few essential stuff. There’s usually a hand carried bag and in it would be his notes & writing instrument, some shirts, a suit, a couple of ties, a gadget or two, toiletries, plus a few other items that maybe thrown in if the business trip lasts several days. Size does matter for most traveling executives. The purpose and duration of the trip will spell what kind of bag is most suitable. A quality carry-on luggage bag will suffice for a weekend trip, while large suitcase may be necessary for week-long trip. For the classy business traveler, nothing less than a quality leather luggage (most go for the best brands) will do. Smooth top grain leather is the preferred option of many executives for their travel bags. Other common luggage/travel bag fabrics include nylon, cotton canvas, and polyester. For executives who are taking time off and embarking on adventure travel, sturdy men’s bags with reinforced bottoms and handy features like expandable interiors (to store souvenirs) plus multiple compartments for the extra pair of shoes and paraphernalia and a waterproof finish are ideal. Men’s duffel bags that can hold large boots and thick jackets and shirts may be handy, especially if neatly folded wearable items are not really needed. Whether a trip connotes business, pleasure, or both, the travel-savvy guy knows that a sturdily built, well-marked travel bag that can pack all the essential stuff without cramping style is the way to go. text/html 2010-02-28T12:53:28+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Selecting-a-Golf-Gift-Bag-That-Will-Merit-a-Second-Look Thinking of getting a special present for a family member or dear friend who loves playing golf? For the casual or semi-professional player who just needs an extra bag that can be used for storing some items while making the rounds of the golf course, a golf gift bag that’s both functional and stylish can be much appreciated. Most golf bags have multiple pockets and add-on features like detachable drink holders, built-in barometers and small inner pouches for storing hand towels and gadgets. A girlfriend who engages in the sport for fun will surely be thrilled to get a leather golf bag which can carry an extra pair of shoes or clothing plus accessories, including sunglasses, wallet, gadgets and bottled water container. There are so many golf-style shoulder bags that make great gifts. Some are made of synthetic leather & nylon. If you’re thinking more in the lines of a leather golf bag that can carry clubs, golf balls, tees, markers, plus other essential items for your hubby, there are several topnotch golf bag options in the market. One quality brand in the market that will surely make heads turn offers an attractive golf bag crafted from the finest leather from European tanneries. It’s supported by metal stays and has a base made of hand-sewn leather. The shoulder strap is made of shearling and leather, and all fittings are crafted from solid brass. There are many other options that are not too pricey. Golfers have varying tastes and requirements, so just keep these in mind when choosing accessories like a golf gift bag for carrying essential golf gear and/or equipment. text/html 2010-02-28T12:52:49+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Take-Your-Pick-from-the-Evolving-Trends-in-Must-Have-Bags When you want to make a thoughtful gesture to your best female pal or mom, a beautiful bag can be a perfect gift. Bag innovations endlessly find their way into the market, which can make selection pretty exciting. Keep the personality of your gift bag recipient in mind. If your best friend loves wearing the latest casual fashion pieces, a big bold bag that can glam up her looks while offering ample space for her stuff may be a terrific choice. If your sister is the party-going type who keeps buying accessories with glitter, a gem-embellished clutch bag or hobo bag may be suitable. Today’s accessories have more blink than ever, be it beads, tassels, coins or some metallic glint. It’s also not surprising to see mixed media like croc or suede in one bag. For young misses or daughters with an eye for both style & functionality, a designer messenger bag in contemporary colors can be a fabulous gift. She’d be the envy of all her girlfriends and she’ll long treasure your special gift. For girls with simpler tastes and who often go on casual trips, a quality duffel bag that offers much packing room will be really useful. Friends who simply need something modern & nice to go with their pulled-together looks will love an eyelet body bag that exudes just the right amount of hip balanced with a refined style. On the other hand, your sophisticated mom may appreciate your giving her a well-constructed bag with hard-edged hardware, or an attractive satchel in camel calf leather, or maybe a watermelon python drawstring bag. Also looking for simple, reusable gift bags to store gift items? There’s a wide collection of hand-stitched planet-friendly options you can purchase. text/html 2010-02-28T12:52:04+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Hike-Off-to-the-Beach-with-a-Handy-Waterproof-Bag When you’re off to join family & friends or colleagues for a fun beach outing, here’s a tip you can keep in mind to ensure a fabulous time while also keeping your pricey gadgets and other essential stuff safe. Maker sure bring along a waterproof bag that can house and protect your basic gear, including mobile phones, sunglasses, keys and wallet that you just can’t leave behind in your cottage or room. Many individuals think they’ve brought along all the essential stuff like beach wear, slippers, snacks, sunscreen, towels & toiletries, only to find that they’ve forgotten one handy thing but often overlooked thing that can be very useful during beach outings – a waterproof bag that can protect a pricey gadget like a mobile phone or digital camera. A small waterproof bag that can be worn around the waist when engaging in sporting fun lets an individual have easy access to a mobile phone or camera when the need arises. If you need to carry along more items, including your wallet, a waterproof bag that’s dust-resistant and crush-proof, and will float in the water even if accidentally dropped may be great to have at hand. Waterproof bags come in an assortment of styles and sizes. There are petite waist bags, big tote bags and quality capacious travel bags that can protect your camera, phone, & portable music player from moisture or dust which can ruin them. For women who always carry basic cosmetic items even while romping on the beach, a waterproof bag will prevent their beauty stuff from leaking and ruining other luggage contents. So if you’re making plans to head for that great annual holiday or beach outing, remember to bring along your trusty waterproof bag. text/html 2010-02-28T12:50:53+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Wheeled-Bags-That-Can-Go-the-Extra-Mile Stylish wheeled garment bags can be the modern jetsetter’s reliable travel companion. They can relieve the heavy weight of the items you need to bring with you, while coming to a stylish rescue. There are so many styles to choose from. If you want to carry massive personal and business stuff when traveling out of town for a day or more, you may opt for a quality wheeled bag that’s roomy enough yet chic and different from the archetypal bag. When choosing a bag with wheels, check out the internal compartment sides. It should be well constructed and equipped with features that won’t create aggravation when packing. There are light options weighting a little over six pounds. Other convenient features include a 'squishy' design. This enables personal items like apparel to be shoved into tight spaces. There is also an innovative option that unzips into two bags. Another clever innovation is a luggage bag with a scooter that folds away, providing the user two options -- drag it while walking or carry it like a backpack before stuffing the bag in the overhead compartment. Wheeled bags run the gamut from affordable, generic options to designer pieces that are made to be flaunted and can last for years. One option can be converted to a carrying trolley that can accommodate a 200-pound load, which is ideal for the busybody who needs to transport boxes of brochures plus other essential stuff and wave in and out of the airport and into convention halls with ease. If you travel frequently and want a regular wheeled bag for basic items like apparel, choose a capacious yet light option with tear-resistant rubber wheels and quality handle construction. text/html 2010-02-28T12:50:09+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Sleeping-bags-A-Practical-Review Basically, a sleeping bag is an outdoor protective sack designed for people to fit into and get some shuteye. There are certain factors to consider when purchasing a sleeping bag. One is its actual use. Is it to be used only for short sleepovers or long travels? By determining this, one can decide the type of sleeping bag needed and the materials used for a particular purpose. The best materials for an outdoor sleeping bag depends on its use. Flannel-lined sleeping bags provide warmth and softness. Poly cotton is the most durable and may be best for extreme weather conditions. Nylon is a highly breathable, waterproof and fast-dry fabric. Another factor to consider is how the sleeping bag will keep you warm. The stitches should be tight. The larger the spaces between the stitches, the weaker it is. People planning to buy outdoor sleeping bags should also make sure that the zippers can withstand rough or extreme conditions. Broken zippers make your sleeping bag useless in cold weather; they defeat the main purpose of the sleeping bag, which is to protect. When traveling, especially when backpacking, make sure that your sleeping bags are malleable or easy to fold for easy storage. Such sleeping bags are not so bulky when packed, which means they can easily be stuffed inside a knapsack. The basic types of sleeping bags are the rectangular type, which rolls up to almost the equivalent size of a small car, and provides lots of leg room; barrel, a slightly oval shaped sleeping bag which is designed to provide more body warmth; and the mummy, which is designed for cold weather use, has a design that tapers towards the feet and has a close fit for trapping body heat. text/html 2010-02-28T12:49:20+01:00 http://www.mysmartbag.com http://www.mysmartbag.com/General/Store-Your-Sleek-Notebook-in-Stylish-Computer-Bag With so many sleek notebook PCs wending their way into the marketplace and into the hands of tech-savvy consumers, stylish computer bags cannot be far behind. Whether you have a pricey notebook PC complete with 3D technology that works with hundreds of games, or you have a top-of-the-line laptop that stores all your important business documents, a functional and stylish computer bag can be a good investment. When shopping around for stylish computer bags, there are certain considerations to help you make the right pick. First, choose a style that matches your personality. If the computer bag you intend to buy is for your husband or son, see if what you have in mind will match your hubby or child’s personality traits and lifestyle. For a college kid who brings his laptop to school for group projects and other requirements, a modern messenger bag style with front zipper pockets, non-slip leather strap, shock-absorbing neoprene shoulder pad (the better to alleviate body strain) will be highly suitable. For adult guys who want to exude a professional look, a classic leather computer bag will be fine. Another consideration before buying is to check how snug the laptop will be when placed in the bag. Finally, check if there are extra pockets or compartments inside the bag to accommodate cables & accessories. Note that aside from keeping your laptop protected, stylish computer bags may offer useful and nice features like ergonomic handles and special pockets. You wouldn’t go wrong with a modern computer bag which embodies both form & function.