Dreamy BackpackBackpack MidBackpack StyleStylish BackpacksPretty BackpacksMens BackpacksBackpacks PursesBags BagpacksPurses BagsForwardSpacious, adorable, and comfortable to wear around town - what more could you ask for?Outdoor Retailer/SLC + Midtown/NYC Leather free haulers ---practical, durable and blessed with style---are a chic alternative to animal skin carry-alls. We recently previewed the Spring 2013 collections of two brands that we've favored for a few seasons, Lilypond and Olivia + Joy...both at very accessible prices. The hip factor of going vegan/eco is catching on---Stella McCartney has always had a cruelty free brand of accessories,  and now-the luxury Italian label Bottega Veneta---offers up a stunning satchel made from Japanese Washi paper. Bravo to the consumer demand for leather alternatives even grabs the eyeballs of that leather goods stalwart. Both selections are incredibly expensive though; we are sure there's a reason why- beyond a pricey marketing budget.

Lilypond's bags, totes, and accessories are largely made with recycled PET---aka a recycled fabric named CYCLEPOND™-on the exterior and interior. FIREFLY- exterior of CYCLEPOND™ contrast interior, padded interior laptop sleeve,  zippered in and outside pockets, dual rolled nylon hand/shoulder wraps. easy clean interior---big inside pockets Mountaintop-made of durable 1680 ballistic nylon fabric-a 21 inch carry on duffel, 2 large interior pockets, exterior pocket, fully lined interior-easy to clean, webbing handles and backpack straps that can zip away, adjustable padded shoulder strap-key fob. we'd carry this as a day bag----Nightingale Toiletry ---100% recycled CYCLEPOND™ exterior and contrast interior lining, adjustment hook, lots of compartments including mesh, main compartment with loops for secure storage Sunflower-durable 1680 ballistic nylon, zip close top, molded bottom-durable, loads of interior and exterior pockets 100% recycled CYCLEPOND™ interior and exterior fabric, ventilated side pockets-great for separating shoes, wet bathing suits, loads of exterior pockets-both sides, three interior pockets

yoga mat straps w/velcro close on bottom of bag, adjustable padded shoulder strap OUR FAV GYM BAG EVER---SUNDOWN ($99)...for Spring 2013 in persimmon and mariner blue. Among many accolades---this hauler has a unique zip-top handle closure...easy full opening access. Mountaintop -in reef blue---grab handles-on side, top- as well as backpack straps.kavu paxton backpack Cypress Wallet-$45 (l)-spacious interior, 4 zipped pockets, wristlet, Savannah Wallet $39 (r)--- 2 main body zipps, plenty of compartments, Both of CYCLEPOND™sk8er backpack LOBO -recycled CYCLEPOND™ exterior/contrast interior, front flap zippered pockets, zipped main compartment, interior slash pocket, magnetic front closure, adjustable shoulder strap-molded back fits for carrying close.$3910l backpack sprayer

OLIVIA + JOY makes PVC-leather like bags with very urban panache...with enough interior and exterior pockets for essentials---plus. big flap front closure---pretty! Prices are terrific---no wonder we see Olivia+Joy in a lot of print reads...it's like get the swanky look, without the swishy price tag. b/w print-with corner patent leather trim---gold hard wear...great satchel BROOKS ENGLAND, PEDaLED,  BOOKMAN LIGHT, BIKE GLOW Bicycles are a time honored way of commuting...around the world, and here in the USA, a growing way of getting to work. Eton Leather Satchel-shoulder straps can be used backpack style Barbican Leather Shoulder Bag-w/adjustable shoulder strap How nice then, that an Italian cycling conglomerate owned Brook England Ltd. --- a refreshed heritage brand with  a collection of masterfully crafted panniers and cycle luggage, messenger bags, saddles and ponchos...is launching here. Piccadilly Leather Knapsack-middle and Challenge Saddle tool  bag (l)  D-Shaped  Saddle Bag (r)

this poncho fits right underneath the saddle... Pickwick Backpack made of water resistant canvas, leather trim, roll-top w/ Brixton  Tote Another brand launching here hails from Japan... weather resistant, reinforced shoulders for packs,  with great front angled, easy access pockets -ergonomic sleeves, longer back The clothing we saw is in theory-is inspired by cycling---and are obviously -commuter friendly....with reflective details, ventilation features, and made of breathable natural fabrics---hemp, linen and organic cotton. Eurobike Gold Award 2012 Urban Jacket-made from special waterproof, breathable cotton. Ergonomic sleeves, smartphone pocket, earphone wire guides, reinforced shoulders, pockets double as air vents back pockets, adjustable hood and hem via elastic reflective cords, storm flap-rip open, quick release RE VEST mixed textiles-wool plaid keeps core warm-made from recycled military stock----angled front pockets for easy access, two access back pocket-the width of the back-like a hunter's vest---though the tag states otherwise

Japanese denim...l/s shirt-shaped for riders...nice enough for going out on the town sure beats using rubber bands---leather straps keep pants out of pedals Bookman is a Swedish company that makes easy to place on bike lights ---in fashionable colors...using a simple design-a rectangular shape with a curved underside for a snug fit on the front handle bar and rear saddle pole, an oversized rubber button for on/off...and a groove for attaching the elastic band. With three light options, slow/fast flashing, and steady light---the front light is white---the tail light is red.   If you want to be really visible---from a distance, or say, outer space-the BIKE GLOW is a relatively light weight. WATERPROOF-battery operated light wire, secured with wire coils (included) that easily wraps around a bike's frame. unscrew the nails---2 AA batteries go in here. A little screw driver is included in the kit. tape under bike saddle. Tape and a velcro strap, included. even Luddites will get these instructions-EASY

Three light options-slow/fast flashing and steady...and in eight colors available for brightness that cannot be missed by those with their eyes open. We tried it on our triathlon race bike ---and honestly we are loathe to add any weight on it...and found the Bike Glow-unobtrusive. Better though---for commuter bicycles...especially in areas where it gets dark early. Or to wrap around our backpack when we go hiking during hunting season---when we don't want to be mistaken for Bambi. SHERPA...is a technical/lifestyle brand inspired by the Himalayas and the athletes who frequent it. Sherpa owned and run...the company's performance garments ---will work for jaunts to higher peaks, runs/hikes through the parks, .as well as day trips in urban settings. Performance fabrics---and meticulous construction---are hallmarks...and almost all items made in three factories in Nepal. Nice details like the multi-color zip tags like the fluttering Prayer Flags...and the Mandala print as a kind of logo...super flattering cuts on female apparel...and overall lifestyle pieces that are ideal for travel...easy care, sun protection woven in, and pockets-including hidden ones...for valuables.

Durable too-these pieces will last a backpack trip around the world. IMJA Jacket-2 way stretch, DWR fabric,  elastic binding at hood keeps it snug, hand pockets and Napoleon chest pocket, reflective accents, articulated elbows, thumbholes keep sleeves put.. hem drawstring adjusts at one side DIKILA Tech Quarter Zip-here in Tibar Orange-stretchy fabric has 25% bamboo charcoal embedded in its fibers -great moisture wicking, anti-microbial-with thumb holes, flat lock seams for comfort, reinforced neck seams with tape binding for increased durability, Kipu Tank and Tee--super soft---technical tops- made of flattering shape w/ double cross over bodice for support. Sun protection SPF30+, moisture wicking, quick dry antibacterial. A great fit...we have the tee that if in black-we would wear as a regular top. Brighten a rainy day with this sunshine yellow-lightweight, water tough nylon trek- Chakra Jacket for women $160 articulated hood-with pretty design super cute- Mayuri Tanks $45- made of a performance fabric