Let me set the scene. It was like any other day at Planetshoes.com. I was sitting in my favorite chair in the lunchroom eating my usual lunch, on a day when our whole merchandising department happened to be lunching all at once. Between us we have an impressive array of lunchboxes, we are Planetshoes.com, afterall, we strive to be green! Yesterday, Christine, our eco/active buyer, caused quite a stir in the lunchroom by taking out a new bag, and easily took the prize for best lunchbox. She had just replaced her old lunchbox (featuring a cartoon monkey) with the Keen OTL Bag. We all couldn’t help but coo over how cool this Keen bag really is!

This roll-top lunch sack is easy to pack, clean and reuse. The water resistant fabric of this Keen bag wipes clean, while a webbing handle makes it easy to carry for hands of all sizes. The Keen OTL Bag shuts securely with a hook and loop closure so your lunch stays secure and temperate in the TPU liner. Not just for kids, everyone can appreciate the eco-friendly design of this funky lunch bag. And the bright colors ensure that your lunch won’t get lost in the company fridge!

Funny enough, the Keen OTL Bag isn’t the only Keen bag we’ve been buzzing about around here lately. Keen’s Harvest bags collection has us smitten! This bright, innovative line is made of reclaimed and then repurposed fabrics, saved from becoming trash and reimagined as cute and eco-friendly bags.  Each bag is unique, you won’t find the same colors or patterns from one bag to the next. We love the individual spirit and eco-conscious quality of these Keen bags!

One buyer just got the Keen Cornell II for her daughter for back to school. With substance to match its style, this fully featured Keen messenger bag includes a 15” laptop sleeve, internal organization system and external zip pocket to keep essentials close at hand. This Keen bag has everything you need for back to school or even for your commute, with a message that is sure to spark some conversation over saving our earth!

Last but not least, I recently got the Keen OTL Deluxe.  Yes! When they say deluxe, do they ever mean deluxe! This Keen cooler bag is awesome! It’s decked out with features, an internal divider keeps water bottle, wine bottle or thermos upright, while the top, bottom compartment and side pockets zip closed to contain the nosh. Not just that, the water resistant rubberized fabric wipes clean, and shoulder length handles offer an easy carry and a stylish look, if I may say so myself. This Keen tote has been just what I need for movies in the park this summer, and a beloved companion at the beach.

Check out this line of Keen bags, they’ve got a bag to meet every need and an eco-friendly message you’re sure to love.

The summer is in full swing and we’ve got you covered here at PlanetShoes.com. So many folks tell us that they love the comfort of Crocs but they don’t want the look of the clunky clog. Don’t fret – Crocs has been reinventing themselves and this sleek and sexy flip flop is a perfect example of that! We’ve put together a fun little outfit for you with super comfortable Crocs ABF Flip Leaves. Inspired by nature and designed to be comfortable and to conform to your foot, these flip flops are not only colorful and fun – but also great for YOU!

Just for Fun with Crocs Flip Flops by blairstephens featuring Old Navy dresses

Crocs ABF Flip Leaves

Nothing beats barefoot, well almost nothing. Introducing the Crocs ABF™ Flip Women’s sandal offering comfort and style all in a hip new package. With a unique ergonomic fit and feel this Crocs sandal will quickly become a summer favorite from the beach to the boardwalk.

With a cute floral pattern on the outsole, this unique women’s sandal will be all you need for style and comfort. Enjoy ergonomics in the Crocs ABF Flip Leaves!

Mimo Handbag Lucy

This fun-loving shopper makes a great gift for you or your best gal pal. Made from soft tee-shirt cotton in a variety of prints makes Lucy perfect for shopping, going to the beach or packing your favorite reads home from the library.

Dimensions: L17″ H18″ ~ Weight: .5lbs ~ Handle Drop Length: 12″

Mimo donates 5% of all profits to programs working to stop domestic violence.

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On of the best parts of the internet age is the ability to work on the go. All you need is a laptop, a smart phone and the ability to work in a somewhat chaotic environment and you can do your job or even run your business on the fly. This happens in city all across the United States – you’ll see fashionable women (and men) toting their MacBook Pro’s in chic bags, while look fabulous. After all, just because you aren’t heading into an office doesn’t mean you don’t want to, or need to look fabulous!

Working on the Go by blairstephens featuring Blowfish shoes

We love the Blowfish Cristal! This is a super fabulous and fashionable gladiator, caged bootie – and what a great value!

Well cushioned insole, well fitted upper, with trendy and fun stud detailing, secure ankle strap with adjustable buckle enclosure and a stable but sexy wedge design! What more could you need?

Pair this with a sexy dress – or leggings – or skinny jeans – the list goes on – and you’ll be adding an awesome edge to whichever outfit you go with.

We’ve paired the Blowfish Cristal bootie‘s toughness with the elegant and pretty Haiku City Courier laptop bag. Classic Black, with charming detailing, this bag is versatile and comfortable.

Plenty of padding on the interior to keep your electronic baby safe, and a super comfortable shoulder strap, with enough length to pull it across your body, this is a great laptop bag for the woman in the city on the go.

So if you’re out and about, working from busy internet cafe’s and hopping on and off the subway, don’t compromise on looking fabulous!

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We were all sitting around the other day talking about some of the new styles we just added over on Planet Shoes from Blowfish. We were also talking about all the fantastic bargains out there right now – just waiting to be had! You must be getting all the emails from Old Navy, Gap, Amazon and more? We sure are, and so we went out looking for some fun pieces to go with the Blowfish Hanuku bootie. Sometime comfy and casual for summer, with a few fun accessories thrown in the mix!

Comfy and Casual by blairstephens featuring Old Navy

As you can see, one of our visions with this booty is a flirty but comfy drop waist halter dress from Old Navy. Paired with a cute and casual denim jacket, you’ll be comfortable all day, no matter the temperature. We love the cute skirt or dress paired with the slouchy short Blowfish bootie. Comfortable and a little different, this look transitions from spring, through summer and even into the early fall.

The Blowfish Hanuku denim is a super cute bootie at a great value. These are the Blowfish interpretation of a popular trend in Japanese street fashion. The tough texture of the denim makes them look a little rough and tumble while the buckle detail speaks to the popular harness boots we’re all seeing all over the place! Still, the bootie cut keeps them feminine and fun. Easy on and off with a side zipper and lined in the typical fun Blowfish purple, you’ll love these one sight. The super flexible outsole and simple silhouette ensure that they’re still versatile enough for all of your summer outfits.

Great with a little dress, your favorite skinny jeans or your favorite flirty skirt, these Blowfish booties can’t be beat for summer.

We also couldn’t resist adding in one of our favorite Jane Marvel bags! The Jane Marvel Satchel is seriously a must have for all seasons. Lightweight, water resistant and super easy to clean, this bag can go with you on all your adventures!

It has tons of pockets and zipper storage in the interior and it even comes with it’s own coordinating hand held mirror and a clear pouch for all your makeup essentials. Best yet, Jane Marvel bags are vegan friendly. The fun patterns and colors offer tons of flexibility in your wardrobe and we just knew it would be perfect with this outfit.

Strut your stuff and take some inspiration from our style mash up from Polyvore!

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This past week I was lucky enough to go on vacation! Traveling cross-country to the sunny shores of California, I was thankful to have my Baggallini Travel Kit with me to keep my essentials organized during my flights, one of which ended up being much longer than anticipated.

I had everything I needed easily organized, accessible and handy in my carry-on during my eight hour journey. However, it’s no coincidence that my bag catered to my travel needs – founded by a pair of veteran flight attendants, Baggallini was created to provide functional yet fashionable bags and accessories to make traveling a breeze!

Baggallini handbags, bags and purses use bright colors and fun fabrics in classic silhouettes loaded with all sorts of features – pockets and easy to use zippers galore! I loved the fabric used in my bag – the nylon was durable, bright and lightweight, not to mention easy to clean. From clutches perfect for a night out to luggage to cosmetic bags, Baggallini bags has created a cute way for you to tote your stuff in style as well as total organization!

I’ve had my eye on the Baggallini Monaco Clutch. I just love the shape! Large enough to carry all the essentials (including your camera!) but still small enough to look adorable, this is the perfect bag for a night out.

A detachable strap allows it to be used as an easier-to-carry purse, or simply unclip it for a sassy hand-held clutch. A zipper pocket for your valuables, a lip-stick holder and card slots for all your plastic fill the inside to help keep you organized. I love the bold hardware on this Baggallini clutch, it makes a refined statement!

The Baggallini Rolling Tote Bagg is the ultimate carry-on! First of all, it’s adorable. Second, it fits both in the overhead compartment and under your seat. Now this is a bag with function!

Even better – it features three different compartments with three different functions. No longer will you just throw your things together into just any bag that fits regulation size. No, with the Baggallini Rolling Tote Bag you have a compartment for your clothes, a middle compartment that will fit a laptop, paperwork or more clothes and finally a pocket the perfect size for cosmetics. All this on wheels!

This bag is perfect for quick overnight business trips, or weekend adventures with friends. It’s also perfect for trade show walking – why carry all that paperwork when you can roll in style? So next time you have a weekend away, don’t lug your duffel everywhere, or over pack in a big roller bag, consider the Baggallini Tote Bagg and travel in style!

Organization isn’t just for travel. The Baggallini Baby Hampton is a handbag with all the perks of a travel bag in a size that’s just right for everyday. This Baggallini bagg comes in a lightweight, water resistant fabric, so your stuff will be safe no matter the weather.

Decked out with pockets of all kinds, this Baggallini purse has a special place for your water bottle, cell phone, lipstick and pens. A detachable wallet can hold your ID, cash and cards.

The Baby Hampton zippers shut as well as snaps, so you know your stuff will be secure. The perfect size to hold everything you need without being too bulky, the Baggallini Baby Hampton is just too cute in its tomato red color!

Timbuk2 Bags are based on a simple premise. They want their bags to last you forever. By aspiring to be as tough and durable as possible, Timbuk2 bags are green in the sense that you never need to buy another one! Developed by and for bike messengers, these bags are tough, weatherproof, practical and well designed – and they look great as well.

I’m going to take this into the first person for a moment to relay a real life tale. One of my closest friends lives in New York City and she used to be a daily commuter from Queens into Manhattan.

She carried her Timbuk2 bag every single day, through rain and snow and sleet and shine. I’ve seen this bag in person, and let me tell you, I would never have guessed in a thousand years that the bag had been through literally years of New York City commuting abuse.

So let me share with you some of our favorite Timbuk2 bags. They are awesome and if you need a real bag that won’t let you down, this is the one to go with!

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Medium – This is the bag upon which Timbuk2 was built and they have upgraded a ton of features that make it even more awesome than before. Waterproof and with a durable ballistic nylon exterior, this bag has laptop carrying capability and a cool new Napoleon pocket for keys and cash – while keeping your bag closed.

They even upgraded the way their Velcro closures work to avoid sweater pilling. They really do think of everything. The Timbuk2 messenger has comfort features too – with special strap technology to ensure a comfortable fit. Seriously, this bag will never let you down.

The Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 is another great messenger bag from Timbuk2, this time with air travel in mind. This bag is TSA compliant and unzips quickly to allow for easy laptop access in long security lines.

In fact, it’s designed so effectively, you don’t even have to remove the latop, just unzip the bag, lay it out flat and you’re ready to roll. Also loaded up with great pockets, easy access to simple things like keys and cash and waterproof as well, this bag is perfect for the business mogul on the go.

They also built in a durable luggage pass through for your wheelie companion. Another great bag from Timbuk2!

The Timbuk2 Click is the baby of the family. A small messenger bag with a sleeker look and updated styling, this is a great every day bag that can see you out on the town as well.

The exterior is again, super durable and wear resistant, the shoulder strap is entirely adjustable and there’s a convenient key tether and cell phone pocket for easy access. This little baby can hold a lot more than it appears.

Evening Coffee from Webe Bags

Who needs a Prada when you can sport the Evening Collection?

Made from recycled coffee bags, the coffee purse sports a tropical palm tree fabric.

Fully lined with an inside pocket, this purse has a zipper closure and bamboo handles.

The body of the actual coffee bag may differ… after all, it all depends on what the coffee roaster has roasted this week!

That means that this bag is going to be original every time.

So if you’re ready to be a fashion standout – and an eco friendly one at that – consider a Webe Bag!

Adjustable Duffle from Webe Bags

There’s nothing drippy about this beautiful coffee sack. Roomy enough for a trip … make it yours.

Approximate dimensions: 23″ wide by 14″ circumference. Adjustable messenger style strap with short handles as well.

Fully lined with inner pocket. Zipper closure.

Bag body will not be the same as shown. Coffee sacks come in a huge variety of graphics. WeBe Bags cannot guarantee the type of artwork on the bag.

After all, the body of the bag depends on what the roaster has roasted this week!!!

Keen Northrup

Be bold in your trend-setting approach to life with the Northrup tote from KEEN.

Brown rice paper is sprinkled with colorful rice bag designs for an eye-popping effect.

Big on space, this bag transitions easily from the market to Main Street.

Please note, because of the unique nature of this product, each item is one of a kind.

Products Details:

• 100% reclaimed brown paper and rice paper
• Front side stash pocket
• Interior zip pocket and organizer pockets
• Felt lined shoulder strap
• Weight: .5 lbs .22 kg
• Dimensions: 12.5″ x 21.5″ x 8″ | 32cm x 54cm x 20cm
• Shell: 100% Reclaimed Rice paper / Brown paper

Kavu U-my-bag

* Because of a small technical issue, this bag was not physically featured in the video.

100% Cotton. Large U-shaped bag with adjustable shoulder strap, two external zipper pockets, 2-way main compartment zipper with one internal zip pocket and key clip. 17″ x 13″.

Based in Seattle, KAVU is a small, energetic company that refuses to rest.

Founded on the now-classic Strapcap, we’ve expanded into a wide range of men’s and women’s clothing, bags, sunglasses, and accessories.

We take great care to choose fabrics that are eco-friendly, using natural fabrics such as bamboo, hemp, and cotton.

Getting out and enjoying the day is what KAVU is all about. There are adventures to be found around town, spending the day with your family at the park, the farmer’s market, visiting with friends and enjoying your community are all part of the KAVU spirit.

First designed to cater to folks who kayak, hike, climb and love the outdoors that heritage is still found in the practical and useful bags created by KAVU. Whether or not you get a chance to climb a mountain today these bags are fun, durable and ready for adventure.

KAVU was founded in Seattle in 1993 and has always had an environmental outlook to their business. They have focused on using fabrics that are eco-friendly and still provide performance and style for folks who love to play in the outdoors. Materials such as hemp, cotton and bamboo are eco-friendly and are carefully chosen to help KAVU be good stewards to this planet.

The Seattle Sling by KAVU is a mid-sized every day bag that holds everything you need for a full day out.

Large enough for snacks and a water bottle along with your personal necessities, the Seattle Sling has an over the shoulder strap that easily can be extended to go across your chest for the perfect fit. Featuring several pockets for organizing your stuff there isn’t too much, just the right amount.

There is a large central section with a slightly smaller zippered section on the front and a slim pocket that zips closed on the side closest to your body as well as a separate cell phone pocket located on the strap for easy access. With great looks and with all you need to keep going all day, this bag is a must-have.

The Zippy Wallet is a great little accessory from KAVU. With the attention to detail and care that they show their larger bags, this wallet has great design.

Made of incredibly durable and strong cotton it features all of dividers and compartments you need to stay organized. Space cash, slots for cards, a clear covered space for your ID and a zippered coin section all fit in this hand-sized wallet.

My favorite part, though? That would be the separate coin-purse that you can remove and take along when you want to travel light. With a zippered section for money, a few slots for ID and cards and a loop to which you can attach your keys this is the perfect grab-and-go item.

Their largest offering, the U-my-bag is a triumph of practical engineering. This would be my everything but the kitchen sink bag- with enough room to easily hold everything I want to bring along with me.

Featuring one giant internal space, the Kavu U-my-bag has a zipper that allows access to the compartment from two different sides.

A small internal zipper pocket keeps the things you need most easily accessible and a key loop means you never have to fish for your keys when you need them.

The soft, collapsible 100% cotton style of this bag means that if I manage to not stuff it full, it lays nice and flat and never bulky.

This weekend was fabulous. Finally, it seems that this winter will end after all. The sun was shining, the snow melted, and people actually ventured outside! I took advantage of the weather by making plans to meet a friend and walk around the city. I was thrilled to break out my spring coat by layering it over a sweater, but I faced a dilemma. I had no clue what to wear on my feet! My go-to tall boots were too warm and bulky, but my flats and sandals weren’t warm enough. This got me thinking… what do you wear in between seasons? After a trip to my closet, I found several solutions to the early-spring conundrum.

Oxfords

A pair of oxfords is a great addition to any closet, for many reasons. In this case, this classic style offers more coverage than a pair of flats by lacing up to the ankle giving the foot more warmth between seasons. A huge trend for spring, the oxford is also a fashion forward choice!

This pair by Pikolinos, the Turin 7331, is made of vegetable tanned leather with gorgeous stitching and perforated detailing, staples of the oxford style. A cute leather-wrapped heel adds some height, but not enough to make this shoe uncomfortable. The Turin 7331 laces up the front for an adjustable, custom fit.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are perfect for chilly spring days. They give ample coverage, but are not overly warm, and they are so cute!

This style by Nicole, the Passionate, is the perfect choice for this spring. This leather Western-style boot comes in a variety of colors, including black, tan and stone (pictured) and a trendy metallic silver.

The low heel gives a bit of lift and doesn’t sacrifice the comfort that Nicole shoes are known for.

Americana is one of the big trends for fall, so you’ll be sure to get a lot of wear out of the Passionate.

Pair these with a short skirt or your favorite jeans and you’ve got a great spring look! Remember, one of the best things about the ankle boot is it’s versatility – this little boot can go over skinny jeans or leggings or look fabulous beneath a boot cut pant.

Wedge Sandals with Socks

Beware! This trend is not for the faint of heart. Wedge sandals paired with socks were all over the runways this season, like this look from the Burberry show, and it is a great, but brave!, way to wear your favorite pair before sandal season truly starts.

To wear this trend right, stick to a chunkier sandal style, like the wedge, and look for one with thicker straps. Essentially, you are emulating a multi texture bootie.

Neutral colors are the most wearable and versatile so we recommend you select a sock that’s a shade or so lighter than the sandal. Voila! You’ve got spring’s hottest trend.

If you’re dying to try this trend, but it makes you nervous, you can choose a sock that matches your skin tone to keep this look subtle. And remember, if you decide to try the look and it doesn’t work for you, you’ll still have a great wedge sandal for spring and summer!

The gorgeous Camper Laura 21247 in contrasting suede and leather paired with the SmartWool Cable in Oatmeal Heather is a cozy way to wear the wedge!

Well, it is too late in the year to give you my best shopping tip, which is to be done by now, so we’ll just move on to the more timely practical stuff I can help with at this point before the panic sets in!

One Gift for All!
I have legions of cousins and it can be a ridiculous feat to buy individual gifts for each person, so I have often relied on one theme for the whole crew. One year I did music, one board games, another photo albums, that way everyone got something individual, but I wasn’t trying to come up with the perfect gift for each single person out of the whole world of choices. Limiting my possibilities saves me mental stress!

One such gift to be found here is slippers. You can’t go wrong giving people something cozy and guessing sizes is pretty easy- and you can always ask. Usually people aren’t sensitive about the size of their feet. Buying for folks in chilly, snowy climes you can pick fleece and shearling lined slippers.

Some slippers are strictly for indoors while others provide enough of a sole to make a quick trip to the mailbox. Or if you are lucky enough to enjoy the sunshine year round you can pick terry-covered slippers and flip-flop style slippers perfect for pool-side relaxing.

Sizes, Sizes, Sizes!
Yeah, trying to guess your mother-in-law’s size can be an ugly scenario that really takes the fun out of shopping. Instead of agonizing over choosing between sweaters that fit and labels that offend, you can comfortably select beautiful new purse or bag with confidence that it won’t upset anyone.

For the younger or cooler among your list look to Haiku or Keen for youthful colors and styles. For the hard-to-buy-for college student or older teen try Mimo’s Lucy bag or something by Webe for an off-beat funky look. Jane Marvel continues to produce great new bags ranging from the oversized carry-all to the sleek grab-and-go wallet in vivid patterns and colors that shake the norms.

Maybe just what you need for that twenty or thirty-something that combines work and a busy life. A professional put-together type person on your list? Try Baggallini for classic looks in new colors that will complement any professional wardrobe. Then, for the special one-of-a-kind bag look to Anuschka for gorgeous hand painted leather bags that are breathtaking works of art.

Free Bonus Stuff!
Isn’t it great when shopping is rewarded with free stuff? Yeah, I think so, too. I can either keep the bonus, include it with the original gift or even use an entirely separate gift! I love options. Several vendors on PlanetShoes.com are offering bonus goodies with a purchase this season (aka Gifts With Purchase), so be sure to check them out.

Teva and Bearpaw are giving away tote bags and CDs, BOGS is giving away socks for the whole family, Spira is giving away headband/ear warmers, Kenneth Cole and Sperry are giving away clothing, Skechers is including a free wristband/wallet, and Kamik is giving away the cutest if least practical freebie- an adorable owl named Oliver! So, look and see what boots, shoes, sandals and more might be just what you need to round out your shopping list then you can enjoy