Carry On Watson art suitcases

I met Catherine Bell, founder of Carry On Watson, at a friend's Christmas party recently and was so impressed with her beautiful suitcases featuring artworks that are real head-turners. Why own a boring suitcase, when you can carry one of these beauties. And never again wonder which luggage is yours at the baggage collection!

Laura Blythman kids' backpacks, duffles and caps for Little Renegade Company

If you love Laura Blythman's whimsical collage-style artwork, you'll be just as thrilled as I was to discover Laura's collaboration with the Little Renegade Company. What results are super-cool caps, duffle bags and backpacks for kids in the Moonscape and Sugar Mountains prints.

Great personalised backpacks from Hippo Blue

I've already put together my Christmas Gift Guides this year, but there are still lots of great Australian-designed gift ideas for kids that I'll be sharing over the next few weeks. First up are these personalised bags from Bondville partner Hippo Blue. They tick both boxes - stylish and practical.

Simply choose one of two colour ways (peach/mint green and navy blue/red) and 24 different designs in three different shapes, add your child's name for a completely customised gift. The bag collection includes backpacks in two sizes, lunch bags, and pencil cases that are super-cute and durable enough to stand up to rough treatment at daycare, preschool, school, on camping trips, and holidays.

Tiff Manuell art clutches and bags

South Australia-based artist Tiff Manuell makes the most amazing clutches and bags, as well as some great fashion, accessories and artwork. They are fun, cool and truly pieces of art.

Gorman tote for The Royal Children's Hospital

Love this gorgeous (and on-trend) lobster tote from Gorman designed by 12-year-old Jasmine. The tote is priced at $12 and 100% of proceeds will go to The Royal Children's Hospital, where Jasmine has spent a lot of time since she was born.

Gorman aims to raise $18,000 to gift to the hospital for Christmas - are you in?

You can find the limited edition lobster tote in store or online here.

Image: Gorman

Super-cute oversized tote bags from Project Ten

Oh genius. You know those ugly IKEA bags that you use all the time because they are huge and tough and have double straps and hold everything? Well Jacquie from North Geelong-based Project Ten has created a super-cute version that I know you will love.

Nappy Bag Gift Guide from Tots n Tales

To everyone buying for a Mum-to-be out there - this one is for you! Bondville friends and sponsors Tots n Tales asked me to choose my favourite nappy bags from their extensive collection. I of course go for pattern and colour, but I also love some of the more subtle options that could take you well beyond babydom, including the ever-gorgeous Australian brands OiOi, Poppy Lou and Il Tutto. Let's have a look-see:

From top to bottom, starting with three great bags that are casual, functional and feature fun graphic designs. I love the adjustable straps to wear across the body and hang on a stroller. The mustard yellow and grey chevron stripe (Jonathon Adler of course) is killer:

+ OiOi Circular Slate Retro Floral Messenger Nappy Bag

+ OiOi Dark Grey/Sand Dot Stripe Hobo Nappy Bag

+ Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Jonathan Adler Flame Yellow Baby Nappy Bag

Next are two very smart bags that are chic and ready for work/functions/parties/date night too. Fashion and function neatly packaged:

+ Il Tutto Brigitte Tote Nappy Bag - Chocolate

+ Babymel Ella Nappy Bag - Multi Dot

This punchy black and white hobo bag is a great blend of style and substance to take you seamlessly from playdate to party:

+ Babymel Amanda White Modern Floral Nappy Bag

Finally, two hard-working bags that will last long after the nappy-changing years. These baby bags in distressed leather and canvas with leather detail are timeless and will double as stylish overnight bags and shopping totes. Dad may even carry them too:

+ OiOi Jungle Leather Slouch Tote Nappy Bag

+ Poppy Lou Classic Compact Shoulder Nappy Bag

You can find all these great nappy bags in the Tots n Tales Australia online store.

Images: Tots n Tales

Lucky Door Prize - Aussie homewares from Down That Little Lane

Down That Little Lane is a great online marketplace featuring hundreds of well-curated products and designers. DTLL is also listed in the Bondville Loves online shopping directory, and owner Tessa is an abcd meet-up regular, so this store is close to my heart.

This month for our monthly Lucky Door Prize, Tessa is giving a gorgeous Australian homewares gift set of to one lucky Bondville monthly newsletter or daily email subscriber! One subscriber will receive two linen tea towels from Laughing Bird in the Blue Mountains (RRP $25 each) and a chic raw cotton canvas tote from Ink & Stitch in Bondi (RRP $36).

I have profiled Laughing Bird before here on Bondville, and the great Australian flora and fauna-inspired designs keep coming, including these Willy Wagtail and Everlasting Daisy designs.

Ink & Stitch is a mother-daughter duo based in Bondi creating stylish tote bags featuring their own designs hand-drawn using water-based ink.

These are just two of the many designers featured on Down That Little Lane - head over to check out the vast range of goods for home and family.

Look out for the winners in the monthly newsletter, coming your way in the next few days.

Terms and Conditions:
1. Lucky door prize will be allocated to one Bondville monthly newsletter or daily email subscriber.
2. There are no entry requirements.
3. This Lucky Door Prize giveaway is open to all Bondville subscribers in Australia only.
5. This Lucky Door Prize giveaway is hosted by Steph Bond-Hutkin via the Bondville blog at blog.stephbond.com.
4. The prize consists (1) Laughing Bird tea towel (Willy Wagtail design) RRP $25.00, (1) Laughing Bird tea towel (Everlasting Daisy design) RRP $25.00, (1) Femme Tote RRP $36.00 plus postage within Australia from Down That Little Lane.
5. Lucky Door Prize winner will be notified in the Bondville Monthly newsletter, sent to subscribers the week commencing 6th September 2012.

Images: Down That Little Lane

b.sirius bags and accessories

I'm on a roll with cute bags this month. Annabelle from b.sirius designs crafty-cool bags, clutches, backpacks, purses, luggage tags and iPad covers in her Melbourne studio.

You'll find patchwork and appliques as well as sweet details like bird buckles, buttons, and ric rac bows. My favourite piece is the foldover bag (bottom pic) that slumps with panache when popped on a table or chair during a business meeting or coffee with pals. Oh, and I totally adore the whale print fabric bags and purses that are (luck for us) on sale at the moment! I think I've just talked myself into one.

You can find b.sirius in the online store as well as stockists in Australia and New Zealand.

Images: b.sirius

Oktoberdee handbags and accessories

My pals Kylie and Alischa are pals with Lauren Ferry from Melbourne-based Oktoberdee so I thought I had better check out the goods on offer. And wow - they are pretty fabulous. Hip leather bags, neckwear and accessories.

Oh yes! I do recognise the neckwear from Finders Keepers markets - great neckerchief-like pieces made from ties, wool and leather. They are totally cute. But the leather and fabric bags are my favourite. They are fun and hip and all grown up without making you look older than your years (yes I'm talking to you, leather handbags across Australia!). There's lots of crafty details, embossing, ruffles and braids. These babies look like they have stepped straight out of Frankie magazine.

You can find Oktoberdee in the online store and stockists around Australia and New Zealand.

Images: Oktoberdee

Sir Tom accessories

Yes it's Father's Day just around the corner, but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself too. Why not pick up an edgy-cool clutch just for you by Sydney indie accessories label Sir Tom.

The Sir Tom range of accessories and homewares includes limited edition clutch purses, medium purses, coin purses and cushion covers. The purses and cushions are made with original fabric designs reated by Sir Tom designer Anne using a combination of traditional screenprints and digital printing.

The fabric designs are quirky and head-turning. Jodie uses illustration and photography to create images of the things around her (many of them uniquely Australian - love the bottle brush and banksia designs). My favourite is the lemon and grey triangle deco clutch (top) whichI know will stand the test of time. And that cushion above showcasing waves crashing near Icebergs at Bondi is bang-on-the-money. I'm sure some of those surf-loving Fathers out there would approve too.

You'll also find designs for kids made by Jodie using vintage fabrics and original Sir Tom fabric designs (see dress above) at Sir Tom Baby.

Look for Sir Tom accessories and homewares in the Etsy store and keep up-to-date on designs via Facebook.

Images: Sir Tom

Naomi Murrell online store now open

One of my favourite Australian artists and designers, Adelaide-based Naomi Murrell, has just opened her brand new online store in Australian dollars. Now you don't have to scour shops for her gorgeous designs - they are just a click away.

Current categories in-store include art prints, jewellery, cards, limited edition cushions and limited edition bags. There are a number of sweet holiday products available too like cute festive ornaments kit and letterpress cards.

Check out the store here, and subscribe to the mailing list on the Naomi Murrell website to receive a discount code for the grand opening and a chance to win a $50 giveaway. (the Etsy store is still open for all you international shoppers).

For more information about Naomi, check out the Bondville profiles on Naomi's jewellery and artwork.

Images: Naomi Murrell

Drool-worthy Design: Nicola Cerini textiles

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for textiles and native Australian flora, so I was in heaven when I investigated the fabulous range of prints and fabric by Nicola Cerini. Well-known for her "Plasto" bag designs, Nicola is now creating gorgeous rugs, ceramics, and homewares using her screen-printed illustrations.

Nicola Cerini fabrics are available by the metre and you can order one of Nicola's bag designs in current and archival prints. I'm also excited to see that Nicola has recently collaborated with Zaishu on a new stool covered with designs inspired by the native flora and wildlife of the Errinundra plateau.

Not only are Nicola's designs totally drool-worthy, but her business ethics are just as admirable, supporting conservation projects and running her studio on sustainable principles.

You can find Nicola Cerini products in the online store as well as the studio retail store in Melbourne.

Images: Nicola Cerini and Zaishu

Hip Products: Chi Designs accessories

I was introduced to Brisbane accessories designer Chi Designs through the divine Mishy Lane and have immediately fallen hard for the range of super-spunky clutches, bags, purses and hair accessories. Especially the "Fashion Week" clutches that are real headturners. Just ask Chi designer Chi Bui - she made the best-dressed list at the Mercedez Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane for toting her black and white sewing pattern clutch pictured above. Check out the glam red carpet pic of Chi here.

You can find Chi Designs online on Etsy and Madeit (Australia) as well as at markets around Brisbane. Keep an eye on the Chi Designs blog for details.

Imags: Chi Designs

Hip Products: Wilson Accessories

Wilson Accessories, based in Victoria, has a range of gorgeous leather pieces that I've been coveting recently. Lisajane Wilson creates beautiful accessories from fine grain leather embossed with detailed patterns and lined with printed cotton.

The range includes handbags, wallets, travel bags, beauty bags, men's bags, and vintage style bags. My favourite pieces include the delightful Pablo triangle pouch that is inspired by one owned by Lisajane's own grandmother.

You can find Wilson Accessories in the online store.

Images: Wilson Accessories

Hip Products: Nancybird Uncle Ned range for men

Here is another fantastic Father's Day idea for you. Emily Wright from Bondville favourite Nancybird has just released the Uncle Ned range of men's leather bags, wallets, belts and keyrings that have piqued my interest.

Key features of the range include thick cow leather, custom printed cotton lining, screen printed leather badges, and antique nickle metal fittings.

I like the a distinct Grampa-cool look about them. Emily writes that the range was inspired by "old leather postman’s bags, army satchels and 1960’s quilted car seats". If your guy or Dad is a hipster, or just appreciates quality, this may be a great gift for them.

You can find Uncle Ned products at the Nancybird shop online as well as at Nancybird stockists around Australia and New Zealand and online. Read more about Nancybird on Bondville here.

Images: Nancybird

Hip Products: Nosovich handmade bags

I was chatting to a really nice Mum at the park one day and we got talking about our shared love of bags, and I was thrilled to find out that she was Megan Forsyth of the Nosovich bag label.

Brisbane-based Megan uses premium fabrics from Australia, North America and Japan to create delicious accessories including bags and clutches. Megan spends at least three to five hours on each creation, using four layers of interfacing for structure and strength. These are no factory line bags!

You can find Nosovich bags and clutches at the Nosovich Etsy store online. And lucky for us, to celebrate the Brisbane Exhibition Nosovich will be having 10% off discount from 6-15th August, 2009 as part of the BrisStyle Ekka ETSY Extravaganza. You can also check out more lovely designs on the Nosovich blog. You have been warned!

Images: Nosovich

Hip Products: Violetto bags

Wow, check out the amazing bags from Sydney-based accessories label Violetto, launched in 2007. Combining their experience with surface print design and fashion, the designers Jenny and Julianne have created a range of shoppers, totes, clutches and purses that transport you to far-away places.

Key pieces are created with hand-printed fabrics and soft leather. These pieces are decidedly modern with a generous dash of retro inspiration. Now there's no excuse to reach for those department-store brands, when there is Aussie design as gorgeous as this.

You can find Violetto bags at stockists throughout Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

Images: Violetto

Hip Products: Lyssy May handmade bags

In 2003 after returning home from London, Alyssa launched the fun and sassy Lyssy May bag and accessories label. Six years, two cities, her own store and a new studio later, Alyssa is now based in Melbourne and selling her handmade creations all over Australia.

The Lyssy May range includes handbags, satchels, purses, travel bags, wallets, cardholders, and adorable mini-bags for little girls-about-town. Bags are fully lined and fabric-protected and include reinforced stitching, heavy duty interfacing and hand-stitched embellishments. I fell in love with the Lyssy May peacock satchel made in collaboration with Thea & Sami at the Stitches and Craft show. And the Sushi Sister bags with chopstick handles are real head-turners.

You can find Lyssy May bags in the online store and at stockists around Australia. You can also find more information about upcoming designs on the Lyssy May blog One Day At Lyssy May.

Images: Lyssy May

Hip Products: Button Tree accessories

Annemarie Blades creates fun and quirky handmade bags, accessories, art and clothing under the Button Tree label. Based in Melbourne, Annemarie uses vintage materials, old book illustrations and a huge dose of imagination to put together fun pieces for your wardrobe. Annemarie aims to use as many second had/recycled materials as possible while creating original pieces - an ethos I can really respect.

I love the idea of a steely-eyed deer or bird-in-flight on my scarf peaking out from my winter jacket. And replacing all my jacket buttons with bird-covered tweed buttons. And adding a roomy bag with requisite doily fawn. And of course a doily-covered badge to top off my outfit.

If you like that idea too, you can find Button Tree in the online store as well as stockists around Australia.

Images: Button Tree