First look: New Briggs & Riley Transcend

When people find out you work for a luggage store their first question usually is, what is your favorite brand of luggage? While we love all brands here at Irv’s Luggage, there always been a soft spot for Briggs & Riley. Not only are they popular with both our employees and our customers, but they are Consumer Reports top rated luggage company. They are the only line of bags to offer such features the Simple As That warranty and an outside pull handle for easy packing. Now for 2017, they have redesigned their Transcend line of luggage.

So what is different in these new models? In one word; EVERYTHING. Traditionally, the Transcend series was a simple, no frills case for a casual traveler. Now this series has moved upscale. The most obvious change for this new model are new colors (rainforest, merlot, and slate) and a squared off shape. This gives their cases a more modern and luxurious look. This theme is continued inside with an upgraded tan interior that replaces the utilitarian gray color.

However, the biggest change is the redesigned expansion system. Briggs & Riley has gotten rid of the zippered expansion system and replaced it with their new VX variable expansion system. This system uses Velcro to allow the consumer to adjust the expansion to fit their items, rather than a zipper system which is either open or closed. No other luggage manufacturer has a system like this; it is truly one of a kind.

Another unique feature that Briggs & Riley offers is matching accessories. Most brands offer maybe a tote and a wheeled tote. However, Briggs has expanded their Transcend accessories to include wheeled totes, a shopping tote, toiletry kits, and new for 2017 a cabin bag and backpacks. All these accessories are available in all three colors and easily fit over the handle of all of their bags. These are must-have items when purchasing your new Briggs.

While the Briggs & Riley Baseline series is still the choice for the business traveler, the new Transcend series is a great choice for the frequent leisure traveler looking for a quality bag that is fashion forward. With all these new features it is one of our top sellers. Check out our website today to see all the sizes and styles or stop by one of our stores in Mt. Prospect or Northbrook, IL for a product demonstration. Once you own a Briggs & Riley you will be a loyal for life.

Affordable Animal Friendly Fashion Handbags

I love handbags; I love all the fabulous colors, styles, textures and shapes!!!  However, I do not love the big price tags that accompany them. That is why I am a huge fan of Big Buddha Handbags.  Big Buddha has a wonderful selection of very stylish, very fashionable bags at very affordable pricing. Gorgeous satchels, cross body bags, hobos and totes that look like designer handbags but are priced at a fraction of the cost.  What makes these bags so affordable is the vegan leather they are made from;  a leather-like material that not only looks and feels like real leather but is what some would call  “politically correct leather” because of the way it is produced. The manufacturing of vegan handbags does not involve the hides of any particular animal.  All the components of vegan leather are man-made……. therefore another great reason to love Big Buddha Handbags besides their chic looks and incredible pricing, is their “animal friendly” make-up!

Some of the top selling Big Buddha Handbags include:

The Big Buddha Mia Satchel – With its’ over-sized bow and unique feminine satchel shape, that includes a convenient shoulder strap, the Mia is one of our best selling Big Buddha bags to date. A versatile handbag (available in red, black, blue and grey) that works for both formal occasions and casual every day. A handbag that gives you a very feminine lady-like look with a vintage feel and a whole lot of modern day appeal as well!

The Big Buddha Adele Cross-Body Bag – The vegan leather of the Adele is incredible.  With an authentic snake-like appearance, the Adele will fool even the most sophisticated handbag connoisseur. Smart yet elegant tassels, a removable, adjustable shoulder strap (with drop down length of 38” – 43”) and a multitude of slip and zippered pockets, the Adele has just about everything a girl could ask for in a cross body and more!

The Big Buddha Brianna Tote Bag – You will love the metallic gunmetal sheen of the convertible tote / cross-body Brianna! With the Brianna, Big Buddha has truly mastered the art of vegan leather design. The Brianna’s textured exterior is so unique and fun that it is perfect for almost any outfit; a great year round bag for all with tons of space!!

The Big Buddha Courtney Zig Zag Hobo – The latest version of the Courtney was just released in  bronze and it is super cute!  The mixed metallic coloring, the fun zig zag design and the big slouchy hobo shape is terrific.  This is one bag that pictures cannot do justice to. A really unique looking bag that will definitely stand out from the pack if you are one of those handbag consumers looking for something special and unique in your handbag!!

With Big Buddha you are not only getting a dazzling “leather-like” handbag for a lot less money, you are also purchasing from a manufacturer that is not contributing to an industry where cows, pigs, or other exotic animals (alligators and snakes) are put in harm’s way for the sake of fashion!  Check out Big Buddha Handbags at Irv’s Luggage today!!!

The Return of Lady Like Structured Handbags

Handbag news flash!!  While the latest handbag styles have trended toward large slouchy bags with big chunky hardware, grommets & more; we are now seeing a resurgence of the more “lady-like” structured handbags.

Like anything in the fashion industry, if you hold onto something long enough it will eventually come back into vogue.  Redolent of the purses our mothers and grandmothers toted around these bags have a vintage feel with a modern twist; they are newly improved and hotter than ever!!!

Some great examples of these revived handbags with fabulous 21^st Century style include:

• The Dooney & Bourke Florentine Flap Satchel:  The Flap Satchel has a very traditional form reminiscent of the structured handbags of the past, but what is different and better about this handbag is the leather. The Florentine’s Vachetta leather is casual, yet elegant, with a rich beautiful texture that is both natural looking and sophisticated, and with a patina that becomes more and more beautiful with age. The stunning but subtle gold hardware Dooney has chosen, adds a distinguished elegance without overpowering the bag; less is truly more in this case, wow!
• The Big Buddha Mia Handbag:  With its’ bell-like shape, distinguished handles, zipper closure and big bow on the front of the bag, this new style from Big Buddha epitomizes the lady-like trend. It has a distinctive shape that is both soft and feminine. The long shoulder strap that comes with the bag gives you the option of wearing it cross body, adding a lot of versatility to this bag for the modern woman on the go!
• Harveys Seatbelt Bags Stella Hobo:  Although it does have the name hobo attached to it, there is not much ‘hobo’ in this handbag!  With a feminine teardrop shape that comes in both small and large sizes, and elegant silver hardware; this satchel style handbag brings you back to the 1950’s and 60’s with a great vintage look that is a little retro, very functional, indestructible and super chic.

I believe absolutely in the power of women today; we can do and be anything we choose. I also believe that we, as women, can still be exquisitely feminine no matter what we do, and that we should embrace that part of ourselves. So jump on board and try out this latest fashion craze, lady-like handbags….. Mom and Grandma would be proud!!!

Urban Junket – Power to Go, and Green to Boot

Irv’s Luggage is proud to carry Urban Junket, good for the earth and great for those on the go!  Besides being made of recycled bottles, a number of Urban Junket bags have a twist:  they’re powered.

Correct!  Rather than risk your iPhone or iPod running out of battery and leaving you disconnected, give yourself every possible opportunity to never miss an important call by plugging your mobile into the powered bag’s power source.

Some quick notes on the battery back:

“POWERFUL & COMPATIBLE: The built-in battery pack will recharge a typical device for up to 10 days of partial charges or two full smart phone charges and is compatible with any USB or Micro USB-powered device including:

• smart phones
• mp3 players
• Bluetooth devices
• e-readers
• portable gaming devices
• The rechargeable battery DOES NOT charge a laptop

MULTITASKING: The Urban Junket battery pack can receive power & simultaneously give power to any compatible device. It can be charged from any standard electrical outlet or pull power from a computer. It takes about 45 minutes to fully charge the battery in the bag.”

Rest assured, when you have an Urban Junket bag with you, you don’t have to worry about your phone dying in the middle of a hike or a meeting.  Urban Junket Totes and Bags provide that one extra tool to help a person through the day, which helping the Earth to boot!

Irv’s Luggage carries a number of these beautiful and utilitarian bags, handbags, laptop totes, and more.  Great colors and features, not to mention lightweight to counteract whatever you might put in your own Urban Junket Tote.

The bags are functional, littered with compartments and pockets as you can see from this interior shot of an Urban Junket Robin Laptop Bag:

 

Undoubtedly Urban Junket can find a home with any audience, and at Irv’s Everyday Low Prices, you won’t break the bank getting your hands on one.  For your college student coming home for the holidays or your friend who never has their phone charged Urban Junket hand bags and totes make a great gift for the coming season, or a “Just Because” for yourself.  You just can’t argue with something that offers so much capacity, mobility, durability, and environmental awareness all in one brand. And boy, do they look stylish!

Thank you for playing! Hobo Wallet-a-Week Giveaway is now over!

Thank you to all participants for entering!

Week 3 of our Hobo Lauren Wallet-a-Week Giveaway!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE:  2nd winner of the Irv’s Luggage Hobo Lauren Wallet-a-Week Giveaway is ……………………………………………………………….JANET!  We’ll be contacting you through email, congratulations!  Thank you to all participants, but this time it was her number that came up!

It’s ok though, because our new contest starts… NOW!

Irv’s Luggage – Week 3 of our Giveaway All through October!

THE PRIZE:

Enter to win this Hobo Lauren Glamour Exotic Clutch!

 

 

HOW TO ENTER:

STEP 1:

• Scroll to the bottom of this entry and look for the comment box. If you don’t see it, click on “Leave a Comment”.
• Fill in your Name and Email (how we’ll notify winners; make sure to check your email next Monday to see if you won!)
• Tell us about your IDEAL handbag/wallet.  What kind of features would it have?  What color/material would it be made of?  You are the designer, make it work! 

Winner will again be randomly selected, but make your entry a fashionable one!  Tell your friends and let them join in the fun!

Winner will be announced NEXT MONDAY, OCTOBER 22nd and notified via email, so make sure to check your inbox that morning!  Then it will be a new week, with a new wallet, and a new way to win!  Make sure to come back and keep coming back all through October so you too can Give a Hobo a Home!

Thanks again for playing, the entries make for fun reading!  See you next week!

Hobo Wallet-a-Week Giveaway! Every Monday in October!

 

 

HOW TO ENTER:

STEP 1:

• Scroll to the bottom of this entry and look for the comment box.  If you don’t see it, click on “Leave a Comment”.

• Fill in your Name and Email (how we’ll notify winners; make sure to check your email next Monday to see if you won!)

• Click on the “Browse” button on the form, so you can upload a photo of your current wallet, or at the very least tell us about it:  Why you use it, what occasions, what you keep in it, etc.  We’ll randomly select a winner from the entries, but make your entry a memorable one!

• Cross your fingers;  good luck!

Winner will be announced NEXT MONDAY, OCTOBER 8^th and notified via email, so make sure to check your inbox that morning!  Then it will be a new week, with a new wallet, and a new way to win!  So make sure to come back and keep coming back all through October so you too can Give a Hobo a Home!  Thank you to Hobo for allowing us to run this contest, to pass something on to our readers!