HARDWARE Handbags Revisited (and contest!)

As you know last month I wrote a post about HARDWARE Handbags. I was so impressed with the sustainable fabrics, sturdy construction and sleek design that I broke one of my Wardrobe Oxygen rules - I reviewed without actually using or experiencing the product. Since the post, HARDWARE Handbags got a lot of feedback from you guys - you too loved the style of the bags, but you were a little concerned with the price. HARDWARE listened and because of you guys, they have lowered their bag prices! They also were gracious enough to send me a bag so I could experience their quality and style first-hand. Two weeks of almost daily use, and I am a HARDWARE Handbags fan! I received the Shopper style in the khaki and red version. Saturday it arrived carefully packaged and it was put to work that same day. I was heading into the city to a party at my sister's apartment and was bringing a bottle of champagne, a large bottle of wine, my clutch purse in case we were to go out afterwards, my camera and a wrap. The Shopper was big enough to hold all, and the pockets were large enough that I could put a bottle of champagne in one so that the glass bottles didn't clang against one another. The steel cable handles are surprisingly comfortable in the hand or over the shoulder - even when carrying much weight in the bag. These pictures are ones I took from that evening. The bag came to use the following week for my work commute. I have recently started a new job so I have been slowly carrying things to make my office a home away from home. The Shopper has been big enough to carry several manuals and work documents, cleanser, plants, picture frames and snacks. As you can see in the second picture above, the bag has three sturdy snaps to close that really keeps it closed quite well and pickpocket-free on the subway. The lining is water-resistant so it didn't stain from the condensation from my packed lunch or any dribbles from my plants. The three inside pockets were deep enough that one day I left my purse at home and fit my essentials (camera, cell, wallet, iPod, cosmetic bag, note pad and keys) in them while carrying wet and cumbersome items in the main compartment. The bag came with a chain and hook for keys; I attached my Metro SmartTrip card and keys to it for easy access when entering and exiting the subway and my office building. The bag is well structured and stands upright, even with uneven weight distribution inside. When I went to the mall to do some returns and shopping, I used my Shopper instead of a purse. I was able to hold my purse essentials plus two returns, and instead of accumulating more plastic bags, was able to hold almost all my new purchases inside the tote. Since my last post, I have visited the HARDWARE Handbags site and found that they have made a partnership with Project Night Night. For every bag HARDWARE Handbags sells, a homeless boy or girl will get a Night Night Package with a blanket, stuffed animal and an age-appropriate book. IF you wish to support this endeavor, just enter code PNN1 at checkout to help and you will also receive FREE shipping. CONTEST! HARDWARE Handbags wants you to be as big of a fan as I am... and is offering one of you a FREE bag of your choice! Just send an email to me with HARDWARE Handbags in the subject line (sorry, only US and Canadian residents for this contest) before Midnight, December 23rd, 2007 and a winner will be chosen at random. All who participate in the contest will be added to HARDWARE Handbag's mailing list so you will be kept abreast of any new products or promotions happening with the line. For everyone else, remember to enter the code PNN1 at checkout to receive free shipping AND help a homeless child with a gift.