Margaret Quilted Dome Satchel from 88 Handbags + Giveaway

How many purses do you own?  I have way too many, and that’s after donating a huge moving box full of bags last year.  I’ve long held the opinion that the perfect handbag can improve any outfit, which led me to buy a million purses over the years.  However, I’ve tried to slow down my purse buying.  Instead of grabbing all the cute novelty bags I see, I’m sticking mostly to classic purses with styles that will hold their own for years.  I’m also focusing on quality, as I’ve had far too many bags fall apart after a short amount of time.

Just in time for Christmas, I received a new purse from 88 Handbags, and I’m excited to tell you that it meets all my expectations and then some!  But before I tell you about my bag, let me tell you a bit about 88 Handbags, as they’re not your standard purse brand.

First, the number 88 means something.  It means a lot of things actually:  it’s the number of constellations in the sky, the luckiest number in Chinese culture, and a representation of creation and recreation, to name a few.  In other words, the number 88 is symbolic, and the designers at 88 Handbags want their bags to be symbolic of more than just good style.

How do they manage that?  By promoting strong ethics and sustainability.

88 is a vegan brand, so absolutely no animal products are used in these handbags.  The materials used, like the vegan “leathers” and the custom hardware, are chosen specifically because they have the least environmental impact.  Additionally, 88 ensures that all suppliers are certified compliant for human rights and good working conditions, so you can feel comfortable knowing care is taken in choosing manufacturers.

My favorite thing about 88 is that they donate a percentage of every sale to Care International, a charity that assists in educating women around the world.  Care International works to provide basic education to end child marriage, decrease child mortality rates, control disease, and give every girl and woman the opportunity to own her future.  It’s an amazing cause, and I love knowing that my bag comes with such a good cause attached.

Now, onto the fashion!  I have the Margaret Quilted Dome Satchel from the Mayfair Collection:

This bag is fantastic.  The shape of the bag and the quilted pattern on the vegan leather are both classic styles that will make this bag an easy choice for many years.  Let’s be honest:  sometimes PU (polyurethane) bags can look cheap, but this one definitely does not.  It looks really expensive, honestly, and part of that is due to the gorgeous gold hardware.

While we’re on the topic of hardware, let me take a moment to specifically point out the zippers.  I’m sure you’ve had purses with terrible zippers at some point; I know I have!  If zipper quality means as much to you as it does to me, I can happily say that the zippers on my 88 bag are outstanding.  They’re sturdy and smooth and glide like butter.  I know it’s just a zipper, but as many times as I open my purse throughout a single day, I want my zippers to be awesome, and these are.

The inside of my purse is roomy and lined with a good quality fabric, and it features a small zipper compartment as well as two pockets.

As for the size of the bag, I think it’s great.  It’s not too big and not too small, easily holds everything I carry with space for more, and the twin handles are the perfect length for both carrying on your shoulder or on your arm.  The Margaret also comes in red, which I think looks equally gorgeous.

88 has a great selection of bags from large to small.  With the holidays rapidly approaching, a new purse may be the perfect choice for a friend or loved one.  Why not choose one that also gives back to women around the world?  To check out the full selection of 88 Handbags, have a look at the 88 website, and take advantage of the fast shipping options available in their Amazon store.  Use coupon code WXPVXV4U to get 10% off!  Good until 12/31.

Enter to win a Margaret Quilted Dome Satchel from 88!  Giveaway is open to US residents who are 18 and older.  Ends 1/1/15.  Good luck!