New for Fall 2013: Check Out the Scout!

Another brand new item from our brand new Orange Label, the Scout Travel Wallet is sleek, stylish, and smart. With mesh pockets for boarding passes and paper itineraries, mesh zip pockets for coins, secure business card/credit card slots, a wrist strap, and full zippered closure to keep everything safely inside, the Scout takes care of it all so you don’t have to. What do you think? Will you check out the Scout?

NEW for Fall 2013: The Pontoon Horizontal Cross-Body

It’s a purse; it’s a cross-body bag. No, it’s both! The Pontoon has a removable short shoulder strap and a second removable, fully adjustable long strap for two carrying options in one. Don’t you just love versatility? More things you’ll love are this bag’s soft-lined iPhone/glasses pocket with magnetic closure, zippered coin pocket, and signature hidden water bottle holder. But that’s not all. This bag also has a secret zip compartment that’s soft-lined and sized to fit an iPad or iPad Mini. It's on its way to a retailer near you right now! (Actually, it might already be there. Eeee!) So whadyathink? We love your feedback.

NEW for Fall 2013: The Carousel Mini Cross-Body Bag

Check it out! The first new bag to be unveiled in our fall 2013 line is our Carousel Mini Cross-Body Bag. Sweet and petite, this pint-sized bag easily masters essentials in its soft-lined accessory pocket and three zip compartments. And the the fully adjustable strap is also detachable, which means you can carry this baby on you belt, fanny-pack style. Let us know what you think, and be sure to look for it in stores by the end of the month!

Customer Innovation: Tuk Tuk

We love designing bags that are super functional. It makes us happy. You know what else makes us happy? When our awesome fans write to us with innovative uses for our bags. Check out how this creative customer carries her Tuk Tuk.

"My baby is a handful and sometimes you just need your hands free. What I discovered with this bag is that you can actually make the shoulder strap full length and loop in between the carry handles in the center and then clip each clip to the regular D rings they normally hook to. This way, you can slip it on like a backpack!!! it works and everyone gasps in amazement!"

If you use your bag in an innovative way, please let us know! Send a message to katie@luglife.com so we can share your creativity with the Lug community.

What's in Your Bag?

It's always fun to take a peek inside someone's bag. Especially a Lug bag! I'm always amazed at what I can fit inside, so with that in mind, I thought I'd start a new blog segment called "What's in Your Bag?" ... Mkay, I'll start. In my Puddle Jumper (which just so happens to be my very first Lug bag [3.5 years and running!] and my very first Lug love), I have ...

1. My computer. I rarely leave home without it.

2. Because of #1, I've also got my computer cord and a random assortment of other computer accessories, like a flash drive, earbuds, usb cord, etc.

3. My notebook. I am a writer, after all.

4. Snacks. Girl's gotta eat.

5. Napkins. Does anyone else stuff the extra napkins you get at restaurants into your bag? Picked that habit up from my great grandmother.

6. Five lip glosses and a ChapStick. I'm addicted.

7. Cell phone. You know, when it's not in my hand.

8. Wallet & keys.

9. Sunscreen and sunglasses. (That sun sure shines bright deep in the heart of Texas.)

10. Book. (Currently David McCullough's The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris)

11. A couple of pencils and pens.

12. A random card from my mom. (Gotta love that.)

13. A watch that no longer works and a necklace that never made it back to the jewelry box.

14. A couple of random hair clips, spare change, and crumpled up receipts/grocery lists/coupons.

That's about it at the moment. So, whatcha got in your bag? Send me a picture and a list at katie@luglife.com, and I may choose you for my next "What's in Your Bag?" feature!

Back-to-School by Lug

Back to school. Back to school ... I got my lunch my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Ooooh, back to school. ... It's that time again. The start of the school year is quickly approaching (if it hasn't already), and that means school supplies! While we don't sell school supplies, we DO sell lots of brilliant bags and satchels and pouches to store them in. So, without further ado, here is our list of the top three school essentials by Lug:

1. A Brilliant Book Bag

Here we've got several options. You could go with our classic, the Puddle Jumper, with all it's pockets and pouches. Or maybe the sophisticated look of our new Taxicab Tote. If a messenger-style bag is more your thing, try the Hula Hoop for ultimate organization, or really streamline your load with the Flatbed Slim Laptop Bed for your essentials. The Gondola Slouch Tote and the Cabby Social Tote are great, more girlie options too.

2. A Leisurely Lunchbox

The Petals Lunch Tote is perfectly proportioned with it's cute curved shape. But if you think it's hip to be square, go for our Freight Box Lunch Cube.

3. A Pencil Pouch

All those pencils and pens can't just be rolling around your bag! Try the Canoe Brush Holder, the Clearview Envelopes, or the Punter Zip Pouch to keep organized.

Capital Hoedown Countdown

That's right. We're just one little week away from the Capital Hoedown, and we can hardly contain our excitement! (Eeeeeeee!!!!!!!) So, to just to be sure we're all prepared, I've come up with a little prep schedule to make sure we're all up to speed come the big day.

1. Friday (six days to go): Today you're going to want to buy your cowboy boots or dust off the ones you store on that top shelf in your closet. Put 'em on. Wear them around the house. Get comfortable in them. After all, there's going to be a lot of boot scootin' for the Howdown.

2. Saturday (five days to go): Speaking of boot scootin', you're going to want to polish those dance moves. Try to find a honky tonk and a cowboy and get after it. Or, if you're more comfortable testing out new moves at home, Youtube is the place to go!

3. Sunday (four days to go): After all that dancing, go ahead and take a break. Don't want to burn out. It is a three-day festival, after all.

4. Monday (three days to go): Today you should pick your outfit. That leaves plenty of time to do your laundry if laundry must be done and/or to go shopping, if you need something like chaps or a prize belt buckle. You know, the essentials.

5. Tuesday (two days to go): Since you've chosen your outfit, you'll easily be able to choose your coordinating Lug bag. I suggest something that slings over your shoulder messenger-style. You're going to want both hands free for dancing, clapping, and general good timin'. You're also going to want to pack it with the essentials—a little cash, sun screen, water bottle, and ... MORE COWBELL!

6. Wednesday (ONE day to go!): Today you can brush up on all those song lyrics you've been practicing and just relax. All your preparation has you in great shape to enjoy the festivities.

7. THURSDAY! ... Y'all have fun now, ya hear!

One More NEW From Lug: All-New Taxicab Tote!

If you like our original Taxi Tote, you'll love the new and improved Taxicab! It's got the same classic shape as the original, but the new quilted fabric gives it a fresh, more sophisticated look. We kept all of the original features, like the three front pockets, water bottle pocket, and luggage strap, but we kicked it up a notch by repositioning its accessory pockets, making this classic tote even more clever. We can't wait for you to see it in person!

More NEW from Lug: Introducing the Mambo Sun Tote!

I don't know where you live, but down in Texas, it's HOT, HOT, HOT! And when it's HOT, HOT, HOT, there's nothing better than a beach or a pool, or, heck, even a sprinkler in the backyard. ... While we can't bring the beach to you, we can supply the perfect tote to bring to the beach! Enter the Mambo Sun Tote. It's super lightweight but big enough for beach towels. Plus, it's got soft-lined pockets for gadgets, and three front pockets to keep other beach/pool essentials (magazines, sunglasses, etc.). There's even a removable mirror and a key fob! We can't wait for you to see this cute bag's new quilted clover fabric detail in person. You'll be mad about Mambo too!

Available this Friday!!!

More NEW from Lug: Introducing the Shimmy Shoulder Pack!

Add a little Shimmy to your shake with our newest shoulder pack! This lightweight bag will keep that pep in your step. Though it may be small in stature, it's big on organization, with all the clever features you've come to expect from a Lug bag—durable, fully adjustable strap, hidden water bottle pocket, cell phone pocket, soft-lined pockets, and a removable key fob. The deep front pocket has a magnetic closure for quiet access. And just like the Two-Step, the Shimmy features our new quilted clover fabric motif. Cute to boot!

Available July 15!

More NEW from Lug: Introducing the Two-Step Cosmetic Case

All of the Lug ladies are cheering for this one! Our new-for-fall Two-Step Cosmetic Case is large enough to corral even the biggest collection of cosmetics. It's got two separate compartments, each with a clear plastic coating for easy cleaning, keeping this bag looking great. The larger bottom are has a zip pocket and clever elastic straps to keep products in place, and the top section has another big zip pocket and brush holders to keep your makeup brushes organized. It also comes with a bonus Clearview Envenlope! Don't you just love it when we add extras?

And check out the too-cute quilted clover motif, our new fabric accent for fall 2011. We hope you LOVE IT!

More NEW From Lug: Introducing the Hula Hoop Carry-All!

Versatility. That's what this bag has. Well, that and a whole bunch of AWESOME organizational features! The Hula Hoop Carry-All is a super smart messenger-style bag that sits slim against the body, keeping your hands free to tackle other tasks (see left—super stylish, right!). There's an easy-access cell pocket, two water bottle holders, and all the organizational pockets inside you've come to know and love from Lug! Best part is, what's sure to become your favorite new carry-all doubles as a BABY BAG! Yup. We've added durable stroller straps, a changing pad, and a removable drawstring bag (for dirty diapers or clothes). So baby on board or not, this bag is bananas! (B-A-N-A-N-A-S!)

NEW From Lug: Introducing the Mini Handspring Wallet!

It's that time! (What time, you say?) Time to start unveiling the fabulous NEW designs from LUG! First up is the Mini Handspring. As if the name didn't give it away, the Mini is a pint-size version of the recently released Handspring. Same great quilted material, same super-functional zippered coin pouch, 18 card slots for ultimate organization—it's everything you love about the original, but MINI!

Available July 15!

Memorial Day Plans: Bags, Check!

Heading off to the lake this weekend (woohoo!), and I'm getting all packed up.

First, I've got my sunscreen, my bug spray, my after-sun lotion, my post-bite anti-itch lotion ... lots of different potions (gotta be prepared!). But it's no problem. They all fit nicely in my Clearview Train Case.

Then, I've got my beach towel, my magazine (this trip, it's Bon Appetit with Gwyneth Paltrow on the cover ... She's everywhere lately!), and my sunglasses. Again, no problem. My Gondola Slouch Tote saves the day.

And finally, there's everything else—clothes, multiple pairs of flip flops, toothbrush, deck of cards, kitchen sink, etc. For this I pull out my big Shuttle Bus. (But that reminds me: I should go ahead and upgrade to the Shuttle Bus Wheelie. It's niiiice.)

So, that's my weekend in bags. What are you doing this weekend? Better yet, what bags are you using?

Gotta Love a Long Weekend

Hey, Canadians! Happy (late) Victoria Day! Hope you had a relaxing/rejuvenating/exciting/super-fun three-day weekend. Did you do something special? A nice vacation? Or maybe a nice stay-cation?Did you take your favorite Lug bag with you? We'd love to hear about it, first, because we love hearing that our Lug bags get good use, and second, because Memorial Day is coming up this weekend in the States and wouldn't it be nice to give the folks down here some good ideas? (Yes. Yes, it would.) So send us a message or simply leave a comment and tell us, how was your holiday?

Ready for Father's Day? You Will Be!

This morning I heard on the radio that we're just about one month from Father's Day. Not that I need that sort of reminder. I'm totally on top of things and have been planning a special gift for my father for weeks. Yep. Totally on top of things. But just in case you (yes, definitely you and not me) have not thought about this special holiday for all the dads out their (like I clearly have), here are some great gift ideas for dear old Dad. It's nice to know that I ... I mean ... you still have plenty of time to get out there to your local Lug retailer or order online.

How about the Delta 10.4 iPad Sleeve? Or even better, the Delta 10.4 iPad Sleeve with an actual iPad inside!

Or how about the Cargo Packing Squares? Or even better, the Cargo Packing Squares with a new shirt/sweater/pant/shoe packed inside!

Or how about the Tango Travel Wallet? Or even better, the Tango Travel Wallet with a plane ticket and trip itinerary inside! And a Snuz Sac! And a Luggage Bag and Tag Set! And a Vertical Hanging Toiletry Bag! ... And, well, seeing as we're a bag and travel accessories company, you've got quite a lot of choices.

Hope you have fun planning a fantastic Father's Day! Need more suggestions? Just ask!

Lug Love from a Rocker to the Rocket

Rich Redmond, first-rate musician and current drummer for Jason Aldean, is a HUGE fan of the Rocket Roller! He likes it so much, he even sent us a quote:

"From buses and airports to recording studios and arenas, the Rocket Roller has me covered."

Thanks, Rich! Hope you're having a great time on tour!

Lug Love from The Shopping Mama

Thanks to The Shopping Mama for finding "The Best Reason to Go to the Gym." Spoiler alert: it's our Cartwheel Fitness/Overnight Bag! Read her great review here, and read below for a little excerpt.

"This is my first exposure to LUG products, but it won't be my last. I am very impressed with the thoughtful details and functionality, quality and the appearance, too. In spite of all the storage, the Cartwheel bag is still great looking and sleek - not bulky at all. For a big night sans kids, the Cartwheel bag is also a great overnight bag. (Which reminds me, I should probably go somewhere for a night to test this function...)"

We agree! Thanks for the love! Check out The Shopping Mama, the source for unique & fabulous things mamas want for their little ones, here.

Don't Forget Our Pet Photo Contest!

Another adorable pic of Lola the boxer here with her beloved UCB, Agent Potts, to remind you to enter our PET PHOTO CONTEST!

Remember how to enter? Just e-mail your picture to me, katie@luglife.com. If you need more details, go here.

Thanks, Instagram, for helping me take this cool picture.

Facebook Photo Contest: Pets + Lug = Precious!

Got an adorable pet that just so happens to love Lug? We'd love to see it! Which is exactly why we're excited to host a Facebook photo contest, and there are three simple steps to winning.

1. Snap a super-cute/unique/funny/outrageous picture of your pet(s) with any Lug product(s), and write a brief statement about why your pet loves Lug.

2. E-mail said picture and statement to me at katie@luglife.com, where I will cull through the entries, choose finalists, and create a Facebook Photo Contest album.

3. Peruse the album, "like" your favorite photo, then get all your friends to "like" it too.

The photo with the most "likes" by the end of April will win a Somersault Shoulder Pouch—a perfect little pouch to take on, say, a nice walk with your dog (like Lola, here, pictured above). Or maybe your cute kitty will like to play with the bag's fully adjustable strap (like Leon the Professional, pictured below). I'm sure you can think of a good use for this versatile little pack.

Submit your entries by April 15. That's just two weeks, so get to snapping!