Know of a favorite independent handbag designer that you'd love to see recognized and rewarded for their work? Let them know about the open call for entries for the Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, sponsored by Handbag Designer 101. The categories for this competition are Best Student Made Handbag, Best Handmade Handbag, Most Socially Responsible Handbag, Best Green Handbag, Audience-Selected Handbag, and Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design. There are some great prizes up for grabs for the winning designers, including a free booth at the MAGIC accessories tradeshow in Las Vegas this August, an apprenticeship with the Henri Bendel accessory design team and more.

Okay, okay, so chances are that you're probably not a handbag designer, but maybe you're just a lover of purses? Handbag Designer 101 is still a great resource you can use to read interviews with up and coming bag designers, stay up to date on the latest trends in handbags, chat about your handbag must-haves, get your celebrity bag watch fix and find out about handbag related events and deals.

Speaking of deals on handbags, I just got word from my friends at Accessory Bug about their special discount offer for spring. Get 10% off on any order through April 30, 2008 by using coupon code spring08 at checkout. They've got the infamous "I'm not a plastic bag" handbag in four different color choices, plus a huge selection of clutches, hobos, totes, wristlets and other accessories.