SOMERVILLE — Everybody loves great bargains in this economy, especially for designer clothes. And it is the season for giving and making others happy. One website covers all these bases, making shopping a charity cause. TraTutti.com is a consignment website that prides itself in saving and giving. It resells lightly worn designer clothing for low prices and donates a portion of the profits to Boston based charities.

"We donate 20 percent of what we make to six charities," said website founder Ashley Judge. "Tra Tutti keeps forty percent of the money, and the last forty percent goes to the consigners who donate the clothing."

Tra Tutti donates to AIDS Action, Big Brother Big Sister, Dress for Success, MSPCA, The Home for Little Wanderers and Rosie’s Place. When you shop from Tratutti.com and buy something, you can choose which of these charities you want your twenty percent to go to. When you finish up and pay, Judge writes a check and sends it to the charity of your choice. There is a reason their motto is "couture with a conscience."

Judge considers herself a young entrepreneur. She has a large background in non-profit business, managing events for Goodwill and then becoming the Manager of External Affairs for Ambassador Swanee Hunt in Cambridge. Then she decided to create a company based on a new business model.

"I wanted to take this nonprofit experience and combine it with my other two passions: bargain hunting and fashion," explained Judge, "Tra Tutti is absolutely a for-profit entity, but we’re a ‘social enterprise,’ a business for the common good with goals of success that don’t just include being financially successful.”

This is how it works: if you own any designer clothing in good condition, then you can send it to Tra Tutti and they will sell them for you. You can even have Judge and her crew goes through your closet and helps you clean out what you no longer wear. When it’s sold, Judge returns forty percent of the profits back to the consigner. Then Tra Tutti keeps the remaining forty percent. This way, everybody benefits.

Every few months Tra Tutti also holds a sales event with Kick Ass Cupcakes. This is a joint venture with Kick Ass Cupcakes owner Sara Ross. She also sees the appeal of donating to charities.

"Kick Ass Cupcakes donates hundreds of cupcakes a week to charity events all over the city," said Ross.

These events, called "Couture and Cupcakes," allow shoppers to check out a selection of designer clothes while enjoying free cupcakes and champagne.

"I think this is a great idea", said one Tra Tutti shopper, who declined to give her name, "It’s not going to make me feel guilty because usually when you shopping you feel guilty because your selfish. But in this case you’re shopping and you’re making everybody happy and your making these charities happy."

The next Couture and Cupcakes even will be in February, so log on to TraTutti.com for details. While you’re there, check out the selection of great clothes for great prices, and don’t forget to choose your favorite charity you want your money to go to.

Any woman knows that the hottest accessories may not always be the most practical. You know how it works: you get a clutch that is so pretty but doesn’t have room for your keys, your lip gloss, your cell phone and camera.‚ But opting for a regular bag means‚ that you end up putting so much in it you’re using two seats on the subway or hitting people as you walk down the street.

Needless to say, when we heard of a new bag line claiming to be chic and useful for the things you need the most, we were skeptical. But after checking it out, we found out that these bags are pretty darn good. And fashionable.

Suzanne’s Discreet Chic Accessories has the bag that Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus are all sporting, and that’s a short list.

The line, created by Suzanne Gabos of Tampa, Fla., is the most stylish and subtle way to carry, protect and organize personal products.

With a practical “Hide and Chic” clutch where you can discreetly store tampons, a Fem-Tote case created to go into your bag so you an find special items easily; and a hilarious -‚ but oh so truly needed‚ -‚ Panty Pouch where you can keep a change of clean undies and avoid wearing dirty undergarments the morning after, even your mom would be proud to see you buy one.

The company was established in September 2007. Gabos’ sense of style, fashion and organization‚ inspires the‚ line of classy, yet functional traveling cases to address the needs of females between the ages of 12 and 60. The Fem-Tote and the Panty Pouch were designed to ensure feminine product freshness and cleanliness, with style, dignity and discretion.

The designs simply focus on the active woman, whether she is traveling, working, playing or merely, looking for a way to carry her things.

“In life, women deal with many pleasures; however, the menstrual cycle is not one of them,” said Gabos, in an interview with Blast. “The Fem-Tote will make this ‘period’ of time more pleasant. It is my hope that my designs will connect with women everywhere and provide them with the freedom that comes from being confident and secure in their everyday lives.”

The bags may not bring an end to the bloating, cramps, headaches and moodiness, but they will make things easier to find and prettier to carry. Always have to look at the glass as half full, right ladies?

The bags vary in sizes and come in different colors, designs and fabrics ranging from $42 to $140 and are all available on-line.

Calypso Studios, an eco-fashion company based in Richmond, Virginia, recently launched their new line of eco-friendly S.H.O.P Totes. With over 500 billion plastic bags used annually, the unique S.H.O.P. (Start Helping Our Planet) Totes are designed to make a difference bag by bag. Ed and Kathy Lawrence, founders of Calypso Studios‚ have announced their First Annual Earth Day Event with the kick-off of their S.H.O.P Totes giveaway.

The‚ business‚ has vowed to donate over $10,000 worth of their S.H.O.P Totes on the 39th Annual Earth Day. Today you can register on their website to win an Acts of Kindness S.H.O.P. Tote. The drawing ends on April 22, and the eco-friendly winners will receive their bag after Earth Day to accessorize their wardrobe and to support Calypso’s mission of re-using shopping bags.

With the collaboration of several American artists, Lori Siebert, Emma Hand, Robin Roderick, Tina Higgins, and Andrea Tachiera, Calypso Studios was able to launch their artistic collection to the world in January. The Start Helping Our Planet Tote not only eliminates the amount of plastic that our planet consumes, but is easy to carry, giving modern consumers a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. The totes easily roll up into a 2″ X 3″ size, and three of the bags fit into one convenient wristlet carrying case.‚ 

“In our ever growing eco-friendly world, we are proud to announce our Start Helping Our Planet Totes,” said Kathy Lawrence. “They are convenient, fashionable and can travel with consumers everywhere they go.”

Besides caring for the environment Calypso also works closely with American Artists, creating jewelry and accessories from earth’s natural elements that are fashionable, economical, and earth friendly. And, a percentage of all their sales go towards‚ ‚ environmental organizations the business is‚ involved‚ with. So, go ahead and enter your name to win that tote, maybe you will find an earth-friendly accessory to buy too.

Jamah is a word with many definitions. In Islam it can mean unanimous agreement and in Muslim culture it refers to a man’s clothing. For Nancy Gale Jamah means “Be Who You Are.” Who she is, is a great handbag designer. Not only are her bags made with a mission, they are made with utility in mind and people like Brad Pitt seem to like it. Jamah was established in 2000 and it has grown to do good along the way of success.

“In True Fashion was created to raise the self esteem in American youth. We mentor students in creating a bag and experiencing all aspects of a business to discover their own creativity and abilities; if we can help them work and care for an outside object we can tap into their self esteem and make them care about themselves too, about their world and their own backyard,” said Nancy Gale, founder of Jamah Bags. “We are in a day and age where people really want to help out. Jamah developed two years ago but In True Fashion has always been in my mind to be the cause of this business.”

Such business began after Gayle, a technical writer by profession, got sent home from the office too many times because she was, “too fashion conscious.” As she explained, her interest in design had always been present but she never really imagined making a living from it. After one too many corporate America snubs she worked as an event gift tent creator. While hunting for products she also incorporated bags she designed to the gifts. It turned out people really liked those bags. Her boss, friends and bag fans convinced her to start selling them.

Originally only sold online, the bags got a boost of attention when Brangelina bought the fashionable and usable Nanny diaper bag. Poppa Pitt has to carry milk bottles in style, after all. The rest, as they say, is history and Gale now has different collections and major stores asking for bags to sell.

“The designs have been really popular because I found a way to combine utility with modern looks, the combination of these leaves you with something that is classic and timeless and I really create bags people can wear for 20 years. I worked everything virally and I was very blessed when Brad and Angelina bought my bags; we were ready and they were the piece that made everyone stop and say, “Ëœoh wow.’ People like that when you invest in Jamah you invest in a really good bag,” the designer added.

Architecture and art help Gale become aware of lines and frames that can make a timeless look. After that, she builds a bag, as she explained, from the inside out to see how space can be used to the fullest. Add the most, “luscious leathers” and vivid colors the designer searches for and the bags become original fashion pieces.

On sale from $50 to $700‚ accessories‚ and bags are all at Jamah.com and just as the bags do, the website reflects Gale’s peaceful and happy demeanor. In fact, it is probably this characteristic that makes her business thrive. Gale is a California girl, happy to live her dream to wake up and design for a living and willing to help others with her gains. Not concerned with the typical fashion calendar, she said she doesn’t have specific fall or spring lines. Rather, she releases new designs on a set schedule that are based on things triggering her imagination.

“I think once you tie yourself to a label and are expected to have new material every season what you end up with is the same bag in different colors.‚  We want to make people understand who we are and to really make sure people see In True Fashion as the focus of the company. I decided to go season-less but go with a natural inspiration,” Gale said.‚  “I want people to look at the bag and say “Ëœ yeah that’s Jamah,’ by the design, usefulness and beauty of the bag.”

The organization that makes teenagers use their imagination to design a bag and raise their self-esteem is not the only thing Jamah is instituting. Since they got their start on the Internet, Gale wants to use new media and social web tools to reach consumers.

Currently, she is running a contest on Facebook, the social networking website, where people can enter a contest to get a bag named after them. Contrary to belief, you don’t have to be young and beautiful to win. Contestants must submit a reason for why they should have a bag named after them. This message is what will determine the winner.

“I am designing handbags so there’s really no brain surgery to it, its just a blessing to do something like this,” Gale confessed.‚  “One thing we do here is everything everyone says not to do. I am doing what feels right and discovered so many people also want to help for no specific reason. We want to be a brand that stands for something instead of going to mainstream stores.”

For your chance to get a Jamah bag, email your information to Giveaways@BlastMagazine.com by December 31 and enter to win!

The word “recycle” gets tossed around a lot in modern society, but one company has looked beyond the blue bin in your driveway to create a fabulous green fashion statement.

Sea Bags are an excellent example of the ways consumerism is changing. These accessories, which range from wine carriers to large over-the shoulder bags, are all made out of the material from actual previously used sails!

The sails are procured locally from boaters in the Portland, Maine area through purchase, donation or even trade. Sea Bags also offers the choice to donate material in exchange for a donation to the Sail Maine Scholarship Fund for children that are learning or wish to learn to sail.

Each bag created from these sails has distinctive markings from the expected wear and scratches such material collects from the nature of its previous function on the sea. Customers can also choose a type of design for their bag, including additions like stripes, large identification numbers or logos which can be found on each individual sail. This guarantees that each bag is absolutely one of a kind.

Also unique are the company’s beliefs. “We make bags out of recycled sails and each bag represents everything we are as a company,” said company owners Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler. The company stands on chathe philosophy that every person, just like their sails, deserves a second chance — a perfect stance for a company that revolves around recycling.

To put this idea into action the company has a close working relationship with the Maine Correctional Institute for Women. Sea Bags also developed a line of bags devoted to aiding the fight against Breast cancer which sported the well-recognized pink ribbon. Half of all the proceeds gained from the sail of these bags — $15,000 — went directly to the Maine Cancer Foundation.

This multi-faceted involvement with the community helps the company stick with one of its final goals, to stay local while growing into a global company. “We are proud to have a global business in Portland, Maine where all of our products are made and we are passionate about keeping it that way,” said the owners.

The possibilities for recycled fashion are endless. In fact, right now I am using a beautiful piece of a used billboard for a wallet and part of a retired circus tent for a purse.

Creativity can help save our earth, one accessory at a time.

If you don’t own a Bolzano handbag, and if it makes you feel better, Bolzano is a newcomer in the American high-fashion scene. Of course, that’s just an excuse for not treating yourself to authentic Italian luxury sooner.

In quiet seriousness, when it comes to “good” purses over the years, it’s been a letters game — C, G, LV and P. Well that continues, and keep your eyes open for the letter “B” boiling over the American market in 2008.

Three of their products got a closer look, and there are a bunch of striking designs in Bolzano’s spring collection.

“Fiore” (Italian for “Flower”) comes in three colors and can fit a small family inside. The red design ($485) is striking with crocodile-embossed lambskin pocket flaps and gold-colored “B” hardware. There’s a matching wallet ($175) and passport holder ($58). It’s a sophisticated design that screams “success” on the wearer.

What the company says: “City Stitch goes soft; this slouchy bag is comfortable and stunning. Sure to turn heads everywhere it goes.”
• 17" L x 11" H x 8" W
• Bright poppy red Italian leather with patent crocodile embossed lambskin pocket flaps
• Gold color signature rings adorn the 22" tubular handles
• Gold color working key & lock hardware embossed with Bolzano insignia on pocket flaps

The “Sienna Hobo” design ($300) is a smaller more-everyday bag. Hobo is a different kind of handbag style. It gives a casual look but works just as well with a business suit or dinner dress.

What the company says: “Retro meets classic style with this enchanting hobo bag. The convenient shape and size makes it an ideal everyday companion.”
• 17" L x 12" H x 5.5" W
• Genuine black cowhide leather
• 15" shoulder strap
• Pre-order only

Finaly the brown “Lucia” ($345) is a very classy design that looks very old-world Italian. The bag is roomy, and the design is clean. It’s very vintage.

What the company says: ” Fabulously functional, the Lucia has an accesible roomy interior that can accommodate the needs of a busy woman.”
• 18" L x 9 "H x 4" W
• 25" handles tubular handles
• Two-way Bo zipper pull / nickel purse feet
• Inside signature jacquard lining with interior zipper and multifunctional slit pockets
• Brown Italian cowhide leather
• Bo ring detail at front
• Antique gold color hardware

Bolzano has some exciting designs, excellent fabric and a ton of potential. In the United States and Canada, they are currently only available in boutique stores, scattered around. They’re also available online. If the company can build its brand, Bolzano bags could be all the rage within a year. The designs seem to appeal to the career woman, but some designs could find their way into the closets of college girls and younger.