These nylon handbags from Marc by Marc Jacobs are priced to fly off the shelves.

THIS JUST IN | Here is something you don’t see very often: the words “Marc by Marc Jacobs” and “inexpensive” used in the same sentence. But, dear readers, I’m here to report that it’s true, and as someone who considers herself both fashion forward and value minded, I’m utterly smitten with these stylish and seriously affordable totes coming soon to a Holt Renfrew near you.

The last time yours truly got this excited about in inexpensive tote was back in 2007 when Anya Hindmarch released the now iconic canvas shopper with the words “I Am Not A Plastic Bag” splashed across the front. The British fashion accessories designer sold the tote everywhere around the world for just $15, including Holt Renfrew in Canada. I remember doing everything in my power to get one, but they were gone in a New York minute. Swallowed up by handbag scalpers, maybe? Who knows, but there are tales of these humble groceries holders being resold on eBay for as much as $400 each.

I can’t imagine this happening to these Marc by Marc Jacobs bags, which will sell for $48 (a portion of this amount goes to nonprofit Vision Spring, an organization that provides low-cost eyeglasses in the developing world), but you never know.

Made of durable nylon and with two sturdy straps, the Marc by Marc Jacobs totes are more fashionable and versatile than the Hindmarch version for sure, “the perfect accessory to compliment any wardrobe for work or play, fitting comfortably over the shoulder and ideally shaped to carry textbooks, magazines, files and more,” is the way Holts is promoting them. Available in four hot colours—pink, blue, white and black—each tote features a striking graphic: the words Marc by Marc Jacobs laid out as an eye chart in tribute to Vision Spring.

This limited edition tote, a partnership between Holt Renfrew and Marc by Marc Jacobs and benefitting Vision Spring, will be officially on sale in all Holt Renfrew stores from September 30 through October 10, but you can reserve the bags online at www.holtrenfrew.com starting next Tuesday, September 7. Fashionistas, Marc your calendars. —Annabel Lee

Reserve your tote bag online September 7 through October 26 at www.holtrenfrew.com
(imabeautygeek.com reports that Holt Renfrew will net no profit from the sale of these bags. Way to go HR.)

Photo: courtesy Holt Renfrew