ALSO:  Compact Systems are Perfect for Women
And These Bags are Perfect for Compact Systems  …

This week we’re in Las Vegas at the Wedding & Professional Photographers International (WPPI) trade show.  We’ll always have a place in our heart for photography lovers.  The first bag we ever sold was from our Classic Collection of professional-quality camera / travel bags.

Now that we offer a wide variety of career and carry bags for today’s tech-savvy, on-the-go woman and man, we still keep the photography lover in mind.  And we keep coming up with new ideas for them.

For instance, at WPPI we’re showing off an innovative insert that turns our larger E-GO bags into the most fashionable camera bags yet.  This optional, padded, drop-in divider insert both protects and organizes a DSLR camera, 1-2 extra lenses and some accessories – and no one will be able to tell there’s expensive photo equipment inside.

The insert also functions as a separate, self-contained mini-camera bag – complete with top handle, secure zipper closure, shoulder strap, and our iconic Jill-e Designs logo on the exterior.

Our DSLR insert fits inside these E-GO bags: 

• E-GO Leather Laptop Tote:  Large enough to hold a 15” laptop with an assortment of secure pockets and compartments for all your lifestyle essentials – and a look that’s very sophisticated
• E-GO Leather Laptop Career Bag:  A stylish gadget bag that accommodates a 12” laptop, camera gear and personal items, with a top zipper closure for extra security
• E-GO Laptop Valise:  An extra-large “shopper” that holds a 14” laptop and a camera, with easy-access zippered pockets and other compartments for daily essentials
• E-GO Laptop Satchel:  A stylish gadget bag that accommodates a 12” laptop, a camera and personal items, with a top zipper closure for extra security

So now the fashion-conscious photography lover can have the best of both worlds:  fashion and function, style and security.  What could be better?

Bags for Compact Cameras

We’re also featuring great-looking bags created specifically for today’s compact camera systems, whose performance and size make them especially popular among women.  We have five in all – two from the E-GO Collection, one from the Jack Collection for men, and two Essential Camera Bags for any locale and occasion.

These stylish bags offer all the protection, functionality and eye appeal found in every Jill-e Designs bag.  They easily hold a compact camera body, 1-2 interchangeable lenses, and several accessories.  Or load it with any point-and-shoot camera plus smaller personal items and today’s ubiquitous “tech-cessories.”

“The whole idea of ‘compact’ goes right out the window if you’re carrying your compact camera system in a standard-size camera bag,” Jill-e Designs President Gail Backal noted.  “These bags give compact system users a secure, stylish way to transport their gear the way it was meant to be.”

Good ideas, yes?  Wait ’til you see what we come up with next …

Clean Classics

If you love the simple, classic look you are in luck this season! Although Spring is known to be the season of color, you’ll find designers everywhere mixing tailored black, white, and neutral creations into their Spring collections.

To help you accessorize your look this Spring, Jill-e’s New Leather E-GO Collection offers Black, Starfish, and Vanilla carry bag options to take your classic look to modern heights. Each of the bags in the E-GO collection has been designed with a different use in mind, from totes and career bags for travel and daily commuting to tablet bags and wristlets for brunch with the girls or a night out on the town.

Rockin’ Leather

No matter the decade, leather seems to always have a place in style mavens’ closets. With its classic, yet cutting edge connotations, leather is the perfect fit for the modern woman on the go.

For Spring 2012, break out your leather jacket from the 80s and pair it with a new, complementing, leather accessory: The New Leather E-GO Laptop Career Bag in Black, the go-to, staple piece for all lifestyles. The Leather Laptop Career Bag accommodates a 12” laptop, camera gear and personal items, with a top zipper closure for extra security. It is also available in three other rockin’ color options: Chocolate Croc, Vanilla and Starfish.

Head Into the White

According to Harpers Bazaar Magazine, “White is a staple for warm-weather dressing.” From bright white to creamy vanilla, we saw a plethora of white styles gracing the Spring and Summer 2012 runways.

Vibrant white makes a great accent to any hue. Make any colorful Spring look stand out, with Jill-e’s New Metro Tablet Bag. The sleek, white leather cross-body bag is perfect for protecting your “tech-cessories” in style. The body-hugging, efficient messenger-style bag features a soft padded interior for a tablet or e-reader device with an adjustable cross-body strap. Our Metro Tablet Bag will be available for purchase on April 15.

Make your look luxe with a rich, off-white shade. Whether running errands or running to catch the train, our premium Leather E-GO Tablet Messenger in Vanilla turns your average outfit into an upscale ensemble that’s ready to go when you are. The E-GO Tablet Messenger’s convenient cross-body styling holds a 10” tablet, e-reader or netbook, with room for other daily essentials, and a roomy front pocket for a smartphone, keys and other need-it-now items. This bag is also available in the following color options: Black and Starfish.

Survival of the Fittest

When traversing the city’s stylish streets this Spring, make a fierce fashion statement with an animal accent. Choose an accessory that has a bark that’s as big as its bite.

Decadent and daring, Jill-e’s Chocolate Croc Laptop Tote takes your look from subtle to stunning, while providing extreme protection for your electronics. The stylish Laptop Tote is large enough to hold a 15” laptop and a DSLR camera set-up, with a trolley pocket and an assortment of secure compartments for all your lifestyle essentials. This stylish laptop bag is also available in a classic black color option.

Now, Tell Us: Which Spring 2012 are you looking forward to staying in style with during the upcoming season?

“For adults, tablet computers and e-readers were the gifts of choice, judging by a new report that indicates the number of adults in the United States who own tablets and e-readers nearly doubled from mid-December to early January.”

“Women were heavier buyers of e-readers than men, a finding consistent with surveys that indicate women tend to buy more books than men do.”

Tablet and iPad Bags for Women Protect the Latest in “Tech-cessory” Trends 

Are you one of these lucky and trendy women? Lucky for you, we’ve got the perfect tablet bag for you! In fact, we’ve got more than one option for the tablet-toting woman on-the-go!

Peruse the tablet bags below — whether you’re dressing smart or spending the day running errands, we’re certain you’ll find a bag that’s just your style. All of these bags have been designed with strategic protection for the latest tech-cessory trend: the tablet!

For the Professional

Feel like you’re always on-the-go? We feel you! From a meeting, to the office, to the grocery store, to the PTA meeting, the E-GO Tablet Messenger Bag carries it all in a sophisticated fashion.

Look polished while protecting your tablet or iPad in a strategically padded compartment, along with a compact camera body and 1-2 moderately sized lenses. Or, of course, many combinations of smaller items including a notebook, water bottle, umbrella, flip-flops, healthy snacks and wallet, keys, make-up, hair brush, hand sanitizer, tin of mints… all your lifestyle essentials.

This E-GO Tablet Messenger/iPad Bag is available in black plaid and tan plaid, as well as classic black, starfish, and vanilla leather to match every wardrobe and every occasion!

For the Fashionista 

For those of you who are always perusing tech and fashion sites to stay ahead: we had you in mind when we created this tablet bag!

The Metro Tablet Bag was truly inspired by the iPad 2! This slender, efficient messenger-style carry bag features roomy exterior pockets both in the front and rear for quick access to items, a sturdy, adjustable cross-body strap, soft padded protection for your tablet or iPad and will be available in high-quality black or white leather with sassy, accent color edge trim.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Send us an email at: info@jill-e.com to be one of the first to purchase the Metro Tablet Bag when it debuts for Spring!

For Women OR Men

Does your dad, husband, brother, boyfriend or any man in your life own a tablet or iPad? Direct him here. (But, you may be interested in this bag as well!)

The Jack Small Messenger Bag is tough and versatile with head-turning good looks. This carry bag was made for men, but we have to admit: it is very popular with women too. 

It’s also quite suited for those of you who are photographers and travelers, as it is designed with a padded interior sleeve for your tablet or iPad, but can also hold 1-2 DSLR or SLR camera bodies and 2-3 moderately sized lenses. Or, 1-2 DSLR or SLR camera bodies, 1 long telephoto lens with 1-2 moderately sized lenses. The Jack Small Messenger Bag also offers a full-length back pocket for documents and a zippered trolley pocket, making business travel a breeze!

For the Photographer

Do you own a tablet and a camera? You’re not alone! Our Everywear Gadget Bag has been designed with strategic protection for your tablet or iPad and DSLR or SLR camera body and 2 medium size lenses. From a shoot to the office, this weather-resistant bag truly is the “every where” gadget bag! The classic design and neutral palette (nougat or black) make these gadget bags a wardrobe staple, no matter what your style.

Tell us: What was the first e-book you read on your new tablet?

As always, please do leave a comment below, on our Facebook, or tweet @JilleDesigns. We’d love to hear from you!

Want to read up on the tablet trend? Visit the New York Time’s “Media Decoder” blog at http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/tablet-and-e-reader-sales-soar/.

Now that we’re settling back into our normal groove, we’d like to thank you for always keeping up with all of our latest news and for sharing in the excitement of what we’ve got in store for the New Year!

New Secure, Stylish iPad 2 Tablet Carry Bag Showcased at CES

In the words of iLounge.com, at CES we expanded our “lineup of female-friendly tech carriers with the introduction of [our] E-GO Leather Tablet tote.”

The E-GO Urban Tablet Bag is a slender, efficient messenger-style carry bag that features roomy exterior pockets both front and rear for quick-access items and a sturdy, adjustable cross-body strap.

The stylish new Urban Tablet Bag helps you safely carry your iPad 2, e-readers or other tablets, successfully helping to fuse fashion and function.

Gear Diary said it best, “You too can be stylish sporting Jill-e Designs’ new E-GO Leather Tablet Tote for the iPad 2. You can be a technophile, but there’s no excuse not to look spiffy as well.”

The interior offers soft padded protection for a tablet or e-reader device, plus room for a notepad and daily lifestyle essentials. The bag is available in high-quality black or white leather with sassy accent color edge trim (as pictured above). A stylish version for men will also be available soon. We’re thrilled to be able to share the newest addition to the E-GO Collection with you!

Chic E-GO Carry Bags Now Available in Sophisticated Leather

But wait, there’s more! We also introduced more new leather additions to the E-GO Collection at CES! The E-GO Collection – designed by women for women – offers convenient one-bag options that protect and organize a woman’s “tools of the trade” without compromising style.

Offering strategic protection within a stylish silhouette, versatile E-GO bags are beautiful on the inside and out. The line represents a chic, feminine alternative to traditional carry and laptop bags more often designed for men.

The new leather bags, with their padded interiors and wide array of “task pockets,” provide the highest level of protection and organization for today’s modern woman. Colors include classic black, chocolate croc, starfish and vanilla to match every wardrobe and every occasion from a day at the office to a networking lunch to a philanthropic gala.

The new leather E-GO bags are available in the following models:

• E-GO Leather Laptop Tote: Large enough to hold a 15” laptop and a DSLR camera set-up*, with a trolley pocket and an assortment of secure compartments for all your lifestyle essentials and a look that’s chic and sophisticated
• E-GO Leather Laptop Career Bag: A stylish gadget bag that accommodates a 12” laptop, camera gear* and personal items, with a top zipper closure for extra security
• E-GO Leather Tablet Messenger: Convenient cross-body styling holds a 10” tablet, e-reader or netbook, with room for other daily essentials, and a roomy front pocket for a smartphone, keys and other need-it-now items
• E-GO Leather Wristlet: Great for a day or night out on the town, offering complete protection for a smartphone, point-and-shoot camera or MP3 player and personal items

*An optional, drop-in protective insert accommodates a DSLR and 1-2 additional lenses and is available from Jill-e.com.

The leather E-GO Collection will be available in late February on our website and at other popular online retailers and outlets worldwide!

Tell us: Which new E-GO bag are you most excited for? If you could pack up your new carry bag with your e-gear and lifestyle essentials and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

As always, please do leave a comment below, on our Facebook, or tweet @JilleDesigns. We’d love to hear from you!

Jill-e Designs at CES 2012

From January 10-13 (the duration of CES 2012), we’ll be unveiling the newest additions to our E-GO™ Collection…carry bags designed with strategic protection for your laptop, camera, e-gear, and all of your lifestyle essentials at Booth #6612, in North Hall.

While in Las Vegas, we’ll also be attending PMA’S DIMA Reception at Bally’s on Sunday, January 8!

Headed to Las Vegas for either of these events? Stop by our booth at CES, visit us at the DIMA Reception or send a note to CES@lotus823.com to schedule a one-on-one meeting with us!

Leave us a comment to let us know if you’ll be attending CES or PMA’s DIMA Reception! We are thrilled to be sharing “The Global Stage for Innovation” and look forward to meeting with you!

And, no, we don’t mean the monsters under our beds that used to keep us up at night. (Although, if it weren’t for our stylish laptop bags, we may just be kept up at night by the thought of traveling with our e-gear!)

“As a business traveler, you typically can’t do your job without functional smartphones, laptops, power adapters and charging accessories. Add to this the stress of getting materials ready for meetings and deadlines and you can find yourself disconnected, offline, and frustrated. If you have to travel for work this holiday season, you can relate to these following issues with tech and travel,” notes PCWorld.

Luckily, our career bags will provide the protection needed to withstand the hustle and bustle of business travel. To rest-assured when it comes to all of your potential nightmares as you travel with tech, check out PCWorld’s fantastic tips below (along with a few of our own).

10 Nightmares When Traveling With Tech–and How to Prevent Them

1. Potential Loss of Your Laptop or Mobile Device

PCWorld Tips:

• “An iPad or other tablet with a Bluetooth or USB keyboard is a great option for casual traveling, while a lower-end laptop is good for a more business-oriented trip.”
• “Storing important documents and files in the cloud while you are traveling is advisable just in case your devices are damaged or stolen.”

2. Not Having the Right Bag for the Checkpoint

Jill-e Tip:

• Protect your gear with a stylish laptop bag that offers a padded compartment for your computer, tablet, reader or similar device.

3. Expensive or Nonexistent Airport Wi-Fi

PCWorld Tip:

• “PCWorld recently did extensive, months-long work to rank the top 20 airports for tech-savvy travelers. You can find out up-to-the-minute information on your airport’s Wi-Fi system anywhere in the world through this interactive map at Jaunted.com. The catch: you need to be online to view the map.”

4. Expensive In-Flight Wi-Fi

PCWorld Tip:

• “If you are looking for free in-flight Wi-Fi access, call your airline or rental car company in advance to see what promotions are available. You may qualify for a free in-flight Wi-Fi pass based on your travel purchases, including parking at the airport.”

5. Having to Turn off Your Laptop or Notebook for Takeoff and Landing

PCWorld Tip:

• “Power down for takeoff and landing, which gives you a break from work and puts those flying the plane at ease.”

6. Lack of Decent Charging Options

PCWorld Tip:

• “Charging stations that are offered through airports could theoretically be used to hack into your smartphone, so turn it off before plugging it in.”

7. Overpriced Tech Essentials at Airport Stores

Jill-e Tip: 

• Better safe than sorry! Pack up your carry bag with all your work and lifestyle essentials—you never know when you may face a delay while traveling. With interior compartments for your smart phone, passport and essentials, pouches specific for pens, cards and glasses, and a key keeper and convenient ID tag within your Jill-e carry all bag, you’ll feel organized while carrying it all.

8. Not Having the Right Power Source for Your Device

PCWorld Tip: 

• “You’ll want to pay attention to power adapters and the voltage of your destination country if you are traveling internationally. Many European and other nations outside of North America are on 220 or 240 volt power, which will instantly fry your device if you try to plug into it.”

9. Hotel Wi-Fi Issues

PCWorld Tip:

• “While the hotel that doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi is rare, they are still out there and you should double-check before you book, especially if your hotel is out of the way or not part of one of the major chains.”

10. Charging from your Airplane Seat

PCWorld Tip:

• “SeatGuru by TripAdvisor offers travelers a free guide to the kind of power available on your aircraft. It breaks down the available power ports and locations, so you can look up the seats you should be booking for any trip you’re taking that is over a couple of hours in length.”

To view the full article “10 Nightmares When Traveling With Tech–and How to Prevent Them” we’ve summarized above, visit:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/246381/10_nightmares_when_traveling_with_techand_how_to_prevent_them.html

Will you be traveling in the near future?

Tell us: What was the worst travel nightmare you’ve faced?

Staying local to spend time with friends and family?

Tell us: How will you be counting down to the New Year?

As always, leave a comment below, on our Facebook, or tweet @JilleDesigns. We’d love to hear from you!

Fret no further! Looking to select the perfect gift for the women on-the-go in your life? Simply take a look at what Apple product is their essential electronic accessory (or the one that’s topping their wish list) and leave the rest up to us!

We Have a Carry Bag for Her Favorite Apple Product

Keep reading to learn what her favorite Apple product says about her…

iPhone 4/4S or iPod

Trendy, tech-savvy, and fashionable, this woman loves to “have the world” in the palm of her hand. Personal assistant? Check. Weather report? Check. Directions? Check. She likes to be “in the know” without being weighed down by traditional means. Emphasize her fashion-forward style by treating her to the equally as trendy Classic Clutch or E-GO Essential Wristlet to tuck her iPhone or iPod in. These clutches can house her iPhone or iPod and necessities, as well as easily transcend from day to night without the need to stop home for a “going out bag.” She’ll also enjoy that both of these wristlets come with detachable shoulder straps, allowing her to have her hands free to tweet and text.

*Give Her An Extra E-GO Boost By: Stashing tickets to a new exhibit or a gift card to a new restaurant in her clutch. Experiencing new things is what keeps this woman “in-the-know.” We bet she’ll have “checked-in” on Facebook or foursquare before she’s taken off her coat.

iPad 2

If she’s carrying (or craving) an iPad, we have a feeling that she’s a lot like us: she enjoys reading or catching up on her television shows while she’s traveling. Help her carry her iPad safely and in style with the E-GO Tablet Messenger. This cross-body carry bag has a padded compartment designed specifically for her favorite gadget, and of course, enough room for her everyday essentials.

*Give Her An Extra E-GO Boost By: Stashing a gift card to Amazon.com in her Tablet Messenger so she can download a new eBook onto her iPad!

11”-13” MacBook Air or 13” MacBook Pro

If her MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is her essential electronic, then she appreciates fine detail. These sleek laptops are not only visually appealing, but also allow businesswomen to do everything they need to, no matter where they are. If she can’t leave home without her laptop, treat her to a stylish bag that doesn’t scream “laptop bag.” If she’s got the 11” MacBook Air, the Laptop Satchel was made for her; similar in style, the Laptop Valise was designed for her 13” MacBook Air or Pro. Both of these women’s laptop bags offer the padded compartments of a laptop bag, along with the details of a designer purse: a top zipper closure to secure belongings, inside zippered pockets for personal items, interior compartments for your smart phone, pouches specific for pens, cards, and glasses—and beyond. She’ll be happy she’s finally been able to find a fashionable bag that can truly carry it all: her laptop and her lifestyle essentials.

*Give Her An Extra E-GO Boost By: Treating her to a fine fashion accessory. For the woman who’s all business, a sophisticated scarf is a great way for her to express her style no matter what environment she finds herself in.

15″ Laptop Computer or 13” MacBook Pro

If she’s carrying up to a 15″ laptop computer or a 13” MacBook Pro wherever she goes, this woman certainly enjoys the comforts of home. Whether on the train, at the coffee shop, in the air, or at the office, she appreciates toting around a larger bag with room to carry more. In fact, carrying more isn’t a problem for her at all. Advil? Check. Gum? Check. First Aid? Check. Umbrella? Check. She’s always prepared and, as she’s always on-the-go, her bag is often the closest thing to home she’s got during her busy days.

Don’t try to change her: get her the Laptop Tote. This bag fits up to a 15″ laptop computer or 13” MacBook Pro, and many combinations of smaller items: including a tablet computer and camera gear plus a notebook, water bottle, umbrella, flip-flops, healthy snacks and wallet, keys, make-up, hair brush, hand sanitizer, tin of mints… all your lifestyle essentials. Now, she’ll never have to “leave home without it.”

*Give Her An Extra E-GO Boost By: Booking a spa day or stashing a spa gift certificate in her stylish laptop bag. This is the type of woman who does it all—make sure she takes the time to take a load off and pamper herself!

Hoping one of your loved ones takes a peek at this gift guide? Us too! 

Tell us: what is on your wish list this holiday season!? Leave a comment below or on our Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you!

This holiday season, Lucky Right Now’s Gift Guide includes a “Photo Geek” section, featuring their top camera bag and accessory picks for the stylish photographers in your life:

“Capture these picture-perfect gifts for all the super-photogs in your life.”

Lucky Pick: Jill-e Designs Medium Bone Leather Camera/Carry-All Bag

Our Classic Collection Medium Bone Leather Camera/Carry-All Bag is featured amongst these top picks:

“Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards—the devoted Bresson-in-training can fit it all in this weather-resistant bag.” – Thanks Lucky Magazine!

To view all carry bags in our Classic Collection, please visit:
http://www.jill-e.com/collections/classic-collection

Check out the full “Gift Guide: Photo Geek” at:
http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2011/11/photo-geek.html.print#slide=1

Not a “Photo Geek”? We Have a Collection for You, Too!

If you’re not a “photo geek,” don’t fret! Our new E-GO™ Collection features carry bags for all of your “tech-cessories.” To learn more about how to protect your “tech-cessories” in style, check out the E-GO™ Collection.

**Stay tuned for a special Trend Report, featuring E-GO™ Collection bags, coming out later this week!

Black Friday Deal: The Kick-Off to The Holiday Season

Slipping on your sneakers, grabbing your carry bag, and heading out the door to take advantage of your favorite “holiday”?  Beginning Black Friday, and running through year-end (12/31/11), you’ll receive a free Jill-e Designs Classic lens bag of your choice (valued at $29.99) when you spend $89 or more on Jill-e camera and career bags at participating retailers!

Cyber Monday Deal: E-GO Wristlet Promotion

This Cyber Monday, November 28^th, we’ll be offering a one-day Cyber Monday Promotion! When you purchase any product from our E-GO Collection on www.jill-e.com, you’ll receive a free E-GO wristlet (valued at $49)!

Jill-e December Carry Bag Deals

The holiday savings don’t end there though! ‘Tis the season to “carry-it-all”!  And, as we’re certain you’re already carrying it all, we’ll be running online promotions beginning on December 1^st through year-end (12/31/11) to help ease the strain on your back and your wallet!

1. When you spend $89 or more on any of Jill-e Designs’ camera and carry bags on www.jill-e.com (and participating retailers), you’ll receive a free Jill-e Classic lens bag of your choice (valued at $29.99)!

2. AND, we’ll also be offering free domestic shipping on all orders of $75 or more placed on www.jill-e.com!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping, Jill-e Designs fans!

Purchasing a Jill-e carry all bag for a special someone on your gift list?  Let us know who this lucky someone is and which bag you’re gifting!

“Jill-e Designs introduces E-GO, a new line of bags created specifically to meet the needs of the contemporary, fast-paced, tech-savvy woman. The new E-GO Collection offers a convenient one-bag option that protects and organizes a woman’s ‘tools of the trade’ without compromising on style.”

Thank you Dealerscope for featuring our “stylish gadget bags”!

To view the entire Accessory Issue, visit: http://digitaleditions.napco.com/publication/?i=83582.

With six carry bags in the E-GO Collection, there is an ‘it’ bag for every woman, no matter what her needs and style may be.  If you were to define your style in one word, what would it be?