It's all the talk these days about getting the kids ready for Back to School. But for teachers like me, it's also about heading back to work. It makes for a good excuse reason to update your wardrobe and throw in some new accessories for good measure. This year, I opted to donate what I would normally spend on clothing for myself for "Back to Work" and donate it to a very worthy cause call Tutus for Tanner. I will, however, get to sport a chic new purse care of Ellington, maker of women's casual-chic handbags.

For review, I was sent one of their most popular designs in a new colour for Fall 2010 - the Annie Crossbody Purse in a beautiful earthy green. The design is simple yet chic and provides a lightweight solution to carrying the basics while you enjoy an active lifestyle. And with two kids aged 2 and 5, an active lifestyle I lead indeed. Some of the features include an adjustable strap in a contrasting colour, a slip pocket where I quickly stuff receipts while shopping, two zippered pockets perfect for my cell phone and for storing loose change for the gumball machine, and a key ring clip so I don't lose my keys along with my sanity. You can wear it across the body, shorten the strap to wear it as a shoulder bag or remove the strap altogether and use it in a larger bag to help keep you organized.
Ellington also offers a wide variety of gorgeous handbags. I especially love their ECO Leather Signature collection which is made in an award-winning environmentally responsible tannery. That means it requires less water and energy to manufacture and also reduces C02 emissions. My favourite would have to be their Joni Shoulder Bag in Walnut Brown. It's just oh, so... chocolatey!


I also love their new Nicole Hobo handbag featured above in gray. It's made of Ellington Matte Italian Leather and it is just plain adorable. It's one of those purses that would make me feel funky and even young(er) again. The best part is that it also comes in red! Along with their Travel & Active Lifestyle collection, Ellington also offers an assortment of wallets, checkbooks and a little something for men, too. Their Otis Courier also doubles as a back pack and looks great in black nylon with smooth ECO leather accents.
You can also visit Ellington's outlet online for savings on some of their products such as their Hayden Messenger bag which is currently on sale for 50% off. It's available in the blue as seen above as well as in a nice brown/green combo. Enjoy the savings and the rest of the summer!

Disclaimer: I was sent an Ellington Annie Crossbody Purse for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. The thoughts expressed are my own honest opinions.