In life I appreciate the little things, those that often go unnoticed.  So it only makes sense that I do the same in my design.  Why must a bag be loud in order to be praised…I say that it doesn’t need to be.  Quiet statements can attract equal attention and further admiration. 

Perhaps bags are like women?  Some women quickly grab attention by parading their extroverted personality across a room, turning heads from every direction.  While others are more delicate and quielty confident?  These are the women, whom I have grown to know make the best life-long friends and partners

While the latest ‘it’ bag, covered in bold hardware may send you drooling for weeks on end, it will also end up at the bottom of your closet in years to come, perhaps even months.  You may even find yourself asking why you ever wore such a thing

and the bag in your hand?  Well, its your best friend….and your life-long partner.  You tote it around everywhere you go and it never fails to dissappoint you.  It is as loyal to you as you are to it and you realize….the little things in life - the simple things - are also the things that stay with you forever.

 For a handbag that makes a quiet statement, visit www.shopjessicajensen.com

This time of the year I keep thinking that I should just go somewhere for the weekend; spur of the moment. Just pack up and get on a plane! If you are like me, you definately want to travel in style. Take a look at these bags I’ve picked out that will be perfect for a weekend away!
Betseyville Ships Ahoy Large Weekender $135.00	Latico Leathers Nappa Travel Duffel $309.00
amykathryn Sunflower $118.00	Carlos Falchi Snake Print Weekender $255.00

There are some people that follow the trends of the celebrities in this crazy world of pop culture. Since working in a “bag” related industry I have now dubbed myself a “bag dork”. You catch yourself looking at all of the handbags (Pocketbook for your East-coasters) and wondering what brand they are carrying.  During the week, I do have my favorite television shows and catch myself looking at the accessories that the actors/actresses are wearing.

Now that the writer’s strike is over, most of all of the our favorite television shows are back on the air! YAY! Desperate Housewives is one of my favorite drama shows, you can never get enough of the gossiping girls on Wisteria Lane.

During the episode on April 20, “In Buddy’s Eyes”, Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria-Parker) was carrying a clutch by Rafe. The specific clutch she was carrying was called the Lotus Joy Long Frame Clutch Flower Patent in Black.

 

Speaking of Rafē, the pregnant Jessica Alba was spotted carrying the Lotus Coco Large Tote in White this week in Beverly Hills.  She has been seen carrying the same product at the beginning of her pregnancy! It is good to know that they do not use them once, then discard because of the season!

That’s right fanny packs are back!

Check out this Fanny Pack by Kleome Handbags!

-Heavy weight nylon ripstop fabric

-Adjustable belt 

I love anything vintage, check these oh so beautiful bags out by Sweetheart by Lie down I think I love you. The  brand is designed by Emily who went to Central St. Martins Fashion School.

These handbags are made of leather from Scotland.

 Each bag is unique, as the hand picked vintage silk scarves are chosen to match to the body, therefore no 2 bags are the same. That makes me smile as I never like to  have the same handbag as anyone…….

This clip top framed style has the scarf  that can be removed and replaced to suit your mood.

These bags are nostalgic, they are beautifully crafted and I will have to buy all the collection of bags to get a beautiful collection of vintage silk scarves…….

Do you love them too?

Browse amykathryn’s hottest handbags for Summer… we just got the shipment last week! SO refreshing and fun to wear. Brand new designer bags that are eco-conscious and animal-friendly!

Hollyhock Rose Bronze $119.00

So in the interest of credibility I will start by saying I work at eBags.com as their videographer…. This will not, and I repeat, will NOT be a blog about colors and patterns and trends I am into, nor will it be an “OMG did you see what that girl was wearing, what was she thinking like ugh!” blog… Perez Hilton has that market cornered. This is more about my adventures (and the subsequent misadventures) of my travels to shoot interviews with designers and companies. Sort of a behind-the-scenes of the behind-the-scenes look at bag designers.

DISCLAIMER: I may say things I don’t necessarily mean just because I think it sounds funny. You do the same thing too, don’t lie….

So my inaugural post is about a recent trip to the left coast…. “Scott,” they said, “Would you be able to shoot some interviews in San Francisco?” After feigning reluctancy to accept this mission for all of 2 seconds, I responded with a “hells yeah let’s do this thing!” After hearing all the stories of how amazing Frisco is, I have to say I was less than impressed. Yes it is beautiful. Yes it is friendly. Yes it is clean. But whatever, can’t I just hate something simply because everyone else loves it? Did I mention I am a sociopath? I feel I should have put that in my disclaimer. Anyway, the point to this story is what you’re after and the point you will get. I had the opportunity to drop in for a video shoot at the San Francisco office of Kleome Bags. And by “drop in” I mean “walk 20 blocks” (turns out there are some hills in Frisco) and by “office” I mean “living room.” This, I found, was a real homegrown company. This was a husband/wife team barely older (or at least in looks) than myself living in this world of artistic creation in the city that they love. I’m 26 by the way (we have a lot of back story about myself to cover that will likely trickle out over the course of my postings)… But again Scotty get to the point… My point is that it is very inspiring to see young people doing what they love. And not only doing it, doing it well. They took the tired, age old design and functionality of a messenger bag, and gave it some style with graphics. And again, I’m not talking some crappy vector art that was decided upon by a comittee of executives who did multiple rounds of focus group feedback sessions before going with some homogenized design with a slight distress and a safe, earth tone gradient. No, Karine designs it, it goes on a bag, it goes to your house, you get all the chicks and/or guys (probably). Their “focus group” is their lifestyle. The real challenge of design is not asking for feedback from target demographics…. It’s being the target demographic.

They always say you gotta design for yourself, and if you “get it” people will get it. Sometimes “they” are right… But then again, sometimes “they” tell you that you will fall in love with San Francisco. In lust, maybe.

Shop Kleome at eBags.com

Genevieve Zip Hobo	Genevieve Clutch
Genevieve Travel Zip Wallet	Genevieve Card Case	Genevieve Small Triangle Tote

With the success that Cole Haan has seen from it’s original Genevieve styles just out a few months ago, here come more! This time you will see whites and metallics in the same woven leather styles that made you fall in love with this collection. As you all know, I have always been a fan of this brand. I think that Cole Haan has really positioned themselves well in the market. They are considered a designer brand, yet they aren’t “unreachable” like some that will have you spending thousands on a handbag. Cole Haan is a brand that is “reachable” for many people who are looking for quality, fashion, and value. These are products that will last you years upon years, and will not be going out of style anytime soon. Why do I love the Genevieve Collection? I’ve told you before… it’s different. This is exactly what Cole Haan needed; a line that really differentiates itself from the others. I think this is a great Spring/Summer line and that you should all check it out if you haven’t already!

Oh la la, don’t you just love everything that is French.  This Un Apres -Midi du Chien  Buggati East/West Shoulder Bag in leather epitomises French chic. It is patent and has a wonderful sheen. The colour is so expensive looking. The bag is gorgeous but it is a practical shoulder bag too, look at the enormous front pocket to keep all of your essentials in. Buy one now to carry with your Spring wardrobe and look forward to wearing it in summer with your new wardrobe.  Just think white linen, summer tan and  gold gladiator sandles.  We need to thank the design team of Un  Apres -midi de Chien for this leather handbag. The design team Alain and Martine are based in Paris and this is where they get their inspiration from to create beautiful designer handbags.  Merci beaucoup Alain and Martine for bags that have a Parisienne feel!

Animal Prints are popping out everywhere! Match these handbags with earth tones and light fabrics such as linen and canvas. Like the styles below? Check out even more exotics! Michael Kors Joplin Printed                Elaine Turner Darcy              Donald J. Pliner Bombay  Canvas Satchel $348.00                          Zebra $650.00                           Satchel $345.00

Canvas handbags are showing up everywhere with the popular Eco movement, and popular high end retailers such as Louis Vuitton have come out with their own takes on the canvas trend. While I realize that when you buy a bag from one of these retailers you are going to be paying top dollar for their name and their quality product, it just seems crazy to me that this canvas bag is selling  for almost $2,000!! Don’t get me wrong; I think that it’s super cute! I realize that I am not their target consumer. I’m probably not anywhere near that; just an admirer of their products. Many people would buy it and not even think twice about it. What do you think? Would you really pay this much for this bag?