Posts with tag ToteBag

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

We'd like you to meet handbag designer Lesia Griffin of 144 Collection. Lesia creates one-of-a-kind custom handbags and accessories as well as limited edition bags in a variety of eye-catching prints and styles.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Kate Garey, a designer, artist and crafter based in the UK. If you like quirky and cute, silly and girly, you'll love Kate's handmade purses, wallets and cosmetics cases.

In the 80s, did you have grey jazz shoes? Or are we showing our age? Maybe it's a little fashion nostalgia, but we're kinda into grey again.

This spring grey has been everywhere, from shoes to nails to dresses. We're loving the subtle and sophisticated ways the shade is being used, with creativity far beyond gym shorts and heathered wool sweaters. Grey is showing up in patent leather and organic cotton and everything in between.

When worn right, grey can be incredibly polished and flattering. Of course, some things are still better in color. We draw the line at grey hair -- you'll find us at the salon for regular root touch ups.

Check out the gallery for seven stylish grey selections.

Know of a favorite independent handbag designer that you'd love to see recognized and rewarded for their work? Let them know about the open call for entries for the Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, sponsored by Handbag Designer 101. The categories for this competition are Best Student Made Handbag, Best Handmade Handbag, Most Socially Responsible Handbag, Best Green Handbag, Audience-Selected Handbag, and Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design. There are some great prizes up for grabs for the winning designers, including a free booth at the MAGIC accessories tradeshow in Las Vegas this August, an apprenticeship with the Henri Bendel accessory design team and more.

Okay, okay, so chances are that you're probably not a handbag designer, but maybe you're just a lover of purses? Handbag Designer 101 is still a great resource you can use to read interviews with up and coming bag designers, stay up to date on the latest trends in handbags, chat about your handbag must-haves, get your celebrity bag watch fix and find out about handbag related events and deals.

Speaking of deals on handbags, I just got word from my friends at Accessory Bug about their special discount offer for spring. Get 10% off on any order through April 30, 2008 by using coupon code spring08 at checkout. They've got the infamous "I'm not a plastic bag" handbag in four different color choices, plus a huge selection of clutches, hobos, totes, wristlets and other accessories.

Just about any bag will do as an overnighter -- something small to carry a change of clothes (or at least accessories to change your "look"), toiletries, and of course, makeup to freshen up. However, sometimes we like to be discreet about our overnight stays, so a bag that doesn't scream out "luggage!" or "totebag!" is probably better. It isn't hard to do these days, as regular handbags that women carry are rivaling a Samsonite in size.

However, Rebecca Minkoff makes a bag that's too cutely named to pass up just for this purpose. It's called "The Morning After" bag. I'm not exactly sure if it's meant to carry things Alka Seltzer, Tylenol, and bottled water (for a hazy morning after), or other overnight things, but either way, the bag is adorable in bright blue leather with woven brown leather trim. It's small enough to be handbag, large enough to carry a little more than your usual daily essentials.

Rebecca Minkoff bags are available in select boutiques across the US.