GOLDIE, silk taffeta with gold and white floral embroidery

GOLDIE: Company picnic time, and what to wear? Dress up, and you feel out of place, too casual, and the boss will notice. You settle for jeans, a pretty black t-shirt, and this on your arm–black, gold, and lovely without being frilly, with plenty of room for sunscreen and shades. The boss will notice–and she’ll wonder where you found it! Black, with gold floral embroidery.

VINA, the perfect handbag for a less than perfect commute

VINA: A hot summer evening, rush hour, and you just missed a seat on the bus. Never mind–you’ll stand and sway, clutching the overhead bar with your right hand, this pretty handbag in your left. It takes you from office to happy hour in style–the perfect carryall for a less than perfect commute.

ROSA, slightly retro, very romantic, with an embroidered rose

ROSA: You glide into the ladies’ room during the intermission with a first kiss on your mind. You smooth down your dress, check your stocking seams, and reach in for your lipstick, to apply a finish as satin-smooth as this purse. Slightly retro, very romantic, with a hand embroidered rose, it matches your mood as well as your outfit. In red, black, and pink.

MINDA, a bag for a doo-dah day

MINDA: Sometimes you just need a doo-dah day–a day for yourself, doing something you never get to do any more. Go to a movie, get a pedicure, roam a bookstore for hours. Go ahead, play hooky. Casual yet beautiful, this handbag will inspire you to go have fun with your best friend–Yourself. Trust me, your real life will be waiting when you get back. In multicolored brocade of chevrons.

WILLOW, this bag means business

WILLOW: It’s the second interview, the one that counts. You’ve wowed them with your resume, your charm and professionalism. Now it’s time to seal the deal, and talk money. This bag means business. Take a deep breath, smile, and tell them what you want. You’re worth it.

LORELEI, in pink silk

LORELEI, for when you feel like channeling Lorelei Lee in  Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Mr. Esmond Sr: Young lady, you don't fool me one bit. Lorelei:  I'm not trying to. But I bet I could. 

Mr. Esmond Sr: You expect me to believe that you aren't marrying him for his money? Lorelei:  It's true. Mr. Esmond Sr:  Then why do you want to marry him? Lorelei:  I want to marry him for YOUR money. 

Lorelei:  Don't you know that a rich man is like a pretty girl? You don't marry her just because she's pretty. But, my goodness, doesn't it help? Would you want your daughter to marry a poor man? You'd want her to have the most wonderful things in the world. Why is it wrong for me to want those things? Mr. Esmond Sr:  Well, I concede that. Say, they told me you were stupid. You don't sound stupid. Lorelei:  I can be smart when it's important.

PAULINE, wrist bag in heavy cotton canvas

PAULINE: “Sorry, ma’am, only one carry-on allowed on board,” you overhear the flight attendant tell her. “But it’s my purse,” she wails, pointing to her backpack. You shrug in sympathy, step up to the counter. “Any luggage?” you’re asked. “Just this,” you reply, shaking your wrist, letting this bag dangle daintily, as you cruise on over to Boarding. Just the right size for your mandatory ID, credit card and ticket, without the hassle.

ANNIKA, raw silk bands with floral embroidery

 ANNIKA: A Paris flea market, and this bag on your arm. “Antique, no mademoiselle? From my stall perhaps?” You are tempted to say no, then think better of it. The enigmatic smile you give him in reply is enough. Raw silk bands with floral embroidery.