Purse On Us

A thrifted quilted gem.

I was out enjoying a little karaoke in downtown Boston when this precious accessory sprang into my line of vision.  Awaiting just the right item to commence my posts of Boston finds spotted on Boston’s city dwellers, I suddenly came across a thrifted piece that fit the bill.

On that snowy December evening my long-anticipated ‘bostonian chic’ post was born (at least in my mind: now it is finally here).

I just knew there would be a cute story attached to this little bag!

A delectable, cream colored,  gold chained, medium sized, quilted  handbag that reminded me beautiful things can be found at your local thrift store.

This fashionable gal found a piece that exuded her expectations in up state New York while blissfully enjoying a quiet afternoon thrifting around, like a determined fashionista hoping to be so lucky as to discover a steal among so many run-down fragments of fashion. As she looked through the heap of purses piled one on top of another–sitting, quiet, buried–there it was. A $3 bargain…resting patiently.

Thanks so much Janine. Good luck on your future thrifting adventures!

Hello everyone,

We are on a couple days’ vacation for New Year’s Day celebrations, but we will be back in the office on Monday, working on some new ideas for Azteca Designs.

Stay up to date here! Visit azteca.etsy.com for your ethnic, earthy, and cowgirl elegance jewelry!!!

~ Azteca

Paris shops in high street favourite All Saints in London, and carries this cute little patent heart embossed number.

Paris Hilton carry a heart quilted bag

It’s rare to see Paris Hilton out and about sporting a bag not designed by the heiress, which lately has been her everyday signature piece. The bag above is actually by moderately inexpensive brand Hype.

The unique part is frame-style and the double strap option (shoulder vs arm). Plus the ample interior space amazingly measures in at 14” at widest x 10.5” tall at center x 6” deep.

Paris Hilton with Hype Bag

Jessica Alba keep warm in a feathered top over her brown dress at the Miu Miu Fashion Show during the Paris Fashion Week.

According to the press, front-row guest Jessica Alba said she was lusting after a dress with a sheer aqua bodice with a burgundy skirt and one of the mid-calf-length A-line skirts that were paired with bras and fur-lined scarves cinched onto the hips with tie belts.

Alba laughed, “Obviously, I couldn’t just wear a bra, I’d have to wear a blouse.”Other celebs who attended the event included Eva Mendes and stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe.

Just yesterday I was talking about spring – today it’s back to reality.  It’s New Year’s Eve!  And while my plans for this evening include a fine meal, champagne, a roaring fire… and a movie marathon(!) on the couch with my husband and puppies, it’s one of the biggest nights for celebrating out on the town.  And for some, it’s a night for getting married. 

When planning my wedding, the thought of getting married on a holiday or, specifically New Year’s Eve, never crossed my mind.  But, our friends Ashley and Jesse celebrate their four-year anniversary today and our neighbors are getting married tonight.  And with these two celebrations in mind, I’ve been thinking a lot about what unforgettable fun a New Year’s Eve wedding must be. 

So, just for the heck of it, I decided to turn my daydreaming into a New Year’s Eve wedding collage.  Champagne and fireworks were the inspiration for the bubbly, eye-catching fabrics and yellow and black color palette.  And the combination of modern prints and antique accents (the gorgeous black lace on the cake and the Pierre Bonnard poster) symbolize the day being a bridge between old and new. (Imagine clutch purses in the polka dots and napkins in the black and yellow print… how fun!)

So, to all those who are getting married or celebrating an anniversary tonight, or on a New Year’s Eve down the road – congratulations, enjoy, and Happy New Year!

Two years ago I made a purse for Christmas time.  I used a bag of “garage sale” fabric I had bought at the local quilt shop. It is a gallon ziploc bag FULL to overflowing and I paid $5.  :)

The main fabric is a black floral with reds & greens & blues.  Not hugely screaming Christmas but that is my preference.

But when I pulled it out this month, it was just too small.  heehee!  So I made a new one and tested out a new pattern.

The 1st purse had a paper-pieced panel in it.  I couldn’t find that pattern :blush:  so I opened up my new quilt design software, EQ6, and learned how to draft my own block. This is a “block” that is 3″ x 17″ tho!!  Then I learned how to print the foundation for it.  Very cool!  :)

{Another use of paper-piecing without picking paper and I love it!! }

I still have that $5 bag of fabric but did add other fabric for the lining (cream with red snowmen outlines) and the pink & blue in the flying geese strip. There are 2 pockets inside for holding my gum & my phone.

Of course, I had to have a coordinating cosmetic bag inside.  :)  (this is becoming a new sickness!!)

And then I made another purse & cosmetic bag for a gift.  ;)

(sorry the colors get wonky… that happens when the sun doesn’t shine for 2 weeks! :p )

Availability:    IN STOCK – usually ships in 24 hours
Retail Price:    $1,000.00
Our Price:    $409.00
You Save:    59%
Item #:    tohachca

Description:

This JP Tod’s Charlotte Piccola Large Handbag in Beige Leather Features:

Textured leather exterior with elegant saddle-style topstitching; Fine canvas lining with interior zip pocket; Full zip closure; Polished nickel hardware; Roomy, hemispherical exterior zip pockets on each side of the bag; Hinged shoulder strap with a 9″ drop and a decorative snapped flap; Removable polished nickel “T” charm dangles from a thin leather strap; Protective rubber feet on the bottom of the bag; JP Tod’s Dust Bag and Authenticity Papers; MADE IN ITALY.

Large Measurements: 14.5″ x 8.5″ x 5.5″ (WxHxD); Handle: 19″ L (6″ Clearance)

Medium Measurements: 13.5″ x 7″ x 5.7″ (WxHxD); Handle: 16″ L (4.5″ Clearance)

This JP Tod’s handbag comes with a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee, and a guarantee of authenticity.

Get more handbags at handbagcrew.com.