Introductions

I would like to introduce two new bag styles that are now available in the Etsy Shop:

I've been wearing this tote around town for a few months now, trying my hardest to wear it out and break it down (proud to report it's still unscathed!). But when we planned a trip to the Everglades to ride airboats and explore, I didn't want to carry a large bag with me. I had just finished making one of these little crossbody bags which, unfortunately, ended up riveted just crooked enough for me to claim it as my own. That's one advantage (disadvantage?) of being a handbag designer, you get stuck with all the rejects!

So as I ran out the door I grabbed my things, threw it into this bag and left for a day of adventure. Perfect! This bag is large enough to hold quite a bit of stuff, but is small enough to throw over your shoulder and forget it's there.

When it came time to make more of these bags, I started thinking that this bag is the perfect size to carry as a clutch...or a wristlet! 

So the idea for a three-in-one was born. Attach the long strap to wear it as a crossbody (or as a traditional purse), attach the wristlet strap or remove all the straps and carry it as a clutch! I've worn it all three ways and I'd say it's a win-win-win (that's a new thing).

Find it here - currently available in black or brown salvaged leather.

The new Jellies Tote has a bit of a different background. The idea for this fabric was born quite a while before it was made, when I imagined a tote bag featuring just the draping tentacles of jellyfish. When I was in Wrightsville Beach this summer, opportunity presented itself at an aquarium we visited. I designed the fabric based on some photos I took, some layering and adjusting was necessary and when the fabric was finished it was WAY better than I could have ever imagined. I am absolutely in love with the color of the blue background and the way the tentacles are so graceful and illuminated against it. 

I combined it with some heavy salvaged leather straps and I am so happy with the result. This bag is the perfect size to use as a daytime carry-all, or even to slip your laptop in for a day at work or school.

There are two totes currently available here!

And We're Off!

Allow me to finally introduce you to the new Heist Handbags line!

1. The Totes-

2. The Clutches-

3. The Crossbody Style-

 

4. The Extras-

Large size change purse

Leather pouches

After 6 months of making patterns and prototypes and actually learning how to sew a bag, and then another 3 months of learning how to sew leather, working out the kinks, establishing our new branding, building up inventory and all the other assorted details that goes into a new line, the Heist Handbag line is finally ready to go live!

Now, about the bags. Each bag is made using recycled leather from coats and other garments. An avid thrifter before, now thrifting is my job...and I love it! I source suitable second hand leathers and combine them with fabrics (some recycled, some new) to create soft, worn-in, slouchy handbags! I try to keep as many of the garment's original details as possible, such as pockets and seams. The result is a one-of-a-kind bag that no one else has.

Although I use the same patterns, each bag is completely unique due to the nature of the original items being used. The beauty of these bags is how perfect the leather already is. No waiting to break it in and soften it...it's already worn-in and ready to go, flaws and all. And the best part? No additional animals were harmed in the making of these bags. Is it vegan? No. But I like to think that it helps.

So keep an eye on the shop, these bags (and the other designs in the works) will be hitting the shelves very soon!

A New Site and an Introduction

Our new website launched today! Go have a look to get your first glimpse of a few pieces from the new Heist Handbag line!!

I will be formally introducing you to our new handbags right here on the blog within the next few weeks and then I will start uploading everything to the shop. I seriously can't wait. I hope you guys are as excited about this as I am! xo

Around Here

1. The Garden That Could. Our garden is big and happy this growing season and we've been plucking veggies from the ground and eating them almost every meal. It doesn't get any fresher than that!

2. The Labels I Can't Stop Staring At. The new labels for Heist Handbags* are in! The logo design is from a collaboration with Flying Pyramids and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. Beautiful, high-quality, guilt-free, vegan leather. Perfect.

*Is the anticipation killing you yet? It sure is killing me! I promise a big reveal of the Heist Handbag line in the very near future. Promise!

3. The thrill of the Hunt. Am I right? I'm always hunting for records and when I dig one out from the depths of some dusty pit (What's with all the Johnny Mathis?!) you'd swear I found the rarest fossil man-kind has ever seen. Talking Heads for under $2? Yes, please.

4. The Experiment that Went Completely Right. I made a batch of these Jute Planters and planted oh-so-adorable succulents in them as a display for my parents' store. My parents were all "that's not really the store's vibe" and then they were all "people are asking about these, maybe we should sell them?" and then they were all "we're going to need more. We sold out." We're on batch 3 now. Needless to say, my stock as store display/interior designer is way up right now.

Photos via my Instagram. Are we friends yet?