To: me, From: me

Last week was my 26th birthday and I may or may not have splurged on a new bag. I'm a no-fuss...hands-free...kind of bag person and this Kate Spade number should do the trick.

On the hunt for a pack.

Lugging around the one shoulder tote isn't cutting it anymore -- especially when I have a load. So I've been eyeing this leather backpack from Archival Clothing. But, it's a little pricey for me right now. Alyson posted this canvas pack from Makr Carry Goods today and it just may be the one for me. 

Pravina Studio

I tend to gravitate toward stylish yet non-fussy handbags -- so this tote below by Pravina Studio would be my ideal. I love the clean lines and deep shade of gray.

Giveaway: SML Bags

I love giveaways :) This one comes from handbag designer Shana Luther and she's generously giving away this Rita clutch. It's pretty simple, just leave a comment to this post by Friday, February 5th (midnight) and a random winner will be chose. Be sure to include your email address so that I can contact you and check out more of Shana's creations here. Good luck!

Orla Fall Sale

I stumbled across a mini-Orla sale at a store in my local mall this weekend that I couldn't pass up! Her fall collection was priced at 50% off. And, in Orla-land, is unheard of!

1154 LILL Studio

When I am stalling between work projects or taking a quick second to relax my brain I usually reach for the mouse and check out a website that I can escape to for a few moments, and 1154 LILL Studio allows me to do just that. They offer customizable handbags and clutches for you to design yourself. You start by choosing the initial bag, then move on to the exterior fabric, followed by any other exterior add-ons, and finally to customizing the interior of the bag. Although I don’t buy everything I create, they have so many choices that it becomes an entertaining solution to a dull moment.

Tomorrow is First Friday

For those of you in the Raleigh area, tomorrow night (as you may know) is First Friday! Every first Friday of the month several art galleries and studios in downtown throw an "Open House" called First Friday. It is a great opportunity to check out some cool artwork.
This is a particulary special First Friday because my old employer, Holly Aiken, is opening her doors for her annual "Holiday Open House"! It looks like she'll have some new designs out and is also hosting other great designers in her store for the evening.

BANG

BANG is a company that creates great screen printed items as well as acrylic jewelry. I love letters and they have great tote bags that have enormous ornate letters on them. Check it out!They also have t-shirts!