After another week of communicating at a level of children under 4 years old, I (in desperation) asked my husband for a topic to spark some thought into my head. Surprisingly he said “Write about what kind of purse is going to come in.”

As I outlined this post I asked him where his stroke of genius had come from. He told me about a coworker that came back in after work and said “I noticed my purse seemed too light when I got to the car, then I realized I forgot my laptop.” Then she proceeded to easily drop her laptop into her magic “Mary Poppins” bag.

That was more than I needed; he had just given me everything for my post today. Thank you Seth!

The Evolution of the Purse Through 2010-2011 year.

Let’s start with a little recap of where we have been:

• Gathered “Mary Poppins” carpet bags with a leather twist

Where purses are going:

1. Gathers will turn to box pleats
2. Fold over tops
3. Shrink until reaches the size of a clutch.
4. Excess fabric will disappear and smooth sleek structures will emerge.
5. Details and emphasis will be added though: Fabric pattern, color, texture, and line.

Race Day Leather Clutch Purse in Caramel by gogovivi

Silk Lined Red and Cream Cameo Frame Kisslock Clutch by Briana Edelman Designs

Here is Why these changes will happen:

1. Spring is here with Summer right behind it. We want to lose weight, the easiest place to lose it is in our purse. Plus we don’t need to balance out all of the winter layers and Uggs
2. “Simplify, de-clutter, and don’t look excessive.” These are the themes for this year and next. The general population is tired of people who look “fake,” as if their stuff has to be brought everywhere in order to prove themselves. Minimize and you look simply secure.
3. Symbolically- “Our pocket books are shrinking” The economy is down and we don’t have excess and waste, in or on our purses. There may not be a lot of money in there, but we are secure with that. We will find that there is so much we can do with a good fabric, print or pattern, design and ingenious detailing.

As a side note for beach bags, of course you can’t fit a towel in a clutch.

Blue Lotus Collection Lined in Apricot Silk by Fiazco

So just look for simple lines and splashes in the summer favorite colors (check out the post on Spring/Summer colors).

Although we’ve featured bits and pieces of Ruche here before, I wanted to do a full post on some of their lovely women’s fashion trends today.  Have you spent time looking through ShopRuche.com?  It’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread (not even exaggerating).  I love their indie/vintage looks.  My fashion dreams now consist of filling my entire closet with Ruche items… and their JEWELRY is so dreamy, too.  But, alas… I need to quit typing and start showing you why I’m so crazy about them!

Sprouting Up – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-sprouting-up-c-24_114.html

Even though this shirt has sold out, I had to feature it.  Isn’t it lovely?  And I think it could work beautifully to be made modest with a pretty v-neck/scoop-neck shirt underneath, especially with sleeves that end at the elbow.  It would also look gorgeous with a simple cardigan on top.  You’d want to leave it open, though, so the lovely embellishing could shine through.  I think the thing that draws me most to this outfit is the simple colors (tan/khaki with white linen pants) with the bright pop of blues in the embellishing.  This top would also be fabulous for people like me that need some proportion-compensating for not being as well-endowed in the chest region (a.k.a. members of the “flat like a wall” club).

Picture Frames – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-picture-frames-c-24_116.html

This is a really great outfit, combo.  I especially am crazy about the belted look in the final picture.  The top is quite loose fitting, but it’s well-balanced by the form-fitting leggings.  This looks like such a comfortable outfit that wouldn’t look sloppy.  It could work well for a day running errands with the kiddos or even a get-together with friends.  Since I’m a food photographer by profession, I have this vision of things that work well as a “photographer outfit” and this would definitely classify as something I’d wear to a shoot.  It would look professional, but still casual enough for my clients to feel comfortable (even though I’d be so drop-dead sexy they’d have a hard time focusing on the food – always a problem… ha, ha).  Just fabulous.

Orange Sherbet – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-orange-sherbet-c-24_100.html

I also have a BIG thing for orange… oddly enough my high school’s colors were green and orange (lucky, right?).  This orange top is just gorgeous.  I love the pin tucks along the bottom, as well as the vintage embroidery across the bodice.  They’ve paired it perfectly with the chocolate-colored cardigan and sailor pants (aren’t sailor pants AWESOME?!!).  Yes, I’ll take this whole outfit right away please.

Here’s some of my favorite tops: Celestial Embroidery Tank, Poplin Zipper Top, Daisy Wings Cap Sleeve Top and the Bella Embroidered Striped Tunic

And a few fun shoes: Pink Studio Leisa gray platform wedge sandals, Gray Studded Pointy Heels and Rocket Dog “Dart” frayed canvas ballet flats (I love Rocket Dog shoes!!)

Here’s some of their sexy earrings: Up Up and Away Dangling Earrings, Coral Moondrop Swarovski Earrings, Mini Mesh Rose Earrings in Silver, Golden Flower Drop Earrings, Jaded Dangling Hoop Earrings by Ollipop and Golden Daisy Sparrow Drop Earrings

A few rad bags: Box Pockets Purse in Chestnut, Leaf Bag in Avocado and Take Me With You Clutch

I love these necklaces: Not So Typical Diamond Locket Necklace by Thursday Island, Cream Rose Indie Necklace, Cherokee Feather Necklace by Thursday Island and All in a Dream Sparrow Necklace

To-die-for accessories: Chenin Grape Scarf in Chocolate, Sweet Sage Flower Headband, A Straw Hat for Huck’s Girl, Grey Berriflower Headband, Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf and Astrantia Melody Headband

And now, the grand finale… yummy rings: Flower Child Oval Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Purple Quartz Daisy Ring by Ollipop, Baby’s Breath Ring by Ollipop, Lost in Time Capsule Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Lorelei Pearl Ring and Green Leaf Flower Ring

So…. are you loving Ruche like I am?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Recently, I became the proud owner of a custom the r house hand-stamped necklace!!!  As a member of SassyScoops.com, we were all recently fortunate enough to review and see first-hand all the wonderful creations from the r house.  You may remember that I featured them awhile ago, so I already went into this a BIG fan.  However, after seeing their jewelry and hearing their stories behind everything… let’s just say… I’M HOOKED FOR LIFE.  My wish list just keeps growing longer and longer each day.

So today I wanted to show you my gorgeous necklace and toot the “the r house” horn again.  They had lots of different styles of the silver “Sassy” part of the necklace for us to choose from.  I loved this one’s design.  Then, they had a lot of different styles of beads for us to add to our necklaces, making each of our necklaces very sentimental to us.

I fought for with flying elbows and hormonal aggression chose the beautiful little jade bird.  I’ve got a thing for green (you all know this very well) and I love birds.  I also chose a pearl and a sweet little purple-y bead.  All-in-all, there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t wear this necklace.  I’m completely in love with it!

You can see all what all the other Sassies thought of their custom necklaces in our Review and be watching tomorrow for the fun, follow-up Friday post (generally there is a giveaway and I hope there is for the r house; you’ll want to be SURE to watch for that).

I don’t know about you, but I adore the “things” in my life to have sentiment attached to them.  I’m always drawn to items that carry a story or a special meaning behind them (the r house is especially amazing at this and thus I love absolutely everything they create).

Today I found an artist who makes lovely, little items, full of sentiment and meaning.  Emily Rosenfeld creates jewelry, gifts and Judaica, all with the motto “Made with Joy.” Emily says, “My goal is to make jewelry, Judaica and gifts that are contemporary and expressive. The work is given its full meaning when it becomes part of your personal expression. I hope the joy and strength I get from making this work is what it carries and inspires.”

Check out a few of my favorite pieces from this fabulous, creative chick (as usual, click on the pictures to be redirected to her store):

Sterling Dove Earrings – $42.00

Tree Locket – $48.00 (isn’t this locket a fun spin-off of traditional lockets?)

Sterling Silver Contemporary Star of David Bracelet – $70.00

There are many more sentimental, hand-crafted jewelry pieces and gifts that I really enjoyed.  To see Emily’s full selection, go to emilyrosenfeld.com.  Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity, Emily!

Around Christmas time last year I bought 4 fun hair accessories from Kaang (featured this creative chick’s store in the very beginning of CreatedByChicks.com). Every time I wear ANY of them, I get TONS of comments about how fabulous they are and am asked where I got them. Honestly, it’s been the best discovery since sliced bread to know that on any given day I can take my hair from drab to fab by just adding a clever hair accessory. Girls, you’d be shocked to know what kind of fabulous, dirty hair styles you can get away with by doing this…. shocked.

Me, rockin’ my very fun, Kaang butterfly headband, with my sweet friend Brooke at Anastasia’s Attic.

Me (bein’ snazzy with my Kaang pink flower clip) sitting between two of the most hilarious chicks whom I’m so lucky to call friends, Kristina and Steph (on a SassyScoops.com review).

So, now I’m the biggest fan of funky hair accessories on the planet.  My oober-hip friend, Carina, has been rockin’ them for awhile (she’s always ahead of the times) and I tell you what: she always looks fantastic and polished.

Today I was hunting for more fab hair accessories and came across a really fun new designer called Feather & Bloom.  I really found some great pieces that would brighten up any bad hair day, instantly.  Check them out (as always, click on the pic to be redirected to that item in their store):

CALIGO pink feather headband – $24.00

SALLY beige feather headband – $22.00

EVA rose flower hair clips – $24.00

RAQUEL chartreuse feather headband – $18.00 (cuz green is my FAVORITE color – love this!)

ENIGMA beige flower hair clip – $28.00

AMY purple feather headband – $22.00

Aren’t these fun?!  I’m definitely crushing over them and adding them to my wishlist.  I especially love the ENIGMA beige flower clip because it’s so stunning and would go with just about anything, quickly dressing up your hair.  But there’s soooo many fun choices that I had a really hard time not putting even more in (I know… such a long post today).

Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity, Feather & Bloom!  We’re diggin’ it!

What hair accessory is your favorite from Feather & Bloom?  Have you branched out and tried a funky, feather headband yet?  Do you dare wear flowers in your hair?  What’s your comfort level with hair accessorizing? Do you need some ideas on what to pair all of these with? You’d be surprised at how much can “go” with fun, bright colors like a lot of the hair accessories featured here today.

Disclaimer: no one paid for the promotion of these two fabulous stores… just my own adoration driving this post.

I woke up early this morning to find something fabulous to feature on CBC today, when lo and behold, in my email was a sweet little note from a really lovely Etsy artisan!  I checked out her store and immediately wanted to feature her and her beautiful, vintage earrings and hairpins… soooo fun!  So, without further ado, check out these little beauties, created by Erica of {Little Lovelies}.  p.s. don’t forget to click on the pics to be redirected to the item in her store.

Purple Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Orange Ornate Floral Hair Lovely – $2.25

Light Blue Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Lily Pad Hair Lovely – $1.50

Coral Leaf Heart Lovelies – $7.00

Oooh, la, la!  I could snag up every single one of these!  I think I would quickly become addicted and my other earrings and hairpins would wonder what they ever did to never be worn again.

I snagged up a fun little jade green beaded bracelet from a fun online shop I stalk and wore it every day until the Sunday before last when my 1.5 y/o pulled on it and the bracelet broke, sending beads all over the chapel floor (very reverently, though, of course).  I’ve definitely felt a void in my wardrobe and have decided that I am a person who thrives on wearing green accessories.  Call me crazy, but I swear it helps me stay centered and happy during the day.  So… I think these little babies from {Little Lovelies} would be the PERFECT addition to my wardrobe (looking at them feels heavenly… ahhh….):

Celery Sprig Vintage Flower Cabochon Studs – $8.00

What’s your favorite from {Little Lovelies}?  Do you have a color that you love to wear and especially accessorize with?

Thank you for your fabulous creativity, Erica!  We LOVE your {Little Lovelies} shop!!!

p.s. Erica has a stinkin’ fun blog I’m going to start following now because I think she’s hilarious and possibly a long-lost sister – check it out: Erica’s Bloggity Blog.  She’s also a preggo photog, just like me!  Seriously, meant to friends or what?

Recently, my amazing friend, Emily, brought me a “get-well-soon” package of fun gifts…. sooooo incredibly nice of her.  It included a sugar-free Starbucks steamed milk (yummy!!!), two super-cute shirts that I can wear now and my preggo belly can comfortably grow into and the most FABULOUS bookmark from artist, Kelly Rae Roberts.  I know, who is seriously lucky enough to have a friend that wonderful?  I ask myself that everyday and am definitely sure I’m not a deserving recipient.

Now, I am a HUGE Kelly Rae Roberts fan.  And let me show you why (as usual, click on the pics to be redirected to the original site)…

Fly Necklace – $17.00

Versatile Art Plaques – $16.00 (don’t you just love the set of 3 in the frame like that?!)

Unleash Your Joy Magnetic Bookmark – $4.00

Believe in Possibility Magnet – $4.00

I love her fun, eclectic style.  I think I love everything she makes.  I love her use of color and combining different art mediums, like paint, pen sketch and print.  Thank you for introducing me to Kelly Rae Roberts, Em!  I’ll forever be grateful (and forever pining for her art).  Isn’t she FABULOUS?!!

I don’t know about you, but I am LOVING the neck scarves that have been trending in fashion during 2009 and now 2010.  I’ve always loved scarves, but there really hasn’t been much variety until the past 8-10 months when scarf selection has just exploded!  On a little Etsy hunt I found these fab “Neck Rags” made by the creative chick behind Textile Monster.

Neck Rag in Gray, Tipped in Turquoise – $22.00

One in every color?  Ummm.. YES, PLEASE.  You should check out the entire color selection in Textile Monster’s store… yummy!

Have you gotten into the scarf scene yet?  How do you wear your scarves – everyday accessory or only with a coat when it’s cold?  What are your favorite scarf looks?

This post is a continuation of my previous Fashion Friday post.

Increased consumer education in a shaky economy is a common cycle or trend throughout fashion history. We are headed for some really amazing times in fashion and in our future! I can’t wait to see the creativity and intelligence that burst out of the ashes of the economy!

Tuesday Morning Hairpin Set by Hot Pink Chick – $14.00

Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind
Because we value supporting our economy and neighbors, consumer education is going up. We want to know that we’re getting quality items that will last. We want to know who makes it – that there is a real person behind it that we can trust, because we have a distrust for the “too big to fail” companies and their motives. Quality is important now – not quantity. You know you aren’t wasting money on corporate handouts and large overhead.

Large Boulder Opal Necklace by Sandrandan – $24.00

Though we will see a variety of items from the internet moving across the country, we will see the spectrum moving closer and closer to home. We have already seen the influence bloggers can have because we trust them. It will just get closer to home as we want to meet those we are putting our trust in. We need to get to know people so that we can understand their motives. Are they just out there to make a buck? Or do they really care about and understand their customers and products.

Rosette Jersey Scarf by Sue Bradbury – $24.00

We will also move toward locally-made because the well educated, jobless people in our communities will start making better products of their own, with higher quality, cutting costs. Sellers will look at “how low can I get the price?” instead of “how much can I charge?” We will get a lower cost, better quality item from someone we trust. Basically it is BACK to the AMERICAN WAY.

Monument Earrings by LKFarnsworth Studio – $19.00

Be sure to subscribe and Google Friend Follow CreatedByChicks.com to never miss a Fashion Friday installment!

Yes, it’s true.  I’m pining for a “mom bag.”  This needs to be a sassy bag that fits all my stuff with ease.  I want to fit my wallet, phone, keys, business card holder (need to make and print my cards to put in it, though) in it for quick access.  I also want to be able to toss a spare diaper and some wipes, a snack for the kiddos and possibly a sippy cup in it.  There don’t need to be holders for all of these things, but it does need to be convenient.  I’ve had mom bags that are sooo ginormous that you lose anything that goes into it.  At the checkout line in the supermarket I feel like Mary Poppins searching through my giant carpet bag just to find my wallet to purchase my groceries (everyone in line is rolling their eyes behind me).  I’d almost rather have a small bag and an additional diaper bag (most likely to leave in the car, not actually carry around with me) than have that kind of experience again.

So, today I went hunting on Etsy and found some fabulous, boho-chic, handmade bags that are sassy and could fit what I’m looking for in a “mom bag.”  Check ‘em out (click on the pics to be redirected to the item’s site):

Truffle bag in teal by Morelle – $225.00

The Market Bag in Gunmetal Gray by Moop – $93.00

Turquoise Linen everyday purse by Sinem Inugur – $30.00

Burgandy canvas everyday purse by Bayan Hippo – $36.00

Which bags did you like the most?  I’m noticing that the basic shape of all of these bags is similar and I LOVE it!  Also, the colors are all really trendy for the Fashion and Color Trends for 2010.

Have you got a “mom bag?”  Any advice for finding the perfect one?  What features are a must?

p.s. For those of you wondering where my blog design services and info went, I’ve recently decided to stop offering my design services for hire.  Things have gone so well, so quickly that I just can’t keep up.  Thank you for your support and love in this endeavor!  Things will continue on as normal here at CreatedByChicks.com, minus mentioning my design projects.  Love you all!!