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!

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!!

This year I did quite a bit of my Christmas shopping at AnneTaintor.com.  That creative chick cracks me up!!  I love her products and found items that will make my loved ones laugh, too.  Our Christmas will be filled with wit and hilarity thanks to Anne.  And I’d never have known about Anne Taintor without my dear friend, Emily, introducing me to her (thanks, Em!!!).  It’s love forever now.

So sit back and have a laugh as I share a few of my favorite Anne Taintor creations, holiday and otherwise, with you (click on image to be redirected to original site):

“Gay apparel was putting it mildly” Holiday Gift Card Set (Inside: fa la la la la la la la la) – $25.00

“she was one plum pudding away from a yuletide meltdown” Holiday Gift Card Set (Inside: Deck the Halls) – $25.00

“his thoughtful gift had ‘exchange’ written all over it” Holiday Gift Card Set (Inside: Merry Christmas) – $25.00

“why yes, I am overqualified” Tote – $9.00

“she was comforted by the knowledge that they were helpless without her” Sticky Notes – $4.50

“Oops!  I spent the grocery money on shoes again..” Magnet – $5.00

“Had she really hit Reply to All?!?!?” Magnet – $5.00

And – alas – there are too many favorites to feature all of them.  Each time I visit Anne’s store, I find a new favorite.  And searching through her store is always the perfect pick-me-up.  I’ve also really enjoyed her “Taintorette News” section where she features stories about the models who’s pictures are used in her products.  It’s just fascinating.

Thank you for your creativity, Anne!  You keep us cracking up and celebrating the mundane in life and motherhood!

I’m loving the creativity coming from RC Tees.  It’s a creative chick and her husband who make fantastic graphic designs and screenprint them on funky, stylish t-shirts and bags.

Here’s a bit about them from their profile: Together my husband and I share our ideas, the artwork, photographs, etc. My husband, starting with designing the artwork to hand printing each piece individually, does the actual work. My job is to list our finished shirts and bags on our ETSY shop and take care of our customers, from communication to shipping your order and then the final feedback.

Check out some of my favorite finds from their super-fun shop (click on pics to be redirected to the item in their store):

Spring Flower – on SUPER Soft Alternative Apparel Joplin – $26.00

Fleur de Rose on Organic Alternative Apparel Long Sleeve Scoop Neck t shirt – $25.00

Fall Flowers and Swirls on SUPER Soft Alternative Apparel Flutter Sleeve Tunic
- $25.00

Ghost Elephant Tote – $12.00

Funky-cool designs, huh?!  Adding each item to my Christmas wish list – what about you?

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Check out all of RC Tees designs for women, men and youth, along with their fantastic bag designs in their Etsy Store.

Today I’m featuring JenniferLadd Handbags.  Her designs have come up in one of my Flickr streams & there is no way to not click on them to see them in full detail cuz each handbag is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!  Here’s a few of my favorites (as usual, click on the image to be redirected to that item’s product page on the Creative Chick’s site):

Wooden Handle Purse with Animals in Damask – $60.00 (not available for purchase)

Aqua Blossoms Clasp Clutch Purse – $65.00

Blue Garden Wooden Handle Purse – $60.00 (not available for sale)

JenniferLadd Designs aren’t just handbags, they are a functional keepsake that you can pass down to your daughters, nieces or granddaughters.  Their beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs will give that beautiful bit of flair to turn any outfit into a sassy one.  Keep an eye on JenniferLadd designs; they’re fantastic!