Retro Style from Jimmy Pickles

There's something about snap-top bags. Part of it has to be their sort of formal, retro look, but for me at least, much of it is simply nothing more than they remind me of my grandmothers. When I was a little girl, they both carried snap-top handbags, often with snap-top coin purses inside. The crisp sound of their closing is wonderful as well, isn't it?

Doubtless it's the combination of warm memories and the style factor that has attracted me to these darling cosmetic bags from Jimmy Pickles. Artist Cherie utilizes not just the fabulousness of snap-tops, she's paired them with terrific fabrics in a variety of bright colours and super-swell fabrics, including cute coordinating lining. These handmade $18 bags are a healthy size, too: 10 inches long at the bottom, 6 inches wide at the opening, and 7 inches tall. That's room enough for your makeup emergency kit, and perhaps even enough to serve as your clutch for an evening out.

If you like these cosmetics bags, be sure to check out her similarly-shaped and equally sweet coin purses (just like Grandma used to have!). This is my favourite, though it's another hard call.

Cherie also offers wristlet keychains - she's the original! - bibs, checkbook covers, and cute button-style ponytail holders. Everything looks extremely well-made, and frankly, the prices are more than competitive with big-box places like Target. Even better, though, they're all made here in the States by an independent artist. Shop away!