Understated

Isn't this pretty bag perfect for those hazy summer days? Made with upholstery fabric and curled around bamboo handles, it's big enough to hold everything you need during the day (trust me, it's 14 x 9). Thee pattern on the bag is particularly attractive, and as upholstery yardage, it ought to be quite durable. It's beautiful and classic, but with a fresh twist thanks to the pattern. The colours are wonderfully, subtly retro. Just $34 from Spongetta.

Supermarket Style

It occurred to me this evening, as I sit here self-medicating with a fiery concoction only Severus Snape could love (eh...really, it's not that bad), that it has been a while since I featured a bag of any sort.

A few friends have mentioned they'd love to have re-usable bags for the supermarket and places like IKEA. In all honesty, I'm not entirely on the environmental bandwagon, though some things seem quite logical to me. One of those logical, sensible things is reusable shopping bags, because there are only so many plastic bags I can re-use to pick up puppy poo while we're on our walks or line the bathroom wastebasket with. I've tried keeping all of them...and the cabinet beneath our kitchen sink is at critical mass thanks to the bags from our supermarket and other necessary excursions.



Fortunately, though there were at first (and still are) unattractive bags one can purchase and use for such mundane purchases as milk runs (or, more fun, fresh fruit and ice cream runs), enterprising, bright, and talented people are designing chic and durable bags perfect for hitting the grocery store or farmer's market. Of course, most of us would probably need 10 or 15 of these for our average supermarket trip, especially if you buy lots of fresh produce, but I suppose every little bit helps, don't you?

Kathijane is one of these clever, creative designers, and right now has two darling market shopper sets in her shop, one in a perky asparagus green and the other in a pretty turquoise and chocolate floral print. Each set is $36, and includes 2 medium canvas totes packed into one larger one. The larger tote has to big exterior pockets, too. The bags are machine washable and wholly handmade in the USA. It's a great deal for you...and that spot in your house where you're pretty sure those plastic bags are self-perpetuating.


Just a heads-up: my parents are visiting us this weekend, so you get Fun Friday a day early. With all that has occurred in our family these past few months, I certainly don't want to be hunting stuff down with my parents here. They are really looking forward to seeing Ben, though.

Have a great night!

Vined Embroidery

While brown isn't exactly a springy colour (can that season arrive quickly enough?), it's wonderfully versatile in the right shade and makes a far nicer compliment to most things than black does (most of the time). This prettily embroidered and appliqued purse from Divine Diva Art has such soft, gentle lines it wasn't possible to pass it up today.

More than big enough to tote around all of your necessities — even a book or two — the $45 handmade and hand-embroidered bag has an exterior of cotton but a durable, tough, "beat me up, I can take it" denim interior. That's smart thinking!

Beautiful Bags from Tamami Ko

You know, all of the artists I feature here at Pretty/Modest are just that: artists. They're all super-talented, if you ask me, and almost all of them have at least 2 or 3 items I'd love to feature, if not more goodies. Still, sometimes I just can't help it, and this is one of those nights; the handbags at Tamami Ko Bag are exceptional and unique and deserving of such exposure.

I've chosen two bags to give you an idea of Tamami Ko's versatility, that is, formal and casual.

The first bag is the "large blue lady". Beautiful, isn't it? Not only is the bag a terrific shape — it makes me think of a gigantic dewdrop — the colours and vintage fabric are rich and elegant. There's a nice tortiseshell-like vintage buckle, and that lovely finishing touch, the sparkling charm serving as a zipper. Just delightful! You'll have to visit the bag itself to see the interior of this bag, in its luscious, gorgeous contrasting colours. There's a big pocket inside, too, but then the bag itself is big: 18.5" wide and 15" wide! You could probably stick your Golden Retriever in this one. $68.



The other bag is the La Vie En Rose. I can't tell if the bag's exterior is made of denim or not, but it looks like it, making this a durable but sweetly pretty purse for everyday. And pretty it is: the chic modern form, and of course that irresistible decoration on the flap, made of a vintage patch featuring vintage roses and a beaded vintage button. These few small but bright touches give this $43 bag great personality without being overwhelmingly girly or treacly. It's another good-sized bag, too, at 14.5" wide and 7.5" tall. As you can see, the interior of the bag is beautiful and well-crafted, too, not to mention a light colour so it's easy to find the things that invariably sink to the bottom.

This is definitely a shop worth visiting; Tamami is very creative in her use of vintage items to create modern accessories!

Snuggly Winter Blossom

This cherry blossom clutch is perfect to give as a gift or for you to carry to parties this year. Yet it needn't be stashed away once Christmas and New Year's are over: why not use it every day as a cosmetics case, to hold your cellphone and PDA in an easy-to reach spot in your purse, or to carry your camera with you during the day? It's a little bigger than 8 x 6, and on sale for a mere $20. Hand-knit with merino wool before being felted, the zipper-clutch features a pretty flower pin made of felt that you can wear on your coat, sweater, or scarf when it's not on your charming little clutch.

From My Jenny Wren, where you'll also find very cute gingerbread ornaments for decking your home and tree.

Fun Friday: Calling Errol Flynn...

Sometimes these Fun Friday treats just make me giggle. This adorable cupcake-themed tote is just one of those items! This black cotton tote big enough for all of your day-to-day necessities, craft supplies, library books, even some baking supplies home from the supermarket. It features white screenprinted cupcakes, all clearly aware of their deliciousness: vanilla, chocolate, and...pirate! Just $10 from Dog Bone Art, making it a sensible splurge (no, that's not an oxymoron) for yourself or a cupcake-loving friend.

If you like this print, you can also get it in a tee, vinyl sticker, and notecards. There's even stickers and miniature plushies featuring the dashing pirate cupcake all by itself.

Do you wonder if anyone ever had the temerity to call Errol Flynn "cupcake"? Something tells me "no", not even Olivia herself.

I've just got to tell you that Dog Bone Art is pure cute overload. Artist Laura's shop is jam-packed with whimsical treats that won't even come close to breaking the bank and encourage smiles all around. It's a great place to do some Christmas shopping, too.

My mother-in-law will be here this weekend, and I'm running to the craft store to create what I'm sure will be a monstrosity of a feather boa wreath for the house (the idea is in my head, and it just won't go away). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm, and I'll see you Monday!

Change of Mood, Change of Bag

Fall approacheth, ladies. Monday is October 1. Most of us can get away with summer-wear and behaviour in September, because it's still warm (even hot - it was over 90 here yesterday), muggy, and the nights luxuriously comfortable enough that we can sleep with the windows open and just a sheet on the bed.

Sadly, this will not last much longer. I give us another week or so of this, then a cold snap, then Indian summer, then - winter. *sigh*

While I personally bemoan summer's desertion, there are benefits - like the rich colours and patterns fashion adopts from nature. This reversible tote, for instance: it's made of a deep chocolate canvas, and hand-screen printed with goldenrod-toned flowers on one side and starbursts on the other. Turquoise topstitching lends a little extra punch (fall needn't mean drab, after all), and the cut of this bag is wonderful - you'll be able to wear it over your shoulder, even over a jacket, while you lug a pumpkin or apples and cider up to the cash register.

The bag is, again, reversible, so you can wear whichever print catches your fancy, and it's a good-sized tote, too, at 11.5 inches wide and 14 inches tall. $45 and handmade with love by Kaybu, where you'll find several other totes, pretty reversible headbands, and screen-printed tees.

Autumn Exotic

Isn't this a beautiful bag? The orange and blue are a great combination (very popular right now, too), but I especially like the combination of stripes with that exotic, rather ethnic print on top. This $23 bag, handmade by Jillyd Bags, is 7.5" high, 11.25" wide and has sturdy shoulder straps that will be sure to withstand whatever you put inside this divided-pocket bag. In addition to the great colours and prints, the clean, simple lines of this bag are so lovely - and when it comes to bold prints like these, simple lines in the finished product are essential. It closes with a magnetic snap, so all of your goodies are kept inside safe and sound but without a tie or flap that would distract from the chic modernity of this bag.

For those of you in my home state of Michigan, Jillyd Bags will be at a craft show this Saturday in Zeeland, Michigan, at Zeeland Christian School from 9-3. (Y'all know I love supporting hometown folks.)

At $23, it's a real steal, and Jillyd has many gorgeous bags in her shop for all tastes and at really affordable prices for such pretty bags, too. Happy browsing!

'Tis my faith that every flower/Enjoys the air it breathes!

I have two very pretty treats for you tonight, and it's two because I (again) just couldn't decide between the comeliness. Additionally, tomorrow is going to be a rather strange day, and I'm not sure when or if I'll be able to post. We'll cross our fingers - if nothing else, the Hollywood Gold Cup is Saturday, and I can post then while floating on a cloud of horse-inspired happiness.



First up is this one-of-a-kind flower pin. The petals have been made of hand-blocked, recycled paper and then coated so they're very durable. Artist Tamar then took a really pretty vintage coral-coloured rose piece and centered it on the blossom, resulting in a really pleasing combination of colour, textures, and prints. The 2" pin is $15, and will look smashing on your tops, handbags, totes, jackets, or even in your hair or attached to the hem of a favourite skirt. Actually, you could probably even string the pin part on a chain and wear it as a dainty, winsome pendant. $15 is a deal!

Tamar has many more flower pins, all lovely and whimsical; I'm sure there's one among the boquet you'll like.





Our other goodie tonight is this gigantic tote, also from Tamar's shop. Just look at the scrumptious, mouthwatering, vibrant colours! Pink, orange, yellow, turquoise, green on reinforced cotton - so perfect for summer. The interior has a sweet striped lining in heavy cotton, so this bag will be quite durable and entirely able to stand up to all of your needs all summer long and beyond.

Not only is the bag pretty, it's practical (ahhhh, the beauty of capitalism). There is a big split pocket on each side of the exterior, not to mention a long, deep pocket on each end-side of the tote, good for phones, water, pens (I can't be the only one eternally digging at the bottom of her bag for a pen, can I?), chopsticks for your hair... The interior has three more pockets, so unlike most totes, you'll definitely be able to keep all the small things in their own place without having to call out the dogs to search for a ponytail holder or lip balm.

This bag really is huge - 21" x 15.5", with 19" straps. It's looks to be about four or five inches wide, but I'm not sure on that one. I really like the soft, curved edges of this $50 bag; it looks more feminine and sweet than your typical tote bag. As Tamar notes, this tote is big enough to be a diaper bag or to carry everyone's goodies to the beach with you. I think it's a pretty good buy, all things considered.

Both items are available from Tamar's shop, Nest Pretty Things and VeryFairy, where you'll also find home decor, greeting cards, and of course more flower pins and great summer bags and accessories pouches. She has a very feminine, graceful sense of style that I really like. The wreaths she makes are quite charming and fanciful, too. Everything in her store is...well, romantic. I don't know any other way to say it, but it's definitely a good thing.


By the way, if you're curious, the title line is courtesy of William Wordsworth. :)

Pretty Fun Summer Bags

Before I get to the cute of the night, I simply have to tell you that a charity of which I'm a big fan, Old Friends (a Thoroughbred rescue), will be featured on CBS Evening News tomorrow (Thursday) evening. I know, I know, it's Katie Couric's show, but she isn't doing the feature, Richard Schlesinger is. It should be fun to watch; Schlesinger spent "several hours" with the farm's 23 adopted retired racehorses, including Sunshine Forever, Swan's Way, Special Ring, and Special Deelites, who played Seabiscuit in the Seabiscuit movie.

Hubby and I visited Old Friends on our trip to Lexington in April, and I got tons of fantabulous shots (none of which I've uploaded yet, but that is beside the point and they're worth the wait, believe you me - I'm really happy with them). The volunteers - it's a completely volunteer-run and funded organization - are wonderful people and the horses are pretty happy for animals who were rescued from near-certain death. I am extremely cautious about the charities I support and give props to, but this is one that's completely safe.

(And they will probably never complain should they receive a box full of peppermints in the mail, either.)





Now for the cute, and as you can see, it's extra-fun and thus perfect for summer (because we all know we lack the energy for 'extra fun' in winter, right?). Once again I couldn't settle on just one bag, so I chose my two favourites for you. The first is the red floral birdie purse. A flower-bedecked bird perches on a red polka-dot grosgrain ribbon against a field of orange-and-white vintage upholstery fabric Janice found at a thrift shop (now, how's that for upcycling?). The bag is lined with the same fabric our pretty little bird is made of. The purse is on sale for $32 and is quite roomy at 11.5" x 10.5" x 3" - and you know what? It's one of a kind! Just like you... *wink wink*




The other purse is this fabulous mod sparrow shoulder bag (yes, another avian friend). It's another good-sized purse, the right size to hold all of your daily needs and maybe even some reading, and displays a white vinyl sparrow appliqued onto turquoise corduroy (it looks to be a summer-friendly light pinwale cord if you're concerned about that sort of thing). There's a really fun mod polkadot print that goes all the way around the purse, forming the base, the sides, and the handle of the bag. It's lined with pale pink polkadotted fabric with a handy pocket inside that matches that fun mod print. There are just two of these left at $42 each - there's none of the fabric left to work with so this is very limited edition.

Both bags are from the wonderful (and wonderfully named) Copacetique, which shuttered its doors earlier this year but just had to come back, and lucky us! In addition to cute bags, they sell jewelry, vintage duds, and even home accessories with which to decorate your nest. Just the name "Copacetique" alone should get you to visit, especially because it's a name I thought would be fun for my own shop until I realized it was already snapped up. But it's all right - this shop has earned it!

Fun Friday: Why Don't You Just Go Join The Circus?

Now, I knew it would be quite hard to top cute-faced radioactive sheep earrings this Friday. But while today's pick may not have the crazy fun factor of sheep with green faces, it is definitely fun and cute, and I think you'll like it. This absolutely adorable, whimsical join the circus linen bag stars a ballerina kitty swinging across your bag, with the words "join the circus" embroidered onto the natural linen. The interior is lined with bright red polka-dotted cotton. Kitty and her tutu have been machine appliqued, and I really like the 3-D bits of the bag: the beads, the swing, the button 'tag', and the cat herself (of course).

From Syko's Shop in Finland, this bag is going to last you a long, long, time - and give you a reason to smile every time you pick it up. At 14.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall with a four-inch-wide cardboard-reinforced bottom, this has plenty of room for your daily necessities as well as a book or two, your camera or knitting (possibly both!), an umbrella, a bottle of water and some fruit, even diapers for your crumb-cruncher. Artist Kasja has added a keyring to the side to hold your car and house keys, and the $75, one-of-a-kind bag closes with a good, old-fashioned snap up top.

In addition to the sheer cuteness and fun of this bag, I like the way she's constructed it, particularly the gathers around the front. It adds that extra element of style and thoughtfulness evident in all Kasja's work. In addition to bags, she makes art quilts of various sizes as well as cushion covers, potholders, and little zipper pouches for your accessories.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Preakness and Sunday's Red Wings game, which means I'll be watching way too much TV for a spring weekend, but...hey, these things only come around once a year, right?

Ringing It In With Spring

Isn't this a wonderfully pretty, cheery bag? Handmade in Japan by Rina of Chic36, this Big Flower Tote is available at Crafters For Critters and is only $30 - with 100% going to a very good cause.

While there is no size information available, it looks more than large enough to hold all your daily essentials - in fact, possibly your purse itself - as well as perhaps your camera, a good book or magazine, a bottle of water or fruit juice, your knitting or embroidery gear to work, the doctor's office, the baseball game (don't forget, Stitch 'N Pitch is now underway), the beach, or a day downtown. That's one thing I love about a good, sleek tote - it will stylishly hold everything you need in one neat package. No need to carry two bags, or a handbag and a pile of other necessaries. As an amateur photographer who brings her small camera everywhere with her, I find a good tote is indispensable, as it negates the need to put something on the ground to shoot.

The colours on this bag are so pretty, and that there are several colours in a large, modern flower print means it will coordinate wonderfully with your wardrobe.

Keep in mind, this fab tote is available only at Crafters For Critters. CFC is given donations from independent crafters and artists, sells the items via the webstore, and uses all the proceeds to help animals. The charities change every 'round' (there are three rounds a year), but they're always listed on CFC's info page. Great idea, isn't it? Crafters are usually really kind, generous people, and this fits in perfectly with the sort of thing they like to do. At Crafters For Critters, you'll find everything from pet toys (of course!), accessories, clothing, jewelry, craft kits, stationery, and every penny after shipping costs and the occasional infusion to keep the website up and running goes to the round's selected charities: they raised over $3100 last round, over $1700 the one previous to that - they list the amount raised after each round. Enjoy your browsing, and when you make your purchase, know you're doing so and supporting a great cause at the same time.

Talk About "Taste From Home!"

One of my favourite stores back in my pre-marriage home of Berkley, Michigan was the cheery and eclectic Catching Fireflies. That it was within walking distance (maybe a mile away) from my apartment made it that much more tempting. From whimsical little knickknacks (like pretty picture frames) to jewelry and even fabulously retro kitchen goodies, this is my kind of store! I really miss the ability to stroll over on a sunny afternoon to peruse the massive cute at this charming little shop - but thanks to the power of the internet, I can still look and shop via their online store.

There are so many pretty things in the shop it's hard to pick just one, but this cranberry beaded handbag is too lovely not to share. It's a perfect colour (you know how I feel about red handbags) and the embroidered flowers add that little extra something for a dressy, classic look. A 46" silver chain is included in case you want or need to hang this delicious treat from your shoulder, but I like the silver handle - very ladylike and demure.

As the lovely ladies at Catching Fireflies tell us, this really is perfect for a night on the town or a day on which you just want that extra-special accessory to cheer you or add that additional insight into your personality. Not only will the bag look great with a cocktail dress, I think it woul look equally fabulous with a pair of jeans and a crisp blouse or a 50s-style daydress.

$38 from Catching Fireflies. Be sure to check out their site - they cover nearly everything, from babies and pets to kitchen and stationery.

Kim Family Auction

I'm certain you remember the heartbreaking story of the Kim family. The Kims had earned great affection from the independent crafting and art community, and as a result, artists banded together and donated items to an
auction benefitting the Kim family. All the items are showcased on the blog, and are at auction on eBay.

There are many lovely items, but one of the cutest is this squirrel tote & tree tote bag from Casey Brown. The red wool-blend squirrel is hand-appliqued onto cotton canvas and resides among prettily hand-embroidered details (like the tree, and "Squirrel" stitched in the back). The bag is fully lined in cotton with pockets for cellphones, lipstick, gum, or kitty treats (hey, you never know). So if you've ever got a day where you're feeling a bit...well, squirrely and loopy, you can whimsically warn everyone by carrying this tote. Bonus on this piece: free shipping!



That's your cute for the day. My other favourite auction item - although it's far out of my price range - is the sweet horse chestnut necklace from Scottish artist Abigail Percy. It's such a unique piece, beautifully crafted, and I love the asymmetrical way it's meant to be worn. The sweet horse chestnut leaf is hand-carved stained faux ivory supported by a gold-plated silver setting piece, and strung with faceted round smoky quartz beads on silk. I really like this gorgeous necklace.

It's all for a great cause, and the work available is worth looking at just for the inspiration factor. Maybe go in on an item with a friend or two and pass it around? The auction has had some lovely home pieces donated as well - like porcelain pots and a cute wall pocket - so there's certainly something for everyone.

There's Something About A Well-Planned Bag

If there's anything that drives me batty, it's having to dig around in my purse for my ringing cellphone, or a lipstick, or a pen, or...well, you know the drill. That goofy little zip-side pocket in most purses is pointless; if I need my phone, I need it now, darnit! And since there are usually six or more lipsticks floating around in my bag at any given time, whichever one my fingers touch first is unlikely to be the one I actually want. Who hears me?





That's why GlassBeach's handbag tote in Brown Bohemian is such a gem: not only are the pockets functional, there are three of them! Three! One for the gadgets, one for the girlie stuff, and one for...I don't know, your mace or radiation detector or kitty treats. As busy as women are these days, I'm sure you can find something to slip into the third pocket.

The bag is made of wide wale corduroy - I must be on a cord kick, as I'm wrapping up a cord skirt right now in the studio - and the center panel features pretty pink-red line-drawn flowers, tiny shimmery dots, and a loop-button closure. She's lined the interior and fashioned the handles with brown twill, which will easily hold up to daily use.

It's a very pretty bag, and very reasonably priced and beautifully coloured for the season. The truly soft, snuggly cord has been Scotchgarded for additional protection. I imagine any lady would be quite happy to carry this!

Glass Beach's store also features wristlets, card wallets, totes, and of course other purses and handbags. Her work looks wonderfully professional and she uses a variety of patterns, so there is probably something for everyone here!