What Happens When You Cross Mosaic Tiles with A Handbag Frame?

Well, we shall see!  I've had this idea in mind for a few years now... and I'm now ready to try it out!  Here are some of the design elements I'll be using:  Mosaic tiles, bugle beads, a sturdy purse frame, and a stylish door handle, purchased from the hardware store.  This should be fun!

Stay tuned for the finished design.... Will post a picture of it when it's completed!

What Makes "Handcrafted" Purses By Designs To Infinity, So Special?

A handcrafted purse is special... I really mean that!!!  It is usually not mass-produced, and the intention is to create that one item of artistry that is unique in its own right.  It has its own identity, like the person wearing it.  It has its own story.

"The story" behind this particular clutch purse, was that a very big event was occurring-- a big party was being given by the studio that hosts my husband's daytime television show.  It was an opportunity to showcase one of my purses, and to give the ladies attending the party an opportunity to see what my company, Designs To Infinity, could offer to its target market.  Having a predetermined awareness of this groups' psychographics-- where they lived, where and what they tended to shop for, what they like to do socially... and what types of events they might attend, gave me a better idea of what type of purse would be an eye-catcher.

The vision of the purse I ultimately created, began after I determined those variables-- and the purse was designed to complement my own "individuality".  After all, not only did my purse have a story, I was present to tell it!!!

For the clutch purse, I decided that I would add crystals... lots of them!

To a nice, sturdy purse frame... a great beginning!

I used gorgeous, novelty fabric for the purse... and accentuated the petals with metallic liquid glitter!

The lining had to be special, so a beautiful contrasting Ultrasuede was used for the interior of the clutch purse.  The purse closure was covered with Ultrasuede as well, and embellished with crystals, for a very elegant finish!

VOILA!!!  The completed clutch purse, with accessories!!!

I really enjoyed creating this purse!!!

Designs To Infinity Purse Appears at the 2012 Daytime Emmys!

My very own clutch purse was carried to the 2012 Daytime Emmys-- by none other than myself!!!

My husband's show, "America's Court With Judge Ross" was nominated for an Emmy, for "Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program", which was very exciting news, having been on for only two full seasons!  Unfortunately, the show did not bring home the Emmy, but it was still a win.... and we had such a great time!  It was definitely a "win" for me!  I had an opportunity to let the ladies know who they need to look up when they're looking for a purse to wear with their beautiful gowns to the next big show!

I created this clutch purse to complement the beautiful blue gown that I wore.  I chose a contrasting color, picking up the tiny hints of silver found in the beading of my dress.  Silver is the perfect color to wear with royal blue!  The purse was made using silk fabric, swarovski crystals, and silver-colored metal leaves, finished off with a beautiful jeweled button as the centerpiece.  The outer edges of the frame were trimmed with silver sequins.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to showcase my purse at the Emmys... and to be there in person, in the room with some of the biggest television personalities & actors, was an even greater honor... it was a bit surreal!!!

D2I, we made it to the big leagues!

It's Time For Some Blackberry Sorbet!

The way in which I came up with a name for this new cell phone purse style popped up in my head almost automatically! For some reason, the color of the trim kept reminding me of a sorbet, and with the exterior of the purse being black... and the perfect size for a Blackberry smartphone, it made the name, Blackberry Sorbet, only fitting!

New Cell Phone Purse Styles by D2I Are Here!

Lately, I've been blogging a lot less than I'd like to. Like everyone else, when you are multi-tasking, unfortunately something gets left out. In my case, its been the blog. Well, I'm at it again, and will make a much better effort in not letting so much time go by before I check in!

I've got good news, though! I've designed new cell phone purses, and they are here just in time for the holiday season. I am especially pleased with my latest collection-- I believe the variety of fabrics, colors and textures really complement the direction that fashion has taken this season.

I've also given my website a facelift (and still working on it, as we speak!) Take a visit there by clicking here.... and let me know what you think!

To see my new cell phone purses styles, click here. More on the way!

Beautiful Handbags For Fall

There are so many great handbag designs to choose from this Fall 2010 season. The combinations of fiber, hardware, and color schemes make these bags look sexy! Didn't know a bag could be that, huh?! The bag pictured above is a Judith Leiber Cheetah-Print Pony Valeria Clutch... so feminine-- love it!

Here are a few more of my favorites:

How cute is this Burberry Knotted Small Healey Shoulder Bag???

Christian Louboutin Kathena Leopard-Print Clutch - a perfect accessory!

Salvatore Ferragamo Leopard-Print Gancini Tote- from jeans to evening wear, this bag would be a great show-piece!

The Valentino Rosier Tote - Beautiful and trendy!

There are many more out there to choose from... If only I could have them all!

Take That Phone Call! You Never Know Who Your Potential Customer Could Be

Today, while working on something that required my immediate attention, my business phone rang. I decided that the caller would have to wait until I finished up the task that I was working on. The phone rang again. I became slightly annoyed-- not because someone was trying to contact me, but because the phone rang again just as soon as it stopped. I stopped what I was doing and checked my business voicemail.

A gentleman left a frantic message, stating that he had accidentally sent some very personal information via fax to my business number. He was concerned about his personal information inadvertently ending up in someone’s hands he didn’t know. He indicated that he wanted to know whether or not I had received the fax, feeling that he would have peace of mind knowing the outcome of his error. I conveyed to him that I had, in fact, received the 13-page fax. I assured him that I would immediately destroy it; I had no interest in being privy to something that made someone else feel violated.

Unbeknownst to me, technology had already afforded him the opportunity to do an internet search on my phone number, and as a result, he had already checked me out, located my business, and actually visited my website! As we engaged further in conversation, he shared that “tidbit” of information with me. He told me that he needed to know who he was dealing with. I actually found it amusing!

As we ended our conversation, he told me how appreciative he was that I responded promptly to his “crisis”. He also had something he wanted to share with me: His wife was a collector of handbags, hats, and shoes!

He told me that his wife had browsed my website, loved the handbags, and was ready to make some purchases! He warned me that I should be expecting an order very soon!

The lesson here is that you never know who your customer may end up being! I've learned that even the most unlikely set of circumstances can end up presenting the opportunity for a sale! Prompt follow-up and sensitivity to his dilemma led to me gaining this caller’s wife as a new customer… no good deed goes unnoticed!!!

One other detail that I mentioned to the gentleman is that I am in the process of updating my online store with new items for the fall season… they will be added very soon, so be sure to keep checking in! I’ll help you get to my site… just click here! http://bit.ly/viAil

A HANDBAG EXHIBIT YOU MAY WANT TO SEE

I can really appreciate when someone puts their heart and soul into their creations.

As I was reading the latest "handbag news", I found an article about Carolyn Quan, who is an internationally fine art photographer of nudes and nature. Her work is very sensual but tasteful, and popping with color. She will be launching her new limited-edition handbag collection at the New Living Expo exhibit in San Francisco, beginning today. Her work is incredible, and displaying her works on handbags is a very clever move on her part!

Here are some of my favorites from her handbag collection:

"Reflections of Bruvel" Clutch

"Fantasy Island 2" Hipster

"Popcorn In Paradise" Satchel

To read more about Carolyn Quan and her beautiful collection on exhibit, click here.

LINDSAY LOHAN ENTERING THE HANDBAG GAME, TOO?!

Looks like it's Lindsay Lohan's turn! Apparently, she is in talks with Ed Hardy to design a handbag collection for his company. What Lindsay's handbag style is, I have no idea... but her popularity alone will create a buzz for this new line. We'll soon find out if attaching her name to the line will prove beneficial...

For the full story, click here.

NICOLE RICHIE IS THE NEWEST CELEB HANDBAG DESIGNER

What's up with the influx of celeb designers???

Looks like Nicole Richie will soon be attaching "handbag designer" to her name, with her House of Harlow 1960's accessories line and Winter Kate clothing label having already been established.

The House of Harlow handbag collection will include 40 new handbag styles, and will be released in spring of next year, with prices ranging from $295-$595. With her style being described as "boho-chic", it's being predicted that her handbag line will follow suit.

Despite the fact that it seems that everyone wants to be a designer, even when they've already achieved "celeb status", I do feel that Nicole has a style that is identifiable, and many people do relate with it. If she carries that same trend over to her handbag line, she will do well.

To get the whole story, click here.

My Favorite Picks of Designer Handbags For Spring 2010

With spring being just around the corner, I decided to take a peek at the designer bags for the season. Lots of gorgeous new styles, but here are a few of my personal favorites:

The Stella McCartney Hobo - clearly Chanel-inspired, with the chain link trim doubling as a handle (which dresses up this purse)

Gucci Pelham Hobo - Another simple style, but well-structured bag...

Valentino Flower Tote - Both feminine and elegant

Jimmy Choo Cowboy Buckle Hobo - Perfect for accessorizing with casual attire!

The Gucci Large Shoulder Bag -

Love the design and color of this bag -

Can wear with just about anything!

By the way, have you noticed that the bags have shrunk again? Apparently, because the tech gadgets that women carry are shrinking in size (cell phone, MP3 players, laptop), the purses are being downsized as well! Check out this great article written on the topic, by clicking here.

New Handbag Styles From D2I Are on The Way...

With the holiday season behind us now, I am currently in design mode, putting the finishing touches on some great new styles for spring! I'm loving the color palette for Spring '10, vibrant brights combined with practical neutrals:

With the re-emergence of turquoise, I've already pulled out my stash of turquoise jewelry and begun wearing it!

Can't wait to share my new collection... I'm feeling it!

Designs To Infinity is Offering Discounts on Cyber-Monday!

Today's the day to stock up on holiday gifts-- and we've got the perfect gift for women this holiday season: Cell phone purses! Today, in keeping with the spirit of Cyber-Monday, Designs To Infinity is offering a 15% discount on all cell phone purses and evening bags!

What makes these items so special is that they are hand-crafted, impeccably constructed, and stylish! The cell phone purses pictured above have long straps, and a small front pocket secured by a magnetic snap on the front flap, for carrying your light essentials-- some cash, an ID or credit card, and a tube of lipstick, along with your cell phone, of course!

Don't miss out on this special discount today-- to see the entire collection of evening bags and cell phone purses on sale today, click here.

DESIGNS TO INFINITY HAS GONE COLLEGIATE WITH NEW CELL PHONE PURSE STYLES!

Yes, it's true... Designs To Infinity has gone collegiate!

D2I is in the process of creating new cell phone purses for women who like displaying their favorite college logo in a fashionable way, set off with some bling!

To get the details about my latest creations, check out today's feature story posted on No Cream, No Sugar's blog, by clicking here.

MY LATEST DENIM BAG CREATION

I thought I'd share my latest creation-- a denim bag that even I think is hot!

Here's the "rear view":

I had a sample of this bag on display at the Pasadena Show that I exhibited at recently-- the taker of this bag, a girl who looked to be no more than about 12 or 13! When she saw the bag that was displayed in my glass cabinet, she decided that she had to have it for the first day of school! I was so touched by her display of affection for this bag that I went to work right away on this one, probably just as excited for her to be able to carry it to school. I am so relieved now that I completed it and managed to ship it out yesterday!

I found it so interesting that this young girl wanted this bag-- after all, I didn't even consider her to be part of my target market!

It just goes to show that sometimes, what you intend to make for someone isn't always who responds...

Any more young girls looking for a denim bag?

Now That The Pasadena Bead & Design Show Is Over...

I've finally gotten a chance to blog about the show! Overall, I felt it was a great show-- lots of amazing artists out there! There were a wide variety of exhibitors who made exquisite jewelry and necklaces, vintage clothing, handpainted and knitted scarves, and even handbags! (wonder who made those?!) Of course, there were beads, beads, and more beads everywhere: Glass, porcelain, ceramic, wooden, real gems and stones, you name it... the whole place shimmered!

Here are a few pics:

A close-up of some of my purses

Some of the neighboring booths

I even had friends and members of my family stop by to wish me well.

A shot of me with my mother-in-law and neice

I had a chance to meet some great people who had booths in the vicinity of mine, who traveled from places as far as Canada, along with very interesting customers who shared stories of how and why they were there. One customer who was staying at the hotel, was in town for a big soccer game at the Rose Bowl. Another woman was in town for business and stumbled upon the show while having lunch with a friend at the hotel.

I even ran into an old co-worker who I hadn't seen in almost 15 years! That was quite a surprise. Ironically, her face had popped up in my mind the week prior, totally out of the blue. I remember how, just for a moment, my thoughts went back in time as I wondered what had happened to her... and then she popped up at the show! It was one of those experiences where you are reminded of how life goes by and people move on in separate directions, only to be brought back together years later, sharing stories much different from when you knew one another years ago. I realized that the universe responded to what I had put out there!

Now that the show is over, it's on to the next one in September...

Designs To Infinity Comes To Pasadena

The Pasadena Bead and Design Show is happening now, from today, July 30 - Sunday, August 2nd, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. I am here, displaying many of my new creations, and blogging about it from my booth as we speak! Styles range from totes, to vintage-style evening bags and cell phone purses.

If you live near the Pasadena area, come on out-- I would love to meet you in person and give you the opportunity to touch and feel my bags (sometimes a picture is just not enough)!

To find out more about the show, click here.

DESIGNS TO INFINITY'S NEW LINE, THE "PATRIOTIC COLLECTION", NOW AVAILABLE

In the spirit of patriotism, I just recently developed a new line of cell phone purses called the "Patriotic Collection". There are three styles available:

The "Starburst"


The "Obama"

The "Stars & Stripes"

These new styles will be available for a limited time only. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, this is a better time than ever to show love for our country... and for our new president!

The cell phone purses are made of cotton and denim fabrics, and contain a front pocket for holding your essentials, like your credit card, some cash, and even a tube of lipstick! They also have a swivel hook that allows you to fasten your cell phone purse to a larger purse or a belt loop. The styles are adorned with crystal embellishments and/or metallic trim.

At a retail price of $30.00, they are reasonably priced, and handcrafted as well. In other words, they are well constructed, functional, and you will not find these purses anywhere else (unless someone else has a way inside of my head!).

You can obtain one of these spirited and festive purses at my online boutique at www.designs2infinity.com, or by clicking here.

AND THE VERDICT ON THE CELL PHONE PURSES, IS...

I would just like to extend my thanks to everyone who have taken time out to view my showcased items on etsy.com today, as well as visiting my website at designs2infinity.com. Sometimes, when you feel like you're on to something, you just need a little bit of feedback to let you know if you deserve a "thumbs-up" or a "thumbs-down"!

To my benefit, I've been getting lots of thumbs-ups! The only reason I really know this is due to my husband (thanks!) posting on his Facebook page that my items were being showcased, and the response was almost immediate. Looks like I may have to join the Facebook bandwagon myself, after all!

If you get a chance, take a peek at my new bags at designs2infinity.etsy.com, and please let me know what you think!

MY NEW "DESIGNS TO INFINITY" CELL PHONE PURSE COLLECTION TO BE SHOWCASED

I know I've been blogging less lately; the reason being that I have been designing new handbag and cell phone purse styles for spring and summer.

On Monday, May 18th, my new "Designs To Infinity" collection of cell phone purses will be showcased on Etsy.com, in the "Bags and Purses Showcase". There are 10 new styles that will be featured.

These purses are currently on display in my Etsy store. You can take a peek by clicking here.

Let me know what you think!