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Showing posts from 2013

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! This year Cat, the leader of the Australian Wandarrah Team on Etsy organised a Secret Santa exchange within the team. It's been lots of fun preparing a gift for another team member and having something made especially for you. The catch was keeping your identity a secret. The official opening day is today and we all get the chance to guess our Secret Santa, and finally can give into the temptation of opening the gift! My gift to Joanne from Makeutock I was Joanne from  Makeutock 's Secret Santa and I made her a special one of a kind bag. We all filled in a questionnaire in order to get to know our recipient a bit better and I discovered Joanne loves pale blue. My new peter pan collar I received a handmade sequined peter pan collar from my Secret Santa, Malia from MaliaMillais . It even matches perfectly with my outfit today! Thank you Malia! Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Canberra Christmas Markets

This weekend I will be selling all my creations at the Canberra Christmas Markets located at Exhibition Park. The two day event runs from 9am-3pm and will features a variety of different sellers, including a few fellow Etsyians. I attended the market last year and had great success, here's to another year! The market is also great for all those last minute Christmas gifts. For more details please visit the website here . Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Something Special For Me!

I've got a confession to make. As much as I love designing and making handbags, I also love buying them too! So when I decided I wanted to buy a satchel bag, I thought why not make one instead. I found a cute polka dot canvas print, and then was faced with the difficult task of choosing a colour. I opted for the soft tone of grape and quickly began my latest project. I'm quite pleased with the result, the bag is comfortable to wear and the silver hardware really completes the look. Consider this a sneak peek... I will most likely be adding this style to my Etsy shop in the new year. Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

It's Sale Time!

Christmas will be here shortly (less than one month to go!) and I've started my pre-Christmas sale a little early this year to coincide with the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales celebrated after Thanksgiving in the US. Black Friday is the equivalent of Boxing Day sales here in Australia (but it does seem a bit more crazy!) and Cyber Monday is the online version which originated in 2005. Visit my shop This year, spend $30 or more in my Etsy shop and receive $5 off with the coupon code CHRISTMAS2013. The code is valid for three weeks until Friday, December 20th. In the meantime, good luck Christmas shopping! Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

New In Store: Asymmetrical Messenger

Last week I premiered the pixel messenger bag, this week I'm unveiling my asymmetrical strap messenger bag. Features piping trim with a contrasting strap and a zippered front pocket with two magnetic snap closures. Inside has more pockets for organisation and also features my new unisex logo. See the new bags in my Etsy store . Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

New In Store: The Pixelator

Just added to my store this week is my new range of unisex bags. First up is the pixel inspired messenger bag. Available in three colours with a multi-toned pixel flap, this large messenger bag features multiple pockets for organisation and a spacious interior. Ideal for carrying all the everyday essentials. I'm also debuting my new unisex labels - a simple ka logo.   Check out the bags in my etsy store . Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Sneak Peek Time!

It's been a very busy past two weeks. I've been frantically sewing six bags to get them in store before the Christmas cut off (generally end of November for overseas) and now it's time for a sneak peek! The bags will be added next week so keep an eye out in my Etsy store . Happy Handbags.. Kerri-Anne

Feature: Black and White with a Splash of Red

Dress up black and white with a splash of red in this new collection. Simplicity and spots are the theme with this dressy casual look. Images: Polyvore A black and white polka dot top by Oscar de la Renta sets off the look with it's statement spots and pretty peplum and is complimented with basic black skinny denim jeans. Add contrasting red accessories like simple flats and a necklace following the circle theme. Tying it all in is the red messenger bag featuring spotted trim. Available on Etsy Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

NSW Bushfires Charity Treasury

I am privileged again this week to be featured in another charity treasury. The Australian Wandarrah team on Etsy has opened their hearts and put together a collection of items to donate the proceeds to victims of the NSW bushfire disaster. Check out the treasury here There were so many willing participants that two treasuries were made. My pink floral cross body bag is featured, but I am donating 50% of all sales until the end of October. Check out the treasury here My heart goes out to all those affected, I couldn't imagine the heartache. Hope we can make a difference with our treasury efforts. Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Boundless Canberra

The Canberra Etsy Team (Canetsy) is running a second charity treasury, this time to raise money for Boundless, the National Children's Playground Project. Canberra is celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year and one of the gifts to the city is an all abilities playground. I have created a special one of a kind tote featuring a rainbow geometric pattern, representing the different abilities with a playful block design. Twenty dollars from the sale will be donated directly to Boundless. Check out the rest of the treasury here . To find out more about Boundless or make a donation, visit www.boundlesscanberra.org.au .

National Handbag Day

There is day to celebrate just about everything these days. Mothers Day, Father's Day and the not so traditional National Cat Day, National Yo-Yo Day and National Coffee Icecream Day. The girls over at Purse Blog noticed a considerable day missing and took it upon themselves to register National Handbag Day! Images: Dolce and Gabbana , Jimmy Choo , Chloe , Proenza Schouler The day picked was October 10 (if only they'd chosen one day later, it would be cool to share my birthday!) and hosted giveaways and celebrations. I celebrated by putting together a wishlist of my favourite handbags for some inspiration - more designs in the works! Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Feature: Corporate but Casual

Add some casual glamour to your corporate outfit with this pink and black collection. Images: Polyvore A cute heart printed jumper, a classic black skirt and pointed toe suede pumps make up the basics. The heart theme continues with stud earrings and the look is complete with a small black handbag. Available on Etsy Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Handbag Finds at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week produced some fabulous handbags finds, and here are some my favourites featured. Images:  Vivienne Westwood ,  Roksanda Illincic ,  Burberry Bright geometric prints, florals and a hint of transparency were all noted along with fold over clutches and striking silhouettes. See more at featured websites Cosmopolitan UK , Popsugar  and PurseBlog . Images:  Richard Nicoll ,  L'Wren Scott ,  Mulberry Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

What's New This Week

New in store this week are handbag hooks in four different designs. The hooks fold up for easy storage in your handbag and come with matching pouches. Available in many colours and patterns, there's one for everyone's style. They also make great gifts! See my previous post about handbag hooks for more information and my store for the current designs available. Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Feature: Peaches and Cream

Fresh and fun with a fruity touch, these pretty pastels are a perfect way to welcome the new season. Images: Polyvore The chiffon top by 18 and East features a floral cut out hem and beaded embellishments and compliments the coral skinny jeans. Matched back with peachy accessories like a jersey knit scarf, Ray Ban sunglasses with pink lenses and diamante covered flats, the Spring look is complete with a cute handbag. Available on Etsy here Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Barbie's Latest Look

Time to take a peek into one of the most coveted wardrobes in the world. Someone who has it all - Barbie! Her newest outfit is courtesy of Coach and even comes with it's own line of adorable handbags. Images: Barbie Collector The detail featured on the clothes and accessories is exquisite. The duffle bag is even produced in the same leather as the full size version and features working buckles, complete with designer tags and tassels. A first for Barbie too - she's never had a leather handbag before! Image source Barbie has had countless designer collections over the years, complete with handbags to match. Anna Sui, Juicy Couture and Judith Leiber are just a few of the amazing designs. Images: Barbie Collector  Judith Leiber   Anna Sui   Juicy Couture Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Designer Spotlight: Alice and Olivia

This week we're taking a look into Alice and Olivia's unique quirky style - an overload of inspiration! Loving the colours and patterns featured in their handbags, not to mention the awesome photography. Image: Alice and Olivia Pinterest Image: Purse Blog  The brand Alice and Olivia was created in 2002 by Stacey Bendet, displaying her sophisicated and eccentric style. It all began with a pair of bell bottom pants and quickly grew to a full collection and eventually accessories, shoes and handbags were added. Image: Alice and Oliva Pinterest Image: Alice and Olivia Pinterest And some parting Alice and Olivia words for the week... Image: Alice and Olivia Blog Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Feature: Dreaming of Spring

Bring on Spring with this fresh formal look! Glitz and glamour combined with florals and colour, this look covers it all. Images: Polyvore A Red Valentino taffeta dress centres the look with it's beautiful colours on a gathered skirt. The glitz is added with a fold over clutch and black stud earrings. Complete with peep toe pumps decorated with a bow and a spray of perfume. Available on Etsy here Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

The Traveling Curiosities

Have you seen the amazing Louis Vuitton 'Traveling Curiosities' Collection? Super creative artist Billie Achilleos deconstructs the luxury handbags to create animal masterpieces. The collection travels regularly from boutique to boutique, currently it is Honolulu with it's newest addition the funky turtle. Image: Purseblog Some of my favourites are below, but there were so many amazing creations! Would love to visit the exhibition, I can imagine the gorgeous animals are even more stunning in real life. Images: Hypebeast Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Eye Candy

Lately I've been lacking motivation for new designs, so this week I've put together a collection of eye candy hoping to ignite some inspiration! Loving the bright colours and unique details from geometric cut outs to wood trims to straw. So... did it work? Time to get designing, I'm quickly reaching a deadline for an exciting project. Stay tuned to find out what it is! Bags featured:  Mini Muscat Black and Neon Yellow   Proenza Shouler Small Studded Leather Lunch Bag Yellow Asymmetric Leather and Wood Clutch Katie Grand Loves Hogan Zebra Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag Ted Baker Floral Straw Clutch Bag Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Feature: Pretty in Pink

Live pretty in pink with this cute collection inspired by pink and white. Images: Polyvore The knitted sweater features ruched sleeves and really pops when matched back with crisp white pants. Add some accessories like a big sparkly ring and geometric phone cover. Finish the look with the essentials of unique wedges and a floral handbag. This versatile look can easily be dressed up or down. Available on Etsy here Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

A Fruity Feature

This week I bring you some fruity finds to feast your eyes on. Fruity handbags that is! Loving the vibrant colours, textures and ideas these handbags offer. Images: Moschino Cheap and Chic Pineapple Bag , Lizzie Forunato Banana Clutch , Charlotte Olympia Fruit Clutch , Ollie and Nic Apple Bag  Moschino Cheap and Chic's pretty pineapple handbag features a stripey pattern and delicate chain strap. A pop of colour and touch of transparency is featured in Charlotte Olympia's lemon wedge clutch. The banana printed clutch by Lizzie Forunato features embroidery and cute details and Ollie and Nics's woven apple handbag is a fruity take on design silhouettes.  Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

It's Christmas in July!

Christmas in July... what a great excuse to celebrate Christmas twice a year! This July holiday has many origins, the earliest dating back to the late 1800s in the opera Werther. Happy Christmas in July! Enjoy 20% off storewide with the coupon code CIJ2013 More recently Christmas in July is often celebrated in the southern hemisphere, for the chance to celebrate a wintery Christmas, as December 25 falls in the summer. Seems very fitting this weekend as snow is expected in Canberra! The lack of holidays around this time is also another factor and many stores take advantage of this opportunity with a sale. So to celebrate this year, I'm having a 20% off sale until Sunday the 28th July! Enter CIJ2013 at the checkout to redeem this offer. Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Feature: Warm up with Colour

Who says winter colours have to be boring? Check out this collection in the mix of reds and blues. Images: Polyvore Tucks are the feature in this collection, found in the long military coat and matching faux leather handbag. Warm up with a wool beret and cute pom pom scarf.  Finish the look with suede look high heel boots. Perfect for work or weekends in the winter. Available on Etsy here Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne

Designer Spotlight: Jump From Paper

Seriously cool innovative bags are those by Jump From Paper. Designed to look like a 2D cartoon, but are fully functional in 3D, these bags really are amazing! Images: Jump From Paper Collection Jump From Paper was created by Chay Su and Rika Lin who came up with the bright idea of bringing a 2D illustration to life in a 3D design. Although it doesn't look like it, the simple designs feature large interiors. Images: Martini by Jump From Paper One of my favourite designs would have to be the new Martini, part of the Time Machine collection, inspired by the 1950s. Polka dots and bows, what's not to love? Happy Handbags... Kerri-Anne