I wish I was more organised!

Yep, I admit it!

But at least I've given myself a fighting chance.

I'm using the Corporate organiser in my handbag lately. I like it! I can find my pen, phone, glasses and I've got somewhere to put those pesky receipts.

But my favourite thing? When I look into my bag and see that my organiser has an empty pocket, it jogs my memory that I've forgotten something (almost always my glasses)! Yes, the ones that I don't really need. The Red Dot 1.5+ magnification plastic ones.

but don't take my word for it  --

I like my organiser because of all the 'stuff' that I like to carry in my handbag is accessible. Saves time as I just lift the organizer out of one bag into another. Everything is still in the same place and I don't forget anything. Especially my phone!! Jeanette.

My bragbags organiser is relativelty compact, and I can take my organiser to the gym, in my gym bag without the extra bulk, and I always know where everything is. Runi

Designing A New Market Stall

Thanks for Juliet from Design Merchants, I've got an (almost) new market stall. I thought it was time for a fresh look with my new Summer range just around the corner.

Here is a sneak peek!

Stories from Vietnam

I'm just back from another trip to Vietnam. It is where I have our unique designs made into reality, by the wonderfully talented ladies that I work with.

I'm always asked about what I do, and how I do it, so I thought I'd share a little bit in the next few blogs.

Choosing fabric.

I like to use silk. Why? Because using it honours and continues a dying craft. It is cultivated, dyed, handloomed and so much a part of the Vietnamese heritage. When Thu and I visit the wholesale silk markets, this is what I'm faced with in every direction:

I'm good for about 50 minutes in these teeny tiny stalls, especially when the temperature is 35C and 100% humidity! It never fails that I want to see the silk colour that is under at least 10 other rolls. I start feeling overwhelmed and if I don't have a good list with me, I lose track.

Oh, and did I mention that we have to wait until after lunch before we go to the markets? Because I'm collecting metre samples the stallholders don't want me to jinx their sales for the day.

Which one did I choose for Summer? Stay tuned ...

New Winter Styles

Can't believe the Summer has passed and we are now launching our Winter range. Where did Christmas and New Year disappear to?

I've been able to locate some really lovely leather, very soft and light. I'm a bit of a leather snob I think, so I hope you enjoy very soft leather like I do!

I love grey bags. Is it obvious in the new collection? Grey leather with chunky unfinished pearl square buttons, shiny buffalo horn and other organic details.  Soon to be online! Watch this space.

Unlike many designers who might find a lovely button or two and wonder how to incorporate it into their designs, our organic pearl buttons and horn details are designed from scratch. Within the limitations of these beautiful organic items, we can create any shape we desire. You know, it makes it so much harder when you don't have a starting point! Well, I think it does.

Anyway, we're snapping photos and more styles will be coming online shortly.

Public Events for November 18-21, 2010

Meet the Designer: Jenny Spring of bragbags australia


DATE: Thursday 18 Nov

TIME: 6pm-8pm

LOCATION: The Front Door Gift Shop, Waterford Plaza, Corner Manning Rd & Kent St, Karawara WA



DETAILS: Be our special guest with a glass of Sparkling juice on arrival, while you browse this delightful gift store.

Jenny from bragbags is the featured designer, and will be there to assist you with finding the perfect bag for Summer, or decide on the best handbag organiser to suit your needs.



Special offer: For every $50 you spend, you'll receive a $5 gift cert.


Christmas Craft & Antique Fair


DATE: Friday 19 - Sunday 21 November

TIME: 9:30-4:30


LOCATION: Claremont Showgrounds, Exhibition Centre

DETAILS: 200 crafty stallholders alongside antiques and vintage items. Indoor location, with sandwiches and tea/coffee seating. Be prepared to stay for the day :)

$6 entry fee


Joondalup Upmarket: original and handcrafted


DATE: Friday 19 November

TIME: 6-9pm

LOCATION: Central Walk, Joondalup

DETAILS: More than 40 hand-selected WA's designers and craftspeople with handmade clothing, art, gifts, gourmets and skin care.

Find bragbags opposite "La Vita" Italian restaurant.

Free Entry

http://www.perthupmarket.com/.au/joondalupupmarket.html

Winner of Handbag Organiser

Congratulations to Deb Lloyd, winner of our handbag organiser draw!

Feel Good Shop Smart

We always feel good at 'bragbags' when we are shopping but we get an extra boost when we know we are shopping ethically as well. With a Christmas shopping list a mile long we have been spending a lot of time checking out some great websites to help you with this task. Remember it’s better to give than to receive but picking yourself up a little something at the same time can’t hurt either.


'Bragbags' is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia & New Zealand. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Check out their web site below for more information:

http://www.fairtrade.com.au/


We've just been endorsed by the gorgeous AND ethically-based Blue Caravan site.

http://www.bluecaravan.net/

Blue Caravan is an ethical design market stocking contemporary handmade, fair trade and ethical products warmed by independent designers, artists and artisans. Don’t you love that word – warmed? It means beautifully finished, made with heart and bought directly from the designer/maker.


Do you have a fave you can tell us about? Post it here --